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Three Nederland Men Announce Candidacies for the Nederland City ElectionLawmaker faults critics of technology transfer commission billStock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talkORRVILLE, Ohio , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The J. M. Smucker Company (the "Company") (NYSE: SJM) today announced the pricing terms for its previously announced cash tender offers (each, an "Offer" and collectively, the "Offers") to purchase up to $300 million aggregate purchase price, not including accrued and unpaid interest (the "Offer Cap"), of the Company's validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) notes set forth below (the "Notes") using a "waterfall" methodology under which the Company will accept the Notes in order of their respective acceptance priority levels noted in the table below (the "Acceptance Priority Levels"). The Offers are being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, dated December 3, 2024 (the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a description of the terms of the Offers. As of 10:00 a.m. New York City time, on December 17, 2024 (the "Price Determination Time"), the Company expects to accept for purchase pursuant to the Offers the full amount of the 2.750% Senior Notes due 2041 (which have an Acceptance Priority Level of 1), the full amount of the 3.550% Senior Notes due 2050 (which have an Acceptance Priority Level of 2) and a portion of the 2.125% Senior Notes due 2032 (which have an Acceptance Priority Level of 3) validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Time (as defined below) on a prorated basis as described in the Offer to Purchase, using a proration factor of approximately 69.9%, so that the aggregate purchase price does not exceed the Offer Cap. The 4.375% Senior Notes due 2045 (which have an Acceptance Priority Level of 4) and the 5.900% Senior Notes due 2028 (which have an Acceptance Priority Level of 5) will not be accepted for purchase. The "Total Consideration" to be paid for the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 16, 2024 (the "Early Tender Time") and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers, includes an early tender premium of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes so tendered and accepted for purchase (the "Early Tender Premium"), which will not constitute an additional or increased payment. In addition to the applicable Total Consideration, holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw their Notes, and whose Notes are accepted for purchase in the Offers will also be paid any applicable accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, December 19, 2024 (the "Early Settlement Date"). The Total Consideration has been determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to a fixed spread for each of the Notes over the applicable yield to maturity of the applicable U.S. Treasury Security (the "Reference Treasury Security"), determined at the Price Determination Time as specified in the table below and on the cover page of the Offer to Purchase in the column entitled "Reference U.S. Treasury Security." The table below includes only the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time that the Company expects to accept for purchase pursuant to the Offers. Acceptance Priority Level (1) Title of Security CUSIP Number Outstanding Principal Amount Reference U.S. Treasury Security (2) Bloomberg Reference Page Reference Yield Fixed Spread (bps) Total Consideration (3) 1 2.750% Senior Notes due 2041 832696AV0 $300,000,000 4.625% UST due 11/15/2044 FIT 1 4.666 % +85 $700.18 2 3.550% Senior Notes due 2050 832696AT5 $300,000,000 4.250% UST due 8/15/2054 FIT 1 4.596 % +95 $730.52 3 2.125% Senior Notes due 2032 832696AU2 $500,000,000 4.250% UST due 11/15/2034 FIT 1 4.391 % +50 $833.04 All conditions of the Offers were deemed satisfied by the Company, or timely waived by the Company. Accordingly, the Company expects to accept for purchase, and pay for, $300 million aggregate purchase price of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) on the Early Settlement Date. Although the Offers are scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on January 2, 2025, unless extended or terminated, because the aggregate purchase price of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to or at the Early Tender Time exceeded the Offer Cap, there will be no Final Settlement Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), and no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Time will be accepted for purchase. Notes tendered and not purchased on December 19, 2024 (the "Early Settlement Date") will be returned to holders promptly after the Early Settlement Date. This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Offers are being made solely pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are serving as Dealer Managers for the Offers (each, a "Dealer Manager" and together, the "Dealer Managers"). Questions regarding the Offers may be directed to Goldman Sachs at (800) 828-3182 (toll free) or (212) 357-1452 (collect) or to J.P. Morgan at (866) 834-4666 (toll free) or (212) 834-3554 (collect). Requests for the Offer to Purchase or the documents incorporated by reference therein may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is acting as the Tender Agent and Information Agent for the Offers, at SJM@dfking.com or the following telephone numbers: banks and brokers at (212) 269-5550; all others toll free at (866) 620-2535. The J. M. Smucker Company Forward-Looking Statements This press release ("Release") includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements may include statements concerning our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events, conditions, plans and strategies that are not historical fact. Any statement that is not historical in nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "will," "plan," "strive" and similar phrases. Federal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information. We are providing this cautionary statement in connection with the safe harbor provisions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this Release, as such statements are by nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and from our historical results and experience. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: our ability to successfully integrate Hostess Brands' operations and employees and to implement plans and achieve financial forecasts with respect to the Hostess Brands' business; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits, including synergies and cost savings, related to the Hostess Brands acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; disruption from the acquisition of Hostess Brands by diverting the attention of our management and making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the negative effects of the acquisition of Hostess Brands on the market price of our common shares; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses, and charges and the risk of litigation related to the acquisition of Hostess Brands; the effect of the acquisition of Hostess Brands on our business relationships, operating results, ability to hire and retain key talent, and business generally; disruptions or inefficiencies in our operations or supply chain, including any impact caused by product recalls, political instability, terrorism, geopolitical conflicts (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas), extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, work stoppages or labor shortages (including potential strikes along the U.S. East and Gulf coast ports and potential impacts related to the duration of a recent strike at our Buffalo, New York manufacturing facility), or other calamities; risks related to the availability of, and cost inflation in, supply chain inputs, including labor, raw materials, commodities, packaging, and transportation; the impact of food security concerns involving either our products or our competitors' products, including changes in consumer preference, consumer litigation, actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other agencies, and product recalls; risks associated with derivative and purchasing strategies we employ to manage commodity pricing and interest rate risks; the availability of reliable transportation on acceptable terms; our ability to achieve cost savings related to our restructuring and cost management programs in the amounts and within the time frames currently anticipated; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to continue operating under our capital deployment model, including capital expenditures, debt repayment to meet our deleveraging objectives, dividend payments, and share repurchases; a change in outlook or downgrade in our public credit ratings by a rating agency below investment grade; our ability to implement and realize the full benefit of price changes, and the impact of the timing of the price changes to profits and cash flow in a particular period; the success and cost of marketing and sales programs and strategies intended to promote growth in our business, including product innovation; general competitive activity in the market, including competitors' pricing practices and promotional spending levels; our ability to attract and retain key talent; the concentration of certain of our businesses with key customers and suppliers, including primary or single-source suppliers of certain key raw materials and finished goods, and our ability to manage and maintain key relationships; impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets or other long-lived assets; the impact of new or changes to existing governmental laws and regulations and their application; the outcome of tax examinations, changes in tax laws, and other tax matters; a disruption, failure, or security breach of our or our suppliers' information technology systems, including, but not limited to, ransomware attacks; foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations; and risks related to other factors described under "Risk Factors" in other reports and statements we have filed with the SEC. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. About The J. M. Smucker Company At The J.M. Smucker Co., it is our privilege to make food people and pets love by offering a diverse family of brands available across North America . We are proud to lead in the coffee, peanut butter, fruit spreads, frozen handheld, sweet baked goods, dog snacks, and cat food categories by offering brands consumers trust for themselves and their families each day, including Folgers ® , Dunkin' ® , Café Bustelo ® , Jif ® , Uncrustables ® , Smucker's ® , Hostess ® , Milk-Bone ® , and Meow Mix ® . Through our unwavering commitment to producing quality products, operating responsibly and ethically, and delivering on our Purpose, we will continue to grow our business while making a positive impact on society. For more information, please visit jmsmucker.com . The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for Dunkin' ® , which is a trademark of DD IP Holder LLC. The Dunkin'® brand is licensed to The J. M. Smucker Company for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels, such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, e-commerce and drug stores, as well as in certain away from home channels. This information does not pertain to products for sale in Dunkin' ® restaurants. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-j-m-smucker-company-announces-pricing-for-cash-tender-offers-302334213.html SOURCE The J.M. Smucker Co.
Actor Tommy Flanagan has disclosed his intentions to move back to Scotland after 25 years in the US in the wake of Donald Trump' s massive election win. The star, known for his roles in hit shows and films like Gladiator, Peaky Blinders , and Sons of Anarchy, joins a host of Hollywood celebrities who have expressed their dismay at the political shift to the right in America. The 59-year-old said: "It's time to come home. I want to come back here. I've been away too long. I think it's time to move back to Scotland. I've been in the US for over 25 years and it's time to come home, especially after Trump getting back into the White House." Married to Dina and father to 12-year-old daughter Aunjanue, Tommy is eager to return to live and work in Scotland after spending more than two decades in the US film and television industry. Speaking to The Daily Record , he shared: "I'm based over there and my home is over there. It's time to get away from that Trump. I don't want to say I want to leave America because of him but it's not made me want to stay, put it that way. It's disgusting so we'll see. If I start talking about it I'll go f***ing mental. But it's not good." He also reflected on his connection to his homeland, stating: "I don't feel I've been gone that long to be honest with you, I really don't." Despite currently calling California home for the past quarter-century, he added: "I was on my way back years ago and then my daughter came along and she was born over there though she is Scottish. I want to bring her over here." Tommy, originally from Easterhouse, bears distinctive facial scars from a knife attack outside a nightclub where he was DJing. After being assaulted by a gang attempting to rob him, he was persuaded to try acting by his friend Robert Carlyle while recovering in hospital. He gained fame in Mel Gibson's 1995 film Braveheart and Lynne Ramsay's Ratcatcher, and played Cicero alongside Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix in Ridley Scott's 2000 film Gladiator. His other roles include Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, Alien vs Predator, The Game and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. He is perhaps best known for his role as outlaw biker Flip 'Chips' Telford in the crime drama TV series Sons of Anarchy from 2008 - 2014. Having arrived in Glasgow at the weekend to present his friend, casting director Des Hamilton, with an Outstanding Contribution to Craft award at a star-studded BAFTA Scotland awards, Flanagan also revealed he has signed up to begin filming Guy Ritchie's latest project. Lock, Stock and Two Barrels and The Gentleman director Ritchie has enlisted him to join a star-studded cast that includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Tom Hardy for The Associate, a London-based gangster series The Associate which will air on Paramount+. Tommy said: "I just got back to present an award to my best pal Des Hamilton for Outstanding Contribution to Casting. He's a phenomenal guy. He's been a friend of mine the past 40 years. It's a pleasure to be that and to be in my hometown. "I'm about to start something with Guy Ritchie and Tom Hardy. I start that in December and I've a few things next year. "They haven't put any press out yet so I won't talk about it. Big Des is casting it, of course he is. He gets all the good stuff." The actor, eager to return to UK filming for The Associates next month, added: "I'm here to give the award to my pal Des and I'm back to work here and what I want to do and bring my daughter over here as soon as possible. She is a big Celtic fan like her father and she's proud to be Scottish." "She doesn't know what she wants to do yet. She's a wee fashionista at the moment with baggy sweaters and big jeans and all that. She thinks she knows everything. She's great. "I will be in Scotland. I think I've been gone long enough."The latest episodes focus on the importance of mental health resources for the next generation of collegiate athletes ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics will record the finale of the third season of its "Transparent Conversations" podcast this week in Louisville as the NCAA crowns this year's women's volleyball champion. "Transparent Conversations" is aimed at sharing powerful conversations about the unique mental health issues facing today's student-athletes. The season finale, which is set to tape during the NCAA women's volleyball championship this week in Louisville , will focus on building stronger support for student-athletes' mental health. In this episode, LG takes a closer look at how we can better support the mental health of student-athletes. From schools to home to online and everywhere in between, we'll explore practical ways to create a caring, connected community that helps them thrive. Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the visibility of women's sports, allowing athletes and teams to build personal brands, reach larger audiences and inspire new generations of fans. However, navigating social media is often challenging for athletes due to the pressure to maintain a positive image, increased scrutiny and frequent exposure to criticism and harassment. This constant connectivity and potential for negative feedback have been linked to heightened mental health struggles, making it a double-edged sword for many athletes – especially in the new world of name, image and likeness (NIL). That's why, says podcast host Taylor Rooks , it's important we create safe spaces where athletes feel comfortable talking about their challenges. "Open and honest communication is the key," she said. "Being able to discuss the issues that weigh heavily on your mind is crucial, especially for these athletes who are juggling the pressures of sports, academics, family relationships and friendships. The addition of NIL is yet another layer." Rooks will welcome Victoria Garrick Browne , a USC alum and volleyball player who's gone on to play semi-pro volleyball and has become an advocate for mental health and positive body image. She shares her insights and stories via her podcast "The Hidden Opponent" and on stage at TED Talks. Joining her will be Eric Gross , a mental health therapist at the University of Louisville , who provides therapy, group and team meetings, as well as education to the coaches and staff. The final episode of "Transparent Conversations" will tape from the floor of this year's NCAA Women's Volleyball finals on Sunday, Dec. 22 and will be available in mid-January wherever you get your podcasts. The most recent episodes have tackled topics such as the importance of resilience, overcoming setbacks and balancing the entrepreneurial nature of NIL contracts and have been recorded at Rutgers University , The Ohio State University and the University of Tennessee . These episodes and others are live on Spotify and Apple Podcasts . To learn more about LG's partnership with the NCAA or listen to the "Transparent Conversations" podcast, visit www.lg.com/ncaa and www.lg.com/us/transparent-conversations. About LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA , Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. , is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $60-billion -plus global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States , LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com . Media Contacts: LG Electronics USA Chris De Maria christopher.demaria@lge.com 908-548-4515 Kristi Hubert Kristi.hubert@LG-One.com 630-995-5444 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/championing-mental-health-for-ncaa-student-athletes-lg-electronics-concludes-3rd-season-of-transparent-conversations-podcast-302334207.html SOURCE LG Electronics USA
Winners of 3 straight, UTEP takes aim at short-handed LouisvilleBest Bets for NCAA Basketball Picks Against the Spread for Saturday, November 23California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites
The government of Pakistan presented the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024, to the on Monday, marking a potential defining moment in Pakistan’s national and digital transformation agenda. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecom, introduced the bill and announced the establishment of a National Digital Commission (NDC) to accelerate the vision of a “Digital Pakistan.” The commission will consolidate social, economic, and governance data to create a digital identity for citizens, Dawn News reported. The Act aims to “provide for the transformation of Pakistan into a , enabling a digital society, digital economy, and digital governance.” The federal cabinet approved the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024, paving its way to parliamentary consideration. According to media reports, the government intends to establish two new bodies: the National Digital Commission, which will be led by the prime minister and include all four chief ministers, as well as the heads of organizations such as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), and the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), which top industry experts will lead. One of the key proposals under the new management is a digital identity for every citizen. It would include information on a person’s health, assets, and other social indicators. The construction of a national digital identity system is a key component of the Act, which intends to provide every Pakistani citizen with seamless access to important services. This digital identity system will include a variety of services, such as birth certificate renewals, educational records, health records, and digital wallets, to enable further digital interactions. Under the Act, the NDC and PDA will create a comprehensive digitization master plan that will serve as the foundation for sector-specific digital strategies. The plan will be made public to engage the private sector, which is expected to drive and benefit the most from the digitization agenda. The is designed to transform public service delivery by removing long queues and bureaucratic delays. Every citizen’s digital identity will be stored in an online database, and all assets will be available through digital wallets to avoid exhausting delays for services such as degree attestation and passport applications by combining them into a single platform. The proposed digital infrastructure will empower data interoperability, allowing for smooth communication among organizations, according to the government. For example, property transactions will be automatically updated by tax authorities FBR, and healthcare providers will have secure access to patient records through digital identity standardized channels with a strong emphasis on data privacy and security. On the economic front, the program aims to foster a cashless economy leveraging digital wallet technologies to formalize the informal economy, increase transparency, and improve government tax collection. Citizens will also profit from creating digitized financial records, which will make it easier to acquire bank loans and government incentives. In addition, the Pakistan PDA would prioritize the implementation of plans to digitize Pakistan’s economy and governance to increase efficiency and enable paperless governance across all sectors. The Act draws inspiration from successful digital transformation strategies in nations such as the , , , and , while avoiding worries about mass surveillance. Officials have stressed their strong commitment to data privacy and security. Digital rights organizations will be actively involved in addressing any issues and ensuring citizens’ rights are respected. This ambitious effort has received significant funding from a $78 million World Bank project called the Digital Economy Enhancement Effort ( ). Implementation of the Act’s provisions is expected to commence in January. The aims to improve citizens’ quality of life and socio-economic growth by promoting the widespread adoption of ICT services. One of the primary objectives of the policy is to develop an inclusive digital strategy that supports a comprehensive ecosystem for the speedy delivery of digital services. This strategy prioritizes sectoral digitalization, with an emphasis on incorporating technology into education, healthcare, and agriculture to improve outcomes and drive progress. Digital inclusion is also a basic theme, with programs aimed at bridging the urban-rural digital divide and addressing gender inequities. The strategy also encourages by integrating government databases and applications to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. | | | | | |Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold rise
Wall Street Lunch: Quantum Stocks ManicWhether it’s running riot at the top or and PSG desperately struggling to even reach the knockout rounds, this new format has certainly given us plenty to digest. So, what about this week? What were the biggest stats and stories you might have missed? Liverpool had to battle hard to pick up a 1-0 win away at Girona on Tuesday, needing a 63rd-minute Mohamed Salah penalty to get the job done. In fact, they wouldn’t have made it over the line were it not for the performance of goalkeeper Alisson, who replaced Caoimhin Kelleher after a long spell on the sidelines. Alisson showed absolutely no signs of rust, making five saves, eight recoveries and a high claim to help preserve his clean sheet, ensuring Girona failed to find the net despite attempting 13 shots to the tune of 1.21 Expected Goals. The Brazilian goalkeeper now has 21 clean sheets in Champions League play for Liverpool, tying him with Pepe Reina for the most in club history. Most Champions League clean sheets for Liverpool in the era: ◉ 21 – Alisson Becker (49 games) ◎ 21 – Pepe Reina (46 games) Ali equals Pepe. 🧤 — Squawka (@Squawka) Kylian Mbappe kicked things off as Real Madrid beat Atalanta last night, scoring after just 10 minutes in Bergamo. That said, it was 1-1 by half-time and Real Madrid needed goals from Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to ensure a 3-2 win against their Italian counterparts. Nevertheless, that brought the France international to 50 Champions League goals, becoming just the ninth player to do so. However, at 25 years and 356 days old, Mbappe is the second-youngest player of all time to reach that total, behind only Lionel Messi, who managed it at 24 years and 284 days old. But it wasn’t all fun and games on Tuesday for Mbappe, who left the field in the 36th minute after pulling up with an injury. Carlo Ancelotti will be praying it’s nothing serious as he prepares for some key La Liga clashes and the Fifa Intercontinental Cup. Bayern Munich were at their rampant best on Tuesday, overcoming a fifth-minute Shakhtar Donetsk goal to tear their opponents apart 5-1. It was Michael Olise who inspired the Bavarians, scoring twice and assisting once in a stunning individual display that also included six successful dribbles, 11 touches in the opposition box and just one dispossession. Olise has seven goals and six assists to his name in 21 appearances across all competition for Bayern this season, but his second of the night in the dying moments on Tuesday will be up there among his best, gliding past numerous Shakhtar defenders before finding the bottom corner. Sublime stuff from Olise, who is undoubtedly being missed by supporters. That aforementioned win for Liverpool leaves them top of the Champions League with six wins from six, with 13 goals scored and just one conceded — Inter are the only other side who can boast that record in the latter. Of course, Arne Slot cannot take all the credit for the Reds’ continental exploits. Liverpool have now won each of their last 10 group stage/league phase matches in this competition, with 27 goals scored, just two conceded and a ridiculous eight clean sheets. Liverpool’s last 10 group stage/league phase games in the Champions League: WWWWWWWWWW ◉ Goals: 27 ◉ Conceded: 2 ◉ Clean sheets: 8 Perfect. 💯 — Squawka (@Squawka) Whether under Slot or Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool are just phenomenal in European football. If Jhon Duran isn’t careful, he’s going to become ‘s starting striker very soon. The Colombian netted Villa’s second goal in the 52nd minute after coming on at half-time away at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, with fellow substitute Ross Barkley scoring late to eventually seal a 3-2 victory in Germany. Duran now has goals as a substitute across all competitions this season, which is more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues so far. Across all games he’s played, Duran has nine goals to his name, surpassing his total for the entirety of last season. Bayer Leverkusen just never, ever know when they’re dead. Time and again, Xabi Alonso’s men have struck late over the last 18 months and without that habit, there’s no way they’d have won a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double last season, or reached the Europa League final for that matter. did it again on Tuesday, with full-back Nordi Mukiele scoring in the 90th minute to seal a 1-0 home victory against Italian giants Inter, sparking yet more wild scenes of celebration at the BayArena. Incredibly, that’s the first goal Inter have conceded in this season’s Champions League, which obviously means their unbeaten record has come to an end — Liverpool are the last remaining side yet to lose this season. Bukayo Saka has quite simply been a force of nature this season. The England star scored two goals and assisted the other as swept Monaco aside 3-0 at the Emirates on Wednesday night, which actually ends a two-game drought for goal contributions recently. But even that lean spell won’t register as much of a mark on his record this season, with Saka now on 21 direct goal contributions across all competitions, scoring nine times and assisting 12. In fact, among players, Mo Salah is the only one who can boast a better record at a mind-boggling 28. Only two Premier League players have been directly involved in 20+ goals across all competitions this season. Bukayo Saka (21) 🤝Mohamed Salah (28) — Squawka (@Squawka) Saka’s heroics on Wednesday mean Arsenal have won all six of their home games without conceding in the Champions League group stage/league phase since the start of last season. Did you know Manchester City had lost just one of their last four matches across all competitions going into Wednesday? Of course, they’d only won one, too, with that run including the infamous late collapse against Feyenoord and just about scraping a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. A more accurate summary of their form would be just one win from their last nine matches across all competitions. Well, you can now make that one run from 10 after they went down 2-0 away at Juventus in the Champions League, thanks to second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie. This truly is a spectacular collapse from a team that has been all-conquering for so long. No stat is likely to sum up their last 10 games better than the fact they’ve conceded 23 goals during that time — as many as they’d conceded in their previous 30 outings. Man City's last 10 games across all competitions: LLLLLDLWDL And they've conceded 23 goals in that time. 👀 — Squawka (@Squawka)California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sitesCalif. to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites
PSVR2 As of this writing, PSVR2 is on sale until January 2 for $349.99 across multiple retailers, including Best Buy , Target and Amazon . I just bought mine via PlayStation Direct , and I’m talking about the Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle, specifically. The standalone PSVR2 unit is also $349.99, so if for some weird reason you already own a wayward copy of Call of the Mountain and no accompanying virtual reality unit to play it on, then yeah, go that route. I’d urge you to then write a sprawling think piece about how you found yourself in such an odd predicament. So yes, almost two years after its initial release, I’m finally caving and buying a PSVR2. This particular Horizon bundle was originally priced at $600, which is—in my opinion—an insane ask for a piece of proprietary hardware that I still consider a quirky novelty. The first PSVR, a device Sony sent me ages ago for review , sits abandoned inside a drawer, a jumbled mess of inconvenient cords and motion controllers. The clunky processing unit is in there, too. A cursed thing. It’s not that I haven’t felt the urge to extricate my PSVR from its entertainment center tomb over the last few years, not at all. I have a decent collection of VR games sitting on my PlayStation account, some of which I’ve never even played, but the idea of dragging out all those cords and hooking them up...well, it feels too heavy a burden for this Forbes blogger to bear. Ah yes, the most First World of First World problems: Shouldering the inconvenience of cumbersome tech installation. UnitedHealthcare Murder Background: Here’s What We Know About Investigation After Luigi Mangione Detained Apple’s Surprising iPhone Update—Green Bubbles End This Week Google’s RCS Nightmare—Why You Need A New App From the looks of things, PSVR2 is much more streamlined than PSVR. This time around, there’s only a single USB-C cable to contend with; gone is all the jerry-rigged camera nonsense of the PS4 headset. On that note, I am kicking myself for not grabbing one of the free PS5 camera adapters while they were still available on Sony’s website last month. Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to buy an adapter off Amazon if I want to use my old PSVR on my PS5/PS5 Pro, or boot up my old PS4 Pro as I’m some dirty peasant. And hey, one of the reviews for the third-party Amazon adapter says it’s ‘better than the second coming of Jesus Christ’, so that’s great. And truthfully, PSVR’s walled software garden was what initially scared me away. The glaring lack of backward compatibility—I still find it rather unacceptable. Now that PSVR2’s price is almost half-off, though, it’s a little easier to stomach, yet I’m still not entirely on board. It’s really the promise of Metro Awakening and Behemoth that have convinced me to take the plunge at $349, although admittedly, I’m looking forward to trying out Call of the Mountain . Sony stopped manufacturing PSVR2 back in March of 2024 , purportedly in an attempt to clear out excess stocked units. I’m guessing the holiday sale is a continuation of this clearance, although it remains to be seen if production will start up again, maybe if enough people properly enlist before January. As stated above, new games are making their way to the platform, if at a snail’s pace, so the headset hasn’t been left to die just yet. A perfect time swoop in and take advantage of lower prices, really. It reminds me of when Circuit City was going out of business in the early 2000s. Man, did I clean up on Dreamcast games. Then there’s the recent addition of hand-tracking , which could be part of Sony’s gradual move toward a totally controller-free PSVR2 experience. I think most VR will probably end up in this realm at some point anyway, so it’s good to see a forward-thinking update like this. Also of note is the recently released PC adapter , which opens up Steam’s VR library for play on PSVR2. Down the road, I might grab one of these. We’ll see where Sony takes PSVR2 in the coming year, and while virtual reality has a long way to go in terms of mainstream acceptance, I’m happy to plunk down a pile of Christmas cash to see what’s been cooking on the present generation of PlayStation headset immersion. Did anyone else snag a PSVR2 during the sale? I’d be interested in knowing. Once I receive the hardware, I’ll publish my impressions, if I’m not motion sick and vomiting a jolly stream of fruitcake and eggnog onto the local church’s nativity scene, of course. That Amazon reviewer wouldn’t be happy with me. I can’t disappoint him.Shares of ADC Therapeutics ( NYSE: ADCT ) closed 36% lower Wednesday after the company reported data from a Phase 1b study of its drug Zynlonta in combination with the bispecific antibody drug Columvi, also known as glofitamab. The study, called LOTIS-7, showed the drugWelling scores 21 as Utah Valley takes down West Georgia 77-74
Amherst vs. North Olmsted boys basketball: Comets freshman makes go-ahead basket in first high school game
Putin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot downNonePackers will be without two of their best defensive players vs 49ersJim Carrey On Why He Returned For ‘Sonic 3’: “I Bought A Lot Of Stuff & I Need The Money, Frankly”
Stock market today: Wall Street climbs as bitcoin bursts above $99,000Introducing Fortunes Faze: An Eclectic Fusion of Country and Rock from Ohio's Talented Songwriter 12-09-2024 11:32 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: ArtistPR.com Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733736127.jpeg Dive into the innovative sound of Fortunes Faze and explore a rich mosaic of music influenced by both tradition and technology. In a world where musical genres often pigeonhole artists, Fortunes Faze emerges as a refreshing blend of country and rock, fusing eclectic storytelling and modern technology. Fortunes Faze represents the artistic endeavors of Wendy Westhoven, who has channeled her passion for writing and stained-glass artistry into the creation of her unique musical identity. Her music, characterized by its vibrant textures and resonant themes, invites listeners on a journey that defies conventional boundaries. What sets Fortunes Faze apart is its embrace of computerization to develop distinct sounds. "I use computerization to enhance voices and music," Wendy explains. "This is just an extension of what artists have been doing for decades with synthesizers and technology. I'm not here to pretend. I'm a songwriter utilizing the tools at my disposal to present my music honestly." Fortunes Faze is not merely about creating tracks but crafting experiences that inspire imagination and evoke emotion, resonating with a wide array of audiences. Wendy's musical journey began in the solitude of Northeast Hungary, where she found peace and inspiration for her songwriting. Despite her modest beginnings, she has achieved significant strides by releasing albums on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and YouTube Music. Fortunes Faze's presence extends beyond these platforms, welcoming collaborations with established musicians and opportunities for her music to enhance visuals in advertising and film. Her dedication and flexibility make her music adaptable and engaging, promising a future filled with creative collaborations and new musical adventures. Let your curiosity lead you to this compelling musical project. Explore Fortunes Faze's website [ https://fortunesfaze.com/ ] for more immersive music experiences, follow her on social media, and consider purchasing her CDs to support a rising star dedicated to sharing her unique sound with the world. Video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/mh7kutP4Sec?si=5-9PahvaghKvrsr6 ABOUT Fortunes Faze is the artistic project of Wendy Westhoven, a multifaceted creative based in Ohio. Known for her imaginative stained-glass artistry, Westhoven discovered her passion for music by transforming her poetry into songs. She uses cutting-edge computer technology to create compelling vocals and instrumentals, crafting a sound that bridges rock, hard rock, and country genres. Unconstrained by traditional methods, Westhoven sees computerized music as a natural evolution in artistic expression. Her lyrics are rooted in authenticity, drawing from a lifetime of introspection and creativity. Though she doesn't perform live, she envisions Fortunes Faze evolving into a performance band or inspiring established artists to reinterpret her work. Westhoven's music is distributed across Spotify, YouTube, and major streaming platforms. With her debut album already garnering positive feedback, her second release, Shadows Into Light , signals her commitment to exploring new artistic horizons. As she prepares for future projects, including a country-focused album, Fortunes Faze is becoming a beacon of innovation in independent music. LINKS Main Website: https://fortunesfaze.com [ https://fortunesfaze.com/ ] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortunesfaze/profilecard/?igsh=ZDB3ZXd5cnJxc2Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Edd7MHJKu/ Kunaki: https://kunaki.com/msales.asp?PublisherId=208209&pp=1&fbclid=PAY2xjawGy2iVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpt3JqQT9eKKUK03mkWByai4laXVX-2jGskovM1WOlklK_OlEvFv82MR5UQ_aem_bzg4AIt2tc_pyDbIrQUV1A YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fortunesfaze Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jQBl5FqikFds1NmQRVKaP?si=P3MrYr_VSN-_dLzmugQ_Fw Media Contact Contact Person: Wendy Westhoven Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=introducing-fortunes-faze-an-eclectic-fusion-of-country-and-rock-from-ohios-talented-songwriter ] Phone: 800-983-1362 State: Ohio Country: United States Website: https://fortunesfaze.com/ This release was published on openPR.
10 made-in-Alberta gifts to add to your holiday shopping listSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven't provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks' 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There's not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story." Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.Three Nederland Men Announce Candidacies for the Nederland City Election
Nintendo is dealing with the higher costs of game development, according to Shigeru MiyamotoUS stocks mixed, Nasdaq breaches 20,000 for first time
Georgia QB Carson Beck declares for 2025 NFL DraftShare Tweet Share Share Email Financial empowerment remains a critical challenge for many communities. Traditional banking systems often exclude those in low-income brackets, leaving them without access to basic savings and credit services. However, a grassroots solution has emerged to address this gap: social micro-savings groups. These community-based initiatives bring people together to collectively save money and work toward shared financial goals, proving that unity can drive transformative change . Understanding Social Micro-Savings Groups Social micro-savings groups are informal collectives where members pool their savings. These groups are typically composed of individuals from similar socioeconomic backgrounds, often within the same community. Members contribute small amounts of money regularly, creating a shared fund. This pool of resources can be used to provide loans, support emergencies, or invest in shared projects. Unlike formal financial institutions, these groups operate on mutual trust and transparency. They have minimal overhead costs, making them accessible to people who might otherwise be excluded from traditional banking systems. Additionally, they foster a sense of ownership and accountability, as each member has a direct stake in the group’s success. Core Principles of Micro-Savings Groups Collective Responsibility: Each member contributes to and benefits from the group’s resources. This shared accountability ensures the system remains functional. Transparency: Regular meetings and clear documentation maintain trust among members. Flexibility: Contributions are tailored to suit the financial capabilities of members. Inclusivity: Groups often prioritize marginalized individuals, including women and rural populations. Benefits of Micro-Savings Groups Financial Inclusion For many individuals, access to formal banking services is a distant dream due to high fees, stringent requirements, or geographic barriers. Micro-savings groups bridge this gap by providing a simple, accessible platform for saving money and accessing credit. Members can build financial resilience without navigating the complexities of traditional banking. Empowerment Through Community Being part of a micro-savings group fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Members often share knowledge, skills, and resources, creating a supportive network. This collective strength enables individuals to pursue financial goals they might not achieve alone. Encouraging Savings Habits Saving money can be challenging, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. Micro-savings groups instill discipline by requiring regular contributions. Over time, members develop a habit of saving, which can lead to greater financial stability. Access to Credit In emergencies or for investment purposes, accessing loans can be crucial. Micro-savings groups offer an alternative to predatory lenders by providing low-interest loans from the shared fund. This system ensures that financial assistance remains affordable and within the community. How Micro-Savings Groups Operate Formation and Membership Groups usually form organically, with members coming together based on mutual trust. Ideal group sizes range from 10 to 25 members, ensuring manageability while fostering a sense of community. Once formed, members establish rules, including contribution amounts, meeting schedules, and loan terms. Contribution and Savings Members contribute fixed amounts at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. These contributions are recorded meticulously to ensure transparency. The accumulated savings create a fund that members can borrow from as needed. Loan Disbursement and Repayment Loans are granted based on group consensus, with clear repayment terms and minimal interest rates. Members are motivated to repay loans promptly, as the fund’s sustainability depends on it. Default rates are typically low due to the high level of trust within the group. Profit Sharing At the end of a savings cycle, often a year, the group distributes the accumulated savings and any profits from loan interest among members. This payout serves as a tangible reward for collective effort and financial discipline. The Role of Women in Micro-Savings Groups Women play a pivotal role in the success of micro-savings groups. In many communities, they are the primary caretakers and financial planners. By participating in these groups, women gain access to resources that can improve their families’ well-being. Micro-savings groups also provide a platform for women to develop leadership skills. As treasurers, secretaries, or chairpersons, they gain experience in financial management and decision-making. This empowerment extends beyond the group, enabling women to take on more active roles in their communities. Challenges and Solutions Lack of Financial Literacy Many participants may have limited knowledge of financial management, which can hinder the group’s effectiveness. Regular training sessions on budgeting, saving, and record-keeping can address this issue. Trust Issues Trust is the foundation of micro-savings groups. Any breach, such as mismanagement of funds, can jeopardize the group’s stability. To prevent this, members should establish clear rules and accountability mechanisms. Limited Funds The small contributions of members may not always meet the group’s financial needs. Partnering with NGOs or local governments can provide additional resources and support. Examples of Successful Micro-Savings Initiatives Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) VSLAs are a popular model of micro-savings groups, particularly in Africa. These groups have helped thousands of rural families access financial services, invest in businesses, and improve their quality of life. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India SHGs empower women in rural areas by providing them with access to savings and credit. These groups have significantly contributed to poverty reduction and women’s empowerment. Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) ROSCAs operate on a rotating basis, where each member receives the entire savings pool at a predetermined time. This system is simple yet effective in addressing immediate financial needs. The Future of Micro-Savings Groups As technology advances, micro-savings groups are evolving. Digital platforms and mobile banking are making it easier for groups to manage their funds and expand their reach. Apps designed specifically for savings groups can facilitate record-keeping, enhance transparency, and connect members with additional financial services. Moreover, partnerships with microfinance institutions and NGOs can amplify the impact of these groups, providing them with access to training, funding, and resources. By leveraging technology and collaboration, micro-savings groups can continue to thrive and empower more communities. Conclusion Social micro-savings groups are a testament to the power of collective effort. By pooling resources and working together, individuals can overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams. These groups not only provide practical financial solutions but also foster a sense of community and empowerment. As they continue to grow and evolve, micro-savings groups have the potential to transform countless lives, proving that unity truly is strength . Related Items: Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
2 Oregon men die from exposure in a forest after they went out to look for SasquatchNYT Strands December 29, 2024 – Hints, answers, Spangram Today's NYT Strands puzzle theme Hints for today’s Strands Hints NYT Strands December 29, 2024 – Hints, answers, Spangram Spangram for today Today's Strands’ answers: What are NYT Strands and how to play the game? Tips for solving NYT Strands puzzle The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity. Read More Latest Mobiles Samsung Galaxy A16 5G ₹16,499 Lava O3 Pro ₹6,999 Vivo X200 5G ₹65,999 Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 5G ₹54,999 Lava Yuva 4 ₹6,999 Poco C75 5G ₹7,999 Tecno POP 9 4G ₹6,499 Itel Color Pro 5G ₹9,199 Vivo Y18T ₹9,499 Lava Blaze 3 5G ₹10,999