winph99 com Ravens QB Jackson leads first NFL Pro Bowl fan voting resultsIn states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families

Aclaris Stock Rises As Analyst Projects Billions In Sales For New Therapy

NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid a mixed Monday of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% from its to post a record for the 54th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 28.7% to lead the market. Following allegations of misconduct and the , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board. It also said that it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 3.2% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 0.5% after the chip company said and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street’s frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 5% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best on record and coming off . Target, which recently gave a , fell 1.2%. , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.2%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.4%. All told, the S&P 500 added 14.77 points to 6,047.15. The Dow fell 128.65 to 44,782.00, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 185.78 to 19,403.95. The stock market largely took latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for which recently began to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday’s headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Michelle Obama slammed for gloomy New Year's message as Trump prepares to take office By KELLY GARINO FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:48, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 21:48, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments Michelle Obama was heavily criticized for a New Year's message shared with her followers just weeks ahead of Donald Trump 's return to the Oval Office. The former first lady took to Instagram on Friday afternoon with a minute-and-a-half-long video message wishing her followers a happy holiday season as 2024 officially comes to a close. But the internet wasn't so keen about her words of encouragement for the American people. The video, which has amassed hundreds of comments within just the first three hours of being posted, showed the former first lady against a white background as she began to address the lens. 'Happy holidays!' she gleefully began. She then took a few moments to speak of the year just ahead - and how the nation may be feeling about the near future. 'I know it's been a difficult few months for so many of us - and folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain,' she said. 'But even during these tough times, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful.' Former First Lady Michelle Obama was heavily criticized for a New Year's message she shared to Instagram early Friday afternoon after she wished her followers a happy holiday season and spoke of the uncertain year ahead of the country The video message, which has amassed hundreds of comments within the first three hours of being posted, was filled with comments of people who believe it was a dig at Trump's landslide presidential victory and official return to the Oval Office in just a few weeks The former first lady then spoke of the hope she personally sees through the people she works with through the Obama Foundation. 'I wanted to share some reflections on the work the Obama Foundation is doing to lift up the young change-makers around the world,' she captioned the video. 'Take a look.' The rest of the clips showcased all different kinds of people - including her husband, Former President Barack Obama - and some of the work they have done throughout the last 12 months. This included the construction of the Obama Presidential Center being built in the south side of Chicago. But many thought her 'gloomy' message to the internet was taking aim at Trump's landslide victory over Kamala Harris in the presidential election just last month. And hundreds of viewers flooded the comments with their own opinions on what's in store for 2025. 'Twenty-four more days and we are out of this nightmare you and your husband created for the American people!' one commenter wrote. Another agreed, adding: 'What a joke. Trump can hopefully fix the mess your husband has gotten this country into. The subway in your video, how ironic.' 'It has not been difficult for most of us! Most of us voted for Trump!' wrote another. 'We are good!' Another comment read: 'The only sad person is you and your butt buddy Obama.' 'I am so happy Donald Trump won and life will go back to normal,' one person wrote. 'The homeless needed and New York City people are on the street and all you did was put the money in your pockets.' 'Thank God that Donald Trump won, they’ll be no kids unfed fed,' the same person added. 'Boys will be boys girls would be girls.' 'You’re showing a building that you put up but what about the people that are starving and their dying on the street what about our safety? What about our lives? What about everything? Why don’t you worry about that for a change?' they continued. 'We are so happy that Donald Trump is in the office because we’ll all be equal.' Read More Michelle Obama slams Trump for portraying Harris as a 'bimbo' in fiery plea for voters to dump him Others were quick to agree with the long-written statement - noting how she should be happy Trump will be returning to the White House in January. Some comments also questioned how she could be nervous about the next four years without taking a step back to look at how the last four played out. The Obama couple got increasingly involved in the 2024 race and hit the campaign trail for Kamala Harris in the final weeks leading up to November 5. At a Harris campaign three days before the election, the former first lady gave a speech in Pennsylvania where she hyped the vice president and urged people to get out and vote while slamming Donald Trump - all without once uttering his name. She argued that in America 'we rise more than we fall' but warned of those who are trying to tell another story about the country. She noted how during dark and difficult times, the country needs someone who will 'connect with people's pain and address the systemic issues at their root, not leaders who stoke our fears and focus our fury on one another.' 'Once you open up that gasoline can, once you wink at hate and make it normal to call somebody a bimbo, or low IQ or human scum, look, you cannot control how fast or far that fire of hate will spread,' she warned, referring to some of the names Trump and allies have called Harris. The former first lady got increasingly involved in the 2024 race and hit the campaign trail for Harris in the final weeks leading up to November 5 A few days after the election last month, the Obama's put out a joint statement on X following Trump's presidential victory - congratulating him while also acknowledging that 'this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for' 'All of a sudden someone feels emboldened to say that our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico come from an "island of garbage,"' she continued, noting the ex-president's rally in New York City where a comedian made a racist joke about the territory. She also referred to Trump as a conman, a small man trying to make himself feel big, and Kamala's opponent, but she did not mention him by name. But just days after the election, the Obamas finally broke their silence on Trump's victory , congratulating the president-elect while also acknowledging that 'this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for.' The joint statement from Barack and Michelle Obama noted that 'America is not immune' to having an electorate that reacts accordingly to the conditions of the country, which ultimately led to sweeping victories for Republicans across the country and in national and state-wide races. 'America has been through a lot over the last few years,' the former first couple wrote. 'In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won't always see eye-to-eye on everything,' the statement admits. 'But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree.' The statement was shared to X shortly after Harris told her tearful fans in D.C. to keep fighting as she conceded. Instagram Michelle Obama Chinese New Year Share or comment on this article: Michelle Obama slammed for gloomy New Year's message as Trump prepares to take office e-mail Add commentWASHINGTON — The White House said Friday that there are "early indications" that Russian air defenses downed an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in a Christmas Day crash that killed 38 people. It declined to say what the indications were and stressed that active investigation are underway. "We do have, have seen, some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense systems. That said, there's an ongoing investigation right now," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said in a call with reporters. The U.S. has offered its assistance in the investigation, he said, and would respect the process that is taking place. The aircraft was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny in Russia when it crashed in Kazakhstan. Reuters reported Thursday that Russia's air defenses were believed to have been involved, based on the preliminary findings of the investigation. Survivors recalled hearing loud noises before the crash, and Azerbaijan’s minister of digital development said Friday that “preliminary conclusions by experts point at external impact." Russian officials have said that a Ukrainian drone attack was under way before the plane crashed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined comment on the cause of the crash before the investigation has concluded, according to Reuters.

OMAHA — Creighton did it again. In an in-state women’s college basketball series with Nebraska largely dictated by what happens beyond the 3-point arc, the Jays rallied with six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to beat No. 21 Nebraska 80-74 on Friday at Sokol Arena. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Jays made four straight 3-pointers. The Jays were 6 for 9 on threes in the fourth quarter and 13 for 29 for the game to give Nebraska its first loss to the season. The Jays outscored Nebraska by 24 points on 3-pointers. Creighton has won three straight in the series. Lauren Jensen had a game-high 31 points for the Jays with four 3s. Morgan Maly, a senior from Crete, scored 18. Alexis Markowski worked really hard for Nebraska, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds and calling for the ball inside where she often had an advantage. Britt Prince added 20 points in the first game against her hometown school. Nebraska led 55-52 to start the fourth quarter. For the final 10 minutes, one of the questions was how much did Markowski have left? And also, could the Huskers defend the 3-point line just a little longer? The Jays made two of their first three 3-point attempts to start the quarter to regain a 60-57 lead. Molly Mogensen had the first one, and Jensen the second for her fourth of the game. When Mogensen made another three the Jays led 72-66. The Jays sealed the deal when Prince missed a 3-pointer with seven seconds left and the Jays made their free throws. Nebraska led 22-19 after the first quarter. It was an entertaining start. The game started with Markowski going at Maly inside the paint, the Nebraska natives who played in the same club in Lincoln. There were five combined 3-pointers, with three for the Jays and two for Nebraska (each from Prince). Creighton used a 13-2 run that included three 3-pointers to take a 15-8 lead. But Nebraska got back in it with a steal and layup from Allison Weidner and a take to the basket from Callin Hake. Creighton added two more 3-pointers in the second quarter, but Nebraska was able to keep a lead at halftime 37-35. Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner. Get local news delivered to your inbox!ZURICH — Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed Wednesday by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, giving the oil-rich kingdom its biggest prize yet for massive spending on global sports driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations. They took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich by the soccer body's president Gianni Infantino. "The vote of the congress is loud and clear," said Infantino, who had asked officials on a bank of screens to clap their hands at head level to show their support. The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games. The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930. The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate, without taking questions, and which human rights groups warn will put the lives of migrant workers at risk. "We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world," Prince Mohammed said in a statement. FIFA and Saudi officials have said hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women, with Infantino on Wednesday calling the World Cup a "unique catalyst for positive social change and unity." "I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world's expectations," the FIFA president said. An international collective of rights groups said FIFA made a "reckless decision" to approve Saudi Arabia without getting public assurances, and the Football Supporters Europe group said it was "the day football truly lost its mind." A fast-track path to victory was cleared last year by FIFA accepting the three-continent hosting plan for the 2030 World Cup. It meant only soccer federations in Asia and Oceania were eligible for the 2034 contest, and FIFA gave countries less than four weeks to declare a bid. Only Saudi Arabia did. The win will kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi labor laws and treatment of workers mostly from South Asia needed to help build and upgrade 15 stadiums, plus hotels and transport networks ahead of the 104-game tournament. Amnesty International said awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia represents "a moment of great danger" for human rights. "FIFA's reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of Labor Rights and Sport." One of the stadiums is planned to be 350 meters (yards) above the ground in Neom — a futuristic city that does not yet exist — and another named for the crown prince is designed to be atop a 200-meter cliff near Riyadh. During the bid campaign, FIFA has accepted limited scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's human rights record that was widely criticized this year at the United Nations. Saudi and international rights groups and activists warned FIFA it has not learned the lessons of Qatar's much-criticized preparations to host the 2022 World Cup. "At every stage of this bidding process, FIFA has shown its commitment to human rights to be a sham," Cockburn said. The kingdom plans to spend tens of billion of dollars on projects related to the World Cup as part of the crown prince's sweeping Vision 2030 project that aims to modernize Saudi society and economy. At its core is spending on sports by the $900 billion sovereign wealth operation, the Public Investment Fund, which he oversees. "It's amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything. After what I see, I'm more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever," Cristiano Ronaldo said in a recorded package posted on X. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been part of Saudi Arabia's lavish spending on soccer — stunning the sport when agreeing to sign for Al Nassr in 2022 for a record-breaking salary reportedly worth up to $200 million a year. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" the kingdom's reputation. The prince, known as MBS, has built close working ties to Infantino since 2017 — aligning with the organizer of sport's most-watched event rather than directly confronting the established system as it did with the disruptive LIV Golf project. The result for Saudi Arabia and FIFA has been smooth progress toward the win Wednesday with limited pushback from soccer officials, though some from women international players. The steady flow of Saudi cash into international soccer is set to increase. FIFA created a new and higher World Cup sponsor category for state oil firm Aramco, and Saudi funding is set to underwrite the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States that is a pet project for Infantino. North American soccer body CONCACAF signed a multi-year deal with PIF, Saudi stadiums host Super Cup games for Italy and Spain, and nearly 50 FIFA member federations have signed working agreements with Saudi counterparts. Lavish spending by PIF-owned Saudi clubs in the past two years buying and paying players – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané – put hundreds of millions of dollars into European soccer. That influence could be key in talks to agree which months to play the 2034 World Cup. The November-December slot taken by Qatar in 2022 to avoid extreme midsummer heat is complicated in 2034 by the holy month of Ramadan through mid-December and Riyadh hosting the multi-sport Asian Games. Still, January 2034 could be an option — and likely better for European clubs and leagues —after the International Olympic Committee said it saw few issues in clashing with the Salt Lake Winter Games opening Feb. 10, 2034. The IOC also has a major commercial deal with Saudi Arabia, to host the new Esports Olympics. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

​For the past 14 years, Alex Vynokur, the co-founder of Betashares, has quietly built his company into one of the largest local providers of exchange-traded funds and one of the country’s fastest growing asset managers. In 2024, Betashares attracted inflows of $16 billion, lifting its total funds under management to $46 billion. “The focus for the past decade has very much been about building out the core ETF capability,” explains Vynokur. “We are now a steward of significant capital on behalf of more than 1 million Australian investors and over two-thirds of financial advisors.” Betashares now accounts for one-third of every dollar that goes into the Australian ETF industry, according to Vynokur, and is eyeing growth in Asia. Alex Vynokur, the chief executive of Betashares. Credit: Louie Douvis An ETF is a basket of securities that are pooled into one fund, which is traded on a stock exchange. An investor in an ETF doesn’t own the securities, instead owning units in the ETF, while the ETF provider owns the shares or assets. ETFs have grown in popularity with investors because they are cost-effective and offer exposure to thousands of diversified assets, such as a group of defence stocks, or the ASX200 index, or a variety of bonds. Globally, ETFs have had a banner year with more than $1 trillion invested into the sector, which is now worth an estimated $14 trillion. Vynokur and his family arrived in Australia from Ukraine more than three decades ago, at the time when ETFs launched. He was a teenager, and his family came with just a few hundred dollars in their pockets. Vynokur became a lawyer, then moved into venture capital, before co-founding Betashares with David Nathanson, also a former lawyer and investment banker, who had worked at Goldman Sachs and Macquarie. We’re definitely, very cautiously, studying opportunities outside of Australia. As with any start-up, Vynokur and Nathanson put in enormous hours to build the company to where it is today, as Australia’s second-largest ETF provider behind market leader Vanguard. Both are now multi-millionaires, though there has been a physical cost, says 46-year-old Vynokur: “I didn’t have any grey hair 14 years ago.” The pay-off for both as come in the past few years. In 2021, private equity group TA Associates became Betashares’ majority shareholder, with at least 53.5 per cent ownership. In the middle of this year, Singapore’s Temasek, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, bought a minority stake. Temasek paid $300 million for that shareholding, the size of which was undisclosed. The deal ascribed a multi-billion-dollar valuation to Betashares. It was Temasek’s first investment in a financial services business in Australia. In a global portfolio valued at $S389 billion ($459 billion), Temasek has just over half invested in private assets. “They have invested with the objective of maybe having more ownership,” says Vynokur. “We’re building this business for the long term, and they are genuinely interested in long-term value creation. We’ve never been about building something up quickly and flogging it. It doesn’t mean I’m opposed to being listed one day, but we’re definitely not in a hurry to go down that path.” The proceeds are expected to help fund Betashares’ growth into new products. In the past year, the company launched retail investment platform Betashares Direct and bought a superannuation business from Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Vynokur also believes that Betashares has more room to expand its main ETF business. “According to the ASX data, there are 8 million Australians who invest outside their superannuation,” he says. “Also, if you think about younger Australians, who are locked out of the property ownership game, you know being smart with money outside of property is absolutely crucial. We have a real role to play in that.” There is also the opportunity for Betashares to expand its ETF business into Asia but, as for a priority, Vynokur won’t nominate a country. “We’re definitely, very cautiously, studying opportunities outside of Australia ... and that’s going to form part of our longer-term growth.” The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning .Tensions between Elon Musk and the far-right MAGA movement erupted this week after the billionaire's call for more skilled foreign workers was met with backlash, leading to accusations of censorship. Musk, who supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign with significant financial backing, has maintained close ties with the MAGA movement. However, his recent advocacy for increased H-1B visas and skilled foreign labor has drawn criticism from Trump's far-right supporters, Yahoo News reported. Prominent figures, including Matt Gaetz and Laura Loomer, have accused Musk of using his social media platform, X, to suppress dissenting voices by removing account verification badges and limiting visibility. "We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way," Gaetz wrote . "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy." Musk dismissed the claims as attention-seeking and trolling, but the backlash has grown, with accusations of Big Tech interference in MAGA's agenda gaining traction online. "Don't worry guys. The divorce is coming soon," Loomer wrote on X. Don't worry guys. The divorce is coming soon. The fallout has escalated into a broader divide within the MAGA movement, pitting tech leaders like Musk and Ramaswamy against grassroots Trump loyalists. Originally published by Latin Times

Lions Club tree sale continues nearly 60-year-old traditionGreg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. Related video above: Remembering those we've lost in 2024 “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Packers with a sore throwing shoulder.

Hurry! Save $1,000 on this 100-inch Hisense TVZURICH — Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed Wednesday by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, giving the oil-rich kingdom its biggest prize yet for massive spending on global sports driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations. They took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich by the soccer body's president Gianni Infantino. "The vote of the congress is loud and clear," said Infantino, who had asked officials on a bank of screens to clap their hands at head level to show their support. The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games. The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930. The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate, without taking questions, and which human rights groups warn will put the lives of migrant workers at risk. "We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world," Prince Mohammed said in a statement. FIFA and Saudi officials have said hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women, with Infantino on Wednesday calling the World Cup a "unique catalyst for positive social change and unity." "I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world's expectations," the FIFA president said. An international collective of rights groups said FIFA made a "reckless decision" to approve Saudi Arabia without getting public assurances, and the Football Supporters Europe group said it was "the day football truly lost its mind." A fast-track path to victory was cleared last year by FIFA accepting the three-continent hosting plan for the 2030 World Cup. It meant only soccer federations in Asia and Oceania were eligible for the 2034 contest, and FIFA gave countries less than four weeks to declare a bid. Only Saudi Arabia did. The win will kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi labor laws and treatment of workers mostly from South Asia needed to help build and upgrade 15 stadiums, plus hotels and transport networks ahead of the 104-game tournament. Amnesty International said awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia represents "a moment of great danger" for human rights. "FIFA's reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of Labor Rights and Sport." One of the stadiums is planned to be 350 meters (yards) above the ground in Neom — a futuristic city that does not yet exist — and another named for the crown prince is designed to be atop a 200-meter cliff near Riyadh. During the bid campaign, FIFA has accepted limited scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's human rights record that was widely criticized this year at the United Nations. Saudi and international rights groups and activists warned FIFA it has not learned the lessons of Qatar's much-criticized preparations to host the 2022 World Cup. "At every stage of this bidding process, FIFA has shown its commitment to human rights to be a sham," Cockburn said. The kingdom plans to spend tens of billion of dollars on projects related to the World Cup as part of the crown prince's sweeping Vision 2030 project that aims to modernize Saudi society and economy. At its core is spending on sports by the $900 billion sovereign wealth operation, the Public Investment Fund, which he oversees. "It's amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything. After what I see, I'm more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever," Cristiano Ronaldo said in a recorded package posted on X. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been part of Saudi Arabia's lavish spending on soccer — stunning the sport when agreeing to sign for Al Nassr in 2022 for a record-breaking salary reportedly worth up to $200 million a year. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" the kingdom's reputation. The prince, known as MBS, has built close working ties to Infantino since 2017 — aligning with the organizer of sport's most-watched event rather than directly confronting the established system as it did with the disruptive LIV Golf project. The result for Saudi Arabia and FIFA has been smooth progress toward the win Wednesday with limited pushback from soccer officials, though some from women international players. The steady flow of Saudi cash into international soccer is set to increase. FIFA created a new and higher World Cup sponsor category for state oil firm Aramco, and Saudi funding is set to underwrite the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States that is a pet project for Infantino. North American soccer body CONCACAF signed a multi-year deal with PIF, Saudi stadiums host Super Cup games for Italy and Spain, and nearly 50 FIFA member federations have signed working agreements with Saudi counterparts. Lavish spending by PIF-owned Saudi clubs in the past two years buying and paying players – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané – put hundreds of millions of dollars into European soccer. That influence could be key in talks to agree which months to play the 2034 World Cup. The November-December slot taken by Qatar in 2022 to avoid extreme midsummer heat is complicated in 2034 by the holy month of Ramadan through mid-December and Riyadh hosting the multi-sport Asian Games. Still, January 2034 could be an option — and likely better for European clubs and leagues —after the International Olympic Committee said it saw few issues in clashing with the Salt Lake Winter Games opening Feb. 10, 2034. The IOC also has a major commercial deal with Saudi Arabia, to host the new Esports Olympics. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 11, 2024-- Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.61 per share of outstanding Common Stock. The dividend will be payable in cash on February 28, 2025, to shareholders of record on February 14, 2025. About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “feel,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many beyond our control) that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical experience or from our current expectations or projections. Our forward-looking statements, and the risks and uncertainties related thereto, include, but are not limited to, those described under the “Risk Factors” and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the company’s most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and in other filings with the SEC, as well as, among others: In addition, many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, or could be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211777419/en/ CONTACT: Starbucks Contact, Investor Relations: Tiffany Willis investorrelations@starbucks.comStarbucks Contact, Media: Emily Albright press@starbucks.com KEYWORD: WASHINGTON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL RESTAURANT/BAR FOOD/BEVERAGE SOURCE: Starbucks Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/11/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/11/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211777419/en

NVIDIA has introduced a fresh hotfix driver for its graphics cards, identified as the GeForce Hotfix Driver 566.45. This update focuses primarily on enhancing game performance and stability for a specific set of games. One of the major issues addressed in this hotfix is the potential for intermittent micro-stuttering in “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” Gamers who have faced disruptions will now experience smoother gameplay. Moreover, the update brings significant stability improvements for a variety of Ubisoft titles that rely on the Snowdrop engine, ensuring a more seamless gaming experience. However, this driver doesn’t offer any performance boosts . Users not engaged in playing the mentioned titles might not notice any tangible benefits from this update. Thus, the installation of this driver is most beneficial for gamers currently involved in these specific games. In addition to these fixes, NVIDIA has updated its app settings. By default, Game Filters will no longer be automatically enabled. This alteration is aimed at eliminating any inadvertent performance drops experienced by users due to these filters. For those interested in incorporating this update, the NVIDIA GeForce Hotfix Driver 566.45 is available for download. This update is tailored for gamers seeking a more refined experience in particular titles. Unlocking New Potential: NVIDIA’s Latest GeForce Hotfix Driver 566.45 In the rapidly evolving world of gaming technology, NVIDIA continues to set the pace with its latest release, the GeForce Hotfix Driver 566.45. This update is strategically designed to tackle specific gaming issues, ensuring enhanced performance and greater stability for users. Enhanced Game Stability and Micro-Stuttering Fixes NVIDIA’s most recent hotfix addresses critical challenges like the intermittent micro-stuttering plaguing “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” Gamers will benefit from smoother gameplay without the disruptions that could impede their gaming experience. Additionally, titles developed using the Snowdrop engine, predominantly Ubisoft games, will see remarkable improvements in stability, providing a seamless gaming adventure. Optimized Settings for Superior User Experience A noteworthy change in this update is the modification of the Game Filters settings. By disabling automatic enablement of these filters, NVIDIA aims to prevent inadvertent performance drops, optimizing in-game graphics settings according to user preferences. This subtle change ensures that gamers can customize their experience without encountering unexpected performance issues. Limited Scope: Who Should Download? While this driver is a boon for players of the specific games it targets, it does not offer general performance enhancements. Therefore, users not actively engaging with the games mentioned might not notice significant benefits. It is particularly tailored for those seeking a refined experience in the affected titles, suggesting that the user demographic is relatively niche. Insights into Market Trends The release of this hotfix aligns with NVIDIA’s commitment to addressing specific gamer needs, showcasing a responsive approach to customer feedback. As the gaming industry grows, an increasing focus on tailored updates reflects the demand for personalized technology solutions—a trend likely to continue as competitive dynamics evolve. Predictions and Future Innovations Looking ahead, NVIDIA is likely to continue optimizing its drivers to address game-specific issues promptly, potentially setting a precedent for competitor strategies. This approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also fortifies NVIDIA’s market leadership in high-performance graphics solutions. For more insights and updates from NVIDIA, visit the official NVIDIA website . Whether you’re an avid gamer or simply keeping an eye on the latest technological advancements, NVIDIA’s newest hotfix showcases the company’s dedication to improving user experience and adapting to the ever-changing demands of the gaming community.

R.I.P. Olivia Hussey, from Romeo And Juliet and Black Christmas

Sacramento Kings fire Mike Brown: Why former NBA Coach of the Year was let go despite recent extension | Sporting NewsNone

ALL-DISTRICT FOOTBALL: Several Eagles notch all-district honorsNEW YORK — Stoli Group USA, the owner of the namesake vodka , has filed for bankruptcy as it struggled to contend with slowing demand for spirits, a major cyberattack that has snarled its operations and several years of fighting Russia in court. The company in its bankruptcy filing said it is “experiencing financial difficulties” and lists between $50 million and $100 million in liabilities. Stoli vodka and Kentucky Owl bourbon will continue to be available on store shelves while the company navigates the Chapter 11 process, which only pertains to its U.S. business. Until 2022, Stoli was sold as Stolichnaya in the United States, which loosely translates to “capital city” in Russian. The company shortened its title following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and boycotts against Russian-branded vodkas . Stoli Group’s founder, Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, was exiled from that nation in 2000 because of his opposition to President Vladimir Putin. Intel announced on December 2 that CEO Pat Gelsinger has resigned after a difficult stint at the company. The once-dominant chipmaker’s stock cratered as it missed the AI boom and was surpassed by most of its rivals. The liquor has long been marketed as a Russian vodka, but its production facilities have been in Latvia for several decades. Stoli Group is a unit of Luxembourg-based SPI Group, which owns other spirit and wine brands. “The Stoli Group has been targeted by the Russian Federation since it was formed nearly 25 years ago,” said Stoli Group CEO Chris Caldwell in a statement. “Earlier this year the company and our owner were both named by the Russian state as ‘extremist groups working against Russia’s interests.’” Its ongoing legal battle with the Russia government has forced Stoli to “spend dozens of millions of dollars on this long-term court battle across the globe with the Russian authorities,” according to its court filing. Caldwell also said that Stoli’s global operations has been a “victim of a malicious cyber attack” that has forced the company to operate “entirely manually while the systems are rebuilt.” A slowdown in demand for alcohol has crushed several company’s bottom lines following the pandemic when people were stuck at home and stocked up. Stoli’s filings said that it has seen a “decline and softening of demand for alcohol and spirits products post-Covid and especially beginning in 2023 and continuing into 2024.” Stoli Group USA, maker of Stoli vodka, has filed for bankruptcy due to slowing demand for spirits, a major cyberattack, and ongoing legal battles with Russia. The-CNN-WireTM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.