jilipark link
jilipark link
Hornets vs. Heat Injury Report Today – November 27Santa Ana’s sole independent bookstore LibroMobile may be closing its doors. “In the last six months, our book sales have been incredibly low, and so on top of that, California state arts funding was cut, which means we lost two big grants, like $50,000 worth of funding that we normally get for our programming,” says owner and founder Sarah Rafael García. “We don’t have enough money projected for 2025. Right now, we’re not even sure we’re going to make it to June.” SEE ALSO : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more García, who works another full-time job that runs through May, has had to cancel LibroMobile’s annual literary festival and events programming and she’s been dipping into her own income to keep the doors open at the store, which has two employees and additional student help. “I have been contributing my own personal funds to keep it going,” she says. “We’re grassroots – I’m not a rich person, you know? I started the bookstore with a $10,000 yearly income, so I always tell people, I know how to survive off of very little money.” She plans to continue doing pop-up sales events and the quarterly open mic night, although the money crunch has affected that event as well. “We cannot pay our headliners. So whatever poet chooses to accept the invite to headline, they’re doing it for free,” she says. The problem, she says, is not enough book buyers. “We won’t be able to maintain a brick and mortar if people don’t buy books,” she says. “If we don’t increase book sales significantly in the next couple months, then in March I’m going to have to probably announce that we’re definitely closing in June.” And while she says she’ll find a way to keep doing pop-ups and other events – she launched LibroMobile with a hand-me-down garden cart that gave the venture its name – “We won’t have a brick and mortar store, which is a really sad thing for our city, as the only independent bookstore in Santa Ana.” García makes one thing clear: Don’t blame her landlords. “We don’t pay market-rate rent. So when people say, ‘Oh, it’s your landlord, they should decrease it.’ That’s not true. They have been 100% supportive. They have not increased our rent because they know we’re in this situation,” she says. “They want to figure out how to make it work.” She says LibroMobile reciprocates by creating community events in English and Spanish at the Bristol Swap Meet to bring people to the food courts as well as by helping to fund the site’s murals with grant money and city support. “We’re more than a bookstore. We’re creating a place for our community where they can explore literature and the arts without having to pay for it,” she says, but adds that there are always costs to cover. “We have to pay a DJ. We have to pay for the equipment. Sometimes we have to rent chairs if we expect a bigger crowd for an event. So all those are additional costs.” But she’s committed to serving the community. “This is home for me ... Santa Ana is where I went to school and keep returning, even though I have nobody left here, other than friends and chosen family, my godparents. But it’s still what I call home.” Her father, Rafael Castillo García, worked for The Orange County Register for 10 years until he died unexpectedly in 1988 at age 36. She recalls how her father – who studied the paper to improve his language skills, attended community college and wrote poems he’d leave on the family refrigerator – would leave the house dressed in crisp slacks and a dress shirt. “He always dressed sharp to go to work, to try to impress us to have better jobs,” says García, who would learn about the physical nature of his work after his death. “I didn’t know he was a labor worker. I had to go empty his locker out, and I found the coveralls.” García says she has considered suggestions to start a crowdfunding campaign but ultimately decided against it. “I know I could probably set up a GoFundMe, but where would that take us a year or two from now? We’ll be in the same position. If I don’t cultivate the culture and the tradition in Santa Ana and Orange County, then we’re still not creating sustainability,” she says. “I’m trying to cultivate the want and the need of books, not just holding rent.” So what can local readers do to help? “I want them shopping at the bookstore. [laughs] We go days without someone buying a book sometimes,” she says. “We are the only bookstore in Santa Ana, but not just that. We’re the only bookstore in Orange County that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color books, as well as Spanish, multicultural and bilingual books. We have a whole beautiful collection of BIPOC cookbooks – like, who does that, right? – on top of a special collection that prioritizes ethnic studies, gender studies and academic books at affordable prices.” SEE ALSO : Bestsellers, authors, books and more can be found in the Books section García underscores her commitment to keeping prices reasonable – or even free. She stocks a Little Free Library at the Bristol Swap Meet, too. “Maybe that’s why we’re not making enough money. But that’s the whole point of keeping books that are relevant to our community accessible and affordable,” she says. While she says that the store is proudly political, García thinks LibroMobile has something that benefits the entire community. ”If you don’t like our politics, there’s still plenty of other books you can read in our store,” she says. “We have something for everyone, but we’re also not going to hide our political stances for the sake of capitalism.” For more stories about : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more Related ArticlesWe are well-positioned to grow via key market opportunities at the forefront of global healthcare, including the incoming U.S. administration's aim to "Make America Healthy Again" by tackling chronic disease. Commercial and Community Care-Delivery: Continued expansion with market-leading employer, provider and payvider innovation partners Growth of GLP-1s: Engagement expertise provides unique ability to facilitate sustainable health outcomes and demonstrable ROI to GLP-1 sponsors Rise of Health AI: Unique data sets and capabilities will enrich and accelerate progress of next-gen clinical discovery platforms TORONTO , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Newtopia Inc. (" Newtopia " or the " Company ") NEWU NEWUF , a tech-enabled whole health platform creating sustainable habits that prevent, slow and reverse chronic disease, today announced its third quarter 2024 financial results, operational highlights and filing of its financial statements. These results pertain to the three months ended September 30, 2024 . All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: Revenue of $1.0 million Opex reduction of 16% New partnership with US supplemental payvider positions Newtopia for profitability in 2025 "As we have for eleven years, Newtopia continues to prove our unique ability to produce industry-leading patient engagement and to cultivate healthy habits that can prevent, slow and reverse chronic metabolic disease", said Jeff Ruby , Newtopia Founder and CEO. "Most recently, we reported nine-month outcomes from our ongoing trial with Arkansas -based Heartland Whole Health Institute, in which we delivered Newtopia's best-ever engagement rates and weight loss outcomes in both provider and employer environments." "This quarter we also further strengthened our underlying operations, and evolved our offerings to respond to emerging industry opportunities and value-based needs, including the incoming US administration's desire to 'Make America Healthy Again' by tackling chronic disease – something we do better than anyone else in the market", continued Ruby. "Building on the strength of this progress we continue to pursue three significant opportunities to accelerate Newtopia growth in the final quarter of the year and into 2025: (1) expanding our key innovation partnerships with providers, employers and provincial payers, including a new relationship with a US Supplemental Payvider covering millions of employee lives; (2) combining Newtopia's proven habit change platform with GLP-1 drugs for obesity and type 2 diabetes; and (3) partnering with health AI and clinical discovery innovators to improve our collective ability to deliver best in breed outcomes that prevent, reverse and slow chronic disease", Ruby concluded. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.0 million compared to $2.4 million in the prior-year period. This decrease is driven by the loss of a client effective June 2024 , in addition to a structural incentive change with an existing client which the Company is actively working to offset. Gross profit for the third quarter was $0.3 million , or 34% of revenue. Gross profit consists of revenue less direct expenses, including the cost of Welcome Kits and labor costs associated with the Company's frontline health coaching team. Adjusted operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 , totaled $1.3 million , compared to $1.6 million in the prior-year period. The Company posted an adjusted operating loss of $987 thousand , compared to a gain of $21 thousand in the prior-year period. Given the new partnership with a US payvider, Newtopia anticipates returning to profitable growth in the near future. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call November 27 at 5 p.m. eastern time to discuss the third quarter 2024 results in further detail. To access the conference call, please dial (800) 717-1738 (U.S.) or (646) 307-1865 (International) 10 minutes prior to the start time and reference Conference ID number 15026. The call will also be available via live webcast on the investor relations portion of the Company's website located at investor.newtopia.com . A replay of the conference call will be available through December 18, 2024 , which can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (U.S.) or (412) 317-6671 (International) and entering the passcode 11157569. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's website. About Newtopia Newtopia is a personalized whole health platform helping people create positive lifelong habits that prevent, slow, or reverse chronic disease while reducing healthcare costs. The platform leverages genetic, social and behavioral insights to create individualized prevention programs with a focus on metabolic disease, diabetes, mental health challenges, hypertension, weight management and musculoskeletal disorders. With a person-centered approach that combines virtual care, digital tools, connected devices and actionable data science, Newtopia delivers sustainable clinical and financial outcomes. Newtopia serves some of the largest nationwide employers and health plans and is currently listed in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange NEWU and is quoted in the US on the OTCQB ® Venture Market NEWUF . To learn more, visit newtopia.com , LinkedIn or X . Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and forward looking statements, within the meaning of applicable United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Newtopia's future growth, results from operations (including, without limitation, future production and capital expenditures), performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "predicts", "projects", "targets", "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipate" or "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward- looking information. Such statements reflect Newtopia's current views and intentions with respect to future events, based on information available to Newtopia, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. While forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and analyses that Newtopia believes are reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee and are based on a number of estimates and assumptions management believes to be relevant and reasonable, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the "risk factors" that could cause actual results to differ materially from Newtopia's forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: the termination of contracts by clients, risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters- in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and other general economic, market and business conditions and factors, including the risk factors discussed or referred to in Newtopia's disclosure documents, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca including Newtopia's final long form prospectus dated March 30, 2020 . For more information on these risks please see the "Risk Factors" in Newtopia's final long-form prospectus dated March 30, 2020 . Should any factor affect Newtopia in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Newtopia does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release, and Newtopia undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Key Financial Measures and Schedule of Non-GAAP Reconciliations Unaudited Gross Profit Information- including amortization Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Revenue 986,116 2,434,606 4,369,086 7,440,297 Cost of revenue (651,969) (1,040,988) (2,359,758) (3,501,663) Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 2,009,328 3,938,634 Gross profit margin 34 % 57 % 46 % 53 % Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Adjusted Operating Expenses Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Total expenses 1,978,493 2,164,039 6,038,822 7,313,195 Add (Subtract) Share-based compensation (54,851) (158,584) (195,941) (466,887) Depreciation of property and equipment (483) (1,386) (1,953) (4,965) Debenture interest and accretion expense (300,997) (246,556) (844,321) (593,979) Interest on promissory note (2,000) - (2,000) - Interest on lease obligations - (5,221) - (26,784) Finance charges (256,482) (145,024) (496,171) (376,990) Amortization of deferred finance charges (44,984) (39,710) (130,884) (107,500) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 2,094 17,302 32,843 (36,791) (Loss) Gain on settlement of related party payable - 3,111 (9,797) 10,314 Adjusted operating expenses 1,320,790 1,579,015 4,390,598 5,700,657 Unaudited Adjusted Operating Loss Three Months Ended Sep 30, Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 2,009,328 3,938,634 Add back amortization of intangible asset - 206,509 - 619,537 Adjusted gross profit 334,147 1,600,127 2,009,328 4,558,171 Adjusted operating expenses (1,320,790) (1,579,015) (4,390,598) (5,700,657) Adjusted operating loss (986,643) 21,112 (2,381,270) (1,142,486) Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) September 30, December 31, 2024 2023 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash 10,200 387,339 Trade and other receivables 381,061 1,400,959 Contract assets - 259,072 Prepaid expenses and deposits 137,226 101,043 Inventories 91,654 115,232 Deferred costs 41,979 64,583 662,120 2,328,228 Property and equipment 2,712 4,665 664,832 2,332,893 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 2,415,716 1,825,356 Credit facility 4,865,674 4,767,006 Promissory note 200,000 - Contract Liability 48,746 - Deferred revenue - 48,185 Debentures 5,735,672 3,723,530 13,265,808 10,364,077 Debentures - 1,387,476 13,265,808 11,751,553 Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) Common shares 49,754,858 49,404,596 Contributed surplus 14,648,104 14,151,188 Deficit (77,003,938) (72,974,444) (12,600,976) (9,418,660) 664,832 2,332,893 Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2024 2023 $ $ Revenue 986,116 2,434,606 Cost revenue 651,969 1,040,988 Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 Operating expenses Technology and development 366,732 446,504 Sales and marketing 163,261 317,544 General and administrative 790,797 814,967 Share-based compensation 54,851 158,584 Depreciation of property and equipment 483 1,386 1,376,124 1,738,985 Other expenses (income) Interest on lease obligations - 5,221 Debenture interest and accretion expense 300,997 246,556 Interest on promissory note 2,000 - Finance charges 256,482 145,024 Foreign exchange (gain) loss (2,094) (17,302) (Gain) Loss on settlement of related party payable - (3,111) Amortization of deferred finance charges 44,984 39,710 602,369 425,054 Net loss and comprehensive loss (1,644,346) (770,421) Loss per share Basic and diluted loss per share (0.01) (0.01) Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic and diluted 173,265,303 153,829,313 Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2024 2023 $ $ Cash flows used in operating activities Net loss and comprehensive loss (4,029,494) (3,374,561) Items not involving cash Depreciation of property and equipment 1,953 4,965 Amortization of intangible asset - 619,537 Amortization of deferred finance charge 130,884 107,500 Debenture interest and accretion expense 624,661 353,530 Interest on promissory note 2,000 - Interest on lease obligations - 26,784 Debt modification - 8,956 Credit facility interest 130,466 - Share-based compensation 195,941 466,887 (Gain) Loss on settlement of related party payable 9,797 (10,314) (2,933,792) (1,796,716) Change in non-cash working capital Trade and other receivables 1,019,898 (216,987) Prepaid expenses and deposits (36,183) (33,712) Inventories 23,578 208,151 Trade and other payables 442,895 (502,016) Deferred revenue (48,185) - Contract asset/liability 307,818 174,670 (1,223,971) (2,166,610) Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of property and equipment - (2,548) - (2,548) Cash flows from financing activities Credit facility withdrawals (3,726,407) 4,706,984 Credit facility repayments 3,825,080 (5,167,679) Credit facility financing costs (93,280) (117,260) Promissory note 200,000 - Repayment of lease obligation - (464,998) Proceeds from private placement issuance of Units, net of costs 641,440 1,467,295 Proceeds from issuance of debenture units, net of costs - 1,746,201 Repayment of debentures - (30,000) proceeds from exercise of warrants - 258,299 846,833 2,398,842 (Decrease) Increase in cash (377,139) 229,684 Cash, beginning of period 387,339 345,950 Cash, end of period 10,200 575,634 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newtopia-reports-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-302317816.html SOURCE Newtopia Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
India News | Demographic Data Along India-Myanmar Border Should Be Mapped: Amit Shah
Travel Credit Card: These travel credit cards will double the fun of your holidays, you will get huge cashbackCooper, Batcho lead Louisiana Tech past Richmond 65-62American Express Co. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors
Tvm and Kochi startups join forces with C-DOTThe Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”
Retailers coax Black Friday shoppers into stores with big discounts and giveaways NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers in the U.S. have used giveaways and bigger-than expected discounts to reward shoppers who ventured out on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving still reigns for now as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. Analysts reported seeing the biggest crowds at stores that offered real savings. They say many shoppers are being cautious with their discretionary spending despite the easing of inflation. Stores are even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Online sales figures from Thanksgiving Day gave retailers a reason to remain hopeful for a lucrative end to the year. Inflation rose to 2.3% in Europe. That won't stop the central bank from cutting interest rates FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Inflation in the 20 countries that use the euro currency rose in November — but that likely won’t stop the European Central Bank from cutting interest rates as the prospect of new U.S. tariffs from the incoming Trump administration adds to the gloom over weak growth. The European Union’s harmonized index of consumer prices rose 2.3 percent, up from 2.0% in October, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat. However, worries about growth mean the Dec. 12 ECB meeting is not about whether to cut rates, but by how much. Market buzz says there could be a larger than usual half-point cut in the benchmark rate, currently 3.25%. The ruble's in a slump. For the Kremlin, that's a two-edged sword Russia’s ruble is sagging against other currencies, complicating the Kremlin’s efforts to keep consumer inflation under control with one hand even as it overheats the economy with spending on the war against Ukraine with the other. Over time a weaker ruble could mean higher prices for imports from China, Russia's main trade partner these days. President Vladimir Putin says things are under control. One wild card is sanctions against a key Russian bank that have disrupted foreign trade payments. If Russia finds a workaround for that, the ruble could regain some of its recent losses. From T-shirts to thongs, how indie film merchandise became a hot commodity LOS ANGELES (AP) — Merchandise is nothing new. But in recent years, movie-inspired streetwear has exploded in popularity among film buffs, thanks in part to viral marketing campaigns put on by independent film studios. Take the hourslong line for one-day-only “Anora” pop-up in Los Angeles, for instance. Clothes are promoted as trendy and in limited supply and are often made in collaboration with popular brands. The experience of watching movies has become a less collective one in recent years. For many fans, repping their favorite films in public is a way to combat that. Stock market today: S&P 500 and Dow post gains and close out best month of 2024 NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed with solid gains as Wall Street put the finishing touches on one of its best months of the year. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 188 points, or 0.4%. The Nasdaq added 0.8%. Friday was an abbreviated trading day, with stocks closing at 1 p.m. ET and the bond market an hour later. Investors were looking to see how much shoppers are willing to spend on gifts for the holidays. Black Friday unofficially kicked off the holiday shopping season, although retailers had been offering early deals for weeks. Macy’s and Best Buy each gained around 2%. Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam has approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north with the financial capital of Ho Chi Minh in the south. It is expected to cost $67 billion and will stretch 1,541 kilometers (957 miles). The new train is expected to travel at speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph), reducing the journey from the current 30 hours to just five hours. The decision was taken by Vietnam’s National Assembly on Saturday. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and Vietnam hopes that the first trains will start operating by 2035. But the country has been beleaguered by delays to its previous infrastructure projects. Massachusetts lawmakers push for an effort to ban all tobacco sales over time BOSTON (AP) — A handful of Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to persuade their colleagues to support a proposal that would make the state the first to adopt a ban meant to eliminate the use of tobacco products over time. Other locations have weighed similar “generational tobacco bans.” The bans phase out the use of tobacco products based not just on a person's age but on birth year. Lawmakers plan to file the proposal next year. If approved, the bill would set a date and ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after that date forever, eventually banning all sales. Santa's annual train visit delivers hope and magic to one corner of coal country ON BOARD THE SANTA TRAIN (AP) — Since 1943, the people of Appalachian Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have looked forward to Santa’s arrival. Not in a sleigh on their rooftops, but on a train. At each stop of the CSX Santa Train there are dozens to hundreds of people. Many crowd around the back, where Santa and his helpers toss stuffed animals. Meanwhile groups of volunteer “elves” fan out with gifts, making sure every child goes home with something. Many of the children who line the tracks on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, waiting for Santa, are the third, fourth or fifth generation to do so. Sandra Owens has been coming for 43 years and now brings her grandchildren. She says, “The faces of the kids, that’s what makes me happy. You can’t see anything better.” Donald Trump's call for 'energy dominance' is likely to run into real-world limits WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is creating a National Energy Council that he says will establish U.S. “energy dominance” around the world. It will be key in Trump’s pledge to sell more oil to allies and his intent to move away from President Joe Biden’s focus on climate change. But the president-elect’s energy wishes are likely to run into real-world limits. For one, U.S. oil production under Biden is already at record levels. And Trump’s bid to boost oil supplies and lower U.S. prices is complicated by his threat to impose 25% import tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two of the largest sources of U.S. oil imports. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday.Modi Arrives In Kuwait, First Indian PM To Do So In 43 YrsTheir expectation levels may have been different, but neither Rutgers nor Seton Hall has had the most promising start to the season. New Jersey's two power-conference programs will try to author a signature win when the Pirates visit the Scarlet Knights for the Garden State Hardwood Classic on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers (6-4) endured a three-game losing streak before picking up its first Big Ten win of the season Tuesday, 80-76 over Penn State. The Scarlet Knights have enjoyed plenty of attention thanks to five-star freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, but they've also put a loss to Kennesaw State on their resume. They'll try to assert their dominance over Seton Hall (5-5), which has lost to Fordham, Hofstra and Monmouth while fielding one of the weakest offenses in Division I. At 60.1 points per game, the Pirates rank sixth-to-last in the country, even as they limit opponents to 59.4 points per outing (the No. 11 scoring defense). Rutgers is 5-0 at home after leading by as many as 15 in the Penn State victory. Harper had 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists and Bailey produced 15 points and 15 rebounds. "They're like a sixth defender for us," Harper said of the fans. "We've been on the road for 20 days so seeing all of our fans, and seeing how loud they were, it meant the world to us." The student section will be especially fired up to see the rival Pirates, which could make free-throw shooting an issue for them. They rank No. 350 in the country at 60.3 percent from the foul line entering Friday. However, Seton Hall pulled out a road win the last time the game was played at Rutgers. In a defensive rock fight in 2022, the Pirates prevailed 45-43. Rutgers got revenge last season at Seton Hall's place, winning 70-63. But most players on both rosters are new and will experience the rivalry game for the first time. "I don't have a Jersey player on my team, right?" Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway told NJ.com . "So I have to get those guys to understand rivalries." Seton Hall will lean on Chaunce Jenkins (11.8 ppg) -- who was limited in the team's 85-76 loss to Oklahoma State on Sunday due to a knee injury, but is cleared to face Rutgers -- and Isaiah Coleman (11.7 ppg), one of three returning players from last year's team. For Rutgers, Harper is excited about the rivalry having grown up in New Jersey and watched his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., play in the game. At 23.4 ppg, Dylan Harper is the third-leading scorer in the country, and he adds 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest. Seton Hall leads the all-time series 42-32. --Field Level Media
CT town’s first selectmen announces he will resign Jan. 1The closely-fought Irish general election campaign has entered its final day, as concern over the economic threat posed by Donald Trump becomes an electoral theme. With housing and the cost of living among key concerns, Irish voters are being wooed with substantial spending promises from the main parties, despite economists warning of "a clear and present danger" to Ireland's corporation tax revenues from the president-elect, who assumes office in Washington on 20 January. Around a quarter of Ireland's tax take comes from foreign-owned multinational companies, largely in the technology, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Donald Trump wants those American firms to book their profits, and pay their taxes, in the US instead. He also has plans for tariffs of up to 20% on goods from EU countries. Ireland currently has a record trade surplus with the US of some €35bn (£29bn). Mr Trump's choice for commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, has already taken aim at Ireland's trade policies, saying it's "nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense...when we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You'll be shocked". These are ominous signs for Irish economists like Dan O'Brien, who works with the Institute of International and European Affairs. More on Ireland Fianna Fail doubles down on refusal to form coalition with Sinn Fein Conor McGregor: Tesco among shops ditching alcohol linked to MMA star after rape case Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says she will demand referendum on Irish unity if she wins election Related Topics: Ireland Mary Lou McDonald Micheál Martin Simon Harris He said it's "very difficult to overstate how dependent on its economic integration with the United States" Ireland is, as in many ways "it's the basis of our economic model". "If we didn't have those American companies here employing hundreds of thousands of people directly, many more indirectly, manufacturing goods to sell to the United States, paying a lot of corporation tax, the Irish economy would look radically different." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player For Mr O'Brien, the spending plans of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, who along with the Green Party formed the last government, as well as those of the main opposition party Sinn Fein, need to be viewed with caution. Mr O'Brien said: "It's very stark to listen to the political debate in the UK, where it's so much about austerity as it is in many European countries these days, and here in Ireland, where the politicians are promising everything because the public finances are so good. It's always a mistake for politicians to pretend to voters that the good times will go on forever. Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News "I'm not saying it's going to be a recession or worse, but it is a clear and present danger given what the most powerful man in the world has said he is going to do." On the campaign trail, the issue of Donald Trump's plans has increasingly been put to candidates. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player At an event in Dundrum, Co Dublin, Sky News asked Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris why the second Trump term is being viewed as such a threat, especially as corporation tax revenues in Ireland increased during the first Trump White House. Mr Harris said: "Trump 2.0, the second Trump presidency, is not the same as the first for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he's received a very large mandate. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Read more: Trump cabinet picks 'targeted' Tesco drops McGregor after rape case "If three US companies left Ireland, it could cost us €10bn (£8bn) in corporation tax. I'm not pre-empting that, I'm not saying it's going to happen, I'm not predicting it, but that's the level of risk that our economy is exposed to." Asked if Ireland should be scared of the new administration, Mr Harris replied: "No, but we shouldn't be in any way ignorant to the policy platform that President Trump has put forward."Simone Inzaghi insists Inter deserve a great deal of credit for , which puts them temporarily top of the Champions League table. ‘I know my team is mature.’ The Nerazzurri were perhaps expecting a slightly more comfortable evening at San Siro, but failed to take their chances and saw a late Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal controversially disallowed over a soft Marcus Thuram foul. Ultimately, Castello Lukeba accidentally turning a Federico Dimarco free kick into his own net proved sufficient to beat RB Leipzig and put them on 13 points, temporarily top of the Champions League table. They are also the only side remaining yet to concede a single goal, as Atalanta broke their perfect record with a 6-1 victory away to Young Boys. “Naturally, we are satisfied, because we knew how important this evening’s game was. It’s true Leipzig have zero points in the table, but until last Saturday they were second in the Bundesliga with the best defence in the league. They have a lot of quality, are well-drilled,” “We had to maintain a balance and it was not easy against a very aggressive side that presses high. The one issue was not scoring the second goal, but apart from a single Yann Sommer save, we didn’t really suffer very much.” Inter had a lot of possession, but ultimately struggled to create many clear scoring opportunities this evening against RB Leipzig. “I agree that if we look at the amount of possession we had, the Dumfries chance straight after the restart probably could’ve directed the match on a different level, while I have doubts about the disallowed Mkhitaryan goal,” continued Inzaghi. “Overall though, Openda, Sesko, Nusa, they are all very talented players we were up against and it is no surprise they were in the 2020 semi-final and have been in the Champions League for six years in a row. “We needed the Inter performance that I wanted and saw, constantly focused and ready to cover every space.” The Nerazzurri also seemed to lose intensity in the final 20 minutes, so was there a reason for that? “Without the second goal, we got a bit deeper in the final stages, especially as we knew Leipzig by introducing Sesko could create a goal out of nothing,” concluded Inzaghi. “With the fixture list the way it is, we need to rotate the squad and we also lost Pavard today, so we hope to have him back soon.” Benjamin Pavard limped off just before half-time with initial reports pointing to a flexor issue in his left thigh. With 13 points from six rounds, Inter are now temporarily top of the table awaiting Liverpool on Wednesday night. “We’re pleased to be there, but also know there is still a big step before we can guarantee a place in the top eight. We’ve got Bayer Leverkusen, then Sparta Prague and Monaco will be tough too,” added Inzaghi. “We won four in a row without conceding and that too is pleasing, especially considering the quality of the opponents that we faced. I was honestly concerned about this match, but I also knew that my team was mature enough to know that Leipzig’s current position does not reflect the quality of the side.” Inter reached the Champions League Final in 2023 and it is their target to get back there at the end of the current campaign. “That is the objective for all the big clubs, especially for me as I am at Inter. We know it is not easy playing every two and a half days, it really takes a lot out of you, so I am fortunate to have these lads. They are all willing to do the extra work,” noted Inzaghi.
Algert Global LLC Has $887,000 Holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE)US stock market, Wall Street are making wrong S&P 500 predictions for 2025? Expert cites forecasting blunders since 2000Why Alphabet Rallied This Week
Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | Army and Navy team up for hypersonic missile launch from Cape Canaveral Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Bank groups sue the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a proposed cap on overdraft fees Business | HOA Homefront: Can our board meet in secret? Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. 1. Use the Rule of 25 to get a ballpark number A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. 2. Compare your savings to Fidelity guidelines Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. 3. Use an online retirement calculator Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. 4. Map out your retirement budget Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. 5. Talk to a financial adviser For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. 5 ways to catch up on retirement savings Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . 1. Scale back your spending now and in retirement Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” 2. Delay retirement by a year or two Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. 3. Save more It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. 4. Invest more aggressively If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. 5. Take advantage of new retirement account catch-up contributions Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. Bottom line There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Kane hat trick against Augsburg hides Bayern's concerning lack of goals
Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Purchases 1,765 Shares of Brunswick Co. (NYSE:BC)
NoneIsrael-Hezbollah ceasefire quiets one front but Gaza sees no end to war
By COLLEEN SLEVIN DENVER (AP) — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note had been left behind. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet’s killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey.” In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. “What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come into detectives,” he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the “media circus” surrounding the case. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet’s clothing that pointed to the involvement of an “unexplained third party” in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys “victims of this crime.” John Ramsey has continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado’s governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he has been advocating for several items that have not been prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators have identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn’t been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be “consumed” if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review had ended but that police continue to work through and evaluate a “lengthy list of recommendations” from the panel. Amy Beth Hanson contributed to this report from Helena, Montana.Inside the procedure at the heart of a multibillion-dollar race to a safer AFib treatment - Star TribuneCal Baptist makes cross-country trip to battle Darius Johnson, UCF
jilipark link
Hornets vs. Heat Injury Report Today – November 27Santa Ana’s sole independent bookstore LibroMobile may be closing its doors. “In the last six months, our book sales have been incredibly low, and so on top of that, California state arts funding was cut, which means we lost two big grants, like $50,000 worth of funding that we normally get for our programming,” says owner and founder Sarah Rafael García. “We don’t have enough money projected for 2025. Right now, we’re not even sure we’re going to make it to June.” SEE ALSO : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more García, who works another full-time job that runs through May, has had to cancel LibroMobile’s annual literary festival and events programming and she’s been dipping into her own income to keep the doors open at the store, which has two employees and additional student help. “I have been contributing my own personal funds to keep it going,” she says. “We’re grassroots – I’m not a rich person, you know? I started the bookstore with a $10,000 yearly income, so I always tell people, I know how to survive off of very little money.” She plans to continue doing pop-up sales events and the quarterly open mic night, although the money crunch has affected that event as well. “We cannot pay our headliners. So whatever poet chooses to accept the invite to headline, they’re doing it for free,” she says. The problem, she says, is not enough book buyers. “We won’t be able to maintain a brick and mortar if people don’t buy books,” she says. “If we don’t increase book sales significantly in the next couple months, then in March I’m going to have to probably announce that we’re definitely closing in June.” And while she says she’ll find a way to keep doing pop-ups and other events – she launched LibroMobile with a hand-me-down garden cart that gave the venture its name – “We won’t have a brick and mortar store, which is a really sad thing for our city, as the only independent bookstore in Santa Ana.” García makes one thing clear: Don’t blame her landlords. “We don’t pay market-rate rent. So when people say, ‘Oh, it’s your landlord, they should decrease it.’ That’s not true. They have been 100% supportive. They have not increased our rent because they know we’re in this situation,” she says. “They want to figure out how to make it work.” She says LibroMobile reciprocates by creating community events in English and Spanish at the Bristol Swap Meet to bring people to the food courts as well as by helping to fund the site’s murals with grant money and city support. “We’re more than a bookstore. We’re creating a place for our community where they can explore literature and the arts without having to pay for it,” she says, but adds that there are always costs to cover. “We have to pay a DJ. We have to pay for the equipment. Sometimes we have to rent chairs if we expect a bigger crowd for an event. So all those are additional costs.” But she’s committed to serving the community. “This is home for me ... Santa Ana is where I went to school and keep returning, even though I have nobody left here, other than friends and chosen family, my godparents. But it’s still what I call home.” Her father, Rafael Castillo García, worked for The Orange County Register for 10 years until he died unexpectedly in 1988 at age 36. She recalls how her father – who studied the paper to improve his language skills, attended community college and wrote poems he’d leave on the family refrigerator – would leave the house dressed in crisp slacks and a dress shirt. “He always dressed sharp to go to work, to try to impress us to have better jobs,” says García, who would learn about the physical nature of his work after his death. “I didn’t know he was a labor worker. I had to go empty his locker out, and I found the coveralls.” García says she has considered suggestions to start a crowdfunding campaign but ultimately decided against it. “I know I could probably set up a GoFundMe, but where would that take us a year or two from now? We’ll be in the same position. If I don’t cultivate the culture and the tradition in Santa Ana and Orange County, then we’re still not creating sustainability,” she says. “I’m trying to cultivate the want and the need of books, not just holding rent.” So what can local readers do to help? “I want them shopping at the bookstore. [laughs] We go days without someone buying a book sometimes,” she says. “We are the only bookstore in Santa Ana, but not just that. We’re the only bookstore in Orange County that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color books, as well as Spanish, multicultural and bilingual books. We have a whole beautiful collection of BIPOC cookbooks – like, who does that, right? – on top of a special collection that prioritizes ethnic studies, gender studies and academic books at affordable prices.” SEE ALSO : Bestsellers, authors, books and more can be found in the Books section García underscores her commitment to keeping prices reasonable – or even free. She stocks a Little Free Library at the Bristol Swap Meet, too. “Maybe that’s why we’re not making enough money. But that’s the whole point of keeping books that are relevant to our community accessible and affordable,” she says. While she says that the store is proudly political, García thinks LibroMobile has something that benefits the entire community. ”If you don’t like our politics, there’s still plenty of other books you can read in our store,” she says. “We have something for everyone, but we’re also not going to hide our political stances for the sake of capitalism.” For more stories about : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more Related ArticlesWe are well-positioned to grow via key market opportunities at the forefront of global healthcare, including the incoming U.S. administration's aim to "Make America Healthy Again" by tackling chronic disease. Commercial and Community Care-Delivery: Continued expansion with market-leading employer, provider and payvider innovation partners Growth of GLP-1s: Engagement expertise provides unique ability to facilitate sustainable health outcomes and demonstrable ROI to GLP-1 sponsors Rise of Health AI: Unique data sets and capabilities will enrich and accelerate progress of next-gen clinical discovery platforms TORONTO , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Newtopia Inc. (" Newtopia " or the " Company ") NEWU NEWUF , a tech-enabled whole health platform creating sustainable habits that prevent, slow and reverse chronic disease, today announced its third quarter 2024 financial results, operational highlights and filing of its financial statements. These results pertain to the three months ended September 30, 2024 . All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: Revenue of $1.0 million Opex reduction of 16% New partnership with US supplemental payvider positions Newtopia for profitability in 2025 "As we have for eleven years, Newtopia continues to prove our unique ability to produce industry-leading patient engagement and to cultivate healthy habits that can prevent, slow and reverse chronic metabolic disease", said Jeff Ruby , Newtopia Founder and CEO. "Most recently, we reported nine-month outcomes from our ongoing trial with Arkansas -based Heartland Whole Health Institute, in which we delivered Newtopia's best-ever engagement rates and weight loss outcomes in both provider and employer environments." "This quarter we also further strengthened our underlying operations, and evolved our offerings to respond to emerging industry opportunities and value-based needs, including the incoming US administration's desire to 'Make America Healthy Again' by tackling chronic disease – something we do better than anyone else in the market", continued Ruby. "Building on the strength of this progress we continue to pursue three significant opportunities to accelerate Newtopia growth in the final quarter of the year and into 2025: (1) expanding our key innovation partnerships with providers, employers and provincial payers, including a new relationship with a US Supplemental Payvider covering millions of employee lives; (2) combining Newtopia's proven habit change platform with GLP-1 drugs for obesity and type 2 diabetes; and (3) partnering with health AI and clinical discovery innovators to improve our collective ability to deliver best in breed outcomes that prevent, reverse and slow chronic disease", Ruby concluded. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.0 million compared to $2.4 million in the prior-year period. This decrease is driven by the loss of a client effective June 2024 , in addition to a structural incentive change with an existing client which the Company is actively working to offset. Gross profit for the third quarter was $0.3 million , or 34% of revenue. Gross profit consists of revenue less direct expenses, including the cost of Welcome Kits and labor costs associated with the Company's frontline health coaching team. Adjusted operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 , totaled $1.3 million , compared to $1.6 million in the prior-year period. The Company posted an adjusted operating loss of $987 thousand , compared to a gain of $21 thousand in the prior-year period. Given the new partnership with a US payvider, Newtopia anticipates returning to profitable growth in the near future. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call November 27 at 5 p.m. eastern time to discuss the third quarter 2024 results in further detail. To access the conference call, please dial (800) 717-1738 (U.S.) or (646) 307-1865 (International) 10 minutes prior to the start time and reference Conference ID number 15026. The call will also be available via live webcast on the investor relations portion of the Company's website located at investor.newtopia.com . A replay of the conference call will be available through December 18, 2024 , which can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (U.S.) or (412) 317-6671 (International) and entering the passcode 11157569. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's website. About Newtopia Newtopia is a personalized whole health platform helping people create positive lifelong habits that prevent, slow, or reverse chronic disease while reducing healthcare costs. The platform leverages genetic, social and behavioral insights to create individualized prevention programs with a focus on metabolic disease, diabetes, mental health challenges, hypertension, weight management and musculoskeletal disorders. With a person-centered approach that combines virtual care, digital tools, connected devices and actionable data science, Newtopia delivers sustainable clinical and financial outcomes. Newtopia serves some of the largest nationwide employers and health plans and is currently listed in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange NEWU and is quoted in the US on the OTCQB ® Venture Market NEWUF . To learn more, visit newtopia.com , LinkedIn or X . Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and forward looking statements, within the meaning of applicable United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Newtopia's future growth, results from operations (including, without limitation, future production and capital expenditures), performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "predicts", "projects", "targets", "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipate" or "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward- looking information. Such statements reflect Newtopia's current views and intentions with respect to future events, based on information available to Newtopia, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. While forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and analyses that Newtopia believes are reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee and are based on a number of estimates and assumptions management believes to be relevant and reasonable, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the "risk factors" that could cause actual results to differ materially from Newtopia's forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: the termination of contracts by clients, risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters- in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and other general economic, market and business conditions and factors, including the risk factors discussed or referred to in Newtopia's disclosure documents, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca including Newtopia's final long form prospectus dated March 30, 2020 . For more information on these risks please see the "Risk Factors" in Newtopia's final long-form prospectus dated March 30, 2020 . Should any factor affect Newtopia in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Newtopia does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release, and Newtopia undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Key Financial Measures and Schedule of Non-GAAP Reconciliations Unaudited Gross Profit Information- including amortization Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Revenue 986,116 2,434,606 4,369,086 7,440,297 Cost of revenue (651,969) (1,040,988) (2,359,758) (3,501,663) Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 2,009,328 3,938,634 Gross profit margin 34 % 57 % 46 % 53 % Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Adjusted Operating Expenses Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Total expenses 1,978,493 2,164,039 6,038,822 7,313,195 Add (Subtract) Share-based compensation (54,851) (158,584) (195,941) (466,887) Depreciation of property and equipment (483) (1,386) (1,953) (4,965) Debenture interest and accretion expense (300,997) (246,556) (844,321) (593,979) Interest on promissory note (2,000) - (2,000) - Interest on lease obligations - (5,221) - (26,784) Finance charges (256,482) (145,024) (496,171) (376,990) Amortization of deferred finance charges (44,984) (39,710) (130,884) (107,500) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 2,094 17,302 32,843 (36,791) (Loss) Gain on settlement of related party payable - 3,111 (9,797) 10,314 Adjusted operating expenses 1,320,790 1,579,015 4,390,598 5,700,657 Unaudited Adjusted Operating Loss Three Months Ended Sep 30, Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 2,009,328 3,938,634 Add back amortization of intangible asset - 206,509 - 619,537 Adjusted gross profit 334,147 1,600,127 2,009,328 4,558,171 Adjusted operating expenses (1,320,790) (1,579,015) (4,390,598) (5,700,657) Adjusted operating loss (986,643) 21,112 (2,381,270) (1,142,486) Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) September 30, December 31, 2024 2023 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash 10,200 387,339 Trade and other receivables 381,061 1,400,959 Contract assets - 259,072 Prepaid expenses and deposits 137,226 101,043 Inventories 91,654 115,232 Deferred costs 41,979 64,583 662,120 2,328,228 Property and equipment 2,712 4,665 664,832 2,332,893 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 2,415,716 1,825,356 Credit facility 4,865,674 4,767,006 Promissory note 200,000 - Contract Liability 48,746 - Deferred revenue - 48,185 Debentures 5,735,672 3,723,530 13,265,808 10,364,077 Debentures - 1,387,476 13,265,808 11,751,553 Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) Common shares 49,754,858 49,404,596 Contributed surplus 14,648,104 14,151,188 Deficit (77,003,938) (72,974,444) (12,600,976) (9,418,660) 664,832 2,332,893 Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2024 2023 $ $ Revenue 986,116 2,434,606 Cost revenue 651,969 1,040,988 Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 Operating expenses Technology and development 366,732 446,504 Sales and marketing 163,261 317,544 General and administrative 790,797 814,967 Share-based compensation 54,851 158,584 Depreciation of property and equipment 483 1,386 1,376,124 1,738,985 Other expenses (income) Interest on lease obligations - 5,221 Debenture interest and accretion expense 300,997 246,556 Interest on promissory note 2,000 - Finance charges 256,482 145,024 Foreign exchange (gain) loss (2,094) (17,302) (Gain) Loss on settlement of related party payable - (3,111) Amortization of deferred finance charges 44,984 39,710 602,369 425,054 Net loss and comprehensive loss (1,644,346) (770,421) Loss per share Basic and diluted loss per share (0.01) (0.01) Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic and diluted 173,265,303 153,829,313 Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2024 2023 $ $ Cash flows used in operating activities Net loss and comprehensive loss (4,029,494) (3,374,561) Items not involving cash Depreciation of property and equipment 1,953 4,965 Amortization of intangible asset - 619,537 Amortization of deferred finance charge 130,884 107,500 Debenture interest and accretion expense 624,661 353,530 Interest on promissory note 2,000 - Interest on lease obligations - 26,784 Debt modification - 8,956 Credit facility interest 130,466 - Share-based compensation 195,941 466,887 (Gain) Loss on settlement of related party payable 9,797 (10,314) (2,933,792) (1,796,716) Change in non-cash working capital Trade and other receivables 1,019,898 (216,987) Prepaid expenses and deposits (36,183) (33,712) Inventories 23,578 208,151 Trade and other payables 442,895 (502,016) Deferred revenue (48,185) - Contract asset/liability 307,818 174,670 (1,223,971) (2,166,610) Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of property and equipment - (2,548) - (2,548) Cash flows from financing activities Credit facility withdrawals (3,726,407) 4,706,984 Credit facility repayments 3,825,080 (5,167,679) Credit facility financing costs (93,280) (117,260) Promissory note 200,000 - Repayment of lease obligation - (464,998) Proceeds from private placement issuance of Units, net of costs 641,440 1,467,295 Proceeds from issuance of debenture units, net of costs - 1,746,201 Repayment of debentures - (30,000) proceeds from exercise of warrants - 258,299 846,833 2,398,842 (Decrease) Increase in cash (377,139) 229,684 Cash, beginning of period 387,339 345,950 Cash, end of period 10,200 575,634 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newtopia-reports-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-302317816.html SOURCE Newtopia Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
India News | Demographic Data Along India-Myanmar Border Should Be Mapped: Amit Shah
Travel Credit Card: These travel credit cards will double the fun of your holidays, you will get huge cashbackCooper, Batcho lead Louisiana Tech past Richmond 65-62American Express Co. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors
Tvm and Kochi startups join forces with C-DOTThe Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”
Retailers coax Black Friday shoppers into stores with big discounts and giveaways NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers in the U.S. have used giveaways and bigger-than expected discounts to reward shoppers who ventured out on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving still reigns for now as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. Analysts reported seeing the biggest crowds at stores that offered real savings. They say many shoppers are being cautious with their discretionary spending despite the easing of inflation. Stores are even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Online sales figures from Thanksgiving Day gave retailers a reason to remain hopeful for a lucrative end to the year. Inflation rose to 2.3% in Europe. That won't stop the central bank from cutting interest rates FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Inflation in the 20 countries that use the euro currency rose in November — but that likely won’t stop the European Central Bank from cutting interest rates as the prospect of new U.S. tariffs from the incoming Trump administration adds to the gloom over weak growth. The European Union’s harmonized index of consumer prices rose 2.3 percent, up from 2.0% in October, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat. However, worries about growth mean the Dec. 12 ECB meeting is not about whether to cut rates, but by how much. Market buzz says there could be a larger than usual half-point cut in the benchmark rate, currently 3.25%. The ruble's in a slump. For the Kremlin, that's a two-edged sword Russia’s ruble is sagging against other currencies, complicating the Kremlin’s efforts to keep consumer inflation under control with one hand even as it overheats the economy with spending on the war against Ukraine with the other. Over time a weaker ruble could mean higher prices for imports from China, Russia's main trade partner these days. President Vladimir Putin says things are under control. One wild card is sanctions against a key Russian bank that have disrupted foreign trade payments. If Russia finds a workaround for that, the ruble could regain some of its recent losses. From T-shirts to thongs, how indie film merchandise became a hot commodity LOS ANGELES (AP) — Merchandise is nothing new. But in recent years, movie-inspired streetwear has exploded in popularity among film buffs, thanks in part to viral marketing campaigns put on by independent film studios. Take the hourslong line for one-day-only “Anora” pop-up in Los Angeles, for instance. Clothes are promoted as trendy and in limited supply and are often made in collaboration with popular brands. The experience of watching movies has become a less collective one in recent years. For many fans, repping their favorite films in public is a way to combat that. Stock market today: S&P 500 and Dow post gains and close out best month of 2024 NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed with solid gains as Wall Street put the finishing touches on one of its best months of the year. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 188 points, or 0.4%. The Nasdaq added 0.8%. Friday was an abbreviated trading day, with stocks closing at 1 p.m. ET and the bond market an hour later. Investors were looking to see how much shoppers are willing to spend on gifts for the holidays. Black Friday unofficially kicked off the holiday shopping season, although retailers had been offering early deals for weeks. Macy’s and Best Buy each gained around 2%. Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam has approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north with the financial capital of Ho Chi Minh in the south. It is expected to cost $67 billion and will stretch 1,541 kilometers (957 miles). The new train is expected to travel at speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph), reducing the journey from the current 30 hours to just five hours. The decision was taken by Vietnam’s National Assembly on Saturday. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and Vietnam hopes that the first trains will start operating by 2035. But the country has been beleaguered by delays to its previous infrastructure projects. Massachusetts lawmakers push for an effort to ban all tobacco sales over time BOSTON (AP) — A handful of Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to persuade their colleagues to support a proposal that would make the state the first to adopt a ban meant to eliminate the use of tobacco products over time. Other locations have weighed similar “generational tobacco bans.” The bans phase out the use of tobacco products based not just on a person's age but on birth year. Lawmakers plan to file the proposal next year. If approved, the bill would set a date and ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after that date forever, eventually banning all sales. Santa's annual train visit delivers hope and magic to one corner of coal country ON BOARD THE SANTA TRAIN (AP) — Since 1943, the people of Appalachian Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have looked forward to Santa’s arrival. Not in a sleigh on their rooftops, but on a train. At each stop of the CSX Santa Train there are dozens to hundreds of people. Many crowd around the back, where Santa and his helpers toss stuffed animals. Meanwhile groups of volunteer “elves” fan out with gifts, making sure every child goes home with something. Many of the children who line the tracks on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, waiting for Santa, are the third, fourth or fifth generation to do so. Sandra Owens has been coming for 43 years and now brings her grandchildren. She says, “The faces of the kids, that’s what makes me happy. You can’t see anything better.” Donald Trump's call for 'energy dominance' is likely to run into real-world limits WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is creating a National Energy Council that he says will establish U.S. “energy dominance” around the world. It will be key in Trump’s pledge to sell more oil to allies and his intent to move away from President Joe Biden’s focus on climate change. But the president-elect’s energy wishes are likely to run into real-world limits. For one, U.S. oil production under Biden is already at record levels. And Trump’s bid to boost oil supplies and lower U.S. prices is complicated by his threat to impose 25% import tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two of the largest sources of U.S. oil imports. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday.Modi Arrives In Kuwait, First Indian PM To Do So In 43 YrsTheir expectation levels may have been different, but neither Rutgers nor Seton Hall has had the most promising start to the season. New Jersey's two power-conference programs will try to author a signature win when the Pirates visit the Scarlet Knights for the Garden State Hardwood Classic on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers (6-4) endured a three-game losing streak before picking up its first Big Ten win of the season Tuesday, 80-76 over Penn State. The Scarlet Knights have enjoyed plenty of attention thanks to five-star freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, but they've also put a loss to Kennesaw State on their resume. They'll try to assert their dominance over Seton Hall (5-5), which has lost to Fordham, Hofstra and Monmouth while fielding one of the weakest offenses in Division I. At 60.1 points per game, the Pirates rank sixth-to-last in the country, even as they limit opponents to 59.4 points per outing (the No. 11 scoring defense). Rutgers is 5-0 at home after leading by as many as 15 in the Penn State victory. Harper had 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists and Bailey produced 15 points and 15 rebounds. "They're like a sixth defender for us," Harper said of the fans. "We've been on the road for 20 days so seeing all of our fans, and seeing how loud they were, it meant the world to us." The student section will be especially fired up to see the rival Pirates, which could make free-throw shooting an issue for them. They rank No. 350 in the country at 60.3 percent from the foul line entering Friday. However, Seton Hall pulled out a road win the last time the game was played at Rutgers. In a defensive rock fight in 2022, the Pirates prevailed 45-43. Rutgers got revenge last season at Seton Hall's place, winning 70-63. But most players on both rosters are new and will experience the rivalry game for the first time. "I don't have a Jersey player on my team, right?" Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway told NJ.com . "So I have to get those guys to understand rivalries." Seton Hall will lean on Chaunce Jenkins (11.8 ppg) -- who was limited in the team's 85-76 loss to Oklahoma State on Sunday due to a knee injury, but is cleared to face Rutgers -- and Isaiah Coleman (11.7 ppg), one of three returning players from last year's team. For Rutgers, Harper is excited about the rivalry having grown up in New Jersey and watched his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., play in the game. At 23.4 ppg, Dylan Harper is the third-leading scorer in the country, and he adds 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest. Seton Hall leads the all-time series 42-32. --Field Level Media
CT town’s first selectmen announces he will resign Jan. 1The closely-fought Irish general election campaign has entered its final day, as concern over the economic threat posed by Donald Trump becomes an electoral theme. With housing and the cost of living among key concerns, Irish voters are being wooed with substantial spending promises from the main parties, despite economists warning of "a clear and present danger" to Ireland's corporation tax revenues from the president-elect, who assumes office in Washington on 20 January. Around a quarter of Ireland's tax take comes from foreign-owned multinational companies, largely in the technology, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Donald Trump wants those American firms to book their profits, and pay their taxes, in the US instead. He also has plans for tariffs of up to 20% on goods from EU countries. Ireland currently has a record trade surplus with the US of some €35bn (£29bn). Mr Trump's choice for commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, has already taken aim at Ireland's trade policies, saying it's "nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense...when we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You'll be shocked". These are ominous signs for Irish economists like Dan O'Brien, who works with the Institute of International and European Affairs. More on Ireland Fianna Fail doubles down on refusal to form coalition with Sinn Fein Conor McGregor: Tesco among shops ditching alcohol linked to MMA star after rape case Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says she will demand referendum on Irish unity if she wins election Related Topics: Ireland Mary Lou McDonald Micheál Martin Simon Harris He said it's "very difficult to overstate how dependent on its economic integration with the United States" Ireland is, as in many ways "it's the basis of our economic model". "If we didn't have those American companies here employing hundreds of thousands of people directly, many more indirectly, manufacturing goods to sell to the United States, paying a lot of corporation tax, the Irish economy would look radically different." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player For Mr O'Brien, the spending plans of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, who along with the Green Party formed the last government, as well as those of the main opposition party Sinn Fein, need to be viewed with caution. Mr O'Brien said: "It's very stark to listen to the political debate in the UK, where it's so much about austerity as it is in many European countries these days, and here in Ireland, where the politicians are promising everything because the public finances are so good. It's always a mistake for politicians to pretend to voters that the good times will go on forever. Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News "I'm not saying it's going to be a recession or worse, but it is a clear and present danger given what the most powerful man in the world has said he is going to do." On the campaign trail, the issue of Donald Trump's plans has increasingly been put to candidates. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player At an event in Dundrum, Co Dublin, Sky News asked Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris why the second Trump term is being viewed as such a threat, especially as corporation tax revenues in Ireland increased during the first Trump White House. Mr Harris said: "Trump 2.0, the second Trump presidency, is not the same as the first for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he's received a very large mandate. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Read more: Trump cabinet picks 'targeted' Tesco drops McGregor after rape case "If three US companies left Ireland, it could cost us €10bn (£8bn) in corporation tax. I'm not pre-empting that, I'm not saying it's going to happen, I'm not predicting it, but that's the level of risk that our economy is exposed to." Asked if Ireland should be scared of the new administration, Mr Harris replied: "No, but we shouldn't be in any way ignorant to the policy platform that President Trump has put forward."Simone Inzaghi insists Inter deserve a great deal of credit for , which puts them temporarily top of the Champions League table. ‘I know my team is mature.’ The Nerazzurri were perhaps expecting a slightly more comfortable evening at San Siro, but failed to take their chances and saw a late Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal controversially disallowed over a soft Marcus Thuram foul. Ultimately, Castello Lukeba accidentally turning a Federico Dimarco free kick into his own net proved sufficient to beat RB Leipzig and put them on 13 points, temporarily top of the Champions League table. They are also the only side remaining yet to concede a single goal, as Atalanta broke their perfect record with a 6-1 victory away to Young Boys. “Naturally, we are satisfied, because we knew how important this evening’s game was. It’s true Leipzig have zero points in the table, but until last Saturday they were second in the Bundesliga with the best defence in the league. They have a lot of quality, are well-drilled,” “We had to maintain a balance and it was not easy against a very aggressive side that presses high. The one issue was not scoring the second goal, but apart from a single Yann Sommer save, we didn’t really suffer very much.” Inter had a lot of possession, but ultimately struggled to create many clear scoring opportunities this evening against RB Leipzig. “I agree that if we look at the amount of possession we had, the Dumfries chance straight after the restart probably could’ve directed the match on a different level, while I have doubts about the disallowed Mkhitaryan goal,” continued Inzaghi. “Overall though, Openda, Sesko, Nusa, they are all very talented players we were up against and it is no surprise they were in the 2020 semi-final and have been in the Champions League for six years in a row. “We needed the Inter performance that I wanted and saw, constantly focused and ready to cover every space.” The Nerazzurri also seemed to lose intensity in the final 20 minutes, so was there a reason for that? “Without the second goal, we got a bit deeper in the final stages, especially as we knew Leipzig by introducing Sesko could create a goal out of nothing,” concluded Inzaghi. “With the fixture list the way it is, we need to rotate the squad and we also lost Pavard today, so we hope to have him back soon.” Benjamin Pavard limped off just before half-time with initial reports pointing to a flexor issue in his left thigh. With 13 points from six rounds, Inter are now temporarily top of the table awaiting Liverpool on Wednesday night. “We’re pleased to be there, but also know there is still a big step before we can guarantee a place in the top eight. We’ve got Bayer Leverkusen, then Sparta Prague and Monaco will be tough too,” added Inzaghi. “We won four in a row without conceding and that too is pleasing, especially considering the quality of the opponents that we faced. I was honestly concerned about this match, but I also knew that my team was mature enough to know that Leipzig’s current position does not reflect the quality of the side.” Inter reached the Champions League Final in 2023 and it is their target to get back there at the end of the current campaign. “That is the objective for all the big clubs, especially for me as I am at Inter. We know it is not easy playing every two and a half days, it really takes a lot out of you, so I am fortunate to have these lads. They are all willing to do the extra work,” noted Inzaghi.
Algert Global LLC Has $887,000 Holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE)US stock market, Wall Street are making wrong S&P 500 predictions for 2025? Expert cites forecasting blunders since 2000Why Alphabet Rallied This Week
Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | Army and Navy team up for hypersonic missile launch from Cape Canaveral Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Bank groups sue the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a proposed cap on overdraft fees Business | HOA Homefront: Can our board meet in secret? Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. 1. Use the Rule of 25 to get a ballpark number A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. 2. Compare your savings to Fidelity guidelines Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. 3. Use an online retirement calculator Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. 4. Map out your retirement budget Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. 5. Talk to a financial adviser For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. 5 ways to catch up on retirement savings Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . 1. Scale back your spending now and in retirement Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” 2. Delay retirement by a year or two Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. 3. Save more It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. 4. Invest more aggressively If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. 5. Take advantage of new retirement account catch-up contributions Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. Bottom line There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Kane hat trick against Augsburg hides Bayern's concerning lack of goals
Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Purchases 1,765 Shares of Brunswick Co. (NYSE:BC)
NoneIsrael-Hezbollah ceasefire quiets one front but Gaza sees no end to war
By COLLEEN SLEVIN DENVER (AP) — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note had been left behind. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet’s killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey.” In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. “What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come into detectives,” he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the “media circus” surrounding the case. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet’s clothing that pointed to the involvement of an “unexplained third party” in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys “victims of this crime.” John Ramsey has continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado’s governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he has been advocating for several items that have not been prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators have identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn’t been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be “consumed” if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review had ended but that police continue to work through and evaluate a “lengthy list of recommendations” from the panel. Amy Beth Hanson contributed to this report from Helena, Montana.Inside the procedure at the heart of a multibillion-dollar race to a safer AFib treatment - Star TribuneCal Baptist makes cross-country trip to battle Darius Johnson, UCF
-
"> -
"> -
"> -
">
