RENEWABLE energy (RE) solutions company Coastal Renewable Energy Technology Center (CRETC) said Sunday that it had strengthened a wind resource technology collaboration with German firm Ammonit GmbH. CRETC said the partnership aimed to provide the Philippine RE sector with more top-tier wind resource assessment instruments and solutions that are essential for ensuring accuracy, durability, and reliability across varied environmental conditions. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.Maharashtra Chief Minister to be from BJP, announces Ajit Pawar amid suspenseReview: Inflation, interest rates and investments
Dentsu Creative has launched its 2025 Trends Report, Fragment Forward , which reflects a fragmented world where shared experiences and aspirations are growing scarcer, shaped by long periods of isolation, the cost of living crisis and a fragmented media landscape. The 2025 trends report not only asks what brands and businesses need to win in the age of the algorithm but also what humans need to thrive in a world where old certainties are crumbling, and new possibilities are emerging. Fragment Forward explores five trends shaped by the age of the algorithm, examining the implications for brands, businesses and individuals and exploring both timeless human desires and their most timely and trending expressions. The 2025 Trends Report dives into five key themes reshaping the future: 1. The “Good Enough” Life – Redefining what it means to live well in a world where old milestones are less achievable, and shared aspirations are fewer. 2. The Togetherness Deficit – Exploring the new technologies, experiences and narratives emerging in our attempts to reignite a lost sense of togetherness. 3. Generation Blur –A world where old generational boundaries are much less accurate predictors of attitudes, behaviour, or affinity. 4. Curiouser and Curiouser –With all the world’s content available at the touch of a button, consumers are exploring compelling stories across culture and languages. 5. Algorithms and Blues – Unpacking a world where more and more of the content we see is shaped by the algorithm and crafted by AI. The report draws from insights across Dentsu Creative’s global network, showcasing actionable opportunities for brands to engage in a more culturally sensitive, connected, and inclusive world. Each trend is accompanied by case studies and detailed sub-trends, equipping brands with the knowledge they need to navigate a market where consumer priorities are continually evolving. “Winning in the age of the algorithm means winning an outsized share of culture, not just a robust share of voice,” Abbey Klaassen , global brand president of Dentsu Creative, said. “Our work with Nutter Butter, for example, understands how to hack the weird and wonderful side of internet culture to revive the fortunes of a 55 year old cookie brand. “The challenge brands face in the age of the algorithm is that it is very easy for all highly optimised content to start to look the same – so when we think about the efficiency AI brings us we also need to blend AI-Assisted production with craft and brand distinctiveness. Our work with Adobe is helping brands make AI work for them, rather than contributing to a sea of sameness.” Yasu Sasaki , global chief creative officer, dentsu said: “As a creative, I’m constantly looking to the future, but inspired as well by the craft and beauty of the past. Some of the most innovative projects we’ve been involved in combine leading edge technology with the simplest and most human impulses; like Hugtics, a project that enables users to give themselves a hug. Or the “Upcycling Possibility” project which combines the traditional art of Kintsugi with circuitry and electronics to create an entirely new drinking experience.” Global CSO of Dentsu Creative, Pats McDonald , said: “As we look around, we see a world where marketers and innovators are using all manner of tactics to try to engineer the sense of togetherness we once perhaps took for granted. “From innovative wearables to social experiments to the power of nostalgia, there is a huge drive to fill what we call the ‘togetherness deficit’. Which provides a huge challenge, and opportunity for the industry; to create ideas and platforms that connect brands to culture, businesses to customers and communities to one another.” Amit Wadhwa , chief executive officer, South Asia, Dentsu Creative, added: “In an age where technology and culture intersect at every turn, the 2025 Trends Report captures the evolving ways people live, connect, and define themselves. From reimagining what a fulfilling life looks like to navigating the ever-blurring lines between generations, these trends reflect a world in flux—one where shared aspirations are fewer but possibilities are endless. “As we confront the challenges of algorithms shaping content and a growing togetherness deficit, the report offers insights into how brands, businesses, and individuals can thrive. It reminds us that while technology drives change, it’s human creativity and connection that will ultimately shape the future.” Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.Republicans Lash Out at Democrats' Claims That Trump Intelligence Pick Gabbard Is 'Compromised'Nutanix Announces Proposed $750 Million Convertible Senior Notes Offering
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The promising career of Floyd Mayweather -promoted boxer Curmel Moton has encountered a setback after he failed to meet the weight requirements for his seventh professional fight in shocking fashion. The 18-year-old lightweight, who boasts a 6-0 record with 5 knockouts , was scheduled to face Bryan Mercado in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but tipped the scales at 147.8lbs, a staggering 15lbs over the agreed 133lbs catchweight. As a result, the six-round fight was postponed, putting a brake on the Las Vegas-based prospect's momentum. Moton had been on a three-fight knockout streak but will now have to wait for his next opportunity to step into the ring. In a statement, Moton revealed that he had not attempted to make weight for the fight and apologised to fans who had planned to attend. He also expressed his hope to return to action next month on the undercard of Ryan Garcia's exhibition fight against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. "I want to apologise to everyone that was planning on coming to Jersey to watch me fight," Moton said. "I've been going back and forth with the commission about my bloodwork passing, and as of right now, they lost my blood in their system [which meant the fight was unlikely to be sanctioned]. "I've known this for the past three days, so there was no point in killing myself to make [the] weight. They still made me weigh in for some reason, and they decided that was the reason they were going to cancel the fight. Regardless, I'll be back in Japan on December 30th [at the potential exhibition involving Ryan Garcia]. See you all there." Moton faced some criticism on social media with a spokesperson later saying. The event in New Jersey was due to be staged by Danny Garcia's Swift Promotions. The promotional company issued a statement to explain the decision to postpone the fight. "The decision to postpone the fight was made in the best interest of all parties involved," a spokesman said. "While we are disappointed to delay this event, our priority is ensuring that both Curmel and his opponents are set up for the best possible competition." "We appreciate the continued support of Curmel's fans and the boxing community, and we look forward to announcing his return to the ring soon."
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An actress who had announced that she is withdrawing her complaints in the sexual harassment case against seven individuals, including Malayalam film actors Mukesh M and Jayasuriya said that she was doing so because she was distressed about not getting support to prove her innocence in a POSCO case filed against her. In a conversation with ANI, she said, “I boldly came to this case because I have faced a lot of atrocities in Malayalam film industry 15 years ago that I concealed because I gave priority to my children’s education and also I was scared.. So even I acted in more than 16 Malayalam films, then nobody didn’t, you know, try to give me association. member in AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). They didn’t give me a membership. Then I thought of being here in Kerala.” She said, “I had left Kerala and went to Chennai. For 15 years I was not in film industry, then I came to live here in Kerala. I was living here peacefully. Then suddenly I heard that our chief minister is declaring that if anybody is abused, if they come forward, we will take an action about them.” Advertisement “Atrocities are still going on, when I came to know, I felt very bad. So I thought that for tomorrow’s welfare, I have to come forward and tell the truth. Then I disclosed everything and some about seven prominent actors. And I was, even I had a very good support from the government..., and even I too cooperated with them” the actress said. A case was filed against the actress under the POSCO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act on a complaint made by one of her relatives who alleged that the actress misused her and took her to some place offering roles in movies. The actress later claimed innocence and said that the POSCO case against her was false and she failed to receive support from the government to prove the same. “In between, one girl, my cousin, registered a case about the POSCO case. It was a fabricated case, and I felt so shocked because it is from my cousin, first cousin... She has come to my house three days. It is true. That time I was at a location. I used to go early morning, 6 am to the shoot location, and used to return at 8 o’clock. When they came, my children were there, my servants were there. She is telling that the second day I took her, to some hotel and I sold her to sex media. On the second day, I was at the location only, and the same second day, she had gone with my children to beach, shopping mall and all. They came late, nine o’clock only. So all the proof I have, but no one called me.” The actress continued, “I became distressed because my children are also a little worried, my parents and my relatives, they were worried about the POSCO case. I gave a complaint, a counter-complaint to the police Station where the case was registered. And then I gave a complaint to the SP. Then I gave a complaint to the DGP. I sent a mail to Chief Minister. Then even I sent a mail to Prime Minister regarding it’s a fabricated case.” The actress had accused actors Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu of both verbal and physical abuse during their collaborations on film projects. The Justice Hema Committee report highlighted the sexual harassment allegations faced by some members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) executive committee. She said that she decided later to take the complaint back as, “I realized the government is not with me. This social media bullying is going on, and the government is still silent. And being accused, I have right to know about the status of the case. Nobody is ready to respond to what is the status. And they’re not responding to my phone also. Then I thought that it’s better to give up on the case. I decided to give up all the cases. I decided to revoke the cases.” “Only because of, no other things, because of POSCO, I want to get justice. And I want to reveal my innocence about this POSCO. I want to get justice. And I want to reveal my innocence about this case. I’ll wait for three days if I get any response from any other high officials regarding the POSCO, I will proceed. I have all the clips. But that I will not give it now because I’m keeping it for trial. So now I am giving up these cases only because I need justice. I want to reveal my innocence about this POSCO case. And she has to be questioned,” the actress said. In August this year, the Kerala Police registered an FIR against actor and Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) MLA from Kollam, Mukesh M. “FIR has been registered against actor Mukesh, CPI (M) MLA from Kollam constituency. The FIR was registered on the basis of the complaint of an actress,” Kerala Police told ANI. The police also added that another FIR has been registered against Actor Jayasurya on the complaint of the same actress, under section 354 which deals with intent to outrage modesty. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had taken the statement of the actress. Speaking to ANI, the actress detailed her experiences, alleging a range of misconduct. “Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me,” she claimed. Advertisement
NEW YORK (AP) — Daniel Penny chose not to testify and defense lawyers rested their case Friday at his trial in the death of an agitated man he choked on a subway train. Closing arguments are expected after Thanksgiving in the closely watched manslaughter case about the death of Jordan Neely , 30. The encounter between Penny, a white Marine veteran, and Neely, a homeless Black man with mental health and drug problems, has been drawn into U.S. political divides over race, public safety and cities’ ability to handle mental illness and social ills. Penny, 26, has pleaded not guilty. Many criminal defendants don't take the stand, and juries are routinely instructed that they cannot hold defendants' silence — a constitutional right — against them. One of Penny’s lawyers, Daniel Kenniff, noted after court that jurors did hear from Penny, in the form of his recorded statements to police minutes and hours after he put Neely in a chokehold. “Virtually everything he said then is consistent with credible testimony of his fellow passengers," Kenniff said. Penny told police that he wrapped his arm around Neely's neck, took him to the floor and “put him out” because he was angrily throwing things and making threatening comments. Penny said on police video that he hadn't wanted to injure Neely but rather to keep him from hurting anyone else. A number of other passengers testified that they were scared of Neely and relieved that Penny grabbed hold of him. A man who later stepped in and held down Neely's arms, however, told jurors that he urged Penny to let go but that the veteran kept choking Neely for a time. Prosecutors say Penny meant to protect people but recklessly used too much force, overlooking Neely's humanity and making no effort to spare his life. City medical examiners ruled that the chokehold killed Neely. A pathologist hired by Penny's defense disputed that finding . Prosecutors, defense lawyers and the judge are set to meet Monday to hash out jury instructions.Leicester hope to appoint new manager before Brentford clash on Saturday after sacking Steve Cooper, with club interested in speaking to English bossChelsea vs. Aston Villa, Premier League: Preview, team news, how to watch - We Ain't Got No History
In October, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola launched the 2024/2025 national Safer Festive Season operations. Until 31 January 2025, citizens can expect to see heightened law enforcement visibility in their communities. “We will continue with intensifying our operations full steam ahead to ensure all people in our country, including those who will be visiting our shores during the festive season, are and feel safe,” said Masemola at the launch. ALSO READ: Road safety plan: Alcohol and cellphone use targeted over festive season “South Africa is not a playground for criminals and we will be stamping the authority of the State during the festive season and beyond.” Festive season extortion Police will be deployed to combat theft, gender-based violence (GBV), housebreaking, extortion, hijackings and other crimes. According to police committee chairperson Ian Cameron, extortionists take advantage of the festive season due to the surge in economic activities. ALSO READ: Watch out for credit scams this festive season They target large and small, retail, hospitality and construction sector as they experience an increase in cashflow. The extortionists also thrive during the festive season due to a reduction in law enforcement officers as some take leave or are reassigned to monitor tourist hotspots. “This creates a temporary gap in security coverage which criminals may exploit,” said Cameron. During this time, businesses are also more inclined to comply with extortion demands in an effort to avoid disruptions to their operations. Masemola assured South Africans that the police would prioritise the safety of businesses and communities during the holidays. ALSO READ: Extortionists in SA now target disabled and elderly for their grant money “The crime of extortion is rearing its ugly head in the country and we want to assure all South Africans that extortionists will meet law enforcement head on as we move with speed to crackdown on this form of criminality which has endangered the safety of business people and ordinary citizens alike.” Safety tips from police The South African Police Service (SAPS) shared advice to help citizens avoid becoming “soft targets” for criminals during the festive season: Be crime conscious – be aware of crime opportunities at all times! Never walk around alone and don’t talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people. Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible. Make sure your home is secure, and become a member of an armed response service. Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers or have them displayed in an accessible area. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone. But think twice before advertising your impending absence on social media. Criminals also have access to Facebook and Twitter. Know all emergency numbers. Trust your instinct. Avoid going onto a congested street where you cannot even walk properly, that is where you will find criminals pick pocketing. Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them. ALSO READ: More than 50% of calls to Eastern Cape extortion hotline were pranksA WOMAN has revealed that she was quoted £700 for a Christmas door arch, so decided to do it herself on the cheap. Carrie Boyd, 35, who lives in South Manchester with her husband , 39 and their two children , 11 and seven, explained that she used branches from her garden and baubles from The Range to bring the festive vibes to her home . She shared that she also gave her house number a festive upcycle and created her own snow window too. Thrilled with her DIY display, which cost her £12.50, Carrie took to social media to share it with others, leaving many open-mouthed. The savvy mum , who recently transformed her ‘abandoned’ home for next to nothing , then explained: “Two years ago I was quoted £700 for a Christmas door arch. “I politely declined and each year I now make my own using greenery I have cut down from my garden. Read more Christmas stories “So each year I now make my own for a small fraction of that . “It’s time for 2024’s magical arch.” The brunette beauty claimed that she cut down branches from her garden and added them to the base she made. She also added lights and baubles which she nabbed from The Range, as she continued: “This door number is being replaced soon, so I gave it a cute festive upcycle. Most read in Fabulous “I also did my own snow window which cost me a fiver!” Showing off the finished festive door arch, Carrie beamed: “It looks so pretty at night.” Carrie explained to Fabulous that it took her four days to create her Christmas scene. She shared: “I reused all of the piping and lights from last year which cost me £40. It often feels like Christmas decorations and products start appearing in stores earlier each year. Retailers typically begin to stock Christmas items well before the holiday season to capitalise on early shoppers and to extend the buying period. Here are a few reasons why it might seem like Christmas bits are out earlier this year: Extended Shopping Season Retailers aim to extend the holiday shopping season to maximise sales. By putting out Christmas items earlier, they encourage people to start their holiday shopping sooner. Consumer Demand Some consumers prefer to plan and shop for Christmas well in advance, so stores cater to this demand by stocking holiday items earlier. Marketing Strategy Early displays of Christmas items can create a festive atmosphere and build anticipation, encouraging people to get into the holiday spirit and start spending. Competition Retailers compete to attract customers, and being the first to display holiday items can give them an edge. Supply Chain Considerations Given recent disruptions in global supply chains, stores might be putting out Christmas items earlier to ensure they have enough stock and to spread out the demand over a longer period. “This year I only spent an additional £12.50 on baubles. Total cost £52.50!! The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @ theboydshahhome , has clearly left many gobsmacked, as it has quickly amassed 11,500 views. This looks brilliant! You don’t need anyone to do it for you Social media users were impressed with Carrie’s DIY job and many flocked to the comments to express this. One person said: “It’s amazing!!!! I wish I had some trees to use from our yard for this!” Sainsbury's Shoppers: Christmas Bedding Bargain Discover the festive joy of Sainsbury's Christmas bedding, offering comfort and style at a bargain price. Read more Home Bargains: Christmas Pyjamas Back in Stock Get cosy this season with Home Bargains' popular Christmas pyjamas, now back in stock. Read more Home Bargains: Christmas Favourite Deal Don't miss out on Home Bargains' fantastic deal on a Christmas favourite. Read more Primark Shoppers: Screaming Over Christmas Range Featuring The Grinch Primark's Christmas range, featuring The Grinch, has shoppers excited for the festive season. Read more Shoppers Rush to Buy Personalised Christmas Stockings Grab personalised Christmas stockings at unbelievable prices, as shoppers rush to snap up these festive bargains. Read more Exact Date Aldi's Wooden Toy Range for Christmas Mark your calendars for the exact date Aldi's popular wooden toy range returns for Christmas. Read more Home Bargains Shoppers Desperate for Polar Express Slippers Get into the festive spirit with Home Bargains' Polar Express slippers, which have shoppers desperate to get their hands on a pair. Read more Another added: “This looks brilliant! You don’t need anyone to do it for you.” A third commented: “It's crazy how much you can be charged for seasonal decor. Little bit of patience and a masterpiece like this is created. Looks amazing Carrie, I love it.” READ MORE SUN STORIES At the same time, someone else penned: “Absolutely gorgeous Carrie!! You have smashed it!! Your grafting on this has deffo paid off.” Not only this, but one DIY enthusiast beamed: “THIS IS INSPO.”
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Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed. The government arrests 3 TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The UAE’s Interior Ministry said authorities arrested three perpetrators involved in the killing of Zvi Kogan. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani security officer says police have arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in Islamabad to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year. But he remains popular and his party says the cases against him are politically motivated. Police Sunday arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters in eastern Punjab province, a Khan stronghold. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off the capital with shipping containers. It also suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” Uruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoff MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans are heading to the polls to choose their next president. In Sunday's election, the candidates of the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition are locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. It's a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou — overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation.MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis , Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo the NBA sent to its team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the league revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Conley's home was broken into on Sept. 15 when he was at a Minnesota Vikings game and jewelry was taken, officials told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Portis said his home was broken into on Nov. 2 and has offered a $40,000 reward for information related to the incident. The homes of Mahomes and Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month, according to law enforcement reports, and the NFL issued a similar warning memo to its teams this week. The NBA memo, relaying information from the FBI, said the theft rings “are primarily focused on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.” The NBA, which has also been giving guidance to team security personnel, recommended that players install updated alarm systems with cameras and utilize them whenever leaving the home, keeping valuables in locked and secured safes, remove online real estate listings that may show interior photos of a home, “utilize protective guard services” during extended trips from the home and even suggested having dogs assist with home protection. “Obviously, it’s frustrating, disappointing, but I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing,” Mahomes recently said. “But, obviously, something you don’t want to happen to anybody, but obviously yourself.” One of the break-ins involving the Chiefs players happened on a game day — Oct. 7 — and Portis was also playing a game when his home was robbed. “They took most of my prized possessions,” Portis said. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBATORONTO — Canada's main stock index lost more than 100 points Tuesday ahead of an expected interest rate cut Wednesday, while U.S. markets were also down. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 121.09 points at 25,504.33. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 154.10 points at 44,247.83. The S&P 500 index was down 17.94 points at 6,034.91, while the Nasdaq composite was down 49.45 points at 19,687.24. “Relative to the churn we have seen in the markets the last few days ... today being a little bit of a boring day would be fairly welcome for many investors,” said Stephen Duench, vice-president and portfolio manager for AGF Investments Inc. Wednesday is set to be more exciting, with an interest rate cut expected in Canada and important consumer inflation data coming in the U.S. “I do expect a little bit more fireworks tomorrow,” said Duench. The Bank of Canada is widely expected to announce an outsized cut Wednesday of half a percentage point, he said. “Anything other than that would be a surprise.” The U.S. Federal Reserve has its last decision of the year scheduled for next week, and market watchers are leaning toward a smaller quarter-percentage-point cut there, said Duench. It would be the third cut this year after the central bank hiked rates to a two-decade high to fight inflation. The inflation report will be the last significant data point before the central bank’s decision, Duench said. If the inflation report shows price growth is proving more stubborn than expected, that could change the Fed’s thinking on rates next week, he said. “Maybe that's part of the reason we've seen churn in the market the last few days in the U.S.” Beneath the surface, there was some movement in the tech sector, where Oracle sank 6.7 per cent after its latest earnings report missed expectations. Meanwhile, Google's stock price rose by more than five per cent. The company on Tuesday unveiled its new chip meant for quantum computing. Duench said after the advent of artificial technology led a rally earlier this year, quantum computing could be another frontier for investors to keep an eye on. The Canadian dollar traded for 70.59 cents US compared with 70.77 cents US on Monday. The January crude oil contract was up 12 cents at US$68.59 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was down two cents at US$3.16 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was up US$32.60 at US$2,718.40 an ounce and the March copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.27 a pound. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press
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A SUPERMARKET giant is set to rival Aldi after slashing the price of 222 products at its smaller convenience stores across the UK. This comes after research showed customers are currently paying 10% more on average for the same item in smaller convenience-style shops than in main supermarkets . Tesco made the major discount announcement to help reduce prices at its Express stores. It confirmed that it has extended its Aldi -price match scheme to its local outlets. Tesco CEO Kevin Murphy said: "[The] round of price cuts on more than 200 lines in our Express stores underlines our commitment to offering great value to Tesco customers. "Whether you are picking up coffee and milk for the office or a loaf of bread and a tin of soup on the way home, our Express stores offer both convenience and great value." Read More on Supermarkets This comes as research from Which? also showed how shopping at a convenience store versus a large supermarket can be incredibly costly. It found that shoppers using local branches could be paying up to 20% more than at larger stores. This decision could cost you a whopping £800 extra on your food costs each year. The research compared the cost of 42 grocery items at convenience chains Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express against prices at their full-size supermarkets. Most read in Money It found the biggest price difference was at Morrisons Daily, where shoppers paid 21 per cent more on average. While Sainsbury's and Tesco had less variation in prices, Nectar members could still be paying an average of 14 per cent more at Sainsbury's Local. It also concluded that Tesco Clubcard holders could be charged 11 per cent more at Tesco Express. For example, despite offering a Clubcard discount, a pack of six Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices had a significant discount in price. Costing £2.32 on average at a Tesco Express, it was costing shoppers at a large Tesco just £1.50, a shocking 54 per cent difference. Even basics such as bread were more costly at local stores than main ones. A medium white Hovis loaf cost 12% more at both Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express. Morrisons Daily was an even worse offender, having a 14% uptick in price. SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from comparison site Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills: Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewardsMontreal Canadiens (8-11-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Rangers (12-9-1, in the Metropolitan Division) New York; Saturday, 1 p.m. EST Rangers -206, Canadiens +170; over/under is 6.5 BOTTOM LINE: The New York Rangers host the Montreal Canadiens after the Canadiens knocked off the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime. New York has a 12-9-1 record overall and a 5-4-1 record on its home ice. The Rangers are 5-2-1 in games they score one or more power-play goals. Montreal has a 3-6-1 record on the road and an 8-11-3 record overall. The Canadiens serve 10.6 penalty minutes per game to rank eighth in league play. The teams square off Saturday for the second time this season. The Rangers won the last meeting 7-2. TOP PERFORMERS: Artemi Panarin has 12 goals and 13 assists for the Rangers. Will Cuylle has five goals and five assists over the last 10 games. Cole Caufield has 13 goals and five assists for the Canadiens. Nicholas Suzuki has scored four goals and added three assists over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 4-6-0, averaging 2.6 goals, 4.7 assists, 2.9 penalties and 5.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Canadiens: 4-4-2, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.9 penalties and 9.4 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game. INJURIES: Rangers: None listed. Canadiens: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press