NoneHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) — Josh Dilling's 22 points helped Northern Kentucky defeat Norfolk State 71-62 on Sunday. Dilling also had five rebounds for the Norse (5-6, 1-0 Horizon League). Sam Vinson added 21 points while going 4 of 5 and 13 of 15 from the free-throw line while they also had five assists and three steals. LJ Wells finished 5 of 7 from the field to finish with 10 points. Brian Moore Jr. led the Spartans (6-6) in scoring, finishing with 12 points and two steals. Terrance Jones added 12 points for Norfolk State. Kuluel Mading also had 12 points. Northern Kentucky plays Wednesday against Detroit Mercy at home, and Norfolk State takes on Alabama State on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
New Video Emerges of UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Suspected Killer
Home | Hyderabad | Hyderabad Traffic Restrictions In Place On Dec 1 In View Of Mala Simha Gharjana Meeting At Parade Grounds Hyderabad: Traffic restrictions in place on Dec 1 in view of ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade Grounds General passengers who are intending to travel by evening trains of Secunderabad Railway Station and by RTC buses through Jubilee Bus Station are requested to start early to reach in time By Telangana Today Published Date - 30 November 2024, 11:23 PM Representational Image Hyderabad: In connection with the ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on December 1, between 1pm and 8pm, certain traffic restrictions have been placed in the surroundings on the day. General passengers who are intending to travel by evening trains of Secunderabad railway station and by RTC buses through Jubilee Bus Station are requested to start early to reach railway station in time and also advised to utilise the Metro Rail service. Traffic congestion points: *Alugaddabavi – Secunderabad Railway Station – Sangeet ‘X’ road – Clock Tower – Patny –Paradise – St.John’s Rotary – Begumpet – YMCA – CTO – Rasoolpura – Balamrai – Brooke Bond – Tivoli –Sweekar Upkaar . *Bowenpally – Tadbund – Ranigunj – Tank Bund – Karkhana – JBS – RTA Trimulgherry – Bowenpally Market and AOC. *Punjagutta – Khairatabad – Green Lands – Raj Bhavan. Hyderabad Traffic Police requested citizens to make note of the diversions and take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. Follow Us : Tags Hyderabad Mala Simha Gharjana Parade Grounds Secunderabad Related News Watch: Fuel spill on Kushaiguda-Nagaram road in Hyderabad turns dangerous for motorists Golden Eagles soar to victory in nail-biting TPGL finale in Hyderabad NIHOC International School shines with thrilling first Annual Sports Day: Over 300 young champs steal the Show Singareni launches social media QR codes to share information
WASHINGTON — The economic and technological rivalry between the United States and China has come to the drone market, where Chinese-made flying devices are a dominant player. Lawmakers in Washington are seeking to ban new sales of drones from two dominant Chinese manufacturers, arguing they could be used to spy on Americans and that the low-cost models are hurting the U.S. drone industry. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.
Hyderabad: Three drug peddlers were arrested after the special operations team (SOT), LB Nagar zone along with Choutuppal police busted an interstate drug peddling racket on Tuesday, December 24. Around 14 kg of contraband ganja worth Rs 4 lakh were seized from them. The three accused – Chelluri Nagavenkata Krishnaveni, 39, a resident of Narsipatnam; Adduri Prasad, 29 and Kimudu Prashanth, 25, both auto drivers from Andhra Pradesh – were caught while transporting ganja from Narsipatnam in Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad, police said. They had purchased ganja from a man named Muthem Prasad in Narsipatnam at a price of Rs 5000 per kg and intended to sell it for Rs 12000 per kg in the city. Concealing the drugs in a luggage bag, the three men boarded a bus at Narsipatnam but decided to deboard at Choutuppal after they grew fearful of police checks. They decided to wait for further instructions from their Hyderabad handler, Tribhuwan Gopal Rewar. However, they were caught by the police at the Choutuppal bus stand. The three men turned drug peddlers in the hope of earning easy money after facing financial issues. All three have also spent jail time in the past for various crimes, police said.
By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Ray'Sean Taylor had 18 points in SIU-Edwardsville's 100-52 win over Eureka on Sunday. Taylor finished 6 of 9 from 3-point range for the Cougars (7-4). Jordan Pickett shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 7 from the line to add 17 points. Ring Malith had 16 points and shot 6 for 7, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc. Raymond Bandzoumouna Jr. led the way for the Red Devils with 10 points. Sam DeJesus added eight points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Steelers and Ravens will edge the Texans on Christmas DayNoneBy Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .
Army faces a perilous future, former chief tells new officersHONOLULU (AP) — KyeRon Lindsay and Terence Harcum each scored 16 points as Murray State beat Loyola Chicago 71-68 on Wednesday for seventh place at the Diamond Head Classic. Lindsay also had five rebounds and four steals for the Racers (7-6). Harcum went 5 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 6 from 3-point range, and 4 for 6 from the line. AJ Ferguson shot 4 of 8 from the field and 2 for 4 from the line to finish with 11 points. The Ramblers (9-4) were led by Miles Rubin, who posted 16 points and three blocks. Des Watson added 12 points and Sheldon Edwards had 10 points. Lindsay scored eight points in the first half and Murray State went into halftime trailing 36-34. Harcum led the way with 10 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .
Subscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - In order to meet the rising demand for power and accomplish its carbon reduction targets, Japan has revealed an updated energy strategy. Also Read Japan targets Google over antitrust violations and market dominance The plan, which was presented to a panel of experts by the Industry Ministry, aims to increase nuclear energy and renewable electricity by 2040, with a goal of 40–50% renewables and 20% nuclear, according to ABC News, marking a significant shift from the post-Fukushima phaseout policy, which followed the 2011 nuclear disaster. The plan emphasizes the need of low-carbon energy sources to meet data centers' and semiconductor factories' growing demand for power. Japan will promote renewable energy as the primary power source and decrease its reliance on coal-fired power, which now accounts for almost 70% of the country's electricity, to 30–40%. Majority of Japanese favor new pro-nuclear energy strategy 🇯🇵 ♥️ ☢️ 👍 55% of people surveyed support plan to utilize nuclear power “to the fullest extent,” according to a Nikkei poll 👎 31% oppose ⚡️ Japan aims to depend on nuclear power for decades to curb fossil fuel imports pic.twitter.com/4NO4Gob6ed — Stephen Stapczynski (@SStapczynski) December 22, 2024 The strategy calls for building next-generation reactors at decommissioned locations and restarting all 33 operational nuclear reactors, of which only 14 are currently in operation. However, obstacles including regulatory barriers and reactor licensing timelines make it difficult to fulfill the 20% nuclear ambition. Critics contend that the strategy is devoid of specific implementation plans, especially with regard to ramping up investments in renewable energy sources and phase-out fossil fuels. Also Read NYT: Iran increases Nuclear production amid perceived vulnerability Japan's larger net-zero aim by 2050 includes a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 and 73% by 2040 relative to 2013 levels. Despite these aims, some experts argue the proposal falls short of meeting global climate targets, according to Japan Today. With predicted prices of ¥12.5 ($0.08) per kilowatt-hour, nuclear energy is expected to become the most cost-effective baseload power source in Japan by 2040, Bloomberg reports. Nuclear energy however, is still competitive when system expenses like battery deployment are taken into account, even if solar and other intermittent renewables have lower direct prices. To support its energy shift, the government is also assessing cutting-edge technologies including carbon capture and hydrogen co-firing. A passionate about the Gaming Industry with a career of over 5 years in the field, I write about current trends and news in the Game Development business and how it impact the industry and players. Laith has recently started a new position at Al Bawaba as a freelance business writer. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe6 Best Tech Deals Under $200 at Amazon This DecemberA Boulder-raised student is one of 36 recent college graduates chosen nationwide for a prestigious scholarship to fund up to three years of graduate studies in the United Kingdom. Ghael Fobes was raised in Boulder and graduated from Syracuse University in 2022. He’s an associate White House producer for NBC and will use the scholarship to study data and artificial intelligence ethics at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. “I’m very excited,” Fobes said. “It was something of a process to apply and go through interviews, and I’m super excited about this opportunity to study in the UK and build relationships with journalists and researchers over there.” Fobes lived in Mexico with his mother before moving to Boulder when he was 5 years old. He came to live with his father, a University of Colorado Boulder professor, and didn’t speak English when he first arrived. Fobes attended Whittier Elementary School and Casey Middle School. He then attended Boulder High School for one year before attending an out-of-state boarding school. Audrey Wintory was Fobes’ fourth-grade teacher at Whittier. She’s amazed and excited by his accomplishment. “There’s some (students) that stick with you,” Wintory said. “He’s one that always stuck in my mind and wondered about and knew he’d be successful.” The Marshall Scholarship was created by an Act of the British Parliament in 1953 as a living memorial to former U.S. Secretary of State General George C. Marshall and American assistance provided following World War II. The scholarship funds up to three years of graduate study in any academic topic at any university in the United Kingdom, home to 17 of the top 100 universities in the world, according to a release. More than 2,200 Americans have earned advanced degrees through the program since its first class 70 years ago. The program has several notable alumni, including university presidents, six Pulitzer Prize winners, two Nobel Laureates, 14 MacArthur Fellows, two-academy-Award nominees, two U.S. Supreme Court Justices and a NASA Astronaut. This year, the scholarship program received 983 applications and chose 36 candidates. The data and AI ethics program at the University of Edinburgh focuses largely on questions of what it means to adopt the new technology. His interest is in how people can use AI responsibly to gather and present news. He wants to better understand the limitations, obstacles, risks and opportunities it presents. “I think there’s a lot of opportunities on how we use AI to take on research tasks or sifting through databases or government data,” Fobes said. In his work covering the White House for NBC, he often writes up notes about the many events and White House briefings. With an AI tool, he could take a more than hour-long briefing and easily identify highlights and the news people need to know. “The most important thing as we’re beginning to adopt those things is to make sure we’re doing things accurately and are as rigorous and thoughtful in our approach as we would be without them,” Fobes said, adding, “It is a tool and not a replacement, and I think that’s really, really important.” His love for news and technology started early. When his dad was a graduate student, the two would go to Trident in downtown Boulder. While his dad graded papers, Fobes read the stacks of newspapers it had. At Casey Middle School, he started an entrepreneur’s club and became interested in how to use tools to make things faster. “When I was a middle schooler, I remember I was fascinated with Apple and ran a little early newsletter online where I complied Apple news,” he said. He remembers going on many outdoor adventures with his dad and riding bikes down the path near Boulder Creek. Fobes enjoys skiing and lived close to the CU Boulder campus. “I think one of the things my dad taught me early on ... he taught me early on there’s so much to learn from the people who live in the community,” Fobes said. His dad, Alex Fobes, said he’s proud and excited for his son. “I feel like he’s cut out his own path for himself,” Alex Fobes said. Wintory said Ghael Fobes was always a bright, hardworking and amazing kid all around. He was easy to connect with and got along with everyone. He was thoughtful and insightful. From her communications with him now, she can tell those parts of him are still core to who he is. “I really admire that he’s pursuing this field of study and I just think he’s so amazing that he’s pursuing it abroad,” Wintory said, adding, “He’s just really still working so hard and shooting for the moon and it’s really exciting. I have no doubt he’ll excel in his studies and whatever comes after.” Ghael Fobes will earn two one-year master’s degrees through the program. The first will be a master’s in data and AI ethics and the second will be a master’s in future governance. The scholarship will pay for his flights, living stipend, housing, food and research. “I want to ultimately go back to NBC and lead more efforts into incorporating these technologies into our daily workflows,” Ghael Fobes said. “I think that’s what I find most interesting and rewarding is the practical applications.” His dad is looking forward to where he goes from here. “I’m excited to see what path he chooses,” Alex Fobes said. “I expect it’ll lead to many more opportunities, and I’m curious to see what path he takes.”
NTT Widens Aperture On Light-Based All-Photonics ComputingWingstop Announces Additional $500 Million Share Repurchase Authorization
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.
(AI) has transformed from a niche innovation to a driving force behind major technological advancements, with businesses across industries racing to incorporate its benefits. Whether it’s streamlining operations, automating workflows, or improving customer experiences, AI’s utility is far-reaching and shows no signs of slowing down. For investors, this signals a tremendous opportunity: the potential for steady, long-term gains from companies leading the charge in AI integration. The beauty of AI stocks lies not just in growth potential but in the ability to innovate within existing markets and create entirely new ones. Industries like healthcare, finance, logistics, and even creative arts are being reshaped by AI’s capabilities, with significant returns awaiting those who position themselves early. Consider OpenText Amid this broader AI investment theme, ( ) is emerging as a particularly attractive long-term opportunity. Specializing in enterprise information management, OpenText bridges the gap between data and actionable insights — an essential component for businesses looking to harness the power of AI. What makes OpenText particularly compelling is its focus on integrating AI within its software and cloud solutions. As companies grow increasingly dependent on data management and analysis, OpenText’s services are becoming more valuable by the day. AI tools like intelligent document processing, automated workflows, and advanced analytics are central to OpenText’s offerings, positioning the company squarely within this boom. Recent performance Financially, OpenText has demonstrated both stability and growth, even amid uncertain market conditions. For fiscal year 2024, the AI stock reported revenues of $5.77 billion, reflecting a 28.6% year-over-year increase. While some tech companies struggle with profitability during expansion phases, OpenText has maintained solid margins. In its most recent earnings report, OpenText delivered robust results that highlight its momentum. For the first quarter of fiscal 2025, revenue came in at $1.27 billion, with solid free cash flow supporting the company’s continued investment in innovation. Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) showed growth, reflecting management’s ability to balance expansion with profitability. While revenue faced some year-over-year contraction due to acquisition-related adjustments, OpenText’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to achieving strong margins and delivering shareholder value. Operating margins currently sit at 19.92%, reflecting strong cost management alongside revenue growth. Plus, OpenText boasts a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.11 and a forward P/E of 8.08, indicating that the AI stock is trading at a substantial discount relative to its earnings potential. These metrics are significant for long-term investors seeking value alongside growth. Future favourite The recent drop in OpenText’s stock price, down 32% from its 52-week high, adds another layer of appeal for investors. While market downturns are often viewed with concern, seasoned investors recognize these moments as opportunities to buy strong companies at a discount. OpenText’s decline likely stems from broader market volatility rather than any fundamental weaknesses within the company itself. With a 3.49% forward annual dividend yield, OpenText also offers an appealing income component for investors looking to balance growth with steady payouts. The AI stock’s consistent dividends, backed by strong cash flow of over $842 million in operating cash flow, reinforce its reliability. Looking to the future, OpenText’s growth prospects appear bright. The AI stock continues to focus on expanding its cloud and AI capabilities, two areas with massive growth potential. Cloud-based solutions are already seeing rapid adoption worldwide, and the addition of AI-powered insights makes these tools even more essential for modern businesses. OpenText’s ability to integrate seamlessly into the enterprise, providing solutions for everything from compliance to workflow automation. This places it in a sweet spot for ongoing digital transformation trends. As businesses navigate increasingly complex data challenges, demand for OpenText’s tools will only increase. Bottom line For investors looking to capitalize on AI’s long-term growth, OpenText offers a balanced opportunity: exposure to an innovative, AI-driven future at a value-oriented price. The AI stock’s financial stability, consistent dividend yield, and strategic focus on expanding its AI capabilities make it an ideal stock to hold for years to come. With shares down significantly from their highs, now may be the perfect time to add OpenText to your portfolio before the broader market catches on to its true potential. Long-term investors can rest assured knowing that OpenText is well-positioned to thrive as the AI revolution continues to shape our world.First Published: 30th November, 2024 20:51 IST "Zo" Identity Would Help Bridge Gaps and Foster Sense of Solidarity Among Mizos: Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, in an address at the International Chin Christian Youth Conference at Lawngtlai on Thursday, underscored the importance of unity, both in faith and in political solidarity, while drawing deep historical connections to the region’s past. The Mizoram Chief Minister said that the terms “Lushai,” “Chin,” and “Kuki” were imposed externally by the British, leading to misunderstandings and divisions among ethnic brothers. COMMENTS Your email address will not be published. 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Department of Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday continued to dismiss the flood of drones across New Jersey, this time saying it is likely just the result of relaxed rules on the devices. Mayorkas seemingly downplayed the mounting concerns of residents including former Gov. Chris Christie — who reported some recently flying over his house — and again claimed there is no evidence of foreign involvement in the aeronautical phenomenon. “There’s no question that people are seeing drones. And I want to assure the American public that we, in the federal government, have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology, to assist the New Jersey State Police in addressing the drone sightings,” Mayorkas told ABC News’ “This Week.” “Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones. And we do see duplicative reporting.” But Mayorkas explained that in September 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration tweaked its policy on drones to allow flights at night. “That may be one of the reasons why now people are seeing more drones than they did before, especially from dawn to dusk,” Mayorkas said. “I want to assure the American public that we are on it.” He has previously claimed the drones were likely just from “convenience stores.” Residents in New Jersey especially have been tormented by the sightings across Morris, Passaic, Bergen and Hunterdon counties which have been going on since at least Nov. 18. Some of the drones are reportedly as large as SUVs — and have been hovering over critical public infrastructure and flying in grid-like patterns as if mapping areas, according to local Jersey officials and residents. Some of the drones have now hit highly dense Essex County — home to Newark Liberty International Airport and the mega-busy Port of Newark. They also have made their way across areas of New York and the country. Some of the drones also supposedly fly at altitudes and speeds not previously commercially known. The lack of clarity from the feds has led to rampant speculation about what is behind the peculiar, lit-up objects buzzing around in the sky, with some positing that it’s a super-secret military project of sorts. New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew last week claimed “highly reliable sources” with “top security access” told him the drones “very possibly could be” sent by an Iranian “mothership” off the coast. “We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities,” Mayorkas said Sunday. “And it is critical, as we all have said for a number of years, that we need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation.” Mayorkas said he wants more power for state and local officials to “counter drone activity under federal supervision.” He estimated that as many as 8,000 drones are flown in the US every day and more than 1 million are registered. Do you have footage of drones over the skies of New Jersey or New York? Send it to The Post at drones@nypost.com . Late last week, President-elect Donald Trump cast doubt on the notion that the federal government isn’t aware of where these drones are coming from and dangled the possibility of just shooting them down. While the government’s authorities are limited to do that in most cases, the feds will act quickly when drones hoover near sensitive restricted airspace, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the northeast,” the homeland security secretary added. “And we are vigilant in investigating this matter. “It is our job to be vigilant in the federal government with our state and local partners on behalf of the American public.” The federal government has come under bipartisan fire for not being more upfront about the drone phenomenon and providing more answers about what’s happening. After the interview with Mayorkas, Christie ripped into the DHS secretary for downplaying the phenomenon. “I’ve lived in New Jersey my whole life. This is the first time that I’ve noticed drones over my house,” Christie said on the program. Late last week, Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) posted a thread detailing his own findings about the drone craze after consulting local authorities and civilian pilots. “I was with the help of civilian pilots and others able to do deeper analysis and concluded that most of the possible drone sightings that were pointed out to me were almost certainly planes,” Kim wrote on X . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has requested a drone detection system get sent to New York and New Jersey. Schumer has also teased plans to fight for legislation aimed at bolstering state and local authority on the matter.