Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘disappointed’ and ‘hurt’ after cutting ties with Man Utd33 jili 。

The initial numbers are in. And Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is leading the way. Jackson has received the most fan Pro Bowl votes of any player, with 44,681. Teammate Derrick Henry is second, with 40,729. Next is Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, with 40,652. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is fourth, with 36,754. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs lands in fifth, with 36,637. There are surprising omissions. No Patrick Mahomes. No Travis Kelce. No Chiefs at all. Also, no Jared Goff, who has been the most popular Lions player during the team’s resurgence. The Pro Bowl teams are determined by vote of fans, players, and coaches. And, ultimately, there’s no Pro Bowl at all. It’s a series of competitions culminating in a flag-football game. And because the ratings are still solid, it will endure.Disagreeing with the voters’ choice is a dead end. Let’s find ways to unite for change: Letter to the Editor

GRACE FOR THE DAY: Amplify problems by diminished symptoms — Part 1BROOKFIELD, Conn., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Photronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLAB), a worldwide leader in photomask technologies and solutions, announced today the appointment of David Garcia to the company’s Board of Directors on December 12, 2024. This election expands Board membership to nine members, seven of whom are independent. Mr. Garcia is currently a strategic advisor and previously spent approximately 30 years practicing law, most recently at Holland & Hart after starting his career at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Venture Law Group. His extensive experience spans mergers & acquisitions, venture capital financing transactions and securities offerings. He has counseled both publicly and privately held companies in their corporate and governance affairs and has additional experience in structuring corporate partnering transactions and technology development, distribution and licensing arrangements. “We welcome David to the Photronics Board of Directors,” said Constantine (“Deno”) Macricostas, chairman. “His extensive experience in financings, M&A, and other securities transactions will be valuable as the company evaluates a variety of business development opportunities.” Mr. Garcia received an A.B. in Sociology with a concentration in organizational behavior from Stanford University in 1989, and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1992. About Photronics Photronics is a leading worldwide manufacturer of integrated circuit (IC) and flat panel display (FPD) photomasks. High precision quartz plates that contain microscopic images of electronic circuits, photomasks are a key element in the IC and FPD manufacturing process. Founded in 1969, Photronics has been a trusted photomask supplier for over 50 years. The company operates 11 strategically located manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Additional information on the company can be accessed at www.photronics.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” regarding our industry, our strategic position, and our financial and operating results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially. Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 and other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results. For Further Information: Ted Moreau VP, Investor Relations 469.395.8175 tmoreau@photronics.com

Dollar rides high on flagging euro and yuanEmpire’s chief executive believes the grocery retailer has a leg up on the competition as consumer sentiment improves amid lower inflation and interest rates, and the gap between its discount and full-service stores shrinks. “We believe this will be advantageous to us as we continue to lean into our strengths as a full-service foremost grocer,” said Michael Medline, president and CEO of the company that owns Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Farm Boy, Longo’s and other grocery banners across the country. “We saw momentum and green shoots in both the economy and our business,” he said on a conference call with analysts discussing the company’s second-quarter financial results. “Inflation has now moderated, and interest rates have begun to decline, representing a positive inflection point for full service.” Like its competitors, Empire has been increasing its discount store footprint through new stores and conversions. But it’s also got big plans for its higher-end stores in Ontario. “You’re going to see many new Farm Boy and Longo’s stores going up over the next year and two years,” said Medline. The company said it earned a second-quarter profit of $173.4 million, compared with $181.1 million a year earlier. Sales for the quarter totalled $7.78 billion, up from $7.75 billion a year earlier. The increase came as same-store sales rose 1.1 per cent. Same-store sales growth, excluding fuel sales, were up 1.8 per cent. The company’s e-commerce sales grew 12.2 per cent during the quarter, driven primarily by Voilà, said Medline. “Growing Canadian e-commerce penetration is the key tailwind that we need to accelerate the growth of Voilà,” he said. Near the end of the quarter, the company also launched new partnerships with Instacart and Uber Eats to complement its Voilà service. Empire said in a press release that it intends to continue investing in its store network, including renovating approximately 20 to 25 per cent of stores between fiscal 2024 and 2026. During the quarter, Empire said it invested $149.2 million in capital expenditures, including renovations, construction of new stores, and other technological investments. Medline said during the quarter the company completed the expansion of one of its distribution centres in Ontario. This has helped margins by redirecting some deliveries to the distribution centre instead of individual stores, he said, boosting freshness, waste reduction and product availability. The company provided an update on its expansion of discount banner FreshCo in Western Canada, with 48 stores now operating in the region. Empire said it expects to achieve its original target of converting up to a quarter of its Safeway and Sobeys stores to FreshCo over the next several years. Empire's stock was up more than seven per cent in midday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company said its profit amounted to 73 cents per diluted share for the 13-week period ended Nov. 2 compared with a profit of 72 cents per diluted share a year ago when it had more shares outstanding. On an adjusted basis, it earned 73 cents per diluted share in its latest quarter, up from an adjusted profit of 71 cents per diluted share in the same quarter last year. The average analyst estimate had been for an adjusted profit of 66 cents per share, according to data provided by LSEG Data & Analytics. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:EMP.A) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press

The 2024–25 summer of sport is here, and Seven is setting the pace with an impressive lineup that blends tradition, technology, and some clever storytelling. From cricket to the NFL playoffs, Seven is making sure its coverage isn’t just watched but truly experienced. Rob Maclean , Seven’s national sport sales director, says the secret to Seven’s success is inclusivity. “At its core, Seven’s sport content is for everyone. We tell stories that draw in the first-time viewer while keeping the die-hard fans engaged.” And it’s not just about the broadcast anymore. Seven is putting digital platforms like 7plus front and centre. “We know people’s time is limited, so we offer highlights, minis, and social content for those who want a quick fix,” Maclean explains. But it’s the live-streaming options that really stand out. “Our Hindi feed for the Australia vs. India Tests reached 74,000 viewers, and we’re introducing alternate commentary like The Grade Cricketer for the Big Bash League. It’s all about catering to different fan segments.” Maclean is confident that the future of sports broadcasting is evolving into a more curated, entertainment-driven experience, and Seven is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of this shift. When it comes to integrating sponsors into its coverage, Seven knows that subtlety is key. “Sports fans are smart—they know when something feels forced,” says Maclean. That’s why Seven’s 7RED division works closely with producers to make sure brands genuinely enhance the experience. “The best integrations are entertaining, informative, or insightful,” he says. “We’re always asking, ‘Does this add value for fans?’ For example, we’ve got brands collaborating with us to create unique content that our producers actually love.” It’s a strategy that’s clearly working, with strong advertiser interest across the summer slate. “The NRMA Insurance Test Series between Australia and India is a standout. It ticks all the boxes—big audiences, cultural relevance, and perfect timing leading into Christmas.” Maclean also notes the growing appeal of international sports like the NFL and NBA. “Younger Australians are tuning in more because accessibility has improved. It’s easy to follow now, and that’s opening up new opportunities for brands to connect.” Seven’s coverage wouldn’t be the same without its all-star commentary teams. Chris Jones , Seven’s director of sport, says this summer is particularly exciting with the addition of Aaron Finch. “Having Aaron on board gives us so much flexibility. And we’re still rolling out Ricky Ponting—he’s the world’s best cricket commentator, hands down.” But it’s not just about who’s on the mic—it’s also about how they deliver. “We’ve made a conscious decision to focus on the action on the field. Our commentators aren’t here to reminisce about the ‘good old days.’ We aim to educate, inform, and entertain every time we go to air,” Jones says. And then there’s the tech. Seven is pushing boundaries with new offerings like virtual sets and partnerships with companies like Quidich in India. “We’re doing player tracking and even taking viewers inside players’ helmets so they can see what the athletes are seeing,” says Jones. “This summer, we’re also mic-ing players live and non-live across all forms of cricket, including Tests. It’s game-changing.” With such a packed schedule, Seven isn’t just delivering sport—it’s delivering moments. “The Big Bash League will carry us through January, and we’ll wrap up the cricket season with the Women’s Ashes, including the first-ever day-night Test at the MCG,” says Maclean. “Then, February kicks off with the Super Bowl, LIV Golf Adelaide, the Supercars championship, and Australian thoroughbred racing every Saturday.” And it’s not just sport pulling viewers in. Seven’s entertainment offering is firing too. “Home and Away is back mid-January, and our FAST channels are packed with local and international content from partners like NBCUniversal and Disney,” says Maclean. With more people streaming than ever, Seven’s strategy seems to be paying off. “Since adding cricket to 7plus, we’ve already seen over 70,000 new users register on the platform,” Maclean says. “It’s about giving people reasons to stay engaged—not just with the sport, but with everything else we offer.” Whether it’s short-form highlights, live-streamed alternate feeds, or Ricky Ponting breaking down the action, this is sport as it should be—inclusive, innovative, and downright entertaining. Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Happy Holly-days: Treats and recipes from the Union-Bulletin newsroomThis year alone in the United States, there have been roughly 83 reported school shootings. Whether you’re a student, educator, or resident, it’s a nightmare that likely strikes a chord. Besides the back-and-forth debate on the government’s response to gun violence, with the most recent school shooting in Madison, Wisc., the conversation is once again at the forefront. So what is the Vallejo City Unified School District doing to prevent potential threats? Although details on how the district plans to address any type of crisis or emergency are not publicized, its safety plans are updated annually. Regarding the traffic of weapons into the schools, the district has been piloting a program at Jesse Bethel High School this year with EVOLV Technologies to install sophisticated metal detection systems. These walk-through systems, similar to those you might enter to get into a concert or baseball game, are partially looking for weapons, guns, knives, etc. “It definitely has supported our school feeling safer, students themselves feeling safer,” said district superintendent Rubén Aurelio. “The challenge with systems like that is, they’re only as good as them being monitored.” The reality of the situation, as the superintendent described, is that these systems are ultimately not going to protect students in the case of a school shooting but instead are “intended to be a deterrent.” As for situations where a crisis is underway or a threat is already within school walls, the district is ensuring that staff has the proper training. “The biggest thing we can do is make sure our adults are trained on how to handle situations when we call for lockdowns or shelter-in-place,” said Aurelio. And when it comes down to security, the district has made a point to strengthen relationships and communication with local law enforcement. Establishing partnerships with local police departments “has been really powerful,” Aurelio said. In its effort to do so, regular meetings take place with the interim police chief of the Vallejo Police Department, where they stay up to date with neighborhood happenings and discuss the types of support needed at the school sites. As of now, the district has intent to solidify a few plans it has already experimented with. Last spring, it piloted a program in partnership with the city closing off portions of Nebraska Street in front of Vallejo High School. The idea for the program stemmed from an incident that occurred the year prior, in which a VCUSD campus security employee was injured in a drive-by shooting. Besides some of the obvious inconvenience it may pose to drivers, we felt that the pros really outweigh the cons,” said Aurelio, “It’s something we are looking to bring back as a permanent feature.” School resource officers are another resource the district is open to implementing. With stretched police resources, however, it’ll have to wait. “It is something we would definitely consider in the future when available,” Aurelio said. In a conversation with the interim chief of police Jason Ta, the superintendent said, “We both agree that it’s a good program when it is done well. It’s just, right now it’s a staffing issue.” As far as more immediate safety resources go, Aurelio feels that “the best thing we can do is obviously maintain the partnerships we’re establishing with both the city and the law enforcement.”

Welcome to Medical Ethics Unpacked! In this episode of Medical Ethics Unpacked , hosts Dominic Sisti, PhD, and Steve Levine, MD, continue their deep dive into the controversial topic of medical aid in dying (MAID) and euthanasia for individuals with severe psychiatric conditions. Part 2 of a 2-part series, this episode shifts from foundational concepts to the intricate ethical considerations surrounding these practices, touching on autonomy, capacity, treatment equity, and societal implications. Sisti, an associate professor in the Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy and the director of the Scattergood Program for the Applied Ethics of Behavioral Health Care at the University of Pennsylvania, begins by discussing the notion of parity between psychiatric and physical illnesses in evaluating eligibility for MAID, calling attention to recent research from Kious et al—who argues that mental illnesses should be given equal ethical consideration as physical conditions, though he acknowledges the challenges in assessing long-term trajectories for psychiatric disorders. For instance, conditions like borderline personality disorder may remit over time, but requiring patients to endure suffering for years in anticipation of potential improvement raises moral concerns. Levine, a psychiatrist and the senior vice president of Patient Access at Compass Pathways, builds on this by exploring how psychiatric illnesses often blur the line between mental and physical health, emphasizing that mental health conditions, like depression or anorexia nervosa, can have physical manifestations that further complicate prognosis and decision-making. The discussion highlights critical issues with capacity evaluations. Levine outlines the nuanced frameworks used to assess a patient’s ability to make decisions about MAID and stresses the dynamic nature of capacity, which can fluctuate with psychiatric symptoms. Both agree that insufficient or inconsistent evaluations, as seen in some jurisdictions permitting psychiatric euthanasia, risk undermining the ethical integrity of these practices. Sisti cites evidence from Belgium and the Netherlands, where "assertions" of capacity rather than thorough assessments have led to controversial cases, particularly among patients with mood or personality disorders. The gender disparity in psychiatric euthanasia, with women disproportionately represented, adds another layer of ethical complexity, raising questions about justice and societal biases. The conversation also examines whether patients should be required to attempt all available treatments, including experimental options, before pursuing MAID. While Sisti suggests this could prevent premature decisions, Levine cautions against infringing on autonomy, noting that some patients may validly reject certain treatments. They grapple with cases like anorexia nervosa, a psychiatric condition with high mortality rates, and whether its ego-syntonic nature—where patients often do not view their condition as a problem—impedes true capacity for MAID decisions. Finally, the hosts address societal implications. Sisti warns that expanding access to psychiatric euthanasia without addressing underlying structural issues, such as inadequate mental health care and social determinants like poverty and isolation, risks normalizing preventable suffering. Levine reflects on how offering MAID as an option might paradoxically provide hope for some patients but could also undermine their optimism for recovery. As they conclude, both Levine and Sisti emphasize the need for robust ethical frameworks, thorough capacity evaluations, and thoughtful policymaking to navigate this morally complex issue. They encourage listeners to engage with the growing body of bioethics literature and reflect on how these debates shape our understanding of autonomy, human suffering, and the value of life. Relevant studies and documentation mentioned in this episode: Doernberg, Samuel N., John R. Peteet, and Scott YH Kim. "Capacity evaluations of psychiatric patients requesting assisted death in the Netherlands." Psychosomatics 57, no. 6 (2016): 556-565. Kim, Scott YH, Raymond G. De Vries, and John R. Peteet. "Euthanasia and assisted suicide of patients with psychiatric disorders in the Netherlands 2011 to 2014." JAMA psychiatry73, no. 4 (2016): 362-368. Kious, Brent M., and Margaret Battin. "Physician aid-in-dying and suicide prevention in psychiatry: A moral crisis?." The American Journal of Bioethics 19, no. 10 (2019): 29-39. Nicolini, Marie E., Scott YH Kim, Madison E. Churchill, and Chris Gastmans. "Should euthanasia and assisted suicide for psychiatric disorders be permitted? A systematic review of reasons." Psychological medicine 50, no. 8 (2020): 1241-1256. Nicolini, Marie E., Chris Gastmans, and Scott YH Kim. "Psychiatric euthanasia, suicide and the role of gender." The British Journal of Psychiatry 220, no. 1 (2022): 10-13. Sisti, Dominic, J. John Mann, and Maria A. Oquendo. "Suicidal behaviour is pathological: implications for psychiatric euthanasia." Journal of Medical Ethics (2024). Relevant disclosures for Sisti include Lykos Therapeutics and Tactogen. Relevant disclosures for include Levine include Compass Pathways. Editor's Note: This podcast explores complex and sensitive topics, including medically assisted suicide and the ethics of euthanasia. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of HCPLive or MJH Life Sciences. This content is intended to encourage thoughtful discussion and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement of any particular position. Listeners are encouraged to approach these subjects with care and consult appropriate resources for further information.