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The Opposition continues to crank up pressure on Speaker Asoka Ranwala to resign over what it calls his false claim to have a doctorate. The JVP-led NPP government may have expected its opponents’ campaign against the Speaker to fizzle out with the passage of time. In this country, controversies crop up at such a rate that one finds it well-nigh impossible to keep track of them, and that may be the reason why the government has chosen to remain silent on the issue of the Speaker’s educational qualifications. But the Opposition remains maniacally focused on the Speaker’s claim in question, and SJB MP Ajith Perera has gone on record as saying that unless Ranwala resigns forthwith, the Opposition will be compelled to move a motion of no confidence against him. The government has sought to make light of the situation, but in vain. The allegation that the third citizen of the country has made a false claim and misled the public and Parliament is too serious to be glossed over. Having failed to obfuscate the issue, the government is now evading questions thereon. Its ostrich-like posturing will only worsen the situation; the problem will not go away, given the Opposition’s determined bid to make the JVP/NPP bite the bullet and have Speaker Ranwala step down. The government finds itself in a quandary; if it continues to ignore calls for remedial action, its rivals will intensify their campaign against the Speaker, and if Ranwala succumbs to the Opposition’s pressure by any chance, that will be a huge comedown for the ruling alliance. However, the government cannot go on dilly-dallying and prevaricating indefinitely. It will have to grasp the nettle soon. If Speaker Ranwala fails to prove that he has a doctorate, and the government refuses to take any action, the Opposition is likely to go ahead with its no-faith motion. The JVP-NPP combine will find itself in a more unenviable position in such an eventuality. The government has a two-thirds majority in Parliament and therefore it can torpedo a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, but if it does so, its credibility and integrity will be at stake. While it was in opposition, it would take the moral high ground and tear all previous governments to shreds for defending their members who were in the wrong. Its frontal attacks on those administrations and its solemn pledge to usher in a new political culture resonated with the public, as evident from its spectacular electoral wins in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. Therefore, it will have to be mindful of the moral aspects of its actions as much as their legality. The JVP/NPP ascended to power by lowering the esteem of the national legislature in the eyes of the public with the help of an effective vilification campaign against the members of previous governments. It also pledged to raise the quality of the MPs and the standards of Parliament. In fact, it triggered a massive wave of anti-politics to make its victory possible. The issue of the incumbent Speaker’s educational qualifications and the Opposition’s campaign for his removal on the grounds that he has flaunted a fake doctorate is bound to have a corrosive effect on public trust in Parliament. This augurs ill for the country’s democratic wellbeing. It is incumbent upon the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament to have a serious discussion on the issue at hand and find a solution. They should do everything possible to obviate the need for a no-faith motion against the Speaker because such a situation would only further undermine public trust in the legislature and provide a big fillip to anti-politics. The JVP/NPP is in a dilemma. While defending the Speaker, it has to safeguard the integrity of its civic morality initiative aimed at improving the moral and ethical standards of electors and the elected alike. One is reminded of the Juvenalian question: Who guards the guards themselves?NoneNEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday celebrated BJP's spectacular win in Maharashtra as a triumph of his platform of unity, development and over INDIA bloc's politics of "divisiveness, negativity and deceit", as he sought to elevate his 'ek hain to safe hain' theme as the country's new "mahamantra". "After Haryana, the biggest message of this election is unity. 'Ek hain to safe hain' has become the 'mahamantra' of the country," a triumphant Modi said while addressing a celebration at the BJP headquarters. While hailing BJP's landslide, Modi framed the Maharashtra result as a defeat of Congress's focus on caste and said it was the message of unity, which triumphed in the state. "It has taught a lesson to those who make people fight in the name of caste, religion, language and region," he said. PM Modi said electoral victory in Maharashtra was not just for BJP but for a vision of India that prioritised unity and development. This victory, Modi said, was a clear rejection of Congress and "INDI alliance's" agenda, which he accused of dividing society. Modi also took the opportunity to critique opposition's governance model, particularly focusing on Congress-led states. He cited examples like Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal where, he claimed, promises made by Congress were unfulfilled, drawing parallels to the electorate's disillusionment with such politics. "People of Maharashtra saw how Congress govts are betraying people," he said, positioning BJP's governance as a stark contrast. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue The scale of BJP's win was unprecedented in Maharashtra, with Modi proudly declaring it "biggest victory for any party or pre-poll alliance in the state in the past 50 years". This wasn't just a political win but a mandate for BJP's continued governance, marking the third consecutive victory in the state, he added. "For the third time, BJP has emerged as the largest party in Maharashtra," he said. He criticised Congress for its 'duplicity', especially concerning figures like Veer Savarkar, who, he said, was insulted and misrepresented by the rival for political gains. He said Maharashtra election had exposed the "double face of INDI-Aghadi". Modi also touched upon the issue of urban Naxalism, labelling it as a new challenge, with its roots allegedly outside the country, and urged the youth to recognise this reality. The PM also reflected on the losses, like in Jharkhand, as a call for more dedicated effort in development.
Four in five men want to take action against domestic violence but almost half think they can't do anything to change it. or signup to continue reading A poll by not-for-profit organisation Our Watch reports 43 per cent of men believe they personally are unable to change the rate of violence against women. That is despite almost 80 per cent wanting to take action. Our Watch is a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia. The organisation says men and boys require a greater focus in combating domestic, family and sexual violence. "Men don't wake up one day and just decide to kill their partner," said violence prevention advocate Tarang Chawla. "It starts off in ways that might seem harmless – locker-room talk, sexist jokes, making fun of violence, objectifying women or asserting dominance over their partner. "I would love to see more men questioning controlling behaviour towards women. If we all play our role, we can help prevent harmful attitudes and behaviours potentially escalating to violence." The data comes from an online survey of 1001 Australians aged 18 and over, commissioned by Our Watch in September. It showed that 45 per cent of men said they feel pressure to act "stereotypically manly", mostly in the workplace and within a sporting club. "To stop violence before it starts, we must work with young men and boys at school, in workplaces and online to help them navigate the complexities of what healthy masculinities look like for them," Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said. Our Watch has launched resources for youth workers to better engage men and boys. They are also running a social media campaign during the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence. Thousands of Victorians took a stand against gendered violence last week marking the beginning of the worldwide campaign. In South Australia, a Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence is ongoing with the state's hotline receiving a record number of calls on the day the commission started its work in July. While the Northern Territory government is considering ways of removing Aboriginal children at risk of domestic and family violence following a coronial inquest into the deaths of nine Aboriginal women killed in the NT since June. So far in 2024, 85 women have allegedly been murdered by a man in Australia, according to Australian Femicide Watch. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
Rosen Law Firm Urges Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH) Stockholders with Large Losses to Contact the Firm for Information About Their RightsPHILADELPHIA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a leading global agricultural sciences company, today announced the election of Anthony DiSilvestro to the company's Board of Directors, effective December 12, 2024 . DiSilvestro will serve on the Audit and Compensation and Human Capital Committees. DiSilvestro brings more than 40 years of broad financial experience in multi-billion dollar companies to FMC's Board. He currently serves as the chief financial officer of Mattel Inc., where he has been instrumental in the successful financial turnaround of the company. Prior to Mattel, DiSilvestro held various senior leadership positions at Campbell Soup Company, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he played a key role in the successful defense of an activist-led proxy contest and led significant cost reduction and divestiture programs. "We are pleased to welcome Anthony to the FMC Board of Directors," said Pierre Brondeau, FMC chairman and chief executive officer. "His extensive experience in leading large transformations, developing and executing corporate strategies, and collaborating with executive leadership teams will be invaluable to FMC. We look forward to benefiting from his expertise and insights." DiSilvestro expressed his enthusiasm for joining FMC's Board, stating, "I am honored to join the Board of Directors of FMC Corporation, a company with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to contribute to FMC's continued success and value creation for all stakeholders." About FMC FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture – enable growers and crop advisers to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 5,800 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn ® . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fmc-corporation-announces-election-of-anthony-disilvestro-to-board-of-directors-302330762.html SOURCE FMC CorporationGabriel Martinelli enjoys redemption story as Arsenal put Sporting to the sword - 5 talking pointsBiden administration to loan $6.6B to EV maker Rivian to build Georgia factory that automaker paused
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy voted to pass H.R. 8070, the House version of the Servicemembers Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act, for for the coming fiscal year. Langworthy, R-23rd District, said this year’s NDAA delivers a significant pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, cuts what was termed as wasteful spending at the Pentagon and ensures the U.S. military "remains the strongest fighting force in the world." The House version of the bill also abolishes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy and climate change programs while banning the teaching, training or promotion of critical race theory. "Provisions of this legislation will prepare our counter threats from China, Russia, and Iran, while supporting National Guard deployments to secure our southern border — keeping America safe and strong,” the congressman said. The fiscal year 2025 NDAA will provide junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise and fully support the deployment of the National Guard at the southwest border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs, Langworthy said. The House bill is also meant to prevent Chinese espionage in the U.S. military, supply chains and research institutions, expand U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully fund cooperative missile defense programs. Other features of the bill include: • Increasing funding for defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense. • Saving $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons and what Langworthy called "bloated Pentagon bureaucracy." • Cutting $4 billion in programs that do not meet requirements. • Permanently banning taxpayer-funded transgender medical treatment for children of servicemembers and countering antisemitism by prohibiting the sale of goods at DOD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel. EARLIER THIS WEEK , the House unanimously passed Langworthy’s bipartisan Weather Alert Response and Notification Act (WARN Act, H.R. 2892) to modernize emergency alert systems nationwide. This legislation followed communication failures during Winter Storm Elliott, which claimed more than 40 lives in Western New York and the Southern Tier in December 2022. “People were trapped in their cars for days, many were trapped in their homes without power, and rescue crews struggled to get to those in need,” Langworthy said during remarks on the House Floor. “Some of these deaths could’ve been prevented, but local warning systems failed to adequately communicate the risks to the public. We can’t let this happen again. “Whether it’s a blizzard, a hurricane, a tornado, or other severe weather event, we must ensure that our emergency alert systems are timely, accurate, and capable of reaching everyone,” Langworthy added. “By equipping our communities with clearer, more actionable alerts, we can save lives and prevent tragedies like those experienced during Winter Storm Elliott. Preparation is the key to protecting lives and minimizing damage during these crises.” Specifically, the WARN Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the effectiveness of local, state, and federal emergency alert systems, with a focus on adopting cutting-edge technologies such as mobile alerts and satellite communications. The legislation aims to improve the clarity and reliability of alerts, providing critical support for emergency managers on the front lines of disasters, Langworthy said.
BEIJING , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Baijiayun Group Ltd ("Baijiayun" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RTC), a one-stop AI video solution provider, recently announced it has completed autumn upgrade. Driven by both technological development and market demands, the audio and video technology service market has entered a period of intensive cultivation and development. Baijiayun recently announced that it has carried out an important upgrade to its live and on-demand products, aiming to enhance the quality of live and on-demand products and provide customers with more targeted services. In terms of live broadcast products and services, Baijiayun has added multiple new functions. The newly added "My Invitation" and "Invitation Leaderboard" functions enable users watching the live broadcast to share the live broadcast link with one click and easily invite others to watch the live broadcast. The list of successfully invited users will be clearly displayed in the "My Invitation" area in the live broadcast room, enabling users to view their invitation results and sense of accomplishment of sharing. The newly added "Chat Messages on the Wall" function in the live broadcast room brings a brand-new experience to classroom interaction. Teachers or teaching assistants in the group classroom live broadcast room can easily set the wonderful remarks of students as "on the wall" for display, and the on-wall operation can be completed by double-clicking the message. This function not only enables teachers to highlight students' excellent viewpoints in real time but also makes the students whose remarks are set on the wall feel valued and encouraged, and at the same time greatly enhances the interactivity and participation of the classroom. Through this function, students can participate more actively in classroom discussions and jointly create an active and efficient learning atmosphere. In addition to the comprehensive optimization of live broadcast functions, Baijiayun has also carried out innovative upgrades in the on-demand video function. Among them, the addition of the on-demand intelligent translation function provides users with a more convenient and efficient learning experience. Baijiayun's live and on-demand products have added an "Intelligent Translation" service. It not only automatically generates bilingual subtitles but also allows intelligent translation, secondary editing, and deletion of subtitle content for the automatically generated subtitles and custom uploaded subtitle files. On the viewing end, students can choose to display bilingual or single-language subtitles according to their own needs. The intelligent translation function also provides educational institutions and teachers with a broader market and development space. Through translated subtitles, they can promote their course content to the global market and attract more students and fans. This not only helps to enhance their popularity and influence but also brings more business opportunities and benefits. About Baijiayun Group Ltd Baijiayun is a one-stop AI video solution provider with core expertise in SaaS/PaaS solutions. Baijiayun is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality video experiences across devices and localities and has grown rapidly since its inception in 2017. Premised on its industry-leading video-centric technologies, Baijiayun offers a wealth of video-centric technology solutions, including Video SaaS/PaaS, Video Cloud and Software, and Video AI and System Solutions. Baijiayun caters to the evolving communications and collaboration needs of enterprises of all sizes and industries. For more information, please visit ir.baijiayun.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements." These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the parties' perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The words "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend," and "plan" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and shareholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from the expectations as a result of a variety of factors. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are hard to predict or control, that may cause the actual results, performance, or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information provided herein represents the Company's estimates as of the date of this press release, and subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's estimates to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking information in the future. Therefore, this forward-looking information should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates of its future financial performance as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the documents the Company has filed or furnished or may file or furnish with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation. For investor and media enquiries, please contact: Company Contact: Ms. Fangfei Liu Chief Financial Officer, Baijiayun Group Ltd Phone: +86 25 8222 1596 Email: [email protected]Baltimore (8-5) at New York Giants (2-11) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Ravens by 16. Against the spread: Ravens 6-6-1; Giants 4-9. Series record: Ravens lead 5-3. Last meeting: Giants beat the Ravens 24-20 on Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. Last week: Ravens had a bye; Giants lost to Saints 14-11. Ravens: overall (1), rush (2), pass (5), scoring (3) Ravens defense: overall (22), rush (1), pass (32), scoring (23) Giants offense: overall (26), rush (15), pass (28), scoring (32) Giants defense: overall (16), rush (29), pass (6), scoring (T14) Turnover differential: Raven plus-2; Giants minus-8. K Justin Tucker is having the worst season of his outstanding career, and the potentially windy conditions in East Rutherford could post another challenge for him. Baltimore would love to see some signs that he's rounding into form as the playoffs draw closer. QB Tommy DeVito. He is probably going to get his second start of the season with Drew Lock in a walking boot. The New Jersey product didn't do much in a 30-7 loss to Tampa Bay in his first start. He was 21 of 31 for 189 yards and no touchdowns. Playing without Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence and fellow defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches, the young line held its own against Alvin Kamara and the Saints last week, limiting the team to 92 yards rushing on 33 carries. Slowing down the league's No. 1 offense and No. 2 running game led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will be a lot tougher. Ravens: WR Rashod Bateman (knee) practiced this week, and Balticmore is generally pretty healthy following its open date. NT Michael Pierce (calf) and LB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) practiced as well. Giants: CB Deonte Banks (ribs), ILB Bobby Okereke (back), Nunez-Roches (shoulder-neck), T Chris Hubbard (knee), CB Dru Phillips (shoulder), LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) all missed last week and could be out again. ... QB Drew Lock (heel), LG Jon Runyan Jr. (ankle) and CB Tre Hawkins (back) were hurt in the game. Hawkins and S Tyler Nubin (ankle) were placed on injured reserve. Runyan is week to week. Lock is unlikely. T Evan Neal (hip-ankle), T Josh Ezeudu (knee), S Dane Belton (knee), WR Malik Nabers (hip), DL Jordon Riley (knee) are on the injury report. The Giants have won the past three games, including the most recent one in Brian Daboll's first season as coach. The Ravens won the biggest game, beating New York 34-7 in the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens are coming off a bye week. ... Baltimore averages an NFL-leading 422.5 yards of offense. ... Jackson has had an NFL-best eight games of two or more touchdown passes and no interceptions. He's had no picks in 6 of 7 road games this season. ... WR Zay Flowers leads the team with 74 catches. ... Mark Andrews is tied for second among NFL tight ends with seven touchdown receptions. ... LB Roquan Smith aims for his fourth game in a row with at least 11 tackles. He is tied for fifth in the league with 121 tackles. ... LB Kyle Van Noy recovered a fumble for touchdown in his only game against the Giants. ... LB Odafe Oweh has had a sack in his past two road games. ... Nabers leads the Giants with 80 catches, 819 yards and three touchdown receptions. Fellow rookie RB Tyrone Tracy leads the team with 664 yards rushing and five TDs. ... WR Wan’Dale Robinson is second behind Nabers with 67 catches. The Giants are the only team with two players with at least 67 receptions. ... The Giants have an NFL-low eight touchdown receptions. ... Nubin led all rookies with 97 tackles before going on IR. ... Hawkins had an interception last week, the Giants' first since the season opener. ... OLB Brian Burns had a sack, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble against the Saints. .... ILB Micah McFadden had a team-high 11 tackles, including five for losses last week. He is the fifth player in the past five seasons with five TFLs in one game. ... OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux had sack and two TFLs last week. Ravens RB Derrick Henry. He rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns in only road game against the Giants. He is tied for the NFL lead with 15 overall TDs, 13 rushing. The 30-year-old is second in the league with 1,407 yards rushing and 1,532 yards from scrimmage. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
NoneLAHAINA, Hawaii — The Colorado men’s basketball time finally found its mettle in Maui. And they were rewarded with a monumental victory. Bouncing back from the trouncing CU received in its opening game of the Maui Invitational, the Buffs pulled off a stunner on Tuesday, topping No. 2, two-time defending national champion 73-72 at the Lahaina Civic Center. Andrej Jakimovski converted the winning points on a driving bucket with 5.9 seconds remaining, the Buffs recorded one final stop to pull off the upset. The victory tied the second-highest ranked win in CU’s program history. UConn led 40-32 at halftime, but early in the second half the Buffs reeled off 11 consecutive points to take their first lead at 48-46. The Huskies led 72-j69 after a putback basket by Jaylin Stewart with 1 minute, 29 seconds remaining. Elijah Malone converted the last of his 16 points to get CU within 72-71, and after a huge defensive play by Javon Ruffin got the ball back for the Buffs, Jakimovski was able to score the game-winner. CU (5-1) went 9-for-16 on 3-pointers and outrebounded UConn 28-26, one day after Michigan State outrebounded the Buffs by 13. Senior guard Julian Hammond III went 4-for-5 on 3-pointers and shared the team lead with 16 points, while Jakimovski recorded his first double-double with CU, finishing with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. The Buffs will play Tuesday’s winner between No. 5 Iowa State and Dayton in the Maui finale on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. MT.
Photo: The Canadian Press Nick Frosst, co-founder of Cohere, is shown at the AI company's offices in Toronto on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young The co-founders of two of Canada's top artificial intelligence firms say companies in the country are buzzing with excitement around the technology but turning that enthusiasm into products and tools takes too long. Cohere co-founder Nick Frosst says he has grown used to being approached by Canadian firms wanting to work with AI but they're slow to actually implement the technology. Frosst says it is hard to pinpoint where that lack of urgency comes from but he thinks part of it is embedded in Canada's culture. Nicole Janssen, the co-founder of AltaML, has had a similar experience. She says it takes 18 months for companies reaching out to her business to commit to using AI and then another 18 months to start doing something with it. She says the danger in this long lead time is that people get tired of devoting energy and resources to projects that are not immediately giving them a return on their investment and then this work falls to the wayside.
After losing 7-2 to the worst team in the Pacific Division on Monday, the Kings will pivot straight into Wednesday’s showdown with the NHL’s best club. The Winnipeg Jets just moved to 18-4-0 with a resounding 4-1 win over another early-season powerhouse, the Minnesota Wild. Now, Winnipeg’s trip south will signify a visit from some former Kings cohorts: Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari, all of whom became Jets as a result of the disastrous Pierre-Luc Dubois trade . Vilardi has continued to be one of the top net-front presences in the NHL on the power play as well as a threat from the slot offensively, while providing outstanding defense and winning 63.6% of his faceoffs this season. Iafallo has emerged as a solid second-unit contributor for Winnipeg and scored two goals against Minnesota, including one with the extra man that was his 100th career tally, while Kupari recorded an assist. They’ve operated behind the team’s top-five scorers – Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk – who have combined for 115 points in 22 games. During last season’s only meeting in Los Angeles, Vilardi scored a career-high four points to match the contributions of then-linemate Ehlers as the Jets turned a two-goal deficit into a comfortable win by way of five unanswered goals. That was part of a stretch of 34 straight games in which Winnipeg and its top goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, allowed three goals or fewer. This season, more feats have followed as the Jets have compiled the NHL’s best points total, points percentage, goal differential, power-play conversion rate, goals-against average and save percentage, all while scoring the most goals of any team. They’ve had two winning streaks of seven or more games in just 22 matches. While the Jets soared, the Kings remained in a holding pattern. They appeared to have four winnable games heading into this clash with the league’s top team, but continued their one-step-forward-one-step-back pattern by splitting bouts with Buffalo , Detroit , Seattle and San Jose. They’ve won consecutive games three times this season, but never more than two in a row. Their latest disappointment saw them fall to 0-2-0 in San Jose in 2024-25, losing to the lottery-bound Sharks on Monday in a game that was tied at the second intermission. No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini got the third-period party started with a goal for San Jose and later drew a penalty before scoring a second goal, five-on-three. Kings coach Jim Hiller said that no one should “disrespect” San Jose – which had dropped six of seven decisions entering the contest – but finally deemed an effort, in this case a five-goals-allowed final frame, to be “unacceptable.” “That’s not a team that’s trying to tank, that’s a good hockey team, strong players, real good back end. We played them three times, they beat us twice, we barely beat them in the one at home,” Hiller said. “We completely fell apart in the third period. That’s just unacceptable, what happened in the third.” Anže Kopitar’s hand stayed hot with a goal and an assist to match the two points of linemate Adrian Kempe. Kempe has notched 13 points over his past 12 games while Kopitar has 16 points across those same dozen contests, putting the 37-year-old on track to top his best single-season total of 92 points from the 2017-18 season. When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Crypto.com Arena How to watch: FDSNW