India needs to address BD concerns for better ties:FA
Gautam Adani Breaks Silence on US Fraud Charges, Says ‘Every Attack Makes Us Stronger, Every Obstacle Becomes Stepping Stone for More Resilient Adani Group’Lopetegui came into the game under pressure following some poor displays from the Hammers in recent weeks but they earned a hard-fought victory to end the Magpies’ three-game winning spell. Despite a promising opening from the hosts, Tomas Soucek headed West Ham in front before Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s first goal for the club after the break wrapped up victory. Lopetegui was pleased with his side’s display following a “tough match”. He said: “I am happy for the three points and am very happy against a good team like Newcastle, who have good players and a fantastic coach. “I think today was a tough match and we were able to compete as a team. “I think we deserved to win. Today they had many moments in the first half, but I think the second half we deserved to win and we are happy because you have to do these kind of matches against this type of team if you want to overcome them.” Newcastle started brightly and had plenty of chances in the first half especially, but the visitors responded after the break by retaining possession well. The win eases the pressure on Lopetegui, whose West Ham side face Arsenal on Saturday, and he believes the victory is an important feeling for his players. He said: “I think the only thing that is under our control is to play football, to improve, to defend well, to convince the players we are able to do better. “Today we did, but I think the only thing we can do is to do the things that are under our control, not today but every day. “So we had to keep with this mentality, but above all let me say we are happy for the players because they need this kind of feeling as a team to believe that we are able to do well as a team, to put the best for each player of the team.” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted defeat was a missed opportunity for his side. The Magpies missed a series of chances in the first half, including efforts from Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff, before Alexander Isak blasted a chance off target. Anthony Gordon also rolled an effort just wide of the post after the break and Isak headed wide of goal. Three points could have seen Newcastle move into the top six and Howe admitted his side need to learn from the match. “Yes, massive because the league is so tight that a couple of wins and the whole picture looks very different,” Howe said. “We’ll kick ourselves tonight because we knew the opportunity we had, a home game, Monday night, a great moment for us potentially in our season, so we have to learn from that and come back stronger.”
VANCOUVER — Global Affairs Canada is warning Canadians in South Korea to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution after the country's president imposed an hours-long period of martial law. The situation in South Korea arose after President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law on Tuesday, vowing to eliminate what he described as "anti-state" forces from the opposition that controls parliament. Yoon's declaration triggered tense political drama, as troops surrounded the parliament while 190 lawmakers gathered inside to vote to lift the martial law shortly after it was imposed. Global Affairs Canada has not raised the risk level for Canadians in South Korea but did ask those in the country to monitor local media for the latest information, while following authorities' instructions, such as curfew orders. A Vancouver-based travel agent says the chaos in Seoul is not likely to have a major effect on Canadian visitor numbers to South Korea. Glynnis Chan, owner of Happy Times Travel, says the martial law dissolved quickly and will likely have minimal impact on people's travel plans, which tend to be made at least two months in advance. "There's always some sort of impact, but it really depends on what happens with the situation over the long term," Chan says. "If nothing more happens, people forget after a week or so about what took place." Chan says she is not expecting any impact on her business, since Japan is a more popular destination among her customers. Several Korean-Canadian travel agencies in Metro Vancouver declined to comment on the political situation in Seoul. After Yoon's declaration of martial law, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the national assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment, while others scuffled with military troops. The South Korean parliamentary members eventually voted to lift the declaration, with national assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring it “invalid.” Police and military personnel were then seen leaving the assembly’s grounds after Woo's call for their withdrawal. Jae-Yeon Lim, vice-president of the Canada Korea Business Association, says seeing military personnel clash with protesters and lawmakers brought back "harrowing" memories of the 1980 student-led demonstrations in Gwangju that were violently suppressed. Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987, and South Korea’s last previous martial law was in October 1979. "It has been a very difficult experience to see that," Lim says of the latest martial law declaration. "But that said, I'm really happy to see that ... the national assembly managed to get the majority vote to repeal this, and they managed to do that at the risk of their own lives, even though military was there. "This is a country that will stand up for democracy." Lim also says there would likely be little impact on bilateral relations or trade between the two countries stemming from the sudden onset of political drama, given how quickly martial law was lifted. "It's not going to stop business from seeking to expand in Canada," Lim says. "There's still a very strong interest to do so from many businesses (in South Korea). "We have yet to see what will happen next, but I think that I'm a little bit reassured in seeing what has transpired ... that people are ready to defend their country and democratic rule-of-law." — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024. Chuck Chiang, The Canadian PressPete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet as he speaks with reporters after meeting with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, speaks with reporters after meeting with Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be defense secretary, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be defense secretary, arrives for a meeting with Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet as he speaks with reporters after meeting with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.Kenya scraps $2.6 billion Adani deals in wake of indictmentTV’s Dr. Oz invested in businesses regulated by agency Trump wants him to lead
High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the transfer portal eraNEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) resulting from allegations that Light & Wonder may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Light & Wonder securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29678 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 24, 2024, the Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article entitled “Slot manufacturer scores major win against Las Vegas-based rival.” It stated that “Aristocrat Technologies Inc.’s request for a preliminary injunction in its trade-secret and copyright infringement lawsuit against Light & Wonder” had been granted, and that the “order prohibits [Light & Wonder] from the ‘continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialization of Dragon Train,’ which Aristocrat claims uses intellectual property developed for its Dragon Link and Lightning Link games.” On this news, the price of Light & Wonder common stock fell 19.49% on September 24, 2024. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com
HEADLAND – Headland softball power slugger Ava Allsup, who signed with Wallace College on Wednesday, learned some of her hitting skills by watching her brother play baseball games. “It really did help me going to watch,” Allsup said. “I feel like I have more of like a baseball swing than anything.” While Allsup learned by watching, she didn’t interact on the field often with her brother, Chase Allsup, the former Dothan High star and hard-throwing pitcher at Auburn University who was chosen in the fourth round of the MLB Draft this past summer by the Baltimore Orioles. “I did not let him throw to me ... I did not,” Allsup said. “I never caught him; don’t plan on catching him. It’s a little too much,” she added with a laugh. Ava Allsup is shown signing with Wallace College for softball as her parents look on during a ceremony at Headland High School on Wednesday. Allsup, who has been a catcher and outfielder while at Headland, hit for a .378 average last season in 33 games with four home runs, 25 RBIs, 12 doubles and a triple with 10 walks and 10 strikeouts. The year before as a sophomore, Allsup hit for a .389 average with seven homers, six doubles, 41 RBIs, 16 walks and six strikeouts over 30 games. She was one of three finalists for the Kasey Cooper Home Run Derby held in Dothan this past spring. Allsup credits Jake Kirkland, who operates Southern Prospects (SOPRO) training facility, as one of those who helped her become a power hitter. “I’ve always been stronger and a little bit bigger, so I feel like that really helps,” Allsup said. “And going to coach Kirkland and him helping me develop my swing and then learning pitch recognition. When you get the feel to hit and build the strength, it all comes together.” Wallace College coach David Dews sees a lot of potential in Allsup. From left, Wallace College assistant coach Brianna Griffiths, Ava Allsup and Wallace head coach David Dews. “Ava is really strong and has a lot of power-type tools I’m looking forward to developing a little bit,” Dews said. “She moves really well for a bigger, stronger kid. She can give you some pop. “I think she’s got a really high ceiling as far as development and being able to go to that next level after us.” Allsup was impressed with Dews and the Lady Govs’ program on visits. “It is a really good facility and a good program that really felt like home,” Allsup said. “I feel like they really cater for me going to the next level and helping me progress to becoming a better player and a better person in general. The program just really felt like it was me.” With still another high school season this spring, Allsup has some personal and team goals. “For myself, to have more RBIs than I had last season and just be a better teammate than I was last season,” she said. “And also, for the team, for us if we go to regionals, to actually win a game and build the name of Headland softball up.” Allsup is thankful for those who have helped her earn a chance at the next level. Family members surround Ava Allsup during the ceremony on Wednesday. “My dad and my mom, most definitely,” Allsup said of the support. “My grandparents, Nana and Papa. And then my Lord and Savior Jesus. Also Coach Kirkland and my high school and travel ball coaches.” She was asked what it meant to be able to sign with Wallace. “It just shows all of my work is going to pay off and I’m better than I think I am and other people see it too,” Allsup said. “And be able to proceed to play the sport that I love and also get an education doing it.” Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
New York (CNN) — There’s beef cooking between two of the biggest restaurant chains over their respective meal deals. In one corner is Applebee’s, which recently launched a $9.99 “Really Big Meal Deal,” and on the other side is Chili’s, home of the $10.99 promotion that has proven to be a big hit. Both chains have added more value offerings to menus in recent months as consumers cut back on dining out amid inflationary pressure on their wallets. The fight between the two is garnering attention on X, where Applebee’s implied that its deal is better than Chili’s offering because it’s $1 cheaper. Applebee’s deal also includes either a fried chicken sandwich or bacon cheeseburger, fries and a soda. Despite not tagging or directly naming Chili’s, it took notice and clapped back, responding “@ us next time,” noting that its own deal comes with unlimited chips and salsa. The message ended with “y’all could literally never.” Accounts on X appeared to mostly side with Chili’s, which has a larger following and a snarkier presence, with one user posting “only $1 more to avoid Applebees is priceless.” Meanwhile, Chili’s denied the two chains were fighting, replying that they were “just chatting.” Applebee’s X account hasn’t responded to Chili’s (and its corporate parent didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.) In a statement to CNN, Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix said it’s “no secret that we like to have a little fun on our social channels, and we are extremely passionate about making sure our guests are truly getting the best value in casual dining.” Chili’s and Applebee’s have long been rivals, with their restaurants dotting large swaths of America suburbia and often battling each other with special meals and deals. But in the past few years, Chili’s has flourished while Applebee’s has struggled. Chili’s has added several meal deals, including a $10.99 “3 for Me” deal and expanded it to include a McDonald’s Big Mac-like burger that took aim at people’s frustration over fast food pricing getting out of control. In addition, their Triple Dipper appetizers has grabbed the attention of TikTok and accounts for 11% of Chili’s business. That helped the chain post a 14% jump in same-store sales in its most recent quarter, and the stock of its parent company, Brinker (EAT), has seen its stock soar more than 200% for the year. It’s been a different story for Applebee’s. The chain generated slightly more annual revenue despite having more locations than Chili’s, according to Technomic data. Applebee’s same-store sales slumped about 6% in its most recent quarter, marking the sixth straight quarter of decline. Shares of Dine Brands (DIN), which owns the chain in addition to IHOP, have fallen 35% for the year. Targeted promotions, like $1 margaritas and $0.50 wings, stopped working, and the company said that customers wanted to know the total cost of a meal. In response, Applebee’s finally launched the $9.99 limited time deal in November. The company also is shifting its menu to “more full meal value offers” and will “continue to evolve our value propositions to keep our guests engaged,” John Peyton, Dine Brands’ CEO, said on last month’s earnings call. The new deal appears to be working for Applebee’s. Foot traffic grew 2% in November after declining 9% in October, according to data from analytics firm Placer.ai. Meanwhile, Chili’s foot traffic soared 33%, capping off six straight months of increases. To remove this article -Clinical Research Organization Global Template Market Set For 9.8% Growth, Reaching $86.33 Billion By 2028
Anti-Labour election petition boosted by 'fascist cranks', say GreensCHAPEL HILL, N.C.— It's a whole new world in Chapel Hill. Fully embracing the evolving state of college athletics, the University of North Carolina introduced Bill Belichick as its new head football coach on Thursday. The second-winningest head coach in NFL history with 333 victories, Belichick has signed a five-year contract approved by the university's Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. Belichick met the media at an introductory press conference at Kenan Stadium on Thursday afternoon. ESPN and the ACC Network televised the proceedings live, and members of the national media not necessarily accustomed to visiting Chapel Hill were on hand. The glare of the national spotlight has been warm since news broke of Belichick's hiring on Wednesday. "In the immortal words of Yogi Berra, 'The future ain't what it used to be,'" said athletic director Bubba Cunningham. "The future of college athletics is changing, and we want to be at the forefront of that. Coach Belichick has demonstrated his passion for teaching, for coaching and for lifelong learning, and he is an absolute perfect fit for us at this time in the history of the university and the history of college sports." Cunningham and UNC chancellor Lee Roberts presented Belichick a gift of a Carolina hoodie with the sleeves cut off, a reference to the coach's partiality for that style of sideline apparel, before Cunningham jokingly donned a sport coat with the sleeves cut off to match for the remainder of the press conference. Belichick responded with a surprise of his own, unveiling his father's UNC sweatshirt from his time as a Tar Heel assistant coach in the 1950s, an item the younger Belichick had saved for decades. "I always wanted to coach in college football," Belichick said before quipping, "it just never really worked out. I had some pretty good years in the NFL, so that was okay. This is really kind of a dream come true. I grew up in college football with my dad as a coach at Navy for 50 years, so as a kid all I really knew was college football. It's great to come back home to Carolina and back in an environment I really grew up in. "When you're little, you don't remember everything obviously. I was too young to remember a lot of the things from Carolina, but as I grew up you hear the same story over and over and over again. And so, one story I always heard was, 'Billy's first words were beat Duke.'" Prior to accepting the job, Belichick had conversations about the UNC program with legendary Tar Heels Lawrence Taylor, who played for Belichick with the New York Giants, Julius Peppers, who sat in the front row for Thursday's press conference, and Michael Jordan. "He's the greatest of all-time," Peppers said of Belichick. "I'm happy to have him here. I know his presence and his knowledge of the game are going to elevate our program. I'm here today in support of this hire, and I'm excited, looking forward to the future." Belichick guided the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, most by a head coach in NFL history. He also won two more as a defensive coordinator with the New York Giants while serving on the staff of Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. He is a three-time NFL Coach of the Year who earned a spot as coach on the NFL's All-Decade Teams for the 2000s and 2010s, and he was named to the league's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team in 2019. "I'm here to teach, develop and build a program in the way that I believe in," he said. "I've said many times that we want to be the best public university in the United States, and that means excellence in everything that we do," said Roberts. "We're going to have an excellent college football program, we want to compete with the best and we've hired the best coach." While lacking college coaching experience, Belichick boasts a record of 333-178 (.652) as an NFL head coach, a coaching career that dates to 1975 and includes a record-31 playoff wins. In his 24 seasons as the Patriots' head coach, New England won 17 AFC East championships, advanced to 13 AFC Championship games and made nine Super Bowl trips. So, compared to your typical college coaching candidate, Belichick represents a new day and a new way forward for the Tar Heels. His vision of running a college program through a professional lens reflects the NIL and revenue sharing realities now dominating college athletics, and Carolina has upped its football budget and commitment to woo Belichick and give him the tools to succeed in Chapel Hill. "We'll hire the best coaches we can hire," Belichick said of his future staff. "I want to do everything I can to help this program and make it as strong as possible, so we'll hire the best ones we can get. There will certainly be a strong presence of NFL people on the staff, I think that's a certainty. Not only in the staff but in the training area. At the same time, I'm looking for the best fit for Carolina, and that fit, I think, is a little different than an NFL team would have." When asked about his external impressions of the Tar Heel program as an NFL coach, Belichick explained one of his overriding goals as he enters the college ranks with Carolina. "Great place to go to school, great program, but It's been awhile," he said. "[The] 1980 [season], that was the heyday, and we got [Lawrence] Taylor right after that to the Giants. He talked so much about the Tar Heels and their great program. It kind of hasn't been to that point since. There's a lot of pride in this program, and I want to do everything I can here to help take it to the highest level." The hire has already made a strong impression on Tar Heel football alumni. "Bill has the experience to elevate every aspect of our football program," says former tight end Alge Crumper (UNC, 1996-2000), who also served as a team captain with the Patriots under Belichick in 2010. "This bold hire leaves no doubt that football is a priority in Chapel Hill." The first addition to Belichick's staff is former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as general manager. Belichick also indicated Freddie Kitchens , who was UNC's run game coordinator and tight ends coach under Mack Brown and has served as interim head coach since Brown's departure, would be his first coaching hire. "Michael and I have worked together going back over 30 years," said Belichick. "He has a great knowledge of the general manager role, if you will, in this type of position, in terms of scouting two types of players (high school players and college portal players), as well as dealing with some sort of salary cap, which is now a part of college football." To close the press conference, a reporter asked Belichick to explain why he chose UNC for his initial foray into the college coaching ranks. He replied, "All the things the University of North Carolina stands for...the academics, the culture, the research...everything it stands for...on the field, off the field and the destination that Carolina is for so many student-athletes. There's so much opportunity here. I'm honored to have an opportunity and thrilled to be a part of it."