S&P Dow Jones Indices Announces Dow Jones Sustainability Indices 2024 Review Resultsbest online gambling sites usa 。

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema forcefully defends Fighting Illini’s Week 13 hero in Rutgers win after award snub | Sporting NewsPatagonia Gold Corp. Grants Incentive Stock OptionsThe arms race in large language artificial intelligence (AI) is heating up. Can the Gulf countries play a leading role in the sector, given the high savings, cheap energy and good political ties with the US? The tech billionaire Elon Musk has alarmed competitors, and intrigued customers and observers, by rapidly building a supercomputer, appropriately known as Colossus, in just 120 days, in Memphis Tennessee in a new data centre. Its purpose is to power his xAI technology, and it will be of an unprecedented scale: Some 100,000 graphics processing units supplied by Nvidia. Competitors are nervous. There is no guarantee that this formidable scaling up of computer power will give his xAI a superior edge, but no certainty that it won’t. Industry experts reckon that the tools at the rival OpenAI are currently superior, but the sheer computing muscle of Colossus may help xAI close the gap or overtake. What does this mean for the economic world, including the Gulf? The impact of AI is already being felt, will continue and likely intensify. You could say that there has been much hype around AI, accidents such as ‘hallucinations’ in large language models and technical glitches. But you could have made similar criticisms about the aviation sector in the early 20th century – there were crashes and failed models, but it still proceeded to transform long-distance travel around the globe. AI is at a similar stage 100 years on. And just as you need a skilled pilot for an aircraft, similar principles apply with AI. Harvard Business Review in its September-October edition refers to the development of ‘fusion skills’ – the most intelligent applications of AI in which human and artificial intelligence is most effectively combined. For example, breaking a complex problem down into sequential parts, and priming the large language model to address each challenge sequentially, beginning with the simplest, is more effective than asking it to solve a complex problem in one go. Researchers at Google DeepMind have found that this ‘least-to-most’ approach improves the accuracy of AI output from 16% to 99%. Research by the Boston Consulting Group has found that only a minority of firms gain substantial value from AI, and that the most successful companies ensure that the people, skills and processes are optimal. This is the 70-20-10 principle: 70% of the investment is in people and processes; 20% is in technology and data, and just 10% in the algorithms. The most effective companies used AI for growth and revenue generation, not just process efficiencies. In this rapidly developing technology, how should the Gulf countries invest and position themselves? It is likely that China and the US will remain the primary providers of AI, given the scale of the technological investment required, as illustrated by the examples of Elon Musk and his rivals. The response of the Gulf sovereign wealth funds and other key players has been promising. Rather than trying to compete with the US and China in a direct way, they are developing strategic support roles within the existing industry, while identifying niche opportunities for growth. Arabic language models constitute a promising industry. AI specialist companies within the region report that it costs around one third more to train an English large language model and then translate into Arabic, than to train one using Arabic inputs. Doing so can eliminate some of the western biases of English-language models. For Gulf economies, cheap energy offers another competitive advantage in developing AI hubs. Saudi Aramco has calculated that the cost of power locally is around 13% cheaper than the cost per kilowatt hour in the US. Given the considerable computing power needed for large language models, this is significant. Geopolitical considerations are of paramount importance. The Gulf states are political allies of the US, which does not want technological know-how falling into the hands of Iran or China. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF has announced a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to develop a specialist hub, which will be a research and education centre, including for Arabic language models, and a base for global enterprises and startups. It will be based near Dammam. This year the United Arab Emirates launched the fund MGX, totalling $100bn, with investors including BlackRock and Microsoft, dedicated to investing in AI companies. The AI revolution is well underway, and there will be significant returns for both providers and users. So far, the key players in the Gulf have made some smart strategic calls. The author is a Qatari banker, with many years of experience in the banking sector in senior positions. Related Story 61 countries to compete in 8th Katara Award for Reciting Holy Qur’an Sheikha Al Mayassa unveils 'The Race Is On' exhibition

Rachael Rollins weighs in on arrest of Boston City Councilor arrest with cryptic tweetBRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY / ACCESSWIRE / December 6, 2024 / Tharimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq:THAR) ("Tharimmune" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to pioneering therapies in immunology and inflammation, today announced it has entered into a securities purchase agreement to raise gross proceeds of approximately $2.02 million through a private placement. The agreement includes the issuance of 961,446 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents) and warrants to purchase up to an additional 480,723 shares of common stock. Each share (or common stock equivalent) is priced at $2.10 and is accompanied by a warrant. The warrants will have an exercise price of $2.031 per share, becoming exercisable six months after issuance and expiring five and one-half years from the date of issuance. The closing of this transaction is expected on or about December 9, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Strategic Investors and Placement Details The financing was led by Gravitas Capital and SDS Capital Group, alongside other biotechnology-focused private investors. President Street Global served as the exclusive placement agent for the offering, ensuring seamless execution of the transaction. After deducting placement agent fees and other offering-related expenses, the Company intends to allocate the net proceeds toward clinical development, including advancing its flagship TH104 development program, as well as general working capital. Advancing Innovation in Biotechnology This financing reinforces Tharimmune's commitment to advancing its portfolio of therapeutic candidates. TH104, the Company's lead clinical asset, is designed to address chronic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare and challenging autoimmune liver disease. Regulatory Details The securities in this private placement were offered under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D thereunder. The shares of common stock and underlying warrants are not registered under the Securities Act or state securities laws. The Company has agreed to file a resale registration statement covering these securities to enable their future trading upon registration or qualification under applicable laws. About Tharimmune Tharimmune, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies in immunology, inflammation, and oncology. The Company's lead product candidate, TH104, leverages a unique transdermal buccal film technology designed to address inflammatory conditions, including pruritus associated with PBC. Tharimmune is also advancing TH023, an oral TNF-alpha inhibitor, and exploring novel multi-specific biologics targeting solid tumors. Through a licensing agreement with OmniAb, Inc., the Company harnesses cutting-edge antibody discovery platforms to target specified disease markers. Learn more at www.tharimmune.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding the timing and design of Tharimmune's future Phase 2 trial, Tharimmune's strategy, future operations, future financial position, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "depends," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences, include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other periodic reports filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this release. Subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's views to change; however, the Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release. Contact Information Tharimmune, Inc. ir@tharimmune.com Alliance Advisors IR Tirth T. Patel tpatel@allianceadvisors.com 212-201-6614 SOURCE: Tharimmune, Inc. View the original on accesswire.com

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA's biggest enigma. Young's fans can point to numbers and say he's an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he's overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they're infuriating. This can't be argued: He's helping Atlanta author one of the season's surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. “When we talk about Trae, the word I like to use is evolution,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “And every player evolves. They just evolve in different ways. He's been an important part of our young guys' growth and being able to elevate them.” The Hawks haven't had a ton of big moments in Young's seven seasons. But he has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion: ousting New York in the 2021 playoffs, ousting the Knicks from the quarterfinals of this tournament to get to Las Vegas — and now comes another chance on national TV on Saturday, facing the Bucks with a chance to play for a trophy. “I feel like this team has been embracing the challenge each and every night from the beginning of the season,” Young said. “We haven’t looked too far ahead in any moment. We’re just taking it day by day. Even though early on in the season we may have had some struggles and some bumps in the road and some guys out, we stuck with the process and focus on each day." Here's part of the pro-Young argument: He's averaging 21 points and 12 assists something that only Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas have done over a full season, and he's on pace to lead the league in assist average for the first time. Here's part of the anti-Young argument: Among the 220 players with at least 50 3-point attempts this season he ranks 189th at 30.8%, and of the 248 players with at least 100 field goal attempts this season he ranks 231st at 38.4%. Choose your side. They're both valid. But it's clear that Young — who made no secret that he was upset over not being picked for the team that won gold for USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics this past summer — is growing and maturing. “He’s doing a better job on both ends of the floor,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Defensively he’s figured out a way of keeping himself out of actions. I know that sounds easy. That’s hard to do, and he’s brilliant at it, he really is. ... He must be really studying the game on both ends of the floor, and you can see that in his play. And he’s earned the trust of his players. This team likes playing with him, that’s obvious. I couldn’t say that in the past, but now they love playing with him.” Hawks forward Jalen Johnson doesn't deny that point. “He’s so good, man,” Johnson said. "It’s crazy, like just seeing it in person and on TV prior to me playing with the Hawks and getting drafted by the Hawks, it was crazy just watching it. A guy that’s undersized, being able to score at will, being able to make any pass at will. And then next thing you know you’re his teammate and you’re on the receiving end of those passes. “Watching those clutch late game buckets, it’s a joy to watch. It’s a gift that he has that’s very special and not many people have had it at that elite of a level. It’s been great being his teammate. It’s been a blessing.” Saturday is an opportunity. The semifinals are the only games on the NBA calendar for that day; the title game Tuesday — which doesn't count in the standings — is the only game on the NBA slate that night as well. Young will have tons of eyeballs on him Saturday and would have tons more on him Tuesday if the Hawks find a way to win another big game against the Bucks. They're 3-1 against Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland and Boston already this season, 1-0 against Milwaukee. The potential is clear for the Hawks. The potential for Young has always been clear as well. Only now, it's starting to be realized. “The narrative about me not being able to do certain things or being too mad or frustrated about certain things is — I mean, just aren’t true,” Young said. "I think you’re just now being able to see like with the young team we have, just some of the different things we’ve been doing this year, I think just now you’re starting to kind of see it because the results are showing and we’re winning now. We’re here in this final four of the Cup, and it’s a big deal.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBAGlobal leaders expressed their condolences on Sunday following South Korea’s deadliest airplane crash, which claimed 179 lives. A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 burst into flames after skidding off the runway at Muan International Airport, leaving only two survivors. As grieving relatives gathered at the airport, messages of sympathy poured in from across the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his sorrow in a message to South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok. "I express our deep condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy for the victims' families, and wish those injured a speedy recovery," Xi said, as quoted by China’s state broadcaster CCTV. Iran’s foreign ministry also offered condolences to South Korea and Thailand, the flight’s point of origin, which lost two nationals in the crash. "We send our sympathy to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured," said spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared his grief in a social media post, describing the incident as a "tragic plane crash." "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred at Muan International Airport in our friend, the Republic of Korea," Erdogan said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy, saying, "As your partner, Europe stands with you in this time of grief." France’s foreign ministry shared its "great emotion" at the "terrible toll," offering condolences to affected families. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called the crash "an incredible loss and pain" and referred to it as "yet another blow to the nation’s heart," citing South Korea’s recent political turmoil. Greece’s foreign ministry conveyed sorrow via social media, extending condolences "during this difficult time." Spain’s foreign ministry called the crash a "terrible accident," offering solidarity with the victims and their families. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed "disbelief" at the tragedy, describing the scenes as "horrific." As the sovereign of the Vatican City, Pope Francis addressed worshippers at the Vatican, and said he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the dead." The pontiff expressed solidarity with grieving families, calling it a "dramatic plane crash." The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also issued a statement. "We are shocked and saddened by the accident involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their loved ones," it said. The tragedy has united the global community in mourning as investigators work to uncover the cause of the disaster.

Much loved family run toy shop celebrates 35 years in business

Some seniors outraged over being left out of federal plan to dole out $250 cheques

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding to Saudi Arabia this week, with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy’s dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with and also picking up awards Thursday.) The country’s General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix’s platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it’s not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry’s evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.” Baraa Anwer, The Associated PressTrump Orbiter and White Nationalist Influencer Nick Fuentes Charged with Battery

POLAND - 2023/09/19: In this photo illustration, a WhatsApp logo seen displayed on a smartphone with ... [+] stock market percentages in the background. (Photo Illustration by Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Facebook-owned WhatsApp , launched in 2009, has become the most used mobile messenger app in the world, with nearly three billion users. It's often used for work these days, as well as for chatting with friends. As a result, getting hacked can cause significant problems for users, with attackers using their access to steal money and scam the user's contact. And it can happen to anyone, through methods such as social engineering , web hacking, spyware and Forward Call. We look at the warning signs that your WhatsApp account is hacked , and how you can recover your account if it has. Did Your WhatsApp Get Hacked? WhatsApp users are generally alerted to the fact that their account has been hacked after one of a number of warning signs. Generally, this is strange activity, such as messages from unknown contacts, unread messages marked as read, or the arrival of unsolicited verification codes. Often, you may be alerted to this unauthorised activity on your account by friends and family, who may have received fake messages from you, perhaps asking for money or personal information, or containing fraudulent links. In some cases, WhatsApp users discover that their profile details have been changed, perhaps with a new photo — this allows the attackers to impersonate someone else as part of a wider scam. You may also realise that further devices have been logged in to your account without your permission. It's also a warning sign if you find that your phone is running slowly — this may mean that the hackers are running hidden applications. What To Do If Your WhatsApp Is Hacked? If you think that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, you'll need to try and undo any damage caused, get your account back under your control and take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again. Recovering a WhatsApp account is usually a very simple process — see “How Can You Recover Your WhatsApp Account?” below. But there's a little more time and effort involved in clearing up any problems that may have been caused by the hack and doing a better job of protecting your account from future attacks. Here's what you'll need to do to make that happen. This Viral Smart Bassinet Is 30% Off With The Snoo Black Friday Sale The 50 Best Black Friday Deals So Far, According To Our Deals Editors Step 1: Delete Fake Messages Once you've regained control of your WhatsApp account, the first step is to delete any messages that the hacker may have sent from your account. This should be very straightforward. If your profile picture or other account information has been altered, then you should change back to the original version. You should also check whether the hacker has added any new contacts — if so, delete those too. Step 2: Check For Unexpected Apps The hackers may well have installed new apps on your phone in order to help them target new victims. Check through all the apps you have, and delete any that weren't installed or approved by you. Step 3: Check For Unauthorized Devices WhatsApp accounts can be accessed on multiple linked devices, and you'll need to make sure that you've booted the hacker out. You can remove any unauthorized devices by opening the app and going to Settings, where you'll see a list of Linked Devices. If there are any that you don't recognize, you can log them out of your account simply by tapping on them. Step 4: Tell Your Friends Your WhatsApp contact may well have been receiving messages purporting to be from you, but in fact sent by the hacker. These messages may ask for personal data, contain fraudulent links, or even ask them for their own WhatsApp verification codes under some or other pretext. You should alert anybody on your contacts list to what's happened, and tell them to ignore any such messages they may have received. Step 5: Secure Your Account For The Future If you haven't already set up two-step verification then this is the time to do it. It's a very speedy process — simply go to Settings, then Account, then Two step verification. You'll be asked to set a PIN; and then you're done. You may also choose to protect your data by only allowing your contacts to see your profile. To do this, go to Settings, Account, Privacy, Profile Photo and then select My contacts. How Can You Recover Your WhatsApp Account? Recovering a WhatsApp account is a very straightforward process. You simply need to sign into WhatsApp with your phone number and re-register — to do this, you'll be sent a six-digit code via SMS or a phone call. Once you've done this, because WhatsApp can only be registered with one phone number at a time, anybody using your account will automatically be logged out. You may also be asked to enter a two-step verification PIN. If you don't know it, this means that the hacker may have enabled two-step verification themselves. In that case, there will be a short delay in getting your account back, as there's a seven-day wait before you can sign in without the two-step verification PIN. Bottom Line Recovering a hacked WhatsApp account is a simpler process than is the case with many other apps. You'll also need to alert your contact that they too may be vulnerable and take steps to avoid being hacked again, but this too is fairly straightforward.Pak-China joint academia-industry liaison to be set up LAHORE : China-Pakistan Industry-Education Dialogue has taken place offline and online first time in the history of Pakistan and China marking a milestone onset for establishing robust relationship between education institutions and Industries. According to a press release issued on Friday, Pasand Khan Buledi, Chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority of Pakistan, Yu Bo, Chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding (Pakistan) Co., Ltd., Ahmed Manzoor, Principal of the Pakistan-China Vocational and Technical College, Zhong Jingzhi, Deputy Director of the Vocational Education Office of Shandong Provincial Department of Education, Zhang Baozhong, Director of the China Peace Development Foundation, and Zhang Zhidong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shandong Business Vocational College, among other leaders, attended the event and delivered speeches. Besides, inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan-Ban Mo Academy (hereinafter referred to as ‘Ban Mo Academy’) was also held simultaneously in Gwadar Port, Pakistan, and Jinan, Shandong on 19th November. The Pakistan-China Vocational and Technical College, the Gwadar Port Authority of the Pakistan Maritime Department, and China Overseas Ports Holding (Pakistan) Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of cooperation to jointly build the ‘Pakistan-Ban Mo Academy simultaneously in Pakistan as well as in China. Principal of the Pakistan-China Vocational and Technical College Gwadar Mr Manzoor affirmed the milestone achievements of the Pakistan-China Vocational Institute and expressed gratitude for the support provided by Shandong Business Vocational College in professional construction, teacher training, and online teaching. He mentioned that in August, more than 60 students from the Pakistan-China Vocational Institute had graduated smoothly and entered local enterprises and government institutions. Currently, the Pakistan-China Vocational Institute has completed the enrolment of the second batch of three-year degree students in majors such as e-commerce, software technology, and port management. He expressed hope to use the ‘Ban Mo Academy’ platform to provide more digital educational resources and technical skills training for local youth in Gwadar and Balochistan. He stated that after the completion of the teacher training project in Pakistan, local teachers will join the teaching team of the Pakistan-China Vocational Institute in the spring semester, allowing Chinese vocational education wisdom and experience to benefit more local students in Pakistan. Yu Bo, Chairman COPHC shared the significant changes in the Gwadar area, stating that COPHC attaches great importance to cooperation with Shandong Business Vocational College and will fully support and cooperate with all aspects of the ‘Ban Mo Academy’.

Camp Small fire fueled by stored logs posed unique challenge for firefighters, experts sayAFL NSW Hall of Famer Shane Lenon believes the flood of Riverina Football League players into the Ovens and Murray should be worth one more point. or signup to continue reading One of the most respected figures in Riverina Football and an inaugural inductee into the AFL NSW Hall of Fame this year, joining three-time Brownlow medallist Haydn Bunton and two-time North Melbourne premiership player Wayne Carey, Lenon stressed he had no issue with players tackling a higher standard. However, under the player points system (PPS) Riverina products are only three points at their new O and M club. "We're happy to see players at the higher level, I'm rapt they're having a crack at it, but it's not a level playing field," the 2024 Collingullie-Wagga premiership coach said. "A , a Cayden Winter were three-pointers when they came to North Albury (2023) and they're going to be better players, but they are worth four points. "That's smart on their behalf (North Albury) because the rules allow them to do that." Lenon is a former best and fairest at North Albury, as well as fellow O and M club Myrtleford, and remains a passionate follower of the league. He has lost premiership players Ed Perryman (Lavington), Kane Flack, James Pope and (North Albury), while Leeton-Whitton best and fairest Angus Crelley has joined that quartet at the Hoppers. The RFL's Jim Quinn medallist Nathan Richards and fellow Griffith team-mate Jack Rowston have joined Corowa-Rutherglen. "I'd say the same thing for the Farrer League and Hume League," Lenon added. "The good players in those competitions are going to be good players in the Ovens and Murray. "Ed Perryman is going to be one of the best recruits in that competition and he's worth three points. "The Ovens and Murray has already got the advantage with the higher standard and salary cap. They've already got a huge advantage as it is without getting players for three points, it's not fair." The RFL salary cap is $85,000, while the O and M is $130,000. Riverina League clubs are also beneficiaries of the current points system, as they are able to recruit players from either the Farrer and Hume Leagues for three points. "I don't have an issue with the higher competition having more money in their salary cap," Lenon suggested. "That's fine and obviously the attraction for young players is playing at a higher level, it's just the points and that's one thing that should be looked at. "North Albury is probably the club that has recruited the most out of the Farrer League. "Good on them as it's smart what they are doing, but they should be worth four points. "They appealed as they wanted extra points, but common sense prevailed there as they didn't win the appeal and that was a good decision." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Chargers by 1 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 8-4. Against the spread: Chargers 7-3-1, Falcons 5-6. Last meeting: Chargers beat Falcons 20-17 on Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Last week: Ravens beat Chargers, 30-23; Falcons had bye week following 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17. Chargers offense: overall (21), rush (13), pass (20), scoring (18). Chargers defense: overall (13), rush (10), pass (10), scoring (13). Falcons offense: overall (8), rush (14), pass (5), scoring (16). Falcons defense: overall (25), rush (19), pass (26), scoring (26). Turnover differential: Chargers plus-8, Falcons minus-3. RB Gus Edwards could move up as the lead back for Los Angeles as J.K Dobbins (knee) is expected to miss the game . Edwards was activated from injured reserve earlier this month following an ankle injury and had nine carries for 11 yards with a touchdown in Monday night's 30-23 loss to Baltimore. WR Drake London has 61 catches, leaving him four away from becoming the first player in team history to have at least 65 receptions in each of his first three seasons. London has 710 receiving yards, leaving him 140 away from becoming the first player in team history with at least 850 in each of his first three seasons. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Chargers run defense. Robinson was shut down by Denver, gaining only 35 yards on 12 carries, and the Atlanta offense couldn't recover. The Chargers rank 10th in the league against the run, so it will be a challenge for the Falcons to find a way to establish a ground game with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. A solid running attack would create an opportunity for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to establish the play-action passes for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Dobbins appeared to injure his right knee in the first half of the loss to the Ravens, though coach Jim Harbaugh did not provide details. ... The Falcons needed the bye to give a long list of injured players an opportunity to heal. WR WR KhaDarel Hodge (neck) did not practice on Wednesday. WR Darnell Mooney (Achilles), CB Kevin King (concussion), DL Zach Harrison (knee, Achilles) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) were hurt in the 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17 and were limited on Wednesday. CB Mike Hughes (neck), nickel back Dee Alford (hamstring), ILB Troy Andersen (knee), TE Charlie Woerner (concussion) and ILB JD Bertrand (concussion) also were limited on Wednesday after not playing against Denver. C Drew Dalman (ankle) could return. The Chargers have won the past three games in the series following six consecutive wins by the Falcons from 1991-2012. Los Angeles took a 33-30 overtime win in Atlanta in 2016 before the Chargers added 20-17 wins at home in 2020 and in Atlanta in 2022. The Falcons won the first meeting between the teams, 41-0 in San Diego in 1973. Each team has built its record on success against the soft NFC South. Atlanta is 4-1 against division rivals. Los Angeles is 2-0 against the NFC South this season. The Chargers have a four-game winning streak against the division. ... Atlanta is 0-2 against AFC West teams, following a 22-17 loss to Kansas City and the lopsided loss at Denver. They will complete their tour of the AFC West with a game at the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 16. ... The Falcons are the league's only first-place team with a negative points differential. Atlanta has been outscored 274-244. The loss of Dobbins, who has rushed for eight touchdowns, could put more pressure on QB Justin Hebert and the passing game. Herbert's favorite option has been WR Ladd McConkey, who has four TD receptions among his 49 catches for 698 yards. McConkey, the former University of Georgia standout who was drafted in the second round, could enjoy a productive return to the state against a Falcons defense that ranks only 26th against the pass. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Actress Michelle Keegan is expecting her first baby with husband Mark Wright, the celebrity couple have announced. Keegan and former The Only Way Is Essex star Wright, both 37, shared the news on their Instagram accounts with the caption "2025 is going to be a special one for us" followed by a baby emoji. A picture on the social media site posted on Sunday shows the couple standing opposite each other on a beach as former Coronation Street actress Keegan holds her bump. Keegan, also known for her roles in Sky comedy Brassic and Netflix's Fool Me Once, is wearing a white off-the-shoulder top and skirt, while Wright is dressed in a beige shirt and trousers. Coleen Rooney, comedian Joel Dommett, and Bridgerton actress Jessica Madsen were among those to congratulate the couple in comments on the post. Radio host Wright, who appeared on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, began dating Keegan in 2012. Read more from Sky News: Rebel Wilson marries Ramona Agruma Test your memes knowledge Follow our channel and never miss an update Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free They got engaged the following year before getting married at St Mary's Church in Bury St Edmunds in 2015. The couple now live together in Essex.

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/nflCourtney Frazer | (TNS) Bankrate.com Exchanging currency is vital to international travel, whether you’re visiting for leisure or business. Understanding the nuances of currency exchange can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel budget. Before you exchange money, you should know how to choose the right place to exchange your money, time your transactions for the best rates and estimate the money exchange fee. Currency exchange involves converting one country’s money into another’s. Because currencies have different values from country to country, exchange rates fluctuate based on factors like political stability, economic performance and global market conditions. Without proper knowledge of currency exchange, travelers risk losing money on unfavorable exchange rates, excessive fees and even fraudulent practices. It’s important to know how currency exchange works and where to do money exchanges so you can get the best deal. Exchanging money abroad often comes with various fees, so it’s important to understand what you might encounter. Flat fees Some exchange providers charge a flat fee per transaction. These can make smaller exchanges expensive relative to the amount you’re converting. Always ask about any flat fees in advance, and consider exchanging larger sums to minimize the impact of this fee. Percentage fees Many currency exchange providers charge a percentage-based fee on the total amount exchanged. This fee structure can become costly if you’re exchanging large amounts of money, so compare percentage-based fees before making any decisions. ATM withdrawal fees If you’re withdrawing money from an ATM abroad, your home bank and the foreign bank may charge withdrawal fees. Some banks refund these fees, while others may partner with international banks to provide fee-free withdrawals. Before traveling, check with your bank to understand what ATM fees you might face and whether they offer any reimbursement options. Foreign transaction fees Foreign transaction fees are often charged when using credit or debit cards abroad. Depending on the card issuer and payment network, these fees can range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Many travel-focused credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, which can help you save money when making purchases abroad. Check your card’s terms and conditions before you travel to avoid surprises. If your card charges foreign transaction fees, consider limiting its use and opting for other methods, like cash or prepaid travel cards. Not all currency exchange options are equal, especially for travelers. Some places offer better rates and lower money exchange fees, while others provide more convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common currency exchange options. Banks and credit unions Banks and credit unions are generally the best money exchange options, offering competitive exchange rates and transparent fees. Many banks provide foreign currency services for their account holders, and some even offer currency at a better rate when you order it in advance. If you have a major bank account, the bank may offer international ATM withdrawals with little to no fees. Banks tend to have the most secure exchange process, so you can avoid the high fees and markups that are common at airport exchange booths. Currency exchange kiosks Currency exchange kiosks, often found at airports and tourist destinations, are convenient but have significant drawbacks. They frequently offer lower exchange rates and higher fees, taking advantage of travelers who need quick cash. If you need to use a currency exchange bureau, only exchange a small amount to cover immediate needs and seek out better rates at a local bank or through an ATM once you reach your destination. Always check the exchange rate and fees before completing any transaction at these kiosks to avoid unnecessary charges. ATMs abroad Using ATMs to withdraw local currency in your destination country is one of the most convenient ways to get cash while traveling. Many banks are part of global ATM networks, allowing you to withdraw money with minimal fees if you use ATMs associated with their partner banks. However, it’s important to check with your bank ahead of time to understand what fees may apply to international withdrawals. When using ATMs abroad, stick to machines from reputable banks and avoid independent ATMs found in tourist-heavy areas or small shops. These often have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It’s also a good idea to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid having your card frozen for suspicious activity. Prepaid travel cards Prepaid travel cards offer an excellent solution for travelers who want to manage currency exchange with ease. These cards allow you to load multiple currencies before you travel and lock in exchange rates to avoid rate fluctuations while abroad. Prepaid travel cards can be used like regular debit or credit cards but with the added benefit of lower foreign transaction fees. They also help limit spending, as you can only use the funds preloaded onto the card. However, be aware of hidden fees such as inactivity, ATM withdrawal or reloading fees. When exchanging currency for travel, it’s easy to fall into traps that result in unnecessary expenses. Here are some common mistakes travelers make and how to avoid them. 1. Exchanging money at airports and hotels While airports and hotels may be convenient places to exchange money, they often have the worst exchange rates and highest fees. Airport kiosks, in particular, are notorious for inflating rates, sometimes marking them up by as much as 10% compared to what you’d find at a local bank or ATM. To avoid these high costs, exchange a small amount of money before your trip to cover immediate expenses like transportation. Once you arrive at your destination, use ATMs or banks for more favorable rates. 2. Using dynamic currency conversion Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) allows you to pay in your home currency when using a credit or debit card abroad. While this may seem convenient, it usually comes with a much worse exchange rate and additional hidden fees. Whenever possible, always opt to pay in the local currency of your destination to avoid unfavorable rates. DCC also gives merchants more control over the exchange rate, meaning they could use a rate that benefits them more than you. When paying with a card abroad, always make sure you’re being charged in the local currency to get the most accurate rate. 3. Timing your exchange poorly Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on global market conditions. If you know you’ll need to exchange a large sum of money, it pays to keep an eye on exchange rates before your trip. Use tools to track exchange rates and exchange your money when the rate is in your favor. For travelers planning ahead, some banks and online services allow you to lock in exchange rates before traveling, helping you avoid losses due to unfavorable fluctuations during your trip. When traveling abroad, currency exchange fees can quickly eat into your budget. You can use certain strategies to help you save, avoid common fees and make the most of your money while exploring new destinations. 1. Plan ahead for international trips Before heading overseas, research your destination’s currency and exchange rate options. Many banks allow you to order foreign currency ahead of time, saving you from the poor exchange rates and high fees at airports or in tourist-heavy areas. If your bank offers international ATM withdrawal with low fees, consider using this option to access local currency while traveling. Financial institutions sometimes offer special travel accounts or debit cards with reduced fees for foreign transactions. Check with your bank to see if they offer international-friendly options that can help you save money while abroad. 2. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees Credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees can be a great asset when traveling internationally. These cards often offer competitive exchange rates, and some even provide travel rewards or cash back on purchases made abroad. Using a credit card for most of your international purchases can help protect you from currency exchange fees and fraud. 3. Limit currency exchange at high-fee locations Related Articles Travel | Cruise into this holiday season with a non-traditional vacation Travel | 8 last-minute Christmas vacations to book in the US Travel | California’s sunny Huntington Beach makes a great weekend getaway Travel | Top travel destinations for 2025 include a real-life Land of the Lotus Eaters Travel | New York state highlights can’t-miss holiday sites and attractions When traveling, try to avoid exchanging currency at locations that charge high fees, like airports, hotels or currency exchange kiosks. These places often inflate exchange rates and charge large commissions, reducing the value of your money. Instead, stick to local banks or ATMs for better rates and lower fees. If you have to exchange currency at one of these places, try to exchange only what you need immediately and find a better location later. Currency exchange is an essential part of international travel, and getting it right can save you a lot of money. By planning ahead, avoiding high-fee locations and choosing the right method for exchanging money, you can stretch your travel budget further and minimize unnecessary costs. When traveling internationally, avoid airport kiosks and hotel exchange desks, opt for ATMs and reputable banks and consider using prepaid travel cards or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to simplify your currency management. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to get the most out of your money while exploring the world. (Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.). ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Navigating Nonprofit Finances in New York City: Expert Accounting Solutions

US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale

November 24 - The Metropolitan Division-leading New Jersey Devils look to continue their hot streak when they host the Nashville Predators on Monday in Newark, N.J. The Devils have won their last two games and are 7-2-0 in their last nine games. This impressive stretch includes two wins over the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, as well as other wins over last season's Stanley Cup finalists, the Edmonton Oilers, and two division rivals in the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals. "We've had to be on our toes," said Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon following Saturday's 3-2 road win over Washington. "We've had to kind of take in a little bit of water at certain points, and kind of bend but don't break. ... A tough stretch of hockey here against some really good teams, and I think we've found ways to win in a tough league." Despite the 13-point gap between the Devils and Predators in this season's standings, recent history is on Nashville's side. The Predators have a dominant 11-1-1 record in their last 13 games against New Jersey, dating back to the 2016-17 season. Though the struggling Predators find themselves near the bottom of the NHL standings, they're also coming off a victory over top-tier competition. In perhaps Nashville's best overall performance of the season, the Predators scored three unanswered goals in the third period of Saturday's 4-1 win over the league-leading Winnipeg Jets. "I thought that was a pretty good recipe of what we have to do and understand we've got to continue this," Predators forward Steven Stamkos said. "The story of this year has been we have efforts like this and then we don't follow it up. So let's follow it up and get on a little roll here." Nashville began the season with a five-game (0-5-0) losing streak but has shown signs of life with a 3-2-2 record in its last seven games. The battle between two elite special-teams units could decide Monday's game. The Predators lead the NHL with a 91.7 percent penalty-kill percentage, while the Devils' 31 percent power-play percentage is second to Winnipeg's 33.9 percent. New Jersey is 7-for-17 on the power play in its last four games, while Nashville has killed 20 of 21 penalties over its last seven games. Since goaltender Jake Allen started Saturday against the Capitals, Jacob Markstrom should face Nashville if New Jersey sticks to its usual rotation of having Markstrom start two of every three games. Markstrom is 9-5-1 with a .907 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average in 15 starts this season. Juuse Saros has started 17 of Nashville's 21 games, but the workhorse goalie should be back between the pipes on Monday. Saros has an outstanding .937 save percentage and 1.90 GAA over his last nine games, though with just a 4-4-1 record in that span due to a lack of help from the Predators' lackluster offense. Filip Forsberg (eight goals, eight assists) and Roman Josi (four goals, 12 assists) share the Predators' team points lead with 16 apiece. By comparison, the Devils have five players who have 17 or more points this season. Jesper Bratt leads New Jersey with 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists). --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabU.S. Sanctions Last Major Russian Bank To Weaken Country's Economy