House blocks release of Matt Gaetz ethics reportFrance has a new government. Now it must fix the budget while avoiding collapse

With rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopesLafayette, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lafayette, Colorado - Encore Data Products has announced an expansion of its sales team, aiming to strengthen customer relationships and provide more personalized service. As a respected supplier of audio and technology products to schools, libraries, and businesses, Encore Data Products is enhancing its customer engagement with this strategic move. This sales team growth is intended to help Encore Data Products better address the changing needs of its diverse clientele. The expansion underscores the company's commitment to customer satisfaction by building a knowledgeable support system. Effective communication and dedicated service are keys to strong client relationships, and the company is focused on these goals. "By growing our sales team, we are not only improving our capacity to understand and cater to our customers' specific needs, but we are also dedicated to providing exceptional service," said a spokesperson from Encore Data Products. "This expansion allows us to interact with our clients on a more personal level, ensuring they receive the support and solutions they require." Encore Data Products is known for offering a wide range of audio and technology solutions. They provide an extensive variety of products, including all kinds of headphones suited for schools, AV technology, clean and healthy supplies, and AV accessories. With such a diverse offering, they can meet the needs of educational and professional settings. Further details about their extensive products range and services can be found on their corporate website. For instance, their headphone collection is vast, accommodating different educational stages. From economical options to high-end models with noise-canceling technology and built-in microphones, the variety is designed to support both virtual and distance learning. More information on their selection can be found at this link: https://www.encoredataproducts.com/classroom-headphones/ . The spokesperson added, "Expanding our sales team shows our ongoing commitment to excellent customer service. We understand that our clients have varying needs, and by increasing our team, we can offer more personalized assistance and expert advice, which are essential in supporting both educational and professional goals." The decision to grow the sales team aligns with Encore Data Products' values, focusing on outstanding customer care and a commitment to education. By bolstering its sales force, the company intends to give clients a more responsive and tailored experience, especially for those seeking detailed product guidance. This strategic move also highlights the expected increase in demand for audio-visual solutions across different sectors. As businesses and schools continue to embrace new technology, the need for dependable, high-quality AV products is becoming increasingly important. Encore Data Products is committed to meeting these needs efficiently and effectively. Encore Data Products has always prioritized customer care by providing thorough product information and expert recommendations suited to specific client needs. Their extensive inventory, from budget-friendly school headphones to advanced AV systems, makes them a valuable partner for institutions looking for reliable audio-visual solutions. By expanding its sales team, Encore Data Products aims to enhance customer engagement and meet the unique needs of its clients more effectively. This growth strengthens their position as a leading provider of technology products, dedicated to supporting educational and business environments with quality service and products. The company encourages its clients and partners to experience the improved customer interactions that the expanded sales team will bring. They want to ensure that purchasing decisions are informed and efficient, supported throughout the process. With this strategic move, Encore Data Products aims to maintain its high level of service and expertise, reinforcing its role in providing important educational and business technology solutions. Recent News: Encore Data Products to Showcase Innovative Education Tech Solutions at FETC 2025 ### For more information about Encore Data Products, contact the company here: Encore Data Products Media Relations 866-926-1669 marketing@encoredataproducts.com https://www.encoredataproducts.com/ 1729 Majestic Drive, Suite 5 Lafayette, Colorado 80026

Way-too-early look at the Montana Grizzlies' 2025 football scheduleBOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Marcus Johnson scored 20 points as Bowling Green beat Aquinas (Michigan) 87-62 on Monday. Johnson went 8 of 10 from the field (3 for 5 from 3-point range) for the Falcons (5-7). Derrick Butler scored 18 points and added five rebounds. Jamai Felt had 13 points and shot 5 of 6 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line. Jadakiss Lewis led the Saints in scoring, finishing with 15 points and two steals. Caden Pokorzynski added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Story continues below video Bowling Green led 43-25 at halftime, with Johnson racking up 15 points. Butler scored a team-high 13 points after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make an official visit to Suzhou, Beijing and Shanghai from Nov. 24 to 29, 2024. He will meet President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng. He will be accompanied by other ministers, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing. During his tenure as prime minister, SM Lee made more than 10 trips to China, and is one of China's most frequently visiting foreign leaders. His last trip was during March 2023. Itinerary SM Lee and He will participate in commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), which is the first government-to-government project between Singapore and China. He will then be hosted to lunch by He, and deliver remarks at the roundtable on "High Quality Development in the SIP". SM Lee will also visit the SIP 30-Year Achievement exhibition, participate in a tree-planting ceremony, and visit the exhibition centres of new joint projects by Singapore companies in the SIP. The former prime minister will call on and be hosted to dinner by Xi. He will also meet Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning. SM Lee will be hosted to lunch by the prominent leadership, and will also meet overseas Singaporeans in Shanghai. Shanghai is a key port of call for Singapore companies keen to expand into the Chinese market, with local companies such as CapitaLand, Keppel and DBS having invested into the city. Trade between Singapore and Shanghai has increased by 15 per cent in the first half of 2024, driven by strong export growth from the latter to the former. As of June 2023, Singapore is Shanghai's largest foreign investor, with cumulative actual investments reaching approximately S$34.9 billion in the first half of 2024. As of end-2022, Shanghai is also Singapore’s second largest investment destination in China, behind Jiangsu province. Investments from Singapore are largely concentrated in the real estate, financial services, manufacturing, lifestyle and consumer sectors. Will be accompanied by various ministers SM Lee will be accompanied by the following ministers during his visit: They will also be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade & Industry, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Top photo via MDDI

On December 23, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili released her to Georgians following a to address the crowd at a rally the day before. She stressed the need for dialogue with the ruling party and invited the founder of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, to the Orbeliani Palace to set the date for new elections by December 29, with the specific conditions that need to be met to increase public confidence in them. She also announced the creation of special council to prepare for the new elections. President Zurabishvili emphasized that the 25 days of protests in Georgia have continued with “wonderful mood” in the public and expressed confidence that Georgians won’t be intimidated into stopping the protests. She stressed that the simple truth of the matter is that the elections were rigged and the trust towards the authorities has eroded. However, the struggle for justice through constitutional and legal means has come to an end. The evidence of rigged elections has been presented to all possible courts, with the Constitutional Court not even considering the . She noted that the very last resort is the appeal to the Court of Strasbourg, which takes a very long time to issue its verdict. The crisis is deepening, the President said and not matter how GD ignores is even they realize it must be resolved. Zurabishvili emphasized that after the ODIHR report, the Western partners “stopped expressing concerns” and started taking concrete actions, which means that the “political, social, economic, financial and international” crisis has turned to the phase that leaves only two ways to solve it. She said there are two solutions out of the crisis: is to hold these elections in the shortest possible time and under conditions that will restore the trust of voters. And to that end, to reach an agreement with the ruling team that these elections will be held within the agreed time frame. “The dialogue should be with me...as a mediator, she said “and with those who participated in these elections – parties, observers...” On the other side there should be Bidzina Ivanishvili and several representatives of his party, as many as he wishes, the President said, noting that even if he comes along she is willing to meet him in that format as well. She stressed: “We have very little time for this because this crisis is unbearable and if this week we came to the conclusion that we need to take care of this country, we need to take care of this society, calm it down and give it the key to peace, then why postpone it, let’s meet this week, until the 29th. I am ready and will accept it in any form.” She spoke about : “If this compromise option, this dialogue, is not reached, there is also a second option – we will get to the elections through the collpase of this regime, there is no other way. This regime is already collapsing. This is the alternative – either dialogue, compromise, concession or not, and this means the collapse of the regime.” President Zurabishvili also announced the creation of a special She said: “A council will be established to manage this period. The council will have one and only one mandate, which will be to prepare for new elections. A document is already being prepared after teh todays meeting [with opposition] and will probably be ready tomorrow, describing all the minimum conditions for holding elections very soon. Then we will work to prepare from all angles and possible directions. These new elections will really be new elections and probably new forces will emerge and we all have to be ready for this,” said Salome Zurabishvili. Finally, the President noted that there is a lot of talk about 29 December, when her term as President expires. She said that some people are intimidating and frightening her about the day her mandate ends, while others are expressing their willingness to protect her. She emphasized that she doesn’t need protection, that she is not afraid, that she will continue to be President after the 29th. She reiterated that no one in Georgia wanted chaos, revolution or civil war, but that everyone wanted Georgia to develop democratically and peacefully with its Western partners. “This country will go its own way peacefully, have new elections and be very successful and strong,” she concluded.ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are back in first place in the NFC South and again in control of their playoff hopes. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed the poise in his first NFL start the Falcons will need to take advantage of their opportunity to end a six-year playoff drought. Powered by a big-play defense that produced two pick-6s, a solid starting debut by Penix and two rushing touchdowns by Bijan Robinson, the Falcons cruised past the hapless New York Giants 34-7 on Sunday. On Sunday night, the Falcons (8-7) received the assist they needed when Tampa Bay lost at Dallas . Because the Falcons swept the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage if they remain tied atop the division. The Falcons have games remaining at Washington on Sunday night and at home against Carolina to close the regular season. If Atlanta wins both games, it would win the division and have a home playoff game. The Falcons are assured of their best record since a 10-6 finish under coach Dan Quinn in 2017, their most recent playoff season. Quinn is in his first season as Washington's coach and has led the Commanders (10-5) to three straight wins, including Sunday's 36-33 victory over Philadelphia. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, was promoted after coach Raheem Morris benched Kirk Cousins. Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards with one interception on a pass that should have been caught by tight end Kyle Pitts. Penix is not a dual-threat quarterback, but he showed the ability to escape pressure in the pocket that Cousins lacks following his 2023 Achilles tendon injury. The left-hander's superior arm strength also was immediately obvious. What’s working Robinson's production provided a safety net for the offense which helped make for a smooth transition to Penix. Robinson had scoring runs of 2 and 4 yards. Robinson has rushed for 10 touchdowns this season. He's the first Atlanta player with 10 more more rushing touchdowns since Devonta Freeman during the 2016 Super Bowl season. Robinson ran for 94 yards on 22 carries and had 103 yards from scrimmage. His 11th game this season with at least 100 yards from scrimmage are the most for the Falcons since Warrick Dunn's 11 in 2005. Morris said Robinson deserves to be considered with Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley in discussions regarding the league's top running backs. “Bijan has been outstanding all year in the things that he’s able to do," Morris said. “He’s special. If it wasn’t for this other guy out in Philly, he’d get a lot more recognition across the league. But that guy is having a special year, and Bijan’s not far behind him.” What needs help With kicker Younghoe Koo on injured reserve and watching from the sideline, Riley Patterson was wide left on his first field-goal attempt from 43 yards. Patterson rebounded to make attempts from 52 and 37 yards. Stock up Jessie Bates III and Matthew Judon each had a pick-6 to highlight a day of big plays for the defense. Arnold Ebiketie had his fifth sack of the season and added a fumble recovery. Kaden Ellis added a strip-sack. He also has five sacks this season, including sacks in four consecutive games. It is the longest streak for Atlanta since Patrick Kerney had sacks in five straight games in 2001. Stock down There was some thought that a change at quarterback could be good news for Pitts, who often seemed to be missing in action with Cousins running the offense. After all, a tight end often is a natural target for quick passes from a rookie making his first start. Instead, Pitts had a poor start to the Penix era when he bobbled his first pass from the left-hander, creating an interception by cornerback Cor’Dale Flott. Pitts caught a 7-yard pass on his only other target. For the season, Pitts has 41 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns. Injuries There will be much interest in this week's injury report after WR Drake London (hamstring) was hurt in the second half. Morris provided an optimistic postgame outlook on London. CB Antonio Hamilton (quad) did not return after leaving the game in the first half. Key number 8: Bates has four interceptions and four forced fumbles. His combined eight forced turnovers lead the NFL. Next steps The game against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders is a reminder Penix was only the fourth of six quarterbacks selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Daniels, from LSU, was the No. 2 overall pick behind Caleb Williams by Chicago. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Charles Odum, The Associated PressNone

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.AENT Stock Soars to 52-Week High, Hits $4.99 Amidst 393% Annual Surge

France has a new government. Now it must fix the budget while avoiding collapseHoroscope Today, December 24, 2024: Read your today's astrological predictions

India’s climate crisis is not a distant threat — it’s a stark reality impacting millions across the country. That said, it is the marginalised — farmers, low-income communities, women, and the displaced — who often bear a disproportionate burden. In a nation where 65% of the population relies on agriculture, every degree of rising temperature affects livelihoods. India’s climate crisis demands immediate, bold action. While the government, along with corporates and civil society organisations, is working to address this challenge, the scale of the problem requires a multi-dimensional approach to narrow the gap between solutions and response. Empowering grassroots movements, channelling resources to often overlooked segments, and framing policies and on-ground initiatives are at the core of accelerating climate solutions. By providing flexible, long-term funding, and amplifying the voices on these issues, philanthropy can be the force behind building more resilient and sustainable communities. To truly unlock its potential in advancing India’s climate goals, philanthropy must focus on key strategic areas that can drive community resilience. Climate innovation : Investing in technological, policy, and social innovations is essential to building a climate-resilient India. Whether it’s exploring new renewable energy technologies or developing adaptive agricultural practices, these investments can boost the required groundwork. Effective climate action requires policies that not only set ambitious targets but also create pathways for innovation, accountability, and collaboration with stakeholders. Scaling grassroots solutions : Philanthropic funding can enable proven community-led models to achieve broader national impact. This helps to foster resilience from the ground up, ensuring that local success translates into broader acceptance. Empowering civil society : By investing in civil society organisations, we can ensure that opinions from communities directly affected by the climate crisis are heard at national and global forums. Democratic decentralisation is key to developing sustainable and equitable solutions, both for and by the community. Empowering women as change agents : As primary caregivers and often the first responders in households, women possess unique insights into managing natural resources. By supporting capacity-building initiatives, philanthropy can harness women’s unique perspective and leadership for climate resilience. Women-led programmes can facilitate platforms that ensure their voices are integral to climate action. Closing the funding gap : The India Philanthropy Report 2024 highlights a critical need — only a small fraction (0.5%) is directed towards climate initiatives, covering only 10% of India’s climate financing needs. Philanthropy has the power to direct resources to these often-overlooked segments, where attention may be limited. Addressing this gap is more than an opportunity, it is a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind. India’s philanthropic sector has already planted the seeds of change through various initiatives, such as climate collaboratives or mainstreaming local voices into the climate conversation. These demonstrate the sector’s potential to create a meaningful impact. For example, organisations such as PRADAN cultivate resilience through natural farming and nature-based solutions, empowering communities amid climate uncertainties. Climate RISE Alliance’s compendium, Interwoven Futures highlights CSO-led climate efforts in India. Platforms such as Giving Pi are connecting donors with projects that mitigate environmental impacts, showcasing how technology can enhance philanthropic efforts toward climate action. Similarly, numerous on-ground implementing organisations are actively collaborating with governments and corporates to strengthen climate resilience. To cite a recent example, the mangrove plantation and restoration efforts in coastal Odisha played a vital role in mitigating the damage from Cyclone Dana. Many initiatives are focusing on promoting traditional knowledge, which often holds valuable insights for addressing climate change. Philanthropy has the power to align with governments, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society, allowing the good work happening in silos to become a unified force. Such partnerships pool resources, foster transparency, and minimise duplication. As the climate crisis intensifies, real impact demands a focused and strategic approach. Philanthropy can provide the flexibility needed to act on climate goals. Neera Nundy is co-founder, Dasra, andShaifalika Panda is trustee and founder-CEO,Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation.The views expressed are personal

As winter closes in and, in some locales, crime rates increase in relation to areas like burglaries, theft, business robberies, the firm Adobe Express has investigated which cities in the UK are safest for employees. The exercise was part of a wider national study to find the most employee friendly cities. The collected crime data takes into account safety perception, property crimes, specified crimes and violent crimes to reveal the 30 safest cities to work in. Determining the safety rankings of cities requires a comprehensive analysis of various factors. The analysis reveals that Norwich, Newcastle and Brighton top the list; whilst Bradford, Coventry and Birmingham are deemed the least safe places to work. The top ten safest cities were identified as: The Crime Index takes into account survey responses about: • General perception of crime levels • Perceived safety: Survey responses from residents and visitors regarding their feelings of safety while walking during daylight and at night. • Concerns about specific crimes: Survey questions about worries regarding mugging, robbery, car theft, physical attacks by strangers, harassment in public places, and discrimination based on factors like skin colour, ethnicity, gender, or religion. • Property crimes: Assessment of the extent of property-related crimes, such as burglary, theft, vandalism, etc. • Violent crimes: Evaluation of the perception of violent crimes, including assault, homicide, sexual offenses, etc. Under these measures, Norwich comes out on top . Norwich offers a safe and welcoming environment. The city’s low crime rates and effective community policing contribute to its safety. Norwich also boasts well-preserved heritage buildings and beautifully landscaped parks, creating a safe and pleasant atmosphere. In contrast, the least safe top ten is : While the data is broadly indicative of ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ on the measures applied, there can be variables impacting on the data. For example, people in some countries are more likely to report a crime than in other countries. In addition, the data from governmental institutions can be prone to collection error. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Dublin, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Heavy Construction Equipment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Heavy Construction Equipment Market was valued at USD 202.86 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 277.45 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 5.36%. Governments are increasingly investing in public infrastructure projects to support economic growth, improve transportation systems, and enhance overall quality of life, further propelling the market. Advancements in technology, such as the integration of IoT and automation, are enhancing the efficiency and safety of heavy construction equipment, making it more appealing to contractors. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will likely lead to increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and improved project timelines, attracting more investment in heavy machinery. The growing focus on sustainable construction practices is also influencing market dynamics; manufacturers are developing eco-friendly equipment with lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency, catering to the rising demand for greener construction solutions. The aftermath of global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future challenges, prompting governments and private sectors to prioritize investment in heavy construction equipment. The rise of smart cities and advancements in infrastructure technology are pushing the demand for innovative machinery that can support complex projects, ensuring a steady growth trajectory for the market. As construction activities expand globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, driven by economic recovery and infrastructure initiatives, the Heavy Construction Equipment Market is poised for substantial growth. Ultimately, the convergence of urbanization, technological advancements, government investments, and a shift towards sustainable practices is expected to significantly elevate the Heavy Construction Equipment Market, making it a pivotal sector in the broader construction industry. Increasing Adoption of Automation and Robotics The integration of automation in heavy machinery allows for real-time data collection and analysis, enabling contractors to make informed decisions and optimize operational workflows. This trend is particularly evident in large-scale infrastructure projects where precision and speed are paramount. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the capabilities of construction equipment, allowing for predictive maintenance and improved equipment lifespan management. As firms increasingly recognize the benefits of automation in terms of cost savings and enhanced performance, the demand for automated heavy construction equipment is expected to continue growing, reshaping the landscape of the industry. Integration of Internet of Things Technology Real-time insights help prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and optimize resource allocation, leading to increased productivity on job sites. The ability to analyze data collected from connected equipment facilitates informed decision-making and improves project planning. As construction firms seek to leverage data analytics for better operational control, the demand for IoT-enabled heavy construction equipment is on the rise. This trend also aligns with the broader movement towards digital transformation within the construction industry, as firms increasingly recognize the importance of data-driven strategies for enhancing competitiveness and operational effectiveness. Rising Focus on Operator Training and Skill Development Many companies are partnering with educational institutions and vocational training centers to develop targeted training curricula that address industry needs. This trend not only helps in bridging the skills gap but also fosters a culture of continuous learning within organizations. By prioritizing operator training and skill development, construction companies can improve equipment utilization, reduce accidents, and increase overall productivity. As the Heavy Construction Equipment Market evolves, the emphasis on developing a skilled workforce will become increasingly vital to maintaining competitiveness and adapting to technological advancements. Key Attributes: Report Scope: Key Market Players Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. Terex Corporation Caterpillar Inc. Komatsu Ltd. Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. Doosan Bobcat Inc. The Manitowoc Company, Inc. Epiroc AB Astec Industries, Inc. Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By Type: Earthmoving Equipment Material Handling Equipment Heavy Construction Equipment Others Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By Application: Excavation & Demolition Heavy Lifting Material Handling Tunneling Transportation Recycling & Waste Management Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By End Use: Building & Construction Forestry & Agriculture Infrastructure Mining Others Heavy Construction Equipment Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Belgium Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Indonesia Vietnam South America Brazil Colombia Argentina Chile Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Turkey Israel For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4ggvsv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Heavy Construction Equipment Market

Swiss National Bank Sells 3,400 Shares of Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE)