beth go 777 Matt Gaetz says he won’t return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney generalWith so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you. Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why they are bullish on them: ( ) According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have initiated coverage on this gold miner's shares with a buy rating and $1.95 price target. The broker is positive on the company due to the high-grade Bellevue Gold Project in Western Australia. It notes that management has outlined plans to expand gold production at the project to ~250kozpa in FY 2028. It believes that if the company can deliver on this then it could underpin significant share price upside. And the good news is that Bell Potter believes the company could achieve its growth ambitions. Particularly given that there is considerable additional exploration prospectivity in extensions to structures that host the current resource, and potentially, in repeat structures, deeper in the broader Bellevue Lode system. The Bellevue Gold share price is trading at $1.27 on Monday morning. ( ) A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $4.90 price target on this property investment company's shares. This follows news that the company has made a 50% acquisition of two premium retail assets in Perth from Perron for $482 million. The two shopping centres offer ~119,000 square metres (sqm) of gross lettable area and a combined moving annual turnover of more than $1 billion. Citi is a fan of the deal and sees opportunities for GPT to grow its earnings from an increased focus in co-investments like this. Though, it acknowledges that the strategy will take time to evolve. The GPT share price is fetching $4.45 at the time of writing. ( ) Analysts at Wilsons have upgraded this financial technology company's shares to an overweight rating with an $11.00 price target. Although Iress failed to upgrade its guidance as Wilsons had been expecting, it was still pleased with the company's update. That's because it believes that it demonstrates that Iress' momentum is clear and improving, supported by equity market conditions and regulatory tailwinds. In light of this, the broker sees plenty of value on offer with its shares and has upgraded them to reflect this. The Iress share price is trading at $9.50 this morning.

A young Florida resident became a millionaire after she bought a $10 scratch-off lottery ticket at a Publix grocery store, lottery officials said. Dominic Valerio, 24, claimed her winnings at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee, officials said in a Dec. 5 news release. The Orlando resident chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump-sum of $1,280,000, officials said. She bought the TRIPLE 777 ticket from the Publix store on South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. TRIPLE 777 has more than six million winning tickets with over $158.8 available in cash prizes and eight top prizes of $2 million, officials said. “With overall odds of 1-in-3.51, players can win up to 15 times, including DOUBLE revealing 77 and TRIPLE uncovering 777,” officials said. Scratch-off games are one of the lottery’s most popular games in Florida, making up 74% of ticket sales in fiscal year 2023-2024, officials said. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.Clips from fans of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso stretching the legs of a very special, screaming V10 McLaren have been circulating on socials as of late. The occasion? The two-time world champion and former McLaren driver reunited with his former boss, Zak Brown for a very special track day, with Alonso’s father, Jose Luis Alonso, in tow. The Papaya boss’ extensive car collection is well known for having quite a few notable race cars, and over the years if he’s not racing them himself in vintage events, he’s inviting friends to enjoy them on track with him. This particular friends-only adventure took some of Brown’s prized cars, and the trio to Alcainz, Spain. Making an appearance on track from Brown’s collection was a 1976 Australian Sports Sedan Championship-winning DeKon Monza, along with a five-time IMSA-winning 1989 TWR Jaguar XJR-10, and the 2011 Holden Commodore that won the Bathurst 1000 with Brown’s former team, Walkinshaw Racing. But the crown jewel of this gathering was Ayrton Senna’s double-world championship-winning McLaren-Honda MP4/5. Making the day extra special, Fernando and his father were provided a pair of Ayrton Senna’s overalls to wear before snapping a few photos alongside the car, and eventually taking the legend’s car for a spin. As is the case for the vast majority of F1 fans, Senna served as an inspiration for a young Fernando, as the then-McLaren driver told SennaTV in 2017. “I think he was an inspiration for many of us [in] that generation,” he said. “We switched on the television and we saw that car winning, that yellow helmet winning, [and] we wanted to become Formula 1 drivers one day. Just because of him. So I think he’s one of the greatest for sure.” Fernando later shared a series of photos from the trip and his personal archives to his socials, including an adorable one of him as a youngster in a McLaren-themed red and white kart. Another showed his father making himself comfortable in the 16-time race-winning MP4/5 as Fernando crouched by his side to seemingly share some helpful tips. The Aston Martin driver later shared a touching tribute to his father on Instagram, saying it was “impossible to compensate my parents for everything [they] have given and taught me.” He also added a thank you note to Brown, expressing his gratitude for the American allowing him to “enjoy” Senna’s iconic McLaren “from time to time.” Brown too reflected on an exciting day at the circuit on Instagram, sharing a snap of him and Fernando posing alongside the double world championship-winning McLaren.AP News Summary at 2:57 p.m. EST

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blockmate Ventures Inc. (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (" Blockmate ” or the " Company ”) is pleased to announce that it has closed its strategic investment (the " Offering ”) involving a group of strategic investors led by Antanas Guoga (Tony G) for gross proceeds of $1,400,000. This strategic funding supports Blockmate's pursuit of industry leadership in blockchain innovation and underscores our commitment to sustainable and transformative technology. In connection with completion of the Offering, the Company has issued 14,000,000 units (each, a " Unit ”) at a price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share, and one common share purchase warrant exercisable to acquire a further common share at a price of $0.50 until December 23, 2027. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to statutory restrictions on resale until April 24, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws. In addition, Tony G has voluntarily agreed to restrict resale of the 10,000,000 Units he acquired in the Offering until December 23, 2025. No finders' fees or commissions were paid by the Company in connection with completion of the Offering. Incentive Grant The Company also announces that it has granted 5,275,000 incentive stock options (the " Options ”), 1,200,000 restricted share units (the " RSUs ”) and 5,000,000 deferred share units (the " DSUs ”) in accordance with its omnibus incentive plan (the " Incentive Plan ”) adopted by shareholders at the annual general and special meeting held on November 23, 2023. 625,000 of the Options vest immediately and are exercisable at a price of $0.21 for a period of thirty-six months. The remaining 5,000,000 Options vest quarterly over a twenty-four month period, and are exercisable at a price of $0.21 for a period of forty-eight months. The RSUs vest and will be settled in common shares of the Company after twelve months. The DSUs vest after twelve months but will only be settled in common shares of the Company upon the departure of the holder from the Company. 2,725,000 of the Options and all of the DSUs exceed the available room under the Incentive Plan. The Company intends to seek approval of shareholders to increase the size of the Incentive Plan at the next annual general meeting and will at that time seek ratification from shareholders for the additional Options and the DSUs. Until such time as shareholder ratification has been received, the additional Options and DSUs will not vest and will not be eligible for exercise or settlement. In the event shareholders elect not to ratify the grant, and room within the Incentive Plan is not available at the time, the additional Options and DSUs will be cancelled. Early Warning Disclosure In connection with the incentive grant, Domenic Carosa, a director of the Company, has been issued 5,000,000 Options and 5,000,000 DSUs. Prior to the grant, Mr. Carosa controlled 17,252,400 common shares, 1,500,000 incentive stock options, and 3,000,000 common share purchase warrants, of the Company, all of which are held by Carosa Corporation B.V., a holding company controlled by Domenic Carosa. The common shares controlled by Mr. Carosa prior to the grant represent approximately 15.1% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Following the grant, Mr. Carosa has control and direction over 17,252,400 common shares, 6,500,000 Options, 3,000,000 common share purchase warrants and 5,000,000 DSUs of the Company. Assuming the exercise and conversion of all of the Options, share purchase warrants and DSUs controlled by Mr. Carosa, he would have control and direction over 31,752,400 common shares of the Company representing approximately 19.8% of the then outstanding common shares of the Company. Mr. Carosa has acquired the securities for investment purposes and in connection with his compensation as a director of the Company and, as disclosed in the accompanying Early Warning Report, may in the future acquire or dispose of securities of the Company, through the market, privately or otherwise, as circumstances or market conditions warrant. A copy of the Early Warning Report filed with the applicable securities regulators regarding the above acquisition will be available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). About Blockmate Ventures Inc. Blockmate is a venture creator focussing on building fast-growing technology businesses relating to cutting edge sectors such as blockchain and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download our free passive income app at www.hivello.com ) and Sunified, digitising solar energy. The leadership team at Blockmate have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com/ . Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company's mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Justin Rosenberg, Chief Executive Officer Blockmate Ventures Inc. [email protected] (+1-580-262-6130) 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 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements” or "forward-looking information” (collectively, "forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.The spokesperson of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has stated that any qualified Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest the 2027 presidential election. Naija News reported that Akume, who spoke on Sunday while featuring on a TVC programme, advised Atiku and other northern political bigwigs to shelve the ambition of contesting for the 2027 presidency and wait till 2031. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, Ibe said it was wrong for Akume to kidnap the ambitions of Atiku and other northers because of the second-term interest of his principal, President Bola Tinubu. Ibe also stated that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in May 1999, the north had ruled the country for 11 years, while by 2027, the south would have been in power for 17 years, which he claimed was not in tandem with the rule of equity and fairness. He said, “It appeared that Akume’s job in that particular interview was very clear: kidnap the aspiration of Atiku Abubakar and any other northerner and that was very irresponsible of him. “The north has the right to present itself for election in 2027. It is wrong for SGF Akume to kidnap the ambition of the northerners. “The reality as I speak is that the south has ruled for 17 years versus the 11 years of the north.” Paul Ibe questioned the desperation of Tinubu’s administration, especially when Nigeria is at a crossroads measuring core indices of food inflation, cost of doing business, and cost of living crisis, among others. He said, “ Must we be playing politics with their wellbeing? Why must we reward a student who does not pass his exam with a promotion? “Why the desperation of the Tinubu administration to be talking about 2027 when they have not completed 2024? 2025 beckons and 2026. Two more years to impact on the lives of Nigerians. “Why are they so desperate? Every calculation is focused on 2027 so the question is when will they have time for governance? “What we are getting now, is that the best that we Southerners have to offer?” Ibe said contrary to insinuations that Atiku is not physically fit for the rigour of the president’s office, his principal is very healthy and sound in mind.

Celtic star targets being ‘the best player in the WORLD’ and says he’s ‘living his dream’ ahead of Champions League tieListing extends the reach of MOR to over 1.5 million customers in India, one of the fastest-growing crypto markets Austin, TX, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morpheus , the leading platform to launch Smart Agents, has announced that its native utility token MOR has been listed on Unocoin , one of India's leading crypto trading platforms. The listing signals Unocoin's intent to tap into the burgeoning AI space, amid growing interest among the country's investor base for quality AI-driven crypto projects, which have exploded in popularity over the course of 2024. The listing extends the reach of MOR to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets for crypto and digital innovation, driven by an increasingly tech-savvy population. Founded in July 2013, Unocoin emerged as India's first bonafide crypto exchange, and has gone on to serve over 1.5 million customers - playing a pivotal role in driving adoption of bitcoin and crypto in the country. The announcement comes just weeks after Morpheus Open Source developers made $20 million MOR rewards available for AI Compute Providers, following its recent mainnet launch . What Ethereum did for Smart Contracts, Morpheus is now doing for Smart Agents. The platform is built on four types of contributions: Code, Capital, Compute and Builders. Compute providers receive the Morpheus native token, MOR, based on hosting AI LLMs. MOR currently has over 5,000 holders and is available for trading on Aerodrome, Uniswap and CoinEx. Morpheus offers a unique model where MOR holders are entitled to receive a share of the entire network's compute on a daily basis. The Morpheus fair launch tokenomics structure ensures the sustained development, deployment, and operation of Decentralized AI applications deployed on the Morpheus platform. Fostering a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem where all participants - be it capital providers, compute providers, coders, or builders - are fairly compensated in MOR. This structure drives a global community of contributors and builders to collaborate on an ever-expanding scale. As AI agents increasingly dominate economic activity, Morpheus will stand at the forefront, serving as the driving force behind the evolution of Free AI. "The intersection of AI and blockchain technology is a powder keg of innovation, and India continues to provide fertile ground for AI-centric Web3 projects to thrive,” said Open Source Contributor to Morpheus, David Johnston. "We are very excited to broaden our community in the region as we segway into 2025, which will be a banner year for our platform.” The Morpheus Decentralized AI network more efficiently allocates AI compute power and enables users to engage in a ChatGPT-like interface that includes decentralized AI data routing, permissionless and censorship-resistant access to personal AIs, crypto payments for AIs, an AI marketplace, and AI images with multiple LLMs. The Morpheus community has been built through the support of a community of hundreds of open-source developers and partners such as Lumerin. For more information, visit https://mor.org/ About Morpheus Morpheus is a decentralized network of personal general-purpose AIs called Smart Agents. These agents execute smart contracts, connecting to users' Web3 wallets, DApps, and smart contracts. Morpheus incorporates a large language model, the SmartContractRank algorithm, and long-term memory to enhance user interactions and decision-making. The Morpheus community has been built through the support of a community of hundreds of open-source developers and allied projects. For more information on the Morpheus Ecosystem, visit: https://www.mor.builders/ *Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. CONTACT: Contact: morpheus(at)transformgroup.com

NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Old Dominion University conferred approximately 1,624 degrees on Dec.14 during its 141st commencement ceremonies at Chartway Arena. The event was the first of its kind since the July 1 integration of EVMS into ODU, forming Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. The first ceremony at 9 a.m. recognized graduates from the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Sciences, the School of Cybersecurity and the School of Data Science. The 12:30 p.m. ceremony celebrated students from the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, the Graduate School, the Strome College of Business and Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University’s Ellmer College of Health Sciences, Ellmer School of Nursing and EVMS School of Health Professions. This ceremony also marked a historic milestone with the first two graduates from Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at ODU — both receiving Doctorates in Medical Science. ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., shared a thought-provoking message with graduates as they contemplate their unique journeys ahead. “I would like you to think about the vital role an educated person plays in our society,” he said. “You are among the most fortunate people in one of the most fortunate countries on earth. “Because of the special status you hold as an educated person, others will look to you for leadership. I am confident that they will find in you what they find in so many Monarchs, and that is the heartfelt commitment to public service and social justice.” Kelly Till ’94, the first female president and publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, served as the keynote speaker for both ceremonies and Kay Kemper ’80, ODU’s first female vice president and former Board of Visitors rector, penned a letter to students offering advice for the future. President Hemphill presented Till and Kemper with honorary Doctor of Business degrees, making them both double alumnae of ODU. During her remarks, Till recalled her own graduation day three decades ago. “I left ODU in 1994 with big dreams, and looking back, I couldn’t be prouder to be a Monarch,” she said. She imparted four timeless lessons to graduates — hoping they will shape and inspire them as they have her: Embrace the journey. Stay true to your values and believe in yourself. You are only as good as the people you choose to surround yourself with. Leave a legacy. Till shared her story as a first-generation college student and daughter of a single mother, saying when she began her journey, she never imagined it would lead to speaking from the commencement stage. She reflected on how losing her first job post-graduation was a setback that unexpectedly launched her 28-year career. Till reminded graduates that their journeys are uniquely theirs and to trust themselves to take bold risks. “You don’t need anyone’s permission to pursue your dreams,” Till said. She reminded graduates that no one achieves success alone and to find people who inspire, challenge and hold them accountable. Till, mother to an ODU alumna and a current student, ended with a heartfelt message that success isn’t measured in accolades but defined by the lives you touch and the difference you make. “Go forth boldly, lead with purpose and always carry your Monarch pride wherever life takes you,” she said. In the written letter graduates received from Kay Kemper ’80, she congratulated them and offered “a few lessons I’ve gathered since I sat where you are now.” She offered four pieces of advice: Take calculated risks. Don’t stress if you don’t have a 10-year plan. Step out of your comfort zone. Love life. “Embrace its mystery and wonder,” she wrote. “Take risks, live fully and don’t let anything hold you back. Or, to borrow the words of Dylan Thomas, ‘Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light!’” Kemper also offered additional pointers she’s found useful, including make as few enemies as possible, it’s rarely too late to pursue something meaningful, don’t let intellectual pride keep you from learning from everyone you meet, start saving money early and get to know yourself well. Kemper ended by congratulating students and wishing them an “extraordinary” journey. “You can and will make a difference,” she wrote. ### Kenya Godette Old Dominion University 757-683-4988 kgodette@odu.edu

ATLANTA (AP) — Robert Braswell's 19 points helped Charlotte defeat Georgia State 77-63 on Saturday. Braswell also contributed three steals for the 49ers (5-4). Nik Graves scored 15 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 5 for 9 from the line. Jaehshon Thomas totaled 13 points and seven rebounds. Zarigue Nutter led the Panthers (4-6) with 19 points. Nicholas McMullen and Toneari Lane both finished with 13 points and six rebounds. Charlotte took the lead with 8:06 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 32-25 at halftime, with Braswell racking up seven points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Referee David Coote will not appeal against termination of contract