b777-800
b777-800
Why Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance is important even after missing College Football Playoff
DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!Benchmark indices on Wall Street pulled back from record high levels amidst caution around the upcoming inflation numbers and a fall in street darling Nvidia's shares. Share Market View All Nifty Gainers View All Company Value Change %Change The Dow Jones fell 250 points, continuing its underperformance to peers. The index has now declined in five out of the last six trading sessions. On the other hand, S&P 500 and Nasdaq retreated from their respective record high levels, declining 0.6% each. Nvidia shares fell over 3% after China opened a probe over suspicions that the chipmaker and currently the most valuable company in the world, broke anti-monopoly laws around a deal it made in 2020. Meantime, Chinese stocks that are listed in the US staged a sharp rally as top leaders in Beijing used their most direct language yet on providing monetary easing and boosting domestic consumption. The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index, which tracks the biggest Chinese stocks in the US, climbed nearly 10%, its strongest intraday gain since late September. Large-cap technology stocks including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and PDD Holdings Inc. rose more than 7% each in New York trading. Shares of Western companies with high revenue exposure in China also rallied. In the US, consumer names Estée Lauder Cos. and Amer Sports Inc. traded higher. In Europe, miners such as Rio Tinto Plc and luxury brands like LVMH led stock gains in the region’s equity benchmark. Data including Wednesday’s consumer price index will offer Fed officials a final look at the pricing environment ahead of their meeting the following week. Any indication that progress has stalled on the inflation front could well undercut the chances of a third straight reduction in rates. “This Wednesday’s inflation data may hold the key to the Fed’s next move,” said Jay Woods at Freedom Capital Markets. “So far results have been in line with economists’ expectations and haven’t scared the market. However, an upward surprise should raise eyebrows at the Fed and could put another rate cut on pause.” Treasury 10-year yields rose four basis points to 4.20%. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 0.1%. Oil climbed as China signaled bolder stimulus for next year, with traders also keeping an eye on developments in the Middle East. The S&P 500 will extend its record-setting rally to 7,100 by the end of next year amid a strong economy, according to Oppenheimer Asset Management, whose outlook is now the most bullish among peers. Fundamentals “suggest the current resilience of the economy and the stock market appear poised to continue into next year,” the firm’s Chief Investment Strategist John Stoltzfus wrote in a note. Citigroup Inc. strategists expect mid-single-digit gains for the S&P 500 in 2025 amid increasing volatility, fueled by a soft landing of the US economy, artificial intelligence and Donald Trump’s policy promises. Their base-case target is 6,500 points for the S&P 500. The upper scenario is set at 6,900 and lower at 5,100; both the bull- and bear-case scenarios “frame an expectation for increased volatility,” the strategists wrote. (With Inputs From Agencies.)
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gainsIn July, the Serbian government reinstated the permits for Rio Tinto’s lithium mining project, after cancelling them in 2022 following public protests. The decision triggered demonstrations, with thousands of people taking to the streets of Belgrade over concerns that the mine would pose a threat to water sources and public health. After all, Rio Tinto had already demonstrated its willingness to circumvent the country’s environmental regulations. Rio Tinto has a long history of alleged human-rights violations and water mismanagement and contamination at its mines around the world. But it is not just Rio Tinto: corruption and negligence are endemic in the mining industry. A US judge ordered Glencore to pay $700mn in fines for its decade-long scheme to bribe officials in several countries. Mining giant BHP and its Brazilian partner Vale are tied up in legal battles over the collapse of the Fundao tailings dam – Brazil’s worst environmental disaster. As the European Union plans to increase domestic mining of materials that are essential to the green transition, as well as to numerous defence technologies and digital products, policymakers and populations are seeking reassurance that such efforts will be sustainable. To that end, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) – an association that Rio Tinto helped establish and includes Glencore, Vale, and BHP – and other major industry players are working to create a global standard, called the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative (CMSI), to certify minerals as responsibly produced. Given their track record, can these mining giants be trusted to set their own rules and hold themselves accountable? Voluntary standards and certifications are hardly new. They exist across a range of industries, from agriculture to construction, and many such initiatives already exist in the mining sector. In fact, the four associations leading the CMSI – the ICMM, the Mining Association of Canada, the World Gold Council, and the Copper Mark – each have their own assurance framework. But evaluations of these voluntary schemes, conducted by Germanwatch, Mercedes-Benz, and others, have shown that most lack transparency, rigour, and oversight, and cannot ensure that their requirements are implemented. In short, they constitute a sophisticated form of greenwashing. In February, Lead the Charge published an assessment of third-party assurance and accreditation programs in the raw-materials sector, evaluating each one against a series of minimum criteria for credibility. Tellingly, the ICMM’s Performance Expectations Validation process met only 16% of the criteria. These failing grades have real-world implications for indigenous peoples, workers, and local communities. According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, ICMM member companies, whether through direct ownership or joint ventures, account for more than half of the 20 firms responsible for the majority of alleged human-rights violations in critical minerals mining. Policymakers and financial institutions are channelling billions of dollars into mining projects around the world based on voluntary certifications like the proposed CMSI. For example, the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act uses these assurances as a proxy for determining whether companies are responsibly sourcing raw materials. And 78% of automakers evaluated in Lead the Charge’s assessment reported using them to inform sourcing decisions – especially as the uptake of electric vehicles increases. In fact, a recent analysis of the proposed CMSI, conducted by indigenous groups, civil-society organizations, and policy experts, highlights several gaps in the framework that would harm communities and, crucially, pose risks for automakers. The standard is divided into three practice levels: foundational, good, and leading. But the requirements for the foundational level – which, it should be noted, companies are permitted to fall below during the assurance process – do not align with international laws, legal norms, or widely accepted standards, such as the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards. Mining firms will therefore not be forced to address serious human-rights abuses, which could lead to penalties for automakers down the line. Moreover, the draft standard does not protect the right of indigenous peoples – who are disproportionately harmed by mining – to free, prior, and informed consent, which is derived from their right to govern their territories and resources and to self-determination. Protecting this right must be a minimum requirement for the foundational practice level. But the very notion that respect for fundamental rights can be broken down and parcelled into varying levels of performance reflects the CMSI’s flawed design. This approach would cause even more harm to indigenous communities, given that more than half of critical minerals are on or near their lands. Despite the efforts of the ICMM and its partners, including CMSI advisory group members like BMW and Tesla, to market the standard as a tool for responsible mining, it is nothing more than an attempt by the industry to present a clean, green face to the public. If successful, the CMSI will consolidate the power and influence of mining giants like Rio Tinto, Glencore, and BHP, and allow them to act with impunity while providing false assurances to all major stakeholders. Instead of delivering a just energy transition, the CMSI would allow extractive industries to prioritise profit over clean air and water, human rights, and a liveable planet, and expose automakers, governments, and investors to reputational risk. Given the increasing demand for minerals to fuel the energy transition, setting high expectations and establishing strong, enforceable rules for the mining sector is more important than ever. – Project Syndicate Chelsea Hodgkins is Senior Electric-Vehicle Advocate in Public Citizen’s Climate Program. Related Story Qatar establishes WEF's Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution 61 countries to compete in 8th Katara Award for Reciting Holy Qur’an
Citius Oncology, Inc. Reports Fiscal Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business UpdateAnnounces Notification of Additional Delinquency with Nasdaq for Late Filing of Form 10-Q for Period Ended September 30, 2024 Expects to Return to Normal Filing Cadence in 2025 LOS ANGELES , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: RILY) ("B. Riley" or the "Company"), a diversified financial services company, today announced it received an additional delinquency notification letter from Nasdaq on November 20, 2024, which indicated that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) as a result of the delayed filing of the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Nasdaq Listing Rule requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). This notification has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company's securities on Nasdaq. Nasdaq has informed the Company that it must submit an update to its original plan to regain compliance with respect to the filing requirement by December 5, 2024 . If the updated plan is accepted, Nasdaq can grant an exception of up to 180 calendar dates from the due date of the initial delinquent filing for the period ended June 30, 2024 , or until February 17, 2025 , to regain compliance. The Company regrets the continued delays in its quarterly filings, which have been impacted by a confluence of significant events and transactions completed in 2024. The Company is working diligently to file the Quarterly Reports for both the second and third quarters as promptly as practical, and expects to return to a normal filing cadence in 2025. About B. Riley Financial B. Riley Financial is a diversified financial services company that delivers tailored solutions to meet the strategic, operational, and capital needs of its clients and partners. B. Riley leverages cross-platform expertise to provide clients with full service, collaborative solutions at every stage of the business life cycle. Through its affiliated subsidiaries, B. Riley provides end-to-end financial services across investment banking, institutional brokerage, private wealth and investment management, financial consulting, corporate restructuring, operations management, risk and compliance, due diligence, forensic accounting, litigation support, appraisal and valuation, auction, and liquidation services. B. Riley opportunistically invests to benefit its shareholders, and certain affiliates originate and underwrite senior secured loans for asset-rich companies. B. Riley refers to B. Riley Financial, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries or affiliates. For more information, please visit www.brileyfin.com . Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price could be materially negatively affected. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of today's date. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Actual future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the risks described from time to time in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the risks described in the Company's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024 under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (as applicable). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All information is current as of the date this press release is issued, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information. Contacts Investors ir@brileyfin.com Media press@brileyfin.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/b-riley-financial-provides-update-on-quarterly-filing-process-302316982.html SOURCE B. Riley Financial
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 ATLANTA (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent more than a year in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most active and internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said the former president died Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia. The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is Dead at age 100 Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. He left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. 2024 was a year of triumphs and setbacks for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Here's how it unfolded The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine. He won a fifth term that will keep him in office until 2030 following an election with only token opposition. He tightened a political crackdown on Russian society, and his top opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison under still unknown circumstances. But gunmen massacred scores of people in a Moscow concert hall, and a bomb killed a top general in attacks that underscored security flaws. Ukrainian forces swept into the Russian region of Kursk, Putin boasted about a lethal new hypersonic missile, and a new Trump administration raised concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career.As Christmas approaches, it’s time to think of what gifts you’d like to buy for your loved ones. For investors, there is no greater gift than being able to pass your stocks down to your children or next-of-kin. These shares will form part of the legacy you leave behind to help the next generation to continue to build and grow their wealth. However, you need to carefully curate the stocks that you plan to bequeath to your loved ones as only strong and reliable businesses should qualify. Blue-chip stocks are the best candidates as they exhibit robust business models and have been through good times and bad. Here are four blue-chip stocks that you should feel at ease passing down to your children. DBS Group is Singapore’s largest bank by market capitalisation and forms one of the pillars of Singapore’s economy. The lender is an important cog that helps to grease the wheels of commerce as it extends loans, provides insurance, and assists with investments. Investors should also feel assured by DBS’s strength as Temasek Holdings owns 29% of the bank (as of 7 February 2024). DBS released an impressive set of earnings for the first nine months of 2024 (9M 2024). Total income increased by 11% year on year to S$16.8 billion on the back of a 5% year-on-year increase in net interest income to S$11.2 billion. Fee and commission income also jumped 27% year on year to S$3.2 billion on increased credit card spending and higher wealth management fees. Net profit for the lender stood at S$8.8 billion for 9M 2024, up 12% year on year. DBS also paid out a total dividend of S$1.62 for 9M 2024, 28.6% higher than the S$1.26 per share that was paid in the prior year. Looking ahead, DBS’s annualised dividend stands at S$2.16 (i.e. S$0.54 quarterly dividend). CEO Piyush Gupta remained sanguine on 2025 and expects DBS to report a pre-tax profit at around 2024 levels. With interest rates poised to remain higher for longer, the bank should benefit from this prolonged elevated interest rate environment. Singapore Exchange Limited, or SGX, is Singapore’s sole stock exchange operator. The group enjoys a natural monopoly by being the only bourse operator here. SGX reported a resilient set of earnings for its fiscal 2024 (FY2024) ending 30 June 2024. Revenue increased by 3.1% year on year to S$1.2 billion while net profit (excluding exceptional items) improved by 4.5% year on year to S$525.9 million. The bourse operator also upped its quarterly dividend from S$0.085 to S$0.09, taking its annualised dividend to S$0.36. Over the years, SGX’s multi-asset strategy has helped to grow and diversify its revenue stream. Management sees good prospects in growing its foreign exchange franchise along with its commodity slate of products. SGX’s aim is to grow its revenue by between 6% to 8% per annum in the medium term. Singtel is Singapore’s largest telecommunication company and offers a broad range of services such as mobile and broadband for individuals and cybersecurity and ICT services for corporations. The telco has demonstrated better overall numbers since it initiated its strategic reset back in 2021. Its core dividend (comprising an interim and final dividend) has been increasing since fiscal 2021 (FY2021) ending 31 March. It went from S$0.075 in FY2021 to S$0.15 in FY2024 but FY2024’s total dividend included a value realisation dividend (VRD) of S$0.038. The VRD is an additional component of Singtel’s core dividend policy derived from the proceeds of capital recycling and will be between S$0.03 to S$0.06 annually. For the first half of fiscal 2025 (1H FY2025), Singtel reported a strong set of earnings with operating profit climbing 27% year on year to S$738 million, led by both Optus and NCS. The telco’s underlying net profit was up 6% year on year to S$1.2 billion. Singtel declared a total interim dividend of S$0.07 comprising a core dividend of S$0.056 and a VRD of S$0.014. This dividend was 35% higher than the S$0.052 paid out a year ago. As part of the group’s ST28 long-term strategy, it will simplify product offerings and innovate with new technologies such as network slicing. It will also develop new revenue streams in the areas of artificial intelligence and data centres. Singapore Airlines Limited, or SIA, is Singapore’s flagship airline. The carrier is 53.6% owned by Temasek Holdings which should give investors peace of mind. The airline is well-positioned for the future with good partnerships and code-sharing with other airlines. The group is also building a multi-hub model and embracing digital capabilities. SIA reported a downbeat set of earnings for 1H FY2025 due to intensifying competition and higher fuel prices. Although revenue inched up 3.7% year on year to S$9.5 billion, net profit plunged 48.5% year on year to S$742 million. Despite this, the airline maintained its interim dividend of S$0.10 per share. SIA continues to invest for the future with its recent S$1.1 billion commitment to install new long-haul cabin products in 41 of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This program should be completed by the end of 2030 and allow greater personalisation and a wider range of entertainment options for the upgraded KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system. The airline’s KrisFlyer membership also grew to 9.44 million as of 30 September 2024, up 21.5% year on year and is now more than double the pre-pandemic number (4.4 million). Looking to create a lifelong income stream? Check out our report, ‘7 Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks That Can Pay You for Life.’ We uncover a powerful lineup of dividend-paying stocks with the reliability and growth potential you need in today’s market. Don’t miss out on these dependable picks. Download your copy now and start building a secure financial future! Follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosure: Royston Yang owns shares of DBS Group and Singapore Exchange Limited. The post 4 Dependable Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks That You Can Pass Down to Your Children appeared first on The Smart Investor .
US President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." Trump was fiercely opposed to TikTok during his 2017-21 first term, and tried in vain to ban the video app on national security grounds. The Republican voiced concerns -- echoed by political rivals -- that the Chinese government might tap into US TikTok users' data or manipulate what they see on the platform. US officials had also voiced alarm over the popularity of the video-sharing app with young people, alleging that its parent company is subservient to Beijing and that the app is used to spread propaganda, claims denied by the company and the Chinese government. Trump called for a US company to buy TikTok, with the government sharing in the sale price, and his successor Joe Biden went one stage further -- signing a law to ban the app for the same reasons. Trump has now, however, reversed course. "Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition," he recently told Bloomberg. "If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg." Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and part of his Meta tech empire, was among the social media networks that banned Trump after attacks by his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The ban was driven by concerns that he would use the platform to promote more violence. Those bans on major social media platforms were later lifted. In the brief filed on Friday, Trump's lawyer made it clear the president-elect did not take a position on the legal merits of the current case. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," John Sauer wrote in the amicus curiae -- or "friend of the court" -- brief. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming Administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case." ft/aha
GreenPower Motor (OTCMKTS:GPVRF) Shares Up 7.1% – Time to Buy?Is Fortis Stock a Buy for Its Dividend Yield?
Metaverse in Education Market Future Trends, Size, Share, Growth Factors, Industry Analysis, Advance Technology And Forecast - 2028 11-22-2024 09:08 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Meta Platforms, Inc. (US), Microsoft Corporation (US), Adobe Inc. (US), HP Inc. (Australia), Unity Software Inc. (US), Samsung Electronics (South Korea), Lenovo (China), Roblox Corporation (US), Epic Games (US), Baidu, Inc. (China). Metaverse in Education Market by Component (Hardware (AR devices, VR devices, MR devices, and interactive displays and projectors), Software, Professional Services), End User (Academic and Corporate) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028. The metaverse in education market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/metaverse-in-education-market-69495332.html?utm_campaign=metaverseineducationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] is projected to grow from USD 3.9 billion in 2023 to USD 19.3 billion by 2028, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 37.7% during the forecast period. In the metaverse, educators and students often interact through avatars-virtual representations of users-that facilitate communication and collaboration. Teachers can also engage with each other in virtual environments, creating classroom-like settings. These environments are highly adaptable, allowing customization to align with specific lessons, thereby enhancing learning opportunities. For example, students might explore a 3D simulation of the human body or immerse themselves in a virtual recreation of historical events. Additionally, the metaverse enables remote education, allowing students to attend classes and collaborate with peers from anywhere. These features are driving the rapid growth of the market. Download PDF Brochure@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=69495332 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=69495332&utm_campaign=metaverseineducationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] With the rise of the Metaverse, this technology is poised for significant development. In education, Metaverse enables students to participate in remotely accessible virtual classes that simulate aspects of a traditional classroom. Educational institutions and technology-based companies are working towards removing physical boundaries and making learning more immersive, engaging, and communicative. By hardware, the AR devices segment captured the largest market share during the forecast period. The Metaverse in the education market, by hardware, includes AR devices, VR devices, MR devices, and interactive displays and projectors. The AR devices segment is estimated to account for the highest market share based on hardware. With the help of this technology, users can view and interact with virtual items or information in a physical setting. There are various AR devices, including smart glasses, headsets, and mobile devices. Depending on the application, each type of gadget has distinct advantages and features and can be used in various ways. AR devices can be utilized to design engaging, immersive learning experiences that will help students comprehend complex ideas. For instance, by overlaying 3D models onto photographs from textbooks, AR apps enable students to explore and interact with the models in a metaverse. IN THE EDUCATION MARKET, AR devices can be used in Metaverse, such as AR head-mounted displays (HMD) and AR head-up displays. AR HMD devices include smart glasses, which help students to explore and engage with virtual surroundings created with AR smart glasses. Students can study digital recreations of actual locations or historical events across topics such as geography or history, which can be extremely helpful. AR HUDs can take notes and arrange the information more effectively without using their hands. Based on professional services, the strategy and business consulting segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period The Metaverse in the education market, by professional services, is segmented into application development, system integration, strategy, and business consulting. It is expected that during the forecast period, the strategy and business consulting segment is estimated to account for the largest market size and share in the Metaverse in the education market. Consulting services focus on selecting metaverse technology providers and platforms that align with the institution's goals and requirements. Consultants help clients create a metaverse strategy that aligns with their goals. Numerous consumers that use consulting services regularly request adjustments to their solutions and service offerings, and they deal with complex concerns. These services place a greater emphasis on providing excellent customer service. North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The Metaverse in the education market has been segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. As per region, North America is estimated to account for the largest market share in the global Metaverse in the education market in 2023, and this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. The Metaverse in the education market in North America has been studied for countries including the US and Canada. The adoption of the Metaverse in education is expected to be the highest in North America compared to other regions. According to secondary data, a university opens a Metaverse learning hub in Canada, one of the significant developments. The hub intends to offer a platform for investigating and creating metaverse-based educational applications. To facilitate discussion and explore the potential of the Metaverse in education, the hub also organizes conferences and seminars that bring together academics, researchers, and business leaders. Additionally, some edtech companies are looking at the educational applications of the Metaverse. For instance, the platform Engage provides online classrooms and collaborative capabilities for distance learning. The metaverse platform enables educators and students to collaborate in a 3D virtual setting while developing original activities and material. The field of metaverse education is still growing. Thus, there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved, as well as numerous potentials. These include problems with digital equity, privacy, and accessibility. However, the Metaverse's potential for use in education is stimulating, and it will be interesting to watch how it develops and alters education in North America. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=69495332 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=69495332&utm_campaign=metaverseineducationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Unique Features in the Metaverse in Education Market The metaverse enables highly interactive and engaging learning experiences through immersive 3D environments. Students can explore complex concepts like anatomy, physics, or history by virtually interacting with simulations, such as a walk-through of the human body or a reenactment of historical events, making learning more tangible and memorable. Educators and students use avatars-customizable digital representations-that allow for dynamic communication and collaboration. These avatars create a sense of presence and enable a more personal and engaging interaction, even in remote or virtual learning settings. Virtual environments in the metaverse can be tailored to suit different educational needs. Teachers can create customized virtual classrooms or labs designed specifically for the subject being taught, providing unparalleled flexibility in lesson delivery. The metaverse allows students and educators to participate in classes and collaborative projects from anywhere in the world. This global connectivity fosters diverse learning opportunities and bridges geographical barriers, making education more accessible. Interactive tools in the metaverse enable real-time feedback and engagement. Students can perform virtual experiments, answer quizzes, or collaborate on group projects, receiving immediate insights and feedback from instructors or peers. Major Highlights of the Metaverse in Education Market The integration of 3D simulations and virtual environments is transforming traditional education into an engaging, experiential process. Students can immerse themselves in lifelike simulations, such as virtual field trips, historical recreations, or complex scientific processes, enhancing their understanding and retention of knowledge. The metaverse supports seamless remote learning by connecting students and teachers globally. Through virtual classrooms and collaborative tools, learners can participate in classes and group activities from any location, breaking down geographical barriers and increasing accessibility. Avatars, as digital representations of users, are central to the metaverse experience. They facilitate personalized communication and enable both students and educators to interact more effectively, creating a sense of presence and community within virtual environments. Educational settings in the metaverse are highly adaptable. Teachers can design virtual spaces tailored to specific subjects or lessons, such as a biology lab for studying human anatomy or a historical setting for exploring past events. This customization enhances the relevance and effectiveness of lessons. The metaverse emphasizes practical, hands-on learning by simulating real-world scenarios. From medical training to engineering projects, students can practice and hone their skills in a safe, controlled virtual environment, preparing them for real-life challenges. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=69495332 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=69495332&utm_campaign=metaverseineducationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Top Companies in the Metaverse in Education Market Some of the significant Metaverse in education vendors are Meta Platforms, Inc. (US), Microsoft Corporation (US), Adobe Inc. (US), HP Inc. (Australia), Unity Software Inc. (US), Samsung Electronics (South Korea), Lenovo (China), Roblox Corporation (US), Epic Games (US), and Baidu, Inc. (China). Unity Software Inc. Unity Software is a platform that helps creators bring their visions to reality, including game developers, artists, architects, educators, automobile designers, and filmmakers. The Unity platform offers a complete range of software options for developing and managing real-time 2D and 3D content for various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and AR and VR headsets. With the introduction of products such as Unity VR, which offers tools for developing VR applications, and Unity MARS, which enables developers to create AR experiences that combine digital material with the actual world, Unity has also entered the virtual and augmented reality spaces. For educational uses, such as training simulations, virtual field trips, and interactive science experiments, Unity Software can be utilized to create immersive and interactive experiences. Moreover, Unity Software can be considered a tool for creating educational environments like the metaverse. Many tools and services that Unity has developed can be used to create educational content, including Unity Learn, which offers tutorials and learning resources for beginners, and Unity Asset Store, which provides a wide selection of pre-built assets and tools that can be used to create educational content quickly and easily. ClassVR ClassVR is one of the leading technologies designed to help and raise engagement & increase knowledge retention for students of all ages. It offers virtual reality headsets for schools with intuitive controls for teachers, an original user interface for students, gesture controls, and incorporated educational resources. It provides different VR/AR content, such as explorable scenes. The platform is aimed at K-12 schools and offers a range of curriculum-aligned resources across multiple subject areas, including science, history, and geography. VR experiences are designed to be immersive and engaging, allowing students to explore complex concepts and topics directly and interactively. ClassVR also offers a content creation tool, allowing teachers to create and customize their VR experiences to fit their curriculum and learning objectives. Additionally, the platform includes management and tracking tools, enabling teachers and administrators to monitor student progress and usage of the VR resources. Meta Platforms, Inc. (US) Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is an American multinational technology conglomerate founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Meta owns a range of popular services including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. In October 2021, the company rebranded to Meta to emphasize its focus on building the metaverse, a virtual reality space for immersive interactions. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=metaverse-in-education-market-future-trends-size-share-growth-factors-industry-analysis-advance-technology-and-forecast-2028 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/metaverse-in-education-market-69495332.html This release was published on openPR.ROGERSVILLE — The Hawkins County Industrial Development Board announced Thursday that the county has been recertified as an ACT Work Ready Community. The First Tennessee Development Districts annual meeting presented the honor to IDB Executive Administrative Coordinator Rebecca Baker. “It’s kind of hard to quantify the importance of that program.” Michael Parker, Director of Economic Development at NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership said. “Workforce challenges exist from coast to coast ... and the communities that really can benchmark and quantitatively show their progress in the workforce, such as through this program, are the ones that are going to excel, they can really make that business case for new industry to relocate there.” Baker said it was all possible because it was a group effort. “It’s not just the industrial board, it’s not just the Board of Education,” Baker said. “It’s a group effort.” HCIDB Chairman Larry Elkins said that was the reason they involved the BOE and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), to help produce a skilled workforce, ready when industries want to move to the area. TCAT “We’ve had a productive few weeks since we last met,” TCAT Campus Coordinator Charles Johnson said. He reported that the process of getting a grant for an automatic truck and flatbed trailer looks to be successful. A reverse job fair for cosmetology also looked promising for some of the students. “We had 10 girls from Hawkins County campus ... 10 girls from the Greeneville campus,” Johnson said. “All of them got offered at least one job.” He said this year the employers brought the applications for the students to fill out at the fair. “They are in demand,” Johnson said. “And that is ... a very lucrative field.” He said the welding shop is in the “best shape it’s ever been.” Elkins praised Johnson for his hard work and noted how important the TCAT education was for the area. “Thank you, Charles, for the work that you do up there,” Elkins said. “And how that helps with our economic development issues ... the education in that area is unbelievable.”
Bruins send top prospect back to Providence after one NHL gameMeeting Jimmy Carter — and getting a scoop about Bush, Blair and Iraq from the perfect gentleman
Flag football uses talent camps to uncover new starsTrump asks US Supreme Court to pause law threatening TikTok ban
28 companies hiring for hundreds of jobs in Edmonton this December
CHICAGO (AP) — As begins to take shape, those on both sides of the abortion debate are watching closely for clues about how his picks might affect reproductive rights policy in the . offer a preview of how his administration could handle abortion after he repeatedly on the campaign trail. He attempted to distance himself from anti-abortion allies by deferring to states on abortion policy, even while boasting about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down the constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for half a century. In an NBC News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said he doesn’t plan to restrict medication abortion but also seemed to leave the door open, saying “things change.” “Things do change, but I don’t think it’s going to change at all,” he said. The of his , including nominations to lead health agencies, the Justice Department and event the Department of Veterans Affairs, has garnered mixed — but generally positive — reactions from anti-abortion groups. Abortion law experts said Trump’s decision to include fewer candidates with deep ties to the anti-abortion movement could indicate that abortion will not be a priority for Trump’s administration. “It almost seems to suggest that President Trump might be focusing his administration in other directions,” said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Karen Stone, vice president of public policy at , said while many of the nominees have “extensive records against reproductive health care,” some do not. She cautioned against making assumptions based on Trump’s initial cabinet selections. Still, many abortion rights groups are wary, in part because many of the nominees hold strong anti-abortion views even if they do not have direct ties to anti-abortion activists. They’re concerned that an administration filled with top-level officials who are personally opposed to abortion could take steps to restrict access to the procedure and funding. After Trump’s ambiguity about abortion during his campaign, “there’s still a lot we don’t know about what policy is going to look like,” said Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. That approach may be revealed as the staffs within key departments are announced. Trump he would nominate anti-vaccine activist to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which anti-abortion forces have long targeted as central to curtailing abortion rights nationwide. Yet Kennedy shifted on the issue during his own presidential campaign. In campaign videos, Kennedy said he until , which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks, although there is no defined timeframe. But he also “every abortion is a tragedy” and a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a stance he quickly walked back. The head of Health and Human Services oversees Title X funding for a host of family planning services and has sweeping authority over agencies that directly affect abortion access, including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The role is especially vital amid legal battles over a federal law known as EMTALA, which President administration has argued requires emergency abortion access nationwide, and FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, called Kennedy an “unfit, unqualified extremist who cannot be trusted to protect the health, safety and reproductive freedom of American families.” His potential nomination also has caused waves in the anti-abortion movement. Former Vice President , a staunch abortion opponent, urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the group had its own concerns about Kennedy. “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary,” she said. Fox News correspondent is Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, which plays a critical role in access to medication abortion and contraception. Abortion rights groups have accused him of sharing misinformation about abortion on air. , a staunch anti-abortion conservative, has been nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was a key architect of , a right-wing blueprint for running the federal government. Among other actions to limit reproductive rights, it calls for eliminating access to medication abortion nationwide, cutting Medicaid funding for abortion and restricting access to contraceptive care, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUD’s. Despite distancing himself from the conservative manifesto on the campaign trail, Trump is with people who played central roles in developing Project 2025. Trump acknowledged that drafters of the report would be part of his incoming administration during the Sunday interview with NBC News, saying “Many of those things I happen to agree with.” “These cabinet appointments all confirm that Project 2025 was in fact the blueprint all along, and the alarm we saw about it was warranted,” said Amy Williams Navarro, director of government relations for Reproductive Freedom for All. , Trump’s choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a who has been accused of dubious medical treatments and products. He voiced contradictory abortion views during his in 2022. Oz has described himself as praised the Supreme Court decision , claimed and referred to abortion as But he also has Trump’s states-rights approach, arguing the federal government should not be involved in abortion decisions. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves,” he said during a Senate debate two years ago. An array of reproductive rights groups opposed his Senate run. As CMS administrator, Oz would be in a key position to determine Medicaid coverage for family planning services and investigate potential EMTALA violations. Related Articles As Florida’s attorney general, defended abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Now she’s Trump’s . Her nomination is being celebrated by abortion opponents but denounced by abortion rights groups concerned she may revive the , an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. An anti-abortion and anti-vaccine former Florida congressman, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects and monitors abortion data across the country. Former Republican congressman is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs amid a over and funding for troops and veterans. Collins voted consistently to restrict funding and access to abortion and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is a team that the pro-life movement can work with,” said Kristin Hawkins, president of the national anti-abortion organization Students for Life.AMBCrypto CEO Jeevan Thomas on NFTs: Revolutionizing Digital Ownership 12-27-2024 10:00 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The image symbolizes the transformative power of NFTs across digital art, gaming, and real estate, portraying the technological shift in ownership. NFTs are not just a trend; they represent a transformative shift in digital ownership, asserts Jeevan Thomas, CEO of AMBCrypto. From empowering artists with direct monetization to redefining industries like gaming and real estate, NFTs are unlocking unprecedented opportunities. In this article, Jeevan explores how NFTs are poised to revolutionize asset ownership and reshape the future. A Paradigm Shift in Ownership Imagine owning a piece of digital art, a virtual real estate plot, or an exclusive in-game item, all secured and authenticated through blockchain technology. This is the transformative promise of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which are redefining digital ownership across various industries. Jeevan Thomas [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeeevaan/ ], CEO of AMBCrypto [ https://ambcrypto.com/ ], a leading digital news publisher, emphasizes that NFTs are not just a fleeting trend but a fundamental shift in how we perceive and manage digital assets. What Are NFTs? NFTs are unique digital tokens that represent ownership of specific items or content on the blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, NFTs are indivisible and unique. This makes them ideal for certifying ownership of digital assets like art, music, and virtual real estate. This uniqueness is at the heart of how NFTs are revolutionizing digital ownership. NFTs Empowering the Art World In the art world, NFTs have empowered artists to monetize their digital creations directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This direct-to-consumer model ensures that artists receive fair compensation for their work and retain control over their creations. Additionally, NFTs can be programmed with smart contracts to provide royalties to artists upon secondary sales, ensuring ongoing revenue as their work appreciates in value. Redefining the Music Industry The music industry is also experiencing a paradigm shift due to NFTs. Musicians can tokenize their work, offering fans exclusive ownership of songs, albums, or concert experiences. This not only creates new revenue streams but also fosters a deeper connection between artists and their audiences. Smart contracts embedded within NFTs ensure that artists receive a predetermined percentage of royalties upon secondary sales, providing transparency and fairness in revenue distribution. Transforming Gaming Experiences In gaming, NFTs are redefining player engagement by allowing true ownership of in-game assets. Players can purchase, sell, and trade items like skins, weapons, or virtual land across different platforms, creating real-world value from virtual experiences. This interoperability enhances the gaming experience and opens up new economic opportunities within virtual environments. Virtual Real Estate: A New Frontier Virtual real estate is another frontier being transformed by NFTs. Digital platforms like Decentraland allow users to purchase, develop, and monetize virtual land parcels. These virtual properties can be used for various purposes, including hosting events, creating virtual stores, or building digital art galleries, all secured through NFT ownership. Challenges and Concerns Environmental Impact Despite the excitement surrounding NFTs, challenges remain. Environmental concerns have been raised due to the energy-intensive nature of blockchain transactions, particularly on platforms like Ethereum. However, efforts are underway to develop more sustainable blockchain solutions to mitigate these impacts. Legal and Regulatory Issues Legal considerations also pose challenges, as the regulatory landscape for NFTs is still evolving. Issues such as copyright ownership, transfer of rights, and the legal status of NFTs in various jurisdictions are areas of ongoing debate and development. Clear legal frameworks are necessary to protect creators and consumers in the NFT ecosystem. Expanding Applications of NFTs Real Estate Tokenization Jeevan Thomas highlights that the potential applications of NFTs extend beyond art and entertainment. They can be utilized in sectors like real estate, where property deeds can be tokenized, providing a secure and transparent method for transferring ownership. This could streamline real estate transactions, reduce fraud, and increase accessibility to property investments. Identity and Credential Verification NFTs can also play a significant role in verifying identities and credentials. Academic degrees, professional certifications, and other credentials can be securely tokenized, preventing fraud and ensuring authenticity. This application could revolutionize how individuals and institutions manage and share verifiable information. The Future of Digital Ownership Jeevan Thomas believes that NFTs are not merely a technological innovation but a cultural and economic shift. They are democratizing access to ownership, enabling creators to gain fair value for their work, and providing consumers with a secure and transparent way to own digital assets. As the technology matures and regulatory frameworks solidify, the NFT ecosystem is poised to expand into new industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for creators, businesses, and consumers alike. NFTs are not just about owning digital assets-they are about redefining what ownership means in the digital age. Media Contact Company Name: AMBCrypto Contact Person: Sujeev Thomas Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ambcrypto-ceo-jeevan-thomas-on-nfts-revolutionizing-digital-ownership ] Country: India Website: https://ambcrypto.com/ This release was published on openPR.
Adagene Inc. ( NASDAQ:ADAG – Get Free Report ) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 65,300 shares, an increase of 88.2% from the November 30th total of 34,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 60,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.1 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the company are short sold. Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Adagene stock. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Adagene Inc. ( NASDAQ:ADAG – Free Report ) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 90,908 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $202,000. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC owned about 0.21% of Adagene at the end of the most recent quarter. 9.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Adagene Price Performance Shares of ADAG opened at $1.96 on Friday. The company’s 50-day moving average is $2.41 and its 200-day moving average is $2.54. Adagene has a fifty-two week low of $1.60 and a fifty-two week high of $4.38. Analysts Set New Price Targets Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ADAG About Adagene ( Get Free Report ) Adagene Inc, a clinical stage biotechnology company, engages in the research, development, and production of monoclonal antibody drugs for cancers. The company's product candidates include ADG106, a human ligand-blocking agonistic anti- CD137 IgG4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that is in Phase 1b/2 clinical trials for the treatment advanced solid tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; ADG126, a masked fully-human anti-CTLA-4 mAb that is in Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment advanced/metastatic solid tumors; and ADG116, a human ligand-blocking anti-CTLA-4 mAb, which is in Phase 1b/2 clinical development for the treatment of advanced/metastatic solid tumors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Adagene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Adagene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Newbury Park, Simi Valley have Ventura County well-represented in the CIF-SS football finalsDEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops stormed one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, forcing many staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather , the territory’s health ministry said. The army denied claims it had entered or set fire to the complex and accused Hamas of using the facility for cover. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods, according to staff. The ministry said a strike on the hospital a day earlier killed five medical staff. Israel's military said it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area and had ordered people out of the hospital, but said it had not entered the complex as of Friday night. It repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan but provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. The Health Ministry said troops forced medical personnel and patients to assemble in the yard and remove their clothes. Some were led to an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israel raid this week. Israeli troops during raids frequently carry out mass detentions, stripping men to their underwear for questioning in what the military says is a security measure as they search for Hamas fighters. The Associated Press doesn’t have access to Kamal Adwan, but armed plainclothes members of the Hamas-led police forces have been seen in other hospitals, maintaining security but also controlling access to parts of the facilities. The Health Ministry said Israeli troops also set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan, including the lab and surgery department. It said 25 patients and 60 health workers remained in the hospital. The account could not be independently confirmed, and attempts to reach hospital staff were unsuccessful. “Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital,” an unidentified staff member said in an audio message posted on social media accounts of hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. The staffer said some evacuated patients had been unhooked from oxygen. “There are currently patients who could die at any moment,” she said. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, denied the accusations. “While IDF troops were not in the hospital, a small fire broke out in an empty building inside the hospital that is under control,” he said Friday night. He said a preliminary investigation found “no connection” between military activity and the fire. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movements of Palestinians in Gaza and has barred foreign journalists from entering the territory throughout the war, making it difficult to verify information. “These actions put the lives of all of these people in even more danger than what they faced before,” U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told journalists, and noted colleagues' reports of “significant damage” to the hospital. It should be protected as international law requires, she added. Since October, Israel’s offensive has virtually sealed off the northern Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and leveled large parts of them. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced out but thousands are believed to remain in the area, where Kamal Adwan and two other hospitals are located. Troops raided Kamal Adwan in October, and on Tuesday troops stormed and evacuated the Indonesian Hospital. The area has been cut off from food and other aid for months , raising fears of famine . The United Nations says Israeli troops allowed just four humanitarian deliveries to the area from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23. The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights-Israel this week petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice, seeking a halt to military attacks on Kamal Adwan. It warned that forcibly evacuating the hospital would “abandon thousands of residents in northern Gaza.” Before the latest deaths Thursday, the group documented five other staffers killed by Israeli fire since October. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza vowing to destroy Hamas after the group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third believed to be dead. Israel’s nearly 15-month-old campaign of bombardment and offensives has devastated the territory’s health sector. A year ago, it carried out raids on hospitals in northern Gaza, including Kamal Adwan, Indonesian and al-Awda Hospital, saying they served as bases for Hamas, though it presented little evidence. Israel’s campaign has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians, more than half women and children, and wounded more than 108,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been driven from their homes, most now sheltering in sprawling tent camps in south and central Gaza. Children and adults, many barefoot, huddled Friday on the cold sand in tents whose plastic and cloth sheets whipped in the wind. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s Fahrenheit (below 10 Celsius), and sea spray from the Mediterranean can dampen tents just steps away. "I swear to God, their mother and I cover ourselves with one blanket and we cover (their five children) with three blankets that we got from neighbors. Sea waters drowned everything that was ours,” said Muhammad al-Sous, displaced from Beit Lahiya in the north. The children collect plastic bottles to make fires, and pile under the blankets when their only set of clothes is washed and dried in the wind. At least three babies in Gaza have died from exposure to cold in recent days , doctors there have said, and the Health Ministry said an adult — a nurse who worked at the European Hospital — also died this week. Khaled and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Narions contributed to this report.None
- Previous:
- Next: db 777
