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Feds suspend ACA marketplace access to companies accused of falsely promising ‘cash cards’
World's Leading Specialty Battery Franchise Achieves Historic Success with Unprecedented Commercial Sales Throughout 2024 Batteries Plus achieved a 23.7% year-over-year increase in total systemwide commercial sales for October 2024 . Franchise commercial sales grew by 24.4% in October, setting a new all-time monthly record. October's systemwide commercial sales marked nearly 20% growth year-over-year for Batteries Plus. HARTLAND, Wis. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus , the world's leading specialty battery franchise, has marked a historic milestone in October 2024 , setting all-time commercial sales records across its franchise and systemwide channels. Total systemwide commercial sales grew by 23.7% year-over-year, with franchise commercial sales increasing by 24.4%, marking the highest monthly performance in the company's history. The record-breaking success in October was not an isolated achievement, but rather a continuation of a historic 2024. Batteries Plus has experienced more than 20% year-over-year growth in systemwide commercial sales for five of the first 10 months of the year. Year-to-date, total commercial sales have grown by 16.1% through October. "Achieving this record-breaking October is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our franchisees and the ongoing strength of our commercial growth strategy," said Scott O'Farrell , Chief Commercial Officer of Batteries Plus . "Our commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions for our commercial partners continues to position us as a leader in the industry." This October milestone also capped off a flawless 10-for-10 streak in exceeding commercial sales targets for 2024, driven by Batteries Plus's commitment to exceptional service, in-stock availability, and a diversified approach across consumer and commercial channels. The company has exceeded its sales plan for every month, currently 2.6% ahead of plan through October. Remarkably, the top eight commercial sales months in franchise history have all occurred this year, demonstrating the strength and scalability of the franchise system. "October's success is just the beginning of an exciting period for Batteries Plus," said Joe Malmuth , Chief Development Officer . "We're witnessing substantial growth across all facets of the business. This record-breaking performance is a direct result of our team's tireless efforts to drive meaningful results for our franchise owners and customers alike." Building on this momentum, Batteries Plus is looking ahead to close the year strong, with plans to enhance its market presence, introduce new business partnerships, and continue the expansion of its franchise network that has reached over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide. In 2024, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times' Top 400 list at #128 and named to Entrepreneur Magazine 's Franchise 500 ® Hall of Fame, alongside placements on Entrepreneur 's Franchise 500 ® and the Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners lists. For more information on Batteries Plus, including franchise opportunities and a virtual store tour, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com . ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI , is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli , a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City . To learn more about one of Forbes ® ' Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Danny Stewart , Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847-945-1300 ext. 266 SOURCE Batteries PlusSusan Shelley: The mundane reality of UFOs
Global Times: People's Daily article says favorable conditions for China's economic development remain unchanged
Aligarh, November 30: After a delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) was prevented from visiting the violence-hit Sambhal district on Saturday, party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the administration's statements were being dictated by the government. Addressing the media, Yadav accused the government and the administration of orchestrating the events leading to the Sambhal violence. "A Samajwadi Party delegation was on its way to Sambhal. We all support peace and justice. The administration's statements are made at the government's behest. It is the government's responsibility to ensure justice for the people," he said. Yadav questioned the need for a second survey in Sambhal and criticised the involvement of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the process. Sambhal Mosque Row: Ban on Outsiders' Entry Extended in Violence-Hit District, Samajwadi Party MPs Barred from Entering . "When the survey was conducted on the first day, everyone cooperated. Why did the administration conduct another survey? And why were BJP workers accompanying the survey team? The government and the administration are complicit in this injustice. BJP does not want peace," he added. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh announced on Saturday that no one would be allowed to visit Sambhal until the situation stabilises. "The divisional commissioner's standing order is being implemented in Sambhal. No delegation is permitted to visit. Once the situation normalises, everyone will be allowed," Singh told ANI. He urged the SP to cooperate and postpone their visit. "They wouldn't want the situation in Sambhal to worsen. They should visit after some time. The investigation is underway, and we are gathering evidence. So far, 30 people have been arrested," he added. Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey claimed the Sambhal District Magistrate had personally requested him to refrain from visiting. "The Justice Commission and the media are visiting the area. Will there be unrest if we go? The government is stopping us deliberately to hide its actions," said Pandey, the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, to ANI. SP leader Ataur Rehman criticised the government's approach, stating, "The law and order situation is deplorable. The government has adopted a dictatorial stance. Today, our committee, including LoP Mata Prasad Pandey, Lal Bihari Yadav, the state president, and other MPs, MLAs, and district heads, was stopped. Some have been placed under house arrest in Lucknow, while others have been detained." Sambhal Violence: Failure of BJP’s Governance, Says Akhilesh Yadav After Uttar Pradesh Police Stops Samajwadi Party Delegation From Visiting Sambhal . The SP's official handle on X claimed that UP SP President Shyam Lal Pal had been placed under house arrest. The party condemned the UP Police's actions, accusing the state government of "dishonouring the Constitution and democracy." Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam alleged that Akhilesh Yadav played a role in the Sambhal violence. "Akhilesh Yadav has a direct and indirect role in the violence. MPs and MLAs from his party incited the people. The police and administration's actions are aimed at restoring peace. By sympathising with the Muslim vote bank, Yadav is deceiving Muslims. Their visit to Sambhal is mere political tourism," he said. Circle Officer Pankaj Singh reported that SP workers, led by party district president Shivcharan, attempted to reach Sambhal but were detained after defying police orders. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya advised against visiting the area before December 10. "Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed. Everyone is urged to refrain from visiting before December 10. The situation is peaceful; shops have reopened. This directive is to ensure sensitivity is maintained," said Pensiya. Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. The survey was initiated following a petition claiming the mosque site was originally a Harihar temple. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Electric skepticismNone
Israeli air strikes on Yemen airport ‘were metres from WHO chief’Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue
The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. It's unclear if Forbes' release means anything about the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore , the Commanders' trade deadline pickup in early November who still has not played for them because of a hamstring injury. Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Washington's home game Sunday against Tennessee. The Commanders (7-5) also put running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve because of a concussion . They elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for facing the Titans (3-8). Washington has lost three in a row to fall from first place in the NFC East to the conference’s final wild-card spot. The most recent loss, last weekend against division rival Dallas, came when Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game, which would have tied it with 21 seconds left. Seibert went on IR earlier in the week with a groin injury that Quinn said the kicker reported Monday. While injuries have piled up as the Commanders await their late bye week, the choice of Forbes has been second-guessed since the moment Rivera's front office chose the 166-pound Mississippi State defensive back with the 16th pick over Christian Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez was selected next, by New England, and has started 16 games for the Patriots. Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who was in charge when Washington selected Davis ahead of offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in '21 and traded down to take Dotson the following year instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Saudi court again delays release of Keralite, family disappointedDonald Trump Jr. has emerged as the most influential Trump family member in the transition as the president-elect builds the most controversial cabinet in modern U.S. history, according to a half dozen sources with knowledge of his role, elevating inexperienced loyalists over more qualified candidates for top positions in his administration. Trump, who fiercely prizes loyalty, has long relied on family members for political advice, but which relative has his ear is known to vary. This time, it is Don Jr., who has helped cabinet contenders sink or rise to the fore – from championing Senator JD Vance as Trump's running mate to blocking former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from joining the cabinet, according to the sources, who include donors, personal friends and political allies. Don Jr. is due to join conservative venture capital fund 1789 Capital, although one of the sources said he will continue to host his politics-focused podcast and support candidates that espouse Trump's brand of politics. He will provide advice to his father in the White House, the source added, although they cautioned that Don Jr. was unlikely to be involved in day-to-day deliberations. Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team. Don Jr. and the Trump-Vance transition team did not respond to a request for comment. In addition to ensuring candidates are loyal to his father, Don Jr. typically seeks out contenders who embrace an anti-establishment worldview, including protectionist economic policies, and a reduction in military interventions and overseas aid, according to a handful of the sources and Don Jr.'s own comments on social media site X and in public. Two of the candidates Don Jr. championed may face a rocky confirmation process in the Senate: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump plans to nominate as the top U.S. health official, and Tulsi Gabbard, who Trump plans to nominate as intelligence chief. Kennedy is an environmental activist who has spread misinformation on vaccines. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, implied that Russian President Vladimir Putin had valid grounds for invading Ukraine and stirred controversy when she met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the midst of his bloody crackdown on dissidents in 2017. Influential – to a point Don Jr. was also instrumental in lobbying his father to pick his close friend Vance as Trump's running mate. Vance was popular with Trump's base, but his anti-corporate rhetoric, opposition to Ukraine aid and past comments panning some Democratic women as "childless cat ladies" gave some donors and supporters pause. Trump was ultimately happy with Vance, giving Don Jr. extra political capital as an adviser during the transition, one of the sources added. Not all of Don Jr.'s picks have landed jobs. He was keen on Ric Grenell, a personal friend and former ambassador to Germany, getting secretary of state, according to a separate source familiar with the matter. His father ended up picking Senator Marco Rubio, whose views are deemed by Trump's core supporters as too traditional and internationalist. Two of the sources close to Don Jr. said he does not weigh in on all personnel decisions and is not working on the transition process or at Mar-a-Lago full time. He is also not expected to play a big role in vetting candidates for lower-level jobs, one of the sources close to him said. "The reality this time is we actually know what we're doing," Don Jr. told Fox News earlier this month. "And it's about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal." Following in his sister's footsteps Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were prominent in his 2016 presidential campaign, the subsequent transition and throughout his first term. This time, they are far less active, although Kushner, formerly Trump's senior adviser who focused on the Middle East, told Reuters that he is briefing real estate investor Steve Witkoff on his new job as special envoy to the region. "I have been working with Witkoff to get him up to speed on Trump's past efforts," Kushner said through a spokesperson. A half-dozen sources close to Kushner said they expect him to be involved in Middle Eastern policy in an unofficial capacity, with the goal of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia under an expansion of the 2020 Abraham Accords. Kushner helped broker the accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations. Kushner, Ivanka and sibling Eric Trump, who runs the Trump Organization business, do not plan to join the new administration, according to their representatives as well as sources. One source close to the transition said Trump does not appear to need his family for advice as much as in the past because of aides like Susie Wiles, who helped to run the most disciplined of his election campaigns to date. Trump has named Wiles as his chief of staff, a powerful position in Washington. "Stuff is really buttoned down," the source said of Trump's current team. "He may not need the family this time like he used to."