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The game started off at a high intensity, with both Shanxi and Beijing demonstrating their offensive firepower early on. The first quarter saw a back-and-forth exchange of buckets, with neither team willing to give an inch. Beijing's star-studded lineup, led by their dynamic point guard and sharpshooters, attempted to create separation, but Shanxi's tenacious defense and efficient scoring kept them within striking distance.

The presence of weapons on a train not only poses a direct threat to the safety of passengers but also raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place. The fact that the mother and daughter managed to board the train with knives highlights potential loopholes in the security screening process that need to be addressed.The closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. The Northern View investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the New York State Department of State and the Minnesota Attorney General to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its website. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. The Northern View contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.In conclusion, the launch of the “Spring Dawn Plan” and its introduction of “Factory Direct Sales” mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the retail industry. By fostering transparency, sustainability, and efficiency, this initiative has the potential to drive positive change and empower both consumers and manufacturers in the new economy. As we look towards the future, it is clear that innovative approaches like the “Spring Dawn Plan” will play a crucial role in shaping the way we do business and interact with products in the years to come.

CENTURION: South Africa tailenders Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen hung in against relentless fast bowler Mohammad Abbas for a tense two-wicket win in the first test on Sunday to seal the Proteas' place in next year's World Test Championship final . ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for Jansen (16 not out) overshadowed Abbas' brilliant figures of 6-54 with a square driven boundary against the fast bowler as South Africa reached 150-8 just after lunch on Day 4 and escaped with a close win in the opener of the two-match series. "Quite an emotional moment for me, good advert for test cricket," said South Africa captain Temba Bavuma , who made 40. "We haven't been ruthless but have found a way to ensure the result was on our side. Lot of joy and happiness on our side, a bit of a rollercoaster, glad that we were able to get the result." Abbas, making a comeback after more than three years in the test wilderness, had knocked back South Africa's tricky chase of 148 runs in a marathon 13-over spell before lunch on Day 4 as the home team limped to 99-8, losing four wickets for three runs. However, Rabada changed gears in an unbroken 51-run stand with Jansen and made an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls with five fours to seal a memorable victory and denied Pakistan its first test win in South Africa in almost 18 years. 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But since then the Proteas have beaten West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to stay on top of the table. "It (WTC final) is a big one, not just for myself but also the team and the coach," Bavuma said. "The way we started our campaign, against India and then New Zealand with a not-so-strong team, and the way we have gone through with our performances, not many gave us a chance." India, Australia and Sri Lanka are the other teams still in contention for next June's WTC final against South Africa at Lord's. Captain Temba Bavuma (40) and Aiden Markram (37) had thwarted Abbas for an hour after South Africa resumed at a wobbly 27-3, still needing 121 for victory. Bavuma's controversial dismissal punctuated a South Africa collapse in the latter half of first session with Abbas grabbing three off his six balls in a sensational home team collapse. Bavuma, who made 40, surprisingly didn't request a television review when replays suggested that Abbas' ball had brushed the batter's pocket and didn't make contact with the inside edge of the bat but the South African skipper walked back to the dressing room. Abbas bowled an unchanged marathon spell of 13 overs, but had to wait as Markram and Bavuma saw off eight overs from the fast bowlers. Resuming at 27-3, Bavuma and Markram showed plenty of patience against Abbas' probing line and length before the fast bowler finally got the breakthrough after the first drinks break. Abbas was rewarded for his brilliant seam bowling when he beat the outside edge of Markram's bat and knocked back the off stump. Bavuma survived a couple of close chances when he successfully overturned an on-field lbw decision against him early in the day and Naseem Shah couldn't hold onto a sharp catch at fine leg as he overstepped the boundary cushion while grabbing the ball over his head. South Africa had controlled the game at 96-4 before Bavuma's dismissal saw Abbas finding the outside edges of David Bedingham (14) and Corbin Bosch's (0) bat off successive deliveries and in between Kyle Verreynne dragged Naseem Shah's delivery back onto his stumps. Abbas found the outside edge of Rabada's bat in his first over after lunch that fell just short of wicketkeeper Rizwan before both tailenders took the team home. "Extremely proud of the efforts, but going forward we need to be ruthless," Pakistan captain Shan Masood said. "We keep making the same mistakes but we have to get over the line, seize moments." The second test begins at Cape Town on Friday. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )OSWEGO, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James A. Dowd, President and CEO of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., the bank holding company of Pathfinder Bank (NASDAQ: PBHC) (listing: PathBcp), has announced that the Company has declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company's voting common and non-voting common stock, and a cash dividend of $0.10 per notional share for the issued warrant relating to the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2024. The fourth quarter 2024 dividend will be payable to all shareholders of record on January 17, 2025 and will be paid on February 7, 2025. About Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. Pathfinder Bank is a New York State chartered commercial bank headquartered in Oswego, whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ SmallCap Market; symbol: PBHC, listing: PathBcp). The Bank has twelve full service offices located in its market areas consisting of Oswego and Onondaga County and one limited purpose office in Oneida County. This release may contain certain forward-looking statements, which are based on management's current expectations regarding economic, legislative, and regulatory issues that may impact the Company's earnings in future periods. Factors that could cause future results to vary materially from current management expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in interest rates, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values, and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in legislation or regulation; and economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, pricing, products, and services. CONTACT: James A. Dowd, President and CEO, (315) 343-0057

In conclusion, the decision by the Syrian Prime Minister to transfer power to the opposition and the coordination of the power transition process signal a positive step towards resolving the conflict in Syria. By ensuring the continuity of essential services and upholding the principles of democracy and human rights, the Syrian people can look forward to a more stable and inclusive future. It is our hope that this agreement will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity in Syria.

As construction continues on the new expressway, stakeholders and residents are eagerly anticipating the completion of the project and the positive impact it will have on the region's economy, transportation network, and overall quality of life. The new expressway is poised to not only improve connectivity within Jiangxi but also strengthen its position as a key player in the regional and national economy.

The combination of London-based media and data company Informa PLC’s Informa Tech and Massachusetts-based TechTarget became official Monday, creating a B2B data giant. The proposed deal was announced early in 2024 and recently won approval from TechTarget shareholders. Informa TechTarget will trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol TTGT. Informa PLC contributed $350 million in cash and the Informa Tech Digital Businesses into Informa TechTarget, in exchange for a 57% equity stake in the business. The $350 million in cash, or approximately $11.70 per outstanding TechTarget share, will be paid to existing TechTarget shareholders, who also retain a 43% equity stake in the combined company. Gary Nugent, former CEO of Informa Tech, will serve as the Informa TechTarget CEO. Informa TechTarget will offer B2B marketers in the technology sector a broad range of products and capabilities. Perhaps most importantly, the company will be awash in first-party data from people researching business technology purchases across a sizable portfolio of web properties, analyst firms and digital platforms. How did we get here? Many of the B2B tech media brands that fall under Informa TechTarget are well-known to B2B marketers. Many of the brands go back decades and are no strangers to mergers and acquisitions. Both Informa Tech and TechTarget used strategic acquisitions to build their portfolios of properties over the years. The Informa Tech portfolio included media brands like Industry Dive, Information Week, Light Reading and AI Business; research firms Omdia and Canalys; and lead generation platform NetLine. TechTarget’s portfolio included more than 150 websites under the TechTarget umbrella; research firm Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG); and virtual events and video platform BrightTALK. As the value of audience data increased and B2B marketers in the tech sector, in particular, emphasized buyer intent data, both TechTarget and Informa Tech responded accordingly. TechTarget offered a buyer intent platform called Priority Engine that gives marketers access to data about prospects actively researching tech solutions. Informa Tech created IIRIS, a B2B customer data platform that collates, standardizes and analyzes all of the first-party data generated by its portfolio. First-party takes centerstage The impact of and the resulting thirst for first-party data is all over the this deal. One of the challenges many media organizations face when it comes to first-party data is scale: They can’t generate anything comparable to the volume of third-party data. First-party data and scale were both mentioned in a statement by Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive at Informa, when the deal was proposed earlier this year. ”Today we significantly strengthen Informa’s position in the growing B2B digital services market, creating a platform to serve B2B customers at scale digitally, as we already do in live and on-demand B2B events,” Carter said. ”Over the last three years, Informa has built a proprietary first-party data platform, IIRIS, and expanded our position in the B2B Digital Services market. Now, through a majority shareholding in US-listed TechTarget, we are positioning this business firmly where the customers and the value are.” According to Informa, the total addressable market (TAM) of Informa TechTarget will expand customer reach by more than 10x. The new company will also be positioned to drive revenue and growth in new technology-enabled B2B markets. TechTarget’s CEO sees scale, content as advantages The combination of TechTarget and Informa Tech was about scale in a number of areas, said Mike Cotoia, the CEO of TechTarget when the deal was proposed. The size of the permission-based audience will, of course, be larger, but so will the company’s geographic footprint if the deal is approved. A combined company could better serve global marketing teams at enterprise vendors, for example. Cotoia said the combination provides scale for marketers trying to reach buyers in vertical markets.Business technology buyers increasingly sit in line-of-business (LOB) positions outside of centralized IT organizations. To reach these buyers, marketers need to work with media companies focused on vertical markets like healthcare, financial services and construction. TechTarget acquired Xtelligent Healthcare Media in 2021 to break into the healthcare vertical. The addition of Informa Tech’s Industry Dive properties includes coverage for more than 30 additional verticals. Like most B2B publishers, Cotoia said TechTarget serves two groups: The marketers who need to reach buyers and the tech buyers themselves. The B2B marketers, he said, are interested in how they can activate intent data and find the fastest, most accurate path to the next deal. But they’re also trying to make their work easier. “B2B marketers want to do more with less. They’ve added leads, they’ve added data and they’ve added martech and sales tech solutions. Now they want to simplify it,” Cotoia said. “And they want better conversions.” On the buyers’ side of the equation, the combination of TechTarget and Informa Tech is about delivering high-quality content, according to Cotoia, because the way business technology buyers research and purchase changed significantly in the past decade. “Today’s tech buyer is a younger buyer who relies less on sales reps and more on trusted content and experts,” Cotoia said. “We’re making sure we provide the impressive content they’re looking for when they’re evaluating options and making critical decisions for their tech stack.” Cotoia expects content to remain central to the strategy going forward. “We’re a publisher at heart, as we understand the value of leading with trusted, smart content because that’s what our readers and today’s tech buyer refer to when it comes to making decisions,” Cotoia said. With an impressive collection of first-party data, vast content resources and an international footprint, a combined TechTarget and Informa Tech cuts an imposing figure on the B2B media playing field. How will the competition respond? Cotoia has a prediction: More M&A activity. “I think consolidation is really a trend that is going to keep going,” he said. Email:

Arnold and Salah have been instrumental in Liverpool's recent success, playing crucial roles in the team's victories and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Their possible departures would undoubtedly leave a significant void in the squad, both in terms of skill and leadership.Mollie Marcoux Samaan is out as LPGA commissioner, meaning one of the biggest women’s professional sports organizations in the world is seeking new leadership at a time of exploding popularity in women’s sports. Marcoux Samaan’s tenure was plagued by high-profile missteps — zero players showing up for an important sponsor event, and transportation issues causing fans to miss the start of the Solheim Cup, for instance — but it was not without its positives. Purses have continued to rise — Jeeno Thitikul earned $4 million for winning the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship, which well exceeds the salary cap for an entire WNBA franchise. Fan interest is growing, at the same time. She also faced a difficult situation upon her hiring in 2021, going from Princeton athletic director to succeeding the popular, highly communicative Mike Whan. Advertisement So what will the next commissioner inherit? Here are five distinct challenges the LPGA is facing, from its place on TV to its policy on transgender athletes: Title sponsors are leaving Marcoux Samaan leaves just as the tour is announcing a record-setting prize fund for 2025 , but the tour has simultaneously been riddled with controversy, disappointment and even major sponsor departures from big-name tournaments. The LPGA’s Founder’s Cup lost its long-time title sponsor, Cognizant — a Fortune 500 and NASDAQ company — ahead of the 2025 season. The tournament honors the tour’s 13 founding members and was won in 2024 by world No. 1 Nelly Korda. It’ll replace the Drive On Championship, another event held without a sponsor in 2024. Sponsors have filtered in and out of the tour throughout the years, notably the ANA Inspiration transitioning to the Chevron Championship — a major rebrand (and relocation) of one of the tour’s five majors. The U.S. Women’s Open was formerly the only LPGA major without a sponsor name carried in its title until Ally Financial joined as a multi-year partner in early 2024. Marcoux Samaan has also had a turbulent relationship with its current and ongoing sponsors, namely CME Group, the title sponsor of the tour’s season-ending championship. Terry Duffy, the company’s CEO, blasted leadership in 2022 after players failed to show up for an important sponsor gathering, according to Golfweek. Then, ahead of this year’s CME Group Tour Championship, Duffy expressed public frustration with the tour’s inconsistent TV broadcast windows. The Saturday round of the event was only shown on tape delay. “That’s (expletive), isn’t it?” Duffy said to reporters on site. The tour’s future commissioner will face important conversations with current sponsors approaching contract renewals in the wake of Cognizant’s departure, in addition to maintaining and repairing ongoing relationships. Advertisement TV is a problem The next commissioner will take over a tricky television situation. Right as women’s golf (and women’s sports across the board) are having a major moment, the LPGA is fighting to ensure its events are being seen. It’s become a popular criticism toward the tour and the networks that sometimes big tournaments are aired on tape delay or only watchable live on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. The problem is it’s not as simple as networks giving proper coverage. 🚨😞👱🏻‍♀️ #PRETTY SAD — Lexi Thompson takes to Instagram with complaints over tomorrow’s split tee start, adding that she would have liked to finish up on 18 as opposed to #9. @LexiLegion pic.twitter.com/CkWRz3md3A — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) November 23, 2024 The LPGA does not have its own TV rights contract. It agreed with the PGA Tour in 2020 to negotiate a joint deal worth $700 million with CBS, NBC and ESPN, and it’s locked into that deal through 2030. The PGA Tour has the greater power in that deal — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a December 2020 deposition that more than 95 percent of money went to the men at the time. While the exact amount the LPGA receives each year is unknown, it is safe to say the PGA Tour properties still receive the overwhelming majority. A PGA Tour representative told The Athletic there’s no written allocation of rights fees for the LPGA in the agreement, and it’s ultimately based on how much programming is delivered. But who decides that? Well, PGA Tour events draw viewerships in the millions, while most LPGA events are measured in hundreds of thousands. And the PGA Tour also pushes its other properties, the Champions Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, to the rights holders, including Golf Channel. But it’s even more complicated than that. TV windows are often locked in months and even years in advance, and the PGA Tour works to submit its tournament dates as early as possible. The same goes for its other properties. Advertisement The LPGA Tour is often slower to get sponsorship deals and events solidified, according to people familiar with discussions, meaning schedules are proposed later to the networks. Quite often when LPGA events are on tape delay, it’s because certain coverage windows are already taken and the networks can’t unilaterally change it even they wanted to. On top of that, the LPGA sometimes schedules events directly in competition with substantial events like men’s major championships despite broadcast partners suggesting otherwise. Marcoux Samaan has admitted to this scheduling issue, recently telling Sports Business Journal : “When we can sell partnerships earlier and we know what our schedule is earlier, then we can work more closely with Golf Channel, NBC, CBS, ESPN+ to plan out the schedule as best as we can,” she said. “And then continue to stress why it’s important to be on at the right time.” Ultimately, the issue may be more connected to issues locking down long-term sponsorship deals. The entire situation frustrated the players. “The CME is a perfect example. On Sunday, having to do split tees and tee off early in the day as well, it’s just not the way that a Tour Championship should be,” said one player, speaking on the condition of anonymity. But would it be better to negotiate their own deal down the road? That’s up for debate. While it does have its own deal with ESPN+ for live streams through 2025, it joined the men’s broadcast rights deal as the PGA Tour got a 70 percent increase. Monahan testified: “(T)hey would have received several million dollars of additional media rights revenue in 2020 than they did in 2019,” indicating that being paired with the men’s tours adds money for the women. Transgender rights Transgender professional golfer Hailey Davidson recently competed in the LPGA qualifying series and earned partial status on the Epson Tour, the LPGA’s developmental tour. Davidson’s emergence has reignited interest in the LPGA’s stance on the issue, and the lack of updates regarding the shaping of the LPGA’s gender policy has been a source of frustration to some LPGA players. Lauren Miller, Hannah Arnold, Dana Fall and Amy Olson have all publicly backed the Independent Women’s Forum’s efforts to bar Davidson and other future transgender athletes from competing on the LPGA Tour. Advertisement The tour’s gender policy , as stated on the LPGA website, reads: “Individuals who have undergone gender reassignment from male to female after puberty are eligible for membership and/or participation in tournaments, provided they comply with the eligibility requirements set forth below and provide certain documentation to LPGA (the suitability and acceptance of each as determined in LPGA’s sole discretion) in accordance with this policy.” In 2010, LPGA players voted to remove the “female at birth” clause from its policy shortly after a transgender woman sued the tour in federal court. Marcoux Samaan said in August that the LPGA is reviewing its policy and expects to update it by the end of the year. Bring out the stars The commotion created by Caitlin Clark’s appearance at The Annika last month was a win for the tournament and the LPGA — one of the biggest sports stars in the world announced herself as a recreational golfer and LPGA fan. You can pay for a star to show up at your event, but you can’t make it come across as authentic and Clark did that in Bellair, Fla. But there was also a tell in the way that some LPGA stars described Clark — Rose Zhang spoke about how Clark has a “star vibe” and seemed to almost look up to the WNBA Rookie of the Year. It was an oddly uneven dynamic given that Clark, 22, is only a year older than Zhang, and they were looked upon as collegiate phenoms at the same time. The Clark/Nelly Korda pro-am pairing was on much more equal footing, but it also illustrated the popularity gap between the most popular women’s basketball player and the most popular women’s golfer. You cannot make someone into Caitlin Clark — generations of basketball players all strained to push the proverbial boulder up the mountain, only for her to come along and make it look easy to generate record-setting TV ratings and attendance figures. The next LPGA commissioner will, however, have to find a way to make the most out of the gift that is Korda, and develop Zhang and the next generation into marketable, bankable stars. Advertisement The PIF threat A little over a year into her tenure as commissioner, Marcoux Samaan addressed tour membership in a letter. She expressed her desire to communicate with players about discussions of a merger with the Ladies European Tour, according to Golf Digest . The deal would expand upon the current joint venture that the LPGA and LET announced in 2019. Golf Saudi is a central LET partner and hosts the annual Aramco Saudi Ladies International and the multi-tournament Aramco Team Series. It is a component of Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the long-term financial plan to diversify the kingdom’s investments and cleanse its global image. Golf Saudi’s chairman is Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who also serves as the head of the Saudi Public Investment Fund — the backer of LIV Golf. The stars of the women’s game such as Korda and Lexi Thompson have participated and benefitted by winning Golf Saudi-backed Aramco events. But the plans to officially merge the LPGA and LET have been stalled since the initial talks began. Initial LPGA player votes were suspended indefinitely, reportedly due to an inquiry from Golf Saudi, and have continued to be postponed at the last minute. LPGA players were frustrated about the rollout of the proposed merger, as its implementation could reduce available tour cards. On the LET side, votes were planned and then postponed during last season’s LET Q-School and at the 2024 Dutch Ladies Open. At a player meeting at La Sella Golf Resort in Spain in September, LET officials told players that the LPGA had not decided on the status of the merger vote, according to an active LET member who was granted anonymity because she was not authorized to speak about the meeting publicly. Increased transparency regarding the ongoing discussions of an LPGA-LET merger were once a central talking point of Marcoux Samaan’s but has now been delayed to the point of player frustration. The lack of communication on a complicated subject will add another layer to the duties of an incoming commissioner. The topic is particularly timely with the added factor of the PGA Tour-PIF negotiations, which have been unsettled since a framework agreement was announced on June 6, 2023. (Top photo of Mollie Marcoux Samaan: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, the key to success lies in understanding and harnessing the power of big data. With the ever-increasing amount of data being generated every day, businesses are presented with a wealth of opportunities to leverage this information to drive growth and increase profitability.

Over the years, the Emirates Stadium has been the stage for some of Arsenal's most memorable triumphs. From thrilling come-from-behind victories to emphatic displays of attacking prowess, the stadium has seen it all. The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Vieira have graced the hallowed turf and etched their names into Arsenal's rich tapestry of history.In conclusion, the appointment of Anthony Taylor as the referee for the Manchester Derby underscores the magnitude and importance of this iconic fixture. With both clubs vying for supremacy and bragging rights, the stage is set for a captivating battle on the field. As the football world eagerly anticipates the Derby, Anthony Taylor's presence as the officiating referee only adds to the excitement and intrigue surrounding this marquee matchup.

Title: Manchester United Should Be Ruthless Like Ferdinand When Dealing with Underperforming PlayersKansas once required voters to prove citizenship. That didn't work out so well

Title: Yilian Technology: Intends to Use Up to 500 Million Yuan of Idle Own Funds for AcquisitionWestern Acquisition Ventures Corp. ( NASDAQ:WAVS – Get Free Report ) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decrease of 33.3% from the November 30th total of 300 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the company’s stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Western Acquisition Ventures Stock Performance NASDAQ:WAVS opened at $10.89 on Friday. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $11.11 and its 200-day simple moving average is $10.91. Western Acquisition Ventures has a fifty-two week low of $10.27 and a fifty-two week high of $15.98. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Acquisition Ventures An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Western Acquisition Ventures stock. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of Western Acquisition Ventures Corp. ( NASDAQ:WAVS – Free Report ) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 10,295 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $108,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC owned approximately 0.29% of Western Acquisition Ventures at the end of the most recent quarter. 6.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Western Acquisition Ventures Company Profile Western Acquisition Ventures Corp. does not have significant operations. The company intends to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. It intends to acquire businesses operating in the infrastructure and environmental services; health, wellness, and food sustainability; financial technology and financial services; enterprise software and software as a service (SaaS); and leisure and hospitality industries. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Western Acquisition Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Acquisition Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

The new year 2025 will mark a momentous occasion in the history of Maltese-Qatari relations, as the two countries prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties. Since June 1975, Malta and Qatar have developed a robust partnership built on mutual respect, shared interests and co-operation. The two nations have forged deep ties, working and supporting each other in international fora, from economic collaboration to the promotion of peace and dialogue on various fronts. Shared commitment to peace, security and diplomacy Both Malta and Qatar have the same ambitions enshrined in their respective foreign policies. Malta’s second of its three strategic pillars clearly refers to the promotion of peace, security and dialogue. Similarly, Qatar’s foreign policy is based on a set of principles outlined in its constitution, which include strengthening international peace and security by encouraging the peaceful resolution of international disputes. To this end, on the multilateral front, Malta is about to conclude its two-year non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where it continued to promote conflict resolution through dialogue, the upholding of international law, advocating for the protection of human rights, bringing to the forefront humanitarian issues and the empowerment of small states. In addition to its role in the UNSC, Malta also played a key part, after having been chosen by consensus as Chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for 2024, in ensuring that one of the last channels of communication in Europe remains open. Guided by the motto “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”, Malta hosted on Dec 5-6, 2024, the 31st Ministerial Council of this organisation, where it managed to find consensus to fill the top four leadership positions of the secretariat and institutions of this organisation. Describing this meeting as “a proud milestone”, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Dr Ian Borg, in his opening speech, referred to the historic 1989 Malta Summit between presidents Bush and Gorbachev which ended the Cold War. He admitted that times have fundamentally changed and that the “principles, rules that have underpinned international peace and security for almost 80 years are being questioned, challenged and actively undermined”. Nevertheless, Dr Borg reaffirmed that Malta remains a “staunch defender of peace and dialogue in the face of the seemingly insurmountable differences and challenges”. Malta’s drive in the pursuit of peace will continue next year when it also assumes the Presidency of the European Committee of Ministers at the Council of Europe (CoE) from May to November 2025. During its presidency, Malta plans to focus on enhancing the council’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges, including strengthening the protection of human rights in the face of global political and social changes. In a similar vein, Qatar remains one of the most prominent players in regional and global diplomacy, particularly in the fields of mediation and conflict resolution. We commend Qatar’s unwavering commitment to facilitating peace talks and negotiations, positioning itself as a neutral party with a strong commitment to achieving peaceful solutions to some of the world’s most complex conflicts. Qatar’s tireless work in the Middle East, Asia and Africa as well as between Ukraine and Russia has earned it recognition as a reliable and trustworthy mediator. Qatar’s support for dialogue is also evident in its hosting of numerous international gatherings such as the Doha Forum, besides actual peace negotiations. It continues to invest heavily in diplomacy, driven by the belief that peace cannot be achieved through military means alone, but must come through dialogue, compromise, and mutual understanding, something which Malta also believes in. Qatar’s unstinting efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the release of hostages and the unrestricted access of humanitarian aid are indeed admirable and commendable. Malta, like Qatar, believes that urgent progress is needed towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We want to see the State of Israel and a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Malta and Qatar’s Thriving Relationship The relationship between Malta and Qatar extends far beyond diplomacy, with both countries working closely together on a range of issues, including trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. The bilateral ties between the two nations have strengthened in recent years, with both governments recognising the importance of deepening co-operation in areas such as education, tourism, and sustainable development. Throughout 2024, we had the 1st ever Session of Malta-Qatar Political Consultations which took place in January 2024 in Valletta and led by Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar from the Maltese side and HE Dr Ahmad Hassen al-Hammadi, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. This was followed by a considerable number of high-level visits including those of the Minister of Finance and Employment, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, the Minister of Health and Active Aging and the recent visit of Dr Lydia Abela, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malta for the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference. This is a growing testament of the ever-growing trust between our two countries and the willingness to continue working together for the benefit of our two peoples. From Malta’s active engagement in the multilateral front, to Qatar’s vital role in mediation and peacebuilding, both nations continue to play a significant role in shaping regional and global diplomacy. Their partnership, built over five decades, exemplifies the power of international cooperation underpinned by the shared belief that diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect are the keys to achieving a peaceful and prosperous future for all. Let us continue persevering in our common endeavour to guarantee a more secure, peaceful and prosperous environment for future generations. Related Story Secretary-General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Ambassador of Malta Sheikh Mohamed meets minister for Foreign and European Affairs of MaltaNone

Patriots-Chargers Stock Watch: Stock down across the board in blowout lossNow, at the age of 30, the MIT Ph.D. student stands on the cusp of a new chapter in his life. Despite the scars of his past, he remains resolute in his determination to forge ahead, using his experiences to advocate for victims of abduction and human trafficking worldwide. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those who have endured similar ordeals, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

OTTAWA — Canada’s public safety minister says he has discussed the idea of allowing Canada Border Services Agency to patrol between points of entry, but it is not a priority for Ottawa as it looks for more urgent ways to bolster border security. Dominic LeBlanc joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on a trip last Friday to Palm Beach, Fla., to see president-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where they dined with other incoming White House cabinet nominees. The unannounced trip had been arranged earlier in the week when the leaders spoke by phone after Trump threatened to slap a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada over concerns about illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., when he takes office in January. Since Trump’s threat, LeBlanc has sought to reassure Canadians and his American counterparts that it takes border security seriously, pledging in the wake of the threat to send additional police drones and helicopters to the RCMP, as well as having personnel redeployed. Mark Weber, the national president of the c ustoms and immigration union representing border services officers, said Ottawa should give the agency the power to patrol the entire border, not just official entry points. He called on the Liberals to repeal an order dating back to 1932, which made the Mounties responsible for border security between entry points, which Weber said is clearly “outdated.” “The situation is so silly now that if our officers are sitting at one of their workplaces and they see someone crossing just off to where the port is, we have to call the RCMP.” “It’s frustrating for members.” With a nearly 9,000-kilometre border, Weber said he does not want to replace the RCMP, but for its members to be able to assist. “It seems like an obvious part of this solution to the problem.” Speaking to reporters on Monday, LeBlanc said the federal Liberals have “taken note” of the idea. “I’ve discussed that with the commissioner of the RCMP,” the minister said, adding no decision has been made. LeBlanc defended the job done by the RCMP when it comes to border security, saying as a national police force it has the necessary access to criminal intelligence and has long-established relationships with other policing organizations, such as the FBI. “If we were to undertake a big machinery (of) government change, that may require legislation in the room behind me,” LeBlanc said, referring to the House of Commons. “I’m not sure it would speak to the urgency of the matter.” The government “is always looking at good ideas and we’re not dismissing this one,” LeBlanc said, “but it’s not a priority for us in terms of arriving at the conclusion we want.” The minister declined to provide specifics around the plans to deploy additional technologies, saying that he spoke to both RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Canada Border Services Agency President Erin O’Gorman earlier in the day about the matter. Exactly where the equipment and personnel will be deployed are matters of police operations, LeBlanc said. Weber added the border services agency still faces a staffing shortage, saying it has not recovered from the 1,200 jobs that were cut under the former Conservative government. In a statement on Monday, a spokesman for the agency reiterated that border security is a responsibility it shares with the RCMP. The national force did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist and former border services officer who now teaches at Mount Royal University, said the fact that successive governments have kept such an “antiquated” order in place reflects the “neglect” Ottawa has shown to border issues. “We just haven’t taken it seriously.” “The RCMP is understaffed already,” Sundberg added. “Buying a bunch of helicopters to patrol a 9,000-kilometre border is nothing short of ridiculous. It’s just performative security theatre.” Sundberg believes the country needs to transform the border services agency into a “true policing agency.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on the federal Liberals to present a plan to Parliament for how it plans to address border security. Besides increasing patrols and ensuring collaboration with local police, he said Trudeau should expand the mandate of the border service’s agency. Both federal officials and the RCMP have said they are ready for a potential influx of people who may try entering Canada illegally, in light of president-elect Trump’s vow to deport millions of people from the U.S. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is preparing to roll out an updated version of an advertising campaign it has been running since 2018, laying out the facts about claiming asylum in Canada. Those searching online for information about claiming asylum will see an advertisement appear warning there are “strict guidelines” to follow, according to a statement from Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office. The ads will appear in different languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Arabic and Persian. “We strongly discourage irregular crossings, which can be risky and dangerous, especially as the winter approaches,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. “We are monitoring the situation closely with the U.S. and reviewing our policies and processes to help address the issue.” National Post staylor@postmedia.com Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what’s really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here .Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the need to deepen reform efforts in key sectors such as finance, state-owned enterprises, and market regulation. By enhancing the efficiency of these sectors and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, China aims to create a more level playing field for businesses and stimulate entrepreneurship. This will not only boost domestic consumption but also attract foreign investment, driving economic growth in the long run.In a statement released by Manchester United, the club expressed their delight at securing the signing of such a promising young talent. The club's academy director praised the "Child of Magic Dreams" for his outstanding potential and dedication to the sport, and expressed confidence that he will flourish in the United setup.

Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants have been demanding a re-examination of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), which was held on December 13, alleging irregularities in the exam. However, their protest intensified on Sunday in Patna and the police resorted to cane-charge and the use of water cannons. Thousands of students gathered at Gandhi Maidan and later marched toward JP Golambar. A heavy police presence was deployed to manage the escalating protests. The police team was led by Patna Central SP, Sweety Sahrawat. But who is IPS Sweety Sahrawat? She became Patna Central SP earlier this year. She is a Bihar cadre IPS officer who cleared the UPSC exam with All India Rank (AIR) 187. IPS Sahrawat was earlier posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Aurangabad, Bihar. The young officer holds a B.Tech (ECE) degree from Delhi Technological University. Her father was a Delhi Police head constable who died in a road accident in 2013. IPS Sahrawat had quit her job as a design engineer to fulfil her father’s dream of seeing her become an IAS officer. She cracked UPSC CSE 2019 to become an IPS officer. She is a native of Aurangabad district. She is now in the news because she is leading the police team during the BPSC protest in Patna. Last year in September, a video of her talking with Kerala's former Governor and retired IPS officer Nikhil Kumar went viral. Kumar went to the residence of then ASP Sehrawat after several people complained to him about rising cases of theft in the city.Informa TechTarget emerges as a B2B data giant