slot machine 666

More than 1,000 law enforcement officials will be monitoring the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day to keep crowds safe during Pasadena’s annual celebration. While it is a day of celebration for football fans and community members alike, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris said there will be “zero tolerance for shenanigans.” Officials from local, state and federal law enforcement, including more than 250 members of the Pasadena Police Department, will be in attendance. Uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be stationed around the parade route and the stadium to monitor for safety hazards and handle any problems that may arise, Harris said. Law enforcement will strictly enforce rules prohibiting public alcohol consumption throughout the event, Harris said. “There won’t be any breaks,” he said. “If you come up and ask for a break on something, we’re going to assume you want an arrest.” Harris said officers still want attendees to enjoy the day-long celebration. Throughout the parade route and stadium, he said, attendees will see law enforcement smiling as they enjoy the festivities, too. “It’s a day that we welcome the world to Pasadena,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. The city expects restaurants and hotels to be filled with community members and visitors celebrating. Gordo recommended that anyone planning to grab a meal or stay in the area make reservations in advance. Planning for the parade and bowl game begins the year prior to ensure attendees have a safe experience, Gordo said. At last year’s parade, a woman in her 20s rammed into a barricade at Colorado Boulevard and Chester Avenue. The barriers set up in the area stopped the woman, but if she were successful, officials said she could have injured numerous parade watchers. Police arrested the woman for suspected assault with a deadly weapon, and her vehicle sustained significant damage from the crash. Harris said police presence at the parade and the barricades allowed them to stop the assault before anyone was hurt. Law enforcement will continue to patrol the area and pay attention to make sure they prevent any other safety hazards. Just blocks away, last year’s parade was also interrupted for about 15 minutes, when a group of Pasadena interfaith communities led a pro-Palestinian protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza before peacefully dispersing under police orders. No arrests were made. The 136th annual Rose Parade’s theme is “Best Day Ever,” celebrating friends, family, community and the happiest moments in life, said Tournament of Roses President David Eads. Grand Finale performances will include singers Debbie Gibson and Betty Who and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and the parade will feature traditional floral floats, marching bands, equestrian units and musical performances. In the Rose Bowl, Oregon will face off against the winner of a Dec. 21 game between Ohio State and Tennessee. On New Year’s Eve, visitors can arrive and claim spots along Colorado Boulevard starting at noon to watch the parade the following day. The Pasadena Fire Department along with around 15 other fire agencies will also be monitoring the parade route and stadium for illegal bonfires that can spread to structure fires or injure or kill others. “Here we are in December, and we’re still dealing with major brush fires,” said Fire Chief Chad Augustin. “We only have to look to our neighbors in Malibu and the Franklin Fire, how devastating that’s been.” Attendees are allowed to have small professionally manufactured barbecues that are elevated at least one foot off the ground, if they are kept at least 25 feet away from buildings. Fire officials recommend anyone with a barbecue also have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Augustin reminded attendees to dress in layers, bring gloves and beanies and stay hydrated, as officials expect frigid temperatures overnight and warmer temperatures during the day. Parking lots at the Rose Bowl Stadium will open at 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, where visitors can pay to park and walk to the parade route, said stadium CEO Jens Weiden. The stadium’s public Fan Fest celebration will start at 9 a.m., and gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Ticketholders are asked to take their seats by 1 p.m. for pre-game festivities before kickoff. The city website will also have a schedule for when attendees can arrive to camp out and where they can park. Attendees should double check for temporary no-parking signs and other restrictions before they park. Vehicles blocking emergency travel lanes or in restricted areas at the stadium or along the parade route will be towed at the owner’s expense.

December 16, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Leiden University Using biomethane to produce ammonia, a crucial chemical in agriculture, could drastically reduce the climate impact of the process. In a study published in One Earth , researcher Robert Istrate shows it's even possible to make ammonia production net-zero or carbon negative. Ammonia is a chemical more essential than many realize. It forms the basis of synthetic fertilizers used in agriculture worldwide, meaning billions of people depend on it. Unfortunately, ammonia production comes with a significant drawback: its substantial carbon footprint that contributes to the climate crisis. Ammonia is made from nitrogen and hydrogen, with the hydrogen typically derived from natural gas. "Natural gas contains both carbon and hydrogen, but you only need the hydrogen for ammonia. As a result, a lot of carbon is released during the production process ," Istrate explains. One potential solution to reduce ammonia's climate impact is to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, using renewable energy. "But that's an expensive option," Istrate says, "and it's not very well established yet." As a result, only a small fraction of ammonia is currently produced this way. Biomethane has the same chemical structure as natural gas Istrate, an environmental engineer, proposed an alternative idea. While exploring ways to decarbonize chemical processes , he noticed the advantages of biomethane for producing ammonia. Biomethane has the same chemical structure as natural gas (CH4), "which means existing ammonia production facilities can be used." However, the two have a crucial difference: natural gas is a fossil fuel, while biomethane is derived from biomass, such as food waste or agricultural residues. When biomethane is used, the carbon released into the atmosphere was recently captured during biomass growth via photosynthesis: in plants as they grew. "That achieves a balance," Istrate explains. In contrast, using natural gas releases extra CO 2 into the atmosphere, CO 2 that has been stored underground for millions of years. Capturing the carbon and storing it permanently "This already represents an advantage over natural gas," Istrate says. But there's more. "If, instead of emitting this carbon, you capture and store it permanently, then you can start thinking about net-zero emissions or even carbon negativity." In other words, ammonia production could actively remove CO 2 from the atmosphere. Capturing the carbon doesn't require much extra effort because separating CO 2 is inherent to the biomethane and ammonia production processes. "That's a key advantage of ammonia. It already requires separating the CO 2 ", Istrate notes. "So no new technologies need to be developed for that." In his research, Istrate compared the full lifecycle of conventional ammonia production methods, electrolysis, and biomethane-based production. He found that when ammonia is produced entirely from biomethane combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS), the process can indeed become carbon negative. What about a 'more realistic' scenario? The researcher also examined a more realistic scenario where natural gas is blended with biomethane. He concluded that to achieve carbon neutrality, on average, 44% biomethane must be blended with 56% natural gas , while capturing the released carbon. According to the study, biomethane can be economically competitive—at least when the cost of achieving carbon neutrality via CO 2 removal is factored into all scenarios. A significant reason is the high gas prices, partly driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS), an alternative to removing CO 2 directly from the air, is expensive and inefficient. "You don't need complex technology like DACCS. There are often simpler solutions that can have an immediate impact," Istrate says. Introducing biomethane into ammonia production could be one of these "simple solutions." More information: Robert Istrate et al, One-tenth of the EU's sustainable biomethane coupled with carbon capture and storage can enable net-zero ammonia production, One Earth (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.11.005 Journal information: One Earth Provided by Leiden UniversityMe Campaigning for UTM, Over My Dead Body – Fumes KaliatiMeta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it has donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund. The donation comes just weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the offering Thursday. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Stephen Miller, who has been appointed deputy chief of staff for Trump's second term, has said that Zuckerberg, like other business leaders, wants to support Trump's economic plans. The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with Trump. Trump was kicked off Facebook following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The company restored his account in early 2023. RELATED STORY | Meta's Mark Zuckerberg is the second richest person in the world. Here's who he just outranked During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president but has voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump's response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly during the campaign. In July, he posted a message on his own social network Truth Social threatening to send election fraudsters to prison in part by citing a nickname he used for the Meta CEO. "ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!" Trump wrote. Corporations have traditionally made up a large share of donors to presidential inaugurals, with an exception in 2009, when then-President-elect Barack Obama refused to accept corporate donations. He reversed course for his second inaugural in 2013. Facebook did not donate to either Biden's 2021 inaugural or Trump's 2017 inaugural. Google donated $285,000 each to Trump first inaugural and Biden's inaugural, according to Federal Election Commission records. Inaugural committees are required to disclose the source of their fundraising, but not how they spend the money. Microsoft gave $1 million to Obama's second inaugural, but only $500,000 to Trump in 2017 and Biden in 2021. RELATED STORY | Celebrity private jet-tracking accounts suspended by Meta without reason, college student claims

ANDOVER, Mass. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TransMedics Group, Inc. ("TransMedics") (Nasdaq: TMDX), a medical technology company that is transforming organ transplant therapy for patients with end-stage lung, heart, and liver failure, today announced that on December 9, 2024 , TransMedics granted non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 20,612 shares of its common stock and an aggregate of 13,576 restricted stock units to 3 employees, each as a material inducement for each employee's entry into employment with TransMedics. The grants included stock options to purchase 18,922 shares of TransMedics' common stock and 12,463 restricted stock units granted to Gerardo Hernandez , the Company's Chief Financial Officer. The grants were approved by the Compensation Committee of the TransMedics Board of Directors and were granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and pursuant to the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. TransMedics granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 20,612 shares of TransMedics' common stock and 13,576 restricted stock units in the aggregate. The stock options were granted with a per share exercise price of $69.84 , the closing price of the common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 9, 2024 . Twenty-five percent of the shares subject to each option will vest on the first yearly anniversary of the date of the employee's start of employment, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the subsequent three year period, subject to the employee's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The options have a 10-year term and are subject to the terms of the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. Twenty-five percent of each restricted stock unit award will vest on the first four anniversaries of the date of the employee's start of employment, subject to the employee's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The restricted stock units are subject to the terms of the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. About TransMedics Group, Inc. TransMedics is the world's leader in portable extracorporeal warm perfusion and assessment of donor organs for transplantation. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts , the company was founded to address the unmet need for more and better organs for transplantation and has developed technologies to preserve organ quality, assess organ viability prior to transplant, and potentially increase the utilization of donor organs for the treatment of end-stage heart, lung, and liver failure. Investor Contact: Brian Johnston 332-895-3222 Investors@transmedics.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transmedics-reports-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4-302330724.html SOURCE TransMedics Group, Inc.NEW CANAAN, Conn., Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (OTCQX: NLCP) (the “Company” or “NewLake”), a leading provider of real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators, today announced the appointment of Dina Rollman to its Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective immediately, and announced its fourth quarter dividend. Appointment of Dina Rollman to the Board The expansion of the Board to eight members is part of a planned transition for the anticipated retirement of Mr. Peter Kadens, who has served on the Board since 2019, and informed the Company he will not stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in June of 2025. Ms. Rollman is recognized for her leadership and involvement in legal and regulatory affairs in the cannabis industry and will be an important member of the Board as the Company navigates the evolving regulatory landscape for the cannabis industry. “It has been an incredible five years since the inception of NewLake, and I’m immensely proud of the company we have built,” said Peter Kadens, Board Member of NewLake. “My decision to step down from the Board is rooted in my belief that board positions should not be held indefinitely; it is essential to create space for new perspectives and ideas. I have had the privilege of knowing Dina for over 10 years, she is an exceptional leader, and I have full confidence in her abilities to contribute meaningfully to NewLake’s continued success.” “We are grateful for the positive impact Peter has had on shaping NewLake in its formative years,” said Gordon DuGan, Chairman of the Board. “His knowledge of the cannabis industry has been indispensable, and he will be missed. We wish Peter all the best as he focuses more time on his philanthropic endeavors. We look forward to Dina joining our Board. She has significant cannabis industry experience from one of the leading operators in the sector, with the regulatory knowledge and insight that is so critical to navigating this dynamic industry.” “I am honored to join NewLake’s Board and to be able to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of this incredible organization during such an exciting time for the cannabis industry. With meaningful growth opportunities in an evolving landscape, I am eager to contribute my experience and insights to help shape the future of NewLake,” said Dina Rollman. Ms. Rollman is currently the CEO and a Board member of Powr Plant Inc., which owns StrainBrain, an AI-powered software technology used in the regulated cannabis industry. She is also the co-founder of KND Group, LLC, a law and consulting firm specializing in highly regulated industries, including cannabis. Before joining Powr Plant Inc., Ms. Rollman spent nine years at Green Thumb Industries ("GTI"), serving first as in-house regulatory compliance and legal counsel and then transitioning to Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. She played an instrumental role in GTI’s rapid license expansion and its IPO in 2018. Dividend In addition, NewLake’s Board of Directors has declared a fourth quarter 2024 cash dividend of $0.43 per share of common stock. The dividend is equivalent to an annualized dividend of $1.72 per common share and is payable on January 15, 2025, to common stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. About NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. is an internally managed real estate investment trust that provides real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases and funding for build-to-suit projects. NewLake owns a portfolio of 32 cultivation facilities and dispensaries that are leased to single tenants on a triple-net basis. For more information, please visit www.newlake.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by words like “may,” “will,” “likely,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “goal,” “project,” “continue,” “on-going” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions regarding capital market conditions, the Company’s business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements, except as required by law. Contact Information: Lisa Meyer Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. lmeyer@newlake.com Investor Contact: Valter Pinto, Managing Director KCSA Strategic Communications NewLake@kcsa.com PH: (212) 896-1254 Media Contact: Ellen Mellody KCSA Strategic Communications EMellody@kcsa.com PH: (570) 209-2947

Experience The New Hindi Music Video Banarasi Mohabbat By Akash Seth & Bandana Datta Recommended Playlist Russell Brand's Legal Troubles Deepen: Charges Loom as Prosecutors Review Assault Claims Randeep-Lin’s power-packed Delhi reception Showbiz round up with Delhi Times Showbiz round up with Delhi Times Top Viral Videos Dua Lipa Casually Announces Engagement To Callum Turner With Low-Key Holiday Snaps | WATCH Singer Dua Lipa is engaged to 'Fantastic Beasts' actor Callum Turner after less than a year of dating. The couple 'couldn't be happier' as they take their relationship to the next level. Dua shared photos from her holiday at home, showcasing ring-clad hands. Watch- Manmohan Singh Dies At 92; Remembering The 'Accidental Prime Minister' With Controversial Biopic You Can't Miss This Hora - Inside Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's First Hanukkah As Engaged Couple Vinod Kambli Thanks Sachin Tendulkar From Hospital Bed, Gives Update Amid Health Concern | WATCH Shyam Benegal, Renowned Filmmaker, Passes Away at 90: PM Modi and Bollywood Pay Tribute to the Icon Megan Fox-Gun Kelly, Sabrina Carpenter-Barry Keoghan; 2024's Most Heartbreaking Hollywood Splits This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions in Tinseltown, with some of the most shocking celebrity breakups making headlines. From Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly’s fiery fallout to Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan’s unexpected split, these stories have left fans heartbroken. In this video, we look at the ugliest and most heartbreaking celebrity splits of 2024, revealing the stories behind the breakup and the shocking twists that led to these high-profile splits. Taylor Swift Surprises Fan At Kansas Children's Hospital With Unexpected Christmas Gift AP Dhillon, Divine Set the Stage on Fire at Karan Aujla’s Mumbai Show | WATCH Sandhya Theatre Woman's Death Case: Cops Say Allu Arjun Ignored Their Warning AP Dhillon vs Diljit Dosanjh: Instagram Drama Heats Up as AP Drops Major Proof– Will Diljit Respond? Vicky Kaushal’s Emotional Tribute Moves Karan Aujla to Tears at Mumbai Concert | WATCH Karan Aujla's recent concert in Mumbai was filled with emotional moments, particularly when actor Vicky Kaushal praised Karan's talent, bringing him to tears. The night also included a surprise appearance by Parineeti Chopra, adding to the excitement. Watch the video to experience these unforgettable moments and witness the crowd's reaction to these star-studded performances! Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya & Abhishek Bachchan Turn Kids’ School Annual Day Into A Glamour Fest RIP Zakir Hussain: Celebrities Pay Tribute to the Tabla Maestro's Timeless Legacy | WATCH Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Takes Last Breath In US Hospital After Battling Heart Issues Liam Payne Case: Waiter Reveals New Details; Claims Declining Rolex Watch Offer Raj Kapoor's 100th Birth Anniversary Celebrated In Pakistan, Fans Cut Cake At Kapoor Haveli Pakistan's film lovers celebrated 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor as they gathered at the iconic 'Kapoor Haveli' in Peshawar. Fans remembered legendary Bollywood filmmaker and marked the occasion with a cake cutting ceremony. Watch- 'Pushpa 2' Fan Death Case: Allu Arjun Sent To 14 Days Judicial Custody Varun Dhawan Calls Out 'Unfair Blame' on Allu Arjun Over 'Pushpa 2' Tragedy 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Case: Allu Arjun in Custody for Woman’s Death Jennifer Lopez Sparks Rumours With 'Extra' Closeness To Staff Short Videos Priyanka Chopra's Hand Gestures Spark Curiosity SRK Avoids Fall During Wild Airport Scene Sonu Nigam Always Leaves Us In Awe With His Presence Hina Khan Stuns In A Pink Kashmiri Salwar Suit Kareena Kapoor's Birthday Bash: A Glimpse of Her Fabulous Gift and Cake Aditya Roy Kapur’s Drool-Worthy Transformation Wamiqa Gabbi's Bold Look Steals All the Spotlight Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Emotional Goodbye to Bappa with Final Aarti Jackie’s Ganpati Aarti Moment; You Won’t Believe What He Brings Along Siddhant & Raghav’s Bromance Related Articles Mahesh Babu starrer 'Guntur Kaaram' to re-release on New Year's eve in limited screens IVE announces comeback with new album 'IVE EMPATHY' American Idol finalist Emmy Russell is expecting her first child with singer Tyler Ward After Kangana Ranaut, Honey Singh supports Diljit Dosanjh, slams states' hypocrisy over liquor advisories: 'Alcohol is in the culture, not just in Punjab' Politics heats up over 'Raghupati Raghav' bhajan at BJP event in Bihar, singer apologises NFL and Roc Nation 2024 Songs of the Season: From Lil Wayne to DJ Clue Hotel, resort rooms sold out for last week of Dec New stills released for upcoming movie 'Dark Nuns' featuring Song Hye Kyo, Jeon Yeo Been, and Lee Jin Uk MORE FROM E TIMES

Syrian government forces withdraw from central city of Homs as insurgent offensive accelerates

By Funsho Arogundade I f there is one appointment by President Bola Tinubu —in his 18 month-old administration— that has been greeted with a wide applause, it’s that of the quintessential sports magnate, Chief Bukola Olawale Olopade. Olopade was appointed the Director General of the newly revived National Sports Commission (NSC). With an impressive career that spans sports administration, marketing, and event management, Olopade’s appointment is seen as a game-changer for Nigerian sports, bringing a wealth of experience and vision to a sector that is ready for transformation. The Abeokuta, Ogun State-born Sports guru is a vastly experienced sports administrator that has been pragmatic and resilient over the years towards results and achievements. He is not only an internationally-acclaimed expert in sports management and business, his experience in the administration of various youth-related endeavours is also fitting for the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of raising the country’s employment initiative. His journey in sports cuts across both public and private sectors. Olopade’s magic wand was spotted by former Governor Gbenga Daniel who appointed him as a Special Adviser and promptly gave him the task to turn around the fortunes of the sporting sector in Ogun state. It was during this tenure that he became intimately involved in the intricate world of sports administration. His subsequent appointment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports marked a pivotal moment in Olopade’s career as this allowed him to spearhead initiatives such as hosting the Gateway Games 2006, which is Nigeria’s biennial Sports festival. That edition, which was the first since its inception in 1973 to declare a profit, served as a profound realisation of the untapped potential within the realm of sports for socio economic impact. The Egba High Chief then moved on to bigger things with his Nilayo Sports Management Company becoming one of the most sought-after in the country. The company is the brain behind the success story of the Lagos International Marathon and other international races in the country. Many were of the belief that the President got it right with the combination of Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Olopade as the DG of Nigeria’s new apex sports governing body. With Dikko and Olopade —two of the country’s brightest brains in sports business— now saddled with the renewed task to rebrand Nigerian Sports, there is no gainsaying that the duo will chart and execute a formidable pathway for success in our sports. Already, a winner of The Sun Sports Personality of the Year Award, will be combining his role as NSC boss with that of Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the National Sports Festival holding in Ogun State in January 2025.TransMedics Reports Inducement Grants Under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)Family-Friendly Perks and Huge Discounts Highlight Princess Cruises' 'Come Aboard Sale on 2025 - 2027 Sailings

Hailey Bieber stuns as she shows off her long legs in tiny red minidress four months after giving birthBoys basketball photos: Bishop Eustace at Cinnaminson, Friday, Dec. 27

The smaller the Southern California paycheck, the bigger the raise

The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. Trump's Republican Party is increasingly winning union voters. It's a shift seen in his labor pick WASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members. It's a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members. They're a key part of the Democratic base but are gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent, 62, is founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management. He previously had worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. Trump also said he would nominate Russell Vought, 48, to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a position he held during Trump's first term. And Trump chose Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, as his labor secretary, and Scott Turner, a former football player who worked in Trump’s first administration, as his housing secretary. Afraid of losing the US-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico has been taking a bashing for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America. Officials here are terrified that a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Justin Trudeau could simply expel their country from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. Mexico's ruling Morena party is so afraid its has gone on a campaign to get companies to replace Chinese parts with locally made ones. And its legislators are consciously tweaking the wording of major laws to try to make them compatible with the trade pact's language. Mexico hopes the rules of the trade pact would prevent the U.S. or Canada from simply walking away. Australia withdraws a misinformation bill after critics compare it to censorship CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s government has withdrawn a bill that would give a media watchdog power to monitor digital platforms and require them to keep records about misinformation and disinformation on their networks. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said Sunday that the government was unable to drum up the support needed to pass the legislation. The opposition spokesman, David Coleman, said the bill “betrayed our democracy” and amounted to “censorship laws in Australia.” The bill would have granted the Australian Communications and Media Authority power over digital platforms by approving an enforceable code of conduct or standards for social media companies if self-regulation fell short. He'll be the last meatpacker in the Meatpacking District. Here's how NYC's gritty 'hood got chic NEW YORK (AP) — The last meatpackers in New York's Meatpacking District have agreed to end their leases early and make way for development on their city-owned lot. A third-generation meatpacker says he is ready to retire and he'll be proud to be there when the building closes. The closure date has not been set, but will mark the end of over a century of industrial life in the Meatpacking District. Starting in the 1970s, a new nightlife scene emerged as bars and nightclubs moved in. Today it's a hub for shopping, tourism, and recreation and only echoes of that grit remain. US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent is a past supporter of Democrats who has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump. He’s an advocate of cutting spending while extending the tax cuts approved by Congress in Trump’s first term. He has said tariffs imposed during a second Trump administration would be directed primarily at China.ANDOVER, Mass. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TransMedics Group, Inc. ("TransMedics") (Nasdaq: TMDX), a medical technology company that is transforming organ transplant therapy for patients with end-stage lung, heart, and liver failure, today announced that on December 9, 2024 , TransMedics granted non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 20,612 shares of its common stock and an aggregate of 13,576 restricted stock units to 3 employees, each as a material inducement for each employee's entry into employment with TransMedics. The grants included stock options to purchase 18,922 shares of TransMedics' common stock and 12,463 restricted stock units granted to Gerardo Hernandez , the Company's Chief Financial Officer. The grants were approved by the Compensation Committee of the TransMedics Board of Directors and were granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and pursuant to the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. TransMedics granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 20,612 shares of TransMedics' common stock and 13,576 restricted stock units in the aggregate. The stock options were granted with a per share exercise price of $69.84 , the closing price of the common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 9, 2024 . Twenty-five percent of the shares subject to each option will vest on the first yearly anniversary of the date of the employee's start of employment, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the subsequent three year period, subject to the employee's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The options have a 10-year term and are subject to the terms of the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. Twenty-five percent of each restricted stock unit award will vest on the first four anniversaries of the date of the employee's start of employment, subject to the employee's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The restricted stock units are subject to the terms of the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. About TransMedics Group, Inc. TransMedics is the world's leader in portable extracorporeal warm perfusion and assessment of donor organs for transplantation. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts , the company was founded to address the unmet need for more and better organs for transplantation and has developed technologies to preserve organ quality, assess organ viability prior to transplant, and potentially increase the utilization of donor organs for the treatment of end-stage heart, lung, and liver failure. Investor Contact: Brian Johnston 332-895-3222 Investors@transmedics.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transmedics-reports-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4-302330724.html SOURCE TransMedics Group, Inc.

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans went to the polls Sunday for a second round of voting to choose their next president , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. The staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou. The Broad Front oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small, laid-back South American nation of 3.4 million people. Orsi’s Broad Front took 44% of the vote while Delgado’s National Party won 27% in the first round of voting Oct. 27. But the other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger this time around. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Analysts say the candidates’ lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over growing income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere. “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy,” said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn’t exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s most safe and stable. Delgado promises tough-on-crime policies and a new maximum-security prison while Orsi advocates a community-oriented approach to crime prevention. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government.” While a string of corruption scandals briefly rattled Lacalle Pou’s government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to press on with his predecessor’s pro-business, market-friendly policies. He would continue pursuing a prospective trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries that promotes regional commerce. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as an heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , a former Marxist guerilla who boosted Uruguay’s profile as one of the region’s most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer, was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “When it comes to governing, with the parliamentary structure that we will have, the government will be forced to negotiate,” he told reporters as he emerged from his local polling station, praising Uruguay’s robust and level-headed democracy as “no small thing” in Latin America. While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would buck the demographic trend in lowering the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay’s unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. “This is a normal election, which is rare,” said Saldías. “It’s indicative of Uruguay’s strength as a democracy.” ___ Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.Since their debut in 2013, BTS has released many albums, but all seven members have also debuted as soloists. Which member, in your opinion, has the best title track of all? Vote now! Votes can be cast once every 2 hours until the voting period ends. Why does your choice deserve the top spot? Let us know on our social media, and vote for your favorite could-be couple here: Which K-Drama Couple Would You Like To See Become Dispatch’s New Year Couple? Vote Now! BTS BTS RM’s Inclusion On Organization’s Role Model List Sparks Heated Debate BTS’s V Dethrones Mariah Carey On Billboard Chart BTS Jin’s Comment About Red Velvet Wendy’s Voice Gains Attention Park Myung Soo’s Past “Shade” About HYBE Sparks Major Backlash See more BTS