By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 5, 2024-- M80 , an international gaming and esports entertainment organization, today announced the acquisition of esports organization Beastcoast . The move integrates Beastcoast’s top esports teams and media business – which boasts nearly 175 million views annually – into M80’s global community, further accelerating one of North America’s fastest-growing esports organizations. “M80 and Beastcoast have a lot of mutual respect for the communities we’ve built – and now we’re ready to take it to the next level,” said Marco Mereu, M80 Founder and CEO . “This move will bring M80 into key new esports titles like Dota 2, allow us to reach and support new fans, and continue the breakneck momentum we’ve maintained since launching M80 just a year ago.” As part of the acquisition, M80 will absorb several of Beastcoast’s esports operations – including a top team in Dota 2 – one of the largest Pokemon media businesses in gaming, and key staff, including CEO Grant Zinn. In his new role at M80, Zinn will serve as Chief Business Development Officer, where he will support M80’s expansion and double-down on fandom in exciting, but underserved esports like Pokemon and fast-growing regions like South America. The deal also brings with it additional capital investments in M80, supercharging the organization as it moves toward 2025 and beyond. “It’s been an incredible journey growing Beastcoast from the ground-up,” said Zinn. “Our success in various esports has always been focused around building community and supporting innovation in the space. I’m excited to bring that same spirit to M80 and help the organization as it begins its journey in several new esports.” Founded in 2017, Beastcoast has built a track record of success across its esports and content creator rosters. The organization’s Dota 2 team has qualified for four consecutive iterations of Valve’s “The International” and boasts multiple regional wins. Its roster of individual competitors includes top pros like Pokemon video game World Champion and popular content creator Wolfe Glick . Beastcoast’s Rainbow Six Siege team was not involved in the transaction. With nearly 175 million views and a collective following of 3.7 million fans across brand and talent accounts, Beastcoast has built exceptional engagement across its ever-growing grassroots fan community. This following joins M80’s global audience of over 20 million fans, accelerating one of the fastest-growing esports fan bases and expanding the brand’s reach into promising esports . For more information on M80, visit www.m80.gg and follow the organization on X , Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and Twitch . About M80 M80 is a first-of-its-kind global esports and technology company. Led by seasoned gaming and esports entrepreneur Marco Mereu, M80 builds communities through professional esports, gaming performance training, digital goods, partnerships, events, and consumer products. Since inception, M80 has innovated player development across top esports titles, training athletes through data-driven, performance-first strategies and utilizing new technological advances such as AI, Performance Training, and more. From media rights and consulting to fan engagement, we support professional, collegiate, and amateur esports with a fan-first approach that focuses on creating deep connections between esports, fans, brands, and partners. At M80, we don’t just play esports—we live it. To learn more, visit www.M80.gg , and follow the organization on X , Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and Twitch . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205102796/en/ m80@jsapartners.co KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS ESPORTS CONSUMER TEENS MEN ELECTRONIC GAMES SOURCE: M80 Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/05/2024 06:28 PM/DISC: 12/05/2024 06:29 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205102796/en
Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer
LAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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Pakistan VPN ban: how to stay safe online and bypass restrictionsSecondary Tickets Market size is set to grow by USD 132.1 billion from 2024-2028, rising popularity of sports events to boost the revenue- Technavio
The provincial government has promised to "do better" for the people of Saskatchewan in its fall speech from the throne with a pointed focus on health care and education. Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty delivered the throne speech to begin the new legislative session. Following last month's election, 61 MLAs will enter an abbreviated fall sitting expected to last up to three weeks. Like the sitting, Monday's throne speech, entitled "A New Beginning," is much shorter than the typical speech from recent years. It reintroduces campaign promises made by the Saskatchewan Party government with a few notable additions. The speech says members from both parties heard from voters who want the following: Improved access to health care services. Better support for our children in their classrooms. Improved representation by being more responsive to concerns. "That message has been heard and my government will act on it," the government said. Premier Scott Moe told reporters the speech and its contents matched campaign promises and the result of the vote. "Voters delivered two messages this election," the premier said. "The majority voted for our plan for a strong economy and a bright future, but many others voted for change and it is now our job to deliver both." The government is promising a "clear-eyed" approach to what's working and what's not. Throughout the speech, the government pledges to "do better." In health care, the government says it will "accelerate the hiring of health-care professionals and expand urgent care centres to ensure more people have better access to a doctor, nurse practitioner and other health-care professionals." The government is promising additional urgent care facilities in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Moose Jaw. Reduction of surgical wait times It also promises to reduce surgical wait times, with an expected 450,000 surgeries done in the next four years. The government also pledges to ensure every Saskatchewan resident will be able to access a primary health provider by the end of 2028. Moe says the message from voters on their doorstep was they want access to surgery and primary care. In addition, the government says it will create a "first-of-its-kind patient-focused nursing task force." . In education, the government says it will expand its specialized support in classrooms program schools to more than 200 from eight. "That's hiring teachers, that's is hiring educational assistants, that's hiring support staff in our schools," Moe told the media on Monday. The speech also says "not enough has been done to support our children in their classrooms." "My government will address this by increasing funding to school divisions to help them meet the pressures of a growing student enrolment and the challenges of classroom complexity." Moe told reporters the government would focus on improving reading levels from kindergarten to Grade 3 "to ensure children have the best opportunity to succeed in later years." The government says it has 5,100 childcare spaces "under development" and will add 12,000 into development by the end of the next fiscal year. Premier Scott Moe unveils new, smaller Sask. cabinet and says change room policy no longer 1st priority Under affordability, the government said addressing cost-of-living concerns was the "centrepiece" of the election platform. "Bill 1 of this new Legislature will be The Saskatchewan Affordability Act — legislation to enact my government's campaign commitments to reduce taxes and make life more affordable for everyone in Saskatchewan." The government says it will make good on election promises by introducing the largest personal income tax reduction in Saskatchewan since 2008. It will "raise the personal exemption, the spousal exemption, child exemption and the senior's supplement by $500 a year in each of the next four years, in addition to fully indexing income tax brackets." Carbon tax exemption The government says it will also introduce legislation to extend the carbon tax exemption on natural gas for home heating through next year. It will make changes to people in the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID) program. The amount that can be earned before reductions will increase by $1,000 Disability and caregiver tax credits will also increase by 25 per cent. Analysis Sask. legislative session to start Monday with the most Opposition members in more than 15 years The speech also touched on "safe communities," promising to add 500 more police officers and 500 more addiction spaces. The government says it will amend The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act to "provide officers with additional authority to shut down nuisance properties." It will also make changes to "address disruptive behaviour on public property." In closing, the government is calling for a "more respectful assembly." In recent months, the former Speaker Randy Weekes alleged harassment and bullying by the government and its staff members. On Monday, Saskatchewan Party MLA Todd Goudy (Melfort) was elected the new Speaker. Todd Goudy, MLA for Melfort, speaks on Monday after being sworn in as the newly elected Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) The throne speech called for better decorum from members. "[Debate] should never be driven by malice toward those on the other side or any individual who may serve here or anywhere in the province," the speech says. "My government will strive to improve the decorum and tone of this Assembly, to disagree without being disagreeable, and to remember that every Member shares the same desire to make Saskatchewan a better place." That pledge will be tested on Tuesday afternoon when question period begins. After naming Goudy the Speaker, the government has 33 voting members, the Opposition 27. Saskatchewan Political Panel | Session kicks off next week with the election of a new House Speaker 2 days ago Duration 10:14 New government, bigger opposition, the throne speech and the election of a new Speaker of the House. CBC's Political Panel discuss an important opening week of session for the new government.Adam Hunter covers politics for CBC Saskatchewan. Murray Mandryk writes a political column in the Regina Leader-Post/Saskatoon Star Phoenix. Stefani Langenegger is the host of CBC's Morning Edition.By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”