New Hampshire courts hear two cases on transgender girls playing girls sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was fined $75,000 by the NBA for public criticism of officiating and using inappropriate and profane language, the league announced on Monday. Edwards made the remarks that drew the punishment following Minnesota's 113-103 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. The 23-year-old playmaker, who helped the United States capture gold at the Paris Olympics, has averaged 25.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game for the T-Wolves this season. Edwards used profanity in describing what he considered a poor performance from the referees, calling it "terrible" and saying he and teammate Julius Randle are penalized "for being stronger than our opponent every night. "We don't get no calls. That's how I feel about the officials every game we play." Edwards was whistled for four fouls against the Warriors and shot four free throws himself. At 14-13, the Timberwolves are 10th in the Western Conference, ahead of Phoenix on tie-breakers. js/mw
Every Item From Palace's Holiday 2024 CollectionThe Nasdaq and S&P 500 closed higher on Monday, buoyed by tech-related stocks, as markets gear up for critical economic data releases. This uptick follows a robust November performance, with the S&P and Dow recording their largest monthly gains in a year. The Dow saw a minor dip. In Monday's session, technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary sectors each rose by roughly 1%, contrasting with declines in other areas. Tesla's stock benefited from Stifel's increased price target. Rick Meckler of Cherry Lane Investments noted the market's gradual ascent amid seasonal strength. Despite the bullish environment, Meckler warns of uncertainty due to a lack of clear economic guidance from the new administration. Meanwhile, manufacturing data from the Institute for Supply Management showed improvements, hinting at a stabilizing economic outlook. (With inputs from agencies.)
Qatar tribune PA Media/dpa London No ceasefire can be reached in Gaza that does not include the return of hostages by Hamas, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the Labour Friends of Israel annual lunch. Starmer said his Labour government is continuing to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, adding: “There is no ceasefire worthy of the name, which does not, as item number one, include the return of all the hostages.” Hamas is still holding around 100 Israeli hostages inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead, following its attack on southern Israel in October 2023. The prime minister said at the Monday speech: “This government continues its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to facilitate the unconditional release of all remaining hostages and a surge of desperately needed humanitarian aid.” He said his government was “pro-Israel, pro-Palestine and pro-peace.” “Our allies will be all those - Israeli or Palestinian - who seek to further the cause of reconciliation, peace and progress. “So we must fight all the more strongly for a renewed political progress that recognises that there is no secure Israel without a viable Palestinian state. And no security for Palestinians without a safe and secure Israel.” Starmer also said he respects the independence of the International Criminal Court, which recently issued an arrest warrant for Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Copy 03/12/2024 10
Voluntary schemes set standards for the production of sustainable fuels and gases – Hydrogen included Voluntary schemes and national certification schemes of EU countries help to ensure that biofuels, bioliqui ds and biomass fuels as well as renewable hydrogen and its derivatives (renewable fuels of non-biological origin or RFNBOs), and recycled carbon fuels (RCF) are sustainably produced by verifying that they comply with the , as well as the relevant methodologies for RFNBOs and RCF. As such, the schemes check that Several schemes also take into account additional sustainability aspects such as soil, water, air protection and social criteria. For the certification process, an external auditor verifies the whole production chain from the origin of the raw material and energy to the fuel producer or trader. While the schemes are run privately, the European Commission can recognise them as compliant with the rules included in the Renewable Energy Directive. Voluntary schemes under the Renewable Energy Directive The EU sustainability criteria cover the production of fuels and energy from agricultural as well as forest biomass and organic waste. Detailed rules describing the certification process are enshrined in the Implementing Regulation on sustainability certification. The sustainability framework for bioenergy has been complemented by rules ensuring the sustainability of renewable hydrogen and its derivates. The European Commission adopted delegated acts including criteria for the sourcing of renewable electricity that is used for the production of RFNBOs as well as a methodology for determining emission savings of RFNBOs and RCF. Interested voluntary schemes may apply for recognition by the Commission under the sustainability framework. The Commission will assess the applications by applying the following . In case schemes are interested to certify also RFNBOs and RCF an will be used. Recognition criteria For a scheme to be recognised by the Commission, it must fulfil criteria such as The decision recognising a voluntary scheme has usually a legal period of validity of 5 years. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Voluntary schemes set standards for the production of sustainable fuels and gases – Hydrogen included, CertifHy Achieves Official Recognition by the European Commission to Issue RFNBO Certification Brussels – 23/12/2024 – CertifHy, a pioneer in hydrogen and e-fuels certification, proudly announces its official... Euractiv – Hydrogen 2.0: Strengthening the EU’s role as a global leader A stable regulatory environment, international cooperation and more focus on hydrogen derivatives are key for Europe to scale its hydrogen... John Cockerill, Johnson Matthey and ETFuels Announce Strategic Partnership for 120,000 ton Texas e-Methanol Project ETFuels has selected John Cockerill and Johnson Matthey as key strategic partners for its 120,000 ton...The ceremony at Rodney Parade will celebrate the health and care providers across South Wales, and the finalists have been revealed. Arian Care believes that happy, well supported and valued staff provide the best possible standard of care and support to individuals so therefore invests heavily in its staff team. Among things it does are: above average rates of pay and mileage; supportive office team, open door policy, regular meetings and social opportunities provided; snacks, drinks always available for staff ( and their children) when they visit the office; box of toys and activities for children that visit the office with their parent - this is to support Arian Care's vision of being a family focused employer; period, menopause and andropause positive employer that supply's sanitary products to all staff available from the office. St David's Hospice Care employs just over 200 staff and every single person is important and contributes to the over all success of the hospice. It is a fair and equal employer which supports staff in many ways. A menopause support group has been established, a number of mental health first-aiders have been trained to support staff and an annual well-being survey is undertaken to 'check in' with staff to see how they are feeling about work, life and everything. Their comments and thoughts are requested to see where things can be improved and what needs to be done differently. The CEO sends out a monthly briefing to all staff to ensure everyone is aware of what is going on and any news across the hospice. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Monmouthshire and Monmouthshire County Council believe the working environment is the best place to work due to the integration and innovative ideas continually produced. Both organisations endeavour to treat all employees with respect and equality through all levels of staffing and look at how to improve and if wanted progress careers. Both organisations encourage employees to take pride in their work, often with successes being shared on the intranet, via email, Good News items on agendas, and included in newsletters.
The NCAA announced Monday plans to appeal the preliminary injunction granted by a U.S. federal judge giving Diego Pavia another year of eligibility even as the organization's Division I board of directors granted a waiver allowing athletes in a similar situation as the Vanderbilt quarterback to play in 2025-26. When U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell issued the injunction Dec. 18, it was limited only to Pavia, arguing that he was likely to win on his argument that NCAA Division I eligibility rules discriminated against him under the Sherman Act over his two years at a junior college. The judge also told the NCAA it couldn't take any action against Vanderbilt or any university Pavia plays with for his fifth season. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — There’s no defending Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke. His four-year tenure has been filled with draft mistakes and free-agency blunders, and he’s among the many reasons the Jaguars (3-12) have lost 17 of their last 21 games heading into their home finale against Tennessee (3-12). Selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall in 2021 was a no-brainer, and taking receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 23 in April appears to be his best decision. Just about everything in between has devolved into a head-scratching move, a list that includes drafting Travon Walker over fellow pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 as well as questionable early picks like left tackle Walker Little (second round, 2021) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (first round, 2022). Baalke’s low point was his latest free-agent class, which included defensive lineman Arik Armstead, cornerback Ronald Darby, receiver Gabe Davis, returner Devin Duvernay, center Mitch Morse and safety Darnell Savage. The Jaguars committed more than $130 million, including more than $75 million guaranteed, to sign those six in March. They’ve given owner Shad Khan little, if any, return on his investment. Armstead, 31, has two sacks in 15 games and was flagged for being offside on consecutive plays in a 19-14 loss at Las Vegas on Sunday. Darby, one of the NFL’s worst-rated cornerbacks in coverage this season, was inactive against the Raiders after getting benched the previous week. Davis caught 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games before tearing the meniscus in his left knee in November and landing on injured reserve. Duvernay, who has been thrust into an expanded role following season-ending injuries to Davis and Christian Kirk, has 10 catches for 75 yards and four carries for 3 yards. He has been slightly more effective on special teams, averaging 8.9 yards on punt returns and 24.1 yards on kickoff returns. Morse has been the best of the group, although he was flagged twice against the Raiders — penalties that essentially ended drives. Still, the the 32-year-old center has done little to improve the team’s short-yardage woes. Savage played just 12 snaps Sunday before leaving with a concussion. His replacement, Andrew Wingard, broke up nearly as many passes (three) in three quarters as Savage did (four) in his last 11 games. Together, the six newcomers comprise one of the least-productive free-agent classes in franchise history and are one of the many reasons why Baalke’s future in Jacksonville remains murky at best. What’s working Getting the ball to Brian Thomas Jr. is the best thing the Jaguars have done over the last four weeks. The rookie from LSU has 31 catches for 399 yards and four touchdowns in those four games. He has been targeted 49 times, including a would-be touchdown he dropped on a deep pass against the Raiders. What needs help Jacksonville’s pass-rushing duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker has been mostly quiet the last three games. Hines-Allen has six tackles, including a sack, and one QB pressure over that span while Walker has eight tackles, no sacks and two QB pressures. It’s not the performances the Jags need from their most talented position. Stock up Rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith, a second-round pick out of LSU, had his best game as a pro in Las Vegas. The 48th overall selection, who was inactive for six games partly because of an ankle injury, notched three tackles — including two for a loss. He also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage. Stock down Running back Tank Bigsby fumbled for the second time in as many games. He also dropped a pass last week in a loss to the New York Jets. It’s been a frustrating span for the second-year pro and third-round pick. “I couldn’t even sleep last night,” Bigsby said Monday. “That’s a learning mistake, and it can’t happen no more. I’ve just got to move on from it and play confident and be who I am.” Injuries Little won’t play this week — and might be sidelined the final two games — because of a high ankle sprain. S Darnell Savage (concussion) and LB Ventrell Miller (ankle) are considered day to day. RT Anton Harrison (shoulder) and CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder) should be good to go for the Titans. Key number 8 — Number of times the Jaguars have lost at least 12 games in a season. It’s happened seven times since Khan bought the team in 2012. Next steps The entire organization awaits Khan’s decisions regarding the futures of Baalke and coach Doug Pederson. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
Elevai Labs ( NASDAQ: ELAB ) announced that it is has withdrawn the previously announced offer to holders, to exchange up to 15M shares of common stock for up to 15M shares of the company’s newly issued Series B Preferred Stock. The withdrawal was