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( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2024) - Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) (FSE: VN8) (" Scope Technologies " or the " Company ") announces that it has been requested by OTC Markets Group Inc. (" OTC Markets ") to issue this statement about promotional activity concerning its common shares (the " Shares ") traded on the OTCQB Venture market (" OTCQB ") (operated by OTC Markets). On December 9, 2024, OTC Markets informed the Company that it became aware of certain promotional activities concerning the Company and its Shares traded on the OTCQB, including an online editorial (the " Promotional Materials ") published by Creative Direct Marketing Group Inc. (" CDMG ") discussing the Company, its business, the economy, and the data security. On June 13, 2024, the Company entered into a work order with CDMG whereby CDMG would provide investor relations and marketing services to raise public awareness of the company and increase brand awareness of its QSE platform. Accordingly, the Promotional Material was paid for by the Company. The engagement of CDMG, the nature of the relationship between the Company and CDMG, as well as the compensation paid CDMG, was publicly disclosed in news releases on September 13, 2024, September 20, 2024 and November 14, 2024, which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ ( ). The Company provided CDMG with publicly available sources of information for its marketing materials and management reviewed and approved the materials prepared by CDMG prior to their dissemination, including to ensure factual accuracy. The Company does not believe the statements in the Promotional Materials were materially false or misleading. However, the Company notes that investing in the Company's securities involves certain risks and uncertainties which investors should review prior to making any investment decision. The Company encourages all investors to undertake proper due diligence and carefully consider all investment decisions. The Company directs potential investors to rely solely on its filings and disclosures made with the Canadian Securities Administrators, available at . After inquiry of management, other than CDMG and the third party service providers noted below, no directors, control persons, officers, or controlling shareholders have been involved with the creation, distribution, or payment of promotional materials related to the Company and its securities. The Company understands this promotional activity coincided with increased trading activity in its Shares beginning on approximately November 25, 2024. However, the Company believes that the Promotional Materials are not the sole reasons for the increase in trading volume of its Shares. After inquiry of management, its officers, directors, any controlling shareholders, or any third-party service providers, the Company is not aware of any purchases or sales of the Company's shares in the past 90 days except for (i) the exercise of 584,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.60 per share. Of the 584,000 stock options, a total of 234,000 stock options were exercised by directors and officers and were filed on the Canada's insider reporting platform , and (ii) Market IQ Media Group Inc. did not provide the Company with a response on whether it has purchased or sold securities of the Company over the last 90 days. The Company has engaged the following third-party service providers to provide investor relations services, public relations services, marketing, or other related service within the last twelve months: Maynard Communication Limited (engaged in October 2022), Market IQ Media Group Inc. (which is a subcontractor by Maynard Communication Limited and not directly paid by the Company), Think In Marketing Data and Email Services (engaged in March 2024), CDMG (engaged in June 2024 and commenced in November 2024), Insight Capital Partners Inc. (engaged in September 2024) and Plutus Invest & Consulting GmbH (engaged in October 2024). Other than pursuant to financings and acquisition transactions in accordance with Canadian Securities Exchange policies, which the Company has publicly disclosed in news releases dated July 10, 2024, July 31, 2024 and August 7, 2024 (available at: ), the Company has not issued shares, or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities, at prices constituting, at the time of issuance of such shares or convertible instruments, a discount to the then current market price. About Scope Technologies Corp. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Scope Technologies Corp. is a pioneering technology company specializing in quantum security and machine learning. Through its primary brand, QSE Group, Scope provides next-generation solutions in data security, quantum encryption, and decentralized storage, empowering businesses with secure, scalable technologies that drive growth and operational efficiency. LinkedIn: scope-technologies-corp Facebook: Scope Technologies Corp Twitter: @ScopeTechCorp MENAFN13122024004218003983ID1108991959 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.NEW YORK , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Global (the "Company") (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) today announced that it would redeem all of its remaining outstanding 4.750% senior notes due May 15, 2025 (the "4.750% senior notes") on December 27, 2024 . The redemption price for the 4.750% senior notes is equal to the sum of 100% of the principal amount of the 4.750% senior notes that remain outstanding, the make-whole amount calculated in accordance with the terms of the 4.750% senior notes and the related indenture under which the 4.750% senior notes were issued, and the accrued and unpaid interest on the remaining 4.750% senior notes up to, but excluding, the redemption date of December 27, 2024 . The aggregate principal amount of the 4.750% senior notes outstanding and the aggregate principal amount of the 4.750% senior notes to be redeemed is as set forth below: Title of Security Aggregate Principal Amount Outstanding Aggregate Principal Amount to be Redeemed 4.750% senior notes $125,561,000 $125,561,000 Holders owning 4.750% senior notes through a broker, bank, or other nominee should contact that party for information. For more information, holders of the 4.750% senior notes may call the paying agent for the redemption of the 4.750% senior notes, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas at (800) 735-7777. About Paramount Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV. The Company holds one of the industry's most extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the Company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains both historical and forward-looking statements, including statements related to our future results, performance and achievements. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events; generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will," "may," "could," "estimate" or other similar words or phrases; and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: risks related to our streaming business; the adverse impact on our advertising revenues as a result of advertising market conditions, changes in consumer viewership and deficiencies in audience measurement; risks related to operating in highly competitive and dynamic industries, including cost increases; the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models; risks related to our ongoing changes in business strategy, including investments in new businesses, products, services, technologies and other strategic activities; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in or the impact of negotiations for the distribution of our content; damage to our reputation or brands; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, FCC licenses and content; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; risks related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting our businesses generally; disruptions to our operations as a result of labor disputes; the inability to hire or retain key employees or secure creative talent; volatility in the prices of the Companyʼs common stock; potential conflicts of interest arising from our ownership structure with a controlling stockholder; business uncertainties, including the effect of the Skydance transactions on the Companyʼs employees, commercial partners, clients and customers, and contractual restrictions while the Skydance transactions are pending; prevention, delay or reduction of the anticipated benefits of the Skydance transactions as a result of the conditions to closing the Skydance transactions; the Transaction Agreementʼs limitation on our ability to pursue alternatives to the Skydance transactions; risks related to a failure to complete the Skydance transactions, including payment of a termination fee and negative reactions from the financial markets and from our employees, commercial partners, clients and customers; risks related to change in control or other provisions in certain agreements that may be triggered by the Skydance transactions; litigation relating to the Skydance transactions potentially preventing or delaying the closing of the Skydance transactions and/or resulting in payment of damages; challenges realizing synergies and other anticipated benefits expected from the Skydance transactions, including integrating the Companyʼs and Skydanceʼs businesses successfully; potential unforeseen direct and indirect costs as a result of the Skydance transactions; any negative effects of the announcement, pendency or consummation of the Skydance transactions on the market price of the Companyʼs common stock and New Paramount Class B Common Stock; and other factors described in our news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. There may be additional risks, uncertainties and factors that we do not currently view as material or that are not necessarily known. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this communication, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. PARA-IR View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paramount-global-announces-redemption-of-its-4-750-senior-notes-due-may-2025--302334251.html SOURCE Paramount Global
Net sales increased 2% versus last year with comparable sales up 1% Operating margin of 9.3% improved 270 basis points versus last year Market share gains across all brands in the quarter Raises outlook for fiscal 2024 net sales, gross margin and operating income growth SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP), the largest specialty apparel company in the U.S. and a house of iconic brands including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended November 2, 2024. "I'm proud that Gap Inc. delivered another successful quarter, growing net sales for the 4 th consecutive quarter and gaining market share across all brands while meaningfully expanding operating margin," said President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dickson . "Consistent execution of our strategic priorities, including the rigor and repetition we're applying to our brand reinvigoration playbook, is making us a stronger company and demonstrates our continued progress in unlocking Gap Inc.'s full potential." Dickson continued: "Holiday is off to a strong start and we remain focused on executing with excellence in the fourth quarter. Our performance year-to-date gives us the confidence to raise our full year outlook for sales, gross margin and operating income growth." Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 – Financial Results Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights Additional information regarding free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided at the end of this press release along with a reconciliation of this measure from the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for the applicable period. Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 – Global Brand Results Comparable Sales Third Quarter 2024 2023 Old Navy — % 1 % Gap 3 % (1) % Banana Republic (1) % (8) % Athleta 5 % (19) % Gap Inc. 1 % (2) % Old Navy: Gap: Banana Republic: Athleta: Fiscal 2024 Outlook As a result of its strong third quarter results, the company is raising its full year outlook for net sales, gross margin and operating income growth compared to prior expectations. Please note that the company's projected full year fiscal 2024 operating income growth below is provided in comparison to its full year fiscal 2023 adjusted operating income, which excludes $93 million in restructuring costs and a $47 million gain on sale of a building. Full Year Fiscal 2024 Current FY24 Outlook Prior FY24 Outlook FY23 Results Net sales Up 1.5% to 2.0% on a 52-week basis Up slightly on a 52-week basis $14.9 billion 1 Gross margin Approximately 220 bps expansion Approximately 200 bps expansion 38.8 % Operating expense Approximately $5.1 billion Approximately $5.1 billion $5.17 billion (adjusted) 2 Operating income Mid to High 60% growth range Mid to High 50% growth range $606 million (adjusted) 3 Effective tax rate Approximately 26.5% Approximately 28% 9.7 % Capital expenditures Approximately $500 million Approximately $500 million $420 million 1 Fiscal year 2023 consisted of 53 weeks and the extra week drove approximately $160 million of incremental sales. 2 Fiscal year 2023 adjusted operating expense of $5.17 billion excludes $89 million in restructuring costs and a $47 million gain on sale. 3 Fiscal year 2023 adjusted operating income of $606 million excludes $93 million in restructuring costs and a $47 million gain on sale. Webcast and Conference Call Information Whitney Notaro , Head of Investor Relations at Gap Inc., will host a conference call to review the company's third quarter fiscal 2024 results beginning at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today. Ms. Notaro will be joined by President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dickson and Chief Financial Officer, Katrina O'Connell . A live webcast of the conference call and accompanying materials will be available online at investors.gapinc.com . A replay of the webcast will be available at the same location. Non-GAAP Disclosure This press release and related conference call include financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are therefore referred to as non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP measures described below are intended to provide investors with additional useful information about the company's financial performance, to enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and to allow for greater transparency with respect to important metrics used by management for financial and operating decision-making. The company presents these non-GAAP financial measures to assist investors in seeing its financial performance from management's view and because it believes they provide an additional tool for investors to use in computing the company's core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in its industry. Additional information regarding the intended use of non-GAAP measures included in this press release and related conference call is provided in the tables to this press release. The non-GAAP measures included in this press release and related conference call are adjusted operating expense/adjusted SG&A, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of certain items that are set forth in the tables to this press release. In addition, the company's outlook includes projected full year fiscal 2024 operating income growth compared to its full year fiscal 2023 adjusted operating income. The non-GAAP measures used by the company should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies due to possible differences in method and in items or events being adjusted. The company urges investors to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures included in the tables to this press release below, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the company have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and related conference call and accompanying materials contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "project," and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the following: becoming a high performing company; unlocking Gap Inc.'s potential; our four strategic priorities, including maintaining and delivering financial and operational rigor, the reinvigoration of our brands, strengthening our operating platform, and energizing our culture; driving relevance and revenue by executing on our brand reinvigoration playbook; expectations for Old Navy for the holiday season; accelerating Old Navy's presence in the Active category; Old Navy's holiday activations and product; reigniting Gap brand's leadership in trend-right products and creative expression through big ideas and culturally relevant messaging; reestablishing Banana Republic to thrive in the premium lifestyle space; evolving Banana Republic's assortment and fit; continuing to fix the fundamentals at Banana Republic; Banana Republic's holiday product; Athleta's trajectory; Athleta's holiday product; enhancing Athleta's in-store and online experiences; driving high-performance across our teams; executing with excellence; Gap Inc.'s positioning going into the holiday season; expectations for our full year performance; expected year-end inventory levels; expected full year fiscal 2024 net sales; the expected impact of the loss of the 53rd week on full year fiscal 2024 net sales; expected fourth quarter fiscal 2024 net sales; the expected impacts of the loss of the 53rd week and the weekly calendar shift on fourth quarter fiscal 2024 net sales; expected full year fiscal 2024 gross margin; the expected impacts of commodity costs and better inventory management on full year fiscal 2024 gross margin; expected full year fiscal 2024 ROD; expected fourth quarter fiscal 2024 gross margin; the expected impact of the loss of the 53rd week on fourth quarter fiscal 2024 gross margin; expected full year fiscal 2024 SG&A/operating expense; continuing cost discipline and unlocking more efficiencies in the business; expected full year fiscal 2024 operating income; expected full year fiscal 2024 effective tax rate; expected full year fiscal 2024 capital expenditures; generating sustainable, profitable growth and delivering long-term shareholder value; and our dividend policy. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following risks, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or reputation: the overall global economic and geopolitical environment, including the ongoing Russia - Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts and recent elections in the United States , and impacts on consumer spending patterns; social and political unrest in our sourcing countries, including Bangladesh , and disruptions to global trade and shipping capacity, including in the Red Sea; the risk that we or our franchisees may be unsuccessful in gauging apparel trends and changing consumer preferences or responding with sufficient lead time; the highly competitive nature of our business in the United States and internationally; the risk that we may be unable to manage our inventory effectively and the resulting impact on our gross margins and sales; the risk that our investments in customer, digital, and omni-channel shopping initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate; the risk that we fail to maintain, enhance, and protect our brand image and reputation; the risk of loss or theft of assets, including inventory shortage; the risk that we fail to manage key executive succession and retention or continue to attract qualified personnel; reductions in income and cash flow from our credit card arrangement related to our private label and co-branded credit cards; the risk that changes in our business strategy or restructuring our operations may not generate the intended benefits or projected cost savings; the risk that trade matters could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to us; the risks to our business, including our costs and global supply chain, associated with global sourcing and manufacturing; the risks to our reputation or operations associated with importing merchandise from foreign countries, including failure of our vendors to adhere to our Code of Vendor Conduct; the risk that we or our franchisees may be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, and securing new store locations and renewing, modifying, or terminating leases for existing store locations effectively; engaging in or seeking to engage in strategic transactions that are subject to various risks and uncertainties; the risk that our efforts to expand internationally may not be successful; the risk that our franchisees and licensees could impair the value of our brands; the risk of data or other security breaches or vulnerabilities that may result in increased costs, violations of law, significant legal and financial exposure, and a loss of confidence in our security measures; the risk that failures of, or updates or changes to, our IT systems may disrupt our operations; the risk that our comparable sales and margins may experience fluctuations, that we may fail to meet financial market expectations, or that the seasonality of our business may experience fluctuations; the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the risk that our level of indebtedness may impact our ability to operate and expand our business; the risk that we and our subsidiaries may be unable to meet our obligations under our indebtedness agreements; the risk that changes in our credit profile or deterioration in market conditions may limit our access to the capital markets; natural disasters, public health crises (such as pandemics and epidemics), political crises (such as the ongoing Russia - Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts), negative global climate patterns, or other catastrophic events; evolving regulations and expectations with respect to ESG matters, including climate reporting; the adverse effects of climate change on our operations and those of our franchisees, vendors, and other business partners; our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations and changes in the regulatory or administrative landscape; the risk that we will not be successful in defending various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, and claims; the risk that our estimates and assumptions used when preparing our financial information are inaccurate or may change; the risk that changes in the geographic mix and level of income or losses, the expected or actual outcome of audits, changes in deferred tax valuation allowances, and new legislation could impact our effective tax rate, or that we may be required to pay amounts in excess of established tax liabilities; the risk that changes in our business structure, our performance or our industry could result in reductions in our pre-tax income or utilization of existing tax carryforwards in future periods, and require additional deferred tax valuation allowances; the risk that the adoption of new accounting pronouncements will impact future results; and the risk that additional information may arise during our close process or as a result of subsequent events that would require us to make adjustments to our financial information. Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2024 , as well as our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on information as of November 21, 2024 . We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. About Gap Inc. Gap Inc., a house of iconic brands, is the largest specialty apparel company in America. Its Old Navy , Gap , Banana Republic , and Athleta brands offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women and children. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has created products and experiences that shape culture, while doing right by employees, communities and the planet. Gap Inc. products are available worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2023 net sales were $14.9 billion . For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com . Investor Relations Contact: Nina Bari Investor_relations@gap.com Media Relations Contact: Megan Foote Press@gap.com The Gap, Inc. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS UNAUDITED ($ in millions) November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,969 $ 1,351 Short-term investments 250 — Merchandise inventory 2,331 2,377 Other current assets 580 646 Total current assets 5,130 4,374 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 2,546 2,552 Operating lease assets 3,217 3,200 Other long-term assets 960 926 Total assets $ 11,853 $ 11,052 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,523 $ 1,433 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,135 1,078 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 617 604 Income taxes payable 50 24 Total current liabilities 3,325 3,139 Long-term liabilities: Long-term debt 1,489 1,488 Long-term operating lease liabilities 3,360 3,456 Other long-term liabilities 544 509 Total long-term liabilities 5,393 5,453 Total stockholders' equity 3,135 2,460 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 11,853 $ 11,052 The Gap, Inc. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS UNAUDITED 13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended ($ and shares in millions except per share amounts) November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Net sales $ 3,829 $ 3,767 $ 10,937 $ 10,591 Cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses 2,194 2,211 6,322 6,488 Gross profit 1,635 1,556 4,615 4,103 Operating expenses 1,280 1,306 3,762 3,757 Operating income 355 250 853 346 Interest, net (6) — (12) 8 Income before income taxes 361 250 865 338 Income tax expense 87 32 227 21 Net income $ 274 $ 218 $ 638 $ 317 Weighted-average number of shares - basic 377 371 376 369 Weighted-average number of shares - diluted 383 375 383 373 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.73 $ 0.59 $ 1.70 $ 0.86 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.72 $ 0.58 $ 1.67 $ 0.85 The Gap, Inc. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS UNAUDITED 39 Weeks Ended ($ in millions) November 2, 2024 (a) October 28, 2023 (a) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 638 $ 317 Depreciation and amortization 371 394 Gain on sale of building — (47) Change in merchandise inventory (344) (5) Change in accounts payable 156 133 Other, net Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.Elon Musk might like to talk about building a city of the future on Mars, but he’s building a city of the past down in Texas. On Thursday, Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX filed paperwork to turn Starbase , its launch site located in Southern Texas, into a company town. SpaceX and its employees, currently stationed down around Brownsville, Texas submitted a petition to Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño seeking approval for Starbase to be incorporated as a new city. In typical Muskian fashion, the CEO tweeted that “SpaceX HQ will now officially be in the city of Starbase, Texas,” which is not how petitions work, you don’t just immediately get the thing you asked for. But this effort has been in the cards before SpaceX even broke ground down near the Southern border. Musk first pitched the idea of the city of Starbase in 2021. Since then, more than 3,400 SpaceX employees and contractors have set up shop around the base, according to a June report from Judge Treviño’s office . And the company has steadily been creating the conveniences of a town to keep the occupants around. Earlier this year, SpaceX announced plans to open a $15 million shopping center and restaurant. In the petition, Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders argued that incorporating would make it easier for SpaceX to perform “civic functions” including “management of the roads, utilities, and the provision of schooling and medical care for the residents.” Of course, if you ask the people who monitor SpaceX’s wannabe city, those civic functions are not exactly being performed, to begin with. Earlier this year, NPR reported that SpaceX has ignored environmental regulations in order to move forward with launch plans. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have determined that SpaceX has violated the Clean Water Act. Both agencies levied fines totaling more than $150,000 against the company in September. The company got slaps on the wrist from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for flouting rules protecting local waters. Currently, the company is pushing to increase its launch frequency while bypassing a full environmental review , which seems like the kind of thing a company that has repeatedly violated environmental protections would want to do. And there’s more than just environmental damage being done by SpaceX’s growing company town. There is social pollution, too. The New York Times reported earlier this year that residents of nearby Brownsville are basically inundated with Musk propaganda—everything from murals to the increasing influence of the billionaire’s money in their local politics. This is not even Musk’s first foray into company towns—a model that sees its roots in anti-labor organization and corporatist fascism . Farther north in Texas, near the outskirts of Austin, SpaceX operates Snailbrook, a city incorporated in 2021 and pitched as a sort of utopia for SpaceX and Boring Company employees. Snailbrook has not exactly reached that aspiration unless your idea of a utopia is a billionaire dumping wastewater into local rivers and ignoring any and all concerns raised by Texas locals and city planners , in which case they’re nailing it. Sherwood News described the city as a “rushed job with unfinished walls and a broken-down playground” made up of “an uninsulated bodega, a smaller-than-planned school, and about 15 trailers, rather than the 110 originally planned homes.” Surely, Starbase will be different...right?
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Zoren: Kudos again for 6 ABC’s takeover of Turkey Day paradeRobbins LLP Informs Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. Stockholders that it is Investigating the Officers and Directors of PAL to Determine if They Breached Fiduciary Duties Owed to ShareholdersThe Washington Commanders entered Sunday’s NFC East rivalry game as 10.5 point favorites over the Dallas Cowboys. It was the largest spread in favor of Washington in decades — and based on the Cowboys’ struggling season entering the matchup coming off 6-straight losses in many contests that were blowouts — bettors hopped on the Commanders to cover. Washington covering the 10.5 points was one of the top five biggest bets of the NFL Sunday slate according to Draft Kings. But from the opening drive until the final whistle, Washington blew opportunity after opportunity letting the Cowboys hang around to pull off an upset. According to Elias Sports, Sunday marked the first time since 1977 Washington blocked a field goal and a punt in a single game. Ultimately, the Cowboys came away with an improbable 34-26 victory, marking the largest upset of the 2024 NFL season according to DraftKings . The first half set the tone for how the game would end. The Commanders blocked a field goal setting the offense up with great field position on the opening drive, but Washington settled for three points. Later, Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey missed a field goal giving Washington good field position yet again, but the Commanders followed that up with a missed field goal of their own. Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle fumbled in the first quarter setting Washington up with another prime opportunity to score, but Jayden Daniels answered by throwing an interception. In a game that featured one of the NFL’s best offenses against one of the NFL’s worst defenses, nothing made sense. There were six punts in the first half and only three points scored by each team at the halfway mark. Inevitably, the Cowboys found a rhythm in the second half, scoring 31 points, with 24 coming in the fourth quarter. The game appeared to be out of reach but the Commanders finally put together a scoring drive with three minutes and change to spare. The Commanders converted a two-point conversion, making it a three point game. But in one of the more wild games of the year, Cowboys’ electric returner KaVontae Turpin turned a bobbled kickoff into a 99-yard touchdown return. Eventually, with just over 30 seconds remaining with no timeouts, the Commanders pulled off one of the the most improbable plays of the NFL season, when Jayden Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard touchdown. They simply needed an extra point to send the game into overtime, but of course, they missed it.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote . The closing of polls started a countdown to the announcement of official results as independent polling firms were preparing to release so-called quick counts. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front. Uruguay's staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won 27% in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44% of the vote in the first round. But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. His Broad Front coalition oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” ___ Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report. Nayara Batschke, The Associated Press
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Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute goal gave them victory in Germany after goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran early in each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. That sent them up to third in the new league phase of the competition ahead of Wednesday’s games and with matches against Monaco and Celtic to come, Villa have an excellent chance of finishing in the top eight. Job done... in the end 😅 #RBLAVL #UCL pic.twitter.com/PRD1Hi1Q3A — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 That would mean they would avoid a play-off round to make it through to the last 16 and Emery says that is the target. “Today was key. Juventus at home, we were thinking more to win but in the end we accepted the draw because it was important for a point to be more or less in the top 24,” he told Amazon Prime. “Today was a match we were thinking at the beginning was key to be a contender to be in the top eight with the last two matches to be played. “It is going to be difficult and we have to get some more points but we now have the possibility to achieve this option. “We are going to enjoy and try to get top eight but we have to be happy because we are in the top 24 and maybe even the top 16. “We weren’t contenders in the beginning to get there but now we have to accept it.” Leipzig, who are flying high near the top of the Bundesliga, are out after losing all six matches. They did pose a threat to Villa, who inflicted some of their own problems on themselves, notably a rare gaffe from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for Openda’s equaliser. But Emery was happy with his side’s performance. “I try to enjoy and always we want to improve and sometimes it is hard but today the team were performing well, playing seriously and I was enjoying it,” he added. “We tried to overcome the mistakes we made and we did. More or less we were playing consistently. One mistake and they score but then we played very well. “Champions League is very difficult and we have to expect that every team playing at home are feeling strong. We played with consistency and domination.”
ANGLETON Students at Angleton High School lined up in the hallways to cheer the football team Friday as they left for the Class 5A, Division 1 state semifinals against the Smithson Valley Rangers. The last time Angleton High School went to the state semifinals was in 2017. The marching band led the way from the gymnasium to the auditorium with the drill team and cheerleaders behind. The football team followed with their equipment bags in tow, greeting friends and teachers as they walked. “My dad was a high school football coach,” social studies teacher Monica Kotrla said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize how much they’re away from their own kids.” The coaches and players have worked hard on their journey to the state tournament with support from their families, friends and community. “It’s times like this where I’m reminded we still are a small community, and they still care about our kids,” Kotrla said. Every teacher knows at least one player and is excited for all the students — on the team or not — to experience the celebrations. It’s a representation of Angleton High School’s Purple Pride. “To see the young men, who I’ve had as freshmen, and now they’re juniors and seniors, it’s just overwhelming because you think — are they gonna do it? They’re gonna do it,” freshman world geography teacher Sandra O’Bryan said. O’Bryan is glad the community has continued to show support for everyone involved with the football team, including the band, drill team, cheerleaders and students. “I just feel like Angleton is so hyped for this football game,” sophomore Angelina Pham said. “The community’s just come together and supporting this football team along the way.” The energy filled the high school as students and staff rallied behind the team as they prepared for Saturday’s game at Baylor University’s McLane Stadium in Waco. The experience has been amazing in how it’s brought everyone together to bring out the spirit of Angleton’s Purple Pride, senior Cirena Rackley said. “It’s really fun because you see everyone coming together like that, that you don’t normally see,” she said. The broader Angleton community had the players and coaches for their own rally at Gulf of Coast Auto, filling every available space to be able to join the sendoff. Those in attendance created a sea of purple, including under a tent where a group of loved ones sold Wildcat merchandise to all who wanted it. “Let’s Go Wildcats,” said Shelle Petteway. “Round five. Eat them up ’Cats.” She and her group were rooting for Maurice Hightower in particular. The shouts of celebration and encouragement were soon drowned out by the head of the procession, led by Angleton Volunteer Fire Department Ladder 1. Full lights and sirens lit the way as Engine 2 followed, eliciting giggles as one of the firefighters, dressed as The Grinch, hung out the window to wave. Someone let off their confetti cannons, leading to a chain reaction from everyone else who had brought one. The smell of burned powder temporarily overpowered the smell of Kenjo’s BBQ from the food truck parked nearby. Next to Kenjo’s stood Shalonda Jackson Grear and her family, all dressed in supporting colors, with the youngest holding a handful of purple balloons. As a parent who attends all the football sendoffs and celebrations, she was all smiles as she talked about how excited she was for the game. “I’m No. 58’s mom, Kawarren Scott; best friend, Brynden Mack, No. 13,” Grear said. “I just want to send them a big shout out and tell them good luck, and we’re gonna leave here with it and come back with it and wait for them to go to Dallas.” Three Angleton EMS vehicles later and the main event drove past. The Angleton Wildcats cruised though in two charter buses with blacked-out windows. For many of the players, it would be the last time they would see their friends and families until after the big game. Many had brought posters, wanting to make sure their support was known even when their voices wouldn’t be enough. One group of girls chaperoned by a supportive mom had put effort into glittering their posters supporting their favorite players. They, like much of their student body, are invested in the game. They’re especially excited following the plays that managed to save Angleton from what looked like losses and turn them into the biggest wins of the season. “These past two games, especially the last game, we were really bad,” Keira Cook said. “So when we did get that win, it was just really exciting. Seeing that win was impossible, it was amazing.” She and her friends, including Faith Villareal, had watched the game together. Villareal never lost hope, she said. “I mean, me personally, I’m an all-time Angleton Wildcat,” Villareal said. “So me in the stands, I mean, yeah, I did have a little think, like, ‘man, we’re gonna win? We’re against the refs and the football players.’ But, at the same time, she’s over here next to me saying ‘we’re gonna lose, we’re gonna lose’ and I was like, ‘No, we got this, We are gonna win.’” “I was scared we weren’t gonna be able to beat the refs, just because it was bad call after bad call, so I was scared,” Cook said. “I knew our boys were gonna pull through and we were gonna win, and I have the same expectations for tomorrow,” Villareal said. Multiple police and constable police vehicles, lights flashing, completed the parade. “I’m just so proud of the kids, how hard they’re working, how much they’re willing to sacrifice to put Angleton on the map,” said Shelby De Los Santos, who teaches U.S. history and is the junior varsity cheer sponsor. “The whole mood is just fun. The pride is unreal.” As an Angleton alumni, the whole experience has been exciting, she said. De Los Santos will be leaving around 7 a.m. Saturday to head to Waco and cheer the Wildcats. “It’s been such an incredible milestone not only for the football team but, when I look at all the students and the parents that are moving behind them, so far, it’s been a journey for everyone,” Principal Anthony Smedley said. When the Angleton football went to the semifinals in 2017, Smedley was the assistant principal. “It’s good to see it happen again,” he said. “We want to celebrate all together, not only the school but the entire community.” Those who can’t make it to Waco but still want to see the game can do so under the covered service area at the Gulf Coast Auto Park, 3000 Highway 288 in Angleton. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.
Five days after Bruins firing, Montgomery named NHL Blues coachWHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. (AP) — Jordan Sears scored 25 points, Jalen Reed had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and LSU defeated UCF 109-102 in triple overtime on Sunday to take third place at the Greenbrier Tip-Off. LSU trailed by 18 points early in the second half, then failed to hold a lead at the end of regulation and each of the first two overtime periods. The Tigers went up by five with a minute to go in the third overtime. UCF cut it to three, then Vyctorius Miller made a driving layup, Jordan Sears followed with a dunk and the Tigers were able to hold on when leading by seven. Cam Carter scored 20 points, Miller had 16 and Dji Bailey 14 for LSU (5-1). Darius Johnson had 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds for UCF (4-2). Keyshawn Hall had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Jordan Ivy-Curry scored 20. South Florida led by 15 points at halftime and maintained a double-digit lead for all but a few possessions in the first 11 1/2 minutes of the second half. UCF led 62-48 with 8 1/2 minutes remaining but Sears hit three 3-pointers and LSU drew to within 64-59 with 6 minutes to go. The Tigers scored the last six points of regulation to force overtime. In the first half, LSU led 15-13 about eight minutes into the game but the Tigers missed 15 of 16 shots while being outscored 25-3 over the next 10 minutes. South Florida led 40-25 at halftime after shooting 46% to 25% for LSU. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college basketball: and