jili casino free 100 The Montreal Canadiens received a bit of good news this week when their starting goaltender, Sam Montembeault was named to the Team Canada roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Canada's roster for the #4Nations Face-Off is set! pic.twitter.com/9W9lw6LR40 However, like a bad soap opera, there is rarely a day without some kind of controversy around the Canadiens. This time, it is being stirred up from outside the city with questions swirling around why Montembeault was added to Team Canada. Yet, the 28-year-old goaltender does have the pedigree to warrant such a position. Team Canada Controversy During a podcast with Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now, NHL insider John Shannon said that he believes that Hockey Canada’s decision to include the Canadiens’ starter might have been politically motivated. His reasoning? That Hockey Canada is politically motivated and that because there was no representation from Quebec, they had to add one player to the roster to cover that region. While more than half of the games of the Four Nations Face-off tournament are scheduled to be played in Montreal, that doesn’t mean there was a need or any consideration that went into having a Montreal Canadiens on the roster. Even if it were, there was representation on Team Finland (Patrik Laine and Joel Armia) and Team Sweden (Canadiens’ 2024 seventh-round pick Rasmus Bergqvist). The host of the Edmonton-based podcast, David Staples, had argued against the selection due to the lack of star quality coming out of Quebec, despite some very good NHL talent currently available. Even arguing that Mackenzie Blackwood (San Jose Sharks) is a better selection, which is somewhat ironic as there was hope last season for the local Edmonton Oilers to trade for Montembeault to solidify their goaltending situation. However, the longstanding language issue seen in Quebec is likely why Shannon felt that this was a politically-motivated selection. That would likely be the only reason he would feel Hockey Canada would need to play politics to placate an entire region. It is true that the Canadiens are a cultural touchstone for the Quebec culture, that they are expected to represent the French language as well, and selecting a Quebec-born player from their roster would definitely check off all the boxes. Also, Canada is putting a team together they feel can win the mini best-on-best tournament, not to fulfil some language requirement. According to several well-placed sources, Montembeault’s selection being fill a political agenda is patently false. Canadiens Goaltender Earned Position Citing unnamed sources close to Hockey Canada, Marco D’Amico of RG.Org wrote that Montembeault’s French Canadian roots had nothing to do with his selection. “If this kid was from Ontario, he’d still be on the team. To watch people dissect this on the basis of politics is deflating for hockey and for that young man,” the source told RG.org. The same source highlighted the 28-year-old’s standout performance at the 2023 World Championships, where he posted an impressive .939 save percentage (SV%) and 1.42 goals against average (GAA), adding that Montembeault has been on the national side’s “radar for a while now”. That’s confirmation the position was earned, not gifted. Something that should be remembered is that Hockey Canada tends to pass over players who have turned down playing for them in the past. Darren Dreger confirmed this on TSN690 when discussing the fact Canadiens’ start forward Nick Suzuki didn’t even get a call about being left off the roster. One of the sources scoffed, stating that they had seen fans and media alike blaming Montembeault for why Montreal didn’t finish even lower in the standings last season. Of note is that he had performed at a high level in the most pressure-packed NHL environment, Montreal. The two Team Canada goaltenders selected above Montembeault are Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues) and Adin Hill (Vegas Golden Knights). Both have a .900 SV%, sport a 2.87 and 2.67 GAA respectively, and both are starters on better teams than the Canadiens at the moment. Likely also a major factor in the selections is that they are proven performers, having both won the Stanley Cup. As for Montembeault, who backstopped Canada to a World Championship gold medal in 2023, has got a .906 SV%, a 2.86 GAA, and a record of 8-10-2 in 20 games, which includes three shutouts, the latest one coming on the heels of his addition to the Team Canada Roster. He is the starter on a team in a full rebuild. Because of this, he has the youngest, and most inexperienced blueliners in front of him of the three, and has somehow found a way to equal or outperform them statistically. One statistic that can level the playing field somewhat among goaltenders is the goals saved above expected (GSAx). Hill is 11 th in the NHL with a 5.6 GSAx, Montembeault is 15 th in the NHL with a 5.1 GSAx. Lagging far behind them is Binnington with a 1.6 GSAx, placing him 32 nd . It does look as though he fits right in with them on stats, international experience. and winning pedigree. It’s hard to look at their numbers and state that Montembeault was less worthy than his two counterparts. This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.Top business leaders and their companies have been trying to "curry favor" with Donald Trump by showering cash on his inaugural committee, according to government watchdogs. The committee has already landed reported $1 million planned donations from Jeff Bezos' Amazon, Mark Zuckerberg's Meta and OpenAI's Sam Altman, as well as $2 million from Robinhood Markets and $1 million each from Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Ford Motor Company and hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, reported CNBC . “It really is a great opportunity for them to curry favor with the incoming administration,” said Brendan Glavin, director of research for the money-in-politics nonprofit OpenSecrets. Inaugural committees plan and fund the celebrations around the transfer of presidential power, and there are no limits to how much individuals, corporations or labor groups can donate to the tax-exempt committees. “One of the oldest adages in Washington is that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, and the price of admission to have a seat at the table keeps going up,” said Michael Beckel, research director of Issue One, a political reform advocacy group. ALSO READ: Presidential run eyed for 'relentless' Dem gov who beat brutal GOP opposition in key state Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee took in about $107 million, doubling the previous record set in Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009 and besting Joe Biden's $62 million haul in 2021, and his second inauguration has already surpassed its $150 million goal. The president-elect has made clear how much he values face-to-face meetings and public praise from business leaders, and he has also shown a willingness to favor their companies in exchange for their support and punish those who oppose him. “It’s all heightened now,” Glavin said. “None of these people, they don’t want to be Trump’s punching bag for four years.” The committee was formed four days after the November election and is co-chaired by real estate investor Steve Witkoff and former Republican senator Kelly Loeffler, and former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, GOP megadonor Miriam Adeslon and billionaire GOP donor Diane Hendricks serve as finance chairs. “We take a look through the history of the financing of inaugurations, and clearly it comes from very large donors, wealthy special interests and corporations, almost all of whom have business pending before the federal government,” said Craig Holman, government affairs lobbyist for the progressive nonprofit Public Citizen. Committees must publicly disclose the names of donors who give $200 or more, but if it has a surplus afterward it can difficult to determine how much is left over. “This is a real cesspool of buying favors," Holman said.

Scientists warn against ‘unthinkable’ deep sea mining plans that will ‘destroy’ ocean: ‘No recovery’Pepeto Introduces Advanced Features For Memecoin Enthusiasts

NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global e-bike market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.48 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.95% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview 1.1 SLA batteries 1.2 Li-ion batteries 2.1 Pedal assist 2.2 Throttle assist 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: SLA batteries, also known as sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries or gel cells, are a common choice for electric bikes (e-bikes) due to their affordability and ease of maintenance. These batteries have a coagulated sulfuric acid electrolyte and are partially sealed, with vents to release gases formed during overcharging. SLA batteries are heavier and larger than lithium-ion batteries, impacting the overall weight and handling of the e-bike. They also have a lower energy density and capacity compared to lithium-ion batteries. Despite these functional disadvantages, SLA batteries remain popular due to their low cost and wide availability. However, they contain 70% lead, which can negatively impact the environment during manufacturing, usage, recycling, and disposal. The SLA batteries segment is expected to maintain its leading position in the global e-bike market due to their affordability and accessibility. Analyst Review The e-bike market is experiencing significant growth as more people seek eco-friendly solutions for commuting and transportation. Fuel prices and environmental concerns are driving the demand for electric bicycles, which offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to cars and motorcycles. Governments around the world are investing in bicycle highway lanes and incentives to encourage the use of e-bikes, reducing traffic congestion and noise pollution. E-bikes come in various types and modes, including cargo bikes, mountain bikes, and commuting models. Their benefits include the ability to tackle hills and long distances with ease, thanks to powerful motors and lithium-ion batteries. Consumers appreciate the lack of need for a driver's license or insurance, as well as the low weight and ease of use. Despite the advancements in e-bike technology, there are challenges, such as regulations, overstocks, and the occasional lack of infrastructure. However, the market continues to evolve, with new models and components, such as throttle controls, being introduced regularly to meet the needs of riders. Overall, e-bikes offer a versatile and efficient transportation solution for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs. Market Overview The E-Bike Market is experiencing significant growth as more people seek eco-friendly solutions for transportation due to rising fuel prices and government regulations aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution. The popularity of e-bikes is on the rise, especially among young adults, males, and cyclist organizations, as they offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to cars for commuting and recreational activities like mountain biking, off-road sports, and adventure. However, the market faces challenges such as a lack of infrastructure, including bike lanes, and regulatory hurdles in various countries. The E-Bike Market Ecosystem consists of raw material suppliers, component manufacturers, e-bike manufacturers, and end users. The market offers various types of e-bikes, including Class-II and Class-III e-Bikes, mopeds, and cargo e-bikes, powered by hub motor drives or mid-drive motors and lithium-ion batteries. The market is also witnessing advancements in technologies, such as connected e-bikes, and new modes of transportation, such as e-bike sharing services. Governments worldwide are offering incentives to promote the adoption of e-bikes and e-scooters to reduce congestion and carbon footprints. Despite these advantages, challenges such as the lack of standardization, safety concerns, and competition from traditional modes of transportation, such as motorcycles, persist. The E-Bike Market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits, maintenance advantages, and environmental friendliness of e-bikes. The market is expected to face competition from traditional bicycles and motorcycles, as well as new entrants, such as electric scooters and mopeds. The market is also witnessing a shift towards more advanced features, such as throttle control, better build quality, and performance pricing incentives. The E-Bike Market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits, maintenance advantages, and environmental friendliness of e-bikes. The market is expected to face competition from traditional bicycles and motorcycles, as well as new entrants, such as electric scooters and mopeds. The market is also witnessing a shift towards more advanced features, such as throttle control, better build quality, and performance pricing incentives. Despite the challenges, the E-Bike Market is poised for growth, driven by the need for sustainable transportation solutions, government regulations, and consumer demand. The market is expected to witness significant advancements in technologies, such as motor drive technologies, battery technologies, and connectivity features, which will make e-bikes more accessible, affordable, and convenient for consumers. In conclusion, the E-Bike Market is an exciting and dynamic space, driven by the need for sustainable transportation solutions, consumer demand, and government regulations. The market offers a range of e-bike types, from city/urban e-bikes to cargo e-bikes, and is witnessing significant advancements in technologies, such as motor drive technologies, battery technologies, and connectivity features. Despite the challenges, the market is expected to continue growing, driven by the benefits of e-bikes, such as cost savings, health benefits, and environmental sustainability. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

NoneHouse Ethics chair says Gaetz withdrawal ‘should end discussion’ of report’s release

Defense fund established by supporters of suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione tops $100,000The First Hours of an Uncertain Israel-Hezbollah CeasefireThe Bank of Japan is staying guarded on the timing of the next rate hike with December hardly a done deal given soft consumption, its governor’s cautious decision-making style and anxiety over U.S. economic policy in a second Trump presidency. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda signalled that December will be a live meeting in an interview with the Nikkei newspaper last week, when he said another rate hike was approaching. But he also warned of U.S. economic uncertainties and gave no clear sign the BOJ would indeed hike this month, causing market expectations of a move to fluctuate between December and January. Having steered Japan through a decade of ultra-easy monetary policy, the BOJ is wary of moving too fast in removing accommodative conditions, especially after a July rate hike caught markets by surprise and triggered a sharp bout of volatility in currencies, bonds and stocks. Heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s policies are also encouraging global policymakers, including in Japan, to approach their tasks with circumspection. After rising to around 60% following last week’s release of solid inflation data, market bets of a December hike slid below 40% on Wednesday as fresh doubts emerged from media reports suggesting the BOJ will take a more cautious stance. Adding to the market confusion, dovish BOJ board member Toyoaki Nakamura didn’t rule out a December hike, saying the timing would be data dependent. While the BOJ has its eyes set on hiking rates by around March, it likely wants to leave itself a free hand on the exact timing, say three sources familiar with its thinking. “What’s clear is that December will be live, as with any other meeting in coming months,” said one of the sources. “But from there, it’s really a judgement call by the board,” the source said, a view echoed by two more sources. People who know Ueda, an economics professor-turned governor, also point to his decision-making style, which is to wait until the last minute assessing data in reaching a conclusion. “He works with an academic mindset, which is to look thoroughly at each data before deciding,” one of them said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly. “It’s unlikely he would drop signals about something he hasn’t decided yet.” After the Dec. 18-19 meeting, the BOJ holds a rate review on Jan. 23-24 and March 18-19. There is growing conviction within the BOJ that wages will keep rising and prod firms to hike prices – meeting a key prerequisite for another rate hike, the sources said. Regular pay has been rising at an annual pace of around 2.5-3%. Japan’s largest labour union group has said it will seek wage hikes of at least 5% in 2025, near this year’s hefty gains. Inflation remains above the BOJ’s 2% target for well over two years with rising labour costs pushing up services prices. But other data paint a less rosy picture. Household spending fell in October for the third straight month as rising living costs pinched consumers. Factory output remains flat and exports to the United States, Japan’s largest export market, slumped in October on weak auto shipments. While firms ramped up capital expenditure in July-September, recurring profits fell 3.3% from year-before levels on intensifying competition overseas, data showed. The BOJ has already whittled down stimulus twice this year, ending negative interest rates in March and raising short-term borrowing costs to 0.25% in July. Ueda has repeatedly said the BOJ will keep hiking rates if the economy and prices move in line with its forecast, leading many analysts to project another hike by March. With the BOJ making clear that it will be taking a data-dependent approach in setting policy, each indicator leading up to the December meeting will likely draw strong market attention. Revised third-quarter gross domestic product data is due on Monday, followed by the BOJ’s quarterly “tankan” business survey on Dec. 13. Threats of higher tariffs by Trump have stoked fresh uncertainty about the global outlook – a factor Ueda said warranted scrutiny in his interview with Nikkei. With the yen off a three-decade trough near 162 hit in July and inflation showing little sign of overshooting, the BOJ is under less pressure to hike immediately, some analysts say. “I don’t see the BOJ as in a huge rush, as long as it can hike by March,” said veteran BOJ watcher Mari Iwashita, who is chief market economist at Daiwa Securities. “For the BOJ, it’s just a question of choosing the most optimal timing among the three meetings.” Source: Reuters (Reporting by Leika Kihara, Editing by Shri Navaratnam)

Lawmakers team up for some footworkKings’ slumbering offense needs a jolt against SeattleBrittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes are getting into the holiday spirit. The couple took their 3-year-old daughter, Sterling Skye, and 2-year-old son, Bronze, to take photos with Santa Claus, per photos posted to Instagram Tuesday. The family of four was seen posing in front of a Christmas tree as Santa discretely snuck up behind them. Sterling, who wore a green dress, sat on the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s lap, while Bronze, who looked adorable in a green flannel and tan pants, cuddled up to Brittany. Patrick, 29, sported a red button-up shirt and khakis, while the expectant mother stunned in an all-white set. “Merry Christmas🎄❤️,” Brittany, 29, captioned the snaps. The retired soccer pro and her little ones will likely spend Christmas Day supporting Patrick and the Kansas City Chiefs as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The big match will take place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, though it’s unclear if Brittany’s BFF Taylor Swift will be there to support her beau, Travis Kelce. The 14-time Grammy winner notoriously skips away games. “If she is going to a place that isn’t Arrowhead, there are security concerns ,” an insider revealed to Page Six in September. Swift, 35, and Brittany were recently spotted partying together at the singer’s Eras Tour wrap party earlier this month. The duo cuddled up in several photos and their partners joined them for the epic festivities. Kelce, 35, showed up to the party wearing the same black tuxedo and top hat he wore during a surprise appearance at the London show over the summer. In June, the tight end shocked fans when he joined the “Lover” songstress on stage for her “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” skit. Kelce, meanwhile, was all smiles at the party while posing in his costume alongside his record-breaking girlfriend.

Ministers seek EU negotiator to lead reset talksSir Nick Clegg has warned that Elon Musk risks becoming a “political puppet master” in the United States in a renewed attack on the billionaire businessman. The former UK deputy prime minister, who is second-in-command at Meta, said the Tesla chief executive and X owner had played an “an outsized role” in the US election and in the formation of the new Donald Trump administration. Musk, 53, donated $118 million towards the re-election of Trump and used his social media platform to get behind the Republicans. When asked whether the world’s richest man was a threat to democracy, Clegg told the BBC: “I think Elon Musk is obviously playing an outsized role in both the election and now the formation of the new US administration.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Northern California was under a rare and brief tsunami warning alert Thursday that tested local emergency notification systems after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook part of the state. The National Weather Service canceled its alert after roughly an hour and before the tsunami was expected to arrive. In that hour, some cities and counties ordered evacuations while others relied on social media and text messages to inform people of the warning. Some people headed for higher ground, while others drove to the beach to get a better view. People took to social media to figure out why a warning was issued and then canceled so quickly, and how the NWS determines when to send alerts. Here are answers to more questions. What exactly is a tsunami? The word for tsunami comes from the Japanese characters for harbor and wave. It’s a series of extremely long waves set in motion when energy from an earthquake causes the ocean floor to suddenly rise or fall, according to the National Weather Service . How common are they in California? Since 1800, California’s shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis, most of them minor, according to the California Geological Survey. Phones buzzed Thursday when the National Weather Service issued its warning just minutes after the quake struck west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County. It read in part: “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now.” Why was there an alert if there wasn’t a large tsunami? The National Weather Service Bay Area posted on the social platform X early Friday that the region doesn’t get tsunami alerts often and “there are lot of questions, frustration, and even some anger” about Thursday’s event. A warning alert is the most serious of four tsunami alerts, including a watch alert for a possible tsunami and an advisory alert telling people to stay out of the water and away from the shore. The last time California received a warning alert was 2011 when an earthquake in Japan caused about $100 million in damages along the California coast. Basically, a distant, offshore earthquake or other trigger event gives scientists more time to analyze data and confirm that a large tsunami was generated before sounding a warning. But Thursday’s earthquake was local and close to the coast, forcing a hasty high-level alert in order to give people the maximum time to prepare as tsunami waves can travel very fast, up to 500 mph (800 kph) in the deep ocean, the NWS wrote. “By the time we actually observe it, it may be too late, because it’s right there in our back doors,” said Dalton Behringer, a meteorologist with NWS Bay Area, on Friday. Scientists used the time Thursday to monitor buoys and get more information on the earthquake itself, he said. They canceled the alert after seeing little sea-level change and determining the quake was a strike-slip type of temblor that shifts more horizontally and is less prone to cause tsunamis, he said. “These things happen so infrequently for us, I think it just caught a lot of people off-guard,” he said. How did Northern California respond? Authorities in Eureka, the biggest city in Humboldt County, sent texts and went door-to-door to order businesses in high-risk areas to evacuate, said City Manager Miles Slattery. He said only a small portion of the city was at risk, and Thursday’s test run showed evacuees need to work on leaving by foot, rather than by car. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the commuter light-rail system known as BART stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland for nearly an hour, and the San Francisco Zoo’s visitors were evacuated. Responses varied as fire and police in Berkeley evacuated certain areas of the city while in San Francisco, officials sent alerts and messages on social media telling residents to stay away from water, beaches, harbors, marina docks, and piers. “Move at least one block inland,” said the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. Emergency personnel in vehicles with public address systems also went to make sure no one was on beaches and other low-lying areas. But some critics said San Francisco should have sounded its loud emergency sirens, which have been off-line since 2019 for repairs. In San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco, officials considered but decided against sounding its tsunami warning sirens after receiving more comprehensive information from the NWS that any tsunami would affect coastlines north of the Golden Gate Bridge, said Michelle Durand, a spokesperson for the county. Fire and police cleared the beaches while emergency personnel gathered to monitor the situation, she said, which “prioritized both public safety and the prevention of unnecessary panic.” More articles from the BDNIowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level Media

HMC wins prestigious CIPD Middle East Award for Best Wellbeing Programme

Malam Ahmed Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, has said that the decision to demolish 188-year-old Malam Abdulkarim Central Mosque Zaria was a painful decision that weighed heavily upon the Emirate Council. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the royal father disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the mosque in Zaria on Sunday. Bamalli said the decision was not made lightly but the emirate had no option than to take the decision as the safety of lives remained the top priority of the council. “Your well-being and security have always been at the forefront of our thoughts and actions”, the emir said. Bamalli commended the Kaduna State Government for supporting the victims of the 2023 Mosque collapse, paying compensation of houses affected by expansion of the Mosque project among other initiatives. He also lauded the highest donation of N2 billion by Alhaji Abdussamad Isyaka-Rabi’u through the ASR Africa and BUA Group. He noted that the historic Mosque, built in the 1830s had served as a beacon of faith, community engagement and resilience. Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen said the collapsed Mosque was one of the biggest and largest historical heritage of building technology in Nigeria. The speaker, who is also the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency and a traditional title holder of “Iyan Zazzau”, said the rebuilding of the central Mosque has about 18 months completion period. He, however, said the resources available would only be able to reach 50 per cent completion, urging philanthropists to donate generously for timely completion of the gigantic project. The speaker restated the commitment of the National Assembly towards supporting the timely completion of the project. In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna, reiterated the state government’s continued commitment to supporting the project to ensure prompt completion. He added that the state government was in touch with key stakeholders towards generating more funds for the project. NAN recalls that on Aug. 11, 2023, the 188-year old Mosque collapsed while hundreds of worshippers were observing afternoon prayers, killing seven worshippers and injuring many others.

Bad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in perilCAIRO: Zionist forces stormed into Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in north Gaza on Friday and expelled some staff and displaced people before withdrawing, and bodies of people killed by airstrikes littered the streets outside, its director said. The attack had begun with a series of airstrikes on the western and northern sides of Kamal Adwan accompanied by intensive shooting, hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya said, speaking via an online chatroom monitored by Reuters. He said troops who swept into the hospital ordered all staff, patients and displaced people into its courtyard before allowing them hours later to return inside, though some staff including its Indonesian emergency surgery team and some displaced were ordered to leave the premises for good. Zionist military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It has accused Hamas militants of using civilian buildings including hospitals and schools for operational cover throughout the 14-month Gaza war. Hamas has denied this, accusing Zionists of indiscriminate bombings and assaults. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been caught in renewed Zionist military operations in north Gaza against regrouping militants. “This morning, we were shocked to see hundreds of bodies and wounded individuals in the streets surrounding the hospital,” Abu Safiya said in another statement posted online. “The situation inside the hospital and in its vicinity is catastrophic. There are a large number of (dead) martyrs and wounded individuals, and no surgeons are left,” he said. Reuters could not independently authenticate his account, given a lack of media access to besieged Gaza Strip. Gaza’s Health Ministry said the three main hospitals on the northern end of the enclave are barely functioning and have been under repeated attack since Zionists sent tanks into Beit Lahiya and nearby Beit Hanoun and Jabalia in October. Later on, a Zionist airstrike on a house in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip killed at least 18 people, including three children and two women, and wounded 30 other people, medics said. They added that military strikes across the enclave killed at least 53 Palestinians, most of them in northern Gaza. Distress call In a distress call on Friday, the ministry accused the military of committing a “war crime” in Kamal Adwan Hospital by perpetrating “all forms of killing and violence inside and around it”. It added: “The injured who remained inside are in critical condition and need immediate medical care.” The ministry said only half of the 37 hospitals and clinics in the war-devastated territory remained operational but lacked essential equipment, manpower, and medical and fuel supplies. The World Health Organization said Zionist forces had bombed Kamal Adwan Hospital early on Thursday apparently without warning its staff in advance. “That is extremely concerning and should never happen,” WHO spokesperson Rik Peeperkorn told a Geneva briefing by video link. The hospital is now “minimally functional”, he added. Military says it has killed hundreds of militants in fighting with Hamas in north Gaza since October, a heavily urbanized area it claimed to have subdued early this year. On Friday, it said that over the past week its forces had killed several senior Hamas operatives who were involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack that precipitated the war, and were commanding militant units in north and central Gaza. Hamas and its smaller ally Islamic Jihad say they have killed many soldiers in those areas in the same period. Residents of Beit Lahiya said the army blew up several houses overnight not far from Kamal Adwan Hospital. Palestinians say Zionists plan to carve out a buffer zone along the northern fringes of Gaza after depopulating the area. Later on Friday, COGAT, the Zionist government body that oversees aid to Gaza, said it had facilitated the delivery of thousands of food packages and sacks of flour into Beit Hanoun, in collaboration with international aid agencies, for distribution to the remaining population. Double standards Meanwhile, a UN official on Saturday said international double standards have encouraged the Zionist authorities to perpetrate genocides in Gaza, calling for continuous efforts to lay bare the occupation violations. Francesca Albanese, the UN rapporteur for human rights in the occupied territories, was speaking in remarks to KUNA after she addressed a session of heads of the diplomatic missions at the UN headquarters in Vienna. The colonialism mentality continues to largely affect the international policies leading to clear discrimination in applying the international law, she said. The Palestinians have the legitimate right to defend themselves against the continuous aggression; it is a right guaranteed by the international Laws that also guarantee peoples’ right in resisting the occupation, said Albanese. She slammed the double rhetoric of western states that claim support for the Palestinians’ rights and the two states solution but neglect crimes perpetrated by the occupation and supplies the occupied with weapons, which is in turn an explicit encouragement for these crimes. Zionist occupation exploits impunity to act like it is above the international laws, she said, alluding to the genocide in Gaza where the Palestinians have been deprived of water, food and health care. Moreover, the civilians there have been directly targeted and 70 percent of the victims are women and children. Talking about political solutions is senseless in the shadow of the continuing occupation and the war on Gaza, Albanese said, stressing that ending the occupation must be the first step on the path for making any real progress. ‘Genocidal’ Zionists A senior Saudi royal termed Zionist entity “genocidal” and an “apartheid” state on Saturday, as he called on incoming US President-elect Donald Trump to bring peace to the Middle East. Prince Turki Al Faisal, who was Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief for more than two decades, also said he hoped Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC). His comments at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain follow increasingly tough statements from Saudi officials since talks were paused on a potential normalization of ties with Zionists after the start of the Gaza war. “(Zionist entity) today, according to international human rights groups, is not only an apartheid colonial state, but it is also a genocidal one,” Prince Turki said. “It is committing genocide on the people of Gaza.” He added: “It’s about time for the world to... take the necessary steps to bring those who are charged by the International Criminal Court to justice.” The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant last month on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Saudi’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also accused Zionists of genocide at a joint Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Riyadh last month.- AFP‘50s horror icon Vincent Price pranked wife with Christmas gift she hated every year

Kings’ slumbering offense needs a jolt against Seattle

CV Sciences, Inc. CVSI a hemp-focused wellness company announced on Thursday it's acquiring Extract Labs, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of premium cannabinoid products including gummies, topicals and tinctures. What Happened The company noted that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Extract Labs for the following considerations: cash payment of $400,000, less the amount of certain holdbacks and adjustments; and the issuance of shares of CV Sciences’ common stock valued at $1 million based on the sixty-day volume weighted average price of CV Sciences’ common stock. Additionally, under the deal, Extract Labs sellers will be eligible to receive up to $600,000 of additional shares of CV Sciences’ common stock if Extract Labs satisfies certain revenue targets during the first year following the closing date. Read Also: CV Sciences Q3: Revenue Stable Amid New Launches, Financing Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter here . If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out. Why It Matters Extract Labs' branded products are sold through a range of sales channels from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C). Moreover, Extract Labs, which is GMP-certified and FDA-registered, has operational flexibility that allows for low to large minimum order quantity production runs, making the use of capital and the ability to increase speed to market for new product development more efficient. CV Sciences says it expects the transaction will create the opportunity to increase its sales to current and new clients. "The acquisition synergies are expected to increase our revenue and customer base, allow us to leverage our key assets, optimize operations and processes, and drive long-term growth and shareholder value," said CEO Joseph Dowling . "Extract Labs is a stand-alone profitable business and our plan is to increase its existing revenue base and further leverage its existing capacity." What's Next The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions precedent. The company also plans to in-source production of certain of its key products. "We are planning to in-source the manufacturing of select +PlusCBD branded products providing an opportunity for meaningful cost savings. Extract Labs manufacturing capability will provide us with greater control over our supply chain and accelerate our new product development cycle,” Dowling said. CVSI Price Action CV Sciences' shares traded 9.09% lower at $0.04 per share after the market close on Thursday afternoon. Read Next: Hemp-Focused CV Sciences Reports Flat Revenue And Over 8% YoY Increase In Gross Profit In Q2 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.