US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points and Madison Connor made four 3-pointers and added 14 points on Sunday to help No. 11 TCU beat Brown 79-47. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points and Madison Connor made four 3-pointers and added 14 points on Sunday to help No. 11 TCU beat Brown 79-47. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points and Madison Connor made four 3-pointers and added 14 points on Sunday to help No. 11 TCU beat Brown 79-47. Van Lith added five assists, five rebounds and three steals and Taylor Bigby scored 11 points for the Horned Frogs. TCU (13-1) has won four games in a row since an 82-54 loss to No. 3 South Carolina on Dec. 8 at the Coast to Coast Challenge. Grace Arnolie hit three 3-pointers in the first five minutes and Olivia Young added another with 4:34 left in the first quarter to give Brown a 12-8 lead. The Horned Frogs responded with a 9-2 run to close the period, scored 12 of the first 14 second-quarter points to extend their lead to 13 points and took a 34-25 lead into the intermission. Bigby hit a 3 to open the scoring in the third quarter and TCU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Horned Frogs outrebounded Brown 54-28, including 20-6 on the offensive glass which led to TCU outscoring the Bears 27-5 in second-chance points. Isabell Mauricio led Brown with 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting Brown (6-7). The rest of the Bears players combined to made 10 of 41 (24.4%) from the field. Arnolie added 13 points. TCU made 11 3-pointers on 27 attempts (41%) and the Horned Frogs’ 148 this season are the most in Division I. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball Advertisement
'What high school football is all about' | Record-setting Anderson, La Salle prepare for regional finalHow will AI reshape the world? Well, it could be the spreadsheet of the 21st century | John Naughton
The Swatch Group AG (OTCMKTS:SWGAY) Sees Significant Increase in Short InterestBOSTON, Dec 16 (AP) After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, elected officials are urging action to identify and stop the mysterious flights. “There's a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on “Fox News Sunday.” Also Read | Anura Kumara Dissanayake's on 3-Day India Visit: 'Had Productive Discussions With FM Sitharaman, EAM Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval', Says Sri Lankan President. “We don't know' is not a good enough answer,” he said. National security officials have said the drones don't appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat. But because they can't say with certainty who is responsible for the sudden swarms of drones over parts of New Jersey, New York and other eastern parts of the U.S. — or how they can be stopped — has led leaders of both political parties to demand better technology and powers to deal with the drones. Also Read | Anura Kumara Dissanayake's India Trip: In First Foreign Visit After Assuming Office, Sri Lankan President Lands in Delhi, Will Hold Bilateral With PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video). Sen. Chuck Schumer called Sunday for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify the drones and their operators. “New Yorkers have tremendous questions about it,” Schumer, the Senate Majority leader, told reporters about the drone sightings. “We are going to get the answers for them.” The federal government did little to answer those questions in its own media briefings Sunday morning. “There's no question that people are seeing drones,” U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC's George Stephanopoulos. “But I want to assure the American public that we are on it. We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities.” Some of the drones reported above parts of New York and New Jersey have turned out to be “manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones,” Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter.” Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their remote identification, including the location of their operators. It's not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is behind the drones plaguing locations over New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas' office didn't respond to questions about whether they've been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer wants the federal government to use a recently declassified radio wave technology in New York and New Jersey. The radio wave detector can be attached to a drone or airplane and can determine whether another flying object is a bird or a drone, read its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. Schumer said state and local authorities do not have the authority to track drones. On Sunday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over parts of New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Drones are now being reported all along the northern East Coast, with suspicious sightings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to news reports. Some U.S. political leaders, including Trump, have called for much stronger action against these drones, including shooting them down. Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, Mayorkas said Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said. A bill before the U.S. Senate would enhance some federal agencies' authority and give new abilities to local and state agencies to track drones. It would also start a pilot program allowing states and local authorities to disrupt, disable or seize a drone without prior consent of the operator. “What the drone issue points out are gaps in our agencies, gaps in our authorities between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, the Defense Department.," said Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., Trump's pick to be his national security adviser, speaking on CBS' “Face the Nation” on Sunday. "Americans are finding it hard to believe we can't figure out where these are coming from." (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)By Pepper Intelligence Unit President Museveni is reportedly not happy about how he was cajoled to hand over Kiteezi landfill to a Ghanaian investor without getting all the information he required. He is now mad at local/Ugandan promoters who religiously pushed to have the deal handed over to Dr. Joseph Sian Agyepong’ firm— Jospong Group of Companies from Ghana. Gen.Museveni was convinced that Jospong had the capacity to address the country’s garbage management by converting waste at Kiteezi landfill into fertilizers and other recyclable materials in the aftermath of a tragedy that killed over 30 and displaced a hundreds including destruction of property. A whistleblower has however revealed that the Ghanaian investor and local promoters may have not told the President the ‘whole truth’ about their capacity to handle the project. Reports emerging indicate that Jespong is desperately hunting for an investor to sub-contract with necessary technology and expertise to do the actual job. We are told several firms in the USA and Dubai have been approached by Jespong agents for this purpose. The whistleblower says this is how Jespong has been getting contracts by hoodwinking unsuspecting government officials around Africa to secure contracts when in actual sense is a mere broker. “Jespong lacks the capacity to execute such a project. They are actually brokers. After securing the President’s approval to take over the Kiteezi landfill they are now running around shopping for firms with capacity,” the whistle blower revealed. We are now told a full report has been given to Gen.Museveni and he is not happy with all the local promoters involved. Insiders say that he (Gen.Museveni) felt betrayed because he expected Frank Rusa who has been KCCA’s Ag ED to tell him all the truth about Jespong which was not the case. Rusa applied for KCCA top job and was initially reportedly telling whoever cared to listen how ‘the thing’ –read KCCA top job- was his—no matter what. In a twist of events, we are told when Gen.Museveni got this not so palatable report about Jespong’s shenanigans, he expressed his disappointment in Rusa and those knowledgeable about the KCCA ED recruitment process knew that was the end for Rusa in pursuit of KCAA top job. “The President was not happy. He could not allow Rusa to take the KCCA top job after the messy handling of the Kiteezi landfill takeover deal,” a source revealed. Some other Jespong Ugandan promoters whom the President is also not happy with—and heads may turn soon— include Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Ministers Minsa Kabanda and Kabuye Kyofatogabye and one Ssebagala. Others include Obed Lutakome who is KCCA’s former land-fill management officer (who ironically should have warned the government before the Kiteezi disaster struck). But together with other two partners, he now owns a firm housed at Fontis Residences Hotel-Nakasero, Kampala which is partnering with Jespong to take over the Kiteezi landfill privately. “Obed Lutakome was formerly land-fill management officer at KCCA. He should have warned the government about the Kiteezi situation but he didn’t! He should be now in court with the Kisaka’s but he is a free man. He is now coming back to privately takeover Kiteezi with Jespong through a private partnership. Who bewitched Uganda for sure?” The whistleblower expressed concern. We are also told that the Deputy Speaker of Parliament who is also among the local promoters of Jespong in Uganda is not happy about these new developments and is reportedly regretting why he allowed connecting Jespong people to President Museveni for a meeting. The name of Hussein Akandwanaho has also featured prominently among the local promoters of Jespong. This publication could not independently verify if this Akandwanaho is by any chance biologically linked to Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho. But available information indicates that Hussein recently swore an affidavit to adopt ‘Akandwanaho’ name. Bismark Nortei Annoo, the honorary consul for the Republic of Ghana in Kampala, Uganda is also among key promoters of Jespong in Kampala. There are reports that Jespong appreciated all those who were involved in securing the Kiteezi Landfill deal in monetary terms but this is a story for another day. The new developments, if confirmed to be true, corroborate Inspector General of Government (IGG)Beti Kamya’s earlier fears and reservations about Jespong’s capacity to execute this project only to be ‘shut up’ by a presidential directive. In a letter dated October 17, 2024, Kamya ordered the suspension of all activities at Kiteezi landfill involving Jospong Group of Companies due to alleged irregularities in the awarding of their contract. “You are therefore directed to halt all transactions with Jospong Group of Companies who have been engaged to manage the Kiteezi landfill until this office completes investigations or issues further orders on the matter,” the letter stated. The IGG’s letter also indicated that an investigation had been launched to probe the alleged irregularities in the procurement process for the Kiteezi management contract, focusing on how it was awarded to Jospong Group of Companies. The letter revealed that Jospong was allegedly handpicked, bypassing standard government procurement procedures as outlined in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. “The investigations will also look into the allegations that other investors had approached the government with interest in investing in the Kiteezi landfill, but these were ignored or frustrated. That Jospong was awarded the tender without going through an open bidding process, which would have allowed other competent entities to express interest in partnering with KCCA,” the letter further stated. The IGG’s letter also highlighted concerns regarding the funding of the project. “Jospong Group of Companies has offered to manage the Kiteezi landfill at no cost to the government. This raises questions since one wonders how the company will recoup returns on their investments,” it read. Other issues to be investigated include the alleged lack of an environmental impact assessment, the absence of a feasibility study for the project, and concerns about whether due diligence was conducted to verify if the company possesses the necessary technology and experience to handle the magnitude of the project. Instead, the local promoters of Jespong rushed to secure a meeting with President Museveni who in turn issued a directive to have the former take over the landfill to the disappointment of the IGG. There have been many scandals and corruption allegations levelled against Jespong.In 2013 an investigation into massive corruption in the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) led to the cancellation of all contracts under the programme. It also led to reforms which culminated into the passage of the Youth Employment Agency Law. The main companies that were indicted in the GYEEDA scandal were those from the Jospong Group of Companies owned by Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong and the AGAMS Group owned by Roland Agambire. The exposé also revealed and catalogued questionable contracts with various metropolitan and municipal assemblies. The report exposed how a waste bin contract awarded on sole sourcing basis to the JOSPONG Group was inflated by at least GHC130 million.Another report revealed how a GHC98 million contract was awarded to 11 companies under the Jospong group to undertake fumigation exercises across the country when Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the parent company of Jospong had already been paid to undertake the same fumigation. In 2013 the World Bank banned Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Jespong’s waste management services firm and its affiliate companies from bidding for the Bank’s contracts because Zoomlion “paid bribes to facilitate contract execution and processing of invoices” in Liberia. Watch this space! editor
World's Largest Naval Force Adds Cutting-Edge WarshipTorben Ostergaard Sells 3,022 Shares of Hippo Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HIPO) Stock
Commerce Bank increased its holdings in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:VCIT – Free Report ) by 63.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 24,342 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 9,440 shares during the period. Commerce Bank’s holdings in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF were worth $2,039,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Bull Oak Capital LLC acquired a new position in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF by 73.9% in the 3rd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 353 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC boosted its position in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF by 57.3% during the 1st quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC now owns 412 shares of the company’s stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. American National Bank grew its stake in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF by 70.7% during the 2nd quarter. American National Bank now owns 471 shares of the company’s stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lynx Investment Advisory acquired a new stake in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter worth $42,000. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1 % VCIT stock opened at $81.02 on Friday. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $82.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $81.47. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $77.60 and a 1 year high of $84.25. Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF Increases Dividend Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF Profile ( Free Report ) Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF seeks to track the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index, a subset of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index. The Barclays Capital U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index measures the investment return of U.S. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VCIT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:VCIT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
MIAMI — Traffic citations issued to Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill after a September altercation with police have been dismissed after the charging officers didn't attend a court hearing. Hill's tickets for careless driving and failing to wear a seat belt were dismissed after the Miami-Dade Police officers failed to show up for a Monday hearing. The tickets were issued after Hill was stopped outside Hard Rock Stadium for allegedly speeding before the Dolphins' season opener on Sept. 8. The stop escalated and an officer pulled Hill from the car, forced him to the ground and handcuffed him. Hill said in a Tuesday post on the social platform X, "Where all the internet cops now". The Miami-Dade Police Department said it would have a statement later Tuesday. Police body camera video from the September stop showed Hill appeared to speed past two motorcycle officers who were monitoring traffic on a road outside the stadium. They pulled over his McLaren sports car and one tapped on his window. Hill, 30, handed the officer his driver's license, but told the officer repeatedly, "Don't knock on my window like that." He then put his window back up. Their verbal exchange escalated and the officers soon pulled him from the car, forcing Hill face-first to the ground. The officers cursed at Hill but he did not resist their physical force or strike at them in the video. He did tell one officer, "Don't tell me what to do." Hill was eventually stood up, but then an officer dragged him into a sitting position on the curb after he said a knee injury made that difficult. After about 30 minutes, Hill was issued citations and allowed to enter the stadium. One officer was placed on administrative duty and an internal affairs investigation was launched. No results have been released.Oman’s central bank approves regulations for Banking Deposits Protection LawWith the small caps sector emerging from its slumber, it’s time to pull out the sheep entrails and take a wild stab at who will outperform in 2025. As the superannuation ads go, past performance does not guarantee future returns – or a timely insurance payout in the case of the embattled Cbus. But last year we hit winners with the little-known water-management play Vysarn (ASX:VYS) , whose shares bounced around 60% in 2024. The equally obscure FOS Capital (ASX:FOS) – a provider of industrial lighting products – surged 80%. We also sniffed the aroma of success with scented-candle play Dusk Group (ASX:DSK) , but went to water somewhat with Duxton Water (ASX:D2O) and H2O treatment play Fluence Corporation (ASX:FLC) . Building on a housing recovery A manufacturer, marketer and distributor of fabricated and semi-fabricated aluminium-related products, Capral (ASX:CAA) is one of the few listed remaining ASX-listed building material companies after a spree of takeovers. The $170 million Capral looks cheap, the legacy of past problems with a badly timed investment in its Bremer Park facility. Now, the leaner company is well placed for a housing recovery. Just the ticket No-one likes being sprung using a mobile while they’re driving or not wearing a seatbelt, but these activities are a leading cause of road trauma. That’s acknowledged even in America, which has an elevated view of what amounts to personal liberties. Acusensus (ASX:ACE) is a leader in mobile camera tech to detect such infringements, even through the tinted windows of a supersized SUV. The company has contracts with road authorities in most Australian states as well as the US, the UK and New Zealand and this month won a $27 million contract extension with Queensland’s road authorities. Motorists dislike being pinged for illicit parking even more. But fair’s fair, private parking is private parking. Smart Parking (ASX:SPZ) manages car parks across five geographies including the UK, Germany, Denmark and NZ. But most of its revenues derive from ‘parking breach notices’. In a September quarter trading update the company reported revenue of $17 million, up 24% year-on-year and adjusted underlying earnings of $5.4 million. The company has dibs over 1529 sites – ahead of its guidance of 1500 and is striving for 3000 sites by the end of 2028. Canaccord describes Smart Parking’s business as “predictable and scalable”, which sounds like just the ticket. You’ll hear from my (patent) attorney We’re stealing this idea from Katana portfolio manager Romano Sala Tenna – but please don’t sue. IPH (ASX:IPH) is the largest patent attorney in Australia, Canada and Singapore, with a sector-leading client base. Patent law has exceptionally low client churn and most firms have been around for decades (IPH listed in 2014). Despite management’s sound execution of international growth, the stock has halved over the past two years and yields a healthy 6.9%. The company itself believes the stock is undervalued, having supersized its buyback scheme from $40 million to $75 million. Cream of the ag stock crop By its nature, the agricultural sector is subject to the whims of commodity prices and the weather. Arguably the stalwarts such as Graincorp (ASX:GNC) and Elders (ASX:ELD) look fully or fairly valued, so what else is taking seed? Often overlooked, stockfeed group Ridley Corporation (ASX:RIC) is climbing the “wall of value” from rendering (mushing up slaughterhouse waste) to higher-value, higher-nutrient products. For a left-of-field play, Bio-Gene Technology (ASX:BGT) is developing novel insecticides from natural compounds, as rejoinder to the Chemical Charlies who spray their land with far too much of the hydrocarbon-based stuff. Bio-gene aims to file its application approval for Flavocide’s active ingredient with the local gatekeeper by the end of 2025. For investors wanting a bit more buzz, Duxton Broadacre Farms (ASX:DBF) owns vast tracts of land but also has a $5.75 million, 23% stake in Duxton Bees, which owns and manages around 1650 hives (mainly in Murray Darling region). The busy pollinators are in huge demand, with more than 30 ag industries relying on them to generate a commercial yield. Oh, baby! An undervalued life-sciences play It’s been a stellar year for the pre-commercial biotech sector, with (largely) positive trial results and well-supported capital raisings. But does better value lie with the overlook established plays? Fundie Seneca likes Monash IVF Group (ASX:MVF) , the leading provider of assisted reproductive services in Australia and Malaysia. The company achieved Australia's first IVF birth and the world's first pregnancy from a frozen embryo, under the guidance of the late Professor Carl Wood. After a flurry of corporate activity, Monash IVF is the sole remaining listed fertility services provider. The company trades at a circa 30% discount to the earnings multiple paid by private equity for its nearest competitor, Virtus Health, in 2022. Having completed its merger with Capitol Health, Integral Diagnostics (ASX:IDX) officially has become Australia’s second-biggest radiology provider. Investors Mutual Portfolio Manager Lucas Goode notes radiology volumes have grown at a 4%-plus compound annual growth rate over the past 15 years and this should accelerate due to the need for ageing Australians to have more testing. Integral’s investment in tech means it is well placed to benefit from growth, while the merger should yield significant operational benefits. A strong balance sheet provides scope for further accretive acquisitions. We'll also throw in Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CUV) , which has an approved drug for a rare skin disorder with robust revenues and a cash-rich balance sheet. And did we mention the company is strongly profitable? To management's bemusement, Clinuvel shares have lost 60% of their value over the past five years. Take a punt The bourse is a glorified casino and brokers are bookies in nice suits, but ironically online sports betting mob Pointsbet (ASX:PBH) looks more than a sheer punt given the short odds of it being taken over. Having abandond its costly, failed Very Big Adventure in the US, Pointsbet’s revenues these days derive locally, with a smaller Canadian operation expanding more rapidly. As Seneca notes, Pointsbet last year reported its first positive quarterly operating cash flows. Given the need for the local sector to consolidate ahead of a likely gambing ad crackdown, we bet that Pointsbet will be subsumed by this time next year. The company denied reports of a takeover approach in November, but where there’s smoke there’s fire. Banish ‘forever’ chemicals ... forever Something is lurking in our water – and its invisible and very nasty. The toxin in question is PFAS, the ‘forever chemicals’ widely used in applications such as fire retardants, Teflon pans and carpets. The plaintiff lawyers are circling, given PFAS has been linked with maladies including cancer, organ damage and infertility. The profitable SciDev (ASX:SDV) is a leader in cleansing technologies to cleanse PFAS from waterways – which is easier said than done. In November Scidev secured its first European commercial order, from Swedish Hydro Solutions AB for a contract value of $475,000. Scidev estimates the global PFAS treatment market at US$1.8 billion ($2.76 billion) per annum and growing at an annual rate of 5.2%. Catapult to greatness Having prodigious athletic talent is one thing – we’re thinking of the ‘catch me if you can’ sensation Gout Gout – but it still needs to be accurately measured. Catapult Group (ASX:CAT) has become a global champion in measuring and analysing performance via its wearable devices. Catapult’s results for the September half-year showed revenue of US$57.8 million ($85 million), up 19% year-on-year. Annualised contract value, the company’s preferred metric, grew 20% to US$96.8 million with free cash flow of US$4.8 million. Catapult shares have – er – catapulted 160% this year and the company is worth a tad under $1 billion. But who would you back: a gold medal performer or Slovakia with one bronze medal at the Paris Olympics? No offence. Forager Funds is convinced, because Catapult is its biggest holding in its Australian shares fund. Originally published as Criterion’s small cap gems poised to star in 2025 (part one) Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Stockhead More small cap gems set to shine in 2025 After a stellar 2024 for recovering small to mid caps sector, our experts scour the sector for more overlooked nuggets. Read more Stockhead Legally, share ownership may not be what you think Investors should ask questions about custodial-based share arrangements by which they do not have legal ownership. Read more
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Boosts Stock Holdings in ITT Inc. (NYSE:ITT)adidas Tilt boxing Gloves Ann Najjar, "The Mitt Queen,” is shown using the Adidas Tilt Gloves. Ergonomically and innovative, based on a game-changing re-design, these boxing gloves provide superior wrist support and protection, enhancing performance during intense training and sparring sessions. Innovative adidas Boxing Gloves - TILT200 and HYBRID 250 - Now Available In-Store and Online at Dick's Sporting Goods NEW YORK and PARIS, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just in time for the holidays, adidas and DICK'S Sporting Goods have partnered to bring the best in boxing gear to DICK'S retail locations and online . Boxing fitness enthusiasts and athletes at all levels can gear up to participate in one of the most popular sports & fitness disciplines in the world through the adidas Tilt and Hybrid 250 boxing glove product line, and the new adidas Max system. Double D Imports SAS, the global licensee for adidas boxing and combat sports, made the announcement. The collection officially launched in stores at DICK'S on November 15, 2024, and is meticulously designed to enhance both performance and safety for athletes of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Developed and rigorously tested by fitness trendsetters like Ann Najjar "The Mitt Queen,” and top professional athletes, the adidas Boxing and Combat Sports line features cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and premium materials. These elements combine to deliver unmatched performance and durability, setting a new standard in boxing equipment. adidas training equipment is created to elevate performance with adidas's latest innovations, just in time for the holiday season. Over 30 items are available online and instore, with three key highlights of the collection including: adidas Tilt Gloves : Ergonomical and innovative, based on a game changing re-design, these boxing gloves provide superior wrist support and protection, enhancing performance during intense training and sparring sessions. adidas Hybrid 250 Gloves : Versatile gloves featuring the unique Duo Lace Hook & Loop closure, combining the wrist and hand support of a laced glove with the convenience of a Hook & Loop closure, offering a perfect balance of comfort, protection, and durability. adidas Max ( Online Only ): A freestanding simulated opponent sparring bag with adjustable height and realistic movement. It is part of the unique Combax 4 system that will be made available later this year. "We are thrilled to bring our new adidas Boxing and Combat Sports line to DICK'S Sporting Goods," said Christophe Dessalles, Managing Director at Double D Imports SAS, the global licensee for adidas combat sports. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing athletes with the best tools to reach their full potential, whether they are training for competition or personal fitness goals." At the pre-launch review of the adidas boxing gloves and gear, Mitt Queen emphasized their importance for anyone incorporating boxing into their fitness routine. "As a boxing coach and fitness expert, I can confidently say that boxing is one of the most effective full-body workouts,” said Mitt Queen. "Starting with the right gloves is essential, and the adidas Tilt200 and Hybrid 250 gloves set the standard. This holiday season, there's no better gift than the gift of fitness and boxing, and it all starts with adidas gloves, now available at DICK'S Sporting Goods.” adidas will host in-store events at select DICK'S locations, featuring demonstrations by professional athletes and coaches and opportunities for customers to experience the new products firsthand. Najjar is an adidas ambassador, exemplifying the commitment to the best in sport and fitness through her professional coaching and training business centered in San Diego. She has mastered the art of mitt holding and is one of the few female boxing trainers working in and shaping the sport. adidas continues to lead the way in sports innovation, leveraging its expertise and dedication to athlete performance and safety. The new Boxing and Combat Sports line is a testament to this commitment, offering products that empower athletes to train harder, smarter, and achieve their goals. For more information about the new adidas Boxing and Combat Sports product line and to find a participating DICK'S Sporting Goods store near you, visit DICKS.com. About Double D Imports SAS Double D Imports SAS is the global licensee of adidas boxing and combat sports categories, including all martial arts. Committed to innovation and excellence, Double D Imports SAS collaborates with boxing and sports associations worldwide to create and provide approved products for amateur and professional boxing. About DICK'S Sporting Goods DICK'S Sporting Goods creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK'S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK'S mobile app. DICK'S also owns and operates DICK'S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK'S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK'S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com , investors.dicks.com , sportsmatter.org , dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook and X . Contact: Hanna Bolte, Bolte Media [email protected] ; 310-497-5586 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6d2a6ac-2638-43d9-801e-10d2e1db6461One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy advanced drone-tracking technology following weeks of reported drone sightings in parts of New York and New Jersey that have stirred fear and bewilderment. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to use the technology to track drones back to their landing spots. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat. But because they can’t say with certainty who's responsible for the drones, leaders of both parties are demanding better technology and powers to tackle the issue. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. After a 15-year pause in executions, Indiana prepares to put to death a man who killed 4 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are preparing to execute the state’s first death row inmate in 15 years. Joseph Corcoran was convicted in 1999 in the fatal shootings of his brother and three other men, including his sister’s fiancé. If Corcoran is put to death as scheduled Wednesday it will be the state’s first execution since 2009. Corcoran's attorneys have asked a federal court to stay his execution, arguing it would be unconstitutional because he has a serious mental illness. Indiana officials have refused to discuss how they obtained the sedative used for lethal injection. No media witnesses will be permitted under state law. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.Looking like a hybrid drone, helicopter (with its propeller at the back) and boat, the “Alia” plane sat shiny and imposing on the Beta Technologies factory floor. If this is the future of aviation, it wasn’t as outrageously Jetsons-themed as my imagination had drawn it, but it looked curious enough to catch the eye and its sleek, modern lines were attractive. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Could electric planes be the future of flight? Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Air New Zealand’s logo is large on either side of this battery-powered aircraft, and with good reason. The Kiwi company is the first commercial airline to purchase the Alia, and it is set to operate in that country in about 18 months. It has a range of up to 400km and a top speed around 250km/h. We travelled with Air New Zealand to Burlington, Vermont USA to check out the plane, as the airline tries to assure the world of its sustainability credentials amid the aviation industry’s battle to decarbonise itself. Aviation accounts for two to 3 per cent of the world’s emissions, and airlines are clamouring for more efficient aircraft and fuels. Air New Zealand sees part of its future as battery-powered, despite recently stepping back from some of its 2030 climate goals, which were proving too difficult given its fleet constraints. The airline claims global supply chain issues, particularly with Boeing, have forced it to hold onto older, less fuel efficient aircraft for longer. Air New Zealand’s chief sustainability officer Kiri Hannifin says the Alia will serve as a mail delivery plane in conjunction with NZ Post. “We can carry about half a tonne of mail and parcels,” she said. “It’s going to be pretty exciting, and it’s a new way to get mail across the Cook Strait. At the moment it has to go on a ship, which takes three hours. This will take about 35 minutes.” The Alia aircraft is the brainchild of Kyle Clark, a former professional ice hockey player and founder of Beta Technologies in Burlington. At 198cm, Clark is as smart as he is tall, launching into explanations around battery life, aircraft leading edges and rules set by the US aviation regulator for new aircraft. You have to think quick to keep up your end of the conversation. The battery-powered plane was inspired by a need to carry donated organs using sustainable, low-cost transport between hospitals. Delivery giant UPS got wind of the plan and told Beta Technologies it wanted in on the technology, as a way to deliver parcels from major hubs serviced by large jets. UPS became the company’s first major customer. Air New Zealand became the first commercial airline to purchase an electric plane, when it heard of the plan to create short-to-medium range battery-powered aircraft. “They came to Vermont from New Zealand and they showed up with engineers, pilots, and maintenance technicians. They weren’t looking for a PR stunt. They were looking to really put these things in production,” Clark said. Air New Zealand has purchase options for more than 20 of the planes. The first Alia operating in Air New Zealand’s iconic black and white livery is expected to be operational mid-2026, pending regulatory approvals. It’s those same regulations that helped shape the aircraft design. Initial plans to give the plane vertical take-off capability — like a drone — were ditched in favour of a more traditional fixed-wing design. Beta engineers claim a propeller at the rear gives it more efficiency, as thrust created by the blades isn’t pushed against the fuselage in the way of a traditional nose-mounted engine. The electric motor is also free of requirements to be cooled or aspirated like a combustion engine, so it can be easily tucked away with minimal air circulation required. The small aircraft isn’t just for mail drops. Seats can be installed where the cargo hold is. “So for the very first aircraft — in one configuration — there are six people,” Clark said. “The latter configuration is nine people. Now they’re looking to do the next thing, and we see a 30 passenger aircraft.” That’s something Air New Zealand is excited for, says Kiri Hannifin. “There’s quite a few parts of New Zealand that would be really well serviced by a smaller aircraft,” she explained. “Air New Zealand used to fly 19-seat aircraft. We don’t anymore, but there’s potential this (aircraft) would offer up new routes for Kiwis.” One challenge for Beta’s engineers is battery life. The Alia’s 1500kg batteries give it a range of between 300 to 400km, which means it won’t be crossing oceans, but Clark says the technology is improving by the year. “Energy density is a thing that shows how much energy you could carry per unit weight,” he said. “That’s increasing seven to 9 per cent per year. So even in the short period of time we’ve had this company, we’ve already doubled energy density from lithium-ion.” Commercial customers such as Air New Zealand and UPS are one side of the coin, the other is the US Department of Defence. Details on the work Beta does there are limited, but government funding is usually more elastic than money from the private sector. An F-35 fighter jet from a nearby base roars above us, almost as if on cue. The contrast from that fuel-hungry, extraordinarily noisy aircraft to the near silent one before us is stark. It’s claimed the Alia costs less than $20 to recharge. The cost of an aircraft is into the millions. “We’re in ‘conforming article testing’ right now, which is near the end of the FAA approval process. They are concerned about the batteries and they’re very acutely aware of the fly-by-wire system. It’s a very rigorous, time-consuming process to get the certification.” The energy within Beta is undeniable and so is the desire to get it right. Robots line the production floor and Kyle Clark, while informal with us, clearly demands a lot from his engineers and technicians. Don’t expect a long-haul flight to be powered by batteries soon, but small fleets of electric planes could make their way into our lives in the not-too-distant future, starting with a postcard delivery from Vermont, USA.
Donald Trump to be welcomed by new debt limit? Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen drops new bombshellTarget Black Friday deals just dropped: 39 best sales now on Nintendo Switch, TVs, toys, laptops and more
US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer saysJimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100
