Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) Surprises With Q3 Sales But Quarterly Revenue Guidance Slightly Misses Expectations
Thank you, property rights!No. 12 Boise State holds off stubborn Wyoming 17-13 and advances to Mountain West title game
Galaxy aim to complete journey back to top in MLS Cup finalA judge has once again rejected Musk's multi-billion-dollar Tesla pay package. Now what? DETROIT (AP) — For a second time, a Delaware judge has nullified a pay package that Tesla had awarded its CEO, Elon Musk, that once was valued at $56 billion. On Monday, Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick turned aside a request from Musk’s lawyers to reverse a ruling she announced in January that had thrown out the compensation plan. The judge ruled then that Musk effectively controlled Tesla’s board and had engineered the outsize pay package during sham negotiations. Lawyers for a Tesla shareholder who sued to block the pay package contended that shareholders who had voted for the 10-year plan in 2018 had been given misleading and incomplete information. US job openings rose last month, though hiring slowed, in mixed picture for labor market WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of job postings in the United States rebounded in October from a 3 1/2 year low in September, a sign that businesses are still seeking workers even though hiring has cooled. Openings rose 5% to 7.7 million from 7.4 million in September. The increase suggests that job gains could pick up in the coming months. Still, the latest figure is down significantly from 8.7 million job postings a year ago. Last month, job openings rose sharply in professional and business services, a category that includes engineers, managers, and accountants, as well as in the restaurant and hotel and information technology industries. Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp., and he’s pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker. Trump said during the campaign that he would “instantaneously” block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a Monday night statement. President Joe Biden also opposes Nippon Steel’s purchase of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. A secretive U.S. committee is reviewing the transaction for national security concerns, and federal law gives the president the power to block the transaction. Nippon Steel is pledging to invest in U.S. Steel’s factories and strengthen the American steel industry. China bans exports to US of gallium, germanium, antimony in response to chip sanctions BANGKOK (AP) — China has announced a ban on exports to the United States of gallium, germanium and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced the move after the Washington expanded its list of Chinese companies subject to export controls on computer chip-making equipment, software and high-bandwidth memory chips. Such chips are needed for advanced applications. Beijing earlier had required exporters to apply for licenses to send strategically important materials such as gallium, germanium and antimony to the U.S. The 140 companies newly included in the U.S. so-called “entity list” subject to export controls are nearly all based in China. Small business owners brace for Trump's proposed tariffs Small businesses are bracing for stiff tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed as one of his first actions when he takes office. Trump has proposed importers pay a 25% tax on products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. This means small businesses may end up paying more for goods and services. Small business owners say they’re waiting to see what final form the tariffs take, but are bracing for higher costs that they may in turn need to pass on to consumers. A top Fed official leans toward December rate cut but says it depends on economic data WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Federal Reserve official says he is leaning toward supporting an interest rate cut when the Fed meets in two weeks but that evidence of persistent inflation before then could cause him to change that view. Speaking at George Washington University, Christopher Waller, a key member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, said he was confident that inflation is headed lower and that the central bank will likely keep reducing its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans. But he noted that there’s a risk that inflation “may be getting stuck above” the Fed’s 2% target, which would support an argument for keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged this month. US closes investigation into E. coli outbreak linked to onions in McDonald's Quarter Pounders The federal government has closed its investigation into an E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers after determining there is no longer a safety risk. The outbreak began in late October and sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, including 34 who were hospitalized, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One person in Colorado died and four people developed a potentially life-threatening kidney disease complication. The FDA linked the outbreak to yellow onions distributed by California-based Taylor Farms and served raw on Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s restaurants in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming and other states. McDonald’s briefly pulled Quarter Pounders from one-fifth of its U.S. restaurants. Melinda French Gates plans to match $1M in GivingTuesday gifts to groups that support women NEW YORK (AP) — Melinda French Gates is offering to match up to $1 million in gifts to two nonprofit organizations to help spur donations on GivingTuesday. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday has become a major annual fundraising day for nonprofits. Through her organization Pivotal Ventures, French Gates will match up to $500,000 in donations to the Vote Mama Foundation and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. In an interview with The Associated Press, she said, “It’s a great time to remind people that we’re better off when we give something back and we all have something to give back." Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more records NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records after a quiet day of trading. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, on Tuesday to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. The South Korean won sank against the dollar after its president declared martial law and then later said he’ll lift it. Is Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughing HOUSTON (AP) — Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in corporate fraud and greed in America after it went bankrupt in 2001, is coming back. But the infamous company's return seems to be an elaborate joke. If its return is comedic, some former Enron employees who lost everything in the company’s collapse aren’t laughing. They're angry at a publicity stunt they say minimizes what they went through. Enron was once the nation’s seventh-largest company, but it went bankrupt amid massive accounting fraud. On Monday, a company representing itself as Enron announced it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” But a paper trail of legal documents points to the comeback being parody and performance art.
NoneQatar tribune Satyendra Pathak Doha Qatar’s healthcare landscape entered a transformative phase with the launch of the inaugural Qatar Medicare 2024 in Doha on Tuesday. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and in partnership with Qatar Chamber, the three-day event serves as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations, fostering collaborations, and driving investments in the healthcare sector. Organised by International Fairs & Promotions (IFP Qatar), the first edition of Qatar’s international healthcare and medical trade exhibition and conferenceit brings together over 100 local and international companies, uniting stakeholders, experts, and investors to redefine the future of healthcare in Qatar andbeyond. The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Preventive Programs at MoPH, alongside prominent figures including Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, secretary general of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, chair of the health committee at Qatar Chamber. Their participation highlights Qatar’s commitment to establishing a world-class healthcare system that integrates innovation andsustainability. Speaking on the occasion, Al Ahmadani said, “The healthcare sector is a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, and the state is working tirelessly to build a high-quality, efficient healthcare system through the National Health Strategy 2024–2030 under the theme ‘Health for All.’ The private sector will play a pivotal role in achieving this vision, given its proven capabilities in delivering exceptional healthcareservices.” She said, “Qatar Chamber is fully committed to encouraging investors and business owners to engage in healthcare and pharmaceutical projects, leveraging the sector’s investment-friendly environment. We are also dedicated to fostering collaboration between public and private entities to enhance sustainability and achieve self-sufficiency in medical services and pharmaceuticals. “Qatar Medicare provides an exceptional platform for stakeholders in the healthcare sector to network, exchange ideas and expertise, and showcase the latest innovations and technological solutions in the field. This contributes to fostering collaboration and building new partnerships that benefit everyone involved.” Al Emadi said, “We are pleased to take part in Qatar Medicare Exhibition, particularly following the successful conclusion of the QRCS’s second Annual Scientific Conference. This event provides an invaluable platform for exploring cutting-edge medical solutions and pioneering initiatives while offering opportunities to engage with representatives from local and international healthcare institutions, exchange expertise, and learn about innovations in health and emergency care. Participating in this event underscores our commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, enhancing collaboration with healthcare partners, and developing innovative projects that serve both Qatar and the global healthcare sector.” The exhibition features the participation and sponsorship of a diverse range of key governmental and semi-governmental entities vital to Qatar’s healthcare sector. Key partners include Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation as official partners, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology as the government partner, Al Jazira Healthcare Manufacturing Company as diamond sponsor, the Qatar Red Crescent Society and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar as the gold sponsors, and the Qatar Cancer Society as the silver sponsor. Additionally, a broad array of private sector entities, including hospitals, medical centers, insurance companies, medical equipment suppliers and healthcare service providers, are actively involved, showcasing the seamless collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing healthcare in Qatar. The exhibition showcases the latest healthcare innovations and technologies, presented by participating local and international entities, aiming to improve efficiency and quality of care, with an emphasis on digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, medical robotics, and electronic health records. It also explores investment opportunities in Qatar’s healthcare sector and plans for expanding healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, it includes specialised workshops and accredited sessions tailored for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge of global best practices, while highlighting initiatives to improve healthcare services, including advances in primary care, disease prevention, and chronic disease management. IFP Qatar General Manager Haidar Mshaimesh said, “The Qatar Medicare exhibition is an ideal platform for building partnerships between the public and private sectors in healthcare. Furthermore, it connects government entities like the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation with private companies, enabling networking and collaboration. The event also helps private companies explore investments in state-led healthcare projects, contributing to the development of Qatar’s healthcare infrastructure, while promoting knowledge and technology transfer between global and local companies and government entities, fostering the adoption of innovative solutions to strengthen the healthcaresystem.” Additionally, Mshaimesh said, “It features panel discussions and workshops to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences and the development of strategic alliances. The exhibition promotes partnerships that increase reliance on local healthcare products and services, reducing foreign dependence and promoting economic sustainability. It also highlights global standards in healthcare, such as patient safety and quality of care, while encouraging Qatari companies to deliver innovative medical services and products. This, in turn, strengthens the independence of the healthcare system and enhances the sector’s appeal to foreign investors.” Al Jazira Healthcare Manufacturing Company CEO Ashraf Alshoun said, “The event’s Diamond Sponsor, stated: “Our company is dedicated to meeting the growing needs of Qatar’s healthcare system by providing high-quality medical supplies. Through our participation in this event, we aim to showcase our latest innovations, which are key to advancing the healthcare sector.” Joe Hazel, CEO of Apex Health, a leading healthcare group, said, “Apex Health is glad to participate in Qatar Medicare 2024, showcasing our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in Qatar and the region. As Qatari healthcare company with a growing regional footprint, we are dedicated to supporting the development of world-class healthcare systems that prioritise innovation, accessibility, and excellence, ensuring healthier futures for all.” The conference agenda covers key topics including Qatar’s e-health Strategy, mechanisms for advancing Qatar National Vision 2030, strategic health infrastructure investments, and building a competitive healthcare system. It also examines the National Health Strategy (2024–2030), the modernisation programme for Hamad General Hospital, alongside initiatives to provide high-quality healthcare for migrant workers in Qatar. Additionally, the conference explores future technologies transforming the healthcare sector through specialized sessions presented by Mannai Corporation (Cisco), the exclusive Technology Partner, featuring leading experts. While Al Emadi Hospital, the Silver Sponsor, will shed light on excellence in healthcare technologies and services. Al Emadi Hospital Group CEO & Medical Director Abdulelah Al Adimi said, “We are delighted to participate in this event, which marks a significant milestone in the development of Qatar’s healthcare sector. This exhibition is a key platform for bringing together medical expertise and experience under one roof, reflecting Qatar’s ongoing support for healthcare improvement. “It also highlights the advancements in the healthcare system and fosters collaboration between health institutions and specialized companies. As the first private hospital established in Qatar, the participation of Al Emadi Hospital Group and its branches in this event, underscores its commitment to adopting new medical technologies and artificial intelligence to provide the best possible care to the community.” The conference will also explore methods for decoding healthcare data through analytics and artificial intelligence to extract actionable insights. Additionally, accredited training from Metco Care Health Services, the silver sponsor, will tackle the fundamentals of healthcare analytics, covering its applications in healthcare, including forecasting, simulation, real-world use cases, value-based care, population health management and healthcare analytics. For the first time, the event will feature a stage for innovative healthcare startups, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, enabling them to showcase their solutions and initiatives to a targeted audience of investors and healthcare leaders. Participants can showcase their groundbreaking concepts, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore potential partnerships with key industry players. Startups will also have the chance to give live presentations, demonstrating the practical impact of theirinnovations. Copy 04/12/2024 10
Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level MediaJeanty named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, Danielson Coach of the Year3 Best Meme Coin Presales for Exponential Returns: Experts Choose the Best of the Best
Girls soccer photos: Group 1 final - Mountain Lakes vs. Haddon Township, Saturday, Nov. 23
Israeli strikes without warning in central Beirut kill at least 15 as diplomats push for cease-fireENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Faced with the deadline to bring wide receiver Josh Reynolds back on to the roster from injured reserve, the Denver Broncos waived the eight-year veteran Tuesday. The Broncos, who had designated Reynolds to return from injured reserve Nov. 13, had to either move Reynolds to the 53-player roster this week or keep him on injured reserve to retain him. With two rookies now regularly in the receiver rotation to go with Marvin Mims Jr . in his second year, the Broncos chose to waive Reynolds instead. If they choose, they could bring Reynolds back to their practice squad if he clears waivers Wednesday. If he goes unclaimed, Reynolds would be a free agent, able to sign with any team. Editor's Picks 'It wasn't perfect,' but Broncos find way to wild win 11h Jeff Legwold Jeudy's Denver return: 'A lot of boos ... catches too' 16h Daniel Oyefusi Week 14 NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus a first-time Pro Bowl nominee for every team 6h NFL Nation He had 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown in five games, having suffered a fractured finger Oct. 6 on his touchdown catch against the Las Vegas Raiders . Reynolds signed a two-year, $9 million deal with the Broncos in free agency this past March and the Broncos will pay him $4.245 million guaranteed for his five-game tenure. Broncos coach Sean Payton, who said it was "good to have [Reynolds] back'' Nov. 13 when Reynolds returned to practice to start the 21-day clock, has continued to laud the efforts of rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin . Both have worked their way into the rotation at receiver -- Vele is second among the team's wide receivers in catches (33) and yards receiving (377). Mims had his second career 100-yard receiving game in Monday night's win over the Cleveland Browns with 105 yards on three catches, including the Broncos' longest scoring play of the season, a 93-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Reynolds has been on injured reserve since he hurt his hand, but he also was one of two men injured in a shooting in Denver in October. Reynolds suffered what police termed as "non-life threatening'' injuries to his head and left arm. Denver Police later announced they had arrested two men in connection to the shooting: Burr Charlesworth, 42, and Luis Mendoza, 35. They were charged with six counts of first-degree attempted murder, six counts of first-degree assault and additional felonies. Reynolds has not spoken publicly about the incident.It would be fair to say that as voters in last month’s presidential election were giving Republicans control of all three branches of the federal government, they were tacitly rejecting the left-leaning cultural values that California politicians constantly espouse. Republican Donald Trump’s campaign effectively weaponized Vice President Kamala Harris’ California roots in sweeping the battleground states, most notably in an ad featuring a video clip of her advocating sex-change surgery for transexual prison inmates. “Kamala is for they/them. Trump is for you,” the spot concludes. Post-election analysts, including the New York Times, have cited it as the single most effective ad of the campaign. Furthermore, the results also imply that the Harris campaign’s focus on abortion rights, another favorite theme of Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California political figures, didn’t help her. Voters in states that opted for Trump, including neighboring Nevada and Arizona, were primarily driven by economic issues, specifically inflation in living costs during the administration of Harris and President Joe Biden. Whether the administration was actually responsible for inflation is debatable, but also beside the point. When voters are dissatisfied with the status quo, for whatever reason, they often take it out on the party in power at the moment. Harris easily defeated Trump in California, as expected, to claim its 54 electoral votes, but the state was not immune to the issues that brought her downfall elsewhere, particularly the cost of living. California’s families must cope with arguably the highest prices for the necessities of life of any state — such things as housing, gasoline and electric power. Even commodities which should be less expensive in California, such as food, are costly because producing, packaging and selling them reflect the high expenses of suppliers. The cost of living is the major factor in California’s having the nation’s highest rate of functional poverty, 15.4%, as calculated by the Census Bureau. Using a similar methodology, the Public Policy Institute of California calculates that in 2023, 31.1% of Californians are living either in or near poverty. In the aftermath of the election, the Democrats who dominate all branches of state government have suddenly discovered that the cost of living is a burning issue that should be addressed. As the Legislature reconvened this week for its biennial session, its leaders said doing something about living costs will be a high priority. “Our constituents don’t feel the state of California is working for them,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas told colleagues as the session began. “That’s their lived experience in this moment. Our task this session is urgent and clear. We must chart a new path forward, and it begins by focusing on affordability. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | Donald Trump must replace Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis Opinion Columnists | Larry Elder: Biden breaks his promise and pardons his son Opinion Columnists | California’s unaccountable homeless industrial complex Opinion Columnists | Unions fight to keep American ports dangerous and inefficient Opinion Columnists | This holiday season, be thankful for the taxpayer protections we have in California “California will always be America’s destination for dreams and opportunities,” he added. “But we need to consider every bill through the lens of Californians who are anxious about affordability. Specifically, we must focus on building more housing and lowering energy costs.” However there’s not a lot that Newsom and legislators can do to materially affect the cost of living. If anything, prices for one vital commodity, gasoline, will likely see a big jump because Newsom’s Air Resources Board has just ordered changes in fuel to lower greenhouse emissions. Republicans have been urging Newsom to set aside the decision, but he has defended it as a necessary element of California’s campaign to reduce hydrocarbon use. Moreover, electric power costs are increasing sharply as utilities bury power transmission lines to reduce their role in wildfires. California’s politicos are talking a good game about inflation, but whether they can and will deliver remains very uncertain. Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.
NoneSeventeen-hour standoff in Vallejo ends with arrest
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The bright blue electrical boxes, equipped with small switches, red knobs and winding valves, might seem foreign to the average person, but they’re very familiar to Omaha Northwest students. A group of sophomores, juniors and seniors has used the equipment to learn multiple skills and even earn certifications through Northwest’s energy systems technology pathway. It’s one of many career and technical education programs in the Omaha Public Schools. It’s been three years since the district expanded college and career academies and pathways to all nine high schools. The programming was once available to only a select few but is now mandatory for all students. The move was initially controversial among some staff and parents, with some saying the changes were rushed or didn’t make sense. But OPS officials said the plan would give students critical career skills while they explore job industries in an engaging way. 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Colleen Williams joins other anchors in departing NTV Rest assured, Nebraska volleyball fans: The missing fan behind the servers will be back Saturday Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead on I-29 in Missouri Request to rezone residential property to industrial sparks discussion at York City Council Vicki and Naomi Brownell The spirit of Bob Ross visits York Believers bought airplane for dead preacher thinking he’d rise from grave to fly in it Stromsburg man faces child pornography charges Former Millard West wrestling champion dies after being struck by vehicle near Nebraska City York’s Loosvelt realizes dream, signs to wrestle at Chadron State New sick leave law promises change, but adds worry for Nebraska businesses York County controversy over rules for solar farms rears its head again Tussle between Nebraska and USC over Husker prayer at midfield Dukes land six on Central Conference volleyball Time and TV information for Nebraska football's game vs. Wisconsin The district isn’t alone in expanding such offerings. Schools, nonprofits and education officials across Nebraska and the U.S. are boosting career technical education (CTE) to keep up with industry demand and increase opportunities for secondary students. “Schools are expanding their CTE offerings to meet the needs of both students and employers, with a focus on those fields most in demand in Nebraska, such as health care, advanced manufacturing and information technology,” said Katie Graham, state director of the Nebraska Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education. “These areas reflect growing industries across Nebraska, and we’re seeing more students enrolling in these pathways as they recognize the value of industry-aligned education.” Gavin Craig studies during an energy systems technology pathway course at Omaha Northwest on Oct. 31. The number of Nebraska students in grades 7-12 who participate in career technical education has increased in recent years. The number of Nebraska students in grades 7-12 who participated in career technical education increased from 114,285 in the 2020-21 school year to 128,486 last school year, according to the Nebraska Department of Education. Career technical education gives students “the opportunity to explore careers and acquire real-world skills while learning the academic content they need for their future,” according to a 2022-23 report from the state’s Education Department. It also provides employers a skilled workforce to meet the demand for job openings. CTE includes a long list of industries, including agriculture, business, marketing, computer science, health science, skilled and technical science and more. For years, many of these fields experienced labor shortages, sparking changes on local, state and federal levels to create more CTE programming and funding to increase the workforce, according to Advance CTE, the national association of state CTE directors. In 2023, 47 states enacted 115 policies regarding CTE and career readiness, according to the latest Advance CTE national report. The focus on CTE has escalated in Nebraska as government officials and lawmakers have worked to prevent the state’s increasing “brain drain” — a net loss of college-educated people through migration to other states. Changes implemented in recent years include a two-year, $20 million contract to scale up the state’s internship program and more funding for the Nebraska Career Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to college students pursuing degrees in high-demand career fields. For the first time, the Nebraska Legislature also obligated $5 million of its annual budget for schools to implement CTE programming. “We see this all as a win, win, win. It’s state money that’s building a state solution, you know, for everyone who’s playing,” Graham said. “We’re so excited. Businesses are excited. We just need to get more students.” At Omaha Northwest, students in the energy systems technology pathway learn skills that can prepare them for a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, automotive and power production. The pathway is also a dual-credit program with Metropolitan Community College. Students study during an energy systems technology pathway course at Omaha Northwest High School on Oct. 31. Teresa Bender, Northwest’s curriculum specialist, said creating the energy pathway has been challenging but rewarding. The school had to get rid of its traditional industrial classes, such as woodshop and welding, to make room for the pathway program. “The goal is to have a dual-enrollment opportunity and a certificate opportunity, and in the beginning, it was terrifying and felt very hard and scary,” Bender said. “Employers look at those certificates and say, ‘Great, you know how to do this.’ It’s been phenomenal for our kids, because that way, it might not get them a job, but it’s going to help build their résumé. And that’s the heart of it.” So far, students in the program have been able to earn certifications from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and in skills like precision measurements, a critical expertise in industrial jobs. Todd Wesslund, instructor for the energy systems technology pathway, said students will graduate high school with enough credits to be halfway through an associate’s degree. “It bridges the gap a lot more between high school and college or employment,” Wesslund said. “I have no doubt we’re going to have students that just go straight into the workforce. But if a student wants to go to a university system and and major in mechanical engineering, this is it. They will be way beyond where the other students are.” School districts around Nebraska have been leaning into career technical education in recent years. In August, the Fremont Public Schools opened a $28 million high school career and technical education center that offers programming in auto mechanics, welding, construction drafting, mechatronics, robotics and health sciences. In the metro area, the Elkhorn Public Schools unveiled a new CTE scholarship program in May. Students receive funding depending on how many CTE courses they take, plus dedication to internship, community service and extracurricular hours. Seniors can qualify for $500, $900 or $1,350 in college tuition scholarships depending on their degree of involvement. The Bellevue district also finished a multimillion-dollar renovation of its career center this fall to boost CTE offerings for students. Bellevue’s Frank Kumor Career Center offers academies in automotive maintenance, aviation, certified nursing assistance and education. Brad Stueve, Bellevue’s coordinator of college and career education and enrollment, said the district has been increasing its focus on CTE over recent years. “We have a pretty robust population of kids that take our career and technical education classes. And we have a lot of great programs at both our high schools,” he said. “We have the welding programs, construction, metals classes, woods classes. The career center has just taken that to the next level and allowing these kids to take a deeper dive into some of these other careers that we offer.” The Nebraska Department of Education is also using its new funding to launch many projects around CTE. Department officials recently launched an online labor market navigation tool for schools to use in order to identify high-demand careers and other local CTE data. Graham said the department is finishing a statewide workplace experiences portal, which will be a “one-stop shop” for schools and local businesses to connect. “We’ve partnered with Avenue Scholars, which has successfully run the InternOmaha program for years — we are scaling and enhancing their internship platform and making it available at no cost to schools or businesses statewide,” Graham said. “We’re hopeful this will reduce the burden on both schools and businesses in establishing these partnerships to create authentic workplace experience opportunities for all Nebraska learners.” Northwest senior Matthews Gebreyesus said he didn’t know anything about the school’s energy pathway but now credits the program for skills that will help him after graduation, even if he doesn’t pursue the same industry. Gebreyesus said he’s planning to enroll in a college business program next year. “It’s interesting to learn new things. It’s just a fun experience,” he said. “It’s nice to learn a new skill, something that I never knew, and I can use it outside of school.” Bender said the next step in Omaha Northwest’s energy pathway is to create internship opportunities. Starting next year, school officials will begin partnering with local businesses to give students hands-on experience. Bender said career pathway programs only work if there’s an industry need. Otherwise, Nebraska’s youths end up moving “to a different industry or market, outside of the state, outside of the city,” she said. “That’s not what we want. We want our kids to stay here,” Bender said. “We want to grow our own economy, and in order for us to do that, we have to meet the needs of what our larger community is asking for, and that’s exactly what we got here.” 2024 Nebraska high school football state championship matchups Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
KYIV, (Ukraine): Ukraine on Thursday accused Russia of having deployed a ballistic missile designed to carry nuclear warheads for the first time in history which, if confirmed, would be a major escalation of the war. Ukrainian allies have yet to confirm initial assessments from Kyiv’s military that Russia had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Kremlin has not denied it used the weapon, which can strike targets from a distance of thousands of kilometres, spokesman Dmitri Peskov refusing to comment when questioned. The Ukrainian air force said Moscow had launched the nuclear-capable missile as part of a barrage towards the central city of Dnipro, where local authorities said an infrastructure facility was hit and two civilians were wounded. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said experts were examining evidence before confirming an intercontinental ballistic missile had been fired by “our crazy neighbour”. He said that the attack bore “all the characteristics” of an ICBM attack and accused the Kremlin of “using Ukraine as a testing ground”. Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesman said analysts were preparing their “expert conclusions” while adding that the attack bore “all flight characteristics of an ICBM”. “The strike itself proves: Russia does not seek peace. To the contrary, it makes every effort to expand the war,” spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said in a statement on social media. The attack on Dnipro comes just days after several foreign embassies shuttered temporarily in the Ukrainian capital, citing the threat of a large-scale strike. Tension has been building between Moscow and Kyiv’s allies in the West since Ukrainian forces struck Russian territory with Western-supplied long-range weapons on Tuesday after getting the green light from Washington. Asked whether Moscow had fired an ICBM, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said he had “nothing to say on this topic”. He did however say the Kremlin was doing everything to avoid a nuclear conflict, having updated its nuclear doctrine this week. “We have stressed in the context of our doctrine that Russia is taking a responsible position to make maximum effort not to allow such a conflict,” Peskov said. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman received a phone call during a live press briefing, in which she was ordered not to comment on reports of the ballistic strike, video showed. Yuzhmash is the Russian name of an aerospace manufacturer — now called Pivdenmash — in Dnipro that produced missiles during the Soviet era and is reported now to make satellites. Russia claimed to have struck the facility in September this year. Western countries reacted with alarm. “While we’re assessing the full facts it’s obvious that such (an) attack would mark yet another clear escalation from the side of (Vladimir) Putin,” European Union foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano told reporters. The United Kingdom said the strike would be “reckless and escalatory” if confirmed. France said it would represent an “extremely serious” incident. Ukraine’s air force said it had downed missiles launched on the industrial city, without elaborating on whether the alleged intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was among those downed. The head of the Dnipropetrovsk region where the city of Dnipro is located said the Russian aerial bombardment damaged a rehabilitation centre and several homes, as well as an industrial enterprise. “Two people were wounded — a 57-year-old man was treated on the scene and a 42-year-old woman was hospitalised,” said the official, Sergiy Lysak. Fabian Hoffmann, a research fellow at the University of Oslo, who specialises in missile technology, said Russia had nothing to gain militarily by using an ICBM in such an attack. “This is all about the political effect. This is not about the military value,” Hoffmann told AFP. Russia and Ukraine have escalated their use of long-range missiles in recent days since the Washington gave Kyiv permission to use its Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against military targets inside Russia — a long-standing Ukrainian request. British media meanwhile reported on Wednesday that Kyiv had launched UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles at targets in Russia after being given the green light from London. The defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday its air-defence systems had downed two Storm Shadows, without saying whether they had come down on Russian territory or in occupied Ukraine. The missile escalation is coming at a critical moment on the ground for Ukraine, as its defensive lines buckle under Russian pressure across the sprawling front line. Russia claimed deeper advances in the war-battered Donetsk region, announcing on Thursday that its forces had captured another village close to Kurakhove, closing in on the town after months of steady advances. Moscow’s defence ministry said Russian forces had taken the small village of Dalne, five kilometres (three miles) south of Kurakhove. Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said that 26 people had been wounded in another strike on the town of Kryvyi Rig, where Zelensky was born.
Ukrainian newcomers will soon have two new places to call home in Guelph and Wellington County. Volunteer group Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis has announced it is ready to open two new Ukrainian Guest houses in Guelph and Elora later this month – its first locations in both areas. Grassroots founder Stephanie Goertz said the homes are used to house Ukrainian newcomers who aren’t considered refugees and don’t receive as much support from the federal government. “The benefit of our houses is they not only provide an opportunity for people who really have a lack of money to rent their own or can’t find a landlord willing to rent to them because they don’t have a job or a credit history, it really allows these newcomers to build the social connections to need to be much more successful in Canada,” said Goertz in an interview. Grassroots’ newest property in Guelph/Eramosa was found thanks to a connection from the Rotary Club, which had a member with property available that he wanted to offer the group to “help and support displaced Ukrainians.” The location is set to open in the next couple of weeks as it needs “a couple of small renovations” including painting and new flooring. Located five minutes south of Elora, Goertz said the owners of the Centre Wellington property reached out to them after seeing a press release online several months ago and since their tenant was moving out decided they wanted to “use their property to help others.” “We are always seeking out landlords and property owners that have properties available,” said Goertz. “And the property owners themselves want to give back. They want to help newcomers, and they want to work with us in a collaborative way. So we’re always looking for those landlords.” The group is currently working to get its Elora location ready for a family with a mother, teenage daughter and dog, who are set to arrive later this week. As some of the other houses couldn’t support a family with a pet, Goertz said the Elora property came at “the perfect time” as the group has been working for the last two weeks to figure out where to settle this family. “Right now, the house is completely empty- we’re still getting in and cleaning,” said Goetz. “But over the next day or two, we’ll have everyone setting up the house with dishes, bedding, towels, soap, hygiene items and all that stuff for the welcome.” Outside of housing, Goertz said one of the best ways to support the group is through employment opportunities. The group is currently looking to connect with employers in Guelph or Elora that might have a job for one of their newcomers. “Right now we are desperately calling as many as possible this week to find companies who would be willing to talk with us about hiring Ukrainian newcomers,” said Goertz. “We would love to, in the next week, find at least two or three companies and then connect them with the people that need employment so that when we move those people into the house,...they have everything they need and then it gets them on their feet.” Grassroots is also currently looking for financial support as it’s anticipated more newcomers will be directed their way once government support is cut off in March. 2025 and they want to continue helping new families and providing their existing support beyond the deadline. “Our operational budget is quite extensive. So, yes, we want to keep expanding. Yes, want to keep helping people, but we need the financial support because if we don’t get the financial support, then we close,” said Goertz. “And right now we can’t really close because there’s no other groups that are really doing what we’re doing for Ukrainian newcomers.” This help continues to be important for newcomers like Lyudmila Chentsova, who arrived in Roseville last spring with her sons after connecting with a host family through Grassroots- passport in hand, two weeks before her flight to Canada was planned. Since arriving in Canada, Chentsova has found employment and reunited with her husband in Canada thanks to Grassroots and continues to volunteer with the group in the hopes she can be “useful” to the community. “I was so happy when I heard from Grassroots,” said Chentsova. “This has been a big help for me and for my family.” Any donations and/or inquiries should be directed towards Grassroots’ website: https://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca/ Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.