7 julio
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Opinion piece By Dan Walsh – Sports Reporter (Sydney Morning Herald) Coming to an NRL franchise not so near you – Port Moresby, to be precise – will be a whiteboard. The interminable expansion talks and reports will finally culminate in a Papua New Guinean NRL side being announced this week. Now the fun begins. And the whiteboard mapping out the all-important 2028 roster becomes the most important item in the planned Port Moresby centre of excellence. Real-life fantasy football, with real-life recruiting challenges never before seen in the NRL, starts now – albeit with a four-year burn until a side has to be put on the paddock. With little appetite for the politics, false starts and grandstanding of what is no doubt a historic move, we put our general manager’s cap on and get into the nitty-gritty of creating a 30-man roster, with lessons and theories gleaned from the successes and failures of previous expansion outfits and the men who built them. The PNG plan, variables and non-negotiables The priority signing Sam Walker, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Xavier Coates and Spencer Leniu are our targets. Chief playmaker, bona fide star, another with Papua New Guinean roots and a leading front-rower. Before his passing in 2021, inaugural Western Reds coach and career-recruiter Peter Mulholland subscribed to two marquee players – “who you might have to pay 10-15 per cent more than the rest of your players” and “two quality props at least” as the ideal club building blocks. Nathan Cleary is the prized target but we just can’t see him leaving Penrith. So Walker is our scrumbase star and will be paid accordingly – we’re banking on the half a million dollars saved on tax sweetening our deal for the Roosters No.7. Tabuai-Fidow, still just 23, is the type of player who can light up a nation, and has emerged as the Dolphins’ own marquee man after the last expansion club missed out on a string of signing targets. If $2.4 million across Tabuai-Fidow and Walker is too much of an outlay, emerging Titans fullback Keano Kini is our back-up target. Coates – born in Port Moresby and a Kumuls international – brings the local connection and ability to shift to centre, while Leniu will be 28 in 2028 and coming into his prime as a front-rower. The prospect of the NSW Origin enforcer strutting, huffing, puffing and coming off the back fence in PNG is one we just can’t resist, and we’re tipping the locals will be of the same mind. Just as Tabuai-Fidow has helped the Dolphins capture the imagination, our quartet of star signings are nothing if not entertainers. Make PNG everyone else’s second-favourite side with magic and madness, we say. What’s the point of fantasy football otherwise? The roster breakdown, local boys and philosophy Rising Dolphins star Max Plath may well be a Queensland Origin regular by the time PNG is up and running, but the 23-year-old represents utility value and salary cap savings. Plath is our pick at hooker with the ability to shift to lock, and with Storm middle Josh King offering similar cover in the front-row, you’re adding more value and cover for one roster position. Accordingly, mid-tier players like Kayal Iro, Kaeo Weekes, Connor Tracey and Erin Clark are among our wider roster targets. Most NRL clubs spend big on their frontline playmakers – in our case Walker and Storm half Jonah Pezet – while their back-ups sit in roster spots 20-30. Cowboys rookie Jaxon Purdue is our pick given he will still only be 23 in 2028, while hooker is where we see real value in Papua New Guinea’s own emerging talent. Kumuls livewire No.9 Edwin Ipape will be familiar to some fans already, and has the likes of Judah Rimbu (the 2024 Queensland Cup player of the year) and schoolboy Finley Glare following in his footsteps. Most NRL squads feature half a dozen or so players aged between 19-23, and picking schoolboys and teenagers to emerge in four years time is a task beyond us, especially when they’d be moving to compound life in Port Morseby. Rising Titans prop Josiah Pahulu – currently agitating to leave the club after missing out on a bonus payment – is one 20-year-old worth building a middle rotation around in four years time. Roughly a third of NRL salary caps (at least $3.5 million by 2027/28) is spent on the big boys, and we’re hoping a front-row/middle market stagnated by lost development years due to COVID-19 has sped up again. The likes of Brisbane’s Xavier Willison, Rabbitoh Davvy Moale, Pahulu and Wests Tigers’ Fonua Pole will be in their mid-20s by 2028, though we’re thinking we can only afford one out Willison and Pole (both off-contract at the end of 2027). Notable off-contract players at the end of 2027 Fullbacks: Jahream Bula, Scott Drinkwater, Clint Gutherson, Isaiah Iongi, Kalyn Ponga, Chevy Stewart, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Sunia Turuva Outside backs: Campbell Graham, Jacob Kiraz, Junior Pauga, Brian To’o, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dominic Young, Jack Wighton, Latrell Mitchell, Paul Alamoti, Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Stephen Crichton, Jack Howarth, Valentine Holmes, Tolu Koula Halves and hookers: Luke Brooks, Matt Burton, Latu Fainu, Cameron Munster, Jayden Sullivan, Kaeo Weekes, Nathan Cleary, Lewis Dodd, Ethan Sanders. Sam Walker, Mitchell Woods, Max Plath, Wayde Egan, Peter Mamouzelos Forwards: Spencer Leniu, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Josh Aloiai, Tom Flegler, Moeaki Fotuaika, Royce Hunt, Moses Leota, Terrell May, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Alex Twal, De La Salle Va’a, Stenao Utoikamanu, Xavier Willison, Jai Arrow, Mitch Barnett, J’maine Hopgood, Corey Horsburgh, Max King, Fonua Pole, Victor Radley, Jason Taumalolo, Connor Watson, Isaah Yeo.Edge forwards: Ryan Couchman, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Jackson Ford, Jeremiah Nanai, Eliese Katoa, Ethan Bullemor, Coen Hess, Dylan Lucas, Matty Nicholson, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papali’i, Briton Nikora, Brendan Piakura, Jacob Preston, Jordan Riki, Hudson Young, Ben Trbojevic. North Queensland’s Griffin Neame is also on our radar. So too late-blooming Storm prop Lazarus Vaalepu, who debuted this year at 25, and young Papua New Guinean middles Cooper Bai (son of Storm cult hero Marcus) and Kafe Renson. The coach and a culture club The first and most important call of all is the man pulling it all together. Current Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou and predecessor Justin Holbrook are two obvious contenders, while Wayne Bennett will be 78, but off-contract at least, before PNG even take the paddock. Ex-Eels coach Brad Arthur is another with credentials to take up an expansion side, though a potential Perth posting is in his sights, too. Either way, the Dolphins made a point of targeting Melbourne’s vaunted playing stocks to fill key leadership positions, with the Bromwich brothers and Felise Kaufusi instrumental in their first two seasons.Entrepreneur Support Organizations Will Compete in Two Stages for $75,000 to $150,000; 2025 Application Opens Jan. 8, 2025 Washington, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden's Cabinet for America's more than 34 million small businesses and startups, announced the upcoming launch of the 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) for entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) focused on innovation-driven startups and entrepreneurs in underserved regions, industries, and communities to launch, grow, and scale. The competition strengthens ESO capacity, builds connections, and fosters collaboration - expanding access to the innovation economy and boosting entrepreneurial activity nationwide. "The 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition will build on SBA's legacy of strengthening innovation ecosystems by deepening the incredible entrepreneur support organization partnerships we have on the ground in undercapitalized communities across the country that are providing resources to our nation's innovators. This year's competition will emphasize advancing America's global leadership in critical industries and ensuring creative ideas make it to market,” said Administrator Guzman. "SBA is eager to engage new entrants in the innovation economy around this year's themes to further support our nation's leadership in emerging technologies and advance our global competitiveness.” The 2025 competition offers $75,000 to $150,000 in awards to organizations to accelerate the growth and maturity of innovation ecosystems in two stages. Stage One: Application opens Jan. 8, 2025 The Stage One application offers $75,000 in cash prizes to organizations that identify challenges within their innovation ecosystems and propose unique solutions. The SBA welcomes submissions from a broad range of organizations with a collaborative vision to nurture a national ecosystem for equitable access to entrepreneurship. Applicants should align their application with one of two GAFC theme areas : 1. Lab-to-market, bridging the gap between research and commercialization, in areas including but not limited to: Stage Two Eligible Stage One winners can compete for additional $150,000 Stage Two awards to scale their proposed solutions. Stage Two winners will be announced by September 2025. For more information, those interested can: About SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation The SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation leads programs that provide the high-growth small business community with access to two things: financial capital and research and development funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Its work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to initial public offering. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov . CONTACT: SBA HQ Press Team U.S. Small Business Administration [email protected]The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The longstanding strip of garden centres on St. Mary’s Road has been split in two. Confusion and lost sales have resulted, affected businesses say. Signage is top of Dave Hanson’s Christmas list. He’s noticed a 30 per cent decline in holiday traffic at Sage Garden Greenhouses and he believes the new interchange at St. Mary’s Road and the Perimeter Highway is to blame. “Every single day, all day long, people are still — three months in — still bringing it up,” Hanson said. Sage Garden Greenhouses has spent 25 years at 3410 St. Mary’s Rd. Before the province’s interchange project, Sage Garden joined companies like Lacoste Garden Centre on a stretch of St. Mary’s Road beyond the Perimeter Highway. At the time, southbound St. Mary’s commuters would cross the Perimeter via a light-controlled intersection. Now, potential customers pass through two large roundabouts and overtop the major highway. Past the Perimeter, the road continues straight into Provincial Road 200; Sage Garden is further down. However, there’s a right-hand turn-off to another section — St. Mary’s Road — where Lacoste, St. Mary’s Nursery and Ron Paul Garden Centre sit. The St. Mary’s strip ends in a cul-de-sac; it used to stretch to companies like Sage Garden. Karen Burkett estimates it took her twice as long as normal to reach Sage Garden Greenhouses after the interchange opened in September. She didn’t use a GPS — she’d heard maps weren’t yet updated for the new road — and found herself stuck in the cul-de-sac beyond St. Mary’s Nursery. “It feels like it’s unnecessarily complicated,” said Burkett, who’s been a Sage Garden patron for a decade. “I can see how easy it’d be just to give up and not bother.” Ron Paul Garden Centre has clocked a significant decrease in live Christmas tree sales; Lacoste Garden Centre has noticed a drop in artificial tree purchases. Management of both said it’s hard to determine the reason for the trend, but the new interchange could play a role. “We’ve had customers tell us ... ‘We can’t find the place,’” said Jordan Hiebert, co-owner of Lacoste Garden Centre. The calls often come after people have passed the strip’s turnoff, he added. Ray DuBois, president of Ron Paul, said he wore his work shirt to the bank, prompting the teller to say she couldn’t find the centre anymore. Both managers noted the sites are easy to find via Google Maps. However, older clients who don’t use such systems are struggling, they said. All the garden centres the spoke to want more signage. On Friday, there were no signs showing Sage Garden and its neighbour businesses, like Red Valley Plant Market, are beyond the St. Mary’s turnoff. Signage highlighting businesses past the turnoff should come soon if it isn’t already up, said Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River). He visited Sage Garden Greenhouses last week. “I didn’t realize that they were going to terminate the old St. Mary’s Road,” Chambers said. “Signage (has become) very necessary so that these businesses can continue to receive the patronage they have in the past.” Chambers said he contacted the province and the city’s street engineers, who committed to erecting markers near Seniuk Road (the turnoff point). Other companies, including a mechanic and Mom’s Pantry, are also affected by the change, Chambers noted. Tom Miller, owner of St. Mary’s Service, said he’s received calls asking if he’s moved his shop. Lacoste, Ron Paul and St. Mary’s Nursery currently have a government sign to show they’re off the main strip. It’s a small orange rectangle indicating businesses are past the turnoff. “They’ve got to do better than that,” Hiebert from Lacoste said. “There’s a lot of commerce that happens on the strip between the three garden centres.” Lacoste has nearly 200 employees. Hiebert expressed interest in creating a sign jointly with Ron Paul and St. Mary’s Nursery. Private business signs along PR 200 won’t be approved because the location is too close to the interchange, posing a risk of driver distraction, a provincial spokesperson wrote in a statement. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has committed to installing “new and modified” signs before 2024’s end, helping identify businesses south of Seniuk Road, the spokesperson added. “(We) will continue to monitor and communicate with the affected businesses to identify potential improvements going forward,” the spokesperson wrote, noting Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has met with affected companies. Hanson from Sage Garden Greenhouses had hoped for signage by now. “It’s an important and busy time of year for us,” he emphasized, adding his company is stocked with potential Christmas presents. He called the infrastructure change a “double whammy,” coinciding with the ongoing Canada Post strike. Sage Garden ships many gift cards and packages via mail during the holidays. Lately, the company has been delivering its own goods within Winnipeg, but it’s missing customers in rural communities. “I don’t think anyone wants to hurt us,” DuBois from Ron Paul said of the signage issue. “There just has to be a better way.” Construction on the St. Mary’s Road interchange is ongoing. The project should be finished by August 2025, a Manitoba government webpage shows. The configuration was made to “safely and efficiently accommodate all accesses and exits” while eliminating traffic control measures like lights, a provincial spokesperson said. Government has cited trade and safety as reasons for the project in the past. gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the . She interned at the and worked for its sister outlet, , before entering the business beat in 2021. . Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. Verstappen captures 4th F1 championship after Mercedes sweep of Las Vegas Grand Prix LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen cruised to a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship Saturday night by finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen needed only to finish ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren to give Red Bull a fourth straight driver championship. The Dutchman started fifth but was already up to second by the 10th lap around the street circuit that includes the famed Las Vegas Strip. Norris, who had to score at least three points more than Verstappen to extend the championship fight, finished sixth. The race was won by George Russell who was followed by Lewis Hamilton in the first 1-2 sweep for the Mercedes drivers since 2022. Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.”OTTAWA, ON , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted that the one-of-a-kind 2024 10 kg 99.99% Pure Gold Coin – The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) , an exquisite numismatic tribute to the art of acclaimed Haida master carver Chief 7IDANsuu ( James Hart ), sold for $1,561,250 .00 CAD (including Buyer’s Premium), after a live auction conducted by Heffel Fine Art Auction House (Heffel). This rare, pure gold masterpiece was sold to an anonymous bidder on November 20, 2024 , and beat the previous record for a coin offered at auction in Canada , held by The Ultimate , a one kilo pure platinum coin also produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are thrilled by the collector interest in this unique coin and delighted that the skill of the Royal Canadian Mint and the talent of Chief 7IDANsuu ( James Hart ) have been recognized by the buyer of this rare and beautiful 10 kg pure gold masterpiece,” said Marie Lemay , President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to auction The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) 10kg pure gold coin,” said David Heffel , President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. “The profoundly significant artwork by the esteemed Chief James Hart , showcased on its face, stands as an enduring icon of Canadian art, embodying the rich traditions and cultural narratives of the Haida Nation. We are honoured to have placed this masterpiece in a distinguished collection and look forward to seeing its legacy continue to inspire.” Impeccably crafted from 10 kg of 99.99% pure Canadian gold, The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) re–creates carved images from the original red cedar panel carved by Chief 7IDANsuu on its reverse. The reverse design of the flagship coin of the 2024 Opulence Collection brings together traditional Haida figures—a Shaman, the Beaver, Raven, Eagle, Frog, Orca and Mother Bear with cubs—whose life deeply depends on the Salmon, represented in human and animal form along the edge. Six pearlescent pieces of responsibly sourced abalone shell are inlayed along the coin’s edge, where their aquatic hues shimmer in the light and their shapes evoke the Haida copper shields that serve as traditional markers of wealth. The imposing coin’s obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati , surrounded by an engraving of subtle sketch lines from the original carving. About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca . Follow the Mint on LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . About Heffel Fine Art Auction House Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales totaling nearly $1 billion . With offices in Toronto , Vancouver , Montreal , Ottawa and Calgary , Heffel has the most experienced team of fine art specialists in Canada and provides superior client service to both sellers and buyers internationally. For more information, media are asked to contact: Royal Canadian Mint, Alex Reeves , Senior Manager, Public Affairs, 613-884-6370, reeves@mint.ca ; Heffel Fine Art Auction House, Rebecca Rykiss , National Director, Brand and Communications, 416-961-6505 ext. 323, rebecca@heffel.com SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)Obama Democracy Forum will convene to focus on tools for bipartisan dialogueDowntown Vancouver stabbing suspect shot dead by police
Georgia Southern trying to rebound at Coastal CarolinaManitoba’s auditor general is calling for better cybersecurity at the province’s main health care planning body, and better financial reporting from the provincial government. In the first of two reports released Thursday, Tyson Shtykalo said Manitoba Shared Health has a process to respond to cyberattacks but has not been running tests for scenarios such as ransomware or data theft. “Since no tests were performed, the effectiveness of the (process) cannot be evaluated to ensure that Shared Health is prepared to promptly respond to a major cybersecurity event,” the report said. The report recommends annual testing and more training for cybersecurity incident response team members. “Without formally communicating existing plans and procedures to the ... team and providing members with necessary training on their roles and responsibilities, there could be delays in responding to cybersecurity incidents at Shared Health,” the report stated. Shared Health said it is working on the recommendations and plans to develop a regular schedule for testing the system. The second report looked at the provincial government’s financial report for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which included a deficit of just under $2 billion. The report said there was an unprecedented number of errors in the financial information prepared for the audit, which needed correcting. “We found that in many cases the amounts recorded in the accounting records were not adequately supported or did not match the supporting documentation,” Shtykalo wrote. The lack of supporting documentation included areas such as the calculations of the government’s contractual obligations. Shtykalo said the problems do not bring into question the major spending and revenue numbers in the government’s year-end financial report, but point to a need for better preparation and a shortage of trained financial personnel who prepare the statements. “Unfortunately, in the current year, the issues persisted and were exacerbated by the loss of key senior staff members during the audit. The province needs to build capacity, including improvements in staffing, training, review, (information technology) infrastructure, and external support,” the report said. The government responded by saying it continues to work on hiring more chartered professional accountants in a competitive market. It also said the office of the provincial comptroller “has turned its attention to learning and training sessions to support and onboard new staff members”.
Zefiro Methane Corp. 2024 Year in Review: Accelerating Commercial Growth and Operational Impact
Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Red Bull brings wrong rear wing to Las Vegas in mistake that could stall Verstappen's title chances LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen is suddenly in jeopardy of being denied a fourth consecutive Formula 1 title Saturday night. Red Bull apparently brought the wrong rear wing to Las Vegas and GPS data showed its two cars to be significantly slower on the straights than both McLaren and Mercedes, which led both practice sessions. Red Bull says it doesn’t have a replacement rear wing in Las Vegas to fix the issue and little chance of getting two flown in from England ahead of the race. Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for 16th National Women's Soccer League team WNBA star Caitlin Clark has joined Cincinnati’s bid for an expansion National Women’s Soccer League team. Major League Soccer franchise FC Cincinnati is heading the group vying to bring a women’s pro team to the city. The club issued a statement confirming Clark had joined the bid group. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has said the league plans to announce the league’s 16th team by the end of the year. The league's 15th team will begin play in 2026 in Boston. In a 'Final Four-type weekend,' two top-6 clashes put women's college basketball focus on West Coast LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two games featuring four powerhouse teams has put the focus in women's college basketball on the West Coast this weekend. JuJu Watkins and No. 3 Southern California host Hannah Hidalgo and No. 6 Notre Dame on Saturday. Top-ranked South Carolina visits Lauren Betts and fifth-ranked UCLA on Sunday. Both games are nationally televised and the arenas are expected to be packed. WNBA scouts will be on hand to check out some of the nation's top talent. Two teams will come away with their first losses of the season. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb calls it “a Final Four-type weekend.” A documentary featuring Watkins will air on NBC ahead of USC's game, which leads into the Army-Notre Dame football game. Noodles and wine are the secret ingredients for a strange new twist in China's doping saga Blame it on the noodles. That's what one Chinese official suggested when anti-doping leaders were looking for answers for the doping scandal that cast a shadow over this year's Olympic swim meet. Earlier this year, reports that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication emerged. None were sanctioned because Chinese authorities determined the swimmers were contaminated by traces of the drug spread about a hotel kitchen. In a strange twist, the leader of China's anti-doping agency suggested this case could have been similar to one in which criminals were responsible for tainting noodles that were later eaten by another Chinese athlete who also tested positive for the drug. Athletes see climate change as threatening their sports and their health. Some are speaking up BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Pragnya Mohan has been a professional triathlete for nearly a decade, but summers in her native India are now so hot that she can’t train there anymore. And she worries about a day when heat around the world kills her sport entirely. She was among athletes who spoke at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan about the threat global warming poses to them, to fans and to sport itself. They described how extreme weather is making training and competing difficult or impossible. With billions of fans worldwide, some athletes and leagues are trying to get more people to care, and act, on climate change. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. It’s not immediately known what role she’ll have with the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. In Cleveland, Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa.None
SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reviver ® is proud to support the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive, bringing joy to children and families in need. This past weekend, the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive in Pomona, California , brought together car enthusiasts from across Southern California to celebrate the holidays and of course, all things cars. Attendees celebrated the season by decking out their cars, motorcycles and trucks, and supporting a good cause. This year's Winter Fest supported the Community Family Guidance Center (CFGC). CFGC helps southeast Los Angeles County's under-served children and their families heal from trauma, abuse, emotional, behavioral and mental health issues through proven interventions and compassionate guidance. "We're proud to partner with our community and fellow auto enthusiasts to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most," said Reviver Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston . "Together, we can help create joy and ensure that every child experiences the magic of the season." If you missed Winter Fest or are not local to Los Angeles County , there are still many ways to give back. Reviver is inviting the community to join in spreading holiday cheer wherever they are by supporting a local toy drive . ABOUT REVIVER ® Reviver ® is a technology company on a mission to modernize the driving experience. As developer of the world's first digital license plate platform, Reviver products transform the license plate into a connected vehicle platform, enabling consumers and commercial businesses to digitize vehicle registration renewals and experience a growing set of personalization, convenience, and safety features, all managed through a mobile or web app interface. Reviver's digital license plates are legal for sale in Arizona and California , along with Texas for commercial fleet vehicles. Ten additional states are in various stages of adoption. Founded in 2009, Reviver is headquartered in Northern California , and is the official patch partner of the Sacramento Kings and the official innovation partner of the Sacramento Kings and Golden 1 Center. To purchase an RPLATE click here . To learn more about the RPLATE, click here . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reviver-helps-drive-the-spirit-of-giving-this-holiday-season-302336678.html SOURCE Reviver
A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women's volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women's championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league's policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player's name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an "alleged transgender" player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will "continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. "We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week." The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 — making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season's awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they're playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday's semifinals. San Jose State will play the winner of Wednesday's match between Utah State and Boise State — teams that both forfeited matches to SJSU during the regular season. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting "messages of hate" and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada's players stated they "refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes," without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women's Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women's sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the "likelihood of success" needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women's sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado's U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Roivios Initiates Landmark Study to Demonstrate Safety and Efficacy of an Innovative Renal Assist Device for Cardiac Surgery Patients With Kidney Disease NASSAU, Bahamas , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivios , a pioneering clinical-stage medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing kidney health, proudly announces that its research and development arm, 3ive Labs, has secured approval for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA. This approval paves the way for a pivotal trial of the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), marking a transformative step forward in enhancing outcomes for cardiac surgery patients with renal insufficiency. The GRADIENT ( G roundbreaking R enal A ssist D evice I ntervening to EN hance cardio T horacic surgery outcomes) trial is designed to address the critical need for renal support among cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients often face increased risks of postoperative complications, such as worsening renal dysfunction, which can lead to extended ICU stays and increased mortality. "The GRADIENT Trial offers an invaluable opportunity to further explore renal support during cardiac surgery," said Dr. Evelio Rodriguez , a renowned heart surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN , and the National Principal Investigator of the GRADIENT trial. "The JuxtaFlow device offers new hope for some of our most vulnerable patients." JuxtaFlow RAD is an innovative device designed to potentially improve kidney function during times of acute stress. By applying a gentle suction to the kidney's outlet, it aims to enhance blood filtration more efficiently. This groundbreaking approach was recognized with an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in April. The GRADIENT study will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial that plans to enroll patients with renal insufficiency (eGFR 15-60 ml/min) undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery requiring CPB. The study seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the JuxtaFlow RAD to sustain or enhance renal function during and following CPB surgery. "Achieving Breakthrough Device Designation was instrumental in securing IDE approval," noted John Erbey , Chief Executive Officer at Roivios. "This initiative is the culmination of a decade of technological and clinical advancements in addressing kidney disease management challenges. Our ongoing dialogue with the FDA is paving the way for more effective management, empowering patients to thrive. We are eager to commence IDE enrollment and explore the JuxtaFlow RAD's potential to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient quality of life." For more information about Roivios and the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device, please visit Roivios.com . About JuxtaFlow RAD The JuxtaFlow RAD is a pioneering investigational device set to transform kidney support therapy. Acknowledging the harmful effects of fluid accumulation and pressure on the kidneys, Roivios has advanced beyond traditional blood filtration methods that can further stress the kidneys. By applying mild, controlled negative pressure within the kidney's collecting system, the device has the potential to maintain and improve filtration and support recovery. This novel approach holds promise for a compelling value proposition by preserving kidney function and expediting patient recovery, ultimately reducing hospital stays and associated costs. Equipped with a proprietary specialized catheters and pump, the device optimizes kidney function during critical recovery periods, such as post-surgery. Currently, the JuxtaFlow RAD is under investigation and is not available for sale in any geography. About Roivios Roivios is a clinical-stage medical device company committed to pioneering solutions for kidney health. Our lead product, the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), is designed to preserve kidney function and offer a proactive approach to managing kidney disease. We aim to demonstrate improved renal outcomes, potentially reducing the need for dialysis, and lowering healthcare costs. Holding proprietary patents in key kidney technologies, we aim to revolutionize kidney disease management. With plans to extend its application beyond kidney disease to various medical settings, Roivios is preparing for a transformative U.S. launch, aiming to redefine kidney disease management and improve patient quality of life. Discover more at roivios.com . This release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly. Media Contact : Kelly Krueger , Krueger PR, kelly@kruegerpr.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-grants-ide-approval-for-the-pivotal-trial-of-the-juxtaflow-renal-assist-device-rad-302336698.html SOURCE Roivios, ltd
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