Canadian investment fund Brookfield said Wednesday it has dropped its bid for Spanish pharmaceutical firm Grifols following disagreement over its valuation. Brookfield and the Grifols family, which owns about a third of the Barcelona-based company that makes medicine derived from blood plasma, have since July been in talks to take it private. Earlier this month Brookfield made a 6.45-billion-euro bid for Grifols, offering a tentative non-binding price of 10.50 euros ($11) per share. Grifols swiftly rejected the bid, saying it "significantly underestimated the fundamental prospects and long-term potential" of the company. In a statement sent to Spanish stock market regulator CNMV, Brookfield said it was "not in a position to continue with a potential offer" for Grifols. Grifols said its board agreed that "it is not feasible that the transaction goes ahead" and remains focused on "improving the company's long-term value". Its share price plunged in January after US hedge fund Gotham City released a research note accusing the company of "manipulating" its reported debt and operational results to "artificially reduce" its debt ratio, and therefore its financing costs. Grifols has repeatedly denied the allegations. Gotham City is a prominent "short-seller" hedge fund that borrows stock in a company and sells it, hoping to buy it back cheaper to return it to the lender and pocket the difference. Grifols traces its history back to 1909, first as a blood analysis and transfusion laboratory before specialising in products derived from blood plasma. It is present in more than 30 countries including Australia, the United States and Japan. It posted revenue of 6.6 billion euros in 2023, a 10.9 percent increase over the previous year. vab/imm/cwFrom Pride employee resource groups to a recurring wave of rainbow logos each June, LGBTQ+-friendly workplaces can feel more like the rule than the exception in 2024. Yet, while corporate leaders pat themselves on the back, many queer employees across Canada are still quietly navigating challenging workplace dynamics tied to their sexual orientations and gender identities. For these employees, true equity and inclusivity goes beyond gender-neutral bathrooms and company-sponsored Pride events. It means addressing deeper, often overlooked issues that remain largely invisible to those outside the LGBTQ+ community. It’s an issue that Nate Shalev, an inclusivity speaker and adviser based in Brooklyn, N.Y., feels strongly about. They posted about some of those barriers in a LinkedIn post, where they are ranked as one of the U.S. and Canada’s Top LGBTQIA+ Voices. “When I was told I would have to travel for work, my immediate reaction would be panic,” they wrote. “I was concerned about booking travel with my legal name and risking my team calling me by a name I no longer use, getting through TSA as a trans person with my dignity intact ... [and] navigating queer and transphobia at hotels or in taxis, or anywhere, in front of my co-workers.” Through their consultancy, Revel Impact, Shalev draws on past experiences with “really bad bosses” to help build more inclusive workplaces, educating companies on the barriers their LGBTQ+ team members may be facing – on top of simply getting their jobs done. Barriers like: “Is the conference you asked me to go to safe? What about that client meeting? The whole team is going for a happy hour, but this bar isn’t LGBTQ-friendly. Should I leave? Would that make me look like I wasn’t a part of the team?” Shalev says these sorts of concerns are routinely dismissed or there’s no clear channel through which to handle them since they don’t rise to a legal level of discrimination, despite having negative affects. While most organizations in North America have anti-discrimination policies in place, Ottawa-based talent and brand specialist Lindsay Moorcroft says that doesn’t necessarily mean those policies are sufficient. “Unless you’re building your programs and policies with the [affected] people in the room, there’s always the possibility for something to be forgotten,” Moorcroft says, reflecting on a previous job at a small startup where she was the only out queer employee. “Pronouns weren’t being asked in meetings. They weren’t shared in e-mail signatures. There was no option to even talk about that. So then it’s like, do I want to be the person who brings it up?” she says. For Kaitlin Geiger-Bardswich, a communications and advocacy director in Ottawa, the risk of speaking up paid off. Although she works for a national non-profit she calls “progressive” and “feminist,” bereavement leave didn’t include pregnancy loss until she advocated for it after experiencing a miscarriage herself. “Even if it’s not a miscarriage, when a fertility treatment doesn’t work, when an embryo transfer doesn’t work, there is that grief,” she says. Fertility issues aren’t specific to the LGBTQ+ community, but “gay couples, by definition, typically need to access fertility treatment of some kind,” as Geiger-Bardswich says. “So it’s more likely that if you have gay employees who are interested in parenting, they’re going to have to navigate this.” According to , more than half of Canadian employers don’t provide fertility benefits, including drugs and treatment costs. And only seven provinces provide public funding to cover partial costs of fertility treatment. In Geiger-Bardswich’s case, she and her wife relied on limited OHIP coverage when trying to conceive, while paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for medication and donor sperm. She says she was grateful to have flexibility in her work hours, which made it easier to attend doctor’s appointments throughout the in-vitro fertilization process without fear of repercussions. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work, can also benefit transgender employees who are transitioning or who are repeatedly misgendered at the office, says Shalev. Geiger-Bardswich notes that as anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric increases around the world, it adds another layer of concern for queer Canadians. She points to Italy’s push as an example. “I hope that’s not going to happen in Canada,” she says. “But with how things are happening around the world, there is nervousness around the legal benefits and legal situations for parents like us.” So, what can workplaces do to achieve real, meaningful inclusivity? Shalev says it’s about taking a pro-active, rather than reactive, approach. This could look like ensuring there’s space for preferred names on all applications, forms and other communications. Before international trips, a systematic pretravel questionnaire might allow queer employees to request extra security, a travel companion, a NEXUS membership or a car service to make the experience safer and smoother, Shalev says. “It doesn’t have to feel complicated. Actively create spaces for these conversations to happen. Ask folks what they need,” says Shalev, noting that this has been more difficult in recent years with LGBTQ+ issues growing increasingly politicized. “Because queer issues have been politicized so much, there’s this sense that it’s a taboo topic. That’s a big shift I’ve seen, versus it just being inclusion work and wanting to support colleagues. Trans folks aren’t politics. We’re people.” One organization that appears to be embracing a pro-active approach is Moorcroft’s current employer, ecobee, a home automation company headquartered in Toronto. The company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offerings include an LGBTQ+ allyship group, a private social channel for LGBTQ+ employees and a policy-focused working group. Most importantly, Moorcroft says, a variety of voices are in these rooms alongside her, including those of senior leadership. “DEI means nothing if the top of the company is not supporting it, and it’s not in their [budget],” she says. Every organization has different needs and resources, which is why Shalev says, “It’s not one-size-fits-all.” Pride at Work Canada and Great Place to Work provide for organizations looking to improve inclusion, with strategies ranging from collecting data on employee demographics to administering queer mentorship programs. While certain measures may seem niche, “LGBTQ+ inclusion benefits us all,” Shalev says. “When I do workshops, of course I know there are other queer folks in the room. But then there are the parents of trans kids, or somebody with a partner who’s trans. Our workplaces are microcosms of our larger society, and if we create better workplaces, we can also create better communities and [and better] worlds.”Tinubu to name new envoys after France, S’Africa visits

The USS Zumwalt is at a Mississippi shipyard where workers have installed missile tubes that replace twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated because it was too expensive. Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, adding to the usefulness of the warship. “It was a costly blunder. But the Navy could take victory from the jaws of defeat here, and get some utility out of (the ships) by making them into a hypersonic platform,” said Bryan Clark, a defence analyst at the Hudson Institute. The US has had several types of hypersonic weapons in development for the past two decades, but recent tests by both Russia and China have added pressure to the US military to hasten their production. Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, with added manoeuvrability making them harder to shoot down. Last year, The Washington Post newspaper reported that among the documents leaked by former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defence department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged the weapon’s development, it had not recognised its testing. One of the US programmes in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the Conventional Prompt Strike. It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. Each of the three Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. In choosing the Zumwalt, the Navy is attempting to add to the usefulness of a 7.5 billion US dollars (£5.9 billion) warship that is considered by critics to be an expensive mistake despite serving as a test platform for multiple innovations. The Zumwalt was envisioned as providing land-attack capability with an advanced gun system with rocket-assisted projectiles to open the way for Marines to charge ashore. But the system featuring 155mm guns hidden in stealthy turrets was cancelled because each of the rocket-assisted projectiles cost up to one million dollars (£790,000). Despite the stain on their reputation, the three Zumwalt-class destroyers: Zumwalt, Michael Monsoor and Lyndon B Johnson; remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warships in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimise radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors. The US is accelerating development because hypersonics have been identified as vital to US national security with “survivable and lethal capabilities”, said James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies. “Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defence department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence, and to build enduring advantages,” he said.

West Fargo Sheyenne stymies Fargo Shanley to return to Class A volleyball championshipComedy duo “Magical Lovely” stirs anticipation On the 21st, Tokyo played host to a spectacular event featuring comedy duo “Magical Lovely” members Noda Crystal (38) and Murakami (40). Held at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Plaza, this special occasion was the “M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Eve Festival – 20th SPECIAL LIVE.” The stage was set for a showdown Anticipation reached a fever pitch as fans awaited the finals of the “M-1 Grand Prix,” Japan’s premiere manzai championship, with a grand prize of 10 million yen. The event gathered past winners like Westland (2022), Nishikigoi (2021), Magical Lovely (2020), and others, alongside finalists. An enthusiastic crowd, eager for the exciting competition, filled the venue, where the loser revival round took place before the ultimate contest. Recalling unforgettable performances Audience members had previously submitted questions, including inquiries on the most memorable “M-1” performances. Reflecting on iconic acts, Magical Lovely fondly recalled laughs from “Tutorial’s BBQ” and “Milk Boy’s Cornflakes”. However, Noda confidently claimed, with applause underscoring his words, that their own act was unrivaled in humor. A peek behind the scenes on the eve of the finals Inquiring about pre-final rituals, “Nishikigoi” Watanabe Takashi (46) candidly shared his night involved a typical outing, hinting at a visit to a mature entertainment pub. His partner, Hasegawa Masaki (53), revealed a late-night routine watching UFO-related YouTube videos, staying true to form until the early hours. This glimpse into the lively M-1 Grand Prix highlights the undying passion and humor that grips fans and comedians alike. Behind the Laughter: Insights into the M-1 Grand Prix Phenomenon The M-1 Grand Prix is more than just a comedy competition in Japan—it’s a cultural event that captivates audiences and offers a stage for comedic innovation and excellence. As the competition grows in popularity, it is essential to explore its impact, the dynamic format, and what sets it apart from other entertainment events. Pros and Cons of the M-1 Grand Prix Format One of the significant advantages of the M-1 Grand Prix is its ability to discover and propel new talent into the national spotlight. This competition is a platform for comedians to showcase their uniqueness and comedic edge, often leading to varied entertainment opportunities. However, some critics argue that the high-pressure environment can stifle creativity, pushing comedians to prioritize audience-friendly jokes over more avant-garde performances. Innovations in Japanese Comedy Japanese comedy, particularly in formats like the M-1 Grand Prix, is known for its fast pace and wordplay characteristic of “manzai” duos. Contestants continuously innovate by leveraging digital platforms to refine and rehearse their performances, engaging with global comedic trends to appeal to both local and international audiences. Security Aspects and Audience Experience Security measures at events like the M-1 Grand Prix are stringent, ensuring a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. With large crowds expected, organizers implement comprehensive safety protocols, including crowd control measures and emergency response plans. Sustainability and Future of the M-1 Grand Prix As the entertainment industry faces calls for sustainability, the M-1 Grand Prix is exploring eco-friendly practices. From reducing waste at events to utilizing energy-efficient technologies, the competition is aligning with broader sustainability goals. Fans and organizers alike are keen to see how these initiatives will unfold in future festivals. Predictions for Upcoming Competitions The M-1 Grand Prix continues to evolve, with predictions indicating a shift towards more diverse comedic styles and storytelling techniques in upcoming years. As new comedic voices emerge, the competition will likely broaden its appeal and reinforce its status as a cornerstone of Japanese entertainment. For more about Japanese culture and entertainment, visit Japan Travel.

Binghamton, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new agreement between Binghamton University and The Guthrie Clinic will pave the way for enhanced collaboration on future research initiatives with the goal to benefit the outcomes and wellness of the local community. The new Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) establishes standardized guidelines for each research project undertaken by The Guthrie Clinic and Binghamton University. These guidelines eliminate the need for repetitive contract reviews, expediting the process of launching research projects and fostering seamless collaboration. By focusing on compliance and cybersecurity, the agreement also ensures the proper safeguards are in place to protect shared data. Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger and Guthrie Clinic President and CEO Edmund Sabanegh signed the agreement into effect during a press conference on Friday, Dec.13. “I’m excited for this new understanding, both as a way for our researchers to advance their work and to accentuate the care that Guthrie provides to its patients,” said Stenger. Guthrie Clinic President and CEO Dr. Edmund Sabanegh emphasized the organization’s commitment to high-quality patient care and research efforts. “This partnership represents the best of what two respected organizations can achieve when they work together,” said Sabanegh. “This agreement allows us to collaborate more effectively, opening the door for greater innovation. It creates a solid framework to focus on meaningful research that can make a real difference in people’s lives.” The scope of the partnership extends beyond health care research. With both institutions’ diverse expertise, collaborative projects can span areas such as engineering, process improvement, and more. “Today’s announcement marks an incredible milestone in fostering innovation and addressing health challenges through the partnership between Binghamton University and Guthrie,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “As a member of the NYS Senate Health and Higher Education Committees, I am thrilled to see how this collaboration will connect cutting-edge research with clinical expertise to improve healthcare access and outcomes in our community. By bringing together Binghamton researchers and Guthrie's healthcare professionals, we are building a bridge between academic discovery and practical solutions for our collective health and wellness.” Beyond the advancement of research, this agreement is poised to benefit the broader community. By joining forces, The Guthrie Clinic and Binghamton University aim to conduct essential research that could lead to new discoveries and improvements in healthcare practices, technology and other fields. Guthrie’s recent expansion into Broome County, through its acquisition of Lourdes Hospital, further solidifies this relationship. The agreement allows Binghamton University direct access to Guthrie’s entire network of specialists and clinical expertise, creating even more opportunities for collaboration. “The collaboration between Binghamton University’s groundbreaking research and Guthrie’s clinical practice is welcome news,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “The goal is to improve patient outcomes, while also inspiring a new generation of researchers interested in solving a myriad of health care delivery challenges. We can look forward to seeing advances in medical practice, including improvements in the way care is delivered across a variety of medical settings. I’d like to thank both of these institutions for today’s announcement.” Stenger said that there is tremendous opportunity for collaboration between the two organizations. “Our university has a large group of faculty across disciplines doing significant work in furthering our understanding of healthcare and health outcomes,” said Stenger. “Guthrie is putting that theory into practice by providing care to people in need. By combining innovative research capabilities from the University and the practical healthcare experience of the hospital, we can improve outcomes on both ends.” ### The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty health system integrating clinical and hospital care along with research and education. Headquartered in Sayre, Pennsylvania, The Guthrie Clinic stands as one of the nation’s longest established group practices, founded in 1910 by the visionary Dr. Donald Guthrie. The organization’s patient-centered approach revolves around a clinically integrated network of employed providers. Among The Guthrie Clinic’s more than 9,000 caregivers are close to 1,000 highly skilled physicians and advanced practice providers representing the spectrum of medical Specialties and sub-specialties. Situated across 10,000 square miles in northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York, The Guthrie Clinic’s comprehensive six hospital campuses also encompass an expansive network of outpatient facilities across 13 counties. Post-acute care includes acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, personal care home, home care and hospice services, completing the continuum of care. With a commitment to shaping the future of health care, the organization offers eleven residencies and five fellowships, serving as a training ground for the next generation of leaders in the field. Visit us at www.Guthrie.org . Follow us at Twitter.com/GuthrieClinic , Facebook.com/TheGuthrieClinic , Linkedin.com/company/TheGuthrieClinic , and Instagram.com/TheGuthrieClinic . Kathy Cramer Guthrie 570-887-4415 kathy.cramer@guthrie.orgCanadian investment fund Brookfield said Wednesday it has dropped its bid for Spanish pharmaceutical firm Grifols following disagreement over its valuation. Brookfield and the Grifols family, which owns about a third of the Barcelona-based company that makes medicine derived from blood plasma, have since July been in talks to take it private. Earlier this month Brookfield made a 6.45-billion-euro bid for Grifols, offering a tentative non-binding price of 10.50 euros ($11) per share. Grifols swiftly rejected the bid, saying it "significantly underestimated the fundamental prospects and long-term potential" of the company. In a statement sent to Spanish stock market regulator CNMV, Brookfield said it was "not in a position to continue with a potential offer" for Grifols. Grifols said its board agreed that "it is not feasible that the transaction goes ahead" and remains focused on "improving the company's long-term value". Its share price plunged in January after US hedge fund Gotham City released a research note accusing the company of "manipulating" its reported debt and operational results to "artificially reduce" its debt ratio, and therefore its financing costs. Grifols has repeatedly denied the allegations. Gotham City is a prominent "short-seller" hedge fund that borrows stock in a company and sells it, hoping to buy it back cheaper to return it to the lender and pocket the difference. Grifols traces its history back to 1909, first as a blood analysis and transfusion laboratory before specialising in products derived from blood plasma. It is present in more than 30 countries including Australia, the United States and Japan. It posted revenue of 6.6 billion euros in 2023, a 10.9 percent increase over the previous year. vab/imm/cw

After 36 years reporting the news, 12 of them as ABC foreign correspondent in London and Washington, DC, Lisa Millar never would have dreamt a show about farm dogs would become a career highlight. But for the “little kid from country Queensland who dreamt of becoming a journalist”, Muster Dogs is a joyous homecoming. After narrating two seasons of the reality contest, which crowns the best of five dogs-in-training around Australia, Millar takes an on-screen role in the four-part follow-up, Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now? Lisa Millar with Zoe and her dog Buddy on Muster Dogs: Where are They Now? “Being in regional Australia feels familiar to me ... When I go out on a Back Roads trip or Muster Dogs , and you can see the stars, you hear the roosters in the morning, I love it,” says Millar, from Bali, where she is “fixing the work-life balance” after exiting ABC News Breakfast in August. It’s the first time she has visited Indonesia without reporting on “terrorist attacks or Australians doing the wrong thing”. Grateful that she accepted what she initially thought was an unusual offer to narrate Muster Dogs in 2022, Millar is blown away by its success. By the second season, which aired in January, more than 1 million Australians were tuning in. Overseas audiences have – pun warning – lapped it up, with fan mail streaming in from the US and the UK. Israeli viewer Shai Lieberman was so inspired he contacted trainer Frank Finger, who owns season one winner Princess Annie the kelpie. Lieberman appears in the special, learning the trade at Finger’s Clermont property in Queensland, with the aim of operating a therapy farm back home. “None of us expected Muster Dogs to take off as much as it has,” says Millar. “We must all desire a bit of kindness. We need people not backstabbing each other. It’s something kids can watch with their families. Whether you’re in the city or the country, people love dogs, and also, their dogs love dogs. The number of videos that I got from people wanting to share their dogs getting excited when it was Muster Dogs time and barking at the television. That happened on the first night it went to air.” Millar travels the length and breadth of the country to check in with the series’ stars, including season two winner, Buddy the border collie, trained by Zoe Miller on a Northern Territory cattle station. Season two contestant Lily with her dog Snow and some new pups. “Of course, people want to know, did the dogs end up working well?” says Millar. “Is Lucifer still a bad boy? What happened to Lucky, the deaf dog? Have the dogs had pups? We’ve also spent time with the trainers to reveal a bit more about what it meant for them to be thrust into the spotlight. “I think the reason Muster Dogs worked is that it’s so authentic. They’re not signing up to boost their Instagram followers. They have some funny stories about how they’ll be in the middle of nowhere and people will stop to get selfies with the dogs.” Living in an apartment in Melbourne, and juggling a hectic filming schedule, Millar doesn’t own a dog. She grew up with a family dog, but not a working one. Back then, she was more interested in honing her interviewing skills on her father, the late National Party MP Clarrie Millar. She treasures a cassette of one such “grilling”, recorded when she was 10 years old. “I’d asked him about the Olympics and politics and boycotts, and he was doing such a lovely job of answering me seriously and trying to help me learn, and I’m cutting him off, like, ‘Well, thanks very much Clarrie!’” Miller will soon head off to shoot another episode of Back Roads , a program she treasured watching with her late mother after returning from overseas postings. With that, season three of Muster Dogs under way, and its second companion book out on December 4, Millar is content doing, “the best job at the ABC”. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and it’s a wonderful feeling.” Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now? premieres on Sunday, December 1, at 7.30pm on the ABC. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday .Pool of Democratic hopefuls for NY-21 widensArabic malt energy drinks, protein Snickers bars, an edible Barbie dream house, Snoop Dogg chips; if any of those exotic snacks pique your interest there are places to get them in Kelowna. Seoulful Convenience specializes in Korean snacks and drinks, In 'N' Out Arabic Market has Middle Eastern treats to spice things up and 24 Hour Snacks is a shop that carries bizarre delights you won’t find in almost any other brick and mortar shop. Jessie Lal and her husband Dean Ahmad opened 24 Hour Snacks just over a year ago. “Ninety-nine point nine per cent of the people that come in here are in a good mood,” Ahmad said. “So it's been pretty fun getting to meet people and seeing people's reactions and seeing things.” The shop has candy flavoured drinks, chips inspired by fast food places like Pizza Hut and Subway, big spicy pickles, protein Snickers bars and other snacks that would give your tastebuds whiplash. Ahmad also likes seeing people feel nostalgic when they see classic snacks. “It's a lot of retro candies and things you haven't seen in a while. So it's exciting to see people get excited from stuff from their childhood and things like that,” he said. “The best part, I think, is when you have a grandparent come in with their kid, and their grandkid, they'll come in there and see something they've seen in their childhood. We have those Popeye candy sticks, like the cigarette sticks back in the day.” READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: How a Kamloops food photographer makes mouthwatering images Ahmad said the idea came from a relative who sold strange snacks during the pandemic. “My wife's cousin had the idea, he did it during COVID back in Vancouver. And the rare kind of exotic snacks, everything, and it went quite well. And we realized there's nothing like this in Kelowna, so we thought we'd give it a shot. And the reception has been great, people have been really happy with it,” he said. The exotic snack business isn’t easy. Limey The British Shop was a store in Kelowna that sold British snacks, and they announced that they had to close up shop on Nov. 1. The shop said importing their inventory was too expensive. “Market forces have made it impossible to continue. Everyone is struggling right now, and we understand, we really do, but we simply haven’t had the sales that get us through,” Limey said in its closing announcement on social media. “Shipping is through the roof and every which way we turn we are loaded with new and increasing costs that we can’t, and won’t, pass on. On top of all this, we have done nothing but struggle to get stock in, Port Strikes, Rail Strikes, Postal Strikes, it’s all killing small business.” Von Schweets is a novelty candy shop a few doors down from 24HR Snacks, but Ahmad said there isn’t a rivalry. “There's nowhere quite like this. They're a traditional candy store with the bulk candies and things like that. I wouldn't call us competitors. We just kind of complement each other,” Ahmad said. To contact a reporter for this story, email Jesse Tomas or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. Find our Journalism Ethics policy here. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here .Trump Names Billionaire Investment Banker Warren Stephens as His Envoy to Britain

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Laura Woods shows off blossoming baby bump at Wembley as ITV host presents England Lionesses draw with United StatesSPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Dez White's 26 points helped Missouri State defeat UCSB 68-56 on Sunday. White shot 6 for 11 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 11 of 12 from the free-throw line for the Bears (7-5). Vincent Brady II scored 13 points while going 4 of 8 and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line and added seven rebounds. Michael Osei-Bonsu finished 5 of 8 from the floor to finish with 10 points. Kenny Pohto led the way for the Gauchos (7-5) with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Cole Anderson added 11 points for UCSB. Deuce Turner finished with seven points. Missouri State took the lead with 6:05 left in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 31-25 at halftime, with White racking up 17 points. Missouri State pulled away with an 8-0 run in the second half to extend a four-point lead to 12 points. They outscored UCSB by six points in the final half, as White led the way with a team-high nine second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press

Letters for Dec. 1: Short-term help needed for area’s homeless populationSEWA begins work on 3rd list of home rationalisation projectTrump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion

By ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings

Canada is already examining tariffs on certain US items following Trump’s tariff threat

Stocks likely to move up as inflation eases KARACHI: Stocks reached the historical milestone of 100,000 points during the outgoing week, and the market is expected to keep the upward momentum amid expectations for a further decline in inflation. “We anticipate the market will sustain its positive momentum in the coming week, driven by expectations of a further decline in inflation. We project November inflation to decline to 4.7 per cent YoY,” said brokerage Arif Habib Ltd. “Furthermore, certain scrips are trading at attractive valuations, which are likely to continue enticing investor interest.” The week commenced on a negative trajectory as heightened political unrest led the market to decline by around 3,500 points. However, with the easing of political uncertainty, the market swiftly recovered the following day and ultimately surpassed the 100,000 points level. Key drivers of this recovery included expectations of further easing in inflation and a strong rally in commercial banks following the removal of minimum deposit rate (MDR). The market concluded the week at 101,357 points, marking a gain of 3,559 points (3.64 per cent week-on-week). Average volumes arrived at 979 million shares (down 1.2 per cent WoW), while the average value traded settled at $133 million (up 7.1 per cent WoW). Foreigner selling continued during this week, clocking in at $15.1 million compared to a net sell of $33 million last week. Major selling was witnessed in banks ($4.7 million) followed by fertiliser ($4.2 million). On the local front, buying was reported by insurance ($10.6 million) followed by individuals ($7.3 million). Sector-wise positive contributions came from commercial banks (1,676 points), technology & communication (349 points), oil & gas exploration companies (284 points), oil & gas marketing companies (260 points) and cement (234 points). Scrip-wise positive contributors were HBL (694 points), BAHL (538 points), PPL (274 points), SYS (255 points), and BAFL (205 points). The sectors that mainly contributed negatively were miscellaneous (52 points), automobile assembler (11 points), and automobile parts and accessories (5 points). Scrip-wise negative contributions came from MEBL (439 points), EFERT (78 points), FABL (57 points), PSEL (56 points), and SAZEW (34 points). Analyst Abdul Basit at JS Research said bullish momentum continued to prevail, with the KSE-100 reaching its historical milestone of 100k levels during the week. He said the week began with an uncertain political environment amid protests, which led to significant selling in the market. However, the decline was limited, followed by a strong recovery after the protest was called off. Developments in the banking sector regarding changes in the minimum deposit rate kept activity, in the sector, high throughout the week. In the recent T-bill auction, the government raised Rs616 billion against a target of Rs800 billion, with yields decreasing by 61-85bps across different tenors. Similarly, the six-month Kibor dropped by 96bps WoW to 12.67 per cent, reaching its lowest level in over 2.5 years. Moreover, auto financing continued to recover for the second consecutive month (3.7 per cent MoM), reaching Rs236 billion in Oct-2024. As per the latest data, SBP reserves increased by $131 million WoW to $11.4 billion. Additionally, Pakistan received $500 million from the ADB under its climate financing programme, which will be reflected in the upcoming week. The PKR marginally depreciated by 0.10 per cent WoW, concluding the week at 278.04 against the greenback. Nabeel Haroon, an analyst at Topline Securities, said the KSE-100 index increased by 3.64 per cent on a WoW basis; this gain was largely led by the heavyweight banking sector on development on the MDR front, where the sector rallied after the SBP removed the MDR requirement for all conventional banks on deposits from financial institutions, public sector enterprises and public limited companies.Percentages: FG .357, FT .875. 3-Point Goals: 7-22, .318 (Briggs 3-5, Marshall 2-3, Strand 1-3, Taylor 1-3, Adnan 0-1, Reddish 0-1, Topuz 0-1, Klaczek 0-2, Neely 0-3). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 1 (Taylor). Turnovers: 17 (Marshall 7, Adewale 3, Adnan 2, Klaczek 2, Briggs, Matulu, Topuz). Steals: 14 (Marshall 4, Klaczek 2, Matulu 2, Adewale, Adnan, Briggs, Neely, Reddish, Topuz). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .631, FT 1.000. 3-Point Goals: 9-22, .409 (Mack 3-4, Peavy 3-6, Burks 1-2, Fielder 1-2, Sorber 1-2, Cu.Williams 0-1, Montgomery 0-1, Epps 0-2, Mulready 0-2). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 3 (Peavy 3). Turnovers: 15 (Epps 4, Sorber 4, Peavy 3, Mack 2, Burks, Fielder). Steals: 12 (Epps 4, Peavy 4, Sorber 2, Burks, Montgomery). Technical Fouls: None. A_4,227 (20,356).'Exaggerated his own importance': Kash Patel gets brutal fact check from NYT