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This story was originally published on Nov. 26 and misreported fee changes related to renting SD 27 facilities, stating they had doubled when in fact they have been cut in half. Several organizers of events raising funds for student programs were surprised this year with a hefty bill in order to operate in School District 27 (SD 27) facilities. The annual Cariboo Hobby Con and Craft Fair was scheduled to run on Nov. 23 this year at Columneetza Jr. Secondary in Williams Lake, but with less than two weeks before the day organizers announced they would cancel the fair. “It is with great sadness we have to announce that this year’s Cariboo Hobby Con has been cancelled,” wrote the organizers on their Facebook page. They credited the cancellation to policy changes which led to “uncertain financial constraints that would be detrimental to our fundraiser.” The annual fair event raises funds for a volleyball club run by SD 27 employee Tim Hurley. The funds are used to buy equipment such as a referee stand and uniforms, as well as to help out students in need with travel and accommodation. Last year Hobby Con raised about $2,000 for the club, but Hurley told Black Press Media it’s more than just the money, as Hobby Con provides a space for other clubs to run their own fundraisers and for young entrepreneurs to set up their own vendors. He added that his volleyball club has served as a “turning point” for vulnerable students whose interest in the sport has kept them in school and safe. SD 27 updated its policy 730 – Community use of School Facilities – in August of this year. Changes to the policy include “more robust vetting” of events such as craft fairs, large sporting tournaments and Parent Advisory Council (PAC) events. In a statement sent to Black Press Media, SD 27 secretary-treasurer Brenda Hooker provided reasons for the policy updates. “The District updated AP730 to clarify our process and publish the applicable fees when applying for facilities use. In most cases, the cost to rent a space in our various facilities was decreased.” She wrote that fees were not always applied consistently in the past, such as whether or not the use of school equipment would be charged. When asked if the district took into account what impact the changes could have on events which benefit students, Hooker wrote the district recognized there were changes in fees “by applying our policy consistently and fairly.” “Some organizers have chosen to cancel instead of moving forward, which is their choice...The district recognizes that access to our schools is important to the community and we are striving to balance the demand while covering the associated costs and conducting our due diligence for all involved,” she wrote. Hobby Con is not the only event which has been impacted by the changes. The annual Chilcotin Road Elementary School PAC Ladies Night, which raises money for the school to buy things like books, projectors and playground equipment, operated in SD 27 facilities for 11 years without cost. This year’s event, which was in April, the organizers found out they would have to pay $600 to run the Ladies Night at the school. Even the lakecity’s beloved Medieval Market, which raises money for student programs and also equips participating students with work experience, has seen quite the impact. Without any real change to the event’s layout, which as previous years was hosted at Lake City Secondary School, the total cost to run the market increased by more than $4,000 from 2019 until now. While in 2019 the market operated at a total cost of about $800, this year’s market came to a total of just under $5,000. Even in 2023, prior to SD 27’s policy changes, organizer Kirstin Lauren said custodial charges had doubled from the previous year. This was despite few, if any, changes being made to the market which would result in further custodial requirements. Custodial hours, organizers said, doubled from 24 to 48 hours without explanation. In fact, Lauren said it’s been difficult to get any clear answers from the district, and while she is hoping to maintain a relationship with the district and see the market thrive in its traditional location of several years, there needs to be better communication. Hooker told Black Press Media organizers are made aware of requirements and risks associated to holding their event before their application is approved. The biggest change the Medieval Market saw this year was in insurance fees. While costs going specifically to the district amounted to about $4,000, the market had to pay an extra $800 for third party liability insurance. Organizers were told they had to purchase the insurance this year, while in previous years this was not a concern. Lauren told Black Press Media students were still able to benefit from this year’s market, which attracted about 3,500 guests, 100 vendors and 100 student workers. “But the more money we have to pay out, the less money we have to give to students,” she said, adding all she wants is to figure out what’s going on and continue having a positive working relationship with the district. In her statement to Black Press Media, Hooker said insurance requirements have always existed. “The district is now clarifying these requirements with users and consistently ensuring the appropriate insurance is obtained. The cost to obtain liability insurance is minimal and is needed to cover both the organizers and the volunteers working any event that is not directly related to education. The district values all of our employees and volunteers and is simply trying to make sure organizers have appropriate insurance coverage in place in the case of an unexpected event,” Hooker wrote. She later clarified with Black Press that these events were simply not being insured previously, a fact which was overlooked, and the policy change was to ensure everyone’s safety. Lauren said she and other organizers are planning to meet with the district to understand why their costs have seen such an increase and what can be done to mitigate the impact on students for which the event is being hosted. Most of the fees related to renting SD 27 facilities have been cut in half, with some additional fees being added to the list. New fees include $200 for wireless access, which is available only to weekend sports tournaments and craft fairs. A small fee was added for access to the entire sports equipment room and $85 has been added for intruder alarm activation. Fees which have seen no change include non-profit adult sport groups’ use of multi-purpose spaces such as libraries and cafes, as well as field use by any type of group. Fees marked as “local delivery” and “out of town delivery” haven’t changed, nor have weekend custodial charges seen any changes. However, general custodial charges have seen a change. Non-profit groups used to be charged $30 per hour for custodial services, a custodian’s regular hourly pay, and now pay $30 per use. Other groups, such as private craft fairs and political parties, used to pay $30 per hour for custodial services and now pay $67.75 per hour. A $200 key deposit was also removed, replaced by a $30 charge to replace a fob or get an extra one. Hooker also told Black Press Media that the district does not profit from the fees. “The fees collected are applied to the direct staffing costs associated with approving the request. We are not charging rates that provide any funds towards repairs and maintenance of our facilities nor capital replacement costs,” she wrote. Tammy Woodcock Banks was one of more than 40 vendors registered to sell their crafts at Hobby Con. She told Black Press Media Hobby Con is one of the most important markets where she sells her wind chimes and Christmas cards which she makes under the name Tammy’s Creations. “I had loads of stock that I had worked on this year for the show,” she said. Banks said she was grateful to be welcomed as a vendor at the Cariboo Corner market instead, but only made about one third of what she would normally make at Hobby Con. However, she said the market’s cancellation is also a big loss for the students who benefit from Hobby Con. “It’s not only us that got let down, it was the kids,” she said. When they heard the news that Hobby Con was being cancelled, Bewitching Market organizers Wanda Sheppard and Sunny Dyck decided something needed to be done. They quickly organized a new market without using SD 27 facilities so local crafters and business owners can still benefit from the holiday season. “They’re quite happy with it, they’re excited,” Sheppard told the Tribune about the almost 40 vendors who have registered for the new market called A Misfits and Mistletoe Christmas Market. The market, which will be taking place on Dec. 15 at the Ramada Convention Centre, is open to everyone and any kind of item being sold. “If you want to do goth you can do goth, if you want to do Christmas you can do Christmas,” Sheppard said. She said all she wants is to be fair to the vendors, promote their works and have fun.The sad decline of the public hangoutWe are done with woke Hollywood revisions of the classics, right? The artistic obsession with ramming political messages down the throats of consumers, of spoiling a good story with a parable about tolerance, or acceptance, or diversity, or whatever? Apparently not. Ariana Grande, as Galinda, and Cynthia Erivo, as Elphaba, in Wicked. Credit: Universal Call it a post-Trump lament, if you like, but Wicked – the blockbuster prequel to The Wizard of Oz , and which explains the back-story of Glinda and Elphaba, the witches of the West and the East, one good and one wicked – has captivated audiences and broken box-office records. It is already the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever, ahead of 1978’s Grease – a movie that did not trouble itself at all with political correctness. Wicked is openly a political allegory . It tells the story of the green-skinned Elphaba, who is marked as different from birth. She is ostracised and demonised by those around her, including her own family. As an adult witch with extraordinary powers (which, as with Elsa from Frozen , she has not yet learnt to control), Elphaba is groomed as a useful tool by the state of Oz, and later persecuted when she refuses to do its bidding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in Sydney last month. Credit: Kate Geraghty Oz, of course, is led by a strongman leader, the Wizard, played by a creepy Jeff Goldblum, who flirts with just enough neediness to make him perfectly Trumpian. Elphaba is the only one brave enough to stand up for the minority segment of society (animals), which the Wizard is blaming for all of Oz’s ills, and so she is hunted down by the state. The story truly has something for everyone: it is a morality tale about racism, fascism, the power of propaganda, and the dangerous seduction of peer pressure and groupthink. Even animal rights activists have claimed Wicked as their own – it is animals who are increasingly marginalised in Oz, forced out of jobs and eventually banned from speaking, a repression-creep that borrows much from Germany in the 1930s. I count myself as a narrative purist – I get tired of ideological messages which get in the way of good story-telling. But Wicked is not that. It’s never that – otherwise it wouldn’t be so beloved by adults and children alike. The politics drive the story but never impinge on it. And at the story’s heart is the relationship between Elphaba and Galinda, the young wizardry student who will go on to become Glinda the Good Witch – Dorothy’s great benefactor. Loading For my money, the most complex political message in Wicked lies in its treatment of female friendship, and the unblinking gaze it casts on the opposing roles women are often channelled into. Most radically, it calculates, with mathematical precision, the cost of female niceness. Galinda (who, halfway through the movie, drops the first “a” in her name in an act of performative virtue signalling) is styled as the idealised good girl/witch, princessy and pretty in pastel hoop skirts and dainty shoes. Her waist is tiny. Her hair is long, thick and blonde. She has perfected the art of swooshing it. She oozes privilege and perfection. Galinda is the alpha female of the university she and Elphaba both attend. At their initial meeting, Galinda squeaks in disgust at Elphaba’s green skin. But then, remembering her personal brand is Goodness, with a capital G, she quickly rearranges her features in a mask of concern for Elphaba, the poor, poor thing. Elphaba refuses to accept Galinda’s pity and sees straight through her phoney benevolence. We have our conflict: the story has begun. The two clash, particularly as they have been thrown together in a dorm room which Galinda populates with her extensive wardrobe and girlish paraphernalia. But then the story does something more interesting than simply playing out a female rivalry (even though it nods to the traditional arc of such stories with a “makeover” scene and a love triangle between the two witches and a charismatically rogueish prince). Galinda, played by pop star Ariana Grande, starts envying Elphaba. At first, she is jealous of Elphaba’s magic powers – which are far superior to Galinda’s own – and the attention those powers bring from the regal headmistress of the college. But then, as she gets to know Elphaba – played magnificently by Cynthia Erivo – Galinda begins to envy her classmate’s self-possession and her freedom to be herself. Her green skin allows her to sidestep pretence. Galinda is all pretence, and by observing Elphaba, she starts to see how constricting it is. Galinda is trapped in a prison of niceness, needing to publicly display her unending kindness and unfailing sweetness at every turn, lest she ruin her image. She is ruled by moral vanity. But she is not “nice” – she is envious and covetous, with a capacity for real malice. Which is to say, she is human. When the class holds a party, Galinda gives Elphaba a hat to wear. She does so with treacly sweetness, knowing that Elphaba will be mocked when she wears it. Loading Galinda’s transformation comes when she allows herself to be more like Elphaba – non-conformist. Apart from anything else, Galinda is very funny, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not, and it’s not possible to be funny without some capacity for wickedness. But as all women know, the need for niceness runs deep. It is hard to de-program oneself from people-pleasing, even though the mask often slips, revealing the resentment that lies under it. Galinda struggles with the conflict between doing the right thing and doing what is expected of her by the society of Oz. The film is the first of two parts, so the conflict is not resolved. We have to wait for the sequel. But as Grande told a journalist during the extensive press tour for the movie – Wicked serves “to remind people that change is possible ... we can choose to be good, and we can be wrong”. It also serves to show everyone (but especially young girls), that we can reject the tyranny of niceness. We can choose to be green-skinned, sardonic, clever and wicked. Apart from anything else, those things make for a more interesting story. Jacqueline Maley is a senior writer and regular columnist. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Feminism Opinion Ariana Grande Cinema Gender equality For subscribers Jacqueline Maley is a columnist. Connect via Twitter or Facebook . Most Viewed in Politics Loadingonline slot games no wagering 。

NC State and East Carolina meet in next season's opener. But first, the Military BowlHow major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 11/27/2024

With 18 private jets flying into Montego Bay last Monday alone, Jamaica continues to build on its growing allure as a high-end destination, according Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright. From luxurious villas to renowned hotels to rustic lodgings, Jamaica is hosting Hollywood stars, celebrated entertainers, TV personalities, at least one former prominent world leader, other high-ranking politicians from the US and other nations, and some global business tycoons, he said in a release on Saturday. Seiveright declined to disclose specific names for confidentiality reasons. However, British actor Idris Elba and American rapper Young Miami are among the celebrities who have shared highlights of their vacation on the island on social media. Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, noted that Jamaica’s tourism story is one of “remarkable resilience and triumph.” “From the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic, when our industry ground to a complete halt, we’ve orchestrated one of the most extraordinary recoveries in global tourism history”, he said in the release. This year’s celebrity influx follows a stellar lineup of A-listers who chose Jamaica recently. Visitors over the last year and a half included rap star 2Chainz, actress Angelina Jolie, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Hollywood legends Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Amos, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Adding to the roster, Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy and American music icons Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Offset, Rick Ross, Omarion, and Chance the Rapper also joined the ranks of those who have embraced Jamaica as their preferred vacation spot.Cowboys' Stephen Jones: 'Whole Team' Endorses Mike McCarthy amid Dak Prescott Remarks

Charles & Colvard, Ltd. Receives Non-Compliance Letter from NasdaqMore than 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant disability, representing 16% of the global population. Many persons with disabilities face higher mortality rates, are at increased risk of various health conditions, and encounter greater limitations in everyday functioning compared to others. These poorer health outcomes are termed 'health inequities' because they are largely avoidable and driven by unjust factors both within and beyond the health sector. These inequities stem from unjust and unfair conditions, including stigma and discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and barriers within health systems. Factors contributing to this include societal discrimination, inequitable policies, social determinants of health, inadequate access to or quality of care, and negative attitudes from health workers, among others. These inequities serve as a stark reminder that persons with disabilities are too often left behind. Achieving good health and well-being for all, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), necessitates the meaningful participation and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Disability inclusion must be central to health system planning, development, and decision-making. Effective health systems also underpin robust management of health emergencies. Failing to address health inequities for persons with disabilities denies them the universal right to the highest attainable standard of health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is committed to tackling these inequities through innovative and transformative approaches to health systems. SDG-3 cannot be achieved unless health equity for persons with disabilities is at the forefront of efforts. Regardless of context and available resources, governments and health sector partners must prioritise health equity for persons with disabilities. This includes empowering and involving persons with disabilities in health sector initiatives and monitoring the impact of these actions. Striving for health equity for persons with disabilities is a step towards achieving 'Health for All.' The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities is more attainable than ever if we work together. In 2019, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) to embed disability inclusion into every core function and activity of the UN system. December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). On this day, WHO collaborates with partners globally to advocate for action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities. The theme for this year is 'Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.' This theme highlights the pivotal role of persons with disabilities in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. It also underscores the importance of their participation in decision-making processes that impact their lives. This year's theme aligns with the current international political and policy landscape, particularly the Pact for the Future and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development. It aims to build momentum for achieving the 2030 Agenda. By amplifying the leadership role of persons with disabilities, these efforts—from global to local levels—can drive meaningful change. The writers are the assistant professors of Neonatology at the Institute of Child & Mother Health (ICMH), Matuail, Dhaka. Email: [email protected] , [email protected]

NoneMetLife Investment Management LLC lessened its stake in LPL Financial Holdings Inc. ( NASDAQ:LPLA – Free Report ) by 1.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,693 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after selling 92 shares during the quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC’s holdings in LPL Financial were worth $1,092,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LPLA. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of LPL Financial in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Key Financial Inc bought a new position in LPL Financial during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in LPL Financial in the third quarter valued at about $31,000. Paladin Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of LPL Financial in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Crewe Advisors LLC raised its holdings in LPL Financial by 360.7% during the 2nd quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 129 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.66% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have issued reports on LPLA. Citigroup increased their target price on LPL Financial from $285.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, October 31st. Barclays boosted their target price on LPL Financial from $273.00 to $311.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. JMP Securities reiterated a “market outperform” rating and issued a $310.00 price objective on shares of LPL Financial in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on LPL Financial from $303.00 to $309.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, StockNews.com raised LPL Financial from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, November 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, LPL Financial currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $290.83. LPL Financial Stock Down 0.9 % LPLA opened at $327.56 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.16, a quick ratio of 2.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $284.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is $257.24. LPL Financial Holdings Inc. has a 1-year low of $187.19 and a 1-year high of $332.54. The stock has a market cap of $24.53 billion, a PE ratio of 24.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 0.86. LPL Financial ( NASDAQ:LPLA – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $4.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.69 by $0.47. LPL Financial had a net margin of 8.73% and a return on equity of 49.47%. The firm had revenue of $3.11 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.04 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.74 earnings per share. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that LPL Financial Holdings Inc. will post 16.1 earnings per share for the current year. LPL Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.37%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 14th. LPL Financial’s payout ratio is 9.02%. LPL Financial Profile ( Free Report ) LPL Financial Holdings Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides an integrated platform of brokerage and investment advisory services to independent financial advisors and financial advisors at enterprises in the United States. Its brokerage offerings include variable and fixed annuities, mutual funds, equities, fixed income, alternative investments, retirement and 529 education savings plans, and insurance. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for LPL Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LPL Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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Economy stagnates as businesses give ‘thumbs down’ to budgetSyracuse pulls away from pesky Bucknell to snap losing streakMayor Chow got emails about Oct. 7 vigil, documents showKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is heading to the NFL draft after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing and setting a handful of school records. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year announced on social media his intention Friday to leave after his junior season. He helped the seventh-ranked Vols go 10-3 with a first-round loss in the College Football Playoff where Sampson was limited by an injured hamstring. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

SL Green Realty Corp. stock rises Friday, outperforms marketOn Wednesday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel remarked that the reelection of U.S. President Donald Trump brings familiar challenges for Cuba, emphasizing that his government remains unfazed by its powerful neighbor. Speaking to state media in Cienfuegos province, Diaz-Canel dismissed the election outcome as unsurprising, reaffirming Cuba's readiness to move forward independently. Diaz-Canel's statement marks Cuba's initial official response to Trump's presidency, which has seen a reinforced trade embargo and heightened restrictions on the communist island. Under Trump, the U.S. reinstated Cuba on a list of terrorism sponsors, tightening financial sanctions and intensifying an already dire economic crisis characterized by severe shortages. Despite the congressional appointment of Marco Rubio, a known critic, as Secretary of State, Diaz-Canel signaled openness to negotiate with the U.S. but underscored the need for respectful dialogue that respects Cuba's sovereignty and independence. (With inputs from agencies.)The Salvation Army and Supporters Show That Everyday Generosity Can Make a Change for 27 Million People in America

The Lakers are coming home and could be getting healthier on multiple frontsWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump, making the announcement on his Truth Social account, said, “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office in less than two months. The U.S. has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. Trump has criticized the billions the Biden administration has spent in supporting Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is designed to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump's proposed national security adviser , U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg featured in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.Author: MR Narayan Swamy Published by Vijitha Yapa PUBLICATIONS Rs 4,900 Veteran journalist MR Narayan Swamy’s ‘The Rout of Prabhakaran’ is a masterly twin-book chronicle on the LTTE, which includes his earlier book, ‘Inside an Elusive Mind: Prabhakaran’ (2003). The first part of his life is narrated in ‘Elusive Mind’. It lets us in on the rise of Velupillai Prabhakaran, a village boy from Velvettithurai (VVT) who, three decades later, became the unquestioned ruler of a third of Sri Lanka’s landmass. ‘The Rout’ is a dramatic account of how he lost his fiefdom by 2009, with the ultimate humiliation of being photographed lying dead, clad only in his undervest. Born in 1954, Prabhakaran was the youngest child of Velupillai, a Tamil land records clerk. The young Prabhakaran was a “loner, preferring to immerse himself in Tamil books and comics”. Although Tamil residents in VVT were politically loyal to the Lankan government, things started changing in 1956, when the government altered its official language policy, making it compulsory for Tamils to learn Sinhala “or face sack”. The book traces Prabhakaran’s early life when he “sneaked out of the backdoor of his house one night in 1972, with the police after him, determined not to give up until he gave a homeland to his people”. When he achieved this, he announced it to the world by addressing an international news conference at Killinochchi on April 10, 2002, as the de facto ruler of Jaffna. Prabhakaran “lightened up” when Balasingham, his media adviser, introduced him as the “president and prime minister of Tamil Eelam”. Global interest in him was manifest with the presence of 200 mediapersons, compared to his last such conference with only six journalists in April 1990, post the Indian Peace Keeping Force withdrawal. Prabhakaran’s elevation to this position was made possible only through a series of violent attacks on Sri Lankan (SL) positions after the SL army wrested Jaffna from him through Operation Sunshine in December 1995. However, he hit back through a series of terror attacks in the next four years, like the January 1996 bombing of the Central Bank building, massacring 1,200 soldiers in Mullaitivu garrison, bombing the Temple of Tooth in Kandy, and an attempt on President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s life in December 1999, which blinded her in the right eye. Even earlier, Prabhakaran had shown his prowess in innovative terror by organizing the first suicide truck bombing in South Asia on July 5, 1987, on SL army’s Nellady base, much like the October 23, 1983, Beirut Marine Barracks bombing by Islamic Jehad. A string of assassinations, like that of Rajiv Gandhi (1991), President R Premadasa and Minister Lalith Athulathmudali (1993), secured his place among the galaxy of global terrorist masters, on par with Osama bin Laden. Also, less than two months before the 9/11 attacks in America, Prabhakaran stunned the world by attacking the Bandaranaike International Airport and the adjoining air force base at Katunayake. The US Justice Department described it as “the most destructive act in aviation history”. He had also set up an effective parallel administration in Jaffna with his police and courts, not to mention his ships for covert arms purchases and improvised air force. Swamy mentions discovery of a 4.6-metre-long submarine in Phuket, Thailand, which the LTTE was fabricating. As a result, Chandrika was forced to seek the good offices of Erik Solheim from Norway for mediation. However, unlike Bin Laden, Prabhakaran crafted effective overseas propaganda on the sad plight of SL Tamils to draw their sympathy by opening offices in London, Paris, Geneva, Toronto and Nordic countries, using the 450,000-strong diaspora to spread his message. The author mentions that there were 40 SL Tamil newspapers in Europe alone. Many foreign academics became deeply sympathetic to the Tamil cause, which benefited LTTE’s operations. Swamy says that Indian military intervention brought about a major change in his personality for the worse: it made him heartless, despotic and intolerant even towards his colleagues. Parallelly, he had gone public on his deep antipathy towards Indian intervention, especially by the R&AW, which was echoed by Kittu. The question arises, even 37 years after the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord, whether India’s policy to tame the LTTE to fall in line was based on misplaced overconfidence. The late JN Dixit mentioned in his ‘Assignment Colombo’ (1997) that the senior-most foreign ministry official to whom he reported did not know the difference between Chelvanayakam and Tiruchelvam. He also told him “not to function in the mindset of IG or GP”. He was referring to Indira Gandhi’s SL Tamil policy executed through veteran negotiator G Parthasarathy. One last point is about Kittu. Sometime in January 1993, I received a frantic call from an America-based academic to save Kittu, who had been trapped by the Indian Navy. He confided that Prabhakaran had started distrusting his top aides; he wanted Kittu to be eliminated and had leaked his presence to India so that he would commit suicide, and the blame would come on India. Oceans away from Delhi, all I could do was to alert my headquarters. It’s a must-read for all those studying statecraft on the importance of festina lente (hasten slowly) advocated by Emperor Augustus. — The writer is a former Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat India.Views are personalMorgan Stanley boosts consumer finance outlook for 2025

Today’s Career horoscope promises opportunities for growth and success in professional endeavors. Whether you're tackling new projects or navigating workplace challenges, the day’s energy supports focus and determination. Some signs may experience breakthroughs in their careers, while others may find value in networking and collaboration. Stay driven and open to possibilities! Aries Your determination and confidence are at their peak today, making it an excellent time to tackle challenging tasks. Avoid confrontations with colleagues, as impulsive reactions might cause unnecessary tension. If you're in a leadership role, take extra care to motivate your team without being overly demanding. Networking opportunities might arise, so stay professional and approachable. Taurus Focusing on a well-organized plan will help you complete pending tasks efficiently. Avoid procrastination, as delays may create unnecessary stress. Collaborative projects will bring out your strengths, and your steady approach will impress your superiors. Financial decisions made today will likely yield long-term benefits, so consider budgeting or investment options carefully. Gemini Your communication skills are your biggest asset today, so use them wisely in meetings or presentations. Be cautious not to overcommit, as multitasking might lead to errors. Brainstorming sessions with your team can result in innovative solutions. If you're job-seeking, your adaptability will open up diverse opportunities. Stay focused, and success will follow. Cancer Your creativity and intuition will shine in the workplace today, making it a great time to pitch new ideas or tackle complex problems. Support from colleagues will boost your confidence, so don't hesitate to seek advice. Avoid taking on too many responsibilities at once. Prioritizing tasks will ensure steady progress and a sense of accomplishment. Leo Your natural leadership skills will help you stand out at work today. Take the initiative in team projects, but be mindful of appearing overly controlling. Opportunities to mentor others may arise, showcasing your expertise. Financially, avoid impulsive expenditures related to work tools or training. Stay focused on your goals, and recognition will follow. Virgo Your analytical abilities are in top form today, making it an ideal time to resolve issues that require precision and attention to detail. Avoid micromanaging your team, as it may create friction. A structured approach to your daily tasks will help you stay productive. Job-seekers may find success in fields requiring research or critical thinking. Libra Harmony in the workplace will be your focus today. Your diplomatic approach can help resolve conflicts among colleagues or improve team dynamics. Be cautious with deadlines, as distractions might slow you down. If you're job-seeking, creative industries or roles involving negotiation might offer exciting opportunities. Stay balanced and prioritize wisely. Scorpio Your determination and focus will help you overcome obstacles today. Challenges may arise, but your resourceful nature will guide you through. Consider taking on new responsibilities to showcase your abilities. Job-seekers might attract roles in startups or innovative industries. Keep your emotions in check, as a calm demeanor will work in your favor. Sagittarius A sense of adventure will inspire you to explore new career avenues today. Take calculated risks, but ensure you have a solid backup plan. Collaborative efforts will yield positive results, especially in creative fields. If you're job-seeking, roles involving travel or teaching may be promising. Maintain optimism, and success will follow. Capricorn Your disciplined nature will help you manage your workload effectively today. Focus on long-term goals, as your efforts will bring steady progress. Avoid overworking yourself; balance is key to sustaining productivity. Job-seekers may find success in traditional industries like banking or administration. Trust your instincts when making important career decisions. Aquarius Your innovative mindset will help you stand out in the workplace today. Share your unique ideas, as they might lead to exciting opportunities or recognition. Be cautious with financial dealings related to work. If you're job-seeking, roles in technology or social causes may align with your skills. Stay authentic and visionary. Pisces Your empathetic approach will help you connect with colleagues and clients today. Creative industries or artistic projects will thrive under your leadership. Avoid getting overwhelmed by emotions when handling criticism. Job-seekers might find success in roles requiring imagination and adaptability. Stay focused, and your efforts will yield meaningful progress. Also See: Horoscope Predictions for 2025 Aries Horoscope 2025Taurus Horoscope 2025Gemini Horoscope 2025Cancer Horoscope 2025Leo Horoscope 2025Virgo Horoscope 2025Libra Horoscope 2025Scorpio Horoscope 2025Sagittarius Horoscope 2025Capricorn Horoscope 2025Aquarius Horoscope 2025Pisces Horoscope 2025 Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Astrology and around the world.'Drag them out': South Korean president allegedly approved 'shooting' during martial law bid

Rivers crisis made me stronger – FubaraInvestors shouldn't be terrified about tariffs in 2025, the top minds at $2.1 trillion BNY Wealth sayMary D. Cianciolo

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s massive contract to create salary-cap space and give them future flexibility, a person familiar with the move told the Associated Press on Friday. Watson has been limited to just 19 games in three seasons because of an NFL suspension and injuries with the Browns, who signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022. The restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season. The 29-year-old Watson has two years remaining on his contract with an average of $46 million a year. The move to restructure his deal will not preclude the Browns from adding talent at the quarterback position in 2025, the person said. Watson played in only seven games this season before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. He’s 9-10 as a starter with Cleveland. The Browns (3-12) have been a major disappointment this season after making it to the playoffs a year ago behind Joe Flacco, who was signed as a free agent after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Watson had surgery in October and is expected to make a full recovery. While the team hasn’t disclosed its plans at quarterback, it’s assumed Watson will be in the mix to be the starter next season. It’s also possible the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round. The team hasn’t had a first-round pick the past three years after trading three to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson, who was once considered one of the league’s elite QBs.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. “We’ve seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year,” Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. “I think the sky’s the limit," Elway said, “and that’s just going to continue to get better and better.” In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos’ GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. “You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don’t and it’s so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean’s really good at that,” Elway said. “I think the combination of Bo’s maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. “But also Vance Joseph’s done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure’s not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time.” Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix’s repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for “what they’re doing offensively and how they’re breaking Bo into the NFL because it’s a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks.” Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. “He’s a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It’s just awesome that I’m even in that situation.” Hall of Fame Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called “way, way overdue.” Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Sanders & Hunter Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders “both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: “He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." Hand condition It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren’s contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he’ll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was “I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football." ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press

Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 475 points, or 1.1%. The Nasdaq composite is down 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The S&P 500 is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose.TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rivalry Corp. (the " Company " or " Rivalry ") (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, is pleased to announce that it has closed the third tranche (the “ Third Closing ”) of its non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the " Units "), previously announced on November 26, 2024 (the " Offering "). Under the Third Closing, the Company issued 2,231,253 Units at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $334,688. The Company may complete one or more additional closings, for aggregate gross proceeds (together with the proceeds raised under the initial closing, second closing and Third Closing) of up to approximately USD$3 million. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) subordinate voting share in the capital of the Company (each, a " Subordinate Voting Share ") and one-half of one (1/2) Subordinate Voting Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a " Warrant "). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Subordinate Voting Share in the capital of the Company (each, a " Warrant Share ") at a price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 12 months from the date hereof, subject to the Company's right to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants upon 30 days' notice in the event that the closing price of the Subordinate Voting Shares is equal to or exceeds $0.50 on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other recognized Canadian stock exchange as the Subordinate Voting Shares are primarily traded on) for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for corporate development and general working capital purposes. The Subordinate Voting Shares and Warrants, and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof, are subject to a four-month statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company has paid an aggregate of $10,501.20 in finder's fees in connection with the Third Closing. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " U.S. Securities Act "), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. 100,200 Units were issued to family members of Steven Isenberg, a director of the Company and a "related party" (within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")) and 500,000 Units were issued to Kevin Wimer, a director of the Company and a "related party", and such issuances are considered a "related party transaction" for the purposes of MI 61-101. Such related party transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to the related parties nor the consideration being paid by the related parties exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The purchasers of the Units and the extent of such participation were not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering. Accordingly, it was not possible to publicly disclose details of the nature and extent of related party participation in the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to a material change report filed at least 21 days prior to the completion of such transactions. About Rivalry Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates Rivalry Limited , a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 20 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet. Company Contact: Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO ss@rivalry.com Investor Contact: investors@rivalry.com Media Contact: Cody Luongo, Head of Communications cody@rivalry.com 203-947-1936 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s MD&A dated April 30, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Source: Rivalry Corp.

Fox News' Trey Gowdy and Andrew McCarthy unpack the debates surrounding President Biden's pardon of son Hunter and President-elect Trump picking Kash Patel to head the FBI on 'Special Report.' President-elect Trump announced last week that he intends to nominate former White House aide and longtime ally Kash Patel to serve as FBI director, potentially making him the only U.S. president to have fired and installed two separate FBI directors in the middle of their 10-year terms. "Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People," Trump said in a social media post announcing his intent to nominate Patel for FBI director. "He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution." Patel is a close ally of the president-elect and served in the first Trump administration both as a deputy assistant and as the senior director for counterterrorism. He was endorsed on Friday by the National Police Association, which praised Patel's record of "transparency" and "accountability" that it said makes him well-positioned to head up the nation's sprawling law enforcement agency. KASH PATEL: MILLEY, BIDEN ADMIN ‘PEDDLING FALSE FACTS’ ON CHINA PHONE-CALL CONTROVERSY President-elect Trump nominated Kash Patel as FBI director over the weekend. (Getty Images) Still, news of Trump's plans to nominate Patel was met with criticism — if not shock — from others in the law enforcement community. That's because replacing a sitting FBI director is a controversial move that breaks with the express purpose of the role, which, under post-Watergate laws, mandated that directors are nominated for 10-year terms: an express length of time designed to allow the directors — at least in theory — to operate outside political pressure or interference from a sitting president. Trump sent shock waves through the law enforcement community in 2017 when he fired then-FBI Director James Comey, who at the time was less than four years into his 10-year term. Trump also personally selected current FBI Director Christopher Wray — whom he praised at the time as a "fierce guardian of the law and model of integrity" — to replace him. For Trump to install Patel as FBI director, two things must happen: Wray must exit the job, and Patel must earn Senate confirmation. How Wray will leave remains unclear. He could opt to voluntarily vacate the position on his own before Trump's inauguration, though he has not yet said whether he plans to do so. If Wray does not voluntarily vacate his position, Trump could be the only president in U.S. history to have fired and installed two separate FBI directors. TRUMP TRANSITION SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR FBI BACKGROUND CHECKS Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray prepares to testify before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2021. (Sarah Silbiger/Pool via Reuters) Patel must also be confirmed by the Senate, though it is likely that the Republican-led chamber will move to approve him for the role. Patel's nomination has sparked early criticism from some Democrats ahead of his confirmation hearing, who have cited his previous vows to prosecute journalists and career officials at the Justice Department and FBI that he sees as being part of the "deep state." He has since attempted to clarify some of those remarks. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Only one other FBI director has been fired in U.S. history: William Sessions, a Reagan appointee who was widely disliked both for being an ineffective leader and for using his post to commandeer limousines and private government flights for personal business, among other things. Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.