lottery kerala Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save EDITOR'S NOTE: On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. No one wants to see any player take a vicious hit like the one that knocked Trevor Lawrence out of the game. It’s easy to agree on that point. Eliminating violent shots is the hard part. The NFL has instituted several rules to protect quarterbacks but football is a physical sport and players have to react instantly and make split-second decisions going at high speeds so injuries keep occurring. Lawrence was carted off the field in the first half of Jacksonville’s 23-20 loss to Houston on Sunday after Azeez Al-Shaair leveled the defenseless quarterback with a forearm to the facemask. The late hit put Lawrence in the fencing position — both fists clenched — and he stayed on the ground for several minutes, while a brawl ensued. Lawrence didn’t require hospitalization for his concussion but it’s unknown when he’ll return. 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The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County 2 bucks illegally killed with crossbow in Corvallis OSU football: Three takeaways from Oregon State's loss at Boise State Prosecutor: Driver on laughing gas caused double fatal in Sweet Home Linn County deputy resigns during menacing case More allegations against ex-OSU coach OSU women's basketball: Marotte takes a more aggressive approach on offense OSU football: Boise State's pass rush is formidable Recently made-over park sees this change after Albany got an earful A busy day: A series of crashes in Sweet Home OSU football: Preview and prediction for regular-season finale against Boise State Strike to end, GAPS reaches tentative deal with Albany teachers UPDATED: GAPS teacher strike NOT off after talks over returning to the classroom break down OSU football: Bray expects Johnson to see action against Boise State “Thank you to everyone who has reached out/been praying for me,” Lawrence wrote on X. “I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all.” Al-Shaair was ejected from the game and faces a fine and potential suspension after his latest unsportsmanlike penalty. The Texans' linebacker was flagged and later fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard last week. He was fined earlier this year after he punched Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2. That occurred during a scuffle that started after his hard shot on quarterback Caleb Williams near the sideline that wasn’t flagged. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during the first half of a game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Lawrence was injured on the play. Al-Shaair once got away with grabbing Tom Brady by the throat on a pass rush in a game between the 49ers and Buccaneers. Outraged Jaguars players called Al-Shaair’s hit “dirty” and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans made it known he didn’t condone it. “It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, get a penalty there. Have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down. Unfortunate play. Not representative of who Azeez is. He’s a smart player, really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there. His loss really affected us on the defensive side. Just not what we’re coaching. Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath. That’s not what we’re about. Not representative of us. I’ll talk to Azeez, address him personally, and we’ll move forward from it.” Fox Sports color analyst Daryl Johnston, a former fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, didn’t hold back his criticism, calling it a “cheap shot.” “It’s everything you’re not supposed to do,” Johnston said. “Everything. You’ll see this in slow motion and Azeez Al-Shaair does everything you’re trying to prevent in this situation. It’s reckless. It’s disrespectful. There’s an honor that you give to your opponent on the football field and you respect him. And there’s opportunities to be physical and give big hits and play this game in that manner. And there’s other times when there’s a respect that you grant to your opponent.” Some former NFL quarterbacks blasted Al-Shaair on social media. “There is no place in the game of football for dirty hits like this one,” Robert Griffin III wrote on X. Chase Daniel called it “one of the dirtiest hits” he’s ever seen on a quarterback. Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, right, jumps on Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after his late hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, bottom, during the first half of a game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Even defensive players struggled to defend Al-Shaair. “That was uncalled for,” Hall of Fame defensive lineman Michael Strahan said on Fox’s studio show while fellow Hall of Famer Howie Long agreed. But the play also sparked debate about the quarterback slide. Lawrence slid feet first, which signals that he’s giving himself up on the play. The NFL rulebook states: “A defender must pull up when a runner begins a feet-first slide.” But defensive players aren’t automatically penalized if they make contact with a sliding quarterback if they already committed and the contact is unavoidable. The rules state it’s a foul when “the defender makes forcible contact into the head or neck area of the runner with the helmet, shoulder, or forearm, or commits some other act that is unnecessary roughness.” Al-Shaair did that so he was penalized and will face other repercussions. Still, given the hard-hitting nature of the sport, it won’t be the last time this happens. Here are the 10 best NFL rookie quarterbacks since 1960 Caleb Williams is the most anticipated NFL rookie When Caleb Williams took the field for the Chicago Bears' first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans, the anticipation for the rookie's debut game—possibly the most ever—was on full display. Despite a tough debut for the quarterback, the Bears secured a 24-17 win, a notable feat for the rookie. The victory made Williams the first #1 overall pick with a Week 1 win in over 20 years. Going forward this season, Williams is expected to eclipse C.J. Stroud's record-breaking 2023 rookie campaign with the Houston Texans. However, Stroud's success is an anomaly. Drafting a successful quarterback, especially one who is effective right away, is difficult. When teams have a high first-round draft pick, and they're coming off an unsuccessful few seasons, it's assumed that they will use their first pick on a quarterback . That player will assume the title of "the face of the franchise" and will get the central attention, win or lose. To see which quarterbacks have faced that challenge and triumphed, ATS.io compiled a ranking of the 10 best rookie quarterbacks since 1960 using data from StatHead . Rookies were defined as players who are in their first season of professional football and have not been on the roster of another professional team. Quarterbacks were ranked according to adjusted net yards per pass attempt, which quantifies efficient passing skill. Ties were broken using passer rating. Only rookie quarterbacks with at least 10 games played and 200 total passing attempts were considered. Since 1967, 130 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round. Of those drafted, only 61 have won a playoff game as a starter, according to The Athletic, which used data from NFL Research . The biggest reason this success rate is not guaranteed is because there are differences between college and pro offensive systems. In the collegiate game, the ball is snapped at different points on the field, passing windows are wider, and defenders and linemen are not as quick, making the adjustment to the pro level more difficult. NFL scouts and general managers are gambling on what skills can be transferable and how long those adjustments might take, which is why some teams prefer redshirt quarterbacks to ease the transition. However, just because a team may not want to use their first-round pick on a quarterback, doesn't mean they can't find a diamond in the rough later in the draft. Think about Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Dak Prescott, all of which were not first-round picks, but have gone on to make a name for themselves in the NFL. #10. Gardner Minshew (2019) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.44 - Passer rating: 91.2 - Season stats: 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions Coming out of college, Gardner Minshew was not a highly sought-after quarterback for NFL teams. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 draft—a draft that was headlined by Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, and Daniel Jones. Nonetheless, Minshew's rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars was filled with many accomplishments. He won Rookie of the Week seven times despite not winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Minshew also had the highest passer rating of any rookie quarterback that started in 2019. #9. Baker Mayfield (2018) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.77 - Passer rating: 93.7 - Season stats: 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions Pressure was high for Baker Mayfield as the first overall pick in the 2018 draft. When he joined the Cleveland Browns, there was an expectation that once the team figured out the quarterback position, it could be playoff-ready. After trading for Jarvis Landry, a young wide receiver from the Miami Dolphins, in the offseason, the Browns were on their way. Mayfield's rookie season was filled with many firsts, and the Landry-Mayfield connection filled the stat sheet. Mayfield set the record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback in 2019 with 27 surpassing prior marks from Payton Manning and Russell Wilson. #8. Justin Herbert (2020) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.84 - Passer rating: 98.3 - Season stats: 4,336 yards, 31 touchdowns, 10 interceptions Justin Herbert was the third quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL draft behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. As the No. 6 overall pick, expectations were high, but there was also an assumption that it would be a few years before Herbert's development would take shape. Then, Chargers starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was accidentally punctured in the lung by a team doctor administering a painkiller before the second game of the season, and it wasn't clear what Taylor's status would be moving forward. When Herbert was given the nod to start minutes before the game, fans didn't know what to expect. Herbert shocked viewers when he threw for over 300 yards and only one interception in that game. He continued his strong rookie showing throughout the season and went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. #7. Ben Roethlisberger (2004) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.93 - Passer rating: 98.1 - Season stats: 2,621 yards, 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions Ben Roethlisberger was the third quarterback selected in his draft class behind the likes of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers—though fans wouldn't have been able to tell. From the moment Roethlisberger was called up by the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in his first game—Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens—it was clear he had a special arm, gaining the nickname "Golden Arm." While the next several games were bumpy for Steelers fans, it was clear that Roethlisberger was the future of the franchise. The Steelers had a solid running game and its receiving core, led by Hines Ward, was one of the best in the league . Once Roethlisberger gained his footing a few games in, he was unstoppable. He led Pittsburgh to its best record ever: 15-1. He also started the season on an eight-game winning streak, becoming the first rookie to do so. Additionally, Roethlisberger became the first quarterback to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. #6. Matt Ryan (2008) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.01 - Passer rating: 87.7 - Season stats: 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, there were high expectations on Matt Ryan's shoulders heading to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were coming off back-to-back losing seasons and off-the-field legal troubles with its starting quarterback Michael Vick overshadowing the team's play. Ryan was expected to pick up the pieces. He did that immediately, leading the Falcons to an 11-5 record in his rookie season and becoming the clear favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year halfway through the season, which he went on to win. The tag team of Ryan and running back Michael Turner was one of the best offensive forces in the sport that season. #5. Russell Wilson (2012) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.01 - Passer rating: 100 - Season stats: 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions Russell Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Considering Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck headlined the NFL Draft that year, it was not believed that Wilson would be a starter come Week 1, but that quickly changed. Going into the 2012 NFL Draft, Tarvaris Jackson was the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback, and the team signed NFL veteran quarterback Matt Flynn as an insurance policy on the injury-prone Jackson . It was assumed in the short term that either Jackson or Flynn would lead the franchise. Once training camp arrived, however, the Seahawks' quarterback position was uncertain. Jackson was traded to the Buffalo Bills, and Flynn was underwhelming at camp, forcing Head Coach Pete Carroll to take a gamble on his rookie quarterback, Wilson, in Week 1. Carroll, nor Wilson, ever looked back. Wilson was one of the best passing quarterbacks that season. He led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record and went on to win NFL Rookie of the Year. #4. Dan Marino (1983) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.39 - Passer rating: 96 - Season stats: 2,210 yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions When Dan Marino was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1983, the NFL looked very different. Running the ball was the name of the game. The quarterback would either run the football himself at the line of scrimmage or hand it off to the running back, and the offensive linemen would claw and push the pile forward as the runner powered his legs. It was not a pretty sight. However, Marino took a different approach, throwing the ball with a unique quick release for that era. He led the Dolphins to a 9-1 record after replacing David Woodley midway through his rookie season, ending with a 12-4 record. He went on to win Rookie of the Year and was the first rookie to start a Pro Bowl. #3. C.J. Stroud (2023) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.47 - Passer rating: 100.8 - Season stats: 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions When C.J. Stroud was drafted No. 2 by the Houston Texans last year, there were a lot of questions, not about his ability, but about the organization that he would be playing for. The Texans were coming off of a 3-13-1 season in 2022, finishing with the worst record in the league, and a lot of volatility in its front office. The team fired its head coach and a top executive before the draft. Weeks later, the team hired former Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans as its next head coach. While Ryans is a defensive-minded coach, Stroud was seen as a key ingredient to the team's success since Ryans hired his coaching staff around the quarterback. Stroud led the NFL in yards and TD-to-interception ratio during his rookie season, which is an efficiency statistic considering he didn't get his first interception until his sixth regular-season game against the New Orleans Saints. While Stroud was a part of the league MVP conversation for most of the season, he didn't ultimately win the title. However, he was named 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his rookie season is seen as one of the best in NFL history. #2. Robert Griffin III (2012) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.47 - Passer rating: 102.4 - Season stats: 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions Leading into the 2012 draft, it wasn't a matter of whether Washington would pick a quarterback, it was a matter of who. After several seasons of mediocre quarterback play and losing seasons from the likes of Jason Campbell, Donovan McNabb, and Rex Grossman, it was time for a new face to lead the offense. At No. 2, Washington selected Robert Griffin III making him the second quarterback selected in the 2012 NFL draft behind Andrew Luck. Griffin started his rookie year campaign with one of the best performances football fans have ever seen. He completed 19 of his 26 pass attempts for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, beating the New Orleans Saints. That game earned him the highest passer rating by a rookie ever, 158.3. He now shares that record with Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota. Griffin III went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. #1. Dak Prescott (2016) - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.86 - Passer rating: 104.9 - Season stats: 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns, 4 interceptions Dak Prescott is statistically the best rookie quarterback ever, racking up the best passer rating as a rookie. After losing his first game, he led the Cowboys on an 11-game winning streak. That season, he led the team to its fourth-best season ever with a 13-3 record. Prescott was the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and became the first NFL quarterback to be drafted in the fourth round or later to start all 16 regular season games. Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Shanna Kelly. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on ATS.io and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Fans of Call the Midwife are bracing themselves for a whirlwind of drama courtesy of newcomer Roger Noble, played by Conor O'Donnell, after his romance with Nurse Nancy Corrigan, portrayed by Megan Cusack, was sealed. As Christmas descended upon Poplar, Nancy found herself grappling with loneliness until a chance encounter with Roger, a charming and witty pharmaceutical salesman, at Dr. Turner's surgery. Their undeniable chemistry only intensified when Roger returned the following day, culminating in a cringe-worthy yet endearing attempt at flirting, which ultimately led to him asking Nancy out on a date. Initially, Nancy rebuffed Roger's advances, but a change of heart soon followed, albeit tempered by her apprehension about revealing her status as a single mother to her cherished daughter, Colette, played by Francesca Fullilove. Having devoted herself to her duties as a midwife and Colette's upbringing, romance had taken a backseat for Nancy, a situation poised for a dramatic shift, reports the Express . Roger and Nancy's enchanting funfair date ended with a kiss, followed by a comedic twist when he twisted his ankle, leaving Nancy in stitches. The next day, Roger appeared on the doorstep of Nonnatus, bearing thank-you flowers for Nancy. However, it was Colette who greeted him, and his surprise was palpable upon hearing her affectionately call out "mummy" in reference to Nancy, a detail she had conspicuously omitted. Witnessing Roger and Colette together sent Nancy into a tailspin, prompting her to make a hasty exit for work. Undeterred by the unexpected turn of events, Roger remained resolute, extending another invitation for Nancy to join him on a date. He was also swift in suggesting taking Nancy and Colette out, and having laid the groundwork with flattery and charm, she agreed. Roger's eagerness to demonstrate his devotion to Nancy after only a few encounters sparked concerns among viewers. Some fans are convinced that Roger is a political activist, and as tensions in Northern Ireland escalate with the advent of the 1970s, he could become a liability. Taking to X, one viewer expressed: "Why do I think Roger will be trouble for Nancy #CallTheMidwife." A second viewer speculated: "Nancy's beau has something to do with the Troubles, I sense, given we're in 1969. #callthemidwife." A third viewer concurred: "I do not trust Nancy's new man #CallTheMidwife". Another viewer added: "I hope Nancy's new fella isn't love bombing her #CallTheMidwife". Call the Midwife returns Sunday, January 5, on BBC One and iPlayer at 8pmIn the final stage of a wildly disappointing season, the Jets have dropped to 3-9. They have not seen their Aaron Rodgers trade come close to meeting expectations, and the now-41-year-old quarterback is not believed to be in the team’s plans beyond this season . It would then be understandable if the sides reached a resolution of sorts, as Rodgers has played through injuries separate from his Achilles — an injury that defined his 2023 season — for much of this year. An IR placement or outright benching emerged as a potential solution here , but interim HC Jeff Ulbrich pushed back on that coming out of a bye week . After a loss to the Seahawks, the Jets are not changing course. Ulbrich announced Monday ( via ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini ) that Rodgers will remain the team’s starter for its Week 14 game — and for the season’s remainder. Ulbrich was less definitive when asked about his starter following the Jets’ Week 13 loss but returned to form Monday by indicating Rodgers can still play at a “high level.” The interim boss also indicated Rodgers’ decorated resume is part of the conversation here. Rodgers said in mid-November he wanted to keep playing beyond 2024 , comments in line with his previous New York-era stances, but walked that back last week by noting he was not yet sure . The increasingly outspoken QB also said he wanted to play for Ulbrich in New York again next season, though he stopped short ( via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio ) of ruling out playing for another coach in 2025. Considering how poorly the Jets have fared, Ulbrich has next to no chance of returning as their HC. The team has already brought in The33rdteam.com’s Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman to run the upcoming searches , one that will undoubtedly tab outside HC and GM hires. This is potentially the least amount of leverage Rodgers has held in his NFL career. After being given considerable power upon being traded to New York, Rodgers has not shown much of his MVP-level form. That continued Sunday, when the 20th-year veteran missed a wide-open Garrett Wilson for a score and then threw a pick-six to Leonard Williams on the ensuing play. Likely on his way out after two Jets seasons, Rodgers profiles as a lame duck. The Jets appear prepared to eat the second-most dead money for a single player in NFL history ($49M) next year to start fresh. For what it’s worth, Ulbrich attributes ( via SNY’s Connor Hughes ) much of Rodgers’ struggles this season to the injuries he has sustained. Rodgers has battled hamstring, knee and ankle maladies this season. Though, he was off Gang Green’s injury report in Week 13. Rodgers’ Achilles tear and spate of nagging issues this season will naturally affect his chances of playing in 2025. Interest may well emerge for a diminished version of the four-time MVP, but a free-agency foray is highly unlikely to approach the level of interest Tom Brady did when he hit the market ahead of an age-43 season in 2020. That and maybe Warren Moon‘s 1997 free-agency bid (when the former Oilers and Vikings starter joined the Seahawks before his age-41 campaign) are about the only parallels to what a Rodgers FA effort may look like. As for this season, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds Woody Johnson may not have confined his calls for a Rodgers benching to merely the post-Week 4 effort. Johnson making another push for the high-priced passer to be benched for Tyrod Taylor would obviously be notable, as it certainly increases the likelihood Rodgers is off the Jets’ roster next year. It also could point to ownership again intervening at QB late this season. Although a recent report attempted to pour cold water on the drama between Johnson and Rodgers, the 77-year-old owner has taken considerable heat for impeding former GM Joe Douglas during the final year of his run. Johnson’s outsized role figures to be a key topic when interviews for the Jets’ GM and HC positions begin. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

Dee Devlin Rips Conor McGregor's Accuser, 'What Sort Of Woman Are You!!!'Archer Aviation's ( ACHR -23.72% ) electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are still grounded, but the stock was taking flight last month as enthusiasm for the new short-distance transportation technology mounted. According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence , the stock finished last month up 204%. A surge in the second half of the month came after Needham initiated coverage on the stock with a buy rating after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a new set of rules in October, clearing the way for the new vehicles to take flight. As you can see from the chart below, the stock went parabolic shortly after the Needham note came out, soaring nearly every session after Nov. 18. ACHR data by YCharts. Archer gains altitude Archer Aviation is still a development-stage company without revenue, but it's hopeful its vehicles will begin flying commercially as soon as late 2025. Archer's eVTOL vehicles resemble advanced helicopters but have advantages, including being electric, being less noisy than helicopters, and having multiple engines, which means they don't have a single point of failure, unlike conventional helicopters. Interest in the stock has been building as it moves closer to commercialization, but shares soared on high volume following the Needham note, which seemed to spark the rally. The stock jumped 16.3% on the bullish endorsement. Needham gave the stock a buy rating and a price target of $11, noting that industry momentum had reached a tipping point. Analyst Chris Pierce also said its $6 billion order book thanks to customers like United Airlines gave it confidence in the stock, and it saw a path to $3 billion in annual revenue. Archer stock gained in nearly every session in November since the Needham note came out as investors jumped on the bandwagon. What's next for Archer Aviation eVTOL stocks have soared since the FAA released new special regulations to integrate eVTOL aircraft safely into the aviation system, essentially giving them government clearance. However, the recent rally in the stock may have reached its ceiling as Archer shares plunged on Dec. 1 even though there was no news on the stock. Instead, investors took the opportunity to pocket profits, and the selling could also signal fears of a bubble in the stock as it's unclear how close it is to commercialization or what the underlying demand for eVTOL transportation is. Investors should expect continued volatility in the stock as shares are likely to move in response to updates on its progress toward commercialization.

Pan-African Parliament calls for restraint, dialogue in Mozambique

Area high schools compete in state quarterfinals

DALLAS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: NREF) (the "Company") today announced a dividend for its 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (NYSE: NREF PRA) of $0.53125 per share. The dividend will be payable on January 27, 2025 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 15, 2025 . About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its common stock and Series A Preferred Stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NREF" and "NREF PRA," respectively, primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, convertible notes, multifamily properties and common equity investments, as well as multifamily and single-family rental commercial mortgage-backed securities securitizations, promissory notes and mortgage-backed securities. More information about the Company is available at nref.nexpoint.com . CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Griffith IR@nexpoint.com Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint pro-nexpoint@prosek.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexpoint-real-estate-finance-inc-announces-series-a-preferred-stock-dividend-302339003.html SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.

Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victory

Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victoryMike Oquaye Junior, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Dome-Kwabenya, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of pretending not to be aware of the violent disruptions that marred the constituency’s elections. According to Modern Ghana on Friday, December 27, 2024, In a statement on December 27, Oquaye alleged that thugs disrupted the collation process by stealing and burning election pink sheets. “Thugs came in, snatched pink sheets, burnt pink sheets,” Oquaye said, expressing disbelief over the NDC’s claims of ignorance regarding the situation. He questioned the legitimacy of the election results that declared the NDC’s Elikplim Akurugu as the winner, a decision later nullified by the Electoral Commission (EC). Oquaye emphasized that a transparent and fair electoral process requires the proper representation of all parties during collation. He suggested that the violent actions of the thugs undermined the credibility of the election results, which led to the current legal battles. The Dome-Kwabenya constituency is one of nine contested seats undergoing a court-ordered re-collation. While the EC has confirmed the results in seven of these constituencies, the outcomes for Dome-Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain unresolved, pending a Supreme Court ruling on the NDC’s challenge. “We want transparency,” Oquaye added, stressing that his party is prepared to accept the final results if the process is conducted fairly.

Share Tweet Share Share Email In today’s fast-paced world, startup founders and business owners face numerous challenges when scaling their companies. From juggling operations to crafting marketing strategies, the path to sustainable growth can feel overwhelming. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a game-changing tool that’s transforming how businesses grow, innovate, and compete. Let’s explore how AI empowers founders to scale their businesses efficiently, overcome challenges, and achieve remarkable success. The Challenges of Scaling a Business Scaling a business is no easy feat. Many founders encounter common roadblocks such as: Resource Constraints: Limited time, money, and manpower often slow down progress. Operational Inefficiencies: Manual processes can hinder productivity and waste resources. Marketing Struggles: Creating effective campaigns that attract the right audience is a daunting task. Decision Fatigue: With countless decisions to make daily, founders often feel stuck or unsure. These challenges can stall growth and make it hard for startups to reach their full potential. This is where AI steps in, offering solutions that are both innovative and practical. How AI Tools Revolutionize Business Growth AI has the power to turn these challenges into opportunities. Here’s how it works: 1. Optimizing Operations AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for founders to focus on strategic decisions. For example: Customer Support: AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 assistance, reducing workload and improving customer satisfaction. Inventory Management: Predictive analytics tools help businesses avoid overstocking or running out of products. 2. Enhancing Marketing Strategies AI transforms marketing from guesswork to precision by: Personalizing Campaigns: AI analyzes customer data to deliver tailored content that resonates with individual preferences. Improving Ad Performance: Tools like AI-driven ad platforms optimize budgets and target audiences more effectively. Content Creation: AI-powered tools can generate blog posts, social media captions, and even email campaigns in minutes. 3. Data-Driven Decision-Making AI provides actionable insights from data that might otherwise go unnoticed. Founders can use AI to: Identify emerging market trends. Predict customer behavior. Make informed financial decisions. By leveraging these capabilities, businesses can grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably. Case Studies: Success with AI To illustrate the power of AI, let’s look at two examples: 1. A Startup Scaling Its E-commerce Operations A small e-commerce business struggled with slow delivery times and inventory mismanagement. By implementing AI-powered inventory tools, the company optimized stock levels and reduced delays. Sales increased by 30%, and customer satisfaction soared. 2 . A SaaS Company Boosting Customer Acquisition A software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup wanted to attract more users but lacked the resources for extensive marketing. Using AI-driven marketing platforms, they created targeted campaigns that brought in 50% more leads while cutting costs by 20%. These examples show how AI can turn challenges into growth opportunities, regardless of industry. Practical Tips for Founders AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s accessible to startups and small businesses too. Here are some practical steps founders can take today: Start Small: Identify one area where AI can make an immediate impact, such as automating customer support. Leverage Free or Affordable Tools: Many AI tools, like HubSpot for marketing or Trello for project management, offer free versions. Analyze Your Data: Use AI-powered analytics tools to uncover insights about your customers and operations. 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With AI, founders can overcome common challenges, streamline operations, and unlock new growth opportunities . Ready to take your business to the next level? Visit Ena Pragma Consulting today to explore customized AI and marketing solutions designed to help you scale successfully. The future of your business starts now! Related Items: Business Growth , tech Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you The Role of AI in Streamlining Law Firm Operations Tech Is Shaping the Future of Food: Here’s How Venture Capital is Carrying that Tech Across the Finish Line Skyhawk Drone Review: Truth Revealed! Read Before Buying Comments

Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73The Coalition for Protection of Democracy, COPDEM, has urged the federal government to move beyond assigning blame for the recent tragic stampede incidents in the country and instead focus on a comprehensive overhaul of systems and accountability across all levels of governance. Furthermore, the group called for the implementation of robust social security measures for Nigerians. Comprised of Nigerian residents both within and outside the country, COPDEM made this plea while expressing sorrow over the loss of lives in the recent stampedes that occurred in Maitama, Ibadan, and Okija, in the FCT Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra states, respectively. COPDEM attributed these incidents to the dire economic conditions prevailing in the country. In Maitama, Abuja, specifically, a tragic event unfolded as at least 20 individuals lost their lives in a stampede while competing for gifts meant to provide relief during the end-of-year festivities. The stampede in Ibadan resulted in the tragic deaths of over 35 children during a Christmas gathering, enticed by promises of food and gifts. Inadequate crowd control and the frantic rush of attendees to gain entry to the venue contributed to this devastating occurrence. Likewise, in Okija, Anambra, a fatal crush transpired during a distribution of rice, shedding light on the hardships faced by individuals in Anambra State. “These heart-wrenching incidents, claiming the lives of innocent Nigerians, are but a few illustrations of the distressing events that challenge human compassion in Nigeria. “They further underscore the deepening desperation and systemic deficiencies in our society, serving as a poignant reminder of the governance inadequacies that undermine the dignity of our citizens,”stated COPDEM in a press release signed by Rwang Pam Junior, the group’s national president. According to him, the tragedies are not mere logistical lapses but rather a manifestation of the profound poverty, inequality, and neglect that plague the nation. Subsequently, the group called on the Federal government to demonstrate greater accountability, bolster social security measures, set higher standards in humanitarian policies, undertake a comprehensive system overhaul, and take proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. “It is disheartening to acknowledge the leadership’s failure to implement sustainable solutions that elevate the most vulnerable members of society. “The desperation driving citizens to jeopardize their lives for basic necessities underscores the systemic neglect and short-sightedness of those in positions of power,”COPDEM emphasized.