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TORONTO — Canada's main stock index edged higher in trading on Wednesday, helped by strength in the technology sector, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 5.45 points at 25,641.18. The index took a “breather” Wednesday ahead of key labour market indicators set to be released both in Canada and the U.S. this week, said Angelo Kourkafas, senior investment strategist at Edward Jones. Statistics Canada will report the latest data from the national labour force survey on Friday, the same day the November jobs report is due in the U.S. “That's the last important data point for the Bank of Canada before they meet next week,” said Kourkafas. November was a strong month for equities, he said, so it isn't surprising that investors are digesting the gains while they await new data. He said it’s expected that Statistics Canada will report an acceleration of job gains after last month brought a “relatively weak reading,” with job gains at about half of what analysts were expecting. While Canada’s central bank is expected to cut its key interest rate a fifth straight time on Dec. 11, the size of the cut could depend on that jobs data, he said. “We're now looking at a rebound, but as the Bank of Canada deliberates between a quarter point cut versus half a percentage point cut, I think what we are going to see in terms of unemployment rate and the base of job gains is going to have a say into that,” said Kourkafas, adding that wage growth is another important metric to watch. “If we see steady job growth and slowing wages, that can potentially tilt the Bank of Canada towards a larger cut.” In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 308.51 points at 45,014.04. The S&P 500 index was up 36.61 points at 6,086.49, while the Nasdaq composite was up 254.21 points at 19,735.12. U.S. markets were propelled by strength in the technology sector, said Kourkafas, highlighting strong results in quarterly earnings released this week by Salesforce Inc. and Marvell Technology Inc. “I think today's results highlight that there is still a long runway and still enthusiasm, excitement about artificial intelligence and kind of that multi-year adoption cycle,” he said. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.09 cents US compared with 71.14 cents US on Tuesday. The January crude oil contract was down US$1.40 at US$68.54 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$3.04 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was up US$8.30 at US$2,676.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.20 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press

RomoloTavani Main Street Capital ( NYSE: MAIN ) and Capital Southwest ( NASDAQ: CSWC ) are two of the very best BDCs ( BIZD ) in the market. While their performance has largely been correlated over the long term, in recent months, their performances have diverged, with MAIN significantly outperforming If you want access to our Portfolios that have crushed the market since inception and all our current Top Picks, join us for a 2-week free trial at High Yield Investor. We are the fastest growing high yield-seeking investment service on Seeking Alpha with a perfect 5/5 rating from 180 reviews. Our members are profiting from our high-yielding strategies, and you can join them today at our lowest rate ever offered. You won't be charged a penny during the free trial, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Start Your 2-Week Free Trial Today! Samuel Smith has a diverse background that includes being lead analyst and Vice President at several highly regarded dividend stock research firms and running his own dividend investing YouTube channel. He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering & Mathematics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a Masters in Engineering with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning. Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group. Samuel teams up with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake where they focus on finding the right balance between safety, growth, yield, and value. High Yield Investor offers real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios. The service also features regular trade alerts, educational content, and an active chat room of like-minded investors. Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Golden at-bat idea brings critics to the plate: 'Absolutely stupid and ridiculous'

Rainbow Brite breaks her silence! Voice actor of beloved cartoon reveals secrets to show's success after 40 years Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By BRIAN MARKS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:10, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 23:29, 4 December 2024 e-mail View comments The woman who voiced the iconic cartoon character Rainbow Brite is weighing in on the series' longevity 40 years after its premiere. Bettina Bush, who was only 12 when she first read for the title character's role, said the secret of Rainbow Brite's enduring popularity was 'so easy' to explain. 'She is such a beacon of hope,' Bush, 52, said while speaking to People . 'She envelops and embodies all the positive things that set kids on fire, that get them excited.' She added that the title character's cheerfulness could be infectious. 'If you're feeling down, look up. You might see a rainbow. Everybody feels that way,' she added. Bush went on to explain how she came to voice the classic children's cartoon character. Bettina Bush, who began voicing Rainbow Brite when she was only 12, is weighing in on the series' longevity 40 years after its premiere. She told People the secret to Rainbow Brite's enduring popularity was 'so easy' to explain; seen in 2017 in Hollywood 'She is such a beacon of hope,' Bush, 52, said. 'She envelops and embodies all the positive things that set kids on fire, that get them excited'; still from Rainbow Brite She recalled how she was working on the series The Littles — her first show — back in 1984, when she was just 12 years old. At the time, The Littles' producers approached her about auditioning for a new show. Read More Keeping it bright! Nina Dobrev channels cartoon character Rainbow Brite while skiing in Aspen 'They brought in this black-and-white drawing of a girl named Wisp, and they said, "What do you think she sounds like?" And I just did the voice. And then I was cast,' Bush revealed. Wisp would become the title character after teaming up with a fairy named Twink and Starlite the talking horse to obtain the Color Belt. With it, she was able to rescue the Color Kids — who had been imprisoned by the King of Shadows — and to restore color to the fantastical land, which was renamed Rainbow Land. The original series consisted of five special television episodes, followed by a feature film — Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer — released in 1985 and a standard television season that aired in syndication from 1986 to '87. Rainbow Brite originated the same year that she began appearing on television as a Hallmark greeting cards character, and the design was subsequently licensed to Mattel for a line of children's toys. A three-episode mini reboot of Rainbow Brite aired years later in 2014 on Hallmark's streaming service Feeln, with Young Sheldon actress Emily Osment voicing the title character, while Molly Ringwald voiced the villain, the Dark Princess. She added that the title character's cheerfulness could be infectious. 'If you're feeling down, look up. You might see a rainbow. Everybody feels that way,' she added; seen in 2016 The original series consisted of five special television episodes, followed by a feature film released in 1985 and a television season that aired from 1986 to '87; still from Rainbow Brite Last month, Variety reported that Crayola Studios and Hallmark had joined forces to develop a new theatrical feature film and a television series featuring the Rainbow Brite character. Per the show's logline: 'Rainbow Brite, a friend, hero, role model and creative inspiration who brings all the colors of the rainbow to the universe, is transported to a dark and gloomy place with a mission to bring color, light and happiness to the world.' An image from the new series suggested it would abandon the hand-drawn animation that gave the original series its distinctive look, in favor of now-standard computer-generated animation. While looking back on her history as Rainbow Brite, Bush revealed that the show's producers only realized how big of a character they had on their hands when they saw the extreme demand for an album of music sung by the character. She shared that the producers originally looked for a professional singer for the album — eventually titled Paint A Rainbow In Your Heart — but after failing to find a singer that perfectly matched Bush's tone, they gave her a try at doing Rainbow Brite's singing voice. She told People that they began by having her sing Happy Birthday, and after that went well enough she sang Tomorrow from the musical Annie, as she had recently appeared in a production of it. After hearing the tune, Bush recalled: 'They said, "OK, great. Rainbow Brite is going to have an album and so we're going to need you to sing for her."' She added: 'When that album came out, and it was so popular, that was when I was like, "OK, wait, this is kind of a bigger deal."' Bush didn't realize how popular the character was until she was asked to also do Rainbow Brite's singing voice for a music album Bush isn't currently attached to a reboot announced in October, but she hopes to 'play a role, to write a song, to just be a part, to be included'; pictured in 2007 in Culver City, Calif. Bush looked back on her early interest in acting, which began at age four, when she appeared as a lamb in nativity scene for a Christmas pageant. 'I was super meticulous about getting my lines right,' she said, adding that she 'got them right.' It helped that her parents — including her father, Charles V. Bush, the first Black US Air Force Academy graduate and first Black page for the US Supreme Court — were both 'ride or die' when it came to helping her achieve her acting dreams. 'My dad, because of his background ... he was very much like, you stay true to who you are, and you don't let anybody tell you who you are. You tell them who you are,' Bush recalled fondly. 'And so I came out the gate knowing who I was, and he was just going to be supportive of it, period. And as long as I kept my grades up, which I did, then there was no issue.' She added that her parents' support gave her a lot of 'freedom' to experiment with an acting career. Bush, who has two teen children — daughter Cassie, 14, and son Jesse, 13 — went on to have several acting roles, including voice parts on Rugrats and its sequel series All Grown Up. She also made a name for herself in commercials by singing some of the 'I'm Lovin' It' jingles from McDonald's advertising, and she is also a popular video game perform thanks to her performances as Gloria (originally voiced by Jada Pinkett Smith) in the Madagascar games series. Bush doesn't appear to have any current involvement with the upcoming Rainbow Brite reboot, but she revealed she's 'really hoping' to be a part of it if possible. 'It would be really fun to play a role, to write a song, to just be a part, to be included,' she said. Share or comment on this article: Rainbow Brite breaks her silence! Voice actor of beloved cartoon reveals secrets to show's success after 40 years e-mail Add comment

What Does VPN Stand For And Does It Actually Keep You Safe?Head coach Vanni Sartini paid the price Monday for the Vancouver Whitecaps’ mediocre results this past season and subsequent first-round playoff exit. His firing came about two weeks after the Major League Soccer team won a play-in game before falling to top-seeded Los Angeles FC in a three-game series that went the distance. “The desperation on my side is absolutely there,” said Axel Schuster, the Whitecaps’ sporting director and chief executive officer. One of the reasons for the change, he said, is everyone in the organization, including himself, needs a reminder that playoff success next year is imperative. “We cannot not get there.” The Whitecaps haven’t reached the conference semifinals since 2017. In a one-hour availability with reporters, Schuster noted the team had the second-worst home record in the Western Conference this year and recorded just two points over its last seven regular-season games. He referenced the need for fresh energy from a new coach and added there was no firm timeline in place for a replacement to be named. “I had to make a professional decision (for) how we can get the biggest impact to make this step forward and to get to a progression,” he said. The Whitecaps’ late-season slump dropped them to eighth place in the West with a record of 13-13-8. Vancouver won a play-in game at Portland before dropping a 1-0 decision at LAFC in the deciding game of the series. Vancouver also won its third-straight Canadian championship this season, beating Toronto FC 4-2 on penalties after the final ended in a 0-0 tie. “I took my time with this decision, and it was not taken lightly,” Schuster said. Sartini, a 47-year-old from Florence, Italy, took over coaching duties on an interim basis in August 2021 after the Whitecaps dismissed Marc Dos Santos. He was officially named head coach that November. “For the last three years and three months, it has been an absolute honour to be the head coach of Vancouver Whitecaps FC,” Sartini said in a release. “I will always be grateful to Axel Schuster and ownership for entrusting me to be the technical lead of this club in such an important time. “Vancouver will always have a special place in my heart and my wife’s heart,” he added. He posted a record of 57-51-39 across all competitions. The exuberant Italian made headlines in November 2023 when he publicly criticized a referee following a playoff game and made a joke about being a suspect if the official were to be found dead. He was suspended for the first six games of the 2024 MLS campaign, fined US$20,000 and ordered to complete a league-approved behavioural assessment. The coach later apologized for the comments and his suspension was cut to four games. Sartini came to Vancouver in 2019 as Dos Santos’ assistant coach and spent two seasons with the first team before being named the club’s “director of methodology” and taking over coaching the U-23 team in 2020. Before joining the Whitecaps, he worked as a coach educator for the Italian Football Federation and the U.S. Soccer Federation, and coached several different clubs in Italy.

Costco Guy Seriously Injured During Wrestling Match This WeekendA spelling error on a police report resulted in a man being convicted of a third DWI twice in less than a month – once in the 11th Judicial District Court and once in San Juan County Magistrate Court. District Judge Curtis Gurley accepted a Sept. 9 plea agreement from Rolando Benally, 43, of Rock Point, Arizona, who admitted to a third offense of DWI and was sentenced Sept. 19 to 364 days of probation. Benally was arrested again on Oct. 31 for DWI. The arresting officer reportedly entered his name as Rolondo Benally, which resulted in a records mix-up, according to Senior Trial Prosecutor Will Robinson. The same Benally was charged with a third DWI for a second time, and pleaded guilty to the charge, which is a misdemeanor, in San Juan County Magistrate Court. “He has six or seven arrests for DWI, how is it still a misdemeanor?” Gurley asked during a Nov. 25 hearing. “There is a new case, where he somehow pled to a misdemeanor, where he has already been convicted,” Gurley said. “I don’t understand what is going on.” The first case was a charge from June 14, when Benally was picked up at 10:47 p.m. near West Bloomfield Boulevard and Ruth Lane in Bloomfield. He was driving a black Dodge Challenger and failed to obey the traffic signals, according to the statement of probable cause. The arresting officer stated Benally’s speech was slurred and his eyes were “bloodshot” and “watery” and there was a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his vehicle,” court records state. He failed a field sobriety test and had a blood alcohol count of .20 upon arrest. He was charged with a fourth DWI, which was pleaded down to a third, according to court records. This case was sent to District Court, and Gurley accepted the plea agreement. After being sentenced to probation, Benally violated his conditions of release by driving drunk again on Oct. 31. He was stopped at 10:07 a.m. driving a black Dodge Challenger in the area of County Roads 5500 and 5467. The arresting officer noted he was able to “smell a strong alcoholic beverage coming from the driver’s side window,” according to the statement of probable cause. Benally failed the field sobriety test and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.24. Benally was allowed to enter a guilty plea in Magistrate Court, again admitting to a third DWI, a misdemeanor, that should have been a felony. He was sentenced to three years of supervised probation, according to court records. Robinson told Judge Gurley that “a problem in the system created the mischarge.” “Your honor I noticed this discrepancy earlier,” Robinson said. “There is a spelling problem with his name.” Gurley pointed out it is important to make corrections when officers misspell names and maintain records by the Social Security Number and birth date. Gurley ruled that Benally violated his probation in the June case and ordered he be held in the San Juan County Detention Center. He also asked Robinson to “file something, so the file is clean.” A status hearing for Benally was set at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in Gurley’s courtroom in Aztec.Nvidia is Wall Street's most valuable company. How it got there, by the numbers

NEW YORK , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global pulp market size is estimated to grow by USD 38.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 3.53% during the forecast period. increased consumption of chemical wood pulp is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising use of fluff pulp due to increased absorbency. However, high costs involved in production of pulp poses a challenge.Key market players include Arctic Paper SA, Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolic Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Sinar Mas , Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The pulp market is witnessing significant trends in various industries like food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. Eco-friendliness is a major focus with the demand for green packaging increasing. Leading paper producers like International Paper and Stora Enso are investing in renewable energy operations and producing eco-friendly packaging products. The food and beverage industry is shifting towards paper-based packaging solutions due to consumer inclination and anti-plastic sentiments. Paper packaging materials such as white paper, recycled paper, and specialty papers are in high demand. FMCG companies like Unilever are partnering with the Pulpex Consortium to develop laundry detergent solutions using recycled paper pulp. The personal care industry is also embracing green packaging, with an emphasis on recyclability and sustainability. Toilet papers and antimicrobial tissue products are popular choices. The retail sector is also adopting paper packaging for its lightweight and recyclable properties, reducing plastic use and logistics costs. The paper industry is the largest forest-based industry, using wood, bamboo, rice husk, and wheat straw as raw materials. The production line includes chemical pulping and the conversion of paper into various forms such as wrapping paper, writing paper, printing paper, tissue paper, rolls, and specialty papers. The rapid penetration of the internet, smartphones, and online retailing has led to an increase in paper packaging demand for e-commerce. The paper industry is essential for socio-economic development, providing employment opportunities in developing countries. However, it's crucial to address deforestation concerns and focus on sustainable forest management. The water-consuming industries, including paper and pulp, are under pressure to reduce water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The wrapping paper segment is also gaining popularity, especially during festive seasons. The paper industry is continually innovating to meet the needs of modern consumers while minimizing its environmental impact. The diaper and hygiene sanitary pad market holds significant importance in the global business landscape. This sector's growth is driven by the increasing awareness of safety and health practices. The primary raw material for these products is fluff pulp, derived from softwood, which enhances absorbency and prevents leaks. With rising birth rates in Latin America and Asia , the diaper industry is projected to expand by around 50% by 2023. Additionally, the convenience of disposable diapers caters to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers. Fluff pulp's long fibers effectively absorb liquids and semi-solids, ensuring user comfort and reliability. This market trend is expected to continue as health and hygiene remain top priorities for consumers worldwide. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The pulp market faces significant challenges in various industries like food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. Eco-friendly packaging products are in high demand due to anti-plastic sentiments and consumer inclination towards green packaging. Renewable energy operations and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are essential for forest-based mills like International Paper and Stora Enso. The food and beverage industry requires paper-based packaging solutions for their products, while the personal care industry relies on tissue paper for hygiene products. Recycling infrastructure is crucial for the recycling of paper packaging materials, including white paper, printing paper, and specialty papers. FMCG companies like Unilever are collaborating with the Pulpex Consortium to develop laundry detergent solutions using paper-based packaging instead of plastic. The retail sector's rapid penetration by e-commerce and online shoppers necessitates lightweight and recyclable packaging like corrugated boxes and paper bags. The paper industry's largest competitors, including International Paper and Stora Enso, are investing in mills that use renewable energy and produce recycled paper pulp from wood fibers, bamboo, rice husk, wheat straw, and other sustainable sources. Socio-economic development in developing countries presents opportunities for the paper industry's growth, particularly in the production of paper-based packaging materials for kitchens, toilets, and households. However, challenges like deforestation and the use of chemical pulp remain concerns. The paper industry's sustainability is crucial in addressing plastic packaging waste, particularly in the wrapping paper segment. Leading paper producers are focusing on commercial printing papers, converting papers, digital papers, and office papers to cater to various industries' demands. The paper industry's future lies in its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, reduce water consumption, and address the challenges of plastic use and recyclability in various segments, including tissue paper products, newsprint, and packaging. The pulp market is characterized by significant investments from existing vendors in technological advancements to boost pulp production. This strategy primarily involves acquiring smaller pulp vendors or assets, leading to increased production capacity but high costs. Integration with established vendors facilitates access to raw materials. The pulp industry's engineering is sophisticated and productive. However, the energy consumption in pulp and paper production is substantial. Capital-intensive machinery requires large amounts of energy and water to process forest materials and extract fibers, as well as to remove water during the papermaking process. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This pulp market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Printing and writing paper 1.2 Tissue paper 1.3 Specialty paper 1.4 Packaging paper 1.5 Others 2.1 Chemical pulp 2.2 Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp 2.3 Non-wood pulp 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Printing and writing paper- The printing and writing paper market is experiencing growth due to the increased demand for dyes and pigments in developing countries. China , India , and Indonesia are major consumers of printing and writing paper, driven by rising literacy rates and population growth. This segment includes various types of paper used for books, office applications, and personal use. Uncoated freesheet paper is the largest category, accounting for office reprographics, business applications, and envelope paper. Uncoated mechanical paper is an alternative, used for newspaper inserts, paperback books, and directories. Coated freesheet paper, with an added clay or additive coating, is suitable for highly illustrated books, advertising materials, and magazines. Coated mechanical paper, made of mechanical fibers with an added coating, is used for catalogs and coupons. The pulp market will grow as a result of the increased production of these types of printing and writing paper. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The pulp market encompasses a vast array of industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. This sector is currently the largest industry globally, with a significant focus on eco-friendly packaging products due to growing anti-plastic sentiments and consumer inclination towards sustainability. Forest-based materials like wood and bamboo, as well as agricultural waste such as rice husk and wheat straw, are increasingly used to produce paper packaging materials. These materials offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pulp and reduce deforestation. The paper packaging industry includes various products like wrapping paper, writing paper, and more. The personal care industry also relies heavily on pulp for products like kitchen and bathroom paper for households and personal hygiene, contributing significantly to the market's growth. Recycling infrastructure plays a crucial role in the circular economy of pulp and paper products. Market Research Overview The pulp market encompasses various industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. With growing anti-plastic sentiments and consumer inclination towards eco-friendly products, the demand for green packaging solutions is surging. Paper packaging materials, such as white paper, recycled paper, and specialty papers, are gaining popularity. Leading paper producers like International Paper and Stora Enso are investing in renewable energy operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Forest-based raw materials, including wood, bamboo, rice husk, and wheat straw, are the primary sources of pulp. The paper industry is the largest consumer of water, making water conservation a critical concern. The rapid penetration of the internet, smartphones, and online retailing has led to an increase in demand for lightweight and recyclable packaging, particularly corrugated boxes and paper bags. The paper packaging market is expected to grow significantly due to its sustainability advantages over plastic packaging waste. FMCG companies are also exploring paper-based packaging solutions for their laundry detergent and toilet paper products. The market for writing and printing papers, newsprint, and converting papers is also expanding. Socio-economic development in developing countries is driving the demand for paper-based packaging solutions. However, concerns over deforestation and the use of chemical pulp remain challenges for the industry. The kitchen and household sectors, including personal hygiene and sanitation, are major consumers of paper products. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Printing And Writing Paper Tissue Paper Specialty Paper Packaging Paper Others Grade Type Chemical Pulp Mechanical And Semi-chemical Pulp Non-wood Pulp Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company 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 TechnavioLOBITO, Angola — President Joe Biden pledged another $600 million Wednesday for an ambitious multi-country rail project in Africa as one of the final foreign policy moves of his administration, and told African leaders the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long.” “But not anymore,” Biden added. “Africa is the future.” Biden used the third and final day of a visit to Angola — his long-awaited first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president — to travel to the coastal city of Lobito and tour an Atlantic port terminal that’s part of the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment. Biden described it as the largest U.S. investment in a train project outside America. The U.S. and allies are investing heavily in the project that will refurbish nearly 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) of train lines connecting to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in central Africa. The corridor, which likely will take years to complete, gives the U.S. better access to cobalt, copper and other critical minerals in Congo and Zambia that are used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies that Biden said would power the future. China is dominant in mining in Congo and Zambia. The U.S. investment has strategic implications for U.S.-China economic competition, which went up a notch this week as they traded blows over access to key materials and technologies. The African leaders who met with Biden on Wednesday said the railway corridor offered their countries a much faster route for minerals and goods — and a convenient outlet to Western markets. “This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region,” said Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, whose country has more than 70% of the word’s cobalt. “This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.” The leaders said the corridor should spur private-sector investment and improve a myriad of related areas like roads, communication networks, agriculture and clean energy technologies. For the African countries, it could create a wave of new jobs for a burgeoning young population. “It’s a huge, huge opportunity,” said Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. “It’s good for Africa.” Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the U.S. — usually involving trucks via South Africa — would now take around 45 hours, Biden said. He predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter. It’s “something that if done right will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come,” he said. The announcement of an additional $600 million took the U.S.’s investment in the Lobito Corridor to $4 billion. The corridor has drawn financing from others including the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks. Biden said the total investment was $6 billion. Some calling for more U.S. involvement in Africa hope it will mark a new era of U.S.-Africa engagement. Much of that depends on the administration of Donald Trump , who takes office Jan. 20. The White House says Republicans in Congress have supported past efforts to promote African business interests through targeted investments and that such initiatives have appealed to Trump in the past. Trump also supports measures to counter China, and some see the Lobito Corridor as a direct counter to the Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure strategy that China has used to promote its economic and political influence in Africa and elsewhere. A senior U.S. administration official called the Lobito Corridor the heart of competing with China not as a political adversary but from a business standpoint by sparking investment and helping countries over the long term. The U.S. is looking to replicate the Lobito Corridor project in other parts of the world, said the official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity to offer details that hadn’t yet been made public. Biden had promised to visit sub-Saharan Africa last year but the trip was delayed. He was greeted Monday by thousands of Angolans on the streets of the capital, Luanda. Angola has long and strong ties to China, and the Biden administration’s ability to win it over as a partner for such a major project has been viewed as a rare success for the U.S. in Africa. Biden, who has about six weeks left in office, said he would like to come back to see the railway’s progress. “I want to come back and ride the whole thing,” he told the African leaders, before departing. Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.

When fire threatened a California university, the school says it knew what to do

Michigan upsets No. 2 Ohio State 13-10Heidenheim will hope to take advantage of struggling hosts Istanbul Basaksehir when they face them in the Conference League at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu on Thursday. The home team are fourth last in 33rd place with just two points after four games and drew 1-1 with CS Petrocub on November 27, while their opponents are ninth with nine points but lost 2-0 against Chelsea on November 28. © Imago The Turkish hosts have drawn their two most recent games in the competition, though they have been rather open defensively given they have already conceded 10 goals, the joint second worst record in the tournament. Manager Cagdas Atan will undoubtedly feel that his side should have taken all three points against CS Petrocub considering his team took the lead in the 42nd minute but conceded a 96th-minute equaliser. Istanbul Basaksehir are seventh in their domestic league with 22 points after 14 matchweeks, but they are only four points from fourth-placed Eyupspor, who occupy the division's Conference League qualification spot. The Grey Owls have won their two most recent games but prior to those two victories they lost five and drew five of the previous 10. To their credit, the hosts' record at home is strong given they have only lost once in their last 12 outings at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu, though they have been held to a stalemate in four of their last six. © Imago Opponents Heidenheim have perhaps surprisingly performed well in Europe despite their struggles domestically. The away side sit third last in 16th place in the Bundesliga with just 10 points from 13 games, and have failed to win any of their eight most recent league outings, losing on seven occasions. However, when including qualifiers boss Frank Schmidt 's side have triumphed in five of their six fixtures in the Conference League this term and are level on points with ninth-placed Lugano, who occupy the final automatic qualification spot to the round of 16. Schmidt's team should not be too disheartened by the performance against Chelsea considering they created four big chances and were ultimately defeated by a high-level and high-spending opponent. The visitors' record on the road has been underwhelming given they have lost four of their last five away matches, though one match was against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and another against giants Bayern Munich . © Imago Istanbul Basaksehir are likely to select a similar starting XI to the side that drew with CS Petrocub, so perhaps fans will see Leo Duarte , Ousseynou Ba , Jerome Opoku and Omer Ali Sahiner in a back four. Olivier Kemen and Dimitrios Pelkas may start in midfield in slightly more advanced roles compared to Onur Ergun , who could be positioned as the deepest of the trio in the middle of the pitch. In the forward line, expect Atan to field a front three consisting of Philippe Keny , Krzysztof Piatek and Joao Figueiredo . As for the visitors, they will be without midfielders Julian Niehues and Luka Janes until late December. In their absence, Schmidt could start a midfield three featuring Niklas Dorsch , Lennard Maloney and Jan Schoppner . Forwards Mikkel Kaufmann and Marvin Pieringer are not scheduled to return form injuries until January and February respectively, so expect attackers Paul Wanner , Maximilian Breunig and Leo Scienza to appear up front. Istanbul Basaksehir possible starting lineup: Sengezer; Duarte, Ba, Opoku, Sahiner; Kemen, Ergun, Pelkas; Keny, Piatek, Figueiredo Heidenheim possible starting lineup: Muller; Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Fohrenbach; Dorsch, Maloney, Schoppner; Wanner, Breunig, Scienza Though Heidenheim have struggled in the Bundesliga, the Conference League has yielded positive results and performances, and they could take more points on Thursday. Istanbul Basaksehir might be in slightly better form of late, but that does not negate the fact they have been vulnerable defensively in Europe this season, and it is difficult to see how they avoid defeat. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

Percentages: FG .429, FT .738. 3-Point Goals: 2-15, .133 (Taylor 2-8, Phelps 0-2, Wilcher 0-2, Carter 0-3). Team Rebounds: 5. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 6 (Washington 4, Garcia, Obaseki). Turnovers: 12 (Phelps 4, Coleman 3, Taylor 3, Carter, Washington). Steals: 5 (Hefner 2, Carter, Garcia, Wilcher). Technical Fouls: Washington, 12:23 first. Percentages: FG .412, FT .882. 3-Point Goals: 6-26, .231 (Harper 2-6, Bailey 2-8, Williams 1-2, Hayes 1-5, Acuff 0-1, Davis 0-1, Derkack 0-1, Grant 0-2). Team Rebounds: 10. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 1 (Harper). Turnovers: 16 (Bailey 4, Williams 4, Derkack 2, Martini 2, Acuff, Hayes, Ogbole, Sommerville). Steals: 7 (Bailey 2, Derkack, Grant, Hayes, Martini, Williams). Technical Fouls: Williams, 12:23 first. .

UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Global stock markets mostly retreated Tuesday as traders eyed looming US inflation data and a key European interest rate call amid global political upheaval. After winning numerous records in the weeks since the November 5 US presidential election, US stocks fell for the second straight day as analysts pointed to profit-taking. But Alphabet jumped more than five percent after Google showed off a new quantum computing chip that it described as a significant breakthrough in the field, arguing it could lead to advances in drug discovery, fusion energy and other areas. The Paris stock market retreated as French party leaders gathered at President Emmanuel Macron's Elysee Palace office to chart a route towards a new government. The euro also fell ahead of the European Central Bank's monetary policy meeting on Thursday. The ECB is expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points amid weak eurozone growth. Independent analyst Andreas Lipkow said traders were taking a cautious approach ahead of the ECB meeting. The main US indexes struggled as traders eyed US consumer price inflation (CPI) data due Wednesday, which could play a role in whether the US Federal Reserve decides to cut interest rates next week. On Wall Street, "tomorrow's CPI report is in full focus with a looming rate-decision from the Fed coming," analyst Bret Kenwell of trading platform eToro said in a note. Following recent spending and jobs data "traders have felt even more emboldened to bet on a December rate cut, while the Fed has done little... to quiet that expectation," he added. Earlier, stock markets weighed "concerns that China's economic stimulus measures might not have a long-lasting effect", noted Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell. The growth plan comes as Beijing contemplates Donald Trump's second term in the White House. The US president-elect has indicated he will reignite his hardball trade policies, fueling fears of another standoff between the economic superpowers. The Shanghai stock market ended higher but Hong Kong fell. Seoul's Kospi index rallied more than two percent after tumbling since President Yoon Suk Yeol declared short-lived martial law on December 3. On the corporate front, shares in Stellantis rose around one percent on the Paris stock exchange after the car giant and Chinese manufacturer CATL announced plans for a $4.3-billion factory making electric-vehicle batteries in Spain. Walgreens Boots Alliance soared 17.7 percent following reports that it could be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Boeing jumped 4.5 percent as it announced it was resuming production at two Seattle-area plants that had been shuttered for nearly three months due to a labor strike. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.4 percent at 44,247.83 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN 0.3 percent at 6,034.91 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: DOWN 0.3 percent at 19,687.24 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.1 percent at 7,394.78 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,329.16 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.9 percent at 8,280.36 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.5 percent at 20,311.28 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.6 percent at 3,422.66 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 39,367.58 (close) Seoul - Kospi: UP 2.4 percent at 2,417.84 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0529 from $1.0554 on Monday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2773 from $1.2757 Dollar/yen: UP at 151.92 yen from 151.21 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.42 from 82.73 pence West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.1 percent at $68.59 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: UP 0.1 percent at $72.19 per barrel burs-jmb/nroBlame it on the food and drink?

Unique among ‘Person of the Year’ designees, Donald Trump gets a fact-check from Time magazine

NoneSpecial counsel Jack Smith drops election subversion and classified documents cases against Donald Trump