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f 234 Uganda, often celebrated as the Pearl of Africa, is admired for its natural beauty and relative stability. Yet beneath this façade lies a society grappling with deep-rooted challenges. These issues, while subtle, reflect a troubling shift in the nation’s social and moral fabric. The Uganda of today reveals a worrying trend of self-interest over community wellbeing. The once-shared values of respect and collective responsibility seem to have faded, replaced by a mindset that prioritises personal gain above all else. This shift is particularly evident in everyday behaviours that reflect a lack of trust and regard for others. On the roads, for example, chaos reigns. Boda boda riders often weave recklessly through traffic, even onto pavements, showing little respect for pedestrians. Cars frequently break rules, driving against the flow of traffic to avoid congestion, creating dangerous conditions for everyone. These behaviours are not isolated; they symbolise a broader societal issue: the erosion of discipline and consideration. Adding to this decline is the flood of counterfeit goods in the market. From medicines to food products, the sheer volume of fake items poses a grave danger to public health and safety. Many unsuspecting consumers are left vulnerable, unable to distinguish between genuine and substandard products. This culture of deceit fuels mistrust and exploits the very people who should be protected. Another insidious issue is the rise of professional and intellectual vandalism. It is not uncommon for individuals to steal ideas and proposals from others, passing them off as their own to secure contracts or funding. This selfish practice not only undermines trust but also affects development, as many of these impostors fail to deliver on their promises. Consequently, innovative thinkers fear sharing their knowledge, wary that their efforts will be exploited for personal gain without credit or accountability. This stifling of creativity and collaboration is a direct blow to progress and social cohesion. The underlying cause of these actions is not just recklessness; it is a growing sense of disconnection. People no longer see themselves as part of a shared community. Trust among individuals has diminished to the point where everyone is viewed with suspicion, and the prevailing question seems to be, What’s in it for me? This attitude transcends age, with both adults and children alike mirroring this self-serving outlook. The rise of mob justice further reflects this decline in social cohesion. Groups taking the law into their own hands may be driven by frustration with an inefficient justice system, but it is a dangerous trend that undermines the rule of law and breeds further disorder. Similarly, incidents of avoidable tragedies, like people rushing towards overturned oil trucks in search of fuel, only to suffer fatal consequences, reflect a lack of awareness and value for life. The cumulative effect of these behaviours paints a troubling picture. Uganda, once a beacon of potential, now seems to struggle under the weight of moral decay and a lack of shared purpose. The dreams of unity and progress that inspired generations are giving way to cynicism and disillusionment. But all is not lost. There remains an opportunity to reclaim the values that once held society together. The East African Revival offers a timeless message of reconciliation, humility, and collective responsibility, principles that are desperately needed today. Rooted in these ideals, Uganda has a chance to rebuild trust and restore a sense of community. We can draw inspiration from neighbouring countries like Rwanda and South Africa, where the philosophy of obuntu, emphasising empathy and shared humanity, has played a key role in healing and uniting fractured societies. Uganda does not need to wait for conflict to embrace these principles. By fostering a culture of accountability, prioritising the common good, and rekindling mutual respect, the nation can address its current challenges before they escalate further. The way forward lies in a moral and social revival, one that places community above individualism and emphasises shared progress over personal enrichment. It is a call to action for all Ugandans to remember their collective identity and work together to rebuild the foundations of trust and unity. With this spirit, Uganda can once again shine as a symbol of hope and resilience for the continent. *****Wake Forest still experimenting ahead of Detroit Mercy game

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HOUSTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OptiSigns, a leader in digital signage software solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation as a Platinum Sponsor in this year's Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2024, taking place this December in Las Vegas, Nevada . The highly anticipated event, a premier gathering for digital signage innovators, professionals, and enthusiasts, will provide the perfect stage for OptiSigns to unveil its latest advancements and engage with industry leaders. Visitors of DSE 2024 will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how OptiSigns' powerful and user-friendly platform is transforming how businesses communicate, engage, and inform their audiences. From dynamic content scheduling to seamless integrations and real-time updates, OptiSigns' solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses across industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. "At OptiSigns, we are passionate about empowering businesses with technology that engages audiences and drives results," said Head of Sales John Shelley. "We are excited to connect with industry professionals at DSE 2024, showcase our solutions, and demonstrate how digital signage can transform communication strategies." DSE 2024 will take place from December 9, 2024 , to December 10, 2024 , at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada , and promises to bring together key players and thought leaders in digital signage, offering a unique platform to explore the latest technologies and network with industry professionals. What to Expect from OptiSigns at DSE 2024: Live Demonstrations: Visitors of DSE can visit OptiSigns booth #3134 to explore the intuitive features of the OptiSigns platform and learn how it can simplify and enhance digital signage management. Using OptiSigns innovative technology like the Pro Player and Android Stick, visitors will be treated to LIVE Demos of unique OptiSigns features like Audience Intelligence, the OptiSync Data Management System, and the Lift and Learn Interactive Kiosk Experience. New Product Announcements: Stop by OptiSigns booth #3134 and be the first to see the newest innovative Pro Max technology designed by OptiSigns and learn more about unique updates that will redefine the digital signage landscape. Our newest Pro Max technology is our most powerful digital signage player that supports 8K or 4x4K video walls. With OptiSigns experts onsite, visitors will have the opportunity to discuss trends, best practices, and strategies for maximizing the impact of digital signage. Exclusive Giveaways and Promotions: Attendees visiting OptiSigns booth #3134 will have access to special offers, giveaways, and prizes. This year, OptiSigns will unleash their interactive Opti Claw Machine, tantalizing visitors with a chance to win OptiSigns Android Sticks, Pro Players, Optibot Keychains, and more. One lucky winner will win a brand new PS5 Pro via a LinkedIn competition, and the winner will be announced LIVE at DSE! For more information on the PS5 giveaway, check out OptiSigns' LinkedIn page. About OptiSigns OptiSigns is a leading digital signage software provider dedicated to helping businesses create engaging, impactful content experiences. Focusing on simplicity, scalability, and innovation, OptiSigns empowers organizations to communicate their message effectively and captivate their audience through digital displays. For more information on OptiSigns, visit www.optisigns.com or follow us on all social media @OptiSignsInc. Media Contact: Aisha Albritton Director of Trade Show Strategy and Event Marketing Aisha.Albritton@OptiSigns.com | (404) 641-0613 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optisigns-to-showcase-cutting-edge-digital-signage-solutions-at-the-digital-signage-experience-2024-in-las-vegas-302320107.html SOURCE OptiSignsBEIRUT — During his first term as president, Donald Trump took a bold if controversial approach to the Middle East. He moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, forged landmark deals between Israel and some Arab states and tore up the international nuclear deal with Iran. He imposed his will using a transactional style of diplomacy and the muscle of American power, even when it meant defying international consensus and brushing aside Palestinian concerns. But experts say that blunt strategy may not work this time around, particularly as international attention has refocused on the plight of Palestinians and criticism of Israel is rising. The Middle East is a vastly different place since Trump left office in 2021. Wars are now raging in Gaza and Lebanon as Israel presses on with its attempts to destroy Hamas and Hezbollah. Those conflicts are threatening to trigger a wider war that would pit the United States and Israel against Iran and its proxies. Israel and Iran have fired rockets into each other's territory in recent months amid a buildup of U.S. troops in the region. The multitude of crises proved too thorny for President Joe Biden to resolve. His diplomatic ineffectiveness has led some Middle East countries to find room for solace in a Trump Presidency 2.0. "For the Gulf, everybody is saying 'Welcome back, Trump. We've been waiting for you for the past four years,’ ” said Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a political scientist from the United Arab Emirates. He added that Biden's inability to contain and stop the war in Gaza and now Lebanon made Gulf governments see him as weak. "They want a strong president in Washington whom they can trust, and who can deliver," he said. "The feeling here is 'We know who Trump is, we know how to deal with him. And he knows us.’ ” As president the first time, Trump found common cause with many Middle Eastern potentates, forgoing criticism of their human rights records. He and his family members have also deepened business ties with the Gulf, sometimes through real estate deals. Saudi Arabia has invested $2 billion into Affinity Partners, a private equity firm run by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The centerpiece of Trump's foreign policy achievements in the Middle East is the Abraham Accords, the historic agreement he brokered in 2020 that established diplomatic relations between Israel and the Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan — without conditioning them on Palestinian statehood or Israeli concessions to the Palestinians. Trump has said he intends to expand the accords, and the main prize would be Saudi Arabia, which at one time appeared open to a deal with Israel that would also include a defense pact with the U.S. and support for the oil-rich kingdom to build a civilian-use nuclear reactor. But then on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and spurring an Israeli invasion of Gaza that authorities there say has killed nearly 44,000 people. The war has made the prospect of a deal considerably harder. Though Saudi Arabia is not a democracy, its leaders cannot afford to ignore public sentiment, which has turned sharply against Israel. "The horror of Gaza and Lebanon has inflamed public opinion, and made any normalization much more difficult," said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi commentator close to the royal court. Saudi Arabia now insists that any agreement would be contingent on "an irreversible track" toward the creation of a Palestinian state. "The kingdom will not cease its tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without one," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is viewed as the country's de facto ruler, said in an address to his advisory council in September. In a speech during a summit of Arab and Islamic nations this month in Riyadh, Bin Salman delivered his harshest remarks yet about the Gaza war, castigating Israel for what he described as its "collective genocide" against "the brotherly Palestinian people." At the same time, Israel may be less willing to bargain, especially with Trump in the White House, if his first time is any indication. Besides moving the U.S. Embassy and recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, he pushed for the so-called "Deal of the Century," a peace plan that would have left the Palestinians without a state and allowed Israel to annex wide swaths of the occupied West Bank. He also took a more belligerent tack with Israel's regional nemesis Iran, pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal, levying wide-ranging sanctions and assassinating the country's top general, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Israeli leaders appeared jubilant when Trump won the U.S. election this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who dismisses the notion of a Palestinian state, now appears poised to consolidate control over Palestinian territory. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich celebrated Trump's win and ordered preparations for the annexation of the West Bank, declaring on X that 2025 would be "the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria" — the biblical name Israel uses for the occupied territory. Meanwhile, Trump has chosen hard-line pro-Israel figures to key diplomatic posts that would deal with the Middle East. His pick for ambassador to Israel, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, rejects Palestinian claims to land and sovereignty. Nevertheless, Palestinians may have room for hope compared with Biden, said Mouin Rabbani, an analyst and fellow at the Doha, Qatar-based Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. He pointed out that Biden didn't reverse any of Trump's Israel policies or manage to bring about a lasting cease-fire — and that Trump might try to wield his leverage with Netanyahu in a more forceful fashion to bring an end to the fighting. A peace deal with the Palestinians would go some way in undercutting the influence of Iran, which has funded and armed groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen while competing for regional supremacy with Saudi Arabia. The equation, however, has changed in another important way. Arab leaders once welcomed Trump's more aggressive stance toward Iran. But China recently brokered detente between Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and Iran. Bin Salman — in the same speech in which he condemned Israel's war on Gaza — called on the international community to "compel Israel to respect Iran's sovereignty and not to attack [Iranian] territories." Gulf leaders are also wary of relying too much on the U.S. to defend against any Iranian attack. Paramount in their thinking is Iran's 2019 drone and missile attack on Abqaiq, the Saudi oil refinery complex. The Trump administration responded by increasing economic sanctions on Iran but did little else. "Nobody minds American pressure to make Iran give up its nuclear weapons," Shihabi said. "But they don't want America to provoke Iran and then lose interest." Trump has repeatedly expressed his aversion to foreign adventures, claiming that his first administration did not embroil the U.S. in conflicts abroad and that neither the war in Ukraine nor Gaza would have started under his watch. Experts said he will be reluctant to enter an all-out conflagration in the region. "Yes, he has donors from Israel and an evangelical constituency," Rabbani said. "But he doesn't want to be the president who — after Iraq and Afghanistan — is the one who gets the U.S. involved in another land war in the Middle East with Iran."

Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-JanuaryLea Miller-Tooley hopped off a call to welcome the Baylor women’s basketball team to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, where 80-degree temperatures made it easy for the Bears to settle in on Paradise Island a week before Thanksgiving. About 5,000 miles west of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men's teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley, the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men's and women's tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville 72-66 for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Notre Dame takes on Chaminade during the first half of a 2017 game in Lahaina, Hawaii. Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four's most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event's relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo argues a call during the first half of a Nov. 16 game against Bowling Green in East Lansing, Michigan. Mi zzo is making his fourth trip to Maui. The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina. It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo's Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021. “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii. Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024-- Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) and Fairmount Holdings, Inc. today announced the successful closure of their transaction where Accel has acquired the owner of the FanDuel Sportsbook & Racetrack, for total consideration of approximately 3.45 million shares of Accel Class A-1 common stock. The strategic transaction adds a promising single site racetrack and future casino to extend Accel’s convenience gaming expertise to a larger and more concentrated form factor – an adjacency in locals gaming that is complementary to Accel’s steadily growing, route-based footprint. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Fairmount generated $29 million of revenue and modest Adjusted EBITDA from the site’s existing sportsbook, racetrack and 3 OTB locations. Accel plans to invest $85-95 million to fund Phase I and then Phase II casino construction and modest track investments. Accel’s five-year forecast suggests an Adjusted EBITDA potential of $20 to $25 million and over 75% free cash flow conversion – pointing to a compelling cash flow return on capital. The asset will be the cornerstone in a local gaming platform that builds on Accel’s capabilities and strengths as a leading route-based operator. “We are excited to close the acquisition of Fairmount and eager to refresh and revitalize an iconic racing and gaming asset. Our plan and timeline are ambitious and achievable, and we look forward to welcoming investors and visitors to our Phase I casino opening in Q2, 2025,” said Andy Rubenstein, Accel co-founder, President, CEO and Director. Mark, Phelan, Accel’s President of U.S. Gaming added “Over the past few months, our team has been hard at work. We’ve hired a Casino General Manager, received approvals from both the Illinois Gaming Board and Illinois Racing Board and finalized design and development plans for the first phase of the casino.” Compelling Strategic Rationale Natural Adjacency Accel’s organic and tuck-in M&A growth model has been proven over 14 years, scaling route-based gaming in Illinois, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska and Georgia Accel has built a deep expertise in player experience, commercial partnerships, regulatory relationships and procurement The acquisition of the FanDuel Sportsbook and Racetrack extends route-based capabilities to a convenient single site for locals The casino Accel’s developing targets consumer segments adjacent to route-based gaming, owns the relationship with the player and leverages partner expertise in real estate development, food and beverage, and hospitality Attractive Return Profile The transaction has two parts – acquisition of Fairmount, the holder of the license and underlying site assets, for approximately 3.45 million shares of Accel Class A-1 common stock, and $85-95 million of expected casino build out and track investments funded from Accel’s revolver Projections of five-year adjusted EBITDA and robust free cash flow conversion point to an attractive return on capital – in-line with existing Accel’s route-based footprint Platform for Future Growth This transaction accesses a ‘locals gaming’ total addressable market (“TAM”) estimated by Eilers & Krejcik to be ~$15 billion in size Locals gaming assets remain largely unconsolidated, under family or small business ownership and far less often contested by larger gaming players The transaction has been approved by Accel’s Board of Directors, the Board of Directors and shareholders of Fairmount Holdings. Wells Fargo acted as exclusive financial advisor and Lewis Rice LLC acted as legal counsel to Fairmount Holdings in connection with the transaction. About Accel Accel is a leading distributed gaming operator in the United States and a preferred partner for local business owners in the markets it serves. Accel offers turnkey full-service gaming solutions to authorized non-casino locations such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, and fraternal and veteran establishments across the country. Accel installs, maintains, operates and services gaming terminals and related equipment for its location partners as well as redemption devices, stand-alone ATMs and amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment related equipment. Accel also designs and manufactures gaming terminals and related equipment. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding the proposed acquisition, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, investment and expansion plans, projected future results and market opportunities, as well as our estimates of number of gaming terminals, locations, revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditures, our ability to generate returns on capital and improve our trading multiple. The words “predict,” “estimated,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “continue,” and similar expressions or the negatives thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our current reasonable expectations, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Accel regarding Fairmount, the acquisition or its anticipated effects or benefits, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or Fairmount’s actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the forward-looking statements, and you should be aware that results and events could differ materially and adversely from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors including, but not limited to: Accel’s ability to integrate Fairmount’s operations with Accel’s own, to complete the casino development on a timely basis and within budget, and to operate the race track and casino businesses successfully; Accel’s ability to operate in existing markets or expand into new jurisdictions; Accel’s ability to offer new and innovative products and services that fulfill the needs of location partners and create strong and sustained player appeal; Accel’s dependence on relationships with key manufacturers, developers and third parties to obtain gaming terminals, amusement machines, and related supplies, programs, and technologies for its business on acceptable terms; the negative impact on Accel’s future results of operations by the slow growth in demand for gaming terminals and by the slow growth of new gaming jurisdictions; Accel’s heavy dependency on its ability to win, maintain and renew contracts with location partners; unfavorable macroeconomic conditions or decreased discretionary spending due to other factors such as interest rate volatility, persistent inflation, actual or perceived instability in the U.S. and global banking systems, high fuel rates, recessions, epidemics or other public health issues, terrorist activity or threat thereof, civil unrest or other macroeconomic or political uncertainties, that could adversely affect Accel’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial conditions, Accel’s ability to integrate, develop and operate FanDuel Sportsbook & Racetrack and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in documents filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, forward-looking statements, including any projections or analysis, should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Accel. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,2023 filed by Accel with the SEC on February 28, 2024 (the "Form 10-K"), as well as Accel’s other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, we do not undertake publicly to update or revise these statements, even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed in this or other press releases or future quarterly reports, or company statements will not be realized. In addition, the inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by us that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. In addition, the industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K, as well as Accel’s other filings with the SEC. These and other factors could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in this press release. Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release includes certain financial information not prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”), including Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, and Net Debt. EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt are non-GAAP financial measures and are key metrics used to monitor ongoing core operations. Management of Accel believes such non-GAAP financial measures enhance the understanding of Accel’s underlying drivers of profitability and trends in Accel’s business and facilitates company-to-company and period-to-period comparisons, because these non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effects of certain non-cash items, represents certain nonrecurring items that are unrelated to core performance, or excludes non-core operations. Management of Accel also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are used by investors, analysts and other interested parties as measures of financial performance. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202466306/en/ CONTACT: Investors Mathew Ellis Chief Financial Officer Accel Entertainment, Inc. 630-972-2235ir@accelentertainment.comMedia Eric Bonach H/Advisors Abernathy 212-371-5999eric.bonach@h-advisors.global KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CASINO/GAMING GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SOURCE: Accel Entertainment, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/02/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/02/2024 04:32 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202466306/enNone

Schmicko Sydney Expands Its Services To Cover Whole of Sydney and Its Suburbs 12-27-2024 11:18 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Schmicko is setting new standards in mobile care services across the city. Schmicko Registered Sydney has finally announced the expansion of its services in the Sydney City center area to cover the whole of Sydney and its suburbs instead. Widely regarded as the number one provider of mobile car care services in Sydney, Schmicko Registered Sydney provides a comprehensive range of car care services, from superior car detailing and paint protection to secure hardwired dash cam installations. Their nanotechnology ceramic coating and graphene paint protection, combined with our car window tinting, which is available in both carbon and ceramic tints, are becoming increasingly popular. Best known for flawless Auto detailing, Window tinting, Car Roof Lining Repairs, Car Window Tinting, Ceramic Car Coatings, and Dash Cam Installation, an add-on service that installs mobile dash cam hardwired directly to the fuse box, Schmicko Registered Sydney boasts of experienced professionals who ensure highest quality care, using top-of-the-line products and proven techniques. Each of their department has its own set of specialized technicians, which means every client is guaranteed to receive their own personalized specialist best fitted to the job. In the words of one of their company's representatives, "Customers love our products and services, so we are expanding our area to cover the whole of Sydney so everyone in the city can take advantage. When it comes to auto detailing, nobody does it better, and now everyone in Sydney can access our team of auto cleaning and repair specialists." As evident, Schmicko Registered Sydney currently serves areas of The Hills District, South West Sydney, Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore, Parramatta, Castle Hill, Penrith, Hornsby, Blacktown, Inner West, Hunters Hill, Eastern Suburbs, Sutherland Shire Council, North Sydney, Canterbury, Vaucluse, Gladesville, Bondi, and Kellyville, in addition to Sydney. To learn more, please visit https://schmicko.com.au/sydney/ . For updates, follow Schmicko Registered Sydney on Social Media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetschmicko Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schmicko_auto/ YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@schmicko2996 Find Schmicko Registered Sydney on Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/43LCAmm Media Contact Company Name: Schmicko Registered Sydney Contact Person: David Bui Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=schmicko-sydney-expands-its-services-to-cover-whole-of-sydney-and-its-suburbs ] City: Sydney State: New South Wales Country: Australia Website: http://schmicko.com.au/sydney This release was published on openPR."Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them.Peter Dutton FINALLY reveals costings of nuclear energy plan - and why he expects 'massive savings' for your power bill Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled nuclear costings By STEPHEN JOHNSON, ECONOMICS REPORTER FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 23:41 GMT, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 01:33 GMT, 13 December 2024 e-mail 186 View comments The Coalition says nuclear energy will be needed to stop blackouts and reduce energy bills as it unveiled a new energy plan that's much less reliant on renewables. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to build seven publicly-owned nuclear power plants in Australia, with predictions the first will come online from the mid-to-late 2030s - a timeline the CSIRO has rubbished. He argued his $331billion plan will be 44 per cent cheaper than Labor's program to almost replace coal and gas-powered energy with wind and solar energy within 15 years. 'This is a plan that will underpin the economic success of our country for the next century,' he told reporters on Friday. Labor's plan is to have the grid firmed with 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, rising to 98 per cent by 2040 based on solar and wind. Both sides of politics support a net zero by 2050 goal, but the Coalition sees nuclear power, gas and renewables meeting Australia's energy needs to achieve that target. 'We just can't pretend that we can have part-time power running a full-time economy,' Mr Dutton said. 'Australians are smarter than what the prime minister credits and Australians are well read, they understand what is happening internationally.' Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to build seven publicly-owned nuclear power plants across the country 'As coal retires from the system it should be replaced with zero emissions nuclear energy because nuclear is also an always on 24/7 source of energy and it’s going to be critical so that we get prices down and keep the lights on as we reach net zero.' Mr Dutton was confident Labor would support the Coalition's policies should Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lose next year's election , arguing it was hypocritical for the ALP to support nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS deal but be opposed to domestic nuclear power. Read More EXCLUSIVE Dick Smith warns Australia needs nuclear power NOW 'We have the situation here where I think it will be post-Anthony Albanese's leadership – which I don't think is too far away – in that scenario I think there can be bipartisan position in relation to the vision we put to the Australian people today,' he said. The Coalition's plan was modelled by Frontier Economics, which costed Labor's energy transition at $594billion, versus $331billion for the coalition's nuclear plan - marking a difference of $263billion. 'We've got a well thought-out plan here - we have the independent costings that provide that validation,' Mr Dutton said. 'This means reduced power bills for households, lower operating costs for small businesses, and a stronger, more resilient economy.' The report argued Labor's renewables-only plan would 'cost at least five times more than what Labor has told the Australian people'. 'This is likely an underestimate with the costs of transmission projects already blowing out by billions,' it said. The Coalition's proposal favours nuclear reactors across the nation But Energy Minister Chris Bowen has rubbished this number, saying the government's renewable energy plan would cost $122billion and not almost $600billion, citing a forecast made by the national energy grid operator. 'They're making it up as they go along,' Mr Bowen told ABC TV of the Coalition's costings on Friday. 'I'm not sure how they'll get the nuclear power into the grid, maybe by carrier pigeon if they're going to assert if somehow you'll need less transmission,' he said. 'They have had to make some very heroic assumptions here and they have had to really stretch the truth to try to get some very dodgy figures.' Keeping coal-fired power plants open beyond their lifespan was a threat to energy reliability, with outages and breakdowns happening on a daily basis, Mr Bowen said. 'It's a recipe for blackouts to keep ageing coal-fired power stations in the grid for longer,' he said. The Coalition's energy spokesman Ted O'Brien said Labor's renewables rollout was based on 'fantasy'. 'Our priority is to bring power prices down. That is why we can't shut down coal power plants prematurely,' he said. Nationals leader David Littleproud said no major advanced economy had embraced a renewables only policy. 'Understand the burden that you are asking us to bear. There is another way to achieve it,' he said. The Coalition faces opposition from states, which had legislated bans on nuclear energy, with its plan to turn coal-fired power stations into nuclear reactors in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The CSIRO on Monday released a GenCost report suggesting establishing a nuclear energy industry in Australia would take at least 15 years - even though the United Arab Emirates did it in 2020 after eight years of work. It predicted that by 2030, larger-scale nuclear power could be generated at a cost of $150 to $245 a megawatt hour, compared with $121 to $164 for solar, and $67 to $137 for solar and wind. Nuclear power from small modular reactors, or SMRs, would cost $285 to $487 an hour, the report claimed. Peter Dutton Share or comment on this article: Peter Dutton FINALLY reveals costings of nuclear energy plan - and why he expects 'massive savings' for your power bill e-mail Add comment

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. The average number of credit cards held by each generation follows the familiar pattern seen in credit card balances, which tend to increase in a consumer's middle age. It's not surprising that the number of credit card accounts follows a similar climb throughout young adulthood and middle age, then drops off in the retirement years. No matter how many credit cards you may have at the moment, keep in mind that the number of accounts has little if any bearing on one's FICO Score. Far more important is how consumers manage those accounts. This is easily demonstrable by quickly stepping through some of the factors that affect your credit scores . Longer credit histories do tend to have a positive effect on a consumer's credit score, but it's not something you can rush. Adhering to on-time payments and managing amounts owed will go far in improving credit scores, even absent a lengthy credit history. While accounts closed in good standing remain on your credit report for 10 years, canceling your oldest credit card account still has the potential to shorten your credit history when it is eventually removed. The impact of its removal depends on any other active credit cards in your credit file. Ultimately, the number of cards a particular individual carries is a personal decision. Justifications can be found for carrying a travel rewards card, a cash back card, a balance transfer card, a card for business transactions and other types of credit cards that other consumers may not have either the need or qualifications for. However, keeping track of numerous credit cards, whether or not a consumer is actively using all of them, can be a mentally taxing exercise. Not only that, credit card fees can add up and dull the benefit of carrying several credit cards. Organized consumers can benefit greatly from a wallet full of specialized cards, but for those seeking a more zen-like financial future, some judicial pruning may be in order. Methodology: The analysis results provided are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database that may include use of the FICO Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared with other similar analysis. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and compilations of related statistical data. This story was produced by Experian and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Oak Valley Bancorp Stock Hits All-Time High at $30.81

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. People are also reading... Beatrice house suffers severe damage from Christmas fire Is John Dutton real? Meet the powerful rancher seemingly inspiring the 'Yellowstone' legend At the courthouse, Dec. 21, 2024 Beatrice church starts construction on fellowship hall Former Beatrice man sentenced for sex assault of runaway City employee retires after 47 years Gage County supervisors vote down FOP contract offer Two faces charges in January vehicle thefts Downtown Beatrice festive for the holidays Beatrice's Schroeder wins at Junior Angus show Beatrice man pleads guilty to receiving child sex abuse images What’s open and closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2024? Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez signs with LOVB's Omaha team Main Street welcomes new director Matt Rhule and Nebraska football plan Pinstripe Bowl practice in Central Park "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. How many credit cards do you have? US consumers now carry fewer than 4 credit cards on average Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. Average Number of Cards Has Declined Since 2017 U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. Number of Credit Cards Carried Drops Throughout the Years As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. Residents of More Populous States Have More Credit Cards on Average In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Average Number of Credit Cards Per Consumer is Similar Across the U.S. Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Older Consumers Have More Active Credit Cards on Average The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. Number of Cards Carried Increases Into Middle Age The average number of credit cards held by each generation follows the familiar pattern seen in credit card balances, which tend to increase in a consumer's middle age. It's not surprising that the number of credit card accounts follows a similar climb throughout young adulthood and middle age, then drops off in the retirement years. How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many? No matter how many credit cards you may have at the moment, keep in mind that the number of accounts has little if any bearing on one's FICO Score. Far more important is how consumers manage those accounts. This is easily demonstrable by quickly stepping through some of the factors that affect your credit scores . Utilization and amounts owed: Credit card issuers extend credit to consumers in the form of a credit limit. Generally, the lower a consumer's credit utilization, or balance compared with credit limit, the better. Keeping credit utilization ratios under 30% can lessen the negative impact credit card balances have on scores, and those with the highest credit scores tend to have credit utilization ratios in the low single digits. Conversely, carrying balances that begin to approach one's credit limits may have adverse effects on credit scores. Delinquencies and payment history: As important as managing balances is, making payments on existing accounts has an even greater impact on scores. Even a single delinquency (late payment) may have an adverse effect on your credit score, no matter how few or many credit card accounts you have. Average age of accounts: This is the only credit score factor where the number of cards one carries may influence their credit score. However, even here, keeping older credit cards open is far from a clear-cut decision. Longer credit histories do tend to have a positive effect on a consumer's credit score, but it's not something you can rush. Adhering to on-time payments and managing amounts owed will go far in improving credit scores, even absent a lengthy credit history. While accounts closed in good standing remain on your credit report for 10 years, canceling your oldest credit card account still has the potential to shorten your credit history when it is eventually removed. The impact of its removal depends on any other active credit cards in your credit file. The Bottom Line Ultimately, the number of cards a particular individual carries is a personal decision. Justifications can be found for carrying a travel rewards card, a cash back card, a balance transfer card, a card for business transactions and other types of credit cards that other consumers may not have either the need or qualifications for. However, keeping track of numerous credit cards, whether or not a consumer is actively using all of them, can be a mentally taxing exercise. Not only that, credit card fees can add up and dull the benefit of carrying several credit cards. Organized consumers can benefit greatly from a wallet full of specialized cards, but for those seeking a more zen-like financial future, some judicial pruning may be in order. Methodology: The analysis results provided are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database that may include use of the FICO Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared with other similar analysis. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and compilations of related statistical data. This story was produced by Experian and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Cam Carter put LSU ahead for good with a jumper 1:08 into the third overtime and the Tigers came away with a wild 109-102 win over UCF on Sunday in the third-place game of the Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Carter's make sparked a 5-0 spurt for LSU (5-1), which mounted a ferocious second-half rally that began after Darius Johnson drilled a 3-pointer to put the Knights up 52-34 with 12:57 to play in regulation. UCF (4-2) got back within two in the third overtime, but it never found a way to draw even. Vyctorius Miller and Jordan Sears sealed the victory, combining for three buckets down low that gave the Tigers a 106-99 cushion with 17 seconds remaining. Carter was the late-game hero for LSU, scoring the final four points of regulation to forge a 70-70 tie. He also knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:19 left in the first extra session to give the Tigers a 76-75 advantage. Sears gave LSU a four-point edge with a triple of his own with 2:10 to go, but the Tigers failed to stay in front, and UCF's Keyshawn Hall kept the game going by sinking two free throws with six seconds remaining to make it 82-82. Neither team led by more than three in the second overtime, with Hall again coming to the Knights' rescue. He made two layups in the final 52 seconds of the frame to knot things at 93 and send the teams to a third OT. Few could have predicted 15 minutes of extra basketball after UCF put together a 25-3 first-half run that lifted it to a 38-18 advantage with 2:12 left until the break. LSU responded with seven unanswered points, but the Knights still led comfortably, 40-25, at intermission. Sears finished with a game-high-tying 25 points to go along with nine boards, while Jalen Reed recorded a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double for the Tigers. Carter netted 20 points, Miller had 16 and Dji Bailey chipped in 14. Johnson collected 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists and five steals for UCF. Hall totaled 21 points and 10 boards, and Jordan Ivy-Curry supplied 20 points. LSU outshot UCF 43.2 percent to 40.7 percent and had narrow advantages from behind the arc (12 made shots to 10) and the free-throw line (21-18). --Field Level Media‘The smiling one’ Ruben Amorim says he can be ruthless when he needs to be

Debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump coalitionPM Trudeau attends Taylor Swift concert with family in Toronto

It's been a while since fans have heard any big news about Blueface. This is mostly due to the fact that he's currently behind bars. The "Thotiana" rapper turned himself in earlier this year for an alleged parole violation. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be in jail for at least another few months. That hasn't stopped him from making major changes, however, namely to his appearance. In new footage that surfaced online today, he looks to have gotten some new face tattoos. The last time supporters saw him, he didn't appear to have nearly as much ink on his face as he does now. At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether or not the tattoos are temporary or the real deal. Either way, the footage has sparked concern among social media users, who are now comparing him to Chrisean Rock . For those who don't recall, she debuted a huge tattoo of Blueface's face on her cheek after he was arrested. Read More: Blueface's Sister Kaliwae And Karlissa Saffold Get Into Heated Instagram Feud Over Kaliwae's Children While Blueface is wrapped up in his legal issues, Chrisean seems to have been caring for his youngest child Chrisean Jesus, who they welcomed in September of 2023. She's dealt with her own fair share of issues with the law in recent months, but now, it looks like she's committed to staying on a better path . For now, it's unclear whether or not Blueface plans to do the same when he's released. It's also uncertain exactly when he'll be able to reunite with his family, but he seems hopeful that it won't be too much longer. In October, his official Instagram account shared a post hinting at a potential release date. "I'll Ce Out JULY Don't Bink!!!!!" it read. This got fans' hopes up, as it was previously reported that he could be in jail for up to four years. Read More: Blueface Reveals New Prison Release Date And It’s Sooner Than ExpectedQuest Partners LLC Invests $688,000 in Fair Isaac Co. (NYSE:FICO)COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork said Thursday that he is "absolutely" confident that Ryan Day will be back as football coach in 2025. Calls to fire the sixth-year coach rose among Ohio State fans after the Buckeyes lost to Michigan for the fourth straight year. Bjork, in an interview on 97.1 The Fan, said Day is the man for the job, regardless of how the Buckeyes perform in the College Football Playoff. They host Tennessee in a first-round game Dec. 21. "Coach Day is awesome," said Bjork, who came from Texas A&M to replace the retiring Gene Smith last summer. "He's great to work with. He totally gets it. He loves being a Buckeye. So, we're going to support him at the highest level." The 13-10 loss to Michigan followed by an ugly melee between the teams put the coach in a precarious spot. He and his team were booed off the field by the home fans. Bjork ended up releasing a statement expressing his support for the coach. "The reason we had to say something after (the Michigan) game is, we're still breathing, we're still alive," Bjork said. "The season's not over. The book is not closed." Thanks to the playoff, Day has a chance to redeem himself with Ohio State's huge fanbase with a win against the Volunteers — and perhaps more in the 12-team tournament. Regardless of what happens, Day will be back next year, according to Bjork. "Coach Day and I just hit it off so well," Bjork said. "I've been really, really impressed. Every single time I talked to him, I learn something. He's innovative. He recruits at the highest level. He's got a great staff." Day wouldn't directly address his job status last weekend. "When you first come off those types of things, there's a lot of emotion," he said, referring to the Michigan loss. "And then as time goes on, you've got to get refocused because you know what you've done in the past does not affect what's going on moving forward. Everything is out in front of us." Failing to consistently beat Michigan is one of the few flaws in Day's coaching record. Hired as a member of coach Urban Meyer's staff in 2017, Day was the hand-picked successor when Meyer retired after the 2018 season. Compiling an overall 66-10 record, he is widely admired in the coaching community. "Great respect for what he's done in his coaching career, what he's done there at Ohio State and the success that they've had year-in and year-out," Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. Day is in trouble now because losing The Game is considered an unforgiveable sin by Buckeyes fans. "What we have to do is this whole 'championship or bust' mentality, you want that as the goal, but it has to be about the process," Bjork said. "To me, we've got to maybe change some conversations a little bit. I think we need to maybe just approach things a little bit differently."

WASHINGTON — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people, setting up potential passage in the final days of the lame-duck Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday he would begin the process for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. Schumer said the bill would “ensure Americans are not erroneously denied their well-earned Social Security benefits simply because they chose at some point to work in their careers in public service.” The legislation passed the House on a bipartisan vote, and a Senate version of the bill introduced last year gained 62 cosponsors. But the bill still needs support from at least 60 senators to pass Congress. It would then head to President Biden. At least one GOP senator who signed onto similar legislation last year, Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, said he was still “weighing” whether to vote for the bill next week. “Nothing ever gets paid for, so if it’s further indebtedness, I don’t know,” he said. Decades in the making, the bill would repeal two federal policies — the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset — that broadly reduce payments to two groups of Social Security recipients: people who also receive a pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security and surviving spouses of Social Security recipients who receive a government pension of their own. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which were already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. It would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget also estimates that if passed, the policy would hasten the Social Security program’s insolvency date by about half a year as well as reduce lifetime Social Security benefits by an additional $25,000 for a typical dual-income couple retiring in 2033. Sen. John Thune, the no. 2 Republican in leadership, acknowledged that the policy has strong bipartisan support, but said some Republicans also want to see it “fixed in the context of a broader Social Security reform effort.” Conservatives have opposed the bill, decrying its cost. “Even for something that people consider to be a good cause, it shows a lack of concern for the future of the country, so I think it would be a big mistake,” said Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky. Still, other Republicans have pushed Schumer to bring it up for a vote. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said last month that the current federal limitations “penalize families across the country who worked a public service job for part of their career with a separate pension. We’re talking about police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public employees who are punished for serving their communities.” He predicted the bill would pass.

I’m A Celeb live chaos as viewers spot a string of awkward editing blundersNone