
Philadelphia star quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, with the Eagles expected to start Kenny Pickett. Hurts missed practice all week, and head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed before Friday's session that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, adding, "It's going to be tough for him to make it this week." Hurts and Pickett (ribs) were both injured during last weekend's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders, but Pickett was a full participant in Thursday's practice and was limited on Friday. The Eagles also have Tanner McKee as the emergency third quarterback and signed Ian Book to the practice squad this week. Pickett, who grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, N.J., will have a chance to help Philadelphia (12-3) clinch the NFC East title in his first start for the franchise. "I'm very excited. It's a big opportunity," he told reporters Thursday. "I've been working hard to stay ready and I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation and now having a week to practice, I'll feel even better going into the stadium. So, I'm excited. I just want to get the win." Pickett relieved Hurts in the first quarter against Washington and completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Prior to that, he had appeared in three games in mop-up duty. "He's done a great job," Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said on Friday. "He did a great job last week. I know he had a few hiccups, but overall he's doing a great job. It's not his first rodeo. We have a lot of confidence in him, I do, and I'm excited. "(He's) poised, confident. He comes in, he's commanding the huddle and that's what you want to see." Pickett, 26, compiled a 14-10 record as the starter for the Steelers from 2022-23 after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round (20th overall) in 2022. After the Steelers acquired Russell Wilson in March, Pickett was traded along with a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-rounders. Pickett has completed 62.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,622 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 29 career games. He has rushed for 303 yards and four scores. Hurts, 26, has completed 68.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,903 yards with 18 TDs and five picks in 15 starts. He has rushed for 630 yards and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 rushing touchdowns. --Field Level Media
La Grande native creates fashionable orthopedic shoesPRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo’s main ethnic Serb party on Tuesday said its ban from the upcoming general election is “institutional and political violence” against the ethnic minority. Zlatan Elek of Srpska Lista, or Serb List, said the move was “done on the orders of Albin in order to gain some easy political points,” adding they would appeal the decision. Elek was referring to Kosovo’s prime minister, Albin Kurti. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get our free email newsletters — latest headlines and e-edition notifications.
New Delhi: The CPI(M) on Sunday demanded the immediate withdrawal of an election rule amendment, preventing public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage. In a statement, the CPI(M) Politburo expressed its strong objection to the amendment, restricting the access of political parties and candidates to electronic records, including video and other digital trails. The government tweaked the election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates to check their misuse. Based on the recommendation of the Election Commission (EC), the Union law ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection. The CPI(M) said these steps were initially introduced by the EC in consultation with political parties to ensure greater transparency, and described as "retrograde" the move to amend the rule. Proper consultations were not carried out with political parties on the issue, it alleged. 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However, the Election Commission's reported concurrence was not preceded by any consultation with political parties, contrary to the established precedents over the years," the CPI(M) said. "The government's argument, which questions the locus standi of the petitioner on the conduct of the electoral process, is specious. This approach completely excludes political parties' involvement in the procedures to be followed," the Left party said. The CPI(M) said its experience, particularly during the Lok Sabha elections in Tripura, showed that charges of rigging led to the examination of videographic records within polling booths, ultimately resulting in repolls being announced in almost half the polling booths across both constituencies. "In this era, where technology is an integral part of the electoral process, the government's move represents a retrograde step," it said. "The Politburo of the CPI(M), therefore, demands the immediate withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules," it added. According to Rule 93, all "papers" related to elections shall be open to public inspection. The amendment inserts "as specified in these rules" after "papers". Law ministry and EC officials separately explained that a court case was the "trigger" behind the amendment. Punjab and Haryana High Court, in the recent Mahmoud Pracha vs EC case , had directed sharing all documents related to the Haryana Assembly elections, including treating CCTV camera footage as permissible under Rule 93(2), with Pracha. While documents such as nomination forms, appointment of election agents, results and election account statements are mentioned in the Conduct of Election Rules, electronic documents such as CCTV camera footage, webcasting footage and video recording of candidates during the Model Code of Conduct period are not covered. An EC functionary said, "There have been instances where such electronic records have been sought, citing the rules. The amendment ensures that only papers mentioned in the rules are available for public inspection and any other document which has no reference in the rules is not allowed for public inspection." EC functionaries said the misuse of CCTV camera footage from inside polling booths could compromise voter secrecy. They also said the footage could be used to generate fake narrative using AI. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )TD an outlier in Q4 with suspended guidance as other banks look to rosier 2025 TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press Dec 5, 2024 1:02 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message TD Bank signage is pictured in the financial district in Toronto, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. The bank said it was suspending financial targets for earnings, return on equity and positive leverage as it works through a wide-ranging strategic review ahead of leadership change next year. "In my role as incoming CEO, we are undertaking a broad and detailed review of the bank strategies and investment priorities," said chief operating officer Raymond Chun, who is set to replace Bharat Masrani in the top job in April. "It's my opportunity to dive deep and make sure that we're putting TD in the best position possible," Chun said on an earnings call Thursday. The review comes as TD continues to grapple with the fallout from anti-money laundering deficiencies that saw it agree in October to pay fines totalling more than $4.23 billion to U.S. regulators, who also imposed an asset growth cap on its U.S. retail banking operations. The bank said it will be challenging to generate earnings growth as it navigates its transition. For TD's peers, the tone was more upbeat but still cautious as CIBC, RBC and National Bank reported profits that beat analyst expectations and said there was more growth ahead as interest rates are expected to drop further. Even BMO, which has been struggling with a pool of shaky loans, said it expects its provisions for credit losses to have peaked in the fourth quarter with improvements ahead. Shares of BMO opened down more than four per cent as its earnings came in well below analyst expectations because of the spike in provisions, but shares gained after an earnings call where the bank said it was turning a corner. The bank's share price was also boosted by an announced share buyback of up to 20 million shares, and a four-cent dividend increase from the previous quarter to $1.59 per share. "We're net confident in the U.S. and otherwise, and that's underpinned by the decisions we've made with respect to the dividend increase and normal course issuer bid," said chief executive Darryl White. CIBC showed even more faith in growth ahead as it reported results that were well ahead of expectations. The bank, which saw its provisions fall 23 per cent from last year, said it was boosting its dividend by eight per cent. "This increase reinforces the confidence we have to deliver earnings growth," said chief executive Victor Dodig on an earnings call. While bank leaders all generally saw better days ahead as interest rates fall and credit risks ease, their outlook on the timing is less confident. RBC chief executive Dave McKay said he was cautious but optimistic on the credit picture but still not sure on when it may normalize. "We're just a little uncertain as to how we're going to land this thing, whether it's in the first half or second half of the year, or early into '26." The bank shrugged off the effects of a softening Canadian economy to report a profit of $4.22 billion in the fourth quarter and $16.2 billion for the year. It increased its quarterly dividend by six cents, or four per cent, to $1.48. Scotiabank results fell short of analyst expectations as its results were hit by higher-than-expected taxes and a writedown of its holding in a Chinese bank, while its Canadian operations were affected by the softening economy, said chief executive Scott Thomson. "The realities of a slowing economy and the impact of peak interest rates made for a challenging operating environment," he said on a conference call with analysts. But he too is looking for a turnaround ahead as interest rates fall. "We anticipate additional easing through the first half of the year, which we expect will be stimulative to activity in the domestic housing and mortgage markets and buoy consumer and business confidence," Thomson said. While analysts welcomed the outlooks from banks, they expressed disappointment in TD's silence on its financial expectations for next year. "We would have hoped that TD would have been able to provide a little more concrete guidance to investors here right now," said Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman in a note. "Waiting another half a year or more for management to tell us what the longer-run implications of its U.S. consent order are leaves the stock without a proper anchor." Jeffries analyst John Aiken said the bank was "throwing in the towel for 2025," and that investors will need to be patient for a catalyst to release pent-up value. Chun said he is optimistic on the road ahead, but it will take time to get there. "I really do believe there are opportunities to get even stronger, more competitive. And so I look forward to sharing more with you in the second half of 2025." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TD, TSX:BMO, TSX:RY, TSX:BNS, TSX:CM) Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? 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( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) ABB Robotics selects T-Robotics and Mbodi as AI startup winners December 22, 2024 by David Edwards ABB Robotics has selected T-Robotics and Mbodi as the winners of its 2024 ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge, marking what the industrial giant says is“a significant milestone” in advancing artificial intelligence solutions for industrial robotics. Selected from over 100 global applicants, these pioneering startups will help transform how industrial robots understand, learn, and adapt to complex manufacturing environments through breakthrough artificial intelligence solutions. Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, says:“Today's manufacturing challenges demand solutions that combine simplicity with sophisticated AI capabilities. “T-Robotics and Mbodi demonstrated groundbreaking innovations and by collaborating with both, we will accelerate the development of more intuitive, adaptable and easier-to-use robotic solutions that will make business more efficient, flexible and resilient.” T-Robotics has developed breakthrough physical AI models that allow operators to program robots through natural conversation while maintaining precision through industry-specific skill models. This innovative approach significantly reduces programming time while ensuring optimal performance across various manufacturing scenarios. Asad Tirmizi, founder of T-Robotics, says:“The convergence of robotics and physical AI will transform how manufacturing operates. “We're thrilled to partner with ABB in pioneering this transition towards a future where robots become intelligent assistants helping us produce better.” Mbodi's AI platform introduces real-time skill acquisition capabilities, enabling robots to learn and adapt to new tasks on the fly, through written and spoken natural language and demonstration. Their technology represents a major advancement in making robotic automation accessible to businesses of all sizes, particularly those seeking flexible solutions for high-mix, low- volume production environments. Sebastian Peralta, co-founder and CEO of Mbodi, says:“We're augmenting the industrial robotics experience through cutting-edge generative AI that fulfils evolving customer needs. “As an industrial leader, ABB's enthusiasm for disruptive technologies like ours will be instrumental in driving this transformation.” Both winners will receive $30,000 in project funding and will collaborate directly with ABB's technology experts to develop market-ready solutions and a six-month membership to SynerLeap, ABB's startup accelerator. Both T-Robotics and Mbodi expect to launch their first commercial application with ABB in 2025. Segura says:“The disruptive potential of Generative AI in robotics is vast, but requires focused scrutiny. By focusing on three pivotal areas -natural language programming, skill learning, and autonomous decision-making – we identified two key solutions that position us to accelerate AI-driven, market-ready industrial products. “This approach aligns with ABB's vision of creating robots that are more intuitive, adaptable, and efficient, paving the way for a new era of AI-powered robotics innovation.” ABB supports startup engagement, collaboration and investment through its business-led initiative, ABB Robotics & Automation Ventures (ABB RA Ventures), which leverages robotics and automation industry expertise to engage, collaborate with and invest in leading, disruptive and innovative early-stage companies of strategic relevance globally. The ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge is part of ABB's wider Innovation Ecosystem, which is driven by collaboration and the transformative potential of emerging technologies. Through initiatives designed to identify, support and scale-up promising startups across all industries, ABB partners with pioneering businesses to accelerate innovation. These collaborative efforts bring new solutions to market, advancing ABB's mission to create a more sustainable and productive future. MENAFN22122024005532012229ID1109021545 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.Akpabio Berates Fubara, PDP For Mishandling Rivers Political Crisis
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TD an outlier in Q4 with suspended guidance as other banks look to rosier 2025 TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press Dec 5, 2024 1:02 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message TD Bank signage is pictured in the financial district in Toronto, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. The bank said it was suspending financial targets for earnings, return on equity and positive leverage as it works through a wide-ranging strategic review ahead of leadership change next year. "In my role as incoming CEO, we are undertaking a broad and detailed review of the bank strategies and investment priorities," said chief operating officer Raymond Chun, who is set to replace Bharat Masrani in the top job in April. "It's my opportunity to dive deep and make sure that we're putting TD in the best position possible," Chun said on an earnings call Thursday. The review comes as TD continues to grapple with the fallout from anti-money laundering deficiencies that saw it agree in October to pay fines totalling more than $4.23 billion to U.S. regulators, who also imposed an asset growth cap on its U.S. retail banking operations. The bank said it will be challenging to generate earnings growth as it navigates its transition. For TD's peers, the tone was more upbeat but still cautious as CIBC, RBC and National Bank reported profits that beat analyst expectations and said there was more growth ahead as interest rates are expected to drop further. Even BMO, which has been struggling with a pool of shaky loans, said it expects its provisions for credit losses to have peaked in the fourth quarter with improvements ahead. Shares of BMO opened down more than four per cent as its earnings came in well below analyst expectations because of the spike in provisions, but shares gained after an earnings call where the bank said it was turning a corner. The bank's share price was also boosted by an announced share buyback of up to 20 million shares, and a four-cent dividend increase from the previous quarter to $1.59 per share. "We're net confident in the U.S. and otherwise, and that's underpinned by the decisions we've made with respect to the dividend increase and normal course issuer bid," said chief executive Darryl White. CIBC showed even more faith in growth ahead as it reported results that were well ahead of expectations. The bank, which saw its provisions fall 23 per cent from last year, said it was boosting its dividend by eight per cent. "This increase reinforces the confidence we have to deliver earnings growth," said chief executive Victor Dodig on an earnings call. While bank leaders all generally saw better days ahead as interest rates fall and credit risks ease, their outlook on the timing is less confident. RBC chief executive Dave McKay said he was cautious but optimistic on the credit picture but still not sure on when it may normalize. "We're just a little uncertain as to how we're going to land this thing, whether it's in the first half or second half of the year, or early into '26." The bank shrugged off the effects of a softening Canadian economy to report a profit of $4.22 billion in the fourth quarter and $16.2 billion for the year. It increased its quarterly dividend by six cents, or four per cent, to $1.48. Scotiabank results fell short of analyst expectations as its results were hit by higher-than-expected taxes and a writedown of its holding in a Chinese bank, while its Canadian operations were affected by the softening economy, said chief executive Scott Thomson. "The realities of a slowing economy and the impact of peak interest rates made for a challenging operating environment," he said on a conference call with analysts. But he too is looking for a turnaround ahead as interest rates fall. "We anticipate additional easing through the first half of the year, which we expect will be stimulative to activity in the domestic housing and mortgage markets and buoy consumer and business confidence," Thomson said. While analysts welcomed the outlooks from banks, they expressed disappointment in TD's silence on its financial expectations for next year. "We would have hoped that TD would have been able to provide a little more concrete guidance to investors here right now," said Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman in a note. "Waiting another half a year or more for management to tell us what the longer-run implications of its U.S. consent order are leaves the stock without a proper anchor." Jeffries analyst John Aiken said the bank was "throwing in the towel for 2025," and that investors will need to be patient for a catalyst to release pent-up value. Chun said he is optimistic on the road ahead, but it will take time to get there. "I really do believe there are opportunities to get even stronger, more competitive. And so I look forward to sharing more with you in the second half of 2025." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TD, TSX:BMO, TSX:RY, TSX:BNS, TSX:CM) Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Business S&P/TSX composite rises Thursday, U.S. markets down ahead of jobs report Dec 5, 2024 1:46 PM B.C. premier says feds and provinces plan right-left approach to Trump's tariff plans Dec 5, 2024 1:43 PM Lululemon reports US$351 million profit in Q3 as revenue also rises Dec 5, 2024 1:36 PM Featured Flyer