The 51st annual Brazosport ISD Holiday Classic will give the Columbia Roughnecks much-needed games to get back into a groove and out of a season-long rut. Meanwhile, the previously state-ranked Lady ’Necks will look to build on a strong start to the season as they close the 2024 year. Either way, a pair of freshmen will get plenty of reps before the new year. The Roughnecks’ (6-11) first game of the Classic will tip off at 1 p.m. Friday against Foster inside E.E. “Flash” Walker Gymnasium at Brazosport High School. Columbia enters Friday’s opener on a four-game losing skid and losses in five of its last six games. The last two defeats have come by a combined three points against District 29-4A foes Brazosport and Wharton, and three of the last four losses have come by seven points or fewer. Columbia has been a victim of close games throughout the season, but a holiday break followed by a rush of games might help. Six losses have come by eight points or fewer this season. The Roughnecks hope for a better result in the Classic than a year ago. Columbia went 0-4 at the Brazosport ISD-hosted tournament and lost by an average of 34.2 points per game. The Classic will give freshman center Drake Autenrieth valuable experience, especially in balancing his height advantage under the basket and staying out of foul trouble, which he encountered in the team’s District 29-4A-opening loss to Brazosport. The Lady ’Necks rushed to a strong start to the 2024-25 season, eventually earning a state ranking in the Texas Girls Coaches Association girls basketball poll. A couple of lengthy winning streaks aided the early burst, including five games from Nov. 16 to Dec. 5 and another five from Dec. 6 to Dec. 13. However, the Lady ’Necks enter Friday’s meeting with The Woodlands at Brazoswood High School on a two-game skid — both losses coming in district play. The 8:30 a.m. tip-off will take place inside the B Gym. Freshman Avery White has come on to lead the Lady ’Necks’ offense and take over as the team’s point guard. Meanwhile, head coach Maurice Jones has size under the basket in Hayley Broussard and Ayvah Fields. If those two can stay out of foul trouble, the Lady ’Necks can be hard to beat in the tournament. The tournament features 16 teams in the boys’ and girls’ brackets. Tournament hosts Brazosport and Brazoswood fill the bracket as well as Southern Brazoria County regular Angleton. Other Brazoria County schools, Alvin and Pearland Dawson, will play. The tournament includes Alief Elsik, Clear Brook, Euless Trinity, South Houston, Alief Taylor, Royse City, Kingwood Park, Foster and The Woodlands. The girls championship game will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by the boys at 7 p.m. Both games will be at Brazoswood High School. The tournament is a fundraiser for the Brazoswood and Brazosport basketball programs.
After-hours movers: HP Inc., Dell Technologies, Workday and moreBy Stephen Whyno The Associated Press LANDOVER, Md. — Army and Navy have combined to win 19 of 23 games this season and re-emerged as nationally relevant college football programs. For the first time since 2017, the two military academies are both going to a bowl game . None of that matters much to players and coaches — not with the 125th rendition of the Army-Navy game on deck Saturday. “It’s a game and a season really all of its own,” Army coach Jeff Monken said Tuesday. “We’ve had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that’s just the way it goes around here.” Monken’s Black Knights are ranked 19th in the country after routing Tulane to win the American Athletic Conference. They’re 11-1, unbeaten in the AAC in their first season in it and their only loss came to College Football Playoff -bound Notre Dame. Marshall awaits in the Independence Bowl. Navy will face Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl to cap its first winning season since 2019. Still, there’s no way the Midshipmen are looking past this rivalry to the Sooners. “Oklahoma’s not on our mind right now because it’s all Army-Navy,” linebacker Colin Ramos said. “This is our No. 1 goal, and then after that, we’ll have about a week and a half, two weeks — whatever it is — to prepare. Right now, it’s Army-Navy.” Ramos said beating Army would define Navy’s season even more than the previous eight victories. Fellow senior captain Daba Fofana notices that importance when he feels the intensity of each practice leading up to this game. “It’s definitely amped up,” Fofana said. “We put a lot of emphasis on it naturally, but our mentality to deal with the big stage and just to play like we do, it’s another game. We’ve played this since we were young kids.” Monken, in his 11th year at West Point, refuses to apologize for making the Army-Navy game a talking point 365 days a year. He ends some conversations with the phrase, “Beat Navy.” Army would love to beat Marshall, too, but standout quarterback Bryson Daily has been proud of how he and his teammates have avoided getting ahead of themselves in recent months. He expects nothing less in the most anticipated showdown of the year. “You come here to play in this game: the biggest stage possible, millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium,” said Daily, whose 29 touchdowns are tied for the most in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision with Boise State Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty. “Records don’t matter. Rankings don’t matter. All that goes out the window for the Army-Navy Game.” Army is a 6 1/2-point favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook for the game at the Washington Commanders’ stadium in Landover, Maryland, a few miles outside the nation’s capital. All the success so far has not prevented athletic director Mike Buddie from feeling nervous about this weekend. “Thrilled that we’ve had the season that we’ve had, but the beauty of this game is this is the one that matters,” Buddie said. “They know that this is big game, and our guys know this is a big game. We’re hoping we can stay focused the way we’ve been able to do so far and make Saturday really special, but it won’t be easy.” Navy coach Brian Newberry called this “the most complete, well-rounded Army football team, the best Army football team” he has seen since arriving in Annapolis in 2019 as defensive coordinator. After a few games he’d like to have back, including a lopsided loss to Notre Dame, this is still a winner-take-all chance to capture the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy that has gone to Army and Air Force in recent years. “Winning the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, this game, is our most important goal in our program,” Newberry said. Facing a talented SEC opponent like Oklahoma in a bowl game in the fertile recruiting ground of Texas is important, too, but he added without hesitation, “We’ll worry about that on Monday.”Heavy equipment operators from more than 40 countries compete to claim worldwide title in largest challenge to date IRVING, Texas, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today launched its third Global Operator Challenge, inviting thousands of machine operators worldwide to put their agility, resilience and versatility to the test on a wide range of construction equipment and technology. "For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines," said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino. "This challenge helps showcase and celebrate the exceptional skills of the expert men and women in this important profession as they forge their legacies of being the best operators in the world." More than 140 Cat® dealer competitions were held during the 2022-2023 challenge, which attracted more than 10,000 operators from 32 countries. The 2025-2026 challenge aims to include more events, countries and operators than previous programs. Invitation for Operators Operators are invited to compete in local challenges facilitated by Cat dealers around the globe during the first round, being held from January – September 2025. The competitions will feature at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment. Scoring is based on the operator's skills, safety, efficiency and competence in using integrated technology such as payload, grade control and operator ease-of-use features to enhance the machine's performance. Winners from local dealer events will advance to regional semifinal competitions during the fall of 2025. Nine finalists will emerge from the regional semifinals and participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar's outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner receives either a $10,000 cash prize or an equal value trip for two where Caterpillar has a location worldwide. For more information and official rules about the Global Operator Challenge, including how to participate, visit www.cat.com/operatorchallenge . About Caterpillar With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caterpillar-invites-worlds-most-skilled-operators-to-forge-their-legacies-through-third-global-operator-challenge-302326150.html SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.How hostility towards immigrants could harm America's technology sector
Qatar tribune agencies Islamabad The Pakistani military has begun the trial of the country’s former spy chief, in a move that is likely to exacerbate legal challenges against the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed faces charges of engaging in political activities, violating official secret laws and misusing authority, the military said in a statement released on Tuesday. “The involvement of Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading up to multiple incidents, including but not limited to the events of May 9, 2023, aimed at fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests—is also being separately investigated,” the statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the military’s media wing, on Tuesday read. Khan hand-picked Hameed as the head of Pakistan’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency in 2019. The political opposition and rights advocates have accused the former spy chief of using his influence to suppress Khan’s opponents and muzzle dissidents. The Pakistani military and ISI have long interfered in politics in the coup-prone, nuclear-capable country, which has been ruled by generals for almost half of its existence. But this is the first time that a general has been arrested and is on trial for political activities in the country’s history. The military’s statement said Hameed would also be investigated for allegedly aiding Khan’s supporters in attacks on military installations in May last year. Political experts have said that a conviction for Hameed would mean Khan would face the same charges under the country’s military laws. Khan has been in prison for more than a year serving a sentence for multiple graft charges. Copy 11/12/2024 10By Stephen Whyno The Associated Press LANDOVER, Md. — Army and Navy have combined to win 19 of 23 games this season and re-emerged as nationally relevant college football programs. For the first time since 2017, the two military academies are both going to a bowl game . None of that matters much to players and coaches — not with the 125th rendition of the Army-Navy game on deck Saturday. “It’s a game and a season really all of its own,” Army coach Jeff Monken said Tuesday. “We’ve had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that’s just the way it goes around here.” Monken’s Black Knights are ranked 19th in the country after routing Tulane to win the American Athletic Conference. They’re 11-1, unbeaten in the AAC in their first season in it and their only loss came to College Football Playoff -bound Notre Dame. Marshall awaits in the Independence Bowl. Navy will face Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl to cap its first winning season since 2019. Still, there’s no way the Midshipmen are looking past this rivalry to the Sooners. “Oklahoma’s not on our mind right now because it’s all Army-Navy,” linebacker Colin Ramos said. “This is our No. 1 goal, and then after that, we’ll have about a week and a half, two weeks — whatever it is — to prepare. Right now, it’s Army-Navy.” Ramos said beating Army would define Navy’s season even more than the previous eight victories. Fellow senior captain Daba Fofana notices that importance when he feels the intensity of each practice leading up to this game. “It’s definitely amped up,” Fofana said. “We put a lot of emphasis on it naturally, but our mentality to deal with the big stage and just to play like we do, it’s another game. We’ve played this since we were young kids.” Monken, in his 11th year at West Point, refuses to apologize for making the Army-Navy game a talking point 365 days a year. He ends some conversations with the phrase, “Beat Navy.” Army would love to beat Marshall, too, but standout quarterback Bryson Daily has been proud of how he and his teammates have avoided getting ahead of themselves in recent months. He expects nothing less in the most anticipated showdown of the year. “You come here to play in this game: the biggest stage possible, millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium,” said Daily, whose 29 touchdowns are tied for the most in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision with Boise State Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty. “Records don’t matter. Rankings don’t matter. All that goes out the window for the Army-Navy Game.” Army is a 6 1/2-point favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook for the game at the Washington Commanders’ stadium in Landover, Maryland, a few miles outside the nation’s capital. All the success so far has not prevented athletic director Mike Buddie from feeling nervous about this weekend. “Thrilled that we’ve had the season that we’ve had, but the beauty of this game is this is the one that matters,” Buddie said. “They know that this is big game, and our guys know this is a big game. We’re hoping we can stay focused the way we’ve been able to do so far and make Saturday really special, but it won’t be easy.” Navy coach Brian Newberry called this “the most complete, well-rounded Army football team, the best Army football team” he has seen since arriving in Annapolis in 2019 as defensive coordinator. After a few games he’d like to have back, including a lopsided loss to Notre Dame, this is still a winner-take-all chance to capture the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy that has gone to Army and Air Force in recent years. “Winning the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, this game, is our most important goal in our program,” Newberry said. Facing a talented SEC opponent like Oklahoma in a bowl game in the fertile recruiting ground of Texas is important, too, but he added without hesitation, “We’ll worry about that on Monday.”
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (“Gibson” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the extension and amendment of a long-term contract at its Gateway Terminal (“Gateway” or the “Terminal”) with an existing customer that refreshes the initial contract term, with further renewal options beyond that date. The extension includes contracting additional loading windows and increasing contracted capacity per loading window, resulting in fixed Gateway revenue from this customer increasing by approximately 40%. Gibson has also sanctioned dredging at Gateway, to be completed in early 2025, which will enable customers to load 10%+ more volume, the maximum allowable in Corpus Christi, directly on Very Large Crude Carriers and Suezmax vessels thereby reducing customer shipping time and cost. “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Gibson as we deliver upon our key Gateway acquisition objectives,” said Curtis Philippon, President & Chief Executive Officer. “It is exciting to see our original customers renewing and expanding their position while welcoming new customers at the Terminal, demonstrating the strong demand for Gateway’s attractive export capabilities. Customer demand, combined with excellent operational performance and the benefits of capital improvements, including the Cactus II connection and dredging projects, has Gibson on track to achieve our previously provided guidance on EBITDA growth earlier than anticipated. We now expect Gateway to achieve its EBITDA run rate growth target of 15 – 20% by Q4 2025.” The Company also announced its 2025 growth capital guidance of up to $150 million, including $100 million of growth capital to be deployed predominantly at Gateway, and the remainder focused on other projects at and around other Gibson facilities currently being assessed in a disciplined manner. Gibson would also note that it has completed its assessment of the previously announced Waste-to-Energy Project proposal and has reached a negative final investment decision. Gibson’s Board of Directors approved the allocation of $60 million of replacement capital expenditures, including $20 million of capital related to turnarounds at both the Moose Jaw facility and select terminal assets. Gibson has also commenced an ambitious cost focus campaign to decrease costs on a run rate basis by the end of 2025 by greater than $25 million to ensure the Company is efficient and competitive, and well positioned for growth moving forward. To date, approximately $5 million of savings have already been realized. With this capital budget, Gibson is fully-funded and expects to remain within its Financial Governing Principles with the benefit of growing stable Infrastructure cash flows in 2025. At the end of the third quarter of 2024, the Company’s Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.2x was just below the midpoint of its 3.0x – 3.5x target range and its Dividend Payout ratio of 65% was below its 70% – 80% target range. “We will remain focused on the disciplined deployment of growth capital in 2025, as well as adhering to our key governing principles and capital allocation philosophy”, said Sean Brown, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect to deploy up to $200 million between growth capital and share repurchases. With a growth capital program of $100 to $150 million, anticipated repurchases are between $50 and $100 million in 2025.” Gibson is a leading liquids infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside and Wink, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit . (1) Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio and dividend payout ratio are non-GAAP financial ratios. See the “Specified Financial Measures” section of this release. a) Noted below is the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of the Company’s segmented and consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023: b) The following is a reconciliation of distributable cash flow from operations to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, cash flow from operating activities: c) d) (403) 776-3077 (403) 476-6334Ottawa police 'Purse Project': Need for feminine hygiene products greater than everUS offers $10 mn reward for wanted Chinese hacker
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NEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on the Company's Class A and Common Stock for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The dividend is payable on March 14, 2025 , to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 31, 2025 . About Scholastic For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children's books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com . SCHL: Financial View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-corporation-announces-third-quarter-dividend-302329290.html SOURCE Scholastic Corporation