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q slot BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators approved permits Thursday for of carbon dioxide delivered through a massive pipeline proposed for the Midwest, marking another victory for a project that has drawn fierce opposition from landowners. The governor-led Industrial Commission voted unanimously to approve permits for Summit Carbon Solutions’ three proposed storage sites in central North Dakota. Summit says construction of the project would begin in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027, but it’s expected that resistant landowners will file lawsuits seeking to block the storage plans. “With these permits, we’re one step closer to providing vital infrastructure that benefits farmers, ethanol producers, and communities across the Midwest," Summit Executive VP Wade Boeshans said in a statement. Summit’s proposed 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer), $8 billion pipeline planet-warming CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for underground storage. Carbon dioxide would move through the pipeline in a pressurized form to be injected deep underground into a rock formation. The company has permits for its route in North Dakota and Iowa but can’t yet begin construction. Also on Thursday, Minnesota regulators approved a permit for a in western Minnesota. Summit also recently applied in South Dakota, where regulators last year. Last month, the company gained , and Iowa regulators also have Summit faces several lawsuits related to the project, including a North Dakota Supreme Court appeal over a property rights law related to the underground storage plan. Further court challenges are likely. North Dakota Republican Gov. who chairs the Industrial Commission, is President-elect Donald Trump's and to lead a new Burgum has frequently touted North Dakota's underground carbon dioxide storage as a “geologic jackpot.” In 2021, he set a goal for the No. 3 oil-producing state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. His term ends Saturday. Summit's storage facilities would hold an estimated maximum of 352 million metric tons of CO2 over 20 years. The pipeline would carry up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year to be injected about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) underground, according to an application fact sheet. Jessie Stolark, who leads a group that supports the project and includes Summit, said the oil industry has long used similar technology. “We know that this can be done safely in a manner that is protective of human health and underground sources of drinking water,” said Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. has drawn the ire of around the region. They oppose the potential taking of their property for the pipeline and fear a releasing a cloud of heavy, gas over the land. A North Dakota landowners group is challenging a property rights law related to the underground storage, and attorney Derrick Braaten said they likely would challenge the granting of permits. “The landowners that I'm working with aren't necessarily opposed to carbon sequestration itself,” Braaten said. “They're opposed to the idea that a private company can come in and use their property without having to negotiate with them or pay them just compensation for taking their private property and using it.” Carbon capture projects such as Summit's are eligible for lucrative federal tax credits intended to encourage cleaner-burning ethanol and potentially result in corn-based ethanol being Some opponents argue the amount of greenhouse gases sequestered through the process would make little difference and could lead farmers to grow more corn despite environmental concerns about the crop. In Minnesota, regulators granted a route permit that would connect an ethanol plant in Fergus Falls to Summit’s broader network. They attached several conditions, including requirements that Summit first begin construction in North Dakota. An administrative law judge who conducted hearings concluded in November that the environmental impacts from the Minnesota segment would be minimal and noted that Summit has secured agreements from landowners along most of the recommended route. Environmental groups that oppose the project disputed the judge’s finding that the project would have a net benefit for the environment. Iowa regulators required Summit to obtain approvals for routes in the Dakotas and underground storage in North Dakota before it can begin construction in Iowa. The Iowa Utilities Commission's approval sparked lawsuits related to the project. In Nebraska, where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines, Summit is working with individual counties to advance its project. At least one county has denied a permit. Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Fire fighters battle blaze at Piha RSA in west Auckland( MENAFN - Gulf Times) Asian champions Qatar intend to spoil Kuwait's Arabian Gulf Cup party on Friday by reaching the semi-finals at the host nation's expense. Qatar have just a point from two Group A matches so far, with Kuwait sitting atop with Oman on four points meaning that Qatar must win by two goals to guarantee a passage to the last four. A draw will be enough for Kuwait to finish in the top two and qualify for the semi-finals. On the eve of the, head coach Luis Garcia said it is time for his new-look squad to step-up and be counted. “It will be a very tough game,” he admitted.“Kuwait are doing really well in front of their fans, but we are confident of playing a good match and get this victory to go through to the semi-final. We are pleased with the recovery from Tuesday's match despite the short time. So, I am happy with the fitness and with the mindset of the players which is very important.” Garcia's squad rotation has come in for criticism from some quarters back home, with young players given their chance, and he will be missing several senior players through injury and suspension against Kuwait at what is expected to be a sold-out Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium. “We have three players injured and suspended which will affect our team because it is a short tournament and not too much time to recover,” said Garcia.“But we have a squad of 26 players and everybody is ready to help the team push to win the match against Kuwait. “This is a very important tournament for Qatar and our young players because we can check how they perform in a big competition, so it is very important for them to show what they can do. They are doing really well and we are proud of them.“Football never stops. If we don't try with the young players now then the future will be a problem. We need to play them. Maybe it is their time?” Asian footballer of the year Akram Afif is expected to lead the team again and Garcia described him as“a teammate everyone would love to have”. Meanwhile, Kuwait's head coach said they intend to keep the feel-good factor going when they take on Qatar. The hosts secured dramatic 2-1 win over the much-fancied UAE on Tuesday, which has seen tickets for their match against snapped up in record time with a capacity crowd expected. “It was a very difficult match on Tuesday and, of course, the players are tired, but they are optimistic for the match with Qatar,” said Kuwait head coach, Juan Pizzi. “The fans are understandably happy because we beat a very strong UAE national team. The players returned to training yesterday and showed to me their mental readiness. They are focussed for Qatar and we will play tomorrow's match with the aim to qualify (to the semi-finals). “There is very little between all eight teams playing here in this tournament, as the match between Yemen and Saudi Arabia showed last night (2-3). We have full respect for all teams here, including Qatar, who are a very good side. I feel whoever has the best physical fitness will win tomorrow's match.” In Group A's other match being held at the same time, Oman will take on UAE, who are also on one point and, like Qatar, they have to win. UAE coach Paulo Bento believes his team can finally live up to their favourites tag by beating neighbours Oman tomorrow night and qualifying for the semi-finals at the Jaber Al Mubarak International Stadium. UAE face Oman The UAE went into the tournament in Kuwait as many people's favourites for the title, but Tuesday's defensive lapses saw them lose 2-1 to the hosts and leave them with just a point from two games, meaning Friday night presents a must-win situation. Bento said:“Mistakes are a part of the game. We made them in all the previous games and we will make mistakes in the next games. We should rise above it and avoid them as much as we can. We fell once, we should get up twice. Normally the people, the press, like to choose the guilty. This is not our job.” He added:“My job is to try to make the team play well. Be better than the opponents. Win three points each game. Until now we have not reached the three points. But in my opinion the performances were not bad. I think we were better than our opponents. In the second game we were not effective in the offensive way because we created a lot of chances to score. We cannot control the expectations of other people. It is not important if people consider us favourites, because I don't know which reason they have to consider our team favourite. It's just talk. Let's focus on the next game and get three points against a team in a better position than us.” Oman have been the surprise of the tournament so far, showing solid organisation to sit atop Group A with Kuwait on four points. And Bento was full of praise for his opponents. “Oman is a team that is well organised,” said Bento.“They are working with a coach since October who knew a lot of his players already because he has worked with them before. It's a team that show good organisation in both phases of the game. He has clear ideas about what they need to do offensively and defensively. They are in a good position. We will find the best solutions. We are optimists to make a good performance and of course try to win this game and go to the semi-final.” Meanwhile, Oman coach Rasheed Jaber warned that all four teams in Group A can still qualify for the semi-finals. But Jaber believes his side are improving with every day they are together and can book a last four spot.“The chance is equal for all four teams to qualify so tomorrow it is as if we are starting from zero points,” said Jaber.“We want to go on and continue in this Gulf Cup, but we need effort and desire which is very important for 90 minutes. I believe the team will qualify and make the best performance yet for the match against UAE who are a very good team with ambition to also win the match.“But we all have the desire to qualify. We have our players in very good mental shape and we are all concentrating on tomorrow's match.” MENAFN26122024000067011011ID1109033793 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. 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Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – December 12, 2024) – Cleantek Industries Inc. (TSXV: CTEK), a leader in innovative clean technology solutions, is pleased to announce the cash-free debt forgiveness of over 7% of its long-term debt. The debt forgiveness effort was part of a constructive negotiation with the security holder. The tranche of long-term debt, established in 2020, was used to fund a development program and equipment related to water evaporation technology. Following the program’s completion in November 2024, the remaining debt was settled through a mutual agreement. The key takeaways of this project enhance the operational understanding of our evaporation technology and will support the ongoing advancements of our DZeroE and EcoSteam technologies. Key Highlights from the Debt Forgiveness: “We remain dedicated to reinforcing our company’s core fundamentals,” stated President & CEO Riley Taggart. “This debt forgiveness is a key component of our broader strategy to fortify Cleantek’s balance sheet and position the company for sustained growth and market success. This retirement represents approximately 7.6% of our long-term debt, enabling us to achieve significant annual savings through reduced interest expenses while further strengthening our financial foundation.” About Cleantek Industries Inc.: Cleantek is an environmental technology-based company that provides specialized and fully integrated wastewater treatment and disposal equipment along with turnkey sustainable lighting rental solutions. Cleantek leverages its patented technology and industry expertise to provide equipment to service a diverse range of clientele. Cleantek prioritizes people and the environment through our high-performance safety focused culture and our experienced technical professionals are committed to providing environmentally friendly cost-effective solutions to our clients. Cleantek provides technology-based solutions for an increasingly demanding water treatment and disposal sector along with location lighting to provide safe working conditions for 24-hour operations. Cleantek provides its technology and services in some of the most active areas in Canada and the United States. Our environmental, safety and operational performance have enabled us to establish and maintain a blue-chip client base, including many exploration and production companies in North America. For Further Information: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/233583 #distro

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators approved permits Thursday for underground storage of carbon dioxide delivered through a sprawling pipeline proposed for the Midwest, marking another victory for the project that has drawn fierce opposition from landowners. The state’s governor-led, three-member Industrial Commission voted unanimously to approve the permits for Summit Carbon Solutions’ three proposed storage sites in central North Dakota. It’s unclear when construction of the storage sites would begin but it’s expected that resistant landowners in that area will file lawsuits seeking to block the storage plans. Summit’s proposed 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer), $8 billion pipeline would transport planet-warming CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for underground storage in central North Dakota. The company has permits for its route in Iowa and North Dakota but can’t yet begin construction. Also on Thursday, Minnesota utility regulators approved a permit for a 28-mile (45-kilometer) leg of the project in western Minnesota. Summit also recently applied in South Dakota, where regulators denied the company’s previous application last year. Summit still faces several lawsuits related to the project, including a state Supreme Court appeal in North Dakota over a property rights law related to the underground storage plan. Approval from the governor-led, three-member Industrial Commission is another victory for Summit Carbon Solutions’ controversial project, though further court challenges are likely. Last month, the company gained approval for its North Dakota route , and Iowa regulators also have given conditional approval. Also on Thursday, Minnesota utility regulators approved a permit for a 28-mile leg of the project of the project in western Minnesota. North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum chairs the Industrial Commission, which includes the state attorney general and agriculture commissioner and oversees a variety of energy topics and state-owned enterprises. Burgum is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Interior Secretary and to lead a new National Energy Council. Burgum supports Summit’s project and has frequently touted North Dakota’s underground carbon dioxide storage as a “geologic jackpot.” In 2021, he set a goal for the No. 3 oil-producing state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. His term ends Saturday. Summit applied for permits for three storage facilities, which would hold a combined, estimated maximum of 352 million metric tons of CO2 over 20 years. The pipeline would carry up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year to be injected about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) underground, according to an application fact sheet. Summit’s documents detail a well site layout encompassing a pump/meter building, gas detection stations, inlet valves and emergency shutoff valve. Carbon dioxide would move through the pipeline in a pressurized form to be injected deep underground into a rock formation. Jessie Stolark, who leads a group that includes Summit and supports the project, said the oil industry has long used similar technology. “We know that this can be done safely in a manner that is protective of human health and underground sources of drinking water,” said Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. Summit’s project has drawn the ire of landowners around the region. They oppose the potential taking of their property for the pipeline and fear a pipe rupture releasing a cloud of heavy, hazardous gas over the land. A North Dakota landowners group is challenging a property rights law related to the underground storage, and attorney Derrick Braaten said they likely would challenge the granting of permits for the storage plans. “The landowners that I’m working with aren’t necessarily opposed to carbon sequestration itself,” Braaten said. “They’re opposed to the idea that a private company can come in and use their property without having to negotiate with them or pay them just compensation for taking their private property and using it.” Carbon capture projects such as Summit’s are eligible for lucrative federal tax credits intended to encourage cleaner-burning ethanol and potentially result in corn-based ethanol being refined into jet fuel. Some opponents argue the amount of greenhouse gases sequestered through the process would make little difference and could lead farmers to grow more corn despite environmental concerns about the crop. In Minnesota, regulators on Thursday granted a route permit for a small part of the overall project, a 28-mile (45-kilometer) segment that would connect an ethanol plant in Fergus Falls to Summit’s broader network. They attached several conditions, however, including requirements that Summit show that is has obtained all necessary permits in North Dakota and begun construction there before it starts in Minnesota. An administrative law judge who conducted hearings recommended in November that the Public Utilities Commission grant the permit, saying the panel lacked the legal authority to reject it. The judge concluded that the environmental impacts from the Minnesota segment would be minimal, that the environmental review met the legal requirements, and noted that Summit has secured agreements from landowners along most of the recommended route. Commission staff, the state Department of Commerce and Summit largely concurred with those findings. Environmental groups that oppose the project disputed the judge’s finding that the project would have a net benefit for the environment. In addition to North Dakota, Summit has a permit from Iowa for its route, but regulators for that state required the company to obtain approvals for routes in the Dakotas and underground storage in North Dakota before it can begin construction. The Iowa Utilities Commission’s approval sparked lawsuits related to the project. Last year, South Dakota regulators rejected Summit’s application. The company submitted another permit application last month. In Nebraska, where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines, Summit is working with individual counties to advance its project. At least one county has denied a permit. ___ Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. Jack Dura And Steve Karnowski, The Associated PressPeter Thiel Denies His Past Speeches About Silicon Valley Might Have Been ‘Triggering’ to Alleged CEO AssassinTottenham ’s middling form continued with a scrappy 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League . Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench at half-time and scored a 75th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for Ange Postecoglou ’s depleted Spurs on the former Celtic boss’ return to Glasgow. Hamza Igamane gave Rangers a deserved lead at the start of the second half and they looked set to heap the pressure on Postecoglou before Kulusevski’s cool finish. Here are three Spurs talking points from the match... An uninspiring draw at Ibrox stopped the rot but did little to lift the mood at Tottenham, extending their rough patch of form to one win in eight matches. This did not, admittedly, feel like a must-win game for Spurs – at least not in the same way as Sunday’s visit to rock-bottom Southampton and the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester United next Thursday – and Postecoglou can probably be relieved to have escaped from enemy territory with a point and no (obvious) fresh injuries. Spurs’ limp performance, especially for the first hour, will be a concern to the head coach, however, while a third straight European match without a win leaves Spurs in a slightly precarious position in the Europa League. They remain outside the top eight and probably need to win their final two matches against Hoffenheim and IF Elfsborg to definitely avoid a hugely unwanted two-legged play-off in February. As Spurs stutter in the league, the cups grow in importance and, if Postecoglou's side remain in mid-table, it will be much easier to feel positive about their season if they continue to progress in the domestic cups and are safely through to the Europa League knockouts. Postecoglou described Spurs’ current injury crisis as the worst he has faced in a 30-year coaching career, with the Australian without six injured players for his return to Glasgow. But Spurs still had more than enough quality in the XI to see off Rangers, particularly with Philippe Clement’s side preparing for a cup final on Sunday. The visitors, though, were abject for the first hour of the game and had Fraser Forster to thank (again) for keeping them in the match. The goalkeeper made a string of fine saves before Kulusevski’s equaliser, and denied Rangers what would surely have been a late winner with a brilliant stop from Cyriel Dessers. At the other end, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and Heung-min Son were desperately ineffective as a front three, offering nothing in the way of fight and thrust. The introduction of Dominic Solanke on the hour helped to give Spurs a focal point up front and a foothold in the game, and it was the England striker who squared for fellow substitute Kulusevski to level the game with a cool first-time finish. It is, though, concerning how reliant Spurs are on the pair, leaving Postecoglou effectively unable to rest Kulusevski and Solanke without an alarming drop-off in his side. With Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore not expected to be available until the New Year, Spurs need some of their other players to start stepping up. The absence of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies left the Spurs manager to rely on Radu Dragusin and teenager Archie Gray at centre-back – for the first of what is likely to be a mini run in the team for the pair. Gray, who hails from a Celtic-supporting family, has caught the eye in this competition this season although this was an occasionally difficult night for the 18-year-old. While he did not look out of place, Gray was skinned by Dessers late on, with Forster’s outstretched foot sparing Spurs’ blushes. Dragusin, meanwhile, was shaky again, more than once inviting pressure with loose passes out from the back and lucky to avoid a second yellow card for a clumsy late challenge. No one for Spurs was at their best, to be fair, and Gray and Dragusin are capable of raising their levels – but much sterner tests lie ahead, starting on Sunday.

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Eagles try to cast aside perceived Hurts-Brown relationship issues ahead of Steelers showdown

The major indices move lower on the day ahead of the Thanksgiving day holiday tomorrow. The markets will reopen on Friday. The mega caps and technology stocks moved lower with Dell leading the way after disappointing guidance for the Q4: A snapshot of the closing levels shows: Dow industrial average -138.25 points or -0.31% and 44722.06 S&P index -22.89 points or -0.38% and 5998.74. NASDAQ index -113.82 points or -0.59% at 19060.48 Russell 2000 did close marginally higher by 1.883 points or 0.08% and 2426.19. Dell shares led the decline with a decline of $-17.36 or -12.25% at $124.38. Earnings be expectations but revenues and guidance fell short. Other movers today included : Oracle fell -4.03% Nvidia -1.15% Microsoft -1.17% Amazon -1.02% Meta -0.76% Intel -1.66% Tesla -1.58% Arm Holding -2.45% Tesla -1.58% AMD -1.07% Taiwan Semi Conductor -1.44% CrowdStrike -4.59% Salesforce -3.84% Adobe -2.21% After the closing FTC has launched a broad antitrust investigation of Microsoft. Shares are down an additional -0.48% in after-hours trading.Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index's three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.

Trump Challenges Automation Savings: Advocates for LongshoremenAfter a sterling regular season, Battle Mountain’s 2024 volleyball campaign came to a close at the 4A state tournament last weekend in Denver. The Huskies — who walked into Denver Coliseum as the No. 4 seed, boasting a 23-1 mark — lost to No. 12 Mead 25-19, 25-20, 25-20 in the first round and then fell to No. 11 Palmer Ridge 25-18, 26-24, 25-16 in the elimination bracket on day 2. No. 1 Thompson Valley swept No. 8 Lutheran to capture the state title. “In retrospect, having the opportunity to play on the state floor at the Coliseum and knowing you are amongst an elite group of teams to have earned that right feels great,” head coach Scott Graves stated in an email after the tournament. “From a coach’s perspective, you’ll always wonder how you could have changed the outcome by changing something along the way. Bottom line: I’m proud of this team! Proud of what they accomplished and proud of the tough journey they endured and years of training to get them there.” The Huskies won the first 20 games of the season before falling to Palisade in a best-of-three tournament match on Nov. 2. Throughout the win streak , they developed a reputation for clutch composure and dramatic five-set victories — especially against key Western Slope rivals. Two days after defeating Glenwood Springs 3-2 on Oct. 1, the Huskies rallied for a reverse sweep against Eagle Valley, taking the last set 19-17. After winning the region tournament on Nov. 12, Battle Mountain’s veterans looked back on the single blemish as a necessary wake up call. “Honestly I think we needed that,” Tyler Heimerl said after the 3-1 win over Standley Lake, which clinched the team’s first state berth in 10 years. “We needed to see top-level teams. Going into regionals, nothing was promised.” “That showed us that we can’t just be given something,” added Gracie Halminksi, who was selected to play in the all-state game this Sunday. While Graves saw his team exhibit some nerves in the first state match, he said in general, they handled the environment and experience well. “While we didn’t win, we put up a good fight in both matches but just couldn’t seem to get firing on all cylinders at once,” he added. The Huskies led 24-23 in the second set against Palmer Ridge — the defending state champions — but couldn’t close the deal. “I think we win that set, we win the match in four,” Graves continued. “Though we lost in three sets, it still felt good hanging with the former state champions.” The Huskies graduate five seniors from the roster in Heimerl, Halminski, Kylah Romer, Izzy Zastrow and Presley Walters. Graves, who has known most of them for many years, said they brought a “mix of talent and leadership” to the program. “It has been a pleasure to work with them and watch their skills grow,” he added. “I have no doubt that all five of them will go on to do great things.” Battle Mountain also brings back a talented core with significant varsity experience. Libero Evie Steinberg and outside hitter Lela Goehring are just sophomores and setter Keena Shikverg and all-around playmaker Cynthia Orona are juniors. “I’m very excited about the future of the Battle Mountain volleyball program,” Graves said. “There is a bunch of talent throughout the levels. The younger athletes got to see what hard work and determination can mean and that is always a good lesson for the next group coming in. The future is bright.”

Archives Coffee House to close in December; owner of Bully Brew and Board Room will take over space

RIPLEY, W.Va. (WV News) -- When Movin’ in May began in 2022, the organizers had modest goals. “The was when people were still coming off of Covid,” Keith King, one of the leaders of the healthy living campaign, said. “We just wanted folks to get off the couch, get a little more active and try something new.” The first summer offered several activities, such as yoga, hiking, and bicycling. The popularity of that first Movin’ in May encouraged more options, like pickleball, in 2023. In 2024, even more choices were available. “We added water volleyball, expanded into the schools and saw even more people participate,” King said. Movin’ in May is kicking off a “Resolve to Reboot 2025” promotion on Saturday, January 4, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Realizing that group activities promote mental well-being and socialization, King said a January event could help with the "winter blues." All activities in this "Movin’ in the New Year" are free and targeted for beginners but are open to any skill level. “We want everyone to try and see which activities they like,” King said. “It’s going to be a relaxed and encouraging time. We hope you’ll find something that interests you. Plus, we will have informational programs and tables. WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital plans simple screenings for things like body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and blood glucose. Look at the schedule and see what you’d like to try and come on over.” Plans for the 2025 summer Movin’ in May are already being discussed. King said that disc golf and "beach" volleyball at Cedar Lakes are just two new activities being added. The "Reboot" will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church located at 299 North Church Street in Ripley. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. Call 304-532-1760 for information. Participants can stay for the day or only attend the activity that interests them. Hourly door prizes will be drawn, with a grand prize around 3 p.m. Winners have to be present. The "Reboot" schedule: 11:30 a.m. - Noon Registration Noon - 12:30 p.m. Cardio Workout (J-Fit Jen Scritchfield) 12:30-1:00 p.m. Warrior Combat (Brittani Mobley) 1:00 p.m. Dietary Presentation (WVU Dietician Jamie Sexton) 1:00-1:30 p.m. Zumba (Missy Wolfe) 1:30-2:00 p.m. POUND-Rockout-Workout (Crystal Wyer) 2:00 p.m. Presentation (WVU Medicine JGH Providers) 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Yoga (Jewels Whitley and Christine Coleman) 3:30 p.m. Hiking at Cedar Lakes (Rod McDonald) 3:30 p.m. Run/Walk – (Steve Sisson) 3:30-4:30 p.m. Beginner Pickleball (Kerynn Sovic) 4:30-5:30 p.m. Open Yoga

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