88jl casino real money Saturday’s Zipping Classic could provide some limited consolation for Muramasa’s connections. Muramasa will tackle the $750,000 race less than a month after the gelding was withdrawn from the $8 million Melbourne Cup on veterinary advice. A panel of vets ruled out Muramasa after deeming scans revealed the stayer had an increased risk of injury if he ran in the Melbourne Cup. However, a second set of scans from more advanced technology at the University of Melbourne’s equine science centre showed Muramasa’s bone irregularity was inactive, clearing the five-year-old to race. • PUNT LIKE A PRO : Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW ! The turmoil surrounding Muramasa’s spring preparation left the stayer with a five-week gap between his most recent run, when third in the Geelong Cup , and the Zipping Classic. Co-trainer Trent Busuttin said the enforced break did not present the perfect scenario but he noted Muramasa performed well with four weeks between runs last spring. “He’s five weeks between runs and it’s still 2400(m) so it’s not ideal,” Busuttin, who trains Muramasa in partnership with Natalie Young, said. “He raced well with a few gaps between his races last year.” Busuttin said he and Young had been able to work Muramasa while the son of Deep Impact would be better for a jumpout at Cranbourne last Monday. Ladbrokes rated Muramasa as an $8 chance in early betting on Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield. Picture: Racing Photos • Cachink won’t blink in Sandown Guineas “He trialled up last Monday over 1400(m) and it’s not the same as race day pressure but I’m pretty happy with where we are,” Busuttin said. “We’ve been able to get the work into him and he’s a naturally fit horse.” Busuttin said he and Young would keep an eye on the weather forecast in the next few days as Muramasa enjoyed racing on firmer tracks. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast up to 15mm of rain on Wednesday, but Busuttin was hopeful the Caulfield track would dry sufficiently before Saturday. “For once we hope the weather gods are on our side because the long-range forecast looks a bit dodgy,” Busuttin said. RICHARD CALLANDER COLUMN While we fight amongst ourselves over the sale of Rosehill and Sandown, the pattern and the exorbitant cost of yearlings, @richieplz says racing is failing to address the industry’s most compelling challenge. 👇 https://t.co/Xhf9TVAtt4 pic.twitter.com/3oCJwbEaZG — Racenet (@RacenetTweets) November 25, 2024 Muramasa is one of 21 nominations for the Group 2 Zipping Classic. Tancred Stakes winner Arapaho and the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare are among the Group 1 winners entered in the Zipping Classic. Arapaho is the highest-rated entry on 108, three points ahead of the Grahame Begg -trained Nonconformist . Coongy Cup winner Kingswood is the $5 favourite in Ladbrokes’ early betting on the Zipping Classic ahead of Arapaho and lightly-raced stayer Alma Rise at $7. Muramasa shares the third line of betting at $8 along with Naval College , Smokin’ Romans and Star Vega . Originally published as Melbourne Cup scratching Muramasa chasing Zipping Classic consolation prize at Caulfield Horse Racing Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Horse Racing Jockey banned from media interviews amid charges Jockey Justin Huxtable has been allowed to ride by the Queensland Racing Appeals Panel under certain conditions after he was charged by police. Read more Horse Racing WATCH: Bjorn spells out why Overpass will again rule the west Bjorn Baker explains why his sprint warrior Overpass can successfully defend his Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes crown on Saturday. Read morePitt QB Eli Holstein carted off with leg injury

Here, the PA news agency looks at the seven Grand Slam finals contested by the pair. Murray turned in a poor performance in Melbourne, failing at the third attempt to win a set in a Grand Slam final as Djokovic broke serve seven times and hit six aces to claim a comprehensive win 6-4 6-2 6-3. “You had an unbelievable tournament and deserved to win,” the Scot said in reference to his opponent. “I look forward to playing against you in the future.” It took five sets for Murray to claim his first Grand Slam title, becoming the first British man to achieve the feat since Fred Perry in 1936. The final clocked in at four hours and 54 minutes as Murray prevailed 7-6 (10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 to end a wait of 287 tournaments in British male tennis for a victory. “I want to congratulate Andy on his first grand slam, he thoroughly deserves it,” said Djokovic. “I really tried my best. I gave it my all. It was a tremendous match.” Congrats @DjokerNole . Incredible athlete. Perfect gentleman. #ausopen — judy murray (@JudyMurray) January 27, 2013 Murray was dogged by injury in Melbourne with a heavily strapped right foot and a tight hamstring as Djokovic fought back from a set down to land a third consecutive Australian Open title, 6-7 (2) 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-2. “His record here is incredible,” said Murray. ”Very few people have managed to do what he has done, a deserved champion.” Murray ended a 77-year wait for a British men’s victory at Wimbledon by defeating his old foe 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in SW19, serving emphatically with nine aces and only two double faults to throw off the weight of history. The Scot had been 4-1 down in the second set as the match threatened to slip away from him and with it the chance to cement his place in tennis folklore, but having wasted three championship points he finally sealed the deal when Djokovic drove into the net with his final shot. A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) Djokovic triumphed 7-6 (5) 6-7 (4) 6-3 6-0 and after the 24 matches and five grand slam finals the pair had played against each other across nine years, the Serb had established a 16-8 overall lead and 3-2 in slam finals. “Success is being happy,” said Murray. “It’s not about winning every single tournament you play, because that isn’t possible.” What a journey. Really grateful for everything. I'll keep working hard. Love is the key! pic.twitter.com/CrT7TYRL3O — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 31, 2016 The Serb landed a fourth win over Murray in Australian Open finals and his 11th in 12 matches to land his 11th major title, whilst the Scot made it five consecutive final losses in Melbourne, a new record in the Open era. “I feel like I’ve been here before,” said Murray after a 6-1 7-5 7-6 (3) loss. “Congratulations Novak, six Australian Opens, an incredible feat, and incredible consistency the last year.” "This is something that’s so rare in tennis... it’s gonna take a long time for it to happen again" Andy to Novak ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LN7dW8ZJED — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2016 This was Murray’s first final at Roland Garros but it brought a familiar conclusion as Djokovic triumphed against him for the fifth time in seven Grand Slam finals. The 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 success was a first win for the Serb in Paris and saw him hold all four slams simultaneously. Murray went on to win Wimbledon the following month and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year but, addressing Djokovic in Paris, said: “This is his day today. What he’s achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all four of the grand slams in one year is an amazing achievement.”

Starting as a meme but developing into a superpower, Dogecoin (DOGE) has lately attracted a lot of momentum. DOGE is still a strong competitor in the crypto market with a live price of $0.3912 as of writing, a 24-hour trading volume of more than $10.65 billion, and a 179% increase in the previous 30 days. Analyzers speculate it might be getting ready for yet another 200% bull run. However, some traders are focusing on a lesser rival with significantly more promise within the current DOGE frenzy: Rexas Finance (RXS). Rexas Finance , with a presale price of $0.08 as of writing, is becoming more and more popular as the token that might outperform DOGE might pump from $0.08 to $10, an astounding 12,400% spike. Why Traders Are Betting on Rexas Finance (RXS) Rexas Finance is a project combining modern technology, real-world use cases, and a community-first attitude rather than merely another cryptocurrency. Rexas Finance offers substance and creativity unlike DOGE, which mostly depends on community buzz and social media. With a presale generating over $10.66 million and selling more than 180 million RXS tokens as of writing, the currency is already causing a stir in the crypto scene. Reflecting increasing investor confidence, the presale price has jumped 165% from $0.03 in Stage 1 to $0.08 in Stage 6. The Momentum Behind RXS 1. Game-Changing Real-World Asset Tokenization Rexas Finance lets consumers tokenize assets including real estate, gold, and artwork, therefore transforming the trillion-dollar real-world asset (RWA) market. Anyone can easily purchase, sell, or fractionalize ownership of these assets on this platform, therefore democratizing investing prospects all around. Rexas Finance is a fascinating option for forward-looking investors since it offers a total market opportunity worth trillions and could change the way assets are handled. 2. Certik Audited for Security and Trust In the crypto realm, openness and security rule most importantly. Following a comprehensive Certik audit, Rexas Finance guarantees that its smart contracts and platform are safe and dependable. 3. Listed on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko Lists of Rexas Finance on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko provide it visibility among millions of crypto aficionados. By offering real-time information and insights, these sites help to increase investor trust. A Presale Opportunity Like No Other Rexas Finance’s presale stage 6 right now is 90.39% filled, and tokens cost $0.08. Once the stage moves forward, the price will rise by 15% to $0.09, therefore lessening the possibility for early adopters to reap benefits. Why You Should Act Now: From its present presale price, Rexas Finance is expected to start at $0.20 in early 2025, a 280% rise from $0.080. Experts project that RXS might reach $10, a 12,400% increase—far more than DOGE’s projected 200% run. Great success with mass sales: Showing great demand and investor trust, over $10.66 million raised as of writing and counting. Rexas Finance distinguishes itself by choosing a community-first strategy and by avoiding venture capital money. By stressing personal investment over corporate interests, this approach guarantees that the initiative stays true to its goal. Rexas Finance is holding a $1 million RXS giveaway to honor its community even more. Twenty fortunate winners will each get $50,000 worth of RXS tokens from 250,314 entries as of writing. Completing tasks on the Rexas Finance website and distributing the giveaway will help participants raise their odds of winning. How RXS Outshines DOGE Although DOGE is still rather popular, its expansion mostly depends on market attitude and speculative curiosity. Rexas Finance, on the other hand, presents a clear road map for expansion, strong technology, and actual value. Important distinctions include: An asset tokenizing no-code tool is Token Builder. Launchpad: A forum for tokenized project funding raising. Compliance with ERC-20, ERC-721, and ERC-1155 token requirements yields multi-standard support. These qualities make Rexas Finance a platform with countless opportunities rather than only a coin. The Road to $10 Just the beginning is Rexas Finance’s ascent from $0.03 in Stage 1 to its expected launch price of $0.20. The route to $10 gets more realistic as the token picks momentum and gets listings on three out of the top 10 Tier-1 exchanges. With its fresh strategy and solid market positioning, RXS is destined to take the front stage in the crypto space. Although the possible 200% bull run of Dogecoin is fascinating, it is not worth compared to the possibility Rexas Finance offers. With its presale price of just $0.08 and the possibility to reach $10, RXS presents unmatched development opportunities. The presale is fast filling up while the clock is running out. Don’t miss your opportunity to contribute to this ground-breaking endeavor. Invest in Rexas Finance right now to set yourself up for large rewards in the next months. For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below: Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinanceNCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Siena tops UAlbany for first Albany Cup victory since 2019NoBroker Hosts 'Property Carnival' in Chennai for Homebuyers

The Economist Ecuadorean armed forces and police officers arrested alleged members of the Latin Kings gang following a security joint operation in Duran, Ecuador, on Oct 24. As the world teeters on the brink of what could become the worst trade wars since the 1930s, with international capital flows falling and cross-border trade and investment stagnating, there is one glaring exception to this unravelling of globalisation: International gangsters and organised criminals are on a roll. They are merrily pursuing opportunities around the world, moving goods across borders, establishing country-spanning supply chains and hiring talent internationally. “I fear the world is losing the fight against gangs and organised crime,” says Mr Jurgen Stock, who on Nov 7 stepped down after a 10-year stint as the secretary-general of Interpol, an international police organisation. “The growth in the breadth, scale and professionalism of organised crime is unprecedented.” Already a subscriber? Log in Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month $9.90 $9.90/month No contract ST app access on 1 mobile device Subscribe now All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowAndy Murray and Novak Djokovic’s magnificent seven grand slam finals

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By Lily Kelly Contributing Writer Hope is on the horizon for needle phobics as researchers from Griffith University have developed a needle-free influenza vaccine that can be delivered through the nose. Professor Bernd Rehm, Griffith University principal research leader, said in a news release that his team reprogrammed bacterial cells to create a robust vaccine. “These reprogrammed bacterial cells factories have the ability to abundantly produce the desired vaccine particles, which means we can produce large amounts of the vaccine in a short period of time,” he said. The useability of the vaccine technology extends beyond the prevention of human influenza to avian and swine influenzas along with other animal flus due to its strength and cost efficiency. Rehm said that the manufacturing process creates a formulation of robust particles, protecting the vaccine from degradation and making it suitable for stockpiling. He said the synthetic vaccine particles mimic the actual virus and trigger an immune response, preventing infection. The vaccine boosts the T-cells — a part of the immune system that helps protect the body from infection — along the respiratory tract. And through this boost, the vaccine induces protection against influenza virus variants in living organisms, meaning animals or humans. Benefits of Intranasal Delivery Around 10% of people experience moderate to severe needle phobia, typically manifesting in increased heart rate and blood pressure, trembling, shaking and breathlessness. The increase in blood pressure during anticipation of the needle and the sudden drop in pressure and heart rate when the needle is encountered or administered can result in fainting. Consequently, around half of the needle-phobic population have fainted at least once. Needle phobia can also trigger intense urges to escape or avoid having needles in the future. The current treatment for needle phobia is to safely and slowly test the fear. However, this new vaccine has the potential to help people receive flu shots without triggering their phobia. Another benefit of the intranasal delivery of this vaccine is that nasal drop administration can significantly limit respiratory virus replication and shedding (where the virus is spread through coughing and sneezing). Rehm said that nasal drop administration has this ability because it mimics how the virus enters the body and causes an infection. However, instead of causing an infection, the vaccine induces an immune response to clear the illness. Who Can Have the Vaccine? Rehm said the vaccine is produced using mineral solutions and sugar that do not contain animal product-derived components or antibiotics, suggesting broad applicability without restrictions. “More work needs to be done, but we hope to see a human intranasal influenza vaccine available to the public in the next three to four years,” he said. “The generation of new influenza vaccine which can provide long-term protection against a range of seasonal and emerging variants would be a major health and economic benefit.”Sam Edwards/OJO Images via Getty Images By Mark Barnes, PhD, Head of Global Investment Research, Americas, FTSE Russell | Indhu Raghavan, CFA, Manager, Global Investment Research The global Technology industry is not a monolith, and concentration within regional Tech industries and

Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad ruleMALAGA, Spain (Reuters) -An inspired Netherlands team made Davis Cup history as they put their nation into the final for the first time ever with a 2-0 defeat of Germany on Friday. Singles wins for Botic Van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor sparked a party amongst an army of orange-clad Dutch fans inside the Jose Maria Martin Carpena arena. Paul Haarhuis's team will face either defending champions Italy or Australia in Sunday's final. They face each other in the second semi-final on Saturday. Van de Zandschulp, the player who ended Spanish great Rafa Nadal's career on Tuesday, held his nerve to beat Daniel Altmaier 6-4 6-7(12) 6-3, although he required 10 match points to give his side the edge in the semi-final. The world number 80 has won all three of his rubbers this week, including beating Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers in the decisive doubles against Spain on Tuesday. Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff looked like keeping the three-times champions in with a chance of reaching the final for the first time since 1993 as he led by a set and a break of serve against Griekspoor. But 40th-ranked Griekspoor produced a stunning fightback to win 6-7(4) 7-5 6-4, capping the decisive win with his 25th ace. "It's unbelievable, we have been talking about this for two or three years," the 28-year-old Griekspoor said on court. "We came here all the time and had unbelievably tough draws, losing to finalists and winners and this year we had Spain in the quarter-finals, but we believed in ourselves so much and we felt like it was possible." The 29-year-old Van de Zandschulp looked on course for a comfortable win after taking the opening set and leading in the second. But he was dragged into a marathon 26-point tiebreak in which he saw five match points go begging before Altmaier stole it to take the match to a deciding set. Van de Zandschulp got ahead in the decider only to allow Altmaier back but then broke serve again to lead 5-3 as both players struggled to maintain a high level. Gripped by nerves he served three double faults as he tried to close out the match, one on a match point, but eventually got the job done. The second singles was a much higher-quality duel with both players producing some stunning tennis on the fast indoor court. Struff barely put a foot wrong in taking the first set but will rue not taking either of the two break points he had when Griekspoor served at 3-4 in the second set. From that moment on Griekspoor, serving like a man possessed, charged back to outplay his opponent and kept his cool in the deafening noise to hold serve for victory. Captain Haarhuis, who played in the Dutch Davis Cup team from 1990 to 2005, paid tribute to his players. "For me it means I'm a finalist for the first time ever in the Davis Cup and to be part of this team who have played so well in the past five years," he said. "Especially unique as we don't have the top five player, the top 10 player, but it's a team effort and we have shown we can get here. The guys have a lot of confidence after this but we will have to come out there with big balls on Sunday and believe that it's our time." (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

With Syrian rebels edging ever-closer to the capital, President Bashar Assad is making a last-ditch attempt to remain in power, including indirect diplomatic overtures to the U.S. and President-elect Donald Trump, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation. Assad is ordering his army to fall back to defend Damascus, essentially ceding much of the country to insurgents, who seized the major cities of Aleppo and Hama in a lightning offensive over the past week. They’re now on the outskirts of Homs, less than 100 miles to the north. As his remaining troops dig in, Syria’s longtime ruler is signaling his willingness to reach a deal that would allow him to hold on to the rump territory his army controls, or guarantee his safe passage into exile if needed, said the people. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss secret meetings. One offer Assad made to the U.S. via the United Arab Emirates is for Syria to cut all involvement with Iran-backed militant groups, such as Hezbollah, if Western powers wield influence to stem the fighting, the people said. Another initiative saw Assad dispatch a senior Christian leader to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to relay what he sees as an existential threat to Syria’s Christian minority if Islamist rebels prevail, according to other people familiar with the plan. The intention was that Orban, a Trump ally, would convey this danger to the incoming U.S. president, they said. Trump, who finds himself in Paris, has responded to events on the ground. He took to X to say: “There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” It’s a dramatic turn of events for a dynasty that’s ruled Syria with an iron fist for half a century, crushed peaceful protests in 2011 and clung to power through years of civil war that spurred one of the worst humanitarian crises of modern times. Iranian and Russian military support was crucial to the survival of the 59-year-old president, but both are now distracted and stretched thin by other conflicts. “Assad is in huge danger — it’s almost like in 2015 when the insurgents were at the gates of Damascus,” said Sergei Markov, a political consultant close to the Kremlin, referring to the year Russia intervened to save him. Western nations were equally surprised, including the US, which had largely relinquished much of its influence in Syria to Iran, Russia and Turkey but has reacted to protect its interests, according to senior officials. Multiple Western officials said it was difficult to see Assad remaining in power. The fall of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, could cut the highway linking Damascus and the country’s west and Mediterranean coast — the stronghold of the Assads and loyalists from their Alawite sect. South of Damascus, rebels have seized parts of Daraa province bordering Jordan and in the capital residents of some districts took to the streets and tore down billboards of Assad. In one area people destroyed a statue of Assad’s father Hafez. The president’s whereabouts are unclear, although he’s believed to be in Damascus or his hometown of Qardaha, close to Russia’s Khmeimim air base. It’s also possible he’s in the Iranian capital, Tehran, a person familiar with U.S. policy said Saturday. Assad’s office issued a statement condemning “rumors and fake news,” saying the president remains in the capital. Assad has ordered the bulk of Syria’s remaining army — estimated at between 30,000 to 40,000 fighters — to rush to defend Damascus, according to two people familiar with the matter. An army spokesman said in a TV address on Saturday that it was strengthening its defenses in the countryside around the city. The main rebel offensive has been led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, a former al-Qaida affiliate, and various armed groups backed by Turkey. Other fighters have joined in, including army defectors who’d fought the regime and laid down arms in previous ceasefires, said the people. As rebels converge on Damascus from the north and south, Iran has drawn back its presence in Syria, leaving its military advisers concentrated around the capital, according to the people. Some Tehran-backed Iraqi militias have also returned to their country after the government ceded the eastern city of Deir Ezzor to U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, they said. Russian personnel now remain mainly around the capital and at the Khmeimim air base and Tartous naval base, they said. After a meeting with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts in Doha on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is “trying to do everything not to allow terrorists to prevail.” “We don’t want them to follow the fate of Iraqis, Libyans and other nations who were disturbed by the people desiring to keep their domination,” he said. Trump said Saturday a withdrawal from Syria might “be the best thing that can happen” to Russia and that troops shouldn’t get involved in the fighting. Back channels Russia has launched airstrikes around Homs to try and stall the rebel advance. But with signs the Kremlin’s help may not be enough, Assad is pressing on with back-channel negotiations. A key goal would be retaining control of a portion of the country and addressing Turkey’s demands for a political transition and the potential return of millions of Syrian refugees, a major issue for Ankara. Assad is also proposing a new constitution and talks with the mostly exiled political opposition, according to the people familiar with the outreach. It’s unclear if the efforts will bear fruit. Events on the battlefield have their own momentum, and even countries such as Turkey that have influence over the rebels may not be able to fully control events. “I don’t think any of these outside powers have the leverage over their proxies to change the course of what is happening on the ground,” said Andreas Krieg, director of London-based MENA Analytica Ltd. “At this moment most bets are that the Assad regime may not be able to hold out.” Patriarch visit It was against that backdrop that Assad sent Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II to Hungary on Monday to relay his fears. Syria’s Christian community makes up about 10% of the country’s 24 million population. The plan to have Orban relate this message to Trump was described by an aide to the patriarch and another person with knowledge of the encounter. People close to Trump couldn’t immediately comment, but said he had dispatched his in-law and Middle East adviser, Massad Boulos, to the UAE on Saturday to discuss the situation in the region. Assad has pursued similar tactics before. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani and other rebels have in recent days attempted to allay the fears of Christians and Syria’s other minorities that they envision a form of Islamic rule. Assad’s own Alawite community, which has stuck by him since 2011 and paid a heavy price to defend the regime, also appears to sense the end may be near. Nariman, an Alawite woman reached by phone in Damascus on Friday said she, her husband who’s in the security forces and their 23-year-old son were fleeing to their ancestral village near Jableh in western Syria. She said there were many families like hers. Nobody is going to fight for Assad this time, she said, asking not to be identified by her last name for reasons of safety. ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.DURANGO, Colo., Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. (Nasdaq: RMCF) (the “Company”, “we”, or “RMCF”), an international franchisor and producer of premium chocolates and other confectionery products, including gourmet caramel apples, is pleased to announce the appointments of Melvin Keating and Al Harper to the Company’s Board of Directors, replacing Starlette B. Johnson and Charlson Arnold, effective November 26, 2024. “We’d like to thank both Starlette and Charles for serving on the Board,” stated Jeff Geygan, Interim CEO of RMCF. “At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Mel and Al as the newest members of our Board. Their knowledge and experience will bring great value as we look to return Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to sustained growth and profitability.” Mr. Keating brings extensive experience in corporate leadership, investment advisory, and board service, having served on nearly 20 public company boards throughout his career including directorship for SPS Commerce, Vitamin Shoppe, Tower Jazz Semiconductor, and Crown Crafts, among others. He has held various leadership positions including President and CEO of Alliance Semiconductor Corp., where he successfully executed a complex corporate restructuring, and also served as a Strategy Consultant for Warburg Pincus Equity Partners. He currently serves as a director of Agilysys, Inc. Mr. Harper is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader with expertise spanning industries such as transportation, real estate, and entertainment. As the Owner and President of American Heritage Railways, Inc., he oversees operations for its subsidiaries including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Mr. Harper is also one of the largest shareholders of RMCF, having recently purchased approximately one million shares of the Company (13% of common shares outstanding). About Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. is an international franchiser of premium chocolate and confection stores, and a producer of an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products, including gourmet caramel apples. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is ranked among Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ® and Franchise Times’ Franchise 400 ® for 2024. The Company and its franchisees and licensees operate nearly 260 Rocky Mountain Chocolate stores across the United States, with several international locations. The Company's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "RMCF." Investor Contact Sean Mansouri, CFA Elevate IR 720-330-2829 RMCF@elevate-ir.com

Senior transfer TyRay Spencer scored 14 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter as Curtis staged a 71-53 come-from-behind Hersh Classic victory over WHEELS on Sunday at Thomas Jefferson HS in Brooklyn. Spencer, who spent his first three varsity seasons at rival McKee/Staten Island Tech, buried four three-pointers and was 8 for 8 from the free-throw line during his debut with the Warriors. He also grabbed eight rebounds. Stories by Charlie De BiaseSurgical Precision: How Medical Lights Enhance Pet Surgery Outcomes 12-02-2024 09:28 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire In the world of veterinary medicine, being precise during surgeries is super important. Just like with human surgeries, how well a pet surgery goes often hinges on the quality of the tools and equipment used. One of the most crucial parts in the operating room is the medical lighting system. Good medical lights [ https://www.ledoperatinglamp.com/Minor-surgical-lights ] are key to improving surgical precision, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for our furry friends. Medical lights made specifically for vet surgeries provide bright, focused light that helps veterinarians see all those tiny details at the surgical site. This is especially vital during delicate procedures like orthopedic surgery or soft tissue repairs-where even a tiny mistake can cause complications. High-quality surgical lights [ https://www.surgicallight.com/operation-theater-light/ ] cut down on shadows and give vets a clear view of what they're working on, helping them make smart decisions while operating. Plus, modern medical lights come with handy features like adjustable brightness and color temperature. This flexibility lets veterinarians customize the lighting based on what's needed for each specific surgery and the pet's condition. For instance, warm light works great for soft tissue operations, while cooler light might be better suited for orthopedic [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xal0_M8qR28 ] work. This kind of customization ensures that everyone in the surgical team has top-notch visibility-crucial for getting the best results possible. On top of boosting visibility, advanced medical lighting systems also help create a safer environment during surgery. Many of these lights are designed to keep heat output low, which lowers the risk of thermal injuries to pets. Some models even have antimicrobial surfaces that help maintain sterility and reduce chances of infections after surgery. To sum it up: using high-quality medical lighting in veterinary surgeries is essential for increasing precision and improving outcomes for your pets. As technology keeps advancing, we can look forward to even better solutions! Media Contact Company Name: NANCHANG MICARE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO, LTD. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=surgical-precision-how-medical-lights-enhance-pet-surgery-outcomes ] Country: China Website: https://www.surgicallight.com/ This release was published on openPR.

Radical Jaguar rebrand and new logo sparks ire online NEW YORK (AP) — A promotional video for a rebrand of British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits — and no car. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, is slated to launch Dec. 2 during Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric model. But Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India’s Tata Motors Ltd., has been promoting it online. The Jaguar brand is in the middle of a transition to going all-electric. “Copy Nothing,” marketing materials read. “We’re here to delete the ordinary. To go bold. To copy nothing.” Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations DALLAS (AP) — The nation is set to mark 61 years since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade passed through downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Even after over six decades, conspiracy theories about what happened that day still swirl and the desire to follow every thread of information hasn’t waned. President-elect Donald Trump made promises over the summer that if reelected he would declassify the remaining records. At this point, only a few thousand of millions of pages of records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released. And those who have studied what's been released so far say that the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations even if the remaining files are declassified. Bitcoin is at the doorstep of $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, rising above $98,000 for the first time Thursday. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. NFL issues security alert to teams and the players' union following recent burglaries The NFL has issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union following recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets. Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State has won a closely watched trademark fight over an online retailer’s use of its vintage logos and images. A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages earlier this week over products made and sold by the firms Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc. Penn State accused the firms of selling counterfeit clothing and accessories. The defendants said their website makes clear they are not affiliated with Penn State. At least a dozen other schools have sued the defendants on similar grounds, but the Pennsylvania case was the first to go to trial. Defense lawyers declined to comment on the verdict and whether they planned an appeal. Has a waltz written by composer Frederic Chopin been discovered in an NYC museum? NEW YORK (AP) — A previously unknown musical work written by composer Frederic Chopin appears to have been found in a library in New York City. The Morgan Library & Museum says the untitled and unsigned piece is the first new manuscript of the Romantic era virtuoso to be discovered in nearly a century. Robinson McClellan, the museum’s curator, says he stumbled across the work in May while going through a collection brought to the Manhattan museum years earlier. He worked with outside experts to verify the document's authenticity. But there’s debate whether the waltz is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. Volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupts for the 7th time in a year GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland is spewing lava from a fissure in its seventh eruption since December. Iceland's seismic monitors said the eruption started with little warning late Wednesday and created a long fissure but looked to be smaller than eruptions in August and May. Around 50 houses were evacuated after the Civil Protection agency issued the alert, along with guests at the famous Blue Lagoon resort, according to the national broadcaster. The repeated eruptions over the past year have caused damage to the town of Grindavík and forced people to relocate. Australian teen and British woman who drank tainted alcohol in Laos have died, bringing toll to 5 VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — An Australian teenager and a British woman have died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos in what Australia’s prime minister said was every parent’s nightmare. Officials earlier said an American and two Danish tourists also had died following reports that multiple people had been sickened in town popular with backpackers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng, Laos, for treatment in a Thai hospital. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand. Later Thursday, Britain said a British woman also died and the media in the U.K. identified her as 28-year-old Simone White. US ahead in AI innovation, easily surpassing China in Stanford's new ranking The U.S. leads the world in developing artificial intelligence technology, surpassing China in research and other important measures of AI innovation, according to a newly released Stanford University index. There’s no surefire way to rank global AI leadership but Stanford researchers have made an attempt by measuring the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across a variety of dimensions, from how much research and investment is happening to how responsibly the technology is being pursued to prevent harm. Following the U.S. and China were the United Kingdom, India and the United Arab Emirates. Pop star Ed Sheeran helps favorite soccer team sign player before getting on stage with Taylor Swift It turns out British pop star Ed Sheeran is also good at recruiting soccer players. Sheeran is a minority shareholder at English soccer team Ipswich Town and it needed his help over the summer to get a player to join the club. Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton tells a Soccerex industry event in Miami: “Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, just before he stepped on stage with Taylor Swift. Hopefully that was a key part in getting the player across the line.” Ashton didn’t disclose the player in question, saying only: “He’s certainly scoring a few goals.”Industry Veterans to Lead AURA's Next Chapter of Progress and Achievement Incoming AURA CEO Kevin Steen (left) and Executive Chairman Walter Berger (right) Kevin Steen and Walter Berger Photos Steen, with more than two decades of achievements in delivering transformative communications solutions, will guide AURA's direction and expansion. Previously, he served as President and CEO of the combined Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies entity, where he played a crucial role in shaping the company's strategic path. His leadership was vital in establishing secure satellite communications for the U.S. government globally. Earlier, as CEO of iDirect, Steen led the pioneering of the satellite industry's first high-throughput satellite ground segment platform, significantly increasing the company's revenue and market share. His extensive background in satellite communications will be highly beneficial for enhancing AURA's specialized aviation network. Berger, appointed as Executive Chairman by the Board of Directors, brings more than 35 years of global operational leadership. He has held senior roles at companies like AppDynamics, SoftLayer, and Leap Wireless, including its subsidiary Cricket Wireless. As President and Co-CEO at Kymeta Corporation, Berger launched the first commercially successful metamaterial flat-panel antenna and several first-to-market products, widely adopted by the Department of Defense, government, enterprise, and maritime customers globally. His proficiency in both satellite and wireless communications will further enhance AURA's private network for aviation. Michael Palmer, a member of AURA's Board since inception, highlighted the significance of the appointments: "The selection of Walter by the Board and his subsequent choice of Kevin as CEO represent transformative moments for AURA. Their combined expertise and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving AURA's progress and innovation. The Board and I are grateful to outgoing CEO and cofounder Bill Tolpegin, who will continue to serve the company as Senior Advisor, contributing to our business development and regulatory affairs efforts. We also thank Tim Donahue, our outgoing Board Chairman, for his outstanding leadership. Both Bill and Tim have been pivotal in bringing AURA to where it is today.” Shankar Murugavell, Managing Director at Mudrick Capital Management, LP and a member of AURA's Board, stated: "Kevin and Walter's appointments herald a dynamic era for AURA. Their breadth of experience and visionary thinking will be critical as AURA scales new heights and meets its strategic goals. I am confident that their leadership will enhance the company's growth and solidify our standing in the industry.” Berger commented on his new role: "I am excited to be part of AURA's continued evolution. Our private network is uniquely positioned to support both crewed and uncrewed aviation. With our dedicated frequencies and patented spectrum management system, we are setting new standards in aviation communication infrastructure. I am also pleased to welcome Kevin, whose innovative approach and deep industry knowledge will propel AURA toward achieving its mission of enhancing autonomy and safety within national airspace.” Steen also expressed his enthusiasm about joining the company: "AURA's dedication to developing vital infrastructure solutions for all of aviation is remarkable, and it's a privilege to be a part of such an impressive team that continues to achieve significant milestones. For example, the publication of RTCA DO-406 - which establishes UHF radio performance standards for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) command and control - and the recent successful flight testing using our network as the primary radio link for mission-critical communications exemplify the pioneering work being done here. With Walter's leadership alongside me, I am confident we will continue to break new ground and drive AURA forward in the aviation sector.” Tolpegin added, "Kevin's strategic direction, combined with Walter's insightful strategies and extensive history, will be essential as we further commercialize and seize new opportunities. Their combined expertise will undoubtedly elevate AURA's standing, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the evolving UAS industry. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership that will shape our future.” About AURA Network Systems AURA is a leading provider of specialized communications services, catering to both crewed and uncrewed aviation markets. Our dedicated team is laser-focused on developing and deploying a comprehensive suite of aviation infrastructure solutions that enhance autonomy and safety within the National Airspace System. From our command-and-control service using exclusive, aviation-dedicated spectrum to our patented spectrum management system, AURA's private network is designed to enable the commercial viability of emerging aviation technologies while supporting operators in achieving regulatory compliance. The company's mission-critical capabilities are supported by Fortress Investment Group; Mudrick Capital Management, LP; and Tracker Capital Management. Discover more at auranetworksystems.com . AURA Media Contact: Michael Tucker [email protected] 202-744-6116 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53555f8a-ad18-45c3-a3e4-35a58cb11237

Lindsey Vonn takes another step in comeback at age 40, competes in a pair of downhillsA local robotics club is having its most successful season to date, with an annual competition in Kingston this weekend seeing more participants than ever before. WAFFLES Community Robotics, a volunteer-led robotics organization that provides different programs to area students, held its 13th annual tournament on Saturday where close to 200 students researched, designed, and built their own custom-built robots. “This is our biggest event ever,” said Taegen Poles, program lead at WAFFLES. The challenge was opened up to area students in August, Poles said, and the competition on Saturday was the culmination of all the work they’ve put in since then. As part of the challenge, teams of young people were told to research a real-world problem, propose an innovative solution, and build and program a Lego robot. The theme this year was ‘Submerged,’ Poles said, so all of the teams completed a small project tackling something to do with ocean exploration or oceanography. This year, around 200 children on 31 teams went “head-to-head, putting eight weeks of research, design, and programming to the test in a regional tournament to win honours, recognition and a chance to go to the Ontario Provincial Championship.” “It’s been great to have any many people out as we’ve had,” Poles said. “We are really proud of growing the program in the Kingston region, because it’s so good for the kids. Many of these students will go on to study in post-secondary at a higher rate than their peers, and go into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields at a much higher rate than their peers, as well.” And that’s the goal, she said – getting kids passionate about science and technology. “(It’s about) learning skills that are helpful at a young age.” The group has provided programming for Kingston-area youth since 2006, and this event in particular is in its 13 th year. It was held at Queen’s University’s Duncan McArthur Hall, where hordes of children were busy with their projects Saturday after being challenged to make custom-built robots come to life in fast-paced, timed competitions. There were 18 teams for nine- to 14-year-olds, and 12 teams for six to 10-year-olds, Poles said. The students come from across the city, including from elementary and secondary schools, the Boys and Girls Club, or from the local homeschooling community. Angela Gillespie, the treasurer for WAFFLES and a member of its board of directors, said she was thrilled at the event’s popularity this year. Getting local kids involved in the program is beneficial, she said, particularly given the modern challenges with technology for youth. “I think it’s great they can get exposed to it when they’re little and they’re not as afraid of it when they’re older,” Gillespie said. Gillespie and her husband have been involved with the organization for around nine years, and began when their daughter was in Grade 9 as a participant. Both of their children went through the program and are now older and in the working world. But they believe in the program deeply, she said, and the impact it has on local children. “It is so exciting for them. I think it’s great. That’s why we’re still helping.” sbedford@postmedia.com

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