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NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes fell Thursday following some potentially discouraging data on the economy . The S&P 500 slipped 0.5% for its fourth loss in the last six days. It’s a pause for the index, which has been rallying toward one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 234 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 0.7% from its record set the day before. A report early in the morning said more U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than expected. A separate update, meanwhile, showed that inflation at the wholesale level, before it reaches U.S. consumers, was hotter last month than economists expected. Neither report points to imminent disaster, but they dilute one of the hopes that’s driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year : Inflation is slowing enough to convince the Federal Reserve to keep cutting interest rates, while the economy is remaining solid enough to stay out of a recession. Of the two reports, the weaker update on the job market may be the bigger deal for the market, according to Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley. A surge in egg prices may have been behind the worse-than-expected inflation numbers. “One week doesn’t negate what has been a relatively steady stream of solid labor market data, but the Fed is primed to be sensitive to any signs of a softening jobs picture,” he said. Traders are widely expecting the Fed will ease its main interest rate at its meeting next week. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. A cut next week would have the Fed following other central banks, which lowered rates on Thursday. The European Central Bank cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point, as many investors expected, and the Swiss National Bank cut its policy rate by a steeper half of a percentage point. Following its decision, Switzerland’s central bank pointed to uncertainty about how U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory will affect economic policies, as well as about where politics in Europe is heading. Trump has talked up tariffs and other policies that could upend global trade. He rang the bell marking the start of trading at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday to chants of “USA.” On Wall Street, Adobe fell 13.7% and was one of the heaviest weights on the market despite reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company gave forecasts for profit and revenue in its upcoming fiscal year that fell a bit shy of analysts’. Warner Bros. Discovery soared 15.4% after unveiling a new corporate structure that separates its streaming business and film studios from its traditional television business. CEO David Zaslav said the move “enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities,” raising speculation about a spinoff or sale. Kroger rose 3.2% after saying it would get back to buying back its own stock now that its attempt to merge with Albertsons is off . Kroger’s board approved a program to repurchase up to $7.5 billion of its stock, replacing an existing $1 billion authorization. All told, the S&P 500 fell 32.94 points to 6,051.25. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 234.55 to 43,914.12, and the Nasdaq composite sank 132.05 to 19,902.84. In stock markets abroad, European indexes held relatively steady following the European Central Bank’s cut to rates. Asian markets were stronger. Indexes rose 1.2% in Hong Kong and 0.8% in Shanghai as leaders met in Beijing to set economic plans and targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1.6% for its third straight gain of at least 1%, as it pulls back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. In the bond market, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to 4.33% from 4.27% late Wednesday. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Black plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group saysBATON ROUGE, La. — Josh Williams had a pair of rushing touchdowns and Garrett Nussemeier threw for 332 yards as LSU defeated Vanderbilt 24-17 Saturday night at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers (7-4, 4-3 SEC) snapped a three-game losing streak, their longest since the 2021 season. Leading 14-10 at the end of the first half, LSU saw its lead shrink to 14-10 after a 47-yard field goal by Brock Taylor on the Commodores first possession of the third quarter. In arguably its most important drive of the game, the much-maligned Tigers offense, which had been held to 29 combined points the last two weeks, completed an impressive 77-yard, 10-play scoring drive, culminating in a Nussmeier 12-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Lacy to make it 21-10. The key play of the drive was a 24-yard pass from Nussemeier to C.J. Daniels on a fourth down inside Vanderbilt territory. Lacy finished with 85 yards receiving and a touchdown on six catches. Forcing a Vanderiblt punt on its ensuing possession, LSU made it a two-score game on a 28-yard field goal by Damian Ramos, extending its lead to 24-10. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia made it a 24-17 game late in the game on a 1-yard touchdown run, but LSU was able to keep the ball for the final 5:47 of the game, sealing the victory. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) passes in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Credit: AP/Gerald Herbert Pavia finished with 43 yards rushing on six carries for Vanderbilt (6-5, 3-4) and was13-of-24 passing for 186 yards. The LSU defense, which had given up 107 points during the three-game losing streak, had its best performance since an Oct. 19 victory over Arkansas. Vanderbilt was held to 308 yards of total offense. Seeking its first victory over LSU in Baton Rouge since 1951, Vanderbilt scored on the first play from scrimmage on a 63-yard touchdown pass from Pavia to Quincy Skinner. Williams scored the first of his two touchdowns on LSU’s second possession of the game, capping off a 90-yard scoring drive for the Tigers with a 20-yard touchdown. Vanderbilt wide receiver Quincy Skinner Jr. (3) scores on a touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Credit: AP/Gerald Herbert After stopping Vanderbilt on fourth down deep inside LSU territory, an 80-yard, nine-play drive was finished off by a 21-yard touchdown run by Williams to give LSU the lead for good at 14-7. He finished with 90 yards rushing on 14 carries. The takeaway Vanderbilt: The Commodores had their fair share of chances early in the game after the first-play score, but a failed fourth down conversion near the end of the first half deep inside LSU territory led to the go-ahead touchdown for the Tigers. LSU: It was one of the most balanced performances for a Tigers offense that has struggled to produce points during the losing streak. LSU had 129 yards rushing and 332 yards passing, but more importantly didn’t turn the ball over for the first time in three games en route to the victory Up next Vanderbilt: Hosts Tennessee on Saturday. LSU: Hosts Oklahoma on Saturday. ___ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here
Salesforce , a leading global player in customer relationship management This article provides an in-depth analysis of Salesforce stock price, key financial metrics, market performance, and future outlook (CRM) software, has shown a significant upward trajectory in its stock performance, capturing the attention of investors and market analysts alike. With a current stock price of $335.78 , reflecting a +3.09% (+$10.08) increase, the stock demonstrates robust momentum as it approaches the end of 2024. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Salesforce stock price, key financial metrics, market performance, and future outlook. Salesforce stock price has been steadily climbing in 2024, bolstered by strong earnings, strategic investments, and market confidence in its business model. Current Price : $335.78 52-Week Range : High: $348.86 (achieved on November 12, 2024) Low: $212.00 (recorded on May 30, 2024) Market Cap : $321.006 billion 10-Day Average Volume : 7.36 million shares The stock is trading close to its 52-week high, indicating strong investor confidence. The year-to-date (YTD) price change of +27.61% showcases impressive growth, outperforming many peers in the tech sector. Earnings Per Share (EPS) : 5.75 (TTM) Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E) : Trailing P/E: 58.43 Forward P/E: 32.10 The trailing P/E ratio of 58.43 reflects Salesforce's premium valuation, common for high-growth tech stocks . The forward P/E ratio of 32.10 suggests expectations of robust earnings growth, indicating that the market remains optimistic about its future performance. Revenue (TTM) : $36.465 billion EBITDA (TTM) : $10.551 billion Gross Margin (TTM) : 76.35% Net Margin (TTM) : 15.44% Return on Equity (ROE) : 9.73% Salesforce’s gross margin of 76.35% highlights its operational efficiency and ability to generate substantial profit from its revenues. A net margin of 15.44% further underscores its profitability in a competitive tech landscape. Dividend : $1.60 annually (quarterly $0.40) Dividend Yield : 0.48% The introduction of dividends underscores Salesforce’s financial strength and its intent to return value to shareholders, balancing growth with income generation. Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) : 14.63% A relatively low debt-to-equity ratio highlights Salesforce’s prudent capital management, ensuring a healthy balance sheet while investing in innovation and expansion. Market Sentiment and Performance Indicators Beta : 1.30 A beta of 1.30 indicates that Salesforce’s stock is moderately volatile, moving more than the broader market but within a predictable range. This aligns with the tech sector's typical behavior, which often experiences heightened market sensitivity. The 10-day average volume of 7.36 million shares signifies strong trading activity, reflecting sustained investor interest and liquidity in the stock. The recent increase of 3.09% reflects positive sentiment, likely driven by upcoming events, including Salesforce’s earnings report scheduled for December 3, 2024. Investors are anticipating robust results based on the company’s performance trajectory. Key Growth Drivers Salesforce continues to dominate the CRM market, driven by its innovative platform and AI-powered tools like Einstein AI. The company’s ability to integrate AI, analytics, and customer insights has helped it maintain its leadership position in the industry. Salesforce has diversified its offerings beyond CRM software, including data analytics ( Tableau ), cloud integration (MuleSoft), and productivity tools (Slack). These acquisitions have not only expanded its product portfolio but also contributed significantly to its revenue growth. The accelerated adoption of cloud technology across industries has boosted Salesforce’s demand. As businesses continue to digitize, Salesforce’s cloud-based solutions remain integral to enterprise workflows. Salesforce’s investment in generative AI and automation technologies further cements its position as a tech innovator. These advancements are expected to enhance customer retention and attract new clients, driving future growth. Upcoming Events and Catalysts Date : December 3, 2024 The upcoming earnings report is expected to shed light on Salesforce’s financial performance in Q3 FY2025. Analysts anticipate strong revenue growth and guidance updates, which could further influence the stock price. Date : September 18, 2024 Dividend Amount : $0.40 per share The dividend payout reflects Salesforce’s focus on creating long-term value for shareholders, a strategy that appeals to both growth and income-focused investors. While Salesforce’s performance is impressive, certain challenges and risks could impact its future growth: High Valuation : The current P/E ratio of 58.43 indicates that Salesforce’s stock is priced for perfection. Any earnings miss or guidance downgrade could result in a significant price correction. Intense Competition : The CRM space faces growing competition from Microsoft, Oracle, and emerging startups. Maintaining market share requires continuous innovation and customer retention efforts. Economic Uncertainty : Macroeconomic factors, including inflation and interest rate fluctuations, could impact Salesforce’s enterprise spending and growth trajectory. Market analysts maintain an optimistic outlook on Salesforce, citing its strong fundamentals, leadership in CRM, and strategic focus on AI and cloud technologies. Many have set price targets above $350, indicating potential for continued upside. Comparison with Competitors Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 is a direct competitor in the CRM space. While Salesforce leads in market share, Microsoft leverages its broader ecosystem (Office, Azure) to attract clients. Oracle’s customer experience (CX) suite focuses on integrated data solutions, posing a challenge to Salesforce in enterprise-level CRM deployments. HubSpot targets small and medium businesses, an area where Salesforce has recently expanded. Competition in this segment remains fierce. Salesforce’s stock is poised for continued growth, supported by its diversified product portfolio, leadership in CRM, and investments in AI and cloud technologies. The company’s ability to adapt to evolving market trends and deliver consistent results will be critical to sustaining its momentum. Salesforce’s current stock price of $335.78 reflects the company’s strong performance and market confidence. With a year-to-date gain of 27.61%, the stock has significantly outperformed many of its peers. Robust financial metrics, strategic investments, and a leadership position in CRM make Salesforce an attractive option for long-term investors. However, potential risks from high valuations and macroeconomic uncertainties warrant careful monitoring. As Salesforce gears up for its earnings report in December 2024, the market will closely watch its performance and guidance for the coming quarters. With strong fundamentals and promising growth drivers, Salesforce remains a key player in the tech sector and an exciting stock to watch.M inisters have set out their overhaul of planning rules that they hope will allow Sir Keir Starmer to deliver the 1.5 million homes he has promised across the parliament. In an 84-page planning “bible”, they make far-reaching reforms to a system they say is “faltering on all fronts”. The new national planning policy framework sets the rules for local councils deciding on planning applications for new developments — and includes key changes on the rules for building on the green belt , along with sanctions for local authorities who block new housebuilding in their area. There are also sanctions for developers who get planning permission and then sit on land rather than build on it. Alongside this, the government has also published new housebuilding targets for every part of the country, which will see some councils having to increase rates of development by up to 750 per cent.
Pride, bragging rights and more than $115M at stake when final college playoff rankings come out
Lamborghini and YASA expands partnership with axial flux motors for new hybrid supercar - Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology InternationalJust about everyone dreams about cars they wish they could own, and there’s no better time than the holidays to make a list of vehicles you’d love to have in your driveway. The car pros at Edmunds rounded up five of their favorite dream-worthy vehicles. But rather than just list the most outlandish and expensive exotics, they focused on highlighting models that are expensive but not so pricey that it’d be completely unrealistic for you to own one one day. The vehicles are ordered in ascending order of price and include destination fees. Off-road trucks look fantastic and are extremely capable. What truck enthusiast wouldn’t have one topping their wish list? The king of the hill for 2025 is the F-150 Raptor R. The regular Raptor is already impressive, and the R takes it to the next level with a bonkers 720-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, upgraded Fox dual-value shock absorbers, and massive 37-inch all-terrain tires. An R-specific grille and hood are also part of the R’s upgrades. Thankfully, the Raptor R isn’t all bark and bite. It also has plenty of features to make it a livable truck for daily driving. Standard features include leather upholstery, cooling front seats, a premium sound system, and a surround-view camera to help make this big truck easier to park. Starting Price: $112,825 Few sedans can match the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for opulence, luxury and prestige. This grand sedan showcases nearly every luxury, technology and performance innovation that Mercedes-Benz has concocted. Everything you touch inside is likely covered in leather, heated, or bathed in disco-worthy ambient light. A novel could be written about all of the S-Class’ luxury and comfort features, but one of the most notable is the E-Active Body Control system. It scans the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension to deliver the best ride possible. The S-Class also boasts an extensive list of advanced safety features and has an augmented reality head-up display that projects images that appear to float in front of the car. For the ultimate S-Class, get the 791-horsepower AMG S 63 E Performance model. Starting Price: $118,900 Who needs a European exotic car when the Corvette ZR1 is just as capable? A sports car fanatic’s wish list wouldn’t be right without the ZR1. The new Corvette hit a record-setting top speed of 233 mph, making it the fastest car ever built by an American automaker and the fastest current production car priced under $1 million, according to Chevrolet. The top speed record was possible thanks to the ZR1’s turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that cranks out a staggering 1,064 horsepower. Its carbon-fiber aero package kept it glued to the track by generating over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Chevrolet also says the ZR1 can accelerate through the quarter mile in less than 10 seconds. We expect the Corvette ZR1 to go on sale in early 2025. Estimated starting price: $150,000 Does your wish list include a big and powerful SUV? If it does, the Escalade-V should top it. The big Caddy roars like a muscle car thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 682 horsepower and helps it hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The Escalade-V also boasts enormous 24-inch wheels and large Brembo brakes that help bring the three-ton SUV to a stop. But the Escalade-V isn’t only about brute power. It also has three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space and offers impressive tech like Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, and an enormous 55-inch curved display that spans the dashboard. Starting Price: $161,990 What if we told you there was a car that could outpace almost anything on a drag strip, keep up with high-end sports cars on a racetrack, and be comfortable enough for daily errands? Well, if that sounds amazing, add the Air Sapphire to your dream list. The Air Sapphire is a high-performance electric luxury sedan made by Lucid, an electric vehicle startup. It’s one of the most powerful production cars in the world, producing an astonishing 1,234 horsepower from its three electric motors. Lucid says it has a top speed of 205 mph and can rocket to 60 mph in a mind-numbing 1.9 seconds. You can adjust the vehicle’s setting for exceptional track performance or simply provide a comfortable ride around town. Starting price: $250,500 Even if you can’t afford any of these vehicles, you can still picture one sitting in your driveway or imagine yourself cruising around town in it. And who knows, maybe holiday magic will give you the opportunity to own one in the future.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield embarrassed the woeful Giants with his arm and legs, and if that wasn't enough, he rubbed it in by mimicking New York fan favorite Tommy DeVito's celebratory dance after scoring a touchdown. Mayfield catapulted into the end zone on a spectacular 10-yard scramble for one of Tampa Bay's four rushing TDs, and the Buccaneers beat the Giants and new starting quarterback DeVito 30-7 on Sunday, snapping a four-game losing streak and extending New York's skid to six. With both teams struggling and coming off byes, most of the focus leading up to the game was on the Giants' decisions this week to bench and then release quarterback Daniel Jones. The brash DeVito was given the starting job and asked to spark coach Brian Daboll's team, as he did last season. Instead, Mayfield provided the energy with his play and his trolling of DeVito. “Tribute to Tommy,” said a straight-faced Mayfield, who was 24 of 30 for 294 yards. “He’s a good dude, that’s why. Most of the times, I don’t know what I’m going to do. It’s spontaneous.” Mayfield was asked several times about the gesture and admitted he wanted to give Giants fans something they liked, adding he met DeVito at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February. “He had his chain blinged out, swag walking through the casino. It was awesome,” Mayfield said. “It was like a movie scene, honestly.” DeVito did nothing to help the NFL's lowest-scoring offense. He threw for 189 yards, mostly in the second half with New York well on its way to its sixth straight loss at home, where it is winless. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers dominated in every phase in a near-perfect performance that featured TD runs of 1 yard by Sean Tucker, 6 yards by Bucky Irving and 1 yard by Rachaad White. After recent losses to the Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs, Tampa Bay (5-6) moved within one game of idle Atlanta in the NFC South. “We’re hoping it builds confidence,” Mayfield said. “We have a belief that we are still sitting and controlling our own destiny.” Tampa Bay scored on five of its on first six possessions to open a 30-0 lead, and none was more exciting than Mayfield's TD run with 12 seconds left in the first half. On a second-and-goal from the 10, he avoided pressure and went for the end zone. He was hit by Cor'Dale Flott low and Dru Phillips high around the 2-yard line, and he was airborne when he crossed the goal line. The ball came loose when he hit the turf but he jumped up and flexed, DeVito-style, as the Bucs took a 23-0 lead. DeVito said players talked about the celebration in the locker room but he did not see it. Daboll was asked about the gesture and said Mayfield played well. He said the Giants' poor performance had nothing to do with Jones being released. “No excuse on that,” said Daboll, whose job is on the line despite making the playoffs in 2022. “We just didn’t do a good enough job.” “We played soft, and they beat the (expletive) out of us,” defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence added. Mayfield's favorite target Mike Evans returned to the lineup after missing three games with a hamstring injury and had five catches for 68 yards. Irving had 87 yards rushing and six catches for 64 yards. The Bucs held New York to three first downs and 45 yards in the first half, and they finished with 450 yards to the Giants' 245. DeVito had a 17-yard run in the fourth quarter to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Devin Singletary. The brash New Jersey native was sacked four times, including once in the fourth quarter, which forced him to go to the bench for one play. Buccaneers: LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) did not play and Justin Skule replaced him. ... Tampa Bay lost OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to an ankle injury in the second quarter and safety Jordan Whitehead to a pectoral injury in the fourth quarter. Giants: LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) were hurt in the first quarter and did not return. Buccaneers: At Carolina next Sunday. Giants: At Dallas on Thanksgiving AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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Baker Mayfield mocks Tommy DeVito's celebration as the Bucs embarrass the Giants 30-7University professors across the political spectrum in Texas are preemptively self-censoring themselves for fear of damaging their reputations or losing their jobs, according to a new survey from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a First Amendment advocacy group. More than 6,200 professors from across the country responded to the survey on the climate of free speech and academic freedom on their campuses, one of the largest surveys of its kind, according to FIRE. Respondents included more than 165 professors at Texas A&M University, more than 200 at the University of Texas at Austin and nearly 50 at the University of Texas at Dallas. According to survey results, 35% of all respondents said they recently toned down their writing for fear of controversy and 27% felt unable to speak freely for fear of how students or administrators might respond. Nearly a quarter of faculty worry about losing their jobs over a misunderstanding. The worries were higher among faculty at Texas universities. At UT-Austin, more than half of the faculty respondents said they occasionally or often do not share their opinions because they worry how others might respond. Nearly half of faculty respondents at UT-Dallas said they had toned down their writing to avoid pushback. “Faculty are not conflating self-censorship with being polite or professional — that would be categorically different,” the report stated. “Rather, consistent proportions of faculty report that they are likely to refrain from sharing their views in various professional and conversational contexts for fear of social, professional, legal, or violent consequences.” FIRE said this climate is unsustainable for higher education. “The academy needs courageous faculty who are not afraid to research, write about, or teach topics that some may shy away from because they are labeled as controversial — to ask and investigate unasked and unanswered questions,” the report concludes. “And the academy needs more faculty who are not afraid to support colleagues who themselves are afraid, or who have been targeted and have come under fire for their speech or academic endeavors. Consistent support from institutional administrations would not hurt either.” According to the report, one faculty member at Texas A&M said they are actively avoiding aspects of the job due to the climate on campus. “I am starting (for the first time in my career) to censor myself out of a desire for self-preservation,” the faculty member told FIRE. “I say nothing at all in faculty meetings now, if I attend at all.” A UT-Austin professor said they feel pressure to conceal certain opinions. “The atmosphere in certain academic units can be cult-like and fascistic and I really feel I have to pick my battles,” the professor said. The report highlighted an incident at Texas A&M last year in which the school watered down a job offer to Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor, after the Board of Regents and alumni groups criticized her previous employers, her diversity, equity and inclusion work and her research on race. McElroy decided to decline the offer and stay at her current job at UT-Austin after an A&M administrator told her he could not protect her if the regents wanted to terminate her. The Texas A&M System paid her a $1 million settlement after acknowledging mistakes were made during the hiring process. FIRE’s survey found self-censorship was more prevalent among conservative faculty. Around 55% of faculty who identified themselves as conservative reported they self-censor, compared to 17% of faculty who said they were liberal. The survey also found that faculty are more likely to be skeptical of conservative peers, indicating in the survey that a conservative faculty member would be a poor fit in their department. Two-thirds of respondents said universities should not take positions on political and social issues. That number was higher in Texas. Around 70% of the faculty respondents at Texas A&M, UT-Austin and UT-Dallas supported institutional neutrality. Earlier this year, the University of Texas System Board of Regents adopted an institutional neutrality policy after UT-Austin became ground zero in Texas for clashes over the Israel-Hamas war. Around 70% of survey respondents said the conflict was the most difficult issue to discuss on the flagship campus, along with racial inequality and transgender rights. At Texas A&M, the three most difficult issues for faculty to discuss on campus were racial inequality, trans rights and abortion. Overall, half of the faculty who responded to the survey said it is rarely or never justified to require job candidates to submit diversity statements, written statements in which job seekers explain how they might support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts if hired. Last legislative session, Texas lawmakers banned diversity statements at public colleges and universities as part of Senate Bill 17, the law that eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion offices on campuses. Many survey respondents said they don’t believe administrators at their universities will push back against governing boards or politicians to protect free speech on campus. At Texas A&M, 45% of respondents felt academic freedom — the longstanding principle that protects faculty’s ability to pursue teaching and research activities without political interference — was somewhat secure on campus. More than a third of respondents said they’re not sure A&M administrators would protect free speech on campus. Last year, Texas A&M University System leaders directed the school to put a professor on paid administrative leave after a well-connected student complained that the professor allegedly criticized Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick during a lecture. Text messages showed Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp directed the system’s flagship university to put the professor on paid administrative leave while school officials investigated the complaint. He also updated the lieutenant governor on the status of the investigation, which eventually found that the complaint was unsubstantiated. Faculty said the incident created a chilling effect on campus. FIRE’s survey comes as Texas faculty are gearing up for another legislative session in which they expect Republican lawmakers to try and curtail their power on campus. Patrick has asked lawmakers to limit the influence on campuses of faculty senates, which provide input on their universities’ curriculum and hiring decisions.
Imprisoned Proud Boys leader balks at answering a prosecutor's questions about Capitol attack
Q. My husband recently retired from a high-level position. He has things to do but nothing seems to rekindle his spark. I think he is going through a mid-life crisis in later life. Is there such a thing? M.N. What you are describing might be called a late-life crisis . Such a crisis is described by Richard Leider and David Shapiro in their book, “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? The Path of Purposeful Aging” (2021, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.). Here are some signs the authors identify: experiencing dissatisfaction, a loss of identity, an expectations gap and the feeling that life has peaked. Some also may believe life is a downhill journey. It’s having a feeling of being irrelevant. And it’s not just a guy thing. Both men and women are likely to experience it equally. Several events can cause a crisis in later life. Among them is the death of a loved one, an illness, money problems or no longer being able to walk the usual number of miles or having difficulty with poses in a yoga class. It also could be just boredom, doing the same thing day after day. Then there is retirement , which also can be a cause. For many, the loss of the work role can leave a huge gap in the reason to get up in the morning. For many, work is more than just a paycheck . It can provide a sense of purpose, social connection, structure for the day and knowing someone or some entity expects something from us. In a sense, it’s knowing we are needed. But other causes can cause a crisis in addition to the loss of the work role. For example, being out of touch with current technology, feeling unemployable and invisible in social situations or the marketplace. How do individuals know if they are experiencing a late-life crisis? Here are several questions that can serve as a clue, suggested by Leider and Shapiro. One key to avoiding or managing a late-life crisis is to not go it alone. “Isolation is fatal,” write Lieder and Shapiro. This makes me want to share examples from a recent discussion, not necessarily of a crisis, but increased awareness of the question of “who am I now and who do I want to be?” This discussion took place at a meeting with a group of women who are not going it alone. The group was made up of retired career women who are part of Renewment , a small grassroots movement that supports and inspires career women from work to retirement and beyond. Most were not going through a crisis, yet raised questions that indicated there are issues that may not reach the crisis level, yet still are important. For example, a retired successful entrepreneur asked the question, “Am I doing as much as I am capable of? Do I want to have an impact on a small or large scale?” A recent widow said, “Being a widow is not where I wanted to be at this time in my life; it’s not my identity. I feel so fragmented exploring who I am.” Another added, “I continue to be so hard on myself; always feeling I should do more; I am busy but not happy.” These same women and others in the group shared tips on avoiding problems that could lead to a late-life crisis. A therapist has emerged as an artist in New York and another was deeply involved in the election. A retired professor is traveling to Cuba and a former teacher launched a foundation. They have engagements that reflect a passion and sense of purpose. That’s the topic for next week. A point to remember: No one gets through this life alone. As Leider and Shapiro warn against isolation, remember that finding friends, colleagues, counselors or family members to talk about what’s going on can help avoid a crisis. Stay well everyone and as always, be kind. Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com . Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity Related Articles
MECHANICSBURG — Bishop Guilfoyle has a history of dominance From 2014-2016, the Marauders won three consecutive 1A state championships and they added another in 2021. After not qualifying for the state tournament the past two seasons, Guilfoyle found its way back in the state championship match. Their opponent... the undefeated Port Allegany Gators. On the back of Taurean Consiglio’s four touchdowns, Guilfoyle (15-1) dominated its way to its fifth state championship in program history with a 41-22 drumming over the Gators (14-1). • Sign up for PennLive’s daily high school sports newsletter Scoring 41 points is impressive, but it’s even more impressive when the majority of it comes in the second half. Defense told the story of the first half. Forced fumbles, three-and-outs and clutch tackles happened in abundance as neither team gained enough offensive momentum to pull away. Consiglio scored two touchdowns early to give Guilfoyle a 14-0 lead before allegany’s Aiden Bliss answered with a touchdown (and two point conversion) of his own to close out the second half. A competitive, defensive battle set up what should’ve been an exciting second half. A game-tying, two-yard Bliss touchdown on Allegany’s first second-half possession added to the anticipation of an exciting finish. That’s when the onslaught began. The stars Consiglio’s final stat line is impressive. The junior finished with 15 carries for 161 rushing yards and four touchdowns. His first half performance was impressive getting into the endzone twice, but he looked unstoppable in the second. Tacklers just bounced off of him when Game-winning moments Bliss started hot in the second half, rushing for 61 yards and the game-tying touchdown for the Gators. The Gators scoring before halftime and to open the second half put a ton of pressure on Guilfoyle. The Marauders needed a scoring drive to maintain any momentum they had, and get one they did. On the first play of Guilfoyle’s ensuing drive, wide receiver Hamilton Gates took a toss to the right, and 65 yards later, he’s in the end zone. Guilfoyle scored 27-unaswered points including Gates’ touchdown. Going up 41-14 before the Gators finally answered in the waning moments of the game. They said it “It feels really good. Especially going against Aiden (Bliss). He’s one of the best running backs in the country. I had a little something on my shoulder, I feel like I had to play a little bit better today.” - Bishop Guilfoyle running back Taurean Consiglio on his four touchdown performance against Port Allegany. “It’s incredible. This year it’s even a little more special. My two nephews, my son are on the team. Being here with them and celebrating with them, it’s great.” - Bishop Guilfoyle head coach Justin Wheeler on how it feels winning a fifth state championship. “After (the loss to Penn Cambria), we said ‘never leave a doubt.’ We don’t want to put it into anyone else’s hands. Control your own destiny. You do that by playing as hard as you can for four quarters... In the playoffs we seemed to hit that groove. I’m so proud of the guys and their efforts so they’re state champions forever.” - Wheeler on what the team learned from their lone loss against Penn Cambria earlier this season. Scoring summary Bishop Guilfoyle 7-7-14-13 — 41 Port Allegany 0-8-6-8 — 22 FIRST QUARTER BG-Taurean Consiglio 12-yard run (Michael Cacciotti kick) 2:07 SECOND QUARTER BG-Consiglio 6-yard run (Cacciotti kick) 7:06 PA-Aiden Bliss 3-yard run (Bliss run) 1:26 THIRD QUARTER PA-Bliss 2-yard rush (Bliss run NO GOOD) 4:32 BG-Hamilton Gates 65-yard run (Cacciotti kick) 3:29 BG-Consiglio 26-yard run (Cacciotti kick) 0:09 FOURTH QUARTER BG-Braden Rilley 27-yard pass from Gates (Cacciotti kick NO GOOD) 10:10 BG-Consiglio 15-yard run (Cacciotti kick) 4:01 PA-Bliss 19-yard run (Bliss rush) 0:36 Team statistics BG PA First downs: 16, 14 Rush yards: 302, 261 Passing: 49, 0 Comp-Att-Int: 5-7-0, 0-3-1 Fumbles-lost: 0-0 1-1 Punts-Avg.: 2-20.5, 2-43.5 Penalties: 1-5, 3-20 Individual statistics RUSHING — Marauders: Tauren Consiglio 16-160, Hamilton Gates 7-101, Chase Kissell 6-43; Gators: Aiden Bliss 43-249, Kellen Veileux 4-20, Brennan Fillhart 1-(minus-1), Nick Wilfong 1-(minus-7) PASSING — Marauders: Kissell 4-6-0-22, Gates 1-1—0-27; Gators: Fillhart 0-2-1-0, Wilfong 0-1-0-0 RECEIVING — Marauders: Braden Reilly 1-27, Consiglio 3-20, Gates 1-2; Gators: N/A — Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Follow Rymir Vaughn on X — @RymirVaughn ©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Volaris Reports November 2024 Traffic Results: Load Factor of 87%Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home Technology Jio Airtel Vi will have to launch cheap plans, TRAI has given... Technology Jio Airtel Vi will have to launch cheap plans, TRAI has given the decision By Shyamu Maurya December 25, 2024 0 20 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Jio Airtel Vi will have to launch cheap plans, TRAI has given the decision TRAI has taken a big decision in the interest of customers to get rid of expensive recharge plans. TRAI has ordered telecom companies like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea and BSNL to launch calling and messaging only plans without data. Along with this, it has also ordered to launch 10 rupees voucher. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has given a big relief to mobile customers. Actually TRAI has introduced calling and messaging only recharge plan to stop the loot of expensive recharge plans. In such a situation, telecom companies like Jio, Airtel and Vodafone-Idea will have to introduce cheap calling messaging only recharge plan. This recharge plan will be for those smartphone users who want only messaging and calling plan without data. TRAI has allowed telecom operators to launch low cost recharge voucher plan. Its price can be at least 10 rupees. Recharge plans without data will be launched In fact, today many smartphone users use the internet through Wi-Fi. Also, many smartphone users in rural areas need only calling and messaging plans, but they are forced to recharge mobile data because big telecom operators like Jio, Airtel and BSNL do not offer plans without data. In such a situation, there was a long-standing demand from customers that telecom companies should launch calling and messaging only plans without data. TRAI changed the rules TRAI, justifying the demand of customers, has ordered telecom companies to introduce messaging and calling only plans. For this, TRAI has changed the tariff rules. In such a situation, it has become mandatory for all telecom operators to launch calling and messaging plans. Also, TRAI has increased the existing validity of 90 days of special recharge coupon to 365 days. Which users will get the benefit According to TRAI’s report, about 150 million subscribers in the country use feature phones, who do not need data. For such users, recharge plans without data should be introduced. There are about 150 million 2G users in the country. Also, there are many users who use dual SIM in the phone. Plans without data can prove to be beneficial for such users. Tags Jio-Airtel-Vi Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article YouTube Earning Tax: How much tax is levied on the earnings from YouTube, what are the government rules related to it Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. 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By BARBARA ORTUTAY, Associated Press Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online “constantly” despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a new report published Thursday by the Pew Research Center. As in past years, YouTube was the single most popular platform teenagers used — 90% said they watched videos on the site, down slightly from 95% in 2022. Nearly three-quarters said they visit YouTube every day. There was a slight downward trend in several popular apps teens used. For instance, 63% of teens said they used TikTok, down from 67% and Snapchat slipped to 55% from 59%. This small decline could be due to pandemic-era restrictions easing up and kids having more time to see friends in person, but it’s not enough to be truly meaningful. X saw the biggest decline among teenage users. Only 17% of teenagers said they use X, down from 23% in 2022, the year Elon Musk bought the platform. Reddit held steady at 14%. About 6% of teenagers said they use Threads, Meta’s answer to X that launched in 2023. The report comes as countries around the world are grappling with how to handle the effects of social media on young people’s well-being. Australia recently passed a law banning kids under 16 from social networks, though it’s unclear how it will be able to enforce the age limit — and whether it will come with unintended consequences such as isolating vulnerable kids from their peers. Meta’s messaging service WhatsApp was a rare exception in that it saw the number of teenage users increase, to 23% from 17% in 2022. Pew also asked kids how often they use various online platforms. Small but significant numbers said they are on them “almost constantly.” For YouTube, 15% reported constant use, for TikTok, 16% and for Snapchat, 13%. As in previous surveys, girls were more likely to use TikTok almost constantly while boys gravitated to YouTube. There was no meaningful gender difference in the use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Roughly a quarter of Black and Hispanic teens said they visit TikTok almost constantly, compared with just 8% of white teenagers. The report was based on a survey of 1,391 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024. Be civil. Be kind.
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Ahead of the 2025 fiscal year, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube faced a daunting task on Thursday: revitalising Zimbabwe’s economy and filling the coffers of a Government encountering challenges to meet its obligations. In 2024, Government coffers came short, forcing Treasury to order ministries, departments and Government agencies (MDA) to prioritise spending. In a letter to the MDAs, Treasury said during the last quarter of the year, priority will be given to support social protection programmes, “which are still lagging behind in terms of their budget utilisation”. This is after revenue projections fell short of expenditures. During the first nine months of the year, total revenue collections amounted to ZiG62,4 billion, against expenditures amounting to ZiG66,5 billion. Consequently, a budget deficit of ZiG4,1 billion was recorded. Total revenue collections to year end are projected at ZiG110,7 billion, while expenditures are expected at ZiG119,97 billion (18,4 percent of GDP), resulting in a projected deficit of ZiG9,3 billion. With a constrained fiscal space, Treasury relied heavily on borrowing and even faced accusations of excessive money printing. The fiscal deficit as at September 2024 stood at ZiG4,1 billion and was financed through issuance of securities amounting to ZiG2,3 billion and drawdown of bank balance carried forward from the previous financial year. The year 2025 is not expected to be any better. In line with the projected GDP growth of 6 percent, during 2025, revenue collections are estimated at ZiG 270,3 billion (19,6 percent of GDP) while the 2025 fiscal framework provides for overall expenditures of ZiG276,4 billion or 20,1 percent of GDP. In US dollar terms, the Fiscal Framework translates to a GDP of approximately US$38,2 billion, revenues of US$7,5 billion and expenditures of US$7,7 billion. Mthuli said the budget deficit will be financed from the domestic markets and external sources. However, even after accounting for borrowing, the spending envelope still fell short of vote allocations. During the 2025 National Budget formulation stage, MDAs submitted total bids of over ZiG$700 billion, against the available budget envelope of ZiG 276,4 billion. This is more than double the ceiling of revenue collection capacity of 19,6 percent of GDP. To address this, Mthuli embarked on an ambitious plan to broaden the tax base by tightening existing tax administration and introducing new taxes and regulations. One such measure was the imposition of a “Fast Foods Tax” on popular items like pizza, burgers, and shawarma that will attract a tax rate of 0,5 percent on the sales value, with effect from 1 January 2025. The betting industry was not spared. A 10 percent withholding tax was imposed on the gross winnings of sports betting punters, aiming to tap into this growing sector. Furthermore, a wide range of businesses, from fabric and clothing merchandisers to car dealers and lodges, are now mandated to register for corporate and personal income tax. Failure to comply would result in hefty penalties. Mthuli proposed that any operator that fails to register and account for taxes be compelled to pay tax between US$9 000 and US$15 000. “I, further, propose to empower ZIMRA to temporarily close businesses which fail to adhere to the above requirements, including failure to register for tax purposes, until such registration and payment of applicable taxes are completed,” said Mthuli. To monitor transactions and enhance tax compliance, even small businesses were required to adopt the Virtual Fiscalisation System. “I, propose to extend the Virtual Fiscalisation System for the recording of VAT taxable transactions to Micro and Small Enterprises whose turnover falls below the VAT registration threshold for purposes of monitoring sales, during the first quarter of 2025. “This will assist in promoting transparency and ultimately enhance tax compliance by Micro and Small Enterprises,” said Mthuli. The mining sector also came under scrutiny. Mineral royalties were included in the definition of taxes, and mining companies were required to register for income tax before applying for mining rights. “I, therefore, wish to emphasise that, in the general interest of the public, royalties shall be payable on any mineral or mineral bearing ore or products during any period of assessment. “In addition, I propose that the Minister responsible for Finance be empowered to designate any mineral as being subject to royalties, notwithstanding the provisions of any other legislation. The Government also introduced a Special Capital Gains Tax on the transfer of mining rights. “I propose that no mining company should be allowed to make any application for mining rights without registration for Personal and Corporate Income Tax. “While these measures aimed to increase revenue, Mthuli also acknowledged the need for tax relief. The personal income tax-free threshold was adjusted to provide relief to taxpayers. “I propose to review the local currency Tax-Free Threshold to ZiG2 800 per month and accordingly adjust the tax bands,” said Mthuli. Additionally, the Capital Gains Withholding Tax on marketable securities was reduced. “I, therefore, propose that marketable securities be subject to Capital Gains Withholding Tax at a rate of 1 percent on the gross value of the price at which the security is sold, with effect from January 1, 2025. To promote environmental sustainability, the Government introduced a 20 percent Plastic Carrier Bag Tax and provided incentives for the use of electric vehicles and solar power. Trigrams Investment analyst, Walter Mandeya, said the success of these measures will depend on effective implementation and enforcement. “As Zimbabwe navigates its economic challenges, the Government’s ability to strike a delicate balance between taxation and economic growth will be crucial,” he said. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s economy is poised for significant growth in 2025, with projections indicating a 6 percent expansion. While slightly lower than the initial forecast of 6,5 percent, this figure represents a significant rebound from previous years including 2024, which is expected to grow by just 2 percent. Key sectors driving this growth include agriculture, which is expected to surge by 12,8 percent, powered by favourable weather conditions and increased investment. The energy sector, specifically electricity generation, is projected to grow by 10.6 percent, alleviating power shortages and boosting industrial activity. The information technology sector, a burgeoning industry, is anticipated to expand by 9,9 percent, fueled by increasing digital adoption and innovation. The mining sector, a traditional economic mainstay, is expected to grow by 5,6 percent, driven by rising commodity prices and increased investment in mining operations. On the demand side, private consumption is projected to be the primary driver of growth in 2025, with an estimated 6,6 percent increase. This is attributed to a strong recovery in household spending as economic conditions improve. Government consumption is also expected to contribute to growth, albeit at a more modest pace of 5,3 percent. Gross fixed capital investment is projected to rebound significantly from 0.5 percent in 2024 to 4,6 percent in 2025. This surge in investment is expected to be driven by the private sector, which is increasingly confident in the country’s economic outlook. The economy is expected to experience stable inflation in 2025, with a projected average month-on-month inflation rate of less than 3 percent. This stability is attributed to the implementation of tight fiscal and monetary policies. While US dollar year-on-year inflation increased from -2,9 percent in January 2024 to 3,3 percent in November 2024, the outlook for the exchange rate remains positive. Mandeya, however, called for caution. “While these projections are promising, it is crucial to note that several challenges remain. These include high levels of debt, infrastructure deficits and political uncertainty. ‘However, with prudent economic policies, sustained reforms, and a conducive business environment, Zimbabwe has the potential to unlock its economic potential and achieve sustainable growth,’ said Mandeya. Source: Business Weekly
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