niceph com login
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Recommended Videos Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. What does it take to become a drone pilot? To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Are drones allowed to fly at night? Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Are drones a hazard? Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Will drone rules get tougher? Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” ___ Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.CallReply.ai Launches AI-Based Call Center Agents with Transformative Human-Like Language Capabilities 11-21-2024 11:10 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Comms Factory Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732224267.jpeg CallReply.ai Service offers seamless customer interactions 24/7 and brings competitively differentiating enterprise-grade AI-based call center technology to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) BOSTON - November 21, 2024 - CallReply.ai, a division of the MagnetMint.com family of brands, today announced the launch of its new AI-based call center agents. These software agents leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to place and receive calls using human-like language on a 24/7 basis. The service offers enterprise-grade AI-driven call center capabilities to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which often lose revenue due to missed calls and unqualified leads. CallReply.ai's human-like AI-powered agents solve this problem, offering seamless, natural customer interactions that not only feel personal but also deliver competitive advantage, growth, and gains in operational efficiency. "We are thrilled to debut this transformative line of AI-powered call center agents," said Platon Alexander Belmont, Founder and CEO of CallReply.ai. "The advantages of AI-powered communication are no longer restricted to big companies. With our human-like AI agents, you can now deliver exceptional customer experiences without the overhead of additional staffing." Unlike traditional call automation, CallReply.ai's technology is designed to replicate the nuances of human conversation, delivering a natural and professional experience that builds trust with customers. This approach has proven to increase appointment bookings and customer satisfaction significantly. From Missed Opportunities to Closed Deals: How CallReply.ai Empowers SMBs Having an AI-based call center gives companies control. The CRM app receives all business calls, with tracking of every interaction, as well as offering appointment reminders and lead follow-ups. CallReply's live agent override will pause and redirect calls when a staff member is needed to directly handle conversations. The system filters out telemarketers and unimportant calls, while highlighting strategic calls. The service is programmed to initiate outbound marketing calls immediately after web market-capture forms are submitted. This rapid response helps companies qualify leads and set sales appointments. CallReply.ai schedules and reschedules appointments. The technology is also programmed to send important reminders. CallReply clients receive a call summary of every incoming call. A Customer Success Story One of CallReply's customers, an appliance repair company, saw a 43% increase in clients within three months of adopting CallReply.ai. "By addressing customer questions and booking appointments after hours and during busy times, the AI agent ensured no call went unanswered, allowing technicians to focus on their work without missing new business opportunities," Belmont said. Multiple Service Options The AI-based call center agents are available in three service tiers: Essential, Plus and Pro. CallReply Essential is a fully managed service that includes missed call handling, web form automation, and call summaries. The service includes unlimited team member access and a comprehensive CRM that consolidates all communication channels, phone, SMS, e-mail, and social media, into one central platform. Everyone can access the CRM and manage tasks with no extra fees. For a small additional fee, companies can choose optional reputation management, which automates review requests and AI-driven replies on Google Business Profile. CallReply Pro is customized and includes custom AI automation, API, and Webhook integration and bespoke communication solutions To see how CallReply.ai's human-like AI agents can transform business communication, visit https://www.callreply.ai [ https://www.callreply.ai/ ] for a live demonstration. Media Contact Company Name: CallReply.ai Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=callreplyai-launches-aibased-call-center-agents-with-transformative-humanlike-language-capabilities ] Country: United States Website: https://www.callreply.ai This release was published on openPR.St. Paul City Council Member Anika Bowie fires aide – but he’s rehired by Council Member Cheniqua Johnson
In the fast-paced world of gaming, Vul Stock emerges as a groundbreaking innovation that’s poised to redefine how we view and interact with virtual environments. With the integration of cutting-edge technology, Vul Stock offers gamers an unprecedented level of control and immersion, transforming gaming from a mere pastime to an exhilarating experience. At its core, Vul Stock is an advanced haptic feedback technology that simulates realistic physical sensations. Imagine feeling the recoil of a shotgun or the rumble of a distant explosion as if you were physically present in the game. This transformative experience is possible through the sophisticated sensors and actuators embedded in specially designed gaming peripherals. The potential implications of Vul Stock extend beyond gaming. Developers and tech enthusiasts foresee applications in fields such as virtual reality (VR) training, rehabilitative therapy, and immersive storytelling. By bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, Vul Stock offers a new dimension of interaction that could enhance learning and engagement across various sectors. From a commercial perspective, the introduction of Vul Stock is expected to spur a wave of interest among gamers and developers alike. As more titles incorporate this technology, we might see a shift in how games are designed, focusing on tactile engagement and sensory exploration. As we stand on the brink of this new frontier, Vul Stock represents not just an evolution in gaming, but a revolution in how we perceive virtual realities. The question remains: Are you ready to feel your games come to life like never before? Why Vul Stock Could Lead the Next Gaming Revolution In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Vul Stock emerges as a groundbreaking innovation set to revolutionize virtual environments. Beyond what was previously known, this technology leverages the latest haptic feedback systems to offer an incredibly immersive experience for users that transcends traditional gaming. Features and Specifications Vul Stock integrates sophisticated sensors and actuators into specially designed gaming peripherals, allowing gamers to experience physical sensations corresponding to in-game events. The technology’s main features include: – Advanced Haptic Feedback : Provides realistic physical responses, such as the sensation of recoil or environmental disturbances. – High Compatibility : Seamlessly integrates with a broad range of gaming platforms and peripherals. – User Customization : Allows personalization settings for varying levels of sensitivity and feedback intensity. Use Cases Beyond Gaming While designed for gaming, Vul Stock’s potential extends to various other fields: – Virtual Reality Training : Offers enhanced simulations for training programs across industries, such as medical and military applications, where realistic interaction is crucial. – Rehabilitative Therapy : Assists in physical rehabilitation by creating controlled environments for patients to experience different physical stimuli. – Immersive Storytelling : Enhances storytelling by providing audiences with physical cues that deepen emotional and sensory engagement. Market Insights and Trends The introduction of Vul Stock is projected to ignite significant interest within the gaming community, leading to potential shifts in game design with a focus on immersive, tactile experiences. Industry experts predict: – Increased Adoption Rates : As more developers utilize Vul Stock, its prevalence in new game titles may rise quickly. – Transformation in Game Design : A shift toward creating experiences that prioritize not just visual, but tactile engagement. – Emerging Market Leaders : Companies specializing in haptic feedback technologies may become prominent players in the tech market. Security Aspects As with any advanced technology, ensuring the secure and private operation of Vul Stock devices is crucial. Developers are implementing robust security measures to protect against potential breaches that could affect user experiences. Sustainability Considerations Vul Stock development focuses on utilizing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components, aligning with global trends toward sustainability in technology manufacturing. Predictions for the Future Looking ahead, Vul Stock is expected to not only refine how we perceive virtual realities but also open new avenues for interactive experiences in both personal and professional settings. This technology could become a standard in immersive digital environments. The question now stands: Are you prepared to explore a new dimension in gaming and beyond? As Vul Stock continues to evolve, it promises to reshape interactions with virtual worlds, blending the boundaries between reality and imagination.Cutting in line? American Airlines' new boarding tech might stop you at now over 100 airportsIntech Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Spire Inc. ( NYSE:SR – Free Report ) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 11,745 shares of the utilities provider’s stock, valued at approximately $790,000. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Spire during the second quarter worth about $2,233,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC bought a new position in Spire during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $787,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its position in shares of Spire by 197.4% in the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 162,195 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $9,850,000 after purchasing an additional 107,662 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of Spire by 116.2% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 28,025 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $1,886,000 after purchasing an additional 15,060 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC increased its position in shares of Spire by 12.4% during the second quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC now owns 288,339 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $17,511,000 after buying an additional 31,923 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 87.36% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on SR shares. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Spire from $70.00 to $69.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 22nd. StockNews.com lowered Spire from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Friday. UBS Group lifted their target price on Spire from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, November 21st. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH cut Spire from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating and cut their price target for the stock from $65.50 to $60.50 in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Spire from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $69.93. Spire Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of Spire stock opened at $73.19 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.23 billion, a PE ratio of 16.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 0.52. Spire Inc. has a 52 week low of $56.36 and a 52 week high of $73.64. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $66.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.45. Spire Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 3rd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 11th will be paid a dividend of $3.14 per share. This represents a $12.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 17.16%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 11th. This is a positive change from Spire’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. Spire’s payout ratio is 72.85%. About Spire ( Free Report ) Spire Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Gas Utility, Gas Marketing, and Midstream. It is also involved in the marketing of natural gas and related services; and transportation and storage of natural gas. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Spire Biggest Stock Losers – Today’s Biggest Percentage Decliners The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Buy P&G Now, Before It Sets A New All-Time High 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 What Are Dividends? Buy the Best Dividend Stocks FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Spire Inc. ( NYSE:SR – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Spire Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spire and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Independent Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:IBTX) Shares Sold by Thrivent Financial for LutheransPelicans' Zion Williamson (hamstring) to practice next week
Minister Babalanda Spreads Anti-Poverty Gospel in Buyende, Urges Residents to Embrace Government’s Empowerment Programs
Published 2:27 pm Tuesday, December 24, 2024 By Data Skrive In one of the many compelling matchups on the NFL schedule in Week 17, the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars square off at EverBank Stadium. If you’re searching for how to watch Week 17 of the NFL, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at the article below. Don’t miss a touchdown this NFL season. Catch every score with NFL RedZone on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Sign up today and watch seven hours of commercial-free football from every NFL game every Sunday. Rep your favorite NFL players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more.The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. It's unclear if Forbes' release means anything about the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore , the Commanders' trade deadline pickup in early November who still has not played for them because of a hamstring injury. Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Washington's home game Sunday against Tennessee. The Commanders (7-5) also put running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve because of a concussion . They elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for facing the Titans (3-8). Washington has lost three in a row to fall from first place in the NFC East to the conference’s final wild-card spot. The most recent loss, last weekend against division rival Dallas, came when Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game, which would have tied it with 21 seconds left. Seibert went on IR earlier in the week with a groin injury that Quinn said the kicker reported Monday. While injuries have piled up as the Commanders await their late bye week, the choice of Forbes has been second-guessed since the moment Rivera's front office chose the 166-pound Mississippi State defensive back with the 16th pick over Christian Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez was selected next, by New England, and has started 16 games for the Patriots. Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who was in charge when Washington selected Davis ahead of offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in '21 and traded down to take Dotson the following year instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press
“Let us not count our lives by the days we live, but by the good deeds we do for humanity.” – Henry Sy, Sr. In its commitment to uplift lives and drive social good nationwide, the SM Group, through SM Foundation, turned over the newly rehabilitated San Jose District Health Center in Tacloban City. This marks SM Foundation’s 211th Wellness Center. “Each health center we revitalize represents more than a facility—it’s a source of hope, healing, and dignity for the communities we serve,” Connie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs said, The San Jose District Health Center serves around 43,575 residents of Tacloban City, offering a wide range of health services including family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, birthing, child care, TB DOTS, minor consultations, maintenance medication provision, and adolescent wellness consultations. A renewed facility for better healthcare Established in 2010, the district health center sustained severe damage in 2013 during Typhoon Yolanda, which destroyed its structure, medical equipment, medicines, and records. Recognizing its vital role in the community, SM Foundation stepped in to rehabilitate the facility to meet modern healthcare standards. The renovated center is now equipped with key upgrades such as a dedicated breastfeeding area, an adolescent consultation space, a well-stocked pharmacy, delivery and recovery rooms, a nurse’s station with on-duty quarters, PWD-friendly toilets, and sustainable features like a rainwater catchment system and air-cleaning paints that enhance indoor air quality while promoting environmental sustainability. Further supporting its operations, SM Foundation also provided laptops to digitize patient records, enabling online consultations for residents in remote areas, improving data management, and streamlining administrative processes. These efforts also facilitate the enrollment of patients in PhilHealth Konsulta benefits. A legacy of health and hope The rehabilitation of the San Jose District Health Center coincided with the periodic maintenance of the Tacloban City Hospital and the 11th anniversary of Savemore’s presence in the city. This initiative is part of SM Group’s long-standing commitment in supporting the government’s efforts in strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure. Following the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the SM Foundation spearheaded the rebuilding of the Tacloban City Hospital, aligning with government efforts to restore critical medical facilities. The renovation of the San Jose District Health Center continues this legacy, providing enhanced access to quality healthcare and ensuring a brighter future for Tacloban’s residents. With its modernized facilities and upgraded systems, the San Jose District Health Center stands as a symbol of resilience and SM Foundation’s dedication to building healthier, more empowered communities.
Mumbai, Dec 24, 2025- Anti-graft activist Anjali Damania claimed on Tuesday that she had predicted way out in February (2024) that the MahaYuti ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’s prominent OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal would veer towards the Bharatiya Janata Party. “I had said that Bhujbal would join the BJP, not today, but in February this year...” Damania told media persons as political speculation heated up on the sulking OBC leader’s next strategy after he was not included in the state cabinet last week. Damania said that all this was pre-planned as now they have staged a political drama by denying him (Bhujbal) a cabinet berth, then they pretended to be upset as both Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and state NCP President Sunil Tatkare did not meet him, and then he snubbed them by calling on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday (December 23). “It was delayed... because I had tweeted about the likely developments 11 months ago... But now Bhujbal is likely to join the BJP as the latter will get a strong OBC face in the party,” contended Damania. “Bhujbal on the path to BJP? Will the BJP, which once filed a public interest litigation against Bhujbal’s corruption, make him a big OBC leader? Will it make such corrupt people big, for politics? Where will this sin be paid for?” said Damania’s tweet of February 1. Political circles are agog with speculation on Bhujbal’s next political move in the wake of the recent developments, particularly after the party denied him a cabinet berth and his meeting with Fadnavis that raised eyebrows as the BJP is eager to have a big OBC leader in its fold. However, Bhujbal — who is preparing for a vacation with his family — has been critical of the NCP, taking potshots at its top leaders, how all decisions are taken by Ajit Pawar, Tatkare and Praful Patel without consulting anybody, but steadfastly refused to indicate if he plans to switch sides with the BJP. It has attracted comments from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Leader of Opposition in Council Ambadas Danve studying Bhujbal’s political moves closely. “First, Bhujbal was angry with Ajit Pawar, then he met Fadnavis, but Ajit Pawar or Tatkare didn’t meet him. So what can anyone read from all this...?” wondered Danve, interacting with media persons. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader pointed out how earlier it was being said that Fadnavis was behind Bhujbal’s recent protests, “which, as per recent developments, may be true”. Danve said that Bhujbal may have more aces up his sleeve, since “such decisions cannot be taken in a single day”, and the air would clear up in the next few days. Bhujbal, who had skipped the Legislature Session in Nagpur, had dropped hints claiming that a few days back, Fadnavis had assured to look into the question of OBC representation in his cabinet, soon afterwards, the two met on Monday, sending alarms in the NCP circles. Sounding confident, Bhujbal said he had informed the CM how the OBCs are irked, and who understood the entire issue, and said he would consider it, probably after 10 days or so.(Agency)“You write what you know. I grew up in Ypsilanti, so that had a lot to do with it. More importantly, when you’re in a small town in the Midwest — somewhere like Michigan — these things don’t ever happen."
NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
Intech Investment Management LLC reduced its holdings in shares of eBay Inc. ( NASDAQ:EBAY – Free Report ) by 52.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,836 shares of the e-commerce company’s stock after selling 13,310 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLC’s holdings in eBay were worth $771,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. acquired a new position in shares of eBay during the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Tortoise Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in eBay by 894.2% in the second quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 517 shares of the e-commerce company’s stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 465 shares in the last quarter. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new stake in eBay in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Hobbs Group Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in eBay in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Gradient Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of eBay by 86.3% during the second quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 613 shares of the e-commerce company’s stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. 87.48% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Cornelius Boone sold 3,974 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.61, for a total transaction of $256,760.14. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 70,113 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,530,000.93. The trade was a 5.36 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Jamie Iannone sold 5,625 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.91, for a total value of $336,993.75. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 548,042 shares in the company, valued at approximately $32,833,196.22. This represents a 1.02 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders sold 47,016 shares of company stock valued at $3,015,417. Company insiders own 0.38% of the company’s stock. eBay Price Performance eBay Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Friday, November 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 29th. eBay’s payout ratio is currently 27.14%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have commented on EBAY. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of eBay from $65.00 to $64.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of eBay from $46.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a “sell” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on eBay from $60.00 to $58.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 1st. Benchmark restated a “buy” rating and issued a $65.00 target price on shares of eBay in a report on Tuesday, October 29th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on eBay from $45.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, October 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have assigned a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $62.87. View Our Latest Stock Report on eBay eBay Company Profile ( Free Report ) eBay Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates marketplace platforms that connect buyers and sellers in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, and internationally. The company’s marketplace platform includes its online marketplace at ebay.com, off-platform businesses, and the eBay suite of mobile apps. Read More Five stocks we like better than eBay The Role Economic Reports Play in a Successful Investment Strategy The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Basic Materials Stocks Investing 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) What You Need to Know FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Receive News & Ratings for eBay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for eBay and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas
2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animalsLove city history? The newly digitized Parks Department scrapbooks are a one-way ticket down the rabbit hole of Pittsfield's past
NoneVice President Sara Duterte said on Saturday that she was tipped to win the 2022 presidential election but ''gave it away'' to pursue other plans. ''The presidency of 2022 was mine already. Nanalo na ako sa surveys, lahat ng tao solid na, united na for my candidacy. Pero I gave it away because I felt I had to do some other things other than being president of the Republic of the Philippines,'' Duterte told reporters. (The presidency of 2022 was mine already. I won in the surveys; the people were solid and united for my candidacy. But I gave it away because I felt I had to do some other things other than being president of the Republic of the Philippines.) Duterte initially filed her candidacy for mayor of Davao City. She later changed her mind and decided to run alongside now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The vice president issued the statement in response to the claim of Zambales 1st District Representative Jefferson ''Jay'' Khonghun that the current political conflict stemmed from her supposed ambition to become president soon. Duterte has been under congressional scrutiny over her use of confidential funds and the budget of the Department of Education, which the vice president characterized as a form of ''political persecution.'' She did, however, confirm that she will be present at the next hearing of the House committee on the matter. ''Huwag nila ako i-gaslight into saying na ako ang dahilan ng kaguluhan na ito. Ang kaguluhan na ito ay nagsimula sa terrorism nila, sa harassment nila, sa threats nila sa mga personnel ng Office of the Vice President,'' she said. (They should not gaslight me by saying that I was the reason for this conflict. This conflict began with their terrorism, harassment, and threats against the personnel of the Office of the Vice President.) Meanwhile, Duterte declined to comment on Marcos' statement that he was not in favor of any attempts to impeach her since this would not benefit the lives of Filipinos. She also declined to comment on Marcos' seeming willingness to reconcile. In a radio interview, Senator Imee Marcos said an impeachment proceeding against Duterte could be ''polarizing.'' “Watak-watak na nga tayo, nagiging Luzon versus VisMin tayo. Ang sagwa kasi laging naririnig ko sa tatay ko, laging sigaw niya talagang ‘isang bansa, isang diwa’... Sa ginagawa at lahat ng nangyayari, lalo na kung matuloy ang impeachment na yan,” the senator said. (We are now separated, we are becoming Luzon versus VisMin. It’s unsightly because I always hear my father always say ‘one country, one mind’... From what is happening and everything that is going on, especially if the impeachment proceeds.) She said that the political conflict may affect investor confidence. “Nagpaplano sila ng long term na five years [or] ten years sa kanilang investment, tapos hindi nila maasahan. Lagi silang nagagalit kapag ganyan at kapag may instability or alitan or any kind of political anxiety. Ayaw na ayaw nila yan, mahirap talagang mag-invest kasi maglalagay ka ng pera mo sa isang lugar na hindi ka sigurado kung saan patungo at sino ang mamamahala,” she said. (They plan for a long term of five years [or] ten years in their investment, then they end up not being able to rely on it. They are always angry at this, if there is instability or discourse or any kind of political anxiety. They really don’t like it, it’s hard to invest because you will be putting your money into a place where you are not sure what will happen and who will be leading it.) “Sana utusan na talaga ang Congress [House of Representatives] na huwag nang pilitin itong impeachment. Kung may kaso magfile ng kaso at huwag nang pagwatak-watakin ang ating bansa. Dahil ito nga, hindi nga nakakatulong,” she added. (I hope the House will be ordered not to push through with the impeachment. If they have a case to file, then just file it and not divide the country. Because this does not help.) — VBL, GMA Integrated News
- Previous: niceph11
- Next: nice hotel pasig