LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Sasa Ciani and Filip Skobalj scored 15 points apiece and Tyem Freeman added five of his nine points in overtime to lead UIC over Little Rock 77-69 on Sunday. Ciani added 10 rebounds for the Flames (7-4). Skobalj made 5 of 11 from 3-point range. Javon Jackson scored 13. Jackson sank three free throws with less than a second left to force OT tied at 64. The Trojans (6-5) were led by Johnathan Lawson, who posted 25 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Lewis added 11 points and two steals. Tuongthach Gatkek had 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Skobalj scored nine points in the first half for UIC, which trailed 32-30 at halftime. Skobalj hit a 3-pointer with 2:45 left in OT to put the Flames up 68-65 and they stayed in front from there. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Trump nominates Marty Makary, a critic of some COVID-19 health measures, to lead the FDAWalker has 22 as Binghamton knocks off Lancaster Bible 85-60

Kamloops Search and Rescue crews are still searching in Sun Peaks for a missing skier who hasn't been seen since Tuesday morning. In a social media post, KSAR said Tomasz Jaholkowski, 68, hasn't been heard from since his last ski run check-in at Sun Peaks around 11:35 a.m. Tuesday morning. Sun Peaks Resort said he was last seen on video surveillance at the West Bowl chairlift on Tod Mountain. He was reported missing the next day and KSAR said it was tasked out around noon. KSAR searched the area alongside Sun Peaks Ski Patrol with sleds, ground teams and a hummingbird drone team. A helicopter with spotters also swept the area until dark. North Shore Search and Rescue was asked to assist in the search at 8 p.m. Responding with Talon helicopters, the crew used thermal cameras, night vision and a helicopter-mounted RECCO. KSAR, Sun Peaks Ski Patrol and RCMP are continuing the search, with support from members of other search and rescue teams, helicopters and drones. Jaholkowski is described as white, 5-foot-10 and weighing around 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a red and black Spyder ski jacket, dark ski pants, a black and red toque and green skis. Anyone with information that may point to Jaholkowski is asked to contact the Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP detachment at 250-314-1800. Police and search crews are scouring the Sun Peaks alpine for a skier missing for two days. Tomasz Jaholkowski, 68, was last seen checking into a run at Sun Peaks just after 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. “Mr. Jaholkowski does not appear to have returned to his hotel room, nor has he been heard from since checking into the run on Tuesday,” Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said in a news release. “We are very concerned for his wellbeing and are asking anyone who may have seen him or has information on his potential whereabouts to please contact police as soon as possible.” Evelyn said Mounties, search and rescue crews and Sun Peaks Ski Patrol members are searching for Jaholkowski. Police released a photo of Jaholkowski checking into that run on Tuesday morning. He is described as a white man standing 5-foot-10 and weighing approximately 180 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information about Jaholkowski’s whereabouts can call police at 250-314-1800.Willing to help support earnest efforts for peace in Gaza, Ukraine: PM Modi

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Last year, a homeless shelter in Portsmouth called Cross Roads House received a little over $65,000 in donations from charitable gaming, while the NH Coalition to End Homelessness brought in about $39,000. Both nonprofits partnered with different New Hampshire casinos — one significantly larger than the other. A new legislative proposal from State Rep. Dick Ames, a Jaffrey Democrat, seeks to reshape charitable gaming by capping the revenue any single nonprofit or charity can receive annually. The bill stems from concerns raised during state gaming commission meetings this year. Some charities voiced frustration that while a few rake in over $100,000 a year in donations, others struggle to make even $10,000. “It would be an interim step towards developing a better system,” said Ames. “But it would be fair and more systematically constructed.” The exact limits on annual revenue haven’t been finalized yet, Ames said. As for whether different types of charities — like booster clubs or veterans’ organizations — should have separate caps, he said that’s not something he plans to weigh in on. Meanwhile, another lawmaker wants to replace historic horse racing machines with video lottery terminals that are similar to slot machines. State Rep. Fred Doucette, a Salem Republican, is championing this change to direct more money to both the state and charities. Operating historic horse racing machines is costly because of their complex technology and math, and right now only 8.75 percent of the revenue from those machines goes to charities. But with video lottery terminals, Doucette says charities will get the same 35 percent of casino revenue in donations as they do from table games if they operate video lottery terminals. “The inevitability of going forward with these types of machines is beneficial to all involved, most importantly, the charities,” Doucette said, though he acknowledged that the faster pace of play might raise some concerns. “In my book, the state has an opportunity to get some more revenue. The market is there.” Under the current draft of the bill, a quarter percent of the revenue from these slot-like machines will be directed to problem gambling programs, while 4.75 percent will go to the retirement fund for police and fire personnel. At the same time, State Rep. Bill Ohm, a Nashua Republican, has introduced a proposal to let municipalities decide whether they want historic horse racing machines in their communities — much like how they can allow or ban Keno, the electronic lottery-style game. Right now, casinos must apply for historic horse racing licenses, and towns don’t have the option to opt-out. When charitable gaming was first allowed in New Hampshire, the goal wasn’t to open the door for big casinos. Instead, it was meant to support smaller, local operations. But over time, that’s turned into a boom of gaming halls, complete with restaurants and entertainment. “My bill is, to try to correct that situation I thought it’d be appropriate to put this decision in the hands of the voters,” said Ohm. “If we want that, then that’s fine, but let’s make sure that we go through the normal procedure, which is to have a new form of entertainment in the form of this historic horse machines be treated as we did Keno.” Ohm is also pushing for a new bill that would assess large gaming halls, like the ones in Salem and Nashua, based on the enterprise value of the property. Lawmakers respond to gaming growth One emerging bill would make historic horse racing facilities share a cut of the revenue from their machines with the communities where they’re located. Another one is focused on creating a charitable gaming oversight commission to ensure casinos are transparent about how they select charity partners and how the charities spend the money they receive. A recent projection from a gaming consultancy hired by a legislative commission suggests that New Hampshire’s gaming market could grow into a $1.1 billion industry in just three years, thanks to current trends and an influx of out-of-state casino operators. With new gaming venues popping up across the state, the gambling landscape is shifting from small gaming rooms to full-fledged entertainment complexes. Legislators are working to get ahead of this growing industry with new regulations and oversight. “It’s evolving rapidly, much more rapidly than anticipated,” said Ames. “There’s a lot to think about and a lot that was not anticipated in terms of the amount of money involved. The casinos that are participating in charitable gaming are becoming large and owned in most cases by out-of-state interests.”

Durai Vaiko, MP, has placed a few demands to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pertaining to Tiruchi Lok Sabha constituency. MDMK leader Vaiko accompanied the MP when called on the Railway Minister in New Delhi recently and submitted memorandums. One of the demands was to provide a stop at Tiruverumbur railway station for the Cholan Superfast Express, Rameswaram Express, Tiruchendur Superfast Express and Ernakulam-Karaikal Express. Several important organisations such as the BHEL, OFT, and HAPP as well as educational institutions, including the National Institute of Technology - Tiruchi, Government ITI and Government Polytechnic, are located in and around Tiruverumbur. People residing in the area had to travel 20 km to Budalur or Tiruchi Junction to board an express train, Mr. Durai Vaiko said in the memorandum. Another memorandum sought a stop for the Mayiladuthurai-Sengottai Express and Dindigul-Villupuram Intercity Express at Samuthiram railway station. This would benefit farmers in 40 villages in and around the station. Overbridge sought He urged the Railway Minister to take steps to build an overbridge at the level crossing 265 at Inamkulathur area in Manikandam panchayat union in Tiruchi district. Several trains pass through this level crossing every day causing inconvenience to people since the gate is closed frequently. In one of the memorandums, the MP said traffic congestion had become acute at level crossing 317/E near Tiruverumbur. Railway officials had visited the spot to examine the feasibility of construction of an overbridge. He requested the Railway Minister to look into the matter and take action as early as possible. Published - December 22, 2024 07:24 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit railway / indian railways / TiruchiGeneral lack of awareness and understanding of arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes among the public is one of the many challenges that slow the effectiveness of Arbitration in Nigeria. Fabian Ajogwu , president of Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), shared his assessment of arbitration practice in Nigeria and the future opportunities of the practice in this interview. He also discussed the forthcoming conference of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) and the benefits it holds for members, guests and Nigeria. ZEBULON AGOMUO brings the excerpts: The theme of the forthcoming conference is, ‘Transformation and intervention: the evolving trends in arbitration & ADR practice in Africa’; these “evolving trends” include the technology, particularly the Artificial Intelligence (AI). How prepared is NICArb for this new normal, especially with AI technology? The rise of evolving trends, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), presents both opportunities and challenges for arbitral institutions like the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb). While NICArb has yet to make significant strides in AI adoption, its forthcoming conference on ‘Transformation and Intervention: The Evolving Trends in Arbitration & ADR Practice in Africa’ presents an ideal starting point to engage with this critical topic. To maximise the benefits and minimise potential risks associated with AI adoption, NICArb must adapt strategically to these advancements by understanding how AI can improve the dispute resolution process. AI already plays a role in dispute resolution through tools like online dispute resolution (ODR), document drafting, and other scalable applications that improve efficiency and accessibility. However, the adoption of AI in arbitration requires careful consideration of ethical issues, such as bias in algorithms and the risk of fabricated data, to ensure fair outcomes in dispute resolution. NICArb’s readiness to explore and adapt to these technological advancements will be essential in positioning itself as a leader in the evolving arbitration landscape. This conference provides an excellent opportunity for NICArb to initiate meaningful discussions and develop strategies for responsibly integrating AI into its practices while advocating for the establishment of ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to govern its use. Getting Nigerians to patronise local talents in Arbitration/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a huge challenge. What would you say is the best approach to win over doubters? Winning over people to patronise local talents in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Nigeria requires a strategic, multifaceted approach that addresses both perception and practical concerns. The first step is understanding the challenge. Scepticism about the capability of local practitioners often stems from the assumption that international experts are more competent or experienced. This is due to concerns about the perceived lack of expertise and neutrality within the Nigerian arbitration system, coupled with issues like potential bias, a slower legal process, and a desire for greater enforceability of awards in international courts, especially when dealing with cross-border disputes. Addressing these concerns is key to building trust in local talents. After understanding the challenge, it is important to first highlight the benefits of ADR through awareness and education. ADR methods, such as arbitration and mediation, are more advantageous than litigation because they are faster, less expensive, and more flexible than traditional court proceedings. Many are unfamiliar with the practicalities and benefits of ADR. Public awareness campaigns, webinars, and training programmes can demystify ADR and make it accessible to a broader audience. An informed public is more likely to consider local practitioners as viable options. It is also important to note that there is a growing pool of highly qualified Nigerian arbitrators working to improve the reputation and capabilities of domestic arbitration. Showcasing successful cases handled by local practitioners can help shift perceptions. Testimonials from satisfied clients, case studies of effective dispute resolution, and examples of cross-border disputes resolved by Nigerian arbitrators can help shift public perception. Events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences (like this one hosted by NICArb) are excellent platforms to share these narratives and inspire confidence in local talents. Institutions like NICArb play a pivotal role in enhancing the arbitration framework in Nigeria. Ongoing efforts to improve transparency, neutrality, and efficiency in domestic arbitration should be publicised to reassure potential clients of the system’s credibility and reliability. How would you assess the performance of Arbitrators in Nigeria when compared with those in other countries like Kenya, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire? The performance of arbitrators varies across jurisdictions due to differences in legal frameworks, cultural contexts, and institutional support. Arbitration in Nigeria has been evolving, with a growing number of trained arbitrators and institutions dedicated to dispute resolution. Nigeria has made significant strides in arbitration, with its arbitral institutions and the Arbitration and Mediation Act of 2023 enhancing its arbitration framework. NICArb plays a significant role in promoting standards and training for arbitrators. However, challenges such as delays in proceedings and a lack of public awareness about the benefits of arbitration can affect the overall perception of arbitrators’ performance. Take for instance, Kenyan arbitrators are highly regarded for their efficiency and adherence to international standards, supported by a robust institutional framework, such as the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) and a growing pool of qualified arbitrators. The country has seen a rise in arbitration-friendly practices, and many retired judges join the arbitration field, adding to its credibility. Egypt has a well-established arbitration system, with the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) being a key player. The country also benefits from strong institutional support. Its legal framework supports arbitration, and its recognition as a preferred seat for arbitration in the region. As a member of OHADA (Organisation pour l’Harmonisationen Afrique du Droit des Affaires) Côte d’Ivoire benefits from a harmonised legal framework for arbitration similar to that of other French-speaking West African countries. Côte d’Ivoire is emerging as a significant player in arbitration, with efforts to improve its legal framework and promote arbitration as a preferred method of dispute resolution. The country is working towards enhancing its reputation as a reliable arbitration hub. While Nigeria is making progress, Kenya and Egypt are ahead in terms of established frameworks and a larger pool of experienced arbitrators. Côte d’Ivoire is on the rise but still developing its arbitration infrastructure. Nigerian arbitrators have the potential to be highly competitive on the international stage. What are the challenges to achieving speedy results in Arbitration/ADR cases in both private and public sectors, and to what extent can you say NICArb as an institute has contributed to solving them? Among the challenges to achieving speedy results in Arbitration/ADR include Procedural Delays: These can arise from various factors, including the complexity of the case, the availability of arbitrators, and the scheduling of hearings. In both the private and public sectors, lengthy procedures can frustrate parties seeking quick resolutions. Another significant challenge is the general lack of awareness and understanding of arbitration and ADR processes among the public. Members of the public may not fully grasp the benefits of ADR methods compared to traditional litigation, leading to hesitance in choosing arbitration as a viable option for dispute resolution. Insufficient institutional support can also hinder arbitration’s effectiveness. In some cases, arbitration institutions may lack the necessary resources or infrastructure to facilitate timely proceedings. This can include inadequate hearing facilities or insufficient administrative support to manage cases efficiently. Despite these challenges, the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) has made significant strides in addressing these challenges and promoting the effectiveness of arbitration in Nigeria. NICArb has focused on enhancing arbitrators’ skills and knowledge through comprehensive training programmes. This helps ensure that arbitrators are well-equipped to handle cases promptly and effectively. The institute has also been active in raising awareness about the benefits of arbitration and ADR. Through workshops, seminars, conferences, etc, NICArb aims to educate the general public about the advantages of choosing arbitration over litigation, thereby increasing the demand for ADR services. NICArb plays a crucial role in developing the arbitration framework in Nigeria. This also includes establishing standards and guidelines for arbitration practices and creating a more structured environment that can facilitate quicker resolutions. NICArb advocates for policy changes that support the growth of arbitration in Nigeria. By engaging with government and legal stakeholders, the institute seeks to address systemic issues that contribute to arbitration delays, such as legislative reforms that enhance the enforceability of arbitration agreements. What is the main focus of this year’s annual international conference of NICArb? The 2024 Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) is centered around the theme ‘Transformation and Interventions: The Evolving Trends in Arbitration and ADR Practice in Africa.’ This theme critically examines how arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practices are adapting to the changing landscape in Africa. The key areas of focus include Transformation in Arbitration Practices, Interventions to Improve ADR, Addressing Emerging Trends, and Networking and Collaboration. The conference will serve as a platform for networking among arbitration professionals, legal practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors. This collaboration is essential for sharing insights and best practices and fostering partnerships that can drive the growth of arbitration in Africa. At a press briefing to herald the conference, the institute called on the Federal Government to release the National Arbitration Policy; what in your opinion may have delayed the release and what efforts has the institute made to get the policy released beyond making the call at a media event? The delay in releasing the National Arbitration Policy in Nigeria is not something this institute has control over. It could be attributed to several factors, including bureaucratic processes, political considerations, and the need for comprehensive stakeholder-consultations to ensure the policy aligns with international best practices. As an institute, we have made our impute. The dominant impute we have made is that arbitration must and should remain party autonomy, party-driven, and that it must balance the interests of parties and not provide any lopsidedness in outcomes for arbitration. We also want to make sure that arbitration does not by itself aid or promote illegality and issues of corruption. So, it is important that the policy makes mention of some of these core pillars of any dispute resolution system or administration of justice, which is to remove a corrupt system from it, to not make it a weapon of fraud, or to aid in illegalities. We as an institute have, with all humility, made our contributions. We do hope and push through our members that it comes out on time. NICArb has been actively working to expedite the release of the policy through various efforts beyond their media call. These efforts include Engagement with Government Officials, Stakeholder Consultations, Public Awareness Campaigns, and International Conferences and Workshops. Promoters of ADR believe that incorporating ADR mechanisms (mediation and arbitration), into the court system can help alleviate the burden on courts and provide faster, more cost-effective dispute resolution options for litigants. How has this fared and would it be convenient to say that the Nigerian judicial system has been the better for it? The integration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, into the Nigerian court system has been a significant development aimed at alleviating the burden on courts and providing faster, more cost-effective dispute resolution options for litigants. This initiative has shown promising results, contributing positively to the judicial landscape in Nigeria. One of the primary benefits of incorporating ADR into the judicial system is the reduction of case backlogs in courts. The Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC), for example, has demonstrated that disputes handled through ADR are resolved more quickly and amicably compared to those processed through traditional litigation. This efficiency helps to free up court resources, allowing judges to focus on more complex cases that require judicial intervention. ADR mechanisms are generally more cost-effective than traditional litigation. The expenses associated with prolonged court cases, such as legal fees and other related costs, can be significantly reduced when parties opt for mediation or arbitration. This financial benefit makes ADR an attractive option for many litigants, particularly in a country where access to justice can be hindered by economic constraints. The alternative pathways to justice which ADR offers, allows parties to resolve their disputes in a more informal and flexible environment, which can be particularly beneficial for those who may feel intimidated by the formal court system. This accessibility is crucial in a diverse society like Nigeria, where various cultural and social factors influence how disputes are perceived and resolved. The incorporation of ADR into the judicial system promotes a more collaborative approach to dispute resolution. It encourages parties to engage in dialogue and negotiation, fostering a sense of ownership over the resolution process. This leads to more satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved, as solutions are often tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Despite these positive developments, challenges remain in fully integrating ADR into the Nigerian judicial system. Issues such as public awareness, the need for training among legal practitioners, and the establishment of a robust legal framework for ADR practices continue to be areas that require attention. However, the judiciary and various stakeholders are actively working to address these challenges through training programmes, public awareness campaigns, and legislative reforms. It is reasonable to assert that the Nigerian judicial system has benefited from the incorporation of ADR mechanisms. The positive impacts on court congestion, cost-effectiveness, access to justice, and collaborative dispute resolution highlight the advantages of this approach. While challenges still remain, the ongoing efforts to promote and institutionalise ADR within the judiciary suggest a promising future for dispute resolution in Nigeria. You have been in the practice for many years now. Could you please let us have idea of the progress made over the years in dispute resolution and how Nigerians are embracing it as a viable alternative? Over the years, Nigeria has made significant strides in the field of dispute resolution, particularly with the adoption and enhancement of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Some of the key developments include Legislative Reforms: The Arbitration and Mediation Act of 2023 replaced the outdated Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1988. This new act aligns Nigeria with international standards, such as the New York Convention, and introduces several innovations like emergency arbitrator proceedings and enforceable interim measures. Establishment of ADR Centers and Institutions: Nigeria has several institutions and centers which promote ADR services and practices. These include the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC), the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (NICN-ADR), the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), and so on. This also includes the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC), which is Africa’s first court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) center and has served as a model for other ADR centers in the region. There is a growing awareness among Nigerians about the benefits of ADR, such as quicker, cheaper, and more amicable resolutions compared to traditional litigation. Legal practitioners in Nigeria are increasingly incorporating ADR into their practice. Many lawyers (even law students) now receive training in mediation and arbitration, equipping them with the skills necessary to guide clients through these processes. This shift is indicative of a broader cultural change within the legal profession, where ADR is seen as an essential tool for effective dispute resolution. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, such as the need for more trained professionals and better awareness. However, the overall trend shows a positive shift towards embracing ADR as a viable alternative to litigation. Could you please tell our readers how the conference would benefit members and guests who will be attending, and the country in general? Is it going to be another talk shop? The upcoming conference promises several substantial benefits for attendees and the country as a whole, making it far more than just another talk shop. It aims to be action-oriented. The benefits of the conference to both members and guests, as well as for Nigeria as a whole, include: For Members and Guests: Networking Opportunities: The conference brings together professionals, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors, providing a platform for meaningful connections and collaborations. Another is knowledge sharing: Attendees will gain insights from leading experts in arbitration and ADR, learning about the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions. Through workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants can enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in their fields. Professional Growth: Engaging with thought leaders and participating in discussions will inspire new ideas and strategies, contributing to professional growth and development. The benefits of the conference for the country: Economic Development: The adoption of effective dispute resolution mechanisms can attract foreign investment, as it assures investors of a reliable legal framework for resolving disputes. Improved Judicial Efficiency: Promoting ADR can reduce the burden on the courts, leading to faster case resolutions and more efficient judicial processes. Public Trust: By highlighting ADR’s benefits and successes, the conference can help build public trust in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, leading to more widespread adoption. Policy Influence: The conference’s discussions and recommendations can influence policy-making, encourage the government to adopt and support ADR mechanisms more robustly.

"The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn't! Daylight Saving Time (DST) is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation," Trump posted on his website, Truth Social. DST was adopted by the federal government during World War I but was unpopular with farmers rushing to get produce to morning markets, and was quickly abolished. Many states experimented with their own versions but it wasn't reintroduced nationwide until 1967. The Democratic-controlled US Senate advanced a bill in 2022 that, like Trump's plan, would bring an end to the twice-yearly changing of clocks, in favor of a "new, permanent standard time." But The Sunshine Protection Act called for the opposite switch -- moving permanently to DST rather than eliminating it -- to usher in brighter evenings, and fewer journeys home in the dark for school children and office workers. The bill never made it to President Joe Biden's desk, as it was not taken up in the Republican-led House. It had been introduced in 2021 by a Republican, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is about to join the incoming Trump administration as secretary of state. He said studies had shown a permanent DST could benefit the economy. Either way, changing to one permanent time would put an end to Americans pushing their clocks forward in the spring, then setting them back an hour in the fall. Colloquially the practice is referred to as "springing" forward and "falling" back. The clamor has increased in recent years to make DST permanent especially among politicians and lobbyists from the Northeast, where frigid conditions are normal in the early winter mornings. "It's really straightforward. Cutting back on the sun during the fall and winter is a drain on the American people and does little to nothing to help them," Rubio said in a statement ahead of the vote. "It's time we retire this tired tradition." Rubio said the United States sees an increase in heart attacks and road accidents in the week that follows the changing of the clocks. Any changes would be unlikely to affect Hawaii and most of Arizona, the Navajo Nation, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, which do not spring forward in summer. ft/nroThe cryptocurrency market has proven time and again that it’s a place where innovation meets opportunity. For those searching for the best cryptos for massive return potential , certain projects stand out not just for their technology but for their ability to revolutionise industries and deliver significant returns to investors. Among these projects are Qubetics, Near Protocol, and Polygon. While Near Protocol and Polygon have earned their stripes as established leaders in blockchain scalability and accessibility, Qubetics is blazing a trail with its innovative ecosystem, particularly its game-changing approach to almost instant cross-border transactions. Qubetics, in particular, is turning heads with its impressive presale success and ambitious roadmap. Let’s explore what makes these three projects some of the most exciting opportunities in the crypto space. Qubetics: Redefining Global Transactions Qubetics is a rising star in the blockchain world, and its focus on almost instant cross-border transactions is a game-changer. Imagine being able to send money across borders as easily and quickly as sending a text message. That’s exactly what Qubetics is delivering. For example, a small business in the U.S. needing to pay a supplier in Europe can bypass the traditional banking system’s delays and hefty fees. Professionals, such as freelancers working with international clients, can receive payments in real-time without worrying about middlemen or hidden costs. Even families sending remittances across the globe can do so instantly, ensuring their loved ones have access to funds without delay. The Qubetics presale has been a resounding success, now in its 13th stage. With over 365 million $TICS tokens sold to more than 11,100 holders, it has raised an impressive $7.4 million. At its current price of $0.0342, investors have a limited window to lock in this price before the next 10% price increase at the weekend. Analysts are optimistic about $TICS, projecting a price of $0.25 by the presale’s end, representing a 630% ROI. A $20,000 investment today would yield 584,795 $TICS tokens, which could be worth over $8.7 million if $TICS hits the predicted $15 post-mainnet launch. Beyond the financial potential, Qubetics is solving real-world problems . Its seamless cross-border payment system ensures businesses, individuals, and families can interact globally without the friction of traditional systems. This innovation makes Qubetics one of the best cryptos for massive return potential, not just for its ROI but for its real-world utility. Near Protocol: Championing Blockchain Accessibility Near Protocol has quickly become a darling in the crypto world for its user-friendly platform and commitment to scalability. Designed to bring blockchain technology to the masses, Near Protocol focuses on making decentralised applications accessible to developers and users, regardless of their technical expertise. Near Protocol uses a unique scaling solution called sharding, which allows the network to process more transactions as its user base grows. This ensures that the platform remains fast and affordable, even as adoption skyrockets. Developers love Near Protocol for its simplicity, and businesses appreciate its ability to handle large-scale applications without breaking a sweat. The crypto community often praises Near Protocol for its forward-thinking approach. For instance, its emphasis on climate neutrality has made it a favourite among eco-conscious investors. Near Protocol’s innovative technology and growing ecosystem make it a standout choice for those looking for the best cryptos for massive return potential. Polygon: Scaling Ethereum’s Potential Polygon has cemented its place as one of the most important projects in the Ethereum ecosystem. By addressing Ethereum’s scalability issues, Polygon enables developers to build and deploy decentralised applications without worrying about high fees or slow transaction speeds. Polygon’s Layer 2 scaling solution allows for near-instant transactions, making it the go-to platform for DeFi projects, gaming dApps, and NFT marketplaces. Its interoperability ensures that developers can integrate their applications seamlessly across multiple blockchains, further enhancing its appeal. For investors, Polygon represents a gateway to the future of decentralised technology. Its consistent innovation and expanding partnerships make it one of the best cryptos for massive return potential. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, Polygon offers a mix of stability and growth that’s hard to ignore. Why Qubetics Deserves Your Attention While Near Protocol and Polygon are established leaders driving blockchain adoption, Qubetics offers a fresh perspective with its innovative approach to global transactions. The combination of almost instant cross-border payments, a successful presale, and bold analyst predictions makes it a standout choice for investors seeking exponential returns. The opportunity to join the Qubetics presale at its current price won’t last forever. With projections of up to $15 per $TICS after the mainnet launch, Qubetics isn’t just a promising investment—it’s a chance to be part of a blockchain revolution. Conclusion The crypto market is filled with opportunities, but only a few projects truly stand out. Qubetics, Near Protocol, and Polygon each bring something unique to the table, making them some of the best cryptos for massive return potential. For those looking to maximise their investments, Qubetics offers an unparalleled opportunity. Its focus on real-world solutions, like almost instant cross-border transactions, ensures it’s not just about financial gains but also about creating meaningful change in how we interact globally. Don’t wait—visit the Qubetics website today and secure your $TICS tokens before the next price hike. The future of blockchain starts here. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics

Fluence Energy, Inc. Announces Closing of Offering of $400.0 Million of Convertible Senior Notes due 2030Tai'Reon Joseph scores 28 off the bench to help UTSA defeat North Dakota 95-85

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown and the Dallas Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Washington Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert, who missed the previous two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt following a low snap. Thomas then took the kick back 43 yards as the Cowboys (4-7) ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Part of that was the play of backup Cooper Rush, who threw for 247 yards and two TDs in his third start in place of starter Dak Prescott. Part was also the defense forcing two turnovers, as Chauncey Golston ripped the ball out of Brian Robinson Jr.’s hands for what was called an interception of Daniels in the second quarter, and Donovan Wilson stripped John Bates midway through the fourth. KaVonte Turpin provided the fireworks with a spinning, 99-yard kickoff return TD seconds after Daniels found Zach Ertz in the end zone and scored on a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three with 3:02 left. In the final three minutes alone, the Commanders (7-5) scored 10 points and allowed Thomas’ TD. All that after the score was 10-9 through three quarters before madness ensued. CHIEFS 30, PANTHERS 27 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and , Spencer Shrader kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired and Kansas City beat Carolina to reach double-digit wins for the 10th straight season. Noah Gray caught two TD passes as the Chiefs (10-1) bounced back from last week’s 30-21 loss at Buffalo and won at the buzzer yet again in a season of narrow escapes. for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, who scored on their first five possessions. Bryce Young finished 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers (3-8), who had their two-game winning streak snapped. David Moore had six receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. Trailing 27-19, Young completed a fourth-down pass to Adam Thielen to move the chains, then went deep for the veteran receiver, who drew a pass-interference penalty on Chamarri Conner. That set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Chuba Hubbard. LIONS 24, COLTS 6 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — and David Montgomery added a third touchdown run, leading Detroit to a victory over Indianapolis. Gibbs finished with 21 carries for 90 yards as the Lions (10-1) extended their league-high winning streak to nine straight. Detroit has its been 11-game record since the franchise’s inaugural season in 1934. Jared Goff continued his sensational season, too, completing 26 of 36 throws for 269 yards. The Colts (5-7) lost their second straight home game and for the fourth time in their past five games. with 172 yards while rushing 10 times for 61 yards. the NFL’s highest-scoring offense largely in check Sunday, it was doomed by its inability to finish drives with touchdowns. BUCCANEERS 30, GIANTS 7 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Baker Mayfield catapulted into the end zone for one of Tampa Bay’s four rushing touchdowns, and the Buccaneers beat the Giants and new starting quarterback Tommy DeVito, snapping a four-game losing streak and extending New York’s skid to six. The Giants’ decisions this week to bench and then release quarterback Daniel Jones did nothing to help the NFL’s lowest-scoring offense. DeVito threw for 189 yards, mostly in the second half with New York well on its way to its sixth straight loss at home, where it is winless. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers dominated in every phase in a near-perfect perfect performance that featured TD runs of 1 yard by Sean Tucker, 6 yards by Bucky Irving and 1 yard by Rachaad White. After recent losses to the Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs, Tampa Bay (5-6) moved within one game of idle Atlanta in the NFC South. Tampa Bay scored on five of its on first six possessions to open a 30-0 lead, and none was more exciting than Mayfield’s TD run with 12 seconds left in the first half. On a second-and-goal from the 10, he avoided pressure and went for the end zone. He was hit by Cor’Dale Flott low and Dru Phillips high around the 2-yard line, and he was airborne when he crossed the goal line. The ball came loose when he hit the turf but he jumped up and flexed — — as the Bucs took a 23-0 lead. DOLPHINS 34, PATRIOTS 15 MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns, including two scores to running back De’Von Achane, and Miami routed New England. The Dolphins (5-6) have a thin margin for error the rest of the season but have kept themselves afloat with a three-game winning streak. With their win at New England (3-9) in Week 5, the Dolphins have swept their division rivals in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999-2000. Tagovailoa, who moved to 7-0 in his career against New England, entered the game with a league-high 73.4% completion rate and went 29 for 40. Backup Skylar Thompson replaced Tagovailoa with about 11 minutes left in what was already a blowout, but a bad handoff on his first play resulted in a fumble that was recovered by cornerback Christian Gonzalez and returned 63 yards for a touchdown. It cut New England’s deficit to 31-15, and Tagovailoa returned the next drive. TITANS 32, TEXANS 27 HOUSTON (AP) — Will Levis threw for 278 yards and his 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo put Tennessee on top in the fourth quarter and the Titans held on for a win over the Texans. Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled for the touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 9 1/2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. Titans coach Brian Callahan held both hands in the air and smiled after watching the miss that allowed his team to win on a day it had three turnovers. The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. VIKINGS 30, BEARS 27, OT CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up , and Minnesota outlasted Chicago after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings (9-2), who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight. Minnesota appeared to have the game in hand, leading 27-16 with 1:56 left after Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal. But the Bears weren’t finished. Deandre Carter made up for that led to a touchdown in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return to the 40. Williams took it from there, capping an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. A 2-point conversion pass to DJ Moore made it 27-24 with 22 seconds remaining. The Bears recovered the onside kick and Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball. Cairo Santos made a 48-yard field goal as time expired.PSG beats Toulouse 3-0 and Akliouche double gives Monaco home win over Brest

WASHINGTON - Even as the Trump and Biden administrations have maintained aggressive stances on reducing China's role in major U.S. manufacturing sectors, auto industry veterans say it remains impossible to build cars and trucks without help from the Far East. That will likely stay true even if Republican President-elect Donald Trump imposes the sweeping tariff increases on China and others he has threatened ahead of his January return to the White House. "The industry has definitely been committed to building resilience," said Ana Meuwissen, a vice president for government affairs at the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, the trade group representing U.S. vehicle parts suppliers. "But we can't fight the fact that some of these very unique materials and inputs are only available from certain parts of the world." That fact leaves vehicle suppliers - which MEMA says is the largest manufacturing sector in the United States - in a difficult but not entirely new position. Companies that make engines, transmissions and more have six-year-old playbooks on how to navigate Trump's inclination toward tariffs. But the already-strained businesses could be pushed further if the GOP leader elevates trade barriers to new heights in a bid to stem China's undeniable automotive emergence. The trade group, during Trump's first term, was clear in its opposition to tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods that reached up to 25%. "(I)mposing tariffs on motor vehicle parts could simply hurt consumers who need access to affordable motor vehicle parts - not only those buying new cars or companies buying new fleets of trucks but those Americans repairing and maintaining the millions of vehicles that are currently on the roads today," past MEMA president and CEO Steve Handschuh wrote in 2018. "We strongly recommend that President Trump not include motor vehicle parts in his new tariff policy," added Handschuh, who died in 2022. "Tariffs raise alarm bells and could send us backward." Since the tariffs took effect, business conditions for auto parts suppliers have worsened. "Average supplier EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) before COVID was about 8.5%. It's closer to 5% today," said Collin Shaw, MEMA's president for original equipment manufacturers. Shaw did not blame tariffs for the falling profits and tried to downplay current worries over Trump's threats to add blanket, 60% duties on Chinese goods - and perhaps another 10% on top of that. "Whatever happens with tariffs, I think the market will deal with it," he said in a video interview, noting that suppliers are more focused on automation, uncertainty in the market for electric vehicles and developments in artificial intelligence. That market response, trade data show, has been to bring in more automotive parts from Mexico. The United States' southern neighbor - not China - is its biggest trade partner and largest foreign supplier of automotive parts. Still, China's role up and down the auto parts supply chain has grown significantly over the past two decades, both at the highest levels and deep within the industry's complex global trade network. China's growing role China's expanded role on the world automotive stage was a clear, stated objective of national leaders, according to the nonpartisan U.S. International Trade Commission. The Chinese government began setting comprehensive economic plans for its domestic auto industry and automotive parts suppliers 30 years ago. The first edition of that plan - the 1994 Policy on Development of the Automotive Industry - included broad goals for engines and electronics before becoming more detailed over time, ITC analyst David Coffin wrote in a 2019 working paper. A plan 10 years later focused on alternative energy and fuels, and in 2012, China set forth a plan specifically encouraging advancements in electric vehicle batteries and other high-tech parts, like supercapacitors. Those plans have proven successful. About $558 million worth of automotive parts from China came to the United States in 1994, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. That represented approximately 1.2% of all U.S. auto part imports. Both numbers have soared since then. Nearly $18 billion worth of automotive parts from China came to the United States in 2023, accounting for about 9.2% of all U.S. auto part imports. China's biggest role - by total dollar value - is in "Other Parts Manufacturing." That broad category includes items like wheel rims, windshield wipers, airbags and filters. Parsing similar data in 2019, Coffin of the Trade Commission wrote that this "seems to indicate that the Chinese automotive parts industry has been successful in supplying a range of components." Beyond that broad grouping, China's role shows up in more specific parts of the auto supply industry. The country, famously, has become the dominant global producer of electric vehicle batteries. The United States has tried to catch up through sizable investments from the Biden administration into domestic production capacity, but it will take years for new facilities to come online. In 2023, North America was able to meet about 63% of its own EV battery needs, according to an analysis by the International Energy Agency. China met 17% of that need, though that figure understates continued U.S. dependence on China for raw and processed minerals used in domestic battery production. Reliance on China also shows up in the supply chain for aftermarket parts used by mechanics. In 2021, for example, the United States manufactured about $9.2 billion worth of vehicle brake systems. Imports from China for that category - mostly replacement brake rotors - were valued at about $1.5 billion, while $4.4 billion came from the rest of the world. Altogether, that means China accounted for more than a tenth of the U.S. auto industry's brake systems manufacturing in 2021. The United States notably continues to manufacture more automotive parts - at least by dollar value - than it imports. The value of U.S. motor vehicle parts manufacturing in 2021 was about $276 billion, compared to $139 billion in imports from all countries, according to a Detroit News analysis of the most recent Census Bureau data. Those figures, however, leave out important details about economic activity at lower levels of the supply chain. Parts of parts China's role in U.S. automotive parts has grown in ways not easily visible through high-level U.S. import and manufacturing data. "Let's assume a gearbox. There's a four-tier system," said Tu Le, managing director of Sino Auto Insights, an innovation and management consulting firm with offices in Detroit and China. He previously worked in sourcing for General Motors Co. and Lear Corp., a major automotive parts supplier. Le described gearboxes - also known as transmissions - as "bad shippers." Completed ones are too heavy and cumbersome for affordable shipping around the world, so companies instead ship their component parts and assemble the final systems near auto assembly plants. But there are steps even before that. "The raw material gets turned into a semi-raw material of this component. And then this component gets built into this module. And then this module gets shipped to the factory that builds the gearbox," Le explained. "It's three or four levels deep." Items that enter the United States through Canada or Mexico - and are appraised by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as goods from those two countries - are increasingly made with the help of lower-value subcomponents from China. About 4% of Mexican imports of automotive parts, accessories and subcomponents came from China in 2012, according to United Nations' Comtrade database data. Those imports represented about $883 million. China's share has since tripled to roughly 12%, or $4 billion, in 2023. That expansion in Mexico is consistent with general trends in the U.S. economy since Trump imposed 25% tariffs on many Chinese products during his first term. "(T)he reshaping of U.S. imports away from China may not have reduced dependence on China as much as import numbers suggest," University of California San Diego economist Caroline Freund wrote in a recent journal article. She and her co-authors explained that was because countries like Mexico "that were more deeply engaged in Chinese supply chains experienced the most rapid export growth to the U.S." In other words, Freund's findings indicate that global businesses have adapted to Trump's first-term tariffs by adjusting their supply chains to suppress - but not always reduce - China's role. If (new) tariffs happen Looking ahead to potential new tariffs or other trade barriers, Le emphasized that "this is the complexity we have to deal with." If Trump targets every level of the automotive supply chain, then the difficulty for parts producers to reconfigure their business would be "orders of magnitude larger." "Parts are transformed and worked on all over the globe," said Shaw, of MEMA. "It's very hard to separate some of those global environments. We have teams that are working cross-functionally across different regions. It's not only China." Disrupting those linkages to avoid tariffs could be costly in both money and time. "We need something that we know is validated - that the industry has been able to test - to establish those relationships, to then source appropriately for our products," said Meuwissen, of MEMA. Increased duties on Chinese products specifically would likely lead industry leaders to add second manufacturing locations for the product, said Warren Browne, an auto supplier consultant and former GM executive who worked at the carmaker for 40 years. “Let's double tool it, put it into Mexico and therefore we can balance the political dynamics by determining how much we want to make in China and how much we want to make in Mexico,” Browne said. “They're probably doing that as we speak. That mitigates the risk.” Some businesses could also opt to source their products from new countries. “If it's China only, manufacturers will go through a natural process of determining whether first double tooling makes sense or secondly whether resourcing to South Korea or Mexico makes sense,” Browne said. “If they had to resource, it would take six months if they have never talked to a supplier. If they had double tooling, they could get that double tooling going and pull that trigger whenever they wanted to.” But sourcing from another country and double tooling both come with potential consequences, including cost impacts and unhappy China-based suppliers. “In the case of duties on everybody, it just becomes monumentally more complex, including the increase of domestic parts cost,” Browne said. “If you put the duties on everybody, costs just go up, both for domestic and for imported.” "We still do need materials from China," Meuwissen acknowledged, adding that the most crucial ones include semiconductors, critical minerals, batteries and magnets that the Biden administration has targeted through its own set of new tariffs announced in May. She continued: "These are things that currently the industry simply cannot source at the volume that it needs from other locations."A late-game rally derailed by a missed field goal and Cowboys stun Commanders 34-26Prospera Financial Services Inc grew its position in Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust ( NYSEAMERICAN:CEF – Free Report ) by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 19,950 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust were worth $489,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. CENTRAL TRUST Co boosted its stake in shares of Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust by 0.8% during the third quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 7,829,112 shares of the company’s stock valued at $191,735,000 after purchasing an additional 63,310 shares in the last quarter. Bluefin Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust by 17.4% during the 1st quarter. Bluefin Capital Management LLC now owns 3,385,362 shares of the company’s stock valued at $68,858,000 after acquiring an additional 500,751 shares in the last quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust by 12.7% in the 2nd quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 2,055,164 shares of the company’s stock valued at $45,316,000 after acquiring an additional 232,222 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC raised its position in shares of Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust by 24.4% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,560,442 shares of the company’s stock worth $31,739,000 after acquiring an additional 306,168 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in shares of Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust by 7.5% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 728,158 shares of the company’s stock worth $16,056,000 after purchasing an additional 51,024 shares during the last quarter. Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust Stock Performance CEF opened at $25.08 on Friday. Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust has a 1 year low of $18.04 and a 1 year high of $26.50. Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust Company Profile Sprott Physical Gold & Silver Trust operates as a closed-ended investment fund/investment trust. The company was founded on October 26, 2017 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CEF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust ( NYSEAMERICAN:CEF – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Is there anyone among us who hasn't been hypnotized by a late-night infomercial selling a random gadget or doodad that promises a life of bliss? Didn't think so — and for those who prefer practical presents they can actually use, As Seen On TV products make great holiday gifts. A that's lightweight and flexible? Yes! A that weighs less than 2 pounds? Sounds good. Those are just a few of the gifty gadgets you'll find at Walmart right now. Handy Heater Freedom Wearable Ceramic Heater Horsepower Duck Vacuum Evertone Women's Comfort Toe Straightener Spa and Relax Slippers GraniteStone Robo Twist Electric Automatic Jar Opener Huggle Wearable Blanket Hoodie TubShroom Drain Hair Catcher NutriChopper Vegetable Slicer Miracle Smile Water Flosser GraniteStone Nutriblade Steak Knives, 6-Pack Gopher II Deluxe Grabber Pillow Pad Multi-Angle Tablet Stand Better Brella Inverted Umbrella Fur Daddy Sonic Pet Hair Remover True Touch 5-Finger Deshedding Glove BulbHead Ruby Sliders Chair Pads, 8-Pack In the harsh light of day, it can be hard to justify buying these items for yourself, but as a gift for someone you love? They make total sense. Your friend with enviably long hair will undoubtedly appreciate this drain-saving , while this will be a welcome sight for your husband/sous chef. Not 100% sold? Reviewers often love these products and rave about their effectiveness. Said one fan of a clever that closes upward, "I no longer get soaked getting in or out of the car. I've bought four more to use as gifts." If someone on your holiday shopping list still has you stumped, these As Seen On TV picks from Walmart might be exactly what you're looking for. They're all $40 or less, and they'll get plenty of use all year long. Not only is this a great gift for , but it's a nice pick for people who have to spend time outdoors in frigid conditions. Dads who have to shovel the driveway? Teachers on recess duty? This lightweight heater can be worn around the neck to deliver warmth on demand. Genius, right? It's cordless and rechargeable, and each charge gives it six hours of power. "This is really good!" one happy customer raved. "I can't believe how warm it gets. It is perfect for outdoor activities like football games. I also like how comfortable it is, plus I can plug in my phone to the USB port for charging." Anyone with kids will appreciate this rechargeable handheld vacuum. It's just right for grabbing cookie crumbs and errant fries from the car's floor and in between the seats. Despite the fact that it weighs just over a pound, this easy-to-use gadget packs a lot of power. Shoppers give it 4.8 out of 5 stars. "The vacuum is very lightweight, but does the job," one said. "It is easy to handle and store." At first glance, these may look like just another pair of soft, cozy faux fur slippers, but they're so much more. The soles are made from thick memory foam that hugs the foot with each step, plus the slippers feature clever toe dividers to help relieve pressure and encourage proper alignment. We all know someone who's constantly complaining of foot pain, right? For anyone with weakness or pain in their hands, twisting stubborn lids can be quite the challenge. So why not let a robot do the hard work? This electric jar opener is a nifty little gizmo that clips onto practically any lid and pries it off with the push of a button. How's that for efficiency? Let's do the twist! This reviewer agreed: "Easy to use to open difficult jars." The name says it all. The Huggle is a hoodie and a blanket in one, which makes for optimal coziness on cold days and nights. Chilly tootsies? No longer, thanks to the extra-cozy fleece with a sherpa lining. "Feels like you are wrapped in kittens!" exclaimed a comfy customer. "They are so soft and cozy. My daughter doesn't want to take hers off even when she gets too warm because she says it feels so good. My 17-year-old son practically lives in his. Warning ... if you plan on using this as loungewear, don't plan on getting anything done. You will be in 'lazy mode' until you force yourself to take it off." The tagline here is "No more clogs," but it could be "No more tears" as friends and family with shedding strands never again deal with blocked pipes. They can also say goodbye to caustic chemicals that never actually fix the problem. With TubShroom, each strand wraps around the ingenious cylinder instead of going down the drain. "It really works!" raved a fan. "When I ordered the TubShroom, I was skeptical. ... but surprise, surprise. I absolutely love it. I don't worry about clogging my tub anymore. It fits the drain perfectly and traps all the hair I lose whenever I wash my hair. I'm going to buy a few more to give as gifts to family members." With this gizmo, there's no more tears chopping onions — or tending to cuts after a knife goes awry. Three stainless-steel blades make four chopping styles possible: thick, thin, cube and stick. It's also easy to store and dishwasher-safe. Ideal for holiday meals! One chopper wrote, "I have arthritis and this works wonderfully for me." Another reported, "I needed a better and safer way to cut vegetables, and this is great. I would buy this again." When regular flossing won't do, it's time to bring in the muscle. This gizmo gets rid of residue between the teeth and gum line — a breeding ground for plaque and tartar (and the reason you keep rescheduling your cleaning). A happy reviewer wrote, "My youngest granddaughter just had braces put on and was struggling with food stuck and flossing with dental floss ... this device has taken care of these problems and has made her very happy, which makes me happy!" If you've had an episode of interrupted by a commercial with someone squealing, "I thought you had to be a professional chef to cut like this," this knife set might look familiar. Perfect for anyone in your life who loves slicing and dicing in the kitchen, Nutriblades slice beautifully, plus they're easy to hold and clean. "Great knife set," shared a fan. "These knives are very sharp. They make a perfect cut on meat, and vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, squash, etc. I'm very happy with my purchase. The knives are beautiful and well-made." Some of us are not blessed with height. Some of us have aches and pains that prevent us from stretching. The Gopher is a hero to all. It can extend your reach by nearly 3 feet, allowing you to conquer those high shelves and low cabinets. Its rotating head lets you get into hard-to-reach spots, and the included suction cup means you get a better grip. This shopper just can't get enough of their Gopher: "My buddy, my bestie, my savior! My recovery would've meant even more agony if I didn't have my grabber because I drop everything. I traveled out-of-state for surgery, so it folded in my suitcase with little to no space taken up." This clever cushion lets the tablet addict in your life use their device while sitting or lying down. Three adjustable angles mean there's no more wrestling with the tablet, and it even comes with a built-in side pocket for storing a phone or accessories like AirPods, glasses or chargers. Its built-in ledge means it can be used to prop up a device or a book too. The ultra-soft cover is removable and machine-washable. Comes in four colors. "I was a little skeptical at first," admitted one shopper. "But I love this cushioned tablet holder because I can use it while sitting on the couch or lying in bed (the actual reason I bought it). It is lightweight but very stable, and flipping it for different positions is so easy. I use it for my tablet and phone. I will buy one for my daughter." Sure, the average umbrella keeps you dry, but we all know how it drips all over the house as soon as you walk in the door. The Better Brella closes upward, trapping all the wet folds of cloth and preventing them from leaking all over the floor. This inverted umbrella is also windproof up to 50 mph. One reviewer purchased one after seeing this product advertised on TV: I ordered this after seeing the infomercial because it just made sense. The Better Brella is exactly that — better! I don't get wet getting out of my car, my papers don't get wet when I get in my car, and there are no drips on the floor or carpet when I enter a building. Brilliant product — several friends have purchased one since I received mine." Shopping for a pet parent? This little gadget employs sonic technology to lift dog and cat hair off of furniture, carpets, drapes, bedding, clothing and more. Drag it along the surface of your couch and the sonic vibrations loosen trapped hair as the microfiber bristles cling to it and lift it up and away. The device is reusable, much like a handheld vacuum, and has a built-in LED light to illuminate where hair is hiding. This reviewer said it works great for homes with cats: "We have a cat with long hair who constantly sheds and the sonic pet hair remover really works. Best pet hair remover I've found! A great purchase!" Another must-have for the pet owners in your life? This clever glove that makes it easy to groom a dog or cat while giving them some attention at the same time. This right-handed glove with five fingers and a silicone palm has textured grips that cling to stray hair and fur and remove it with each stroke. Pets will love the free massage, and owners love that it prevents fur from building up around the home. It's suitable for all breeds of dogs and cats. Take it from this reviewer: "Our cat hated to be brushed. Got this for her for Christmas and she loves it! It was almost scary how much fur it took off, but no more hairballs. Easy enough to clean, and she can't get enough 'petting' from it! Would recommend." New homeowners are sure to love — and use! — these protective felt feet for furniture that keep hardwood and tile flooring looking sharp. The flexible Ruby Sliders slip onto most legs and stay firmly in place. At the bottom of each is a felt disk that won't scratch your flooring even as heavy furniture shifts. The secret to this design is the silicone material, which keeps a tight seal around the furniture legs. Unlike other felt feet, these cups also protect the lower part of each leg from wayward vacuums, feet and the like. This reviewer plans to purchase more: "Love these sliders! My chairs screech horribly when chairs are moved. I heard about these and decided to try them out. I got just one package to try. I'll be getting two more packages for the other four chairs. I have large round bottoms on my chairs. I found that turning them inside out and stretching and 'unrolling' the sides was easiest." Want to save even more? Make sure you're signed up for . It's easy to . You'll get free shipping and grocery delivery, savings on gas and prescriptions, exclusive access to major deals, and more. (And by the way, those without still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

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) 209-2947DETROIT — Fifty years later, a man who grew up in suburban Detroit tried to return a very overdue baseball book to his boyhood library. The answer: You can keep it — and no fine. Chuck Hildebrandt, 63, of Chicago said he visited the public library in Warren while in town for Thanksgiving, carrying a book titled "Baseball's Zaniest Stars." He borrowed it in 1974 as a 13-year-old "baseball nut" but never returned it. Chuck Hildebrandt of Chicago holds the book "Baseball's Zaniest Stars," which was due Dec. 4, 1974, at the Warren, Mich., library, on Dec. 10. "When you're moving with a bunch of books, you're not examining every book. You throw them in a box and go," said Hildebrandt, who lived in many cities. "But five or six years ago, I was going through the bookshelf and there was a Dewey decimal library number on the book. 'What is this?'" Inside the book was a slip of paper indicating it was due back at the Warren library on Dec. 4, 1974. Hildebrandt told The Associated Press he decided to keep the book until 2024 — the 50th anniversary — and then try to return it. He figured the library might want to publicize the long overdue exchange. Chuck Hildebrandt of Chicago shows the library slip in the overdue book "Baseball's Zaniest Stars" on Dec. 10. He said he recently met library director Oksana Urban, who listened to his pitch. Hildebrandt said he hasn't heard anything since then, though Urban told the Detroit Free Press that all is forgiven. "Some people never come back to face the music," she said of patrons with overdue books. "But there was really no music to face because he and the book were erased from our system." So "Baseball's Zaniest Stars" is back on Hildebrandt's shelf. In return, he's now trying to raise $4,564 for Reading is Fundamental , a nonprofit literacy group. The amount roughly represents a 50-year overdue library fine. Hildebrandt seeded the effort with $457. The Major League Baseball draft is unique among professional sports drafts. The 30 organizations pick teenagers and college students who will not join their big league clubs for years—if ever. These athletes will spend that time honing their craft in the minor leagues, where long bus rides and minuscule paychecks are the norm. A few will move quickly up the ranks, seizing playing time opportunities to advance their careers and making their names known to scouts, fans, and other observers around the country. Some of the best will become MLB stars, but there's minimal correlation to draft position. Four of the players on this list were picked after hundreds of other diamond darlings, and only two were #1 overall selections. There's also more than a handful who didn't do much for the teams that drafted them, including superstars such as Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Randy Johnson. Each of these players was traded before they evolved into Hall of Famers. Still, calling the draft a "crapshoot" might be going too far. College players are " slightly more likely " than high schoolers to reach the revered stadiums of the majors, and third-rounders have a better chance than fifth-rounders, for example, though the margins are slim, as Vice reported. Teams not only make picks based on years-in-advance projections but also whether they can sign players, a step that must be completed before those youngsters begin playing professionally. To see how clubs have fared since the inaugural draft in 1965, ATS.io compiled a list of the best draft pick by each franchise using data from Baseball Reference . The players were ranked using career wins above replacement , so not one recent choice was named. The amazing Mike Trout, a 32-year-old selected in 2009, is the youngest player. Unsigned picks were not considered, and players who were traded as picks were credited to their acquiring teams. Data is as of June 5, 2024. - Draft: 11th overall pick in 2006 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 457 - Career stats: 214 wins, 3.15 earned run average, 1.08 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: University of Missouri (Columbia, Mo.) - Wins above replacement: 75.0 - Draft: 1st overall pick in 1990 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,499 - Career stats: 468 home runs, .303 batting average, .930 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) - Wins above replacement: 85.3 - Draft: 48th overall pick in 1978 - Position: Third baseman - Games played: 3,001 - Career stats: 431 home runs, .276 batting average, .788 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Aberdeen HS (Aberdeen, Md.) - Wins above replacement: 95.9 - Draft: 19th overall pick in 1983 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 709 - Career stats: 354 wins, 3.12 earned run average, 1.17 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas) - Wins above replacement: 139.2 - Draft: 31st overall pick in 1984 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 744 - Career stats: 355 wins, 3.16 earned run average, 1.14 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Valley HS (Las Vegas, Nev.) - Wins above replacement: 106.6 - Draft: 7th overall pick in 1989 - Position: First baseman - Games played: 2,322 - Career stats: 521 home runs, .301 batting average, .974 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Auburn University (Auburn, Ala.) - Wins above replacement: 73.8 - Draft: 333rd overall pick in 1989 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,543 - Career stats: 612 home runs, .276 batting average, .956 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Illinois Central College (East Peoria, Ill.) - Wins above replacement: 73.1 - Draft: 2nd overall pick in 2004 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 518 - Career stats: 260 wins, 3.25 earned run average, 1.12 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Va.) - Wins above replacement: 81.7 - Draft: 29th overall pick in 1971 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,707 - Career stats: 317 home runs, .305 batting average, .857 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: El Segundo HS (El Segundo, Calif.) - Wins above replacement: 88.6 - Draft: 25th overall pick in 2009 - Position: Centerfielder - Games played: 1,518 - Career stats: 378 home runs, .299 batting average, .991 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Millville Senior HS (Millville, N.J.) - Wins above replacement: 86.1 - Draft: 7th overall pick in 2006 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 425 - Career stats: 210 wins, 2.48 earned run average, 1.00 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Highland Park HS (Dallas, Texas) - Wins above replacement: 79.7 - Draft: 76th overall pick in 2007 - Position: First baseman - Games played: 1,589 - Career stats: 417 home runs, .258 batting average, .874 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Notre Dame HS (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) - Wins above replacement: 44.3 - Draft: 3rd overall pick in 1973 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,856 - Career stats: 251 home runs, .285 batting average, .772 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: William Howard Taft Charter HS (Woodland Hills, Calif.) - Wins above replacement: 77.4 - Draft: 55th overall pick in 1969 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 692 - Career stats: 287 wins, 3.31 earned run average, 1.20 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Santiago HS (Garden Grove, Calif.) - Wins above replacement: 94.5 - Draft: 295th overall pick in 1965 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 807 - Career stats: 324 wins, 3.19 earned run average, 1.25 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Alvin HS (Alvin, Texas) - Wins above replacement: 81.3 - Draft: 6th overall pick in 1992 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,747 - Career stats: 260 home runs, .310 batting average, .817 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Central HS (Kalamazoo, Mich.) - Wins above replacement: 71.3 - Draft: 6th overall pick in 1985 - Position: Outfielder - Games played: 2,986 - Career stats: 762 home runs, .298 batting average, 1.051 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Arizona State University (Tempe, Ariz.) - Wins above replacement: 162.8 - Draft: 86th overall pick in 1977 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,573 - Career stats: 28 home runs, .262 batting average, .666 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) - Wins above replacement: 76.9 - Draft: 2nd overall pick in 1985 - Position: First baseman - Games played: 1,976 - Career stats: 284 home runs, .303 batting average, .880 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, Miss.) - Wins above replacement: 56.5 - Draft: 1st overall pick in 1993 - Position: Shortstop - Games played: 2,784 - Career stats: 696 home runs, .295 batting average, .930 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Westminster Christian School (Miami, Fla.) - Wins above replacement: 117.6 - Draft: 402nd overall pick in 1999 - Position: Third baseman - Games played: 3,080 - Career stats: 703 home runs, .296 batting average, .918 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods (Kansas City, Mo.) - Wins above replacement: 101.4 - Draft: 3rd overall pick in 2006 - Position: Third baseman - Games played: 1,986 - Career stats: 342 home runs, .264 batting average, .804 on-base plus slugging - College/HS: California State University, Long Beach (Long Beach, Calif.) - Wins above replacement: 58.6 - Draft: 4th overall pick in 1986 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 486 - Career stats: 211 wins, 3.28 earned run average, 1.22 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Ga.) - Wins above replacement: 67.8 - Draft: 17th overall pick in 1995 - Position: Pitcher - Games played: 416 - Career stats: 203 wins, 3.38 earned run average, 1.18 walks plus hits per inning - College/HS: Arvada West HS (Arvada, Colo.) - Wins above replacement: 64.2 Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!iPhone 17 to Ditch the Bump? 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Bluesky finds with growth comes growing painsHighlights from Trump's interview with Time magazineDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Filip Skobalj had 19 points in UIC's 96-83 win over La Salle on Friday. Skobalj shot 6 of 8 from the field, including 4 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 3 from the line for the Flames (4-2). Jordan Mason scored 18 points, going 5 of 8 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and 7 for 8 from the line. Tyem Freeman had 13 points and went 4 of 5 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range). The Explorers (4-2) were led in scoring by Deuce Jones, who finished with 21 points, four assists and two steals. Daeshon Shepherd added 15 points, two steals and two blocks for La Salle. Andres Marrero also had 15 points. UIC led 48-39 at halftime, with Skobalj racking up 13 points. UIC pulled away with a 7-0 run in the second half to extend its lead to 22 points. Ahmad Henderson II led the way with a team-high 10 second-half points for UIC. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .