43 jili Tesla loses bid to restore Musk’s $56bn pay packageNEW YORK (AP) — Ayden Pereira rushed for 136 yards on 17 carries and threw for a touchdown and Merrimack's defense smothered Fordham 19-3 in a season finale. Jay Thompson had three solo sacks and was credited with four of Merrimack’s 11 sacks. The Rams (2-10) finished with just four first downs and were held to minus-29 yards rushing and 31 total yards offense. The Warriors (5-6) also made two interceptions. Pereira was 12-of-15 passing for 131 yards, connecting with Jalen McDonald for a 12-yard touchdown and a 16-3 lead late in the third quarter. Lliam Davis's field goal made it 19-3 in the fourth quarter. After Kendal Sims blocked a Fordham punt out of the end zone for a safety, Jermaine Corbett went over from a yard out for a 9-0 lead in the first quarter. Bennett Henderson had Fordham's only points with a 43-yard field goal. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

A total of 11,885,478 common shares were voted at the meeting, representing 9.10% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the meeting, including the election of all director nominees as follows: The shareholders also approved (1) the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorized the Board of Directors to fix the remuneration of the auditor; and (2) the adoption of an omnibus incentive plan (the "Omnibus Plan"). Results of the shareholder votes on these items are set forth below: The Omnibus Plan is a ten percent (10%) rolling plan, pursuant to which the Board of Directors may grant to eligible participants stock options, restricted share units, performance share units and deferred share units to acquire common shares of the Company (each, a "Share"). An aggregate of 13,056,587 Shares are issuable under the Omnibus Plan, representing ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Shares as of December 12, 2024. The Omnibus Plan replaces the previous ten percent (10%) rolling stock option plan. Please see the Circular for further information on the Omnibus Plan. For further information regarding the matters considered at the Meeting, readers are encouraged to review the Circular, a copy of which is available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ ( ) and available on the Company's website . Technical Information All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Garrett Ainsworth, PGeo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical results. District has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. District considers these historical results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling. Mr. Ainsworth has not verified any of the information regarding any of the properties or projects referred to herein other than District's properties. Mineralization on any other properties referred to herein is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on District's properties. About District Metals Corp. District is led by industry professionals with a track record of success in the mining industry. The Company's mandate is to seek out, explore, and develop prospective mineral properties through a disciplined science-based approach to create shareholder value and benefit other stakeholders. District is a polymetallic exploration and development company focused on the Viken and Tomtebo Properties in Sweden. The Viken Property covers 100% of the uranium-vanadium Viken Deposit, which is an asset with substantial exploration and development expenditures that resulted in the definition of large historic polymetallic resource estimates in 2010 and 2014. The Viken Deposit is amongst the largest deposits by total historic mineral resources of uranium and vanadium in the world. The advanced exploration stage Tomtebo Property is located in the Bergslagen Mining District of south-central Sweden and is situated between the historic Falun Mine and Boliden's Garpenberg Mine that are located 25 km to the northwest and southeast, respectively. Two historic polymetallic mines and numerous polymetallic showings are located on the Tomtebo Property along an approximate 17 km trend that exhibits similar geology, structure, alteration and VMS/SedEx style mineralization as other significant mines within the district. For further information on the Tomtebo Property, please see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Update Technical Report on the Tomtebo Project, Bergslagen Region of Sweden" dated effective October 15, 2020 and amended and restated on February 26, 2021, which is available on SEDAR+ at . On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Garrett Ainsworth" President and Chief Executive Officer (604) 288-4430 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking Information" This news release contains certain statements that may be considered "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and any similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, predictions, indications, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking information in this news release relating to the Company include, among other things: statements relating to the Company's Swedish polymetallic properties; and the Company's interpretations and expectations about the results on the Swedish properties. These statements and other forward-looking information are based on opinions, assumptions and estimates made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the reliability of historical data and the accuracy of publicly reported information regarding past and historic mines in the Bergslagen district; in respect of the intention of the Swedish government to eventually lift or amend its moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in Sweden; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund planned exploration activities, maintain corporate capacity; and stability in financial and capital markets. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks associated with the following: the reliability of historic data on District's properties; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to finance planned exploration; that the Swedish government maintains its moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in Sweden for the foreseeable future; the Company's limited operating history; the Company's negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; the uncertainties associated with early stage exploration activities including general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process, failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals, technical issues, potential delays, unexpected events and management's capacity to execute and implement its future plans; the Company's ability to identify any mineral resources and mineral reserves; the substantial expenditures required to establish mineral reserves through drilling and the estimation of mineral reserves or mineral resources; the uncertainty of estimates used to calculated mineralization figures; changes in governmental regulations; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; competition for future resource acquisitions and skilled industry personnel; reliance on key personnel; title matters; conflicts of interest; environmental laws and regulations and associated risks, including climate change legislation; land reclamation requirements; changes in government policies; volatility of the Company's share price; the unlikelihood that shareholders will receive dividends from the Company; potential future acquisitions and joint ventures; risks related to existing earn-in and joint venture with Boliden; infrastructure risks; fluctuations in demand for, and prices of metals; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; legal proceedings and the enforceability of judgments; going concern risk; risks related to the Company's information technology systems and cyber-security risks; and risk related to the outbreak of epidemics or pandemics or other health crises. For additional information regarding these risks, please see the Company's Annual Information Form dated July 11, 2022, under the heading "Risk Factors", which is available at . These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company. These factors and assumptions, however, should be considered carefully. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of such factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: District Metals Corp. MENAFN13122024004218003983ID1108991789 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Alex Chaikin's 20 points off of the bench helped Lafayette to a 77-73 victory against Mercyhurst on Saturday. Chaikin went 7 of 8 from the field (6 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Leopards (5-5). Justin Vander Baan added 13 points while shooting 3 of 5 from the field and 7 for 9 from the line while he also had six rebounds and five blocks. Andrew Phillips had 10 points and shot 4 of 6 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line. Shemar Rathan-Mayes finished with 21 points and four assists for the Lakers (5-6). Aidan Reichert added 18 points, six rebounds and three steals for Mercyhurst. Jeff Planutis also recorded 13 points. Chaikin scored nine points in the first half and Lafayette went into the break trailing 38-31. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Lana Del Rey Credits Jack Antonoff for Her Marriage to Jeremy Dufrene: His Love For Margaret Qualley Is ‘A Big Reason’ Why She Waited to Tie the Knot

Santa Ana’s sole independent bookstore LibroMobile may be closing its doors. “In the last six months, our book sales have been incredibly low, and so on top of that, California state arts funding was cut, which means we lost two big grants, like $50,000 worth of funding that we normally get for our programming,” says owner and founder Sarah Rafael García. “We don’t have enough money projected for 2025. Right now, we’re not even sure we’re going to make it to June.” SEE ALSO : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more García, who works another full-time job that runs through May, has had to cancel LibroMobile’s annual literary festival and events programming and she’s been dipping into her own income to keep the doors open at the store, which has two employees and additional student help. “I have been contributing my own personal funds to keep it going,” she says. “We’re grassroots – I’m not a rich person, you know? I started the bookstore with a $10,000 yearly income, so I always tell people, I know how to survive off of very little money.” She plans to continue doing pop-up sales events and the quarterly open mic night, although the money crunch has affected that event as well. “We cannot pay our headliners. So whatever poet chooses to accept the invite to headline, they’re doing it for free,” she says. The problem, she says, is not enough book buyers. “We won’t be able to maintain a brick and mortar if people don’t buy books,” she says. “If we don’t increase book sales significantly in the next couple months, then in March I’m going to have to probably announce that we’re definitely closing in June.” And while she says she’ll find a way to keep doing pop-ups and other events – she launched LibroMobile with a hand-me-down garden cart that gave the venture its name – “We won’t have a brick and mortar store, which is a really sad thing for our city, as the only independent bookstore in Santa Ana.” No, it’s not the rent García makes one thing clear: Don’t blame her landlords. “We don’t pay market-rate rent. So when people say, ‘Oh, it’s your landlord, they should decrease it.’ That’s not true. They have been 100% supportive. They have not increased our rent because they know we’re in this situation,” she says. “They want to figure out how to make it work.” She says LibroMobile reciprocates by creating community events in English and Spanish at the Bristol Swap Meet to bring people to the food courts as well as by helping to fund the site’s murals with grant money and city support. “We’re more than a bookstore. We’re creating a place for our community where they can explore literature and the arts without having to pay for it,” she says, but adds that there are always costs to cover. “We have to pay a DJ. We have to pay for the equipment. Sometimes we have to rent chairs if we expect a bigger crowd for an event. So all those are additional costs.” But she’s committed to serving the community. “This is home for me ... Santa Ana is where I went to school and keep returning, even though I have nobody left here, other than friends and chosen family, my godparents. But it’s still what I call home.” Her father, Rafael Castillo García, worked for The Orange County Register for 10 years until he died unexpectedly in 1988 at age 36. She recalls how her father – who studied the paper to improve his language skills, attended community college and wrote poems he’d leave on the family refrigerator – would leave the house dressed in crisp slacks and a dress shirt. “He always dressed sharp to go to work, to try to impress us to have better jobs,” says García, who would learn about the physical nature of his work after his death. “I didn’t know he was a labor worker. I had to go empty his locker out, and I found the coveralls.” What’s next? García says she has considered suggestions to start a crowdfunding campaign but ultimately decided against it. “I know I could probably set up a GoFundMe, but where would that take us a year or two from now? We’ll be in the same position. If I don’t cultivate the culture and the tradition in Santa Ana and Orange County, then we’re still not creating sustainability,” she says. “I’m trying to cultivate the want and the need of books, not just holding rent.” So what can local readers do to help? “I want them shopping at the bookstore. [laughs] We go days without someone buying a book sometimes,” she says. “We are the only bookstore in Santa Ana, but not just that. We’re the only bookstore in Orange County that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color books, as well as Spanish, multicultural and bilingual books. We have a whole beautiful collection of BIPOC cookbooks – like, who does that, right? – on top of a special collection that prioritizes ethnic studies, gender studies and academic books at affordable prices.” SEE ALSO : Bestsellers, authors, books and more can be found in the Books section García underscores her commitment to keeping prices reasonable – or even free. She stocks a Little Free Library at the Bristol Swap Meet, too. “Maybe that’s why we’re not making enough money. But that’s the whole point of keeping books that are relevant to our community accessible and affordable,” she says. While she says that the store is proudly political, García thinks LibroMobile has something that benefits the entire community. ​”If you don’t like our politics, there’s still plenty of other books you can read in our store,” she says. “We have something for everyone, but we’re also not going to hide our political stances for the sake of capitalism.” For more stories about : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and moreThousands celebrate in Damascus after Friday prayersLucid Profit AI Review 2024: Legit or Scam Trading Platform? – Canada Reports!

The data on dividends is undeniable. Companies that pay dividends have outperformed non-payers by more than two-to-one over the last 50 years (9.2% average annual total return versus 4.3%), according to data from Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds. Meanwhile, the highest returns have come from dividend growers (10.2%). Some companies do a better job of growing their dividends than others. ConocoPhillips ( COP -0.13% ) , Diamondback Energy ( FANG 1.42% ) , and EOG Resources ( EOG 0.63% ) have delivered high-octane dividend growth, which seems likely to continue. That makes these dividend oil stocks compelling options for investors seeking high-powered total returns . Aiming to be in the top quarter ConocoPhillips recently increased its regular quarterly dividend by an impressive 34%. That marked a continuation of its high-octane dividend growth in recent years. The oil giant also increased its payment by 14% in 2023 and 11% in 2022. The oil producer wants to be in the upper echelon of dividend growth stocks in the future. It plans to deliver dividend growth in the top 25% of all companies in the S&P 500 . Fueling the company's surging dividend is a combination of accretive acquisitions, high-return capital projects, and meaningful share repurchases. ConocoPhillips has capitalized on opportunities to add to its low-cost resources in recent years to increase its free cash flow. For example, it's currently working to close its $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil . The deal will be immediately accretive to its cash flow per share. In addition, the company expects to capture more than $500 million in annual cost savings. ConocoPhillips plans to use a meaningful portion of its growing free cash flow to continue buying back its stock. The oil company has retired 14% of its outstanding shares in recent years, enhancing its ability to grow its dividend per share. The sector leader Diamondback Energy has grown its base dividend at an industry-leading 8% average quarterly compound annual rate since initiating the payout in 2018. It has increased the payment by an impressive 620% during that time frame. The oil company's consolidation strategy has helped fuel its high-octane dividend growth rate. Diamondback has repeatedly made accretive acquisitions to increase its scale in the Permian Basin. Those deals have lowered its costs while enhancing its free cash flow. Diamondback recently closed its biggest-ever deal, buying Endeavor Energy Resources for $26 billion. The company expects the highly accretive acquisition to add 10% to its free cash flow per share next year. The oil company plans to return at least 50% of its growing free cash flow to shareholders via a growing base dividend, share repurchases, and variable dividends. It will use the other 50% to strengthen its already healthy balance sheet. A different fuel source EOG Resources recently raised its regular dividend by another 7%. The oil company has delivered 27 years of sustainable, growing regular dividends. It has raised its payout for seven straight years while growing it at a nearly 22% compound annual rate over the past decade . The company has used a different fuel source to grow its dividend. It has avoided making costly acquisitions, preferring instead to expand organically. EOG Resources has a knack for discovering low-cost, high-return oil and gas resources across the U.S. The company only invests in drilling new wells that exceed its high return threshold. That has enabled it to generate significant and growing free cash flow. EOG Resources produces more cash than it needs to grow its business and pay its rapidly rising regular dividend. It uses those excess funds to repay debt, repurchase shares, and pay special dividends . The company's balance sheet is so strong right now that it plans to return more than 100% of its annual free cash flow to shareholders in the near term by opportunistically repurchasing shares and paying special dividends. High octane total return potential ConocoPhillips, Diamondback Energy, and EOG Resources have delivered high-octane dividend growth in recent years. They expect to have plenty of fuel to continue increasing their dividends in the future. That makes them compelling opportunities for investors seeking income growth and strong total return potential.Chaikin scores 20 as Lafayette takes down Mercyhurst 77-73

ATLANTA — On the very last play of the first half of the SEC Championship game between Georgia and Texas, Bulldog quarterback Carson Beck took a hard hit while attempting a Hail Mary throw. Beck stayed down on the field while trainers tended to him. He got up after about a minute and trotted off the field into the locker room. Before heading into the locker room, ESPN's Holly Rowe asked Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart if Beck would be able to play in the second half, to which he replied, "He should be. I don't know. We've got to go look at him." However, at the start of the second half, Rowe passed along the message that Beck would not be playing the rest of the game. So, who will be taking snaps? Who is Georgia's backup quarterback? Georgia's backup QB is sophomore Gunner Stockton. Stockton has seen limited action in his two seasons with the Bulldogs but he's no stranger to game. In 2023, he completed 12 passes for 148 yards across his four separate appearances. So far this season, Stockton has only appeared in two games: against Tennessee Tech and Umass. This second half of the SEC Championship game will be the most the young QB has played and it's in the biggest moment of Georgia's season thus far.

Technology stocks led a broad rally on Wall Street Tuesday during a holiday-shortened trading session ahead of Christmas. The S&P 500 rose 1.1% for its third-straight gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.9%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. While Big Tech companies, including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped push the market higher, the gains were widespread. Advancers outnumbered decliners by more than 3-to-1 on the New York Stock Exchange. Broadcom rose 3.2%, Apple gained 1.1% and Amazon closed 1.8% higher. Super Micro Computer climbed 6%. Tesla jumped 7.4% for the biggest gains among S&P 500 stocks. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended with a 0.6% gain after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Elsewhere in the market, U.S. Steel rose 1.9% a day after an influential government panel failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the nearly $15 billion proposed sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. NeueHealth surged 74.9% after the health care company agreed to be taken private in a deal valued at roughly $1.3 billion. All told, the S&P 500 rose 65.97 points to 6,040.04. The Dow added 390.08 points to 43,297.03, and the Nasdaq rose 266.24 points to 20,031.13. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59%. European markets closed mostly higher. Markets in Asia mostly gained ground. Tuesday’s U.S. market rally comes as the stock market enters what’s historically been a very cheerful season. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. The so-called “Santa rally” also correlates closely with positive returns in January and the upcoming year. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the stock market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains within roughly 1% of the all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. U.S. markets will be closed Wednesday for Christmas. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to this week, including a weekly update on unemployment benefits on Thursday.From Health-Empowering Practices to More Eco-Smart Products, Explore the Top Trends Shaping Wellness, Beauty, Home Essentials, and Cooking for the Year Ahead LAKEWOOD, Colo. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers®, America's Nutrition Education Experts SM and the nation's largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, has unveiled its highly anticipated Top Trends for 2025 . Now in its ninth year, the list highlights expert predictions on the emerging products and practices set to shape the year across four key categories: Health and Wellness , Body Care and Beauty , Food and Beverage , and those that are Ecologically Thoughtful . For the 2025 predictions, Natural Grocers' expert Nutrition Education team—including Registered Dietitians and Certified Natural Foods Chefs—joined forces with its purchasing, marketing, and analytics teams. This dynamic collaboration combined deep research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to craft a forecast that's as informed as it is exciting. "At Natural Grocers , we're always eager to see how evolving trends inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles," stated Raquel Isely , vice president of Marketing at Natural Grocers. "Each year we sift through evolving shopping habits and cutting-edge research to pinpoint the trends that will shape the way we live, eat, and care for ourselves in the year to come. "For 2025, we're seeing a focus on simple, yet thoughtful choices that prioritize wellness and the planet—like making blood sugar-friendly habits part of everyday life, exploring ocean-inspired body care, and embracing high-quality, globally-inspired proteins. These trends aren't just exciting—they're impactful, and some can make fabulous, practical holiday gifts! Whether it's a functional, natural skincare product geared towards men, a regenerative agriculture-friendly treat, or a product that helps kick forever chemicals out of the home, there's something meaningful for everyone on your list this season." NATURAL GROCERS' TOP TRENDS FOR 2025 Natural Grocers' Top Trends for 2025 are organized into four key categories: Health & Wellness , Body Care & Beauty , Food & Beverage , and Ecologically Thoughtful , encompassing a total of twelve trends. The expert team has included its "Try This Trend" feature, offering ideas and products for those eager to dive in and explore. For the third consecutive year, the company has also introduced a Bonus Trend—a unique highlight that connects and complements the entire lineup. The full list of trends is outlined below, with each category linked to detailed insights, product recommendations, and supporting research on the company's website. HEALTH & WELLNESS TRENDS BODY CARE & BEAUTY TRENDS FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS ECOLOGICALLY THOUGHTFUL TRENDS *BONUS TREND* Cultivating Biodiversity Becomes a Priority Natural Grocers will highlight these trends online and across their social media platforms throughout December. They will also be featured in the January edition of Natural Grocers' good4u Health Hotline® magazine, available in both online and print formats. ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its 5 Founding Principles —including its "Commitment to Community" and "Commitment to Crew". In fiscal year 2024, the Company invested more than $15 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. Headquartered in the Union Square neighborhood of Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 168 stores in 21 states. Visit www.naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-grocers-unveils-2025s-must-know-trends-302320141.html SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

The Supreme Court’s senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has expressed concern that the country’s judiciary is undergoing “one of its weakest moments in our history” and thus risking executive overreach in its affairs, it emerged on Friday. The remarks come in the backdrop of the 26th Constitutional Amendment which was criticised for the haste with which it was passed. The International Court of Jurists derided the “blow to judicial independence” when the 26th Amendment was signed into law. Some of the major changes made to the Constitution included changing the process of the chief justice of Pakistan’s appointment, taking away the high courts’ suo motu powers, formation of constitutional benches, and performance evaluations of high court judges. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) had last week approved the formation of a committee led by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail to constitute rules and criteria for appointing judges by December 15. In a letter written to Justice Mandokhail a day ago regarding the task ahead, seen by Dawn.com , Justice Shah said: “The judiciary of Pakistan is passing through one of its weakest moments in our history, and the risks of executive overreach are higher than ever.” He said he had “deep concern” regarding the formulation of rules for the appointment of judges to constitutional courts in Pakistan, a matter which he called of the “utmost significance to the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and democracy in our country” since it was mandated upon the JCP by the Constitution. “In the absence of such rules, any proceedings undertaken by the commission for the appointment of judges would be unconstitutional,” the senior puisne judge pointed out. Justice Shah said the judiciary had enjoyed primacy in the appointment process of judges but the vital balance was “fundamentally disturbed” under the 26th amendment, granting a majority to the executive in the JCP. “This unprecedented shift in the composition of the JCP poses grave risks, including the potential for political appointments and the packing of courts with judges lacking an ideological commitment to the rule of law,” the judge warned. He stressed that appointments made without a “well-defined and transparent framework of rules” would undermine public confidence in the judiciary, compromise its independence, and erode its ability to function as a neutral arbiter of justice. “The selection and appointment of judges must be structured and well-reasoned and never be left vulnerable to arbitrary or politically motivated decisions. “In these circumstances, it becomes imperative that well-thought-out rules are framed that provide the necessary filters to select the best of the best, thereby safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring merit-based selections.” He urged the five-member committee tasked with drafting the rules that selecting the best judges that would promote the rule of law required a focus on objective, fair and forward-looking criteria. Justice Shah proposed several criteria and factors that he said potential nominees should be judged for. “By adopting this comprehensive approach, the JCP can ensure a fair, robust and merit-based selection process that aligns with the principles of judicial independence and rule of law. “The absence of robust rules and criteria will allow outside influence to undermine the judiciary by facilitating appointments that serve partisan interests rather than upholding constitutional values,” he pointed out. The judge stressed that it was critical that “no appointment to the constitutional courts proceeds until these rules are finalised and adopted by the JCP”, saying that the approach was essential not only for ensuring the independence of the judiciary but also for enhancing public trust in the courts as “bastions of justice, the rule of law and democratic accountability”. “Any hurriedness in the matter by the JCP can seriously undermine and weaken the judiciary for years to come,” Justice Shah warned. He concluded by expressing trust that Justice Mandokhail would “recognise the urgency and importance of this matter and act decisively to ensure that the process is both fair and resistant to outside influence”. The JCP will meet on Dec 21 to consider 10 nominations for four vacant positions of the Islamabad High Court judges. Justice Shah said he looked forward to the draft rules in the Dec 21 meeting. “I understand that unless the rules are finalised by the JCP, we cannot initiate the process of appointment of judges,” he added.

Catalyst Bancorp director Kirk Kleiser buys $22,106 in stock

FireSwarm Solutions secures $500K for advanced wildfire-fighting drone technologyB.C. Premier David Eby vows to seek out new export opportunities in wake of Trump tariff plan

B.C. Premier David Eby is promising to seek new export opportunities for the province after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25-per-cent tariff on all Mexican and Canadian goods. British Columbia exports billions of dollars’ worth of commodities and products – coal and lumber, plastics and machinery – every month, with just over half bound for the United States. It could be worse. Canada as a whole sends three-quarters of its exports to the U.S. B.C. has less exposure to that single market thanks to a long-running policy, embraced by political parties of every stripe, of maintaining a diversified trade portfolio. “We’re going to continue to do our work to expand those trading opportunities,” Mr. Eby told reporters Wednesday. In the 1980s, B.C.’s political leaders set their economic sights on Asia, opening trade offices in Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan with the intent of reducing the province’s dependence on its dominant customer to the south. The province has bankrolled countless trade missions and now maintains 19 overseas trade offices. Yet the U.S. has consistently remained its most important trading partner over the past four decades. At best, the diversification strategy has dampened the siren call of the behemoth at its doorstep. “Canada is so privileged to be next door to this giant economic engine of the United States,” noted former B.C. premier Glen Clark in an interview. “We understand the laws there, we understand the language, we understand the people, and it’s very close, so it’s a natural.” But too much dependence on a single market – no matter how big, no matter how easy – comes with risk. Mr. Trump’s tariff threat should be a catalyst for a fresh commitment to cultivate new markets, said Mr. Clark, who led 13 trade missions to China alone during his term as premier, from 1996 to 1999. “Reviving that trade policy, only with different focus on parts of the world, makes a lot of sense as we move forward in this kind of dangerous time.” In 1987, Mike Harcourt, then the NDP opposition leader, stood up in the legislature and endorsed the Social Credit government’s early trade missions. Even as some Socred backbenchers dismissed the trips as “boondoggles,” Mr. Harcourt pressed for a more aggressive strategy. “We support those initiatives, but we’re not bold enough,” he said, insisting that the province needed to establish outposts in China and India. At the time, the Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute was demonstrating the ability of the U.S. to cripple the province’s forest sector. That conflict continues today – a textbook example for Canada of how U.S. protectionism can supersede good trade relations. British Columbia’s position as a trade gateway for Pacific Rim countries was already a reality before politicians tried to help. The year Mr. Harcourt was calling for trade offices in China, just 46 per cent of the province’s exports went to the United States. When he became Premier in 1991, Mr. Harcourt took the opportunity to pursue new markets aggressively. “I started talking about Vancouver being, not the last stop of the CPR railway, but the front door to Asia for Canada,” he said in an interview. But today he believes the province’s trade strategy needs an urgent update to prepare for 2025, when Mr. Trump returns to office. B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy was updated in 2023, but much has changed since. The value of softwood lumber exports has stagnated and is now rivalled by sales of machinery and equipment. Meanwhile, energy exports – especially coal – are climbing in value. Mr. Trump’s tariff threats aside, global trade relations are also more complex, particularly with China and India. The two countries are host to almost half of B.C.’s international trade offices outside the U.S. David Emerson helped steer Canada toward trade diversification. As deputy finance minister under then-Premier Bill Bennett and deputy minister to Premier Bill Vander Zalm, he crafted B.C.’s Asian Pacific trade strategy and later introduced the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative as the federal Minister of International Trade. He also was the minister who negotiated the one and only settlement on softwood lumber, in 2006. That agreement expired in 2015. Mr. Emerson says this is not a good time for British Columbia – and Canada – to face a strong protectionist leader in the U.S., because the alternatives are limited. “I do believe we need to grow market penetration in markets other than the U.S., but the greatest potential is in markets where we now have terrible relations,” he said. “Today, relations with China and India are a mess, and the great trade diversification strategy has run into serious trouble.” China is B.C.’s second-largest export destination – one that is growing in value. But Canada and China are in the midst of a trade spat. In August, Ottawa announced a 100-per-cent import tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25-per-cent tariff on steel and aluminum products from China, after the U.S. and the European Union introduced similar measures. The following month, Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rapeseed from Canada. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has signalled he is prepared to reignite trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which could put other trading partners in the crossfire. Canada’s relations with India soured after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last year that there were credible allegations the Indian government had links to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canada has since alleged that India’s Home Affairs Minister, Amit Shah, ordered the targeting of Sikh activists in Canada. Both countries have now expelled each other’s top diplomatic officials. Mr. Trump’s rationale for slapping tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports is to punish both countries for lax border security, allowing illegal migrants and illicit drugs to slip through into the U.S. On Wednesday, Mr. Trudeau met with the premiers to strategize and emerged with a promise to strengthen border security by pumping more money into the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP. Mr. Eby, who advocated for that investment as an answer to Mr. Trump’s complaints, said Canada should put up a united front to take on the U.S. trade threat. But in the meantime, he said, he’ll renew his government’s commitment to diversification. “This was definitely the right direction, obviously, in hindsight, and we do have to redouble those efforts, given the instability south of the border.” The decades of previous efforts have shown, however, that changing those trade patterns will be exceptionally difficult.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a storied five years, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is all set to bid adieu to Kerala. Khan will assume charge as the new Governor of Bihar. Meanwhile, the president appointed the current Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar as the new Kerala Governor. Arif Muhammad completed his five-year term on September 5. The decision to make Khan the new governor of Bihar, one of the largest states in the country can be viewed as a pat on the back. BJP leader from Goa Rajendra Arlekar will soon become the 23rd Governor of Kerala. When late leader Manohar Parrikar was selected as the central minister, the BJP leadership considered handing over the chief minister post to Arlekar. He has served as Speaker and Minister in the cabinet. He was the Governor of Himachal Pradesh during 2023. He became the Governor of Bihar in February 2023. Arlekar is a music enthusiast with a gentle demeanour. Unlike the former Kerala Governors, Arlekar will be the first staunch RSS leader to take the place. Former Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla will become the new Manipur Governor. Mizoram governor Kambhampati Hari Babu has been appointed as the new Odisha governor. Instead, former Chief of Army Staff and Chief Minister General Dr VK Singh will take reigns as the new Mizoram Governor. Meanwhile, P S Sreedharan Pillai will continue as Goa governor. Uttar Pradesh native Arif Khan’s tenure in Kerala was erratic but the leader made everyone know the tentacles of power within the Governor. There were occasions when Khan brought the government to its knees and showed how far he would go to ensure the rule of law. There were fewer days in the last five years that didn’t have news about the Governor's tussle with the government. Hitherto the public perceived Governors as run-of-the-mill posts to carry forward the British-era trend. Khan was an anomaly. He craned his neck into breach of laws, actively engaged in public programs and made bonhomie with people through crucial interventions from Raj Bhavan. Despite the face-off with the left government, Khan undoubtedly made Kerala his home and for all his yeoman work, his tenure will enter the annals of Kerala’s political history. Khan is now in Delhi and will return to Kerala on December 28th. Assembly elections are scheduled for next year in Bihar. Arlekar, known for his reforms such as making the Goa assembly go paperless, the first in the country, will soon take up the reins in Kerala.

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FinTech Negligence Fuels Fraud Among Unbanked, Middle-Class Nigerians – EFCCWorld champion at age 18: Why Gukesh Dommaraju’s triumph heralds a new golden age for chessA world-renowned Haida artist and avid supporter of the victims of war in Ukraine, is pitching his talents to a Victoria non-profit that provides life-changing prosthetics. Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is the only living Indigenous artist whose work is in the permanent collection of the Modern and Contemporary Art Department at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. His works are also in the collections of the British Museum, Denver Art Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Originally scheduled to have an art show at the TSEKH Art Gallery in Kyiv, Ukraine in the fall of 2021, Nicoll Yahgulanaas is instead using his art to raise funds and awareness for the war-torn country. One of the works that would have been displayed is called Kyiv Child, created after visiting Ukraine in 2019. “I made many friends on that trip, and now they are huddling in basements, holding their children close. They worry about food, water, and Putin's indiscriminate bombing of civilians,” Nicoll Yahgulanaas said in a statement. Yahgulanaas has raised $75,000 so far for Ukraine aid through Unicef and MSF, and the latest campaign targets $25,000 for the Victoria Hand Project. From a small lab at the University of Victoria, The Victoria Hand Project harnesses 3D printing technology to create life-altering prosthetics. The charity strives to empower individuals worldwide, particularly where accessing prosthetics is challenging. By offering affordable and sustainable solutions, they restore independence, hope, and dignity to those who have lost mobility due to limb loss. CEO Michael Peirone is grateful that the B.C. artist opted to share his talents with the Saanich-based project. Malaspina Printmakers in Vancouver is covering the costs to create the high-quality prints of Yahgulanaas’s work available for $700 online . Other donors and supporters mean the funds are 100 per cent proceeds. Each print sale, $700, would essentially cover the costs associated with a prosthetic in Ukraine, Peirone told the Saanich News. “Unfortunately from what we’ve heard from partners on the ground working in Ukraine there is such a need for prosthetic care and the resources aren’t available,” he said. “The waitlists are growing, with people who have been waiting six months to a year after losing an arm defending their country. “Even if the war ended right this moment – and we wish it would – there’s still a great need for prosthetic care.” Three Victoria Hand Project team members travelled to Ukraine in June 2023 to train locals and set up two clinics for the organization’s usual in-country solution. “That helps with the long-term sustainability and decreases wait times. Also, we found it really fosters a sense of pride in the community,” Peirone said. The non-profit has made several in-person trips there, creating fast and affordable prosthetic limb production. The organization has already provided more than 110 prosthetics for Ukrainians. Get prints online at malaspinaprintmakers.com . It's one campaign among several underway at the Victoria Hand Project. A Giving Tuesday event (internationally recognized as Dec. 3) aims to raise $50,000 focused on providing prosthetic arms in Ukraine. An evening of Impact features a silent auction, compelling personal stories and food and beverages. Learn more about the initiative, purchase tickets or donate online at victoriahandproject.com .