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With each team coming off a come-from-behind win, West Virginia and North Carolina Central square off Tuesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia (6-2) has won two straight games and is in the midst of a 16-day, four-game homestand that kicked off with a 73-60 win over Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Friday night. North Carolina Central (4-7) comes off a 78-77 road win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday night. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with a game-high 26 points against Georgetown as they overcame a second-half deficit with a decisive run. "The way we played in the second half (against Georgetown), I'll take that team everywhere," West Virginia coach Darian DeVries said. "You have to be able to do that every single night, every single possession you don't always get to go on a 16-0 run to pull you out of it. That's where we are still growing as a team." Eduardo Andre was questionable for the Georgetown game after he missed the Mountaineers' 83-76 overtime win against Arizona on Nov. 29. But the fifth-year senior center returned with four points, three rebounds and four blocks. "It was good to have him back in the lineup for a reason," DeVries said. "That presence, especially defensively and the ability to block shots, that's a huge deal for us." Against Gardner-Webb, Po'Boigh King led NCCU with 28 points, well above his 17.4 points per game average, as the Eagles rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to win on a late 3-pointer from Isaac Parson. On offense, the Eagles take care of the ball. They are seventh in the nation in turnover margin at plus-7.5 per game. They seek extra possessions on defense and are second nationally with 18.9 turnovers forced per game "We're good enough, we just need to fine tune some things," NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said. "We've got to cross some T's, dot some I's and close. We can't be a really good basketball team until we get the mindset that when winning time presents itself in the last five minutes, (the other team) has to earn it." --Field Level MediaREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- C3.ai, Inc. (“C3 AI,” “C3,” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AI), the Enterprise AI application software company, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended October 31, 2024. “We had an outstanding quarter with strong top- and bottom-line performance to mark our seventh consecutive quarter of accelerating revenue growth,” said Thomas M. Siebel, Chairman and CEO, C3 AI. “It is difficult to overstate the potential of the Microsoft–C3 AI strategic alliance,” said Siebel. “By establishing C3 AI as a preferred AI application provider on Azure and creating a Microsoft-scale go-to-market engine, we’re making it easy for businesses to adopt and deploy C3 AI applications. This is an inflection point for Enterprise AI, driving growth.” Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights Microsoft Azure Strategic Alliance Partner Network C3 AI reinforced its leadership in Enterprise AI, strengthened by a thriving partner ecosystem to accelerate Enterprise AI adoption. Business Highlights C3 AI had continuing momentum with significant Federal and commercial successes and strengthened strategic partnerships. Federal Momentum Federal business demonstrated strong execution, securing key wins and expansions across multiple agencies. C3 Generative AI C3 AI further strengthens its competitive edge in generative AI, affirming its market leadership. Financial Outlook: The Company’s guidance includes GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. The following table summarizes C3 AI’s guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and full-year fiscal 2025: (in millions) Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Guidance Full Year Fiscal 2025 Guidance Total revenue $95.5 - $100.5 $378.0 - $398.0 Non-GAAP loss from operations $(38.6) - $(46.6) $(105.0) - $(135.0) A reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability of, expenses that may be incurred in the future. Stock-based compensation expense-related charges, including employer payroll tax-related items on employee stock transactions, are impacted by the timing of employee stock transactions, the future fair market value of our common stock, and our future hiring and retention needs, all of which are difficult to predict and subject to constant change. We have provided a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures in the financial statement tables for our historical non-GAAP results included in this press release. Our fiscal year ends April 30, and numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. Conference Call Details What: C3 AI Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results Conference Call When: Monday, December 9, 2024 Time: 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET Participant Registration: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI383ae1e1c80b4221a65de6c2c2baf582 (live) Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xf8dudjw (live and replay) Investor Presentation Details An investor presentation providing additional information and analysis can be found at our investor relations page at ir.c3.ai . Statement Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company reports the following non-GAAP financial measures, which have not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally for financial and operational decision-making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. We encourage investors to carefully consider our results under GAAP, as well as our supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliation between these presentations, to more fully understand our business. Please see the tables included at the end of this release for the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. Other Information Professional Services Revenue Our professional services revenue includes service fees and prioritized engineering services. Service fees include revenue from services such as consulting, training, and paid implementation services. For service fees, revenue is typically recognized over time as the services are performed. Prioritized engineering services are undertaken when a customer requests that we accelerate the design, development, and delivery of software features and functions that are planned in our future product roadmap. When we agree to this, we negotiate an agreed upon fee to accelerate the development of the software. When the software feature is delivered, it becomes integrated to our core product offering, is available to all subscribers of the underlying software product, and enhances the operation of that product going forward. Such prioritized engineering services result in production-level computer software – compiled code that enhances the functionality of our production products – which is available for our customers to use over the life of their software licenses. Per Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Prioritized engineering services revenue is recognized as professional services over the period in which the software development is completed. Total professional services revenue consists of: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 (in thousands) (in thousands) Prioritized engineering services $ 9,661 $ 4,852 $ 20,310 $ 13,100 Service fees 3,515 1,928 6,623 4,690 Total professional services revenue $ 13,176 $ 6,780 $ 26,933 $ 17,790 Use of Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our market leadership position, anticipated benefits from our partnerships, financial outlook, our sales and customer opportunity pipeline including our industry diversification, the expected benefits of our offerings (including the potential benefits of our C3 Generative AI offerings), and our business strategies, plans, and objectives for future operations. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including our history of losses and ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future, our historic dependence on a limited number of existing customers that account for a substantial portion of our revenue, our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers, market awareness and acceptance of enterprise AI solutions in general and our products in particular, the length and unpredictability of our sales cycles and the time and expense required for our sales efforts. Some of these risks are described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2024 and, when available, October 31, 2024, although new and unanticipated risks may arise. The future events and trends discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will occur. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations. About C3.ai, Inc. C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI) is the Enterprise AI application software company. C3 AI delivers a family of fully integrated products including the C3 AI Platform, an end-to-end platform for developing, deploying, and operating enterprise AI applications, C3 AI applications, a portfolio of industry-specific SaaS enterprise AI applications that enable the digital transformation of organizations globally, and C3 Generative AI, a suite of domain-specific generative AI offerings for the enterprise. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue Subscription (1) $ 81,162 $ 66,449 $ 154,618 $ 127,801 Professional services (2) 13,176 6,780 26,933 17,790 Total revenue 94,338 73,229 181,551 145,591 Cost of revenue Subscription 35,038 30,937 68,330 61,371 Professional services 1,460 1,179 3,215 2,558 Total cost of revenue 36,498 32,116 71,545 63,929 Gross profit 57,840 41,113 110,006 81,662 Operating expenses Sales and marketing (3) 55,643 49,895 107,768 93,780 Research and development 55,715 50,399 108,642 101,267 General and administrative 21,770 20,215 41,470 40,104 Total operating expenses 133,128 120,509 257,880 235,151 Loss from operations (75,288 ) (79,396 ) (147,874 ) (153,489 ) Interest income 9,560 10,480 19,563 20,602 Other income (expense), net 13 (638 ) 41 (877 ) Loss before provision for income taxes (65,715 ) (69,554 ) (128,270 ) (133,764 ) Provision for income taxes 257 226 529 374 Net loss $ (65,972 ) $ (69,780 ) $ (128,799 ) $ (134,138 ) Net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.52 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (1.02 ) $ (1.15 ) Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders, basic and diluted 127,870 118,656 126,434 117,125 (1) Including related party revenue of $10,581 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (2) Including related party revenue of $5,804 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (3) Including related party sales and marketing expense of $810 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. C3.AI, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except for share and per share data) (Unaudited) October 31, 2024 April 30, 2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,274 $ 167,146 Marketable securities 609,100 583,221 Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $486 and $359 as of October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2024, respectively 159,987 130,064 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 27,458 23,963 Total current assets 917,819 904,394 Property and equipment, net 84,198 88,631 Goodwill 625 625 Other assets, non-current 43,647 44,575 Total assets $ 1,046,289 $ 1,038,225 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 20,611 $ 11,316 Accrued compensation and employee benefits 41,755 44,263 Deferred revenue, current 35,663 37,230 Accrued and other current liabilities 23,979 9,526 Total current liabilities 122,008 102,335 Deferred revenue, non-current 127 1,732 Other long-term liabilities 65,193 60,805 Total liabilities 187,328 164,872 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity Class A common stock 125 120 Class B common stock 3 3 Additional paid-in capital 2,077,044 1,963,726 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 521 (563 ) Accumulated deficit (1,218,732 ) (1,089,933 ) Total stockholders’ equity 858,961 873,353 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,046,289 $ 1,038,225 C3.AI, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (128,799 ) $ (134,138 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities Depreciation and amortization 6,092 6,220 Non-cash operating lease cost 203 454 Stock-based compensation expense 111,721 104,049 Accretion of discounts on marketable securities (7,618 ) (8,755 ) Other 418 — Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable (1) (30,051 ) (8,567 ) Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets (2) (1,993 ) (665 ) Accounts payable (3) 9,294 (2,918 ) Accrued compensation and employee benefits (4,815 ) (2,551 ) Operating lease liabilities (1,215 ) 7,804 Other liabilities (4) 19,284 1,709 Deferred revenue (5) (3,172 ) (7,296 ) Net cash used in operating activities (30,651 ) (44,654 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (1,739 ) (16,631 ) Capitalized software development costs — (2,750 ) Purchases of marketable securities (365,926 ) (489,871 ) Maturities and sales of marketable securities 348,750 412,554 Net cash used in investing activities (18,915 ) (96,698 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock under employee stock purchase plan 5,009 5,055 Proceeds from exercise of Class A common stock options 4,472 10,163 Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (5,787 ) (9,686 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 3,694 5,532 Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (45,872 ) (135,820 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 179,712 297,395 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 133,840 $ 161,575 Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,274 $ 149,009 Restricted cash included in other assets 12,566 12,566 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 133,840 $ 161,575 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information—cash paid for income taxes $ 534 $ 281 Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities: Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 117 $ 7,293 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (including remeasurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities due to changes in the timing of receipt of lease incentives) $ 1,345 $ 778 Vesting of early exercised stock options $ 216 $ 294 (1) Including changes in related party balances of $12,444 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (2) Including changes in related party balances of $(810) for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (3) Including changes in related party balances of $248 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (4) Including changes in related party balances of $(2,448) for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (5) Including changes in related party balances of $(46) for the six months ended October 31, 2023. C3.AI, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (In thousands, except percentages) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of GAAP gross profit to non-GAAP gross profit: Gross profit on a GAAP basis $ 57,840 $ 41,113 $ 110,006 $ 81,662 Stock-based compensation expense (1) 8,311 8,993 16,719 17,509 Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation (2) 171 297 527 838 Gross profit on a non-GAAP basis $ 66,322 $ 50,403 $ 127,252 $ 100,009 Gross margin on a GAAP basis 61 % 56 % 61 % 56 % Gross margin on a non-GAAP basis 70 % 69 % 70 % 69 % Reconciliation of GAAP loss from operations to non-GAAP loss from operations: Loss from operations on a GAAP basis $ (75,288 ) $ (79,396 ) $ (147,874 ) $ (153,489 ) Stock-based compensation expense (1) 57,038 53,169 111,721 104,049 Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation (2) 1,090 1,274 2,362 3,774 Loss from operations on a non-GAAP basis $ (17,160 ) $ (24,953 ) $ (33,791 ) $ (45,666 ) Reconciliation of GAAP net loss per share to non-GAAP net loss per share: Net loss on a GAAP basis $ (65,972 ) $ (69,780 ) $ (128,799 ) $ (134,138 ) Stock-based compensation expense (1) 57,038 53,169 111,721 104,049 Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation (2) 1,090 1,274 2,362 3,774 Net loss on a non-GAAP basis $ (7,844 ) $ (15,337 ) $ (14,716 ) $ (26,315 ) GAAP net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common shareholders, basic and diluted $ (0.52 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (1.02 ) $ (1.15 ) Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common shareholders, basic and diluted $ (0.06 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.12 ) $ (0.22 ) Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders, basic and diluted 127,870 118,656 126,434 117,125 (1) Stock-based compensation expense for gross profits and gross margin includes costs of subscription and cost of professional services as follows. Stock-based compensation expense for loss from operations includes total stock-based compensation expense as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cost of subscription $ 7,827 $ 8,514 $ 15,521 $ 16,570 Cost of professional services 484 479 1,198 939 Sales and marketing 20,802 18,226 39,635 35,005 Research and development 17,999 16,685 36,430 33,718 General and administrative 9,926 9,265 18,937 17,817 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 57,038 $ 53,169 $ 111,721 $ 104,049 (2) Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation for gross profits and gross margin includes costs of subscription and cost of professional services as follows. Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation for loss from operations includes total employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cost of subscription $ 163 $ 282 $ 489 $ 791 Cost of professional services 8 15 38 47 Sales and marketing 450 463 922 1,468 Research and development 231 415 595 1,232 General and administrative 238 99 318 236 Total employer payroll tax expense $ 1,090 $ 1,274 $ 2,362 $ 3,774 Reconciliation of free cash flow to the GAAP measure of net cash used in operating activities: The following table below provides a reconciliation of free cash flow to the GAAP measure of net cash used in operating activities for the periods presented: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net cash used in operating activities $ (38,693 ) $ (48,590 ) $ (30,651 ) $ (44,654 ) Less: Purchases of property and equipment (815 ) (5,293 ) (1,739 ) (16,631 ) Capitalized software development costs — (1,250 ) — (2,750 ) Free cash flow $ (39,508 ) $ (55,133 ) $ (32,390 ) $ (64,035 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $ 22,635 $ (11,898 ) $ (18,915 ) $ (96,698 ) Net cash provided by financing activities $ 3,512 $ 3,055 $ 3,694 $ 5,532 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209723558/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact ir@c3.aiC3 AI Public Relations Edelman Lisa Kennedy (415) 914-8336 pr@c3.ai KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: C3.ai Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209723558/en Copyright Business Wire 2024.Sophia Cohen and Harrison Waterstreet say there’s always been an invisible string between them—even before they were born. In 1992, when Sophia’s father, financier and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, married her mother, a friend gave them a portrait painted by Harrison’s father, artist John Alexander, as a wedding gift. Yet it would be two decades before they officially met. Sophia had just finished her freshman year at Brown University and decided to head out to the Hamptons with her roommate, Eugenia. Eugenia’s brother texted them to come to a house party—where, it turns out, Harrison was too. They briefly talked that night, but nothing more. Three years and a college graduation later, Sophia started a job at The Gagosian Gallery. She quickly struck up a friendship with a co-worker around her age, Lily Mortimer. One day, Lily said she wanted to introduce Sophia to a close friend of hers: Harrison, who was now an agent at CAA. Sophia was seeing someone at the time, so she and Harrison instead built up a friendship over the next few years. (That’s not to say there wasn’t a spark —in fact, it was very much apparent. “Harrison would shamelessly flirt with me even though I was in another relationship,” Sophia says, laughing.) Yet the invisible string kept tugging: One night, Sophia attended a dinner for her friend, artist Alexander Berggruen. Sat next to her was a talented ceramicist. Despite being strangers, they instantly hit it off. “Towards the end of the evening, the artist said, ‘I don’t usually do this, but I would love to set you up with my son.’ She then proceeded to show me a picture of...Harrison,” Sophia says. Sophia, engaged at the time, politely declined. But several months later, she found herself single again just as the pandemic hit. When the summer started and it felt okay to socialize, Lily—as well as friends Bunny and Jake—pushed Sophia to finally consider the man who had been in her orbit for so long. “We finally went on our first date and never looked back,” she says. Three years later, Harrison proposed to Sophia at her family home in Connecticut amid a semi-circle of candles. On October 26, 2024, Sophia and Harrison wed at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California. The whole weekend, planned by Melissa Sullivan of Studio Sully, had the ambience of what the couple describes as a “1960s Palm Springs fever dream.” It started with the rehearsal dinner at Tommy Bahama Miramonte, where the bride wore a vintage ivory silk strapless column dress along with a diamond-and-pearl Harry Winston choker. The next night, they held tiki-themed welcome drinks at a family friend’s house in La Quinta—a nod to the many Polynesian-inspired bars in the Palm Springs area. Guests donned their retro finest, with Sophia playing hostess in a cream-color 1950s sleeveless chiffon dress with marabou feather trim, a pair of colorful gemstone and diamond earrings, and lime green Loewe heels. Harrison, meanwhile, wore a pale blue double-breasted suit from Tom Ford. The ceremony itself was inspired by the mid-century modern movement, as well as several of the couple’s favorite artists. “We wanted to encapsulate everything that is mid-century. We felt particularly inspired by some of the mid-century rock houses of the time that were built into a rock face,” Sophia says. “Our ceremony featured small boulders lining the aisle and culminated in a beautiful chuppah composed of two large boulders. The white slab overhead created the ‘canopy’ needed to create a chuppah, which featured a skylight overhead, allowing the sunset light to seep in—an ode to James Turrell.” (The rocks also referenced Michael Heizer's work, “Levitated Mass” . Sophia, who now runs her own art advisory firm Siren Projects, wanted to include as many nods to her favorite artists as she could.) The bride, who walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her parents, wore a gown by Blanc Wear, a cathedral-length veil, and vintage pear-shaped drop diamond earrings with a chandelier oval-diamond necklace she sourced from an auction. Waiting at the other end was Harrison in a Ralph Lauren Purple Label white dinner jacket and dark blue tuxedo pants. After their vows, they exchanged Belperron rings. “It was palpable how much love there was present. As the sun was setting, the light funneled through the chuppah canopy and created an aura around us,” Sophia says. “We felt totally at peace, totally in love, and just drowned out the crowd as if it was just the two of us on stage.” Afterward was a tennis-themed cocktail hour on the grounds of the Madison Club, complete with courtside benches and vintage slingback chairs. Guests drank honey deuces and ate hand rolls from Sōgo in Los Angeles as the temperature cooled and the sun set behind them. Then came the sudden announcement that it was time for dinner, upon which a large set of doors opened to reveal the reception site: a grand glass structure made to resemble a mid-century home. “Many of the chairs were sourced from old movie sets, giving it a real home feel. It felt as if this structure was permanently there,” Sophia says. She put on a pair of long, white gloves to further elevate her wedding gown for the night. Guests dined on pasta from Jon & Vinny’s as a rotating stage revealed a number of performances throughout the night, covering everything from bossa nova to The Supremes. Yet for all that entertainment, the couple say that dancing with their parents felt like the highlight of the night. “Our dances with our parents were so meaningful both in general and because it was the first wedding for both of our families,” Sophia says. (The highlight for the guests, on the other hand, might have been the many bars, among them two secret speakeasies flanking the stage.) Then it was time for the after-party back at their family friend’s house, which was inspired by Roger Vadim’s classic 1968 movie Barbarella . “We transported guests to a sci-fi 1960s night club,” says Sophia, who changed into a Wiederhoeft corset for the occasion. Sofi Tukker and DJ Bender—whose music Sophia fell in love at Burning Man—both played electric sets that kept the party going late into the night. Now that it’s all over, the couple is still elated. “Our objective for our wedding was to throw not just a great event, but one that would stay in the minds of our guests forever,” Sophia says.

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Ticket Market to grow by USD 228.52 billion (2024-2028), driven by animated movies' success; Report on AI's role in redefining market trends - TechnavioTASKED to come up with a school project that could compete against innovations made by other students across the country, three girls from Riverdale Academy in Bulawayo decided to tackle waste pollution in dams and rivers. To better understand water pollution, the young learners collaborated with city dam authorities. Concerned about the waste floating in rivers and dams, they decided to find a solution. Their goal was to develop a practical solution to water pollution while impressing judges at an innovation and robotics competition in Harare two weeks ago. Twelve schools from across the country participated, each sending two teams—boys and girls—to compete in the innovation and robotics categories. Riverdale Academy came second while another Bulawayo School, Sizane High School took home the third position. Chronicle recently caught up with the victorious Riverdale Academy teams and they shared their stories of how they worked hard to come up with the two winning projects. Girls team leader, Bongiwe Sibanda (14), said water pollution is a threat to the ecosystem so they decided to come up with an innovation that will help eradicate the problem. “We are young school children but that does not mean that we cannot see the damage that plastic bottles, food containers, and other types of water waste polluters cause in dams and rivers,” she said. “So, we decided to come up with the Water Waste Trapper (WWT), an innovation that can be used to clean dams and rivers. “We worked with officials from Hillside Dams and they were very helpful in showing us how waste pollution is a problem there and the efforts that they make to keep the dams free of waste such as plastic bottles.” Hillside Dams is owned by the Bulawayo City Council with Hillside Dams Conservancy, a non-profit organisation, responsible for the upkeep of the landscape. It was declared a National Monument in 1942 and plays a big role in the conservation of the environment. The Water Waste Trapper was made using readily available resources as learners are encouraged to use materials at their disposal and spend minimally when coming up with their innovations. “The WWT can pick up waste such as plastic bottles that float on dams and rivers, is controlled remotely, and can work even when it’s raining,” she said. To keep their innovation eco-friendly, the WWT is installed with what the young innovators called a “buzzer.” “The buzzer is meant to send faint sounds that chase away fish, frogs, and other marine creatures from the area where the WWT will be working. The whole idea of coming up with the WWT was for people to be able to clean dams and rivers in an eco-friendly manner so that marine life is not harmed,” said Sibanda. The learners said they do not want the WWT to be expensive so that homeowners with swimming pools on their properties, owners of dams like municipalities, and established farmers can buy the WWT. The boys’ team did not disappoint as they came up with an innovation in the robotics competition that can retrieve objects or carry out marine life rescue operations in deep waters such as the oceans. Team leader Takura Mapfumo (15) said teamwork was the key to their victory as they faced stiff competition from other learners in the robotics project. “Our project is called Hammer One and 15 of the tasks we performed included saving a scuba diver and a shark trapped in coral reefs in the ocean as well as identifying different marine creatures in the water,” said Mapfumo. “All 12 teams had to perform the same tasks using their robotics innovations and the judges used our performances to come up with the winners. “As a team, we did make some minor mistakes but we quickly moved on from the mistakes and kept doing all our tasks to the best of our abilities.” Mr Nigel Akimu, the head of the science department at Riverdale Academy as well as the patron for the Robotics Club, said the school encourages and supports their learners to think outside the box in coming up with innovations that can help save the world. “It’s important to let the learners dream big and as a school, our role is to support them in all the projects that they want to embark on. “Overall, the Riverdale Academy team came second in a tight competition that had 12 schools from all over Zimbabwe,” said Mr Akimu. The winning Riversdale Academy teams comprised Israel Klein, Limpo Lutangu, Mitchelle Chemhere, Tinotenda Sithole, and the girls’ team leader Bongiwe Sibanda. Deidre Ndlovu, Nonhle Moyo, the boys’ team leader Takura Mapfumo, and Ogechukwu Anigwe also made the teams. The teams were mentored by a non-governmental organisation called Sciency, which assists learners from several schools in Bulawayo with innovation and robotics projects. Leonard Ncube, GROWING investments in coal-to-energy projects in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, have brought joy to locals who are the immediate beneficiaries of job opportunities and associated social development infrastructure. Under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, Hwange has become the hub of massive energy projects in the country with the latest [...] Sikhumbuzo Moyo, GOVERNMENT has pledged to drive more community development through devolution and decentralisation projects across the country next year with the Treasury announcing an allocation of ZWG13,6 billion towards this cause. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, in his 2025 national budget speech last Thursday emphasized Government commitment to [...] Sikhumbuzo Moyo, GOVERNMENT has completed the Lupane and Binga housing projects in Matabeleland North province, among others across the country as part of efforts to provide decent and affordable accommodation for civil servants, particularly in rural areas. Similar strides have been made in Matabeleland South where the proposed Beitbridge Re-development is 71 percent complete. [...]Proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges

Could comeback spark winning streak for West Virginia or NCCU?The Latest: Suspect in United Healthcare CEO's killing charged with weapons, forgery, other charges

Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, reminds older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities that they have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. “We significantly expanded eligibility for the program this year, and increased the maximum rebate,” Causer said. “I encourage anyone who qualifies or thinks they may qualify to contact our offices for free assistance with filing for the benefit.” The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older. Income limits increased this year to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, and the maximum rebate also increased to $1,000. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining income. Those who wish to apply are reminded the following documentation is needed to allow claims to be processed: Renters will need a 2023 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2023 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed. Homeowners will need proof of 2023 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2023 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed. Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. For assistance, call or stop by one of Causer’s offices:

Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the PentagonStock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more records

Oncocyte to Participate in “J.P. Morgan Week” and Host Investor MeetingsWhy Is Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) An Undervalued Aerospace Stock to Buy According to Hedge Funds?South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apoligised for his attempt to impose martial law this week and bowed during a televised speech to the nation, only hours head of a planned impeachment vote. Yoon said he would not seek to avoid legal and political responsibility for his decision, which he said was born of desperation. The speech was the embattled leader's first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order early on Wednesday, just six hours after it was declared and after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote against the decree. "I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked," Yoon said. South Korea's ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon said after Yoon's address that the president was no longer in a position to carry out public duty and his resignation was now unavoidable. On Friday Han said Yoon was a danger to the country and needed to be removed from power, increasing the pressure on Yoon to quit even though his People Power Party (PPP) members later reaffirmed a formal opposition to his impeachment. Lawmakers will vote on the main opposition Democratic Party's motion to impeach Yoon later on Saturday. Yoon shocked the nation late on Tuesday when he gave the military sweeping emergency powers in order to root out what he called "anti-state forces" and overcome obstructionist political opponents. Some PPP members urged Yoon to resign before the vote, saying they did not want a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, who left office following months of candlelit protests over an influence-peddling scandal. Her downfall triggered the implosion of the party and a victory by liberals in presidential and general elections. In scenes reminiscent of those protests, thousands of demonstrators holding candles assembled outside parliament on Friday night demanding Yoon's impeachment. More demonstrations are expected on Saturday ahead of the vote. Prosecutors, the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have all launched probes into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree, seeking to pursue charges of insurrection and abuse of power, among others. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | Honor after exoneration: Port Chicago sailors’ fight for justice isn’t over National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.