SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates ALTR, SASR, AUB, CYTH on Behalf of Shareholders
Both Oklahoma and Providence are hoping they'll have key pieces back in place when the two undefeated teams square off in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Wednesday in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The Friars (5-0) are expected to have Bryce Hopkins available, according to a report from Field of 68. Hopkins was averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament Jan. 3. He returned to full-go practices last week, and Tuesday, Providence coach Kim English said Hopkins would be a "game-time decision" against the Sooners. "It's been a process," English said. "We're not rushing it." But English praised Hopkins' progress since the Friars' last game, Nov. 19, when Hopkins went through pregame warmups. "I thought he looked better than I remembered," English said. "He's been in our system for the past year. His patience, his understanding, his versatility on offense and defense ... it's been great to see him in practice." The Sooners (4-0) are hopeful that they'll get Brycen Goodine back. Goodine played for the Friars for two seasons from 2020-22 before transferring to Fairfield for two seasons and then to Oklahoma this offseason. Goodine suffered an ankle injury in the Sooners' opener Nov. 4 and has not played since. "He's a really tough kid and trying to push through it," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. "It will truly be one of those game-time decisions. He hasn't gone a full practice yet, just been pieces of practices." Playing with Goodine and Jadon Jones, expected to be two of the Sooners' top outside shooters, Moser said he's learned plenty about his team's offense. "When you're down those shooters, it's really a great weapon to know that a lot of other guys can knock down the open shot," Moser said. "It's been a huge takeaway." The Sooners have been led by Jalon Moore, who is averaging 18.8 points per game, and freshman Jeremiah Fears, who is averaging 15.5. Providence has been led by senior guard Bensley Joseph, who is averaging 11.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. Oklahoma has not played a game closer than 16 points yet this season, with an average margin of victory of 24 points. Providence has won its five games by an average of nearly 17 points per game. The teams will square off against either Davidson or No. 24 Arizona in the second round Thursday, with the winners playing each other in one semifinal while the losers play in a consolation semifinal. --Field Level MediaNANOBIOTIX to Introduce Vision for Transforming Drug Design and Development with Next Nanotherapeutic Platform on 19 December 2024
Amazon investing another $10 billion in Ohio-based data centersIsraeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s 2023-24 Legislative Session closed Dec. 1 and the next session, while officially underway, doesn’t fully begin until lawmakers are sworn into office Jan. 7. Looking back, members of the state House and Senate introduced 3,862 bills and 924 resolutions across the two-year session. There were 77 bills adopted into law in 2023 and 162 adopted in 2024. The combined total of 239 was far fewer than the previous six legislative sessions. There hasn’t been a lower total since 2009-10 when 226 bills advanced into law — the last time the Pennsylvania General Assembly had a partisan divide. Democrats controlled the House while Republicans led the Senate. Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, often cites the challenge of advancing legislation with a split government. That dynamic won’t change in 2025-26. Though there are 20 new members joining the Legislature — 16 in the House, four in the Senate — the respective parties defended their majorities. Republicans have a 28-22 advantage in the Senate while Democrats maintained a 102-101 margin in the House. This week, The Daily Item will offer looks back at the outcome of legislation proposed last session by area lawmakers, beginning with Joanne Stehr, a Republican from the 107th Legislative District. Republican Rep. Joanne Stehr ran unopposed for re-election this year, securing a second term as the 107th Legislative District’s representative in the Pennsylvania House. Her district consists of southern Northumberland and western Schuylkill counties. Stehr served on the following committees during the 2023-24 Legislative Session: Aging & Older Adult Services, Health, Liquor Control and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness. She was also the Republican chair for the Subcommittee on Programs & Benefits. Last session, Stehr co-sponsored 109 bills and resolutions and introduced one as a prime sponsor. A longtime home health care and hospice nurse, Stehr proposed through her House Bill 418 that Children & Youth agencies across Pennsylvania hire a nurse for their respective staffs. The bill also proposed that the agencies and their respective nurse hires have access to a physician for case consultation. Children & Youth agencies maintain constant caseloads of children who’ve been neglected or abused. Stehr believes a nurse on staff would help social workers better understand a child’s medical records as they’re investigating claims. The bill was referred to the House committee on Children & Youth but it didn’t receive consideration. Stehr joined a group of Republican representatives to propose a package of three bills intended to build out the long-term care workforce in Pennsylvania. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate, too. Citing federal data that showed Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce shrunk by 14% from 2019 to 2022, the respective legislative packages looked to allow nursing students and graduates to more quickly take the Certified Nurse Aide exam, pursue skills competency exams in lieu of a high school diploma or GED, and allow high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two credits toward graduation if they work in a congregate health care setting. The House package didn’t gain traction. Two of the three Senate bills advanced to the House but lost momentum. With her experience as a hospice nurse, Stehr joined a collective of House Republicans and Democrats in proposing a bill to allow licensed practical nurses to make death pronouncements in hospice settings. Again, companion legislation was introduced in the Senate, too, with Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland/Snyder/Montour/Columbia/Luzerne, as a prime sponsor. Culver’s and Stehr’s districts overlap. The Senate bill was the legislative vehicle lawmakers chose to advance and it moved into law as Act 137 of 2024 with almost no opposition. Though introduced too late last session to receive consideration, Stehr joined fellow Schuylkill County Republican Rep. Tim Twardzik in introducing a measure intended to further empower the Department of Health to determine which physicians should be included in Pennsylvania’s physician registry for its Medical Marijuana Program. They cited a Spotlight PA investigation that found that the Department of Health rarely prevents practitioners from inclusion on the registry despite past disciplinary action. Given the bill’s timing, it’s likely to be reintroduced in the 2025-26 session.Commanders kicker Austin Seibert placed on injured reserve after missing three kicks against CowboysZaire Williams, Zavier Fitch combine for 45 points to help Wagner beat Penn State-Scranton 120-30
Enugu State is emerging as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, championing a digital and economic renaissance through the domestication of the Nigerian Startup Act and the imminent passage of the Enugu Startup Bill. Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah and the strategic efforts of the Enugu SME Center, the groundbreaking initiatives are setting the stage for the state’s transformation into a hub for innovation, tech-driven solutions, and inclusive growth. The recent Nigeria Startup Bill Domestication Workshop highlighted the state’s commitment to adapting the Act to its unique local dynamics, catalyzing an unprecedented ecosystem of collaboration between startups, investors, academia, and public sector players. The framework is poised to unlock Enugu’s potential in achieving a $30 billion GDP by 2031, leveraging its competitive human capital, burgeoning digital infrastructure, and SME-driven economy. Building the Enugu startup ecosystem At the heart of the Enugu Startup Bill lies a bold vision to position the state as Nigeria’s foremost innovation hub. The initiative includes the establishment of key infrastructure projects like the Enugu Innovation and Outsourcing Hub, which will house among other facilities: a state-of-the-art co-working space to empower entrepreneurs; a creativity and animation hub, designed to nurture talents in 2D/3D animation and the broader creative economy; a Digital Skills Enhancement Zone (D-SEZ) for continuous training in cutting-edge technology; and outsourcing floors dedicated to Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-enabled services. The above facilities will foster collaboration, create thousands of jobs, and attract global investments. The government’s US$10 million Startup Seed Fund, combined with a target to train 300,000 youths in tech skills by 2031, will fuel innovation, reduce unemployment, and ensure that Enugu remains competitive on the global stage. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser on MSMEs and Digital Economy and director-general, Enugu SME Center, emphasized, “The Enugu Startup Bill is a transformative tool to empower our youth and SMEs while creating a thriving ecosystem of innovation. This is a leap toward positioning Enugu as the go-to destination for investors, technologists, and entrepreneurs in Africa.” Harnessing competitive human capital Enugu’s strength lies in its rich human capital. With over 1.2 million registered SMEs, the state’s vibrant business ecosystem is fueled by a young, educated, and entrepreneurial population. Local startups such as XendFinance, Wicrypt, and Asset Chain are already gaining international recognition, demonstrating the ecosystem’s capacity for global impact. Ugochukwu Aronu, founder, XendFinance, remarked, “Enugu’s competitive advantage is its human capital. By investing in digital skills training and fostering a culture of innovation, the state is not just positioning itself as a regional leader but as a global contender in the tech and entrepreneurial space.” The Enugu SME AltSchool Training Programme (ESAST), which is a Fullstack Development Programme, the Enugu SME Learnable Training for Web 3 and Product Design, and the Magic Labs 2D and 3D Animation Training exemplify Enugu State’s dedication to cultivating Industry-ready talent that can drive transformative projects like the statewide fiber optics installation. These programmes, focusing on cutting-edge software and digital skills, are complemented by the TVET Vocational Skills Training, which equips participants with practical skills in hardware components such as electrical installations, network cabling, and Telecommunications infrastructure. Together, these initiatives provide a holistic approach to workforce development, ensuring that both the hardware and software needs of the fiber optics project are met. By integrating software expertise with robust hardware skills, Enugu State is building a workforce capable of implementing, maintaining, and upgrading critical digital infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a leader in Nigeria’s digital transformation. Research labs for the future Recognizing the need for innovative solutions to societal challenges, Enugu State is partnering with academia and the private sector to establish research laboratories. The labs will focus on next-generation ideas, fostering innovation in critical areas like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and agritech. By positioning itself as the client for these solutions, the government is ensuring that the research directly addresses pressing needs while creating a pipeline for market-ready technologies. “Our partnerships with academia and private enterprises aim to create a hub Oo groundbreaking research that not only solves today’s problems but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. This is innovation with purpose,” Chilo-Offiah stated. Digital transformation and infrastructure Enugu’s digital transformation agenda is powered by its Fiber Infrastructure Development Plan, targeting 75 percent broadband penetration by 2031. This initiative will underpin smart city projects, enhance public services, and attract global tech giants. The operationalization of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and the Digital Industrial Park (DIP), in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will further bolster the state’s digital economy. The Smart School Initiative, which has already trained over 4,000 civil servants and 10,000 teachers, is transforming education through technology, preparing the next generation for a digitally-driven world. Beyond the Startup Bill The Enugu Startup Bill lays the foundation for a future-ready state, but its impact will extend far beyond legislation. By aligning policies with global trends and leveraging local strengths, Enugu is creating an ecosystem where startups can thrive, investors can find value, and communities can prosper. In the words of Chilo-Offiah, “This is not just about passing a bill; it is about building a legacy of innovation, resilience, and growth that will define Enugu for decades to come.” Enugu’s digital renaissance is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collaborative efforts, and strategic investments. As the Enugu Startup Bill moves through the final stages of adoption, the state invites global investors, technologists, and entrepreneurs to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can shape a future where Enugu stands as a global hub for innovation and economic excellence.LPL Financial Reports Monthly Activity for November 2024
A warming, flavoursome soup can be added to any meal, or can even be a hearty meal in itself. C hunky, creamy, low-fat, spicy, sweet, hot, or even cold. Oh, there must be millions of soups to drive away the winter chills. Did you know in 1775 the first soup shop opened in Paris - selling soup as an antidote to physical exhaustion, and in 1897 the condensed soup got invented by a chemist, Dr John T Dorrance, for the ‘Campbell Soup Company’? Nutritious and Delicious Get souped-up - it’s a great way to use the leftovers of those unused vegetables, even that pot of peas you don’t know what to do with, and perhaps adding some bacon bits or even that lone slice of ham in the back of the fridge can be chopped up and added. You could boil up the chicken bones from your last roast dinner to make a good broth – just remember to pick out the bones after boiling, and you will be astonished at how much meat you might have found, which can be left in the broth to add even more flavour. Add in some stock cubes for added flavour – and if you choose reduced-sodium or salt-free ones, add in more herbs and spices for flavour. You can add more vegetables if you feel comfortable going off your chosen recipe. Not only does this add more vitamins, minerals, and fibre, it makes the soup heartier. And all sorts can be added – beans, lentils, onions, and any kind of potato or some chickpeas will add some substance to watery soup - or turn it into a meal. Credits: Client; Creamy Soup Use evaporated milk in place of cream if the recipe calls for it, as creamy soups tend to be high in fat. With less water, evaporated milk provides a familiar flavour and thickness to soups without the fat. Not even I can spoil a soup, and I am no cook to speak of. I just throw in all my favourite ingredients, including some The Husband doesn’t like (cauliflower being one he considers the veg of the devil himself) but if he can’t see it, it isn’t there! Add a few drops of Portugal’s famous piri piri sauce for an extra kick. Or not. Slow cook. Or not. Blend it together or leave chunky. Add butter if you wish- and voila! - a tasty soup is ready. Anybody can cook soup. And survive on it, if needed. Nobody can really tell what’s in it - and that’s good - mothers have been doing this for years, hiding all those yukky but nutritious veggies in soups that kids would normally turn up their noses at. A cure for colds? Chicken soup is said to be a cure for colds, and modern research has shown that this, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus, as chicken is rich in a compound called carnosine, that studies suggest helps reduce that stuffy, congested feeling in your nose and throat. Most countries have a traditional favourite, and one of America’s favourites is Pumpkin Soup, a recipe you can easily replicate here simply using squash. Another is Bean Soup, made with a boiled ham hock, sausages or even minced beef. Add in celery, onions, garlic, a chicken stock cube, and as many bean varieties as you can find, but make sure dried beans are soaked overnight first, or alternatively, use them straight from a can. Many countries have their own speciality, and Portugal’s own favourite is Caldo Verde (green soup). Every restaurant and home must have its own recipe, but it’s basically a traditional soup made with potatoes, chouriço sausage, and thinly sliced collard greens or kale. Hearty, homely, cheap - and as comforting as a mother’s hug. Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News , and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man.
Penn State preparing for hard-charging Jeanty and Boise State in CFP quarterfinalsMIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 18: A Walmart sign is displayed outside a Supercenter on November 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida. Walmart is set to report its third-quarter results on Tuesday, Nov. 19th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Walmart employees in North Texas are wearing body cameras as part of a pilot program to increase employee safety at stores, Fox Business reports. The cameras will be worn by employees at multiple stores in Denton. The locations have signage that the employees are using body-worn cameras. As of now, the program is only being tested in Denton stores. A Walmart spokesperson told Fox Business that the company would evaluate the results of the pilot program before deciding the long-term fate of the program. "While we don’t talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry," Walmart said in a statement to FOX Business . Walmart isn't the first retailer to test body-worn cameras in its stores. TJX Companies , the parent company of stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, has been using body-worn cameras in its stores as a theft deterrent. The cameras are only worn by loss prevention associates who are trained in their usage. Businesses collectively lost $112.1 billion in 2022 due to retail theft, according to the National Retail Federation's 2023 National Retail Security Survey. According to NRF’s latest study, "The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024," about 91% of those surveyed say that shoplifters are exhibiting more violence and aggression compared with 2019. The Source: Information in this article comes from Fox Business.No. 20 Texas A&M wins tight battle vs. Rutgers
Amazon investing another $10 billion in Ohio-based data centersTractor Supply plans big last-mile delivery upgrade