Stryker Corp. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that anything short of immediate dismissal would undermine the transition of power, as well as the “overwhelming national mandate" granted to Trump by voters last month. They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” Merchan hasn’t yet set a timetable for a decision. He could decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. An outright dismissal of the New York case would further lift a legal cloud that at one point carried the prospect of derailing Trump’s political future. Last week, special counsel Jack Smith told courts that he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump — one charging him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate, the other with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost — citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office.

Today's fortune: Dec. 6, 2024 Published: 06 Dec. 2024, 07:00 Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today’s prediction. Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 (Nov. 6 on the lunar calendar ) Rat Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: south 1936: You may find financial opportunities. 1948: A cheerful expense might brighten your day. 1960: You may become lucky with food. 1972: A warm and heartfelt day lies ahead. 1984: Do your best, and luck will favor you. 1996: Expect both spending and gains. Ox Wealth: fair Health: good Love: happy Lucky direction: west 1937: Life may feel filled with happiness. 1949: Be proud of the life you’ve lived. 1961: Today is the best day, so enjoy it. 1973: It’s your time to shine. 1985: Success is near. 1997: Luck seems to favor you. Tiger Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: conflicting Lucky direction: north 1938: Something new awaits. 1950: You are not the only one who can do that. 1962: Letting go and simplifying can be freeing. 1974: Release the old to welcome the new. 1986: Conflicts within relationships may show up. 1998: A meeting or event may not go as planned. Rabbit Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: east 1939: Care for yourself before tending to others. 1951: Eat more fruits and vegetables. 1963: Water the seeds of growth around you. 1975: Gentleness often overcomes harshness. 1987: Steady growth requires patience. 1999: Maintain a positive mindset for success. Dragon Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: south 1940: A joyful heart may fill your day. 1952: Good news may come your way. 1964: Look forward to a pleasant meeting. 1976: The higher you aim, the stronger the winds may blow. 1988: Social gatherings or outings may bring happiness. 2000: Spend quality time with good friends. Snake Wealth: excellent Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: south 1941: Everything has its rightful place. 1953: You may find value in everything. 1965: More is better. 1977: Collaboration leads to growth and success. 1989: Stick together as a team for great outcomes. 2001: Expect an expansion in your social network. Horse Wealth: average Health: average Love: jealous Lucky direction: north 1942: Carry yourself with grace and dignity. 1954: Every action has a reason. 1966: Avoid confusing discipline with criticism. 1978: Stay neutral in disputes to maintain balance. 1990: Be neutral and listen to both sides. 2002: Focus on appreciating what you have. Sheep Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: west 1943: Familiar routines bring comfort and ease. 1955: You may acquire something new and useful. 1967: Clear communication enhances teamwork. 1979: Hard work always pays off. 1991: Avoid delaying important tasks. 2003: White is a lucky color for you. Monkey Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: fleeting Lucky direction: west 1944: Silence sometimes is the best choice. 1956: Expectations may not align with reality. 1968: Every outcome has a reason. 1980: Write down your plans to avoid miscommunication. 1992: Sweet moments may come with hidden risks. 2004: Be realistic about what you can achieve. Rooster Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: passionate Lucky direction: northeast 1945: Plans may not match reality. 1957: Consider your age and health when making decisions. 1969: Confidence is good, but avoid overstepping. 1981: Stay behind the scenes rather than taking the lead. 1993: Avoid showing off. 2005: Confidence is key, but balance it with humility. Dog Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: east 1946: Ordinary moments may bring great joy. 1958: Anticipate a cheerful and refreshing day. 1970: Share stories about yourself. 1982: Avoid excessive drinking and unsafe decisions. 1994: A group meeting or team activity may strengthen bonds. 2006: Knock, and opportunities will open. Pig Wealth: fair Health: good Love: social Lucky direction: south 1935: Live joyfully and optimistically. 1947: Appreciate how life has improved over time. 1959: Invitations to gatherings may arise. 1971: Seek relationships built on mutual growth. 1983: Enjoy meaningful and beneficial interactions. 1995: Expect friendly meetings or a romantic date. 2007: Anticipate pleasant encounters or quality time.The opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, Lynda Tabuya and Barbara Malimali The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption reiterates its commitment to impartiality and evidence-based decision-making. It is assuring the public that all investigations and subsequent actions are conducted without bias or any form of favour or fear. This comes in response to the statement released by the opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, regarding recent events involving the former Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya. Seruiratu raised concerns about the influence of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali in closing the investigation into Tabuya’s false declaration. He called for an investigation into whether Tabuya exerted any influence over Malimali to end the case, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of Fiji’s anti-corruption institutions. According to the FICAC statement, the Commission had received a complaint, referred by the office of the Supervisor of Elections, on 5th April this year, alleging that Tabuya had failed to declare her spouse’s income and business affiliations as required by section 24 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act. A subsequent investigation was authorized by former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, on 24 April this year, and an inquiry was conducted. The investigation confirmed that Tabuya’s marriage to Robert Semaan had been formally and legally dissolved in December 2016. Investigators then made a recommendation for closure of the file on August 5th this year. Former ADC Puleiwai formally closed the file on August 12th this year. It says that neither party was represented by Barbara Malimali during the divorce case between Semaan and Tabuya while Malimali was in private practice.Appian To Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Chargers by 1 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 8-4. Against the spread: Chargers 7-3-1, Falcons 5-6. Last meeting: Chargers beat Falcons 20-17 on Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Last week: Ravens beat Chargers, 30-23; Falcons had bye week following 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17. Chargers offense: overall (21), rush (13), pass (20), scoring (18). Chargers defense: overall (13), rush (10), pass (10), scoring (13). Falcons offense: overall (8), rush (14), pass (5), scoring (16). Falcons defense: overall (25), rush (19), pass (26), scoring (26). Turnover differential: Chargers plus-8, Falcons minus-3. RB Gus Edwards will move up as the lead back for Los Angeles after J.K Dobbins (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. Edwards was activated from IR earlier this month following an ankle injury and had nine carries for 11 yards with a touchdown in Monday night's 30-23 loss to Baltimore. Story continues below video WR Drake London has 61 catches, leaving him four away from becoming the first player in team history to have at least 65 receptions in each of his first three seasons. London has 710 receiving yards, leaving him 140 away from becoming the first player in team history with at least 850 in each of his first three seasons. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Chargers' run defense. Robinson was shut down by Denver, gaining only 35 yards on 12 carries, and the Atlanta offense couldn't recover. The Chargers rank 10th in the league against the run, so it will be a challenge for the Falcons to find a way to establish a ground game with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. A solid running attack would create an opportunity for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to establish the play-action passes for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Besides Dobbins, the Chargers also placed S Alohi Gilman (hamstring) on injured reserve. CB Cam Hart (ankle) and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) also have been ruled out. ... The Falcons needed the bye to give a long list of injured players an opportunity to heal. WR WR KhaDarel Hodge (neck) did not practice on Wednesday. WR Darnell Mooney (Achilles), CB Kevin King (concussion), DL Zach Harrison (knee, Achilles) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) were hurt in the 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17 and were limited on Wednesday. CB Mike Hughes (neck), nickel back Dee Alford (hamstring), ILB Troy Andersen (knee), TE Charlie Woerner (concussion) and ILB JD Bertrand (concussion) also were limited on Wednesday after not playing against Denver. C Drew Dalman (ankle) could return. The Chargers have won the past three games in the series following six consecutive wins by the Falcons from 1991-2012. Los Angeles took a 33-30 overtime win in Atlanta in 2016 before the Chargers added 20-17 wins at home in 2020 and in Atlanta in 2022. The Falcons won the first meeting between the teams, 41-0 in San Diego in 1973. Each team has built its record on success against the soft NFC South. Atlanta is 4-1 against division rivals. Los Angeles is 2-0 against the NFC South this season. The Chargers have a four-game winning streak against the division. ... Atlanta is 0-2 against AFC West teams, following a 22-17 loss to Kansas City and the lopsided loss at Denver. The Falcons will complete their tour of the AFC West with a game at the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 16. ... The Falcons are the league's only first-place team with a negative points differential. Atlanta has been outscored 274-244. The loss of Dobbins, who has rushed for eight touchdowns, could put more pressure on QB Justin Hebert and the passing game. Herbert's favorite option has been WR Ladd McConkey, who has four TD receptions among his 49 catches for 698 yards. McConkey, the former University of Georgia standout who was drafted in the second round, could enjoy a productive return to the state against a Falcons defense that ranks only 26th against the pass. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Subscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Hyperallergic We’re funded by readers like you! If you value our reviews and news reporting, we need your support more than ever. Please join us as a member today. Already a member? Sign in here. Support Hyperallergic’s independent arts journalism for as little as $8 per month. Become a Member SHANGHAI — In late September 2024, an avatar of Rindon Johnson plunged into the Pacific Ocean — a digital body in a virtual sea. It was the beginning of a seven-month journey from San Francisco to Shanghai, as well as an exhibition timed down to the second to reflect this crossing. Unfolding this oceanscape’s varied horizons across the multiple floors of Shanghai’s Rockbund Art Museum, Best Synthetic Answer charts the fluid potentials of contemporary Black subjectivity as it collides with the fluid life-worlds of a dynamic sea. Our understanding of the ocean is shaped by our subjectivity, and Johnson maps the Pacific in varied ways throughout the exhibition. A large, stained-glass vista of swirling islands and currents stretches across the large open space on the floor of the upstairs gallery, making up the ceiling of the gallery below. “Language is a virus...” (all works 2024) is pieced together from marble-like Tiffany glass, a quintessentially American material. The map’s Gilded Age grandeur highlights the ravenous imperial gaze that orients many an act of cartography, and foregrounds the biases that inevitably infuse aspects of the American artist’s avatar and their journey. Slipping through this glass, sunlight softly illuminates “Best Synthetic Answer #1: Crossing... ” a floor below. Though bolstered by video essays and audio accompaniments that explore the overlapping histories of colonialism and resistance in the Pacific, the Artificial Intelligence animation, which takes up a wall of this gallery, is the crux of the exhibition. The camera follows Johnson’s avatar at all times as they swim. In the corner of the screen is another map, linking sites of United States imperialism and marking the fraught and jagged route that Johnson’s avatar will follow. Yet American extractivism is only one of the violent forces set to steer and buffet them as they drag themselves through the water. Using data on weather and pollution in the Pacific, painfully up-to-date with our climate in crisis, Johnson’s algorithm will determine how the waves churn around them, the amount of garbage battering their body at any given moment. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities What effect will this avatar’s navigation of this maelstrom of late capitalism have? Katherine McKittrick attests in a publication accompanying the show that Blackness is an experience fundamentally shaped by geography — forced transport and segregation, to name just two forces. However, this dynamic is reciprocal — Black experience creates a ripple that shifts the surface of the space around it, sends currents through the depths. Johnson’s journey is an audacious undertaking, invested in the ever-expansive fluidity of Black identity, curious about what it might make of one of our planet’s most varied geographies. Yet while Johnson’s avatar may forge their own path, there’s nowhere that virtual representations of Black bodies don’t already circulate, trafficked as memes, ads, and icons of pop culture . As Johnson’s avatar swims away from America, they swim into conversation with this expanded world of representation. In a tender nod to this reality, Johnson grounds the Black figure at the heart of the exhibition in his own family. On the exhibition’s lowest, darkest floor, a slide projector clicks through snapshots of the artist’s early vacations to Hawaii: His mother beaming in a bathing suit, his father caught with a golf club mid-swing. They are images that capture both the particularities of Black childhood in the ’90s, as well as the aspirations typical to American life. Installed alongside a vitrine of glowing marine algae cultivated for the exhibition, the photos are a reminder of the immensity of the interior world of Blackness, an ecosystem of experience and feeling as vast and varied as the Pacific. And as Johnson’s avatar swims between two superpowers — centers of their own ideological universes — the artist allows us to shift focus away from these monoliths towards an abundant and dynamic sea. Editor’s Note: The author’s travel and accommodations were provided by the Rockbund Art Museum. Rindon Johnson: Best Synthetic Answer continues at the Rockbund Art Museum (Huqiu Road No. 20 , Shanghai, China) through April 6, 2025. The exhibition was organized by the museum. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn FacebookA REGENERATION programme to build new homes in Rhyl has been completed two years after it started, with families due to move in to them next week. The Edward Henry Street scheme, led by housing association ClwydAlyn, has seen 13 three-bedroom, affordable, energy efficient houses built, replacing 33 now-demolished flats. In doing so, the houses which formed a 1929 sketch by the artist, LS Lowry, have been replaced. the houses will become occupied by new tenants from Monday (December 2). Key stakeholders and dignitaries, including the mayor of Rhyl, Cllr Cheryl Williams, attended a special event to celebrate the Rhyl-based firm, NWPS Construction LTD, delivered the construction work, with the properties’ heating and energy coming from air source heat pumps and solar panels. Their timber-framed structures and high insulation levels add to their energy efficiency, while they each have 40m2 of garden space for, a patio, and an outdoor storage area. Each property also has its own car parking space and electric vehicle charging point, while some include exterior bird spikes to deter seagulls and a hole in its fence panels for hedgehogs to move through. Craig Sparrow, executive director of development at ClwydAlyn, said: “It’s never easy doing a but we’re really pleased with it now. They’ve proved really popular. “It’s great to take away flats and replace them with houses, and change the demographic of some of the area. “You could quite easily build 40 flats on here, but that was never the right thing to do. You can’t put a family with four kids in a flat. If you just cram in density all the time, you’re not changing the area. “I’m from Rhyl, and this street did have a bad reputation. At one time, people wouldn’t have wanted to live in . Once you do something like this, it changes people’s minds. “You’re close to all of the facilities in Rhyl here, you can have reduced car ownership, they’re big houses, and they’re so energy efficient that bills are going to be really low.” Those moving in to include families who had been in temporary accommodation, or on a waiting list for housing, for between four and six years. Funded by Welsh Government and ClwydAlyn, each also has its own room for office space at the front of the premises, while rent is estimated to cost about £150 per week. ClwydAlyn “pushed back” to make it wider for pedestrians to use, meanwhile. The houses are available on both social and intermediate rents, while there are no ground-floor bedrooms, to further enhance tenants’ protection against potential flooding. Of the 13 new three-storey homes, five fall into Rhyl’s “conservation area”, so look the same as the flats whose place they have taken, in order to preserve the area’s heritage. Those within the conservation area are yellow in colour, while the eight houses outside it are red, and have slightly different tiling. This scheme is part of ClwydAlyn's development programme to deliver further 1,500 new homes in North Wales by 2025 at an investment of £250m, bringing the total number of homes in management to more than 7,500.

Multi-Role AI, Technology and Finance Company on Track for NASDAQ Listing and $1 Billion Annual Revenue Goal: iQSTEL, Inc. (Stock Symbol: IQST) 12-03-2024 09:36 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: CAP, LLC - Diversified Business with Divisions Focused on Telecommunications, Fintech, Electric Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence and More. - Powerful Growth Rate with FY2023 Revenues of $144 Million and a Forecasted $290 Million Revenue for FY 2024. - Positioned to Achieve $1 Billion in Revenue by 2027 Through Organic Growth, Acquisitions and High-Margin Product Expansion. - Completed 11 Acquisitions Since 2018 and Actively Pursuing More. - Stockholders' Equity Met for Nasdaq Uplisting Requirements with Final Investment Bank Selection Underway to Guide Uplisting Process. - Introduced AI-Driven AIRWEB.ai and Preparing to Launch a Cybersecurity Solution in Q1 FY-2025. iQSTEL, Inc. (OTC-QX: IQST) is a US-based multinational company in the final stages of the path to becoming listed on Nasdaq. With FY2023 revenues of $144 million and a forecasted $290 million in revenue, alongside positive operating income of seven digits for FY-2024 for their operating subsidiaries, IQST is positioning itself for explosive growth. The IQST mission is to serve basic human needs in today's modern world by making essential tools accessible, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or identity. IQST recognizes that modern human needs such as physiological, safety, relationship, esteem, and self-actualization are marginalized without access to ubiquitous communications, financial freedom, clean, affordable mobility, and information. IQST has been building a strong business platform with its customers, selling them millions of dollars per month, and by leveraging this trust, the company is now beginning to sell high-tech, high-margin products across its divisions. IQST is strategically positioned to achieve $1 billion in revenue by 2027 through organic growth, acquisitions, and high-margin product expansion. IQST Telecommunications Services Division (Communications): Includes VoIP, SMS, International Fiber-Optic, Proprietary Internet of Things (IoT), and a Proprietary Mobile Portability Blockchain Platform. IQST Fintech Division (Financial Freedom): Provides remittance services, top-up services, a MasterCard Debit Card, US bank accounts (no SSN required), and a Mobile App. IQST Electric Vehicles (EV) Division (Mobility): Offers Electric Motorcycles and plans to launch a Mid-Speed Car. IQST Artificial Intelligence (AI) Services Division (Information and Content): Provides AI solutions for unified customer engagement across web and phone channels, along with a white-label platform offering seamless access to services, entertainment, and support in a virtual 3D interface. IQST Cybersecurity Services: Through a new partnership with Cycurion, IQST will offer advanced cybersecurity solutions, including 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, incident response, vulnerability assessments, and compliance management, providing essential protection to telecommunications clients and beyond. IQST has completed 11 acquisitions since June 2018 and continues to develop an active pipeline of potential future acquisitions, further expanding its suite of products and services both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. Q3 FY-2024 Shareholder Letter Highlighting Record Growth, Strategic Expansion, and Nasdaq Uplisting Progress On November 14th IQST announced the release of its Q3 FY-2024 Shareholder Letter, coinciding with the SEC filing of its 10-Q for the Q3. This letter showcases an extraordinary quarter marked by strategic growth, robust financial performance, and significant advancements toward the IQST long-term vision, including preparations for a Nasdaq uplisting. The IQST financial and operational results for Q3 and the first nine months of 2024 reflect transformative growth and strategic expansion. With a profitable Telecom Division, a successful QXTEL acquisition, and a solid equity foundation, IQST is well-prepared for its planned Nasdaq uplisting. The newly established IQST corporate financial planning department is set to work closely with company subsidiaries on a monthly basis, implementing a robust plan to drive bottom-line results starting in FY-2025. With a steadfast commitment from the Independent Board of Directors and strong investor support, IQST is on an accelerated path to becoming a $1 billion revenue powerhouse by 2027. The IQST Q3 Shareholder Letter highlights the following key developments: Record Revenue Growth: IQST revenue for the first nine months reached $184 million, an impressive 89% year-over-year increase. Ambitious FY-2024 Revenue Target: IQST aims for a record $290 million in revenue for FY-2024, with strong expectations for Q4, driven by its subsidiary QXTEL. Profitability in Telecom Division: The IQST Telecom Division achieved solid profitability, generating $548,274 in profit for Q3 alone. Strategic Cost Savings: A consolidation strategy within the IQST Telecom Division is expected to save up to $2 million annually. Nasdaq Uplisting Progress: IQST stockholders' equity has met Nasdaq's minimum requirements, with final investment bank selection underway to guide the uplisting process. Global Reach: IQST now operates with 100 employees across 20 countries, with six offices providing 24/7 support across 17 time zones. Launch of High-Tech, High-Margin Products: IQST has introduced AI-driven AIRWEB.ai and preparing to launch a cybersecurity solution in Q1 FY-2025. The IQST stable business platform now enables it to generate $2 million in gross profit per quarter, paving the way for further bottom-line improvements through consolidation and the migration to a unified telecom platform. Notably, in FY-2024, the IQST gross margin has shown consistent improvement, increasing from 2.68% in Q1 to 3.72% in Q3, a remarkable 39% increase within the year. This progress underscores the IQST focus on efficiency and profitability. Stockholders' Equity and Nasdaq Uplisting Readiness IQST stockholders' equity rose to $8.1 million, surpassing the minimum requirement of $5 million for a Nasdaq uplisting. IQST is in the final stages of selecting an investment bank to support this pivotal move. IQST Innovation in High-Tech, High-Margin Products IQST has built connections with some of the world's largest telecommunications companies, generating millions in annual revenue. With these robust relationships, IQST is poised to expand its offerings, focusing on high-tech, high-margin products. Cybersecurity: Collaborating with Cycurion.com to launch a telecom-targeted cybersecurity service in Q1 FY-2025. AI Solutions: The recent launch of AIRWEB.ai has exceeded expectations, attracting strong interest with its free plan and positioning us as a leader in AI-enhanced telecom services. Disclaimer and Disclosure: www.aibrandnetwork.com [ http://www.aibrandnetwork.com ] Media Contact Company Name: IQSTEL Inc. Contact Person: Leandro Jose Iglesias, President and CEO Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=multirole-ai-technology-and-finance-company-on-track-for-nasdaq-listing-and-1-billion-annual-revenue-goal-iqstel-inc-stock-symbol-iqst ] Phone: +1 954-951-8191 Address:300 Aragon Avenue Suite 375 City: Coral Gables State: Florida 33134 Country: United States Website: http://www.iQSTEL.com This release was published on openPR.

NEW ORLEANS , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Locally , the leading technology solution bridging online and offline retail since 2014, today debuted the first Omni-Seller Marketplace (OSM) in partnership with Trek Bicycle , a global leader in the cycling industry. Locally's OSM platform enables manufacturers to develop a robust brand-centric shopping journey unifying every possible channel with an unlimited number of sellers. "Trek, one of our most forward-thinking and longest-standing partners, has built its brand on pioneering technology and delivering exceptional customer service," said Mike Massey , CEO and founder of Locally. "Together, we've crafted a solution that elevates the shopping experience and strengthens Trek's relationships with independent dealers worldwide. Consumers are now in full control, enjoying the most seamless online-to-offline shopping experience in the market." Multi-channel, multi-seller marketplaces are far more popular with online shoppers than single-brand sites. Marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart now account for over 63% of all online sales. For Trek, the OSM platform seamlessly integrates all of their bike and accessory brands with real-time inventory from local independent bike dealers (IBDs), creating the ultimate shopping destination for online bike buyers. By using Locally's OSM platform, Trek brings together the shopper journey across multiple brands, multiple channels, and multiple sellers across the globe. Locally's OSM platform empowers Trek to create the best in class retail solution by merging Trek's functionality within the OSM headless platform. Designed to meet the demands of today's digitally savvy consumers, OSM enables a fluid, unified shopping journey across online and in-store channels whether customers shop online, use BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In-Store), local delivery, or simply visit local stores directly. With its global presence, OSM provides Trek with proprietary tools to deepen customer loyalty and remove barriers, ensuring every interaction strengthens the consumer's relationship with the Trek brand. "At Trek, we're dedicated to making our brand accessible to cyclists everywhere," said Steve Novoselac , vice president of IT and digital at Trek. "With Locally's support, we launched 'Consumer Choice' on trekbikes.com , a marketplace combining local store inventory with our full product range, all in one unified shopping experience. The Locally partnership strengthens Trek's commitment to serving customers across all channels, making trekbikes.com the ultimate resource for every cyclist." Massey continued, "By partnering with Locally, Trek provides shoppers with a nearly omnipresent shopping experience, stitching together local pickup and e-commerce options into a single, bike-buying experience. Shoppers don't have to choose between online and nearby or DTC and IBD. All options are always available in the Omni-Seller Marketplace. By providing unlimited choices for shoppers, Trek can simultaneously support their bike-riding (B2C) and bike-selling (B2B) customers." In addition, the OSM platform provides brands with tools for coordinating different fulfillment channels, mixed-cart shopping, and ensuring easy payments to local dealers through Locally's Cart API. The platform gives consumers the option to check local inventory before making a purchase and to choose their preferred payment and the fulfillment method that best suits their lifestyle. For more information, visit: https://join.locally.com/ About Trek Bicycle Trek Bicycle is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of bicycles and related products. Trek believes the bicycle can be a simple solution to many of the world's most complex problems and is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from using bicycles more often for transportation, recreation, and inspiration. About Locally Locally creates an integrated shopping experience for consumers by bridging online and offline retail. With tech implemented by over 1,000 major brands, Locally is the industry leader in online-to-offline shopping solutions. Locally's tools are powered by real-time inventory from over 47,000 retailers worldwide and are utilized by more than 55 million shoppers every month. To learn more about Locally's online-to-offline shopping solutions, visit join.locally.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/locally-leading-tech-solution-bridging-online-and-offline-retail-announces-first-omni-seller-marketplace-in-partnership-with-trek-bicycle-302321585.html SOURCE LocallyLiberals’ holiday tax break and cash giveaway has winners and losersIndiana encouraged by 'total team effort' with Miami (OH) up nextApple Electroniks: Redefining Quality Standards Globally Through Innovation and Excellence

RCC to host FAFSA event Dec. 12

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani police arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in the capital to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison, a security officer said Sunday. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year and has over 150 criminal cases against him. But he remains popular and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated. Shahid Nawaz, a security officer in eastern Punjab province, said police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off Islamabad with shipping containers and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with PTI strongholds in Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Tit-for-tat teargas shelling between the police and the PTI was reported on the highway bordering Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” The government and Interior Ministry posted the announcement on the social media platform X, which is banned in Pakistan. They did not specify the areas, nor did they say how long the suspension would be in place. “Internet and mobile services will continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country,” the posts said. Meanwhile, telecom company Nayatel sent out emails offering customers “a reliable landline service” as a workaround in the areas suffering suspended cellphone service. Khan's supporters rely heavily on social media to demand his release and use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said Khan's wife Bushra Bibi was traveling to Islamabad in a convoy led by the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur. “She cannot leave the party workers on their own,” said Akram. There was a festive mood in Peshawar, with PTI members dancing, drumming and holding up pictures of Khan as cars set off for Islamabad. The government is imposing social media platform bans and targeting VPN services , according to internet advocacy group Netblocks. On Sunday, the group said live metrics showed problems with WhatsApp that were affecting media sharing on the app. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for Americans in the capital, encouraging them to avoid large gatherings and warning that even “peaceful gatherings can turn violent.” Last month, authorities suspended the cellphone service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to thwart a pro-Khan rally. The shutdown disrupted communications and affected everyday services such as banking, ride-hailing and food delivery. The latest crackdown comes on the eve of a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko . Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said authorities have sealed off Islamabad's Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and is the destination for Khan's supporters. “Anyone reaching it will be arrested,” Naqvi told a press conference. He said the security measures were in place to protect residents and property, blaming the PTI for inconveniencing people and businesses. He added that protesters were planning to take the same route as the Belarusian delegation, but that the government had headed off this scenario. Naqvi denied cellphone services were suspended and said only mobile data was affected. Associated Press writers Riaz Khan in Peshawar and Asim Tanveer in Multan contributed to this report.GENEVA (AP) — World Cup sponsor Bank of America teamed with FIFA for a second time Tuesday, signing for the Club World Cup that still has no broadcast deals just over six months before games start. Bank of America became FIFA’s first global banking partner in August and sealed a separate deal for a second event also being played in the United States, two days before the group-stage draw in Miami for the revamped 32-team club event . It features recent European champions Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea. “FIFA is going to take America by storm and we’re going to be right at their side,” the bank’s head of marketing, David Tyrie, said in a telephone interview Tuesday. Bank of America joins 2026 World Cup sponsors Hisense and Budweiser brewer AB InBev in separately also backing the club event, and more deals are expected after Saudi Arabia is confirmed next week as the 2034 World Cup host. While games at the next World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, will be watched by hundreds of millions globally mostly on free-to-air public networks, the Club World Cup broadcast picture is unclear. FIFA has promised hundreds of millions of dollars in prize money for the 32 clubs to share but is yet to announce any broadcast deals for the month-long tournament. It is expected to land on a streaming service. “You have to think about how you are going to connect with these fans,” Tyrie told the Associated Press from Boston. “TV is one, sure, social media is a big avenue. “The smart marketing capabilities are able to say ‘Hey, we need to tilt this one a little bit more away from TV-type marketing into social-type marketing.’ We have got a pretty decent strategy that we’re putting in place to do activation.” Engaging Bank of America’s customers and 250,000 employees are key to that strategy, Tyrie said. “It’s going to be for our clients, and entertainment, it’s going to be for our employees in creating excitement. All of the above.” The Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 cities, including Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C, and Lumen Field where the hometown Seattle Sounders play three group-stage games. European powers Madrid, Man City and Bayern Munich lead a 12-strong European challenge. Teams qualified by winning continental titles or posting consistently good results across four years of those competitions. The exception is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, who FIFA gave the entry reserved for a host nation team in October based on regular season record without waiting for the MLS Cup final. LA Galaxy hosts New York Red Bulls playing for that national title Saturday. Messi’s team opens the FIFA tournament June 15 in the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and will play its three group games in Florida. “The more brand players you bring in, the bigger the following you have got,” Tyrie acknowledged, though adding Messi being involved was “not a make or break for the event.” The Club World Cup final is July 13 at Met Life Stadium near New York, which also will host the World Cup final one year later. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Liam Payne’s ex Sophia Smith announces engagement to boyfriend two months after death of One Direction singerThe Kansas City Chiefs picked up a road victory — but in true 2024 form, they didn’t make it easy on themselves. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes led a game-winning drive inside the last two minutes, lifting the Chiefs to a 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Says TikTok Hacked, Claims Alleged Hacker Wants MoneyTRC’s executives to be appointed soon