demo7777

I spent 8 hours & £1k on Argos & B&Q buys to give my home a festive makeover but Storm Darragh has ruined it, I’m guttedDr. Oz Invested Millions in Companies Regulated by Agency Trump Tapped Him to Lead

DECORATING your home this festive season doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg. You can pick up budget-friendly decor from different bargain shops, including Dollar Tree . You may not need to break the bank by splurging on a high-end wreath for your door. Dollar Tree shoppers can now pick up a Christmas buy that will have your guests feeling festive before they even walk through the door. And it appeals to more than one of your senses to set the Christmas mood. The Christmas House Metal Bell Door Hanger is available for just $1.25 from Dollar Tree. Read More On Dollar Tree This festive decoration has received a perfect rating of five stars from customers. Resembling a neck tie, the decor features a piece of material hanging from a twine ring. Attached to the festive fabric are four small bells, ensuring a fun jingle every time your door is opened. For an extra touch, a small piece of wreath cutting is glued to the top of each hanger. Most read in Money And don't worry, if you're someone with a certain color scheme in mind, there are options available. Dollar Tree shoppers can choose between three different festive designs. The first is a simple black and white gingham print, perfect for the classic look. On this style, the festive jingle bells are white to match the aesthetic. You can also add a touch of color by opting for the red and black gingham pattern. Despite the name of the store, Dollar Tree recently added items that cost more than $1 to its inventory. Most items at the store cost no more than $1.25, but items in the Dollar Tree Plus section cost up to $5. Dollar Tree introduced Plus aisles to 100 locations in 2019 as part of an effort to diversify its products. By 2022, Dollar Tree had added the items to over 1,500 locations. "We believe testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree products will enable us over time to expand our assortments, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs," president and CEO Michael Witynski said in a statement . "Our brand promise is that customers get great value for what they spend at Dollar Tree. We will continue to be fiercely protective of that promise, regardless of the price point." The jingle bells attached to this design are also a deep shade of red. Finally, for the most influencer-esque finish, a beige option is available. Each of the decorative door hangers measures 16 inches in length. They are designed to be hung in a similar matter to a traditional Christmas wreath.To achieve sustained economic prosperity and overcome current challenges such as foreign exchange market illiquidity, rising inflation, and sluggish economic growth, Nigeria must implement strategic measures. Specifically, the country’s path to economic sustainability lies in increasing domestic production and exports and less reliance on imported goods. Economic experts unanimously agreed on this strategy, as stressed during the launch of the Empower Africa Today Economic Development Training Programme and Poverty Fund at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. This programme spearheaded by the Economic Growth and Development Centre, focuses on driving poverty reduction, economic transformation, and sustainable development through innovative social investment strategies. Those who spoke at the event include the Chairman/CEO of the Centre and chief economic adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Magnus Kpakol; Director, Institute of Capital Market Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Uche Uwaleke as well as Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman. Uwaleke, a Professor of Finance and Capital Market, said that by tackling key areas such as diversifying the economy, improving infrastructure, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting trade, Nigeria can unlock its potential for economic sustainability. According to the renowned economic expert, increasing domestic production and exports is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development. He argued that by doing so, the country can reduce its reliance on imports, stabilise the economy, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings. He said: “The initiative is one that focuses on entrepreneurship. The programme is also about export. That is what we need in Nigeria today. We need to produce and export. That is the only sustainable way to address a number of the challenges we are having today in this country. Whether it’s the issue of forex market illiquidity, inflation, GDP growth. “It’s only when you produce and sell that you can earn more, diversify your export base. “The leadership of Nasarawa State University under Prof. Sa’adatu Liman is emphasising entrepreneurship. And that is why we are happy that Prof. Magnus Kpakol is bringing this initiative to this university because that is the focus of this university for now”. The Don underscored the need for a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and academic institutions to foster a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. On his part, Professor Kpakol noted that achieving economic sustainability will have a positive ripple effect on the lives of Nigerian citizens. He said this will lead to a reduction in poverty levels, improved living standards, and increased access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He said the initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs and startups with the knowledge and skills required to access funding opportunities and successfully export their products to international markets. According to him, small businesses die at early stages because of lack of access to funds. “We are getting local governments, state governments, Universities involved. We are getting bigger companies involved. They are getting international partners. Our job is to mobilise all that support,” he said. According to the former economic adviser, the programme will feature a variety of educational modules, while initial funding will be generated through a crowdfunding campaign. The training, he said, will equip trainees to drive sustainable economic policies, promote entrepreneurship and human capital development and leverage social investments for real impact. “Two critical elements are essential: enabling entrepreneurs to access capital for scaling and equipping them to export their products. This requires comprehensive training to build competitiveness—the ability to produce goods and services that meet global demand. “The programme will offer extensive training to prepare our entrepreneurs for the global market. Its core focus is fostering collaboration between the private sector, academia, and the government to drive business growth and eradicate poverty across the country”. Nigeria is facing a profound economic crisis, characterised by soaring inflation, foreign exchange market illiquidity, depleted foreign reserves, and a surge in unemployment, which is severely impacting the country’s stability and growth. On her part, the Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Abdullahi Modibo, lauded Prof. Kpakol for the initiative, even as he called on organisations to emulate the Centre and sought for more collaborations. In his remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expressed his support, stating that the Centre’s mission aligns with the Commission’s objectives as the primary regulator of Nigeria’s capital market.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level MediaBuying or Selling the Latest NHL Trade Rumors on Brady Tkachuk, J.T. Miller and MoreTEHRAN- The Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs is set to visit Portugal to attend the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and engage in discussions to foster international peace. As reported by Iran’s foreign ministry, Abbas Araghchi will arrive in Portugal on Monday, November 25, to participate in the assembly and deliver a speech during the event. Focusing on the overarching theme, “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future — Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity”, the Forum will highlight and celebrate the achievements of UNAOC since its inception, and map the blueprint for “One Humanity” in the years to come. The three-day event opens on Monday in Cascais, Portugal. This summit was initiated by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the former Prime Minister of Spain, during the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.

Affirmed Housing Completes 96 New Affordable Apartment Homes in San Marcos

Little did Amanda Schwarz know that when she and her husband Mark began rebuilding his grandfather's farm it would also be the beginning of a new business venture. "There was some barn wood from (his grandfather's machine shed) that he was just going to dump and I was like, 'Oh, you can't do that,'" Schwarz said. "I'm a person who likes meaning and heritage and symbolism and all that, so he cut up the wood and stuck it in a corner of our barn and it sat there for a few years." Later, Schwarz stumbled across a Pinterest "fail or success" video about pallet wood being turned into pine tree decorations and she became inspired. "What I loved about it was, I had the barn wood," she said. "I could turn it into a piece that was a heritage piece for Mark's extended family, his sisters, his parents, his aunt, everybody who grew up in this place or lived on this farm." Schwarz learned how to use a miter saw and made some prototypes, and when a friend saw them, they told her that she could sell pieces like those. The idea blossomed into what would become Rustic Lux Designs, which over the years has grown far beyond simple pallet wood pine trees. Schwarz started sharing her products on social media, then she set up at a Lakeview craft fair, then she started taking orders and got a website up and running. Today, Schwarz has a wood shop, three laser cutters and multiple partnerships and craft fairs she participates in locally. Blossoms Floral has carried her products for close to nine of the 10 years she's been in business, Schwarz said. "The majority of my business is just directly through me, whether it's through my social media, you know, people finding me on social media or seeing me at a craft show or word of mouth," Schwarz said. "It's grown very organically. I've never paid for an ad. I've just just kind of grown this little hobby into a business." One of the more popular pieces that Schwarz makes is a whiskey barrel head engraved with names — one of the few custom items she does. Schwarz said she uses Jim Beam barrel heads. Schwarz also makes custom signs from barn wood, adding names or framing it. After 10 years, she's built quite a catalog of items, from the barrel head signs to leather bookmarks. For the 10th anniversary, Schwarz even did a series highlighting her products for the 10 days before the 10-year anniversary, showcasing everything, big to small. "Some of that is 'giftables' and my giftables are little items I that I'm typically just engraving on," Schwarz said. "I'll buy a blank of material from another maker or a wholesale piece of leather, something like that, and turn it into a bookmark or I do a lot of ornaments." This is far from a side hustle at this point, Schwarz said, as her little project a decade ago had grown into a minimum of 40 hours a week at this point. "This time of year, you will find me out here 16-18 hours a day, so this is very full time and has been full time since about the third year in," Schwarz said. She does have some help in the form of a neighbor, Rachel Wilke. Wilke said she only occasionally helps, but sees the work Schwarz puts in and wants to help if she is able. The thing that really sets Rustic Lux Designs apart is Schwarz herself, Wilke said. "What makes it special?" Wilke asked rhetorically. "It's just Amanda. She's creative, she's talented and she's passionate about what she does. She gives her heart and soul into every authentic piece." Wilke emphasized that the items are made in a local workshop, by a local artist in rural Columbus, which adds a special something. "She connects with people," Wilke said. "She takes your ideas, your favorite sayings, turns it into a masterpiece, no matter what the size." The handmade concept is sort of a core principle of her work, Schwarz said. She is very empathetic and wants her items to have meaning. Things like wooden sympathy ornaments may be just pieces of wood, but the words on them and the thought behind something original and handmade can carry a lot of meaning to someone and that's what she tries to put into all her work. Whether it's a family name on a hanging sign, a Christmas ornament, a sympathy decoration or a sign for a wedding, her objects all have meaning, Schwarz said. "Words are power," Schwarz said. "That really is the very strong tie that runs through everything I do, no matter if I'm engraving something or adding words to something. It's powerful to just be able to keep those things in front of you." Part of that process is, of course, making those things from scratch, by hand, she said. "It very much falls back on words and healing," Schwarz said. "I'm very start-from-scratch, very handcrafted. Kind of a little line that I use is handcrafted with heart and soul." While Rustic Lux's 10 year celebration is past, Schwarz will have her items at the Downtown Stroll, starting Nov. 21 in Downtown Columbus as well as the Scotus Craft Show on Dec. 1 and the Lakeview December to Remember event on Dec. 8. For more information, visit rusticluxdesigns.com or facebook.com/rusticluxdesigns . (c)2024 the Columbus Telegram (Columbus, Neb.) Visit the Columbus Telegram (Columbus, Neb.) at www.columbustelegram.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital

Biden pledges £472m for rail project to improve access to Africa’s mineralsKabul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2024) When Zainab Ferozi saw struggling to feed their families after authorities took power, she took matters into her own hands and poured her savings into starting a . Two-and-a-half years after putting 20,000 Afghanis ($300) earned teaching sewing classes into a carpet weaving , she now employs around a dozen who lost their or who had to abandon their due to rules. Through her in the western province of , the 39-year-old also "covers the household expenses" of her of six, she told AFP her office where samples of brightly coloured and exquisitely woven rugs and bags are displayed. Her husband, a labourer, cannot find work in one of the poorest countries in the . Ferozi is one of many who have launched small businesses in the past three years to meet their own needs and support other , whose sharply declined after the took power in 2021. Before the takeover, made up 26 percent of public sector workers, a figure that "has effectively decreased to zero", according to . Girls and have also been banned secondary schools and universities under restrictions the has described as "gender apartheid". Zahid, a 28-year-old mother-of-one, started making jams and pickles in the small basement of her home in the capital after she was forced to stop her university . "I came into the of ... to create opportunities for so they can have an income that at least covers their immediate needs," Zahid said. Half a dozen of her employees, wearing long white coats, were busy jarring jams and pickles labelled "Mom's delicious homecooking". - Growing number of businesses - While be making the stock, running the shops in remains mostly a 's . Saleswomen like Zahid "cannot go to the bazaar to promote and sell their products" themselves, said Fariba Noori, chairwoman of the 's of and (AWCCI). Another issue for businesswomen is the need for a "mahram" -- a member chaperone -- to accompany them to other cities or provinces to purchase raw materials, said Noori. After 40 years of successive conflicts, many have been widowed and lost many relatives. Despite these challenges, the number of businesses registered with AWCCI has increased since the takeover, according to Noori. The number went " 600 big companies to 10,000" mainly small, home-based businesses and a few bigger companies, said Noori, herself a businesswoman for 12 years. Khadija Mohammadi, who launched her eponymous brand in 2022 after she lost her private teaching , now employs more than 200 sewing dresses and weaving carpets. "I am proud of every who is giving a hand to another to help her become independent," said the 26-year-old. Though businesses like Mohammadi's are a lifeline, the salaries ranging 5,000 to 13,000 Afghanis, cannot cover costs and many are still stalked by economic hardship. Qamar Qasimi, who lost her as a beautician after the authorities banned beauty salons in 2023, said that even with her salary she and her husband struggle to pay and feed their of eight. "When I worked in the beauty salon, we could earn 3,000-7,000 Afghanis for styling one bride, but here we get 5,000 per month," said the 24-year-old. "It's not comparable but I have no other choice," she added, the room around her full of chatting as they worked at 30 looms.

Former UK health secretary Hancock to be questioned at COVID-19 inquiryWhat is the 'Chill Guy' meme? What to know about origin, copyright feud and crypto sales

OTTAWA - Liberal Minister Harjit Sajjan is defending his decision to accept an invitation from a B.C. Crown corporation to attend a Taylor Swift concert. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * OTTAWA - Liberal Minister Harjit Sajjan is defending his decision to accept an invitation from a B.C. Crown corporation to attend a Taylor Swift concert. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? OTTAWA – Liberal Minister Harjit Sajjan is defending his decision to accept an invitation from a B.C. Crown corporation to attend a Taylor Swift concert. Global News first reported that Sajjan will be attending the concert on the taxpayer’s dime as a guest of PavCo, a provincial Crown corporation that owns BC Place. A spokeswoman for Sajjan says the minister only accepted the tickets after receiving clearance from the ethics commissioner. Joanna Kanga says the minister is making a donation of $1,500 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank as part of a fundraising effort tied to the event. Sajjan, who is the minister of Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will be attending the concert with his daughter in Vancouver on Saturday. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Swift is closing out her Eras Tour in the city on Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. AdvertisementIPO Frenzy next week: Five main-board, six SMEs to hit primary market to raise Rs 18,500 crore PTI Updated: December 8th, 2024, 17:30 IST in Business , Sci-Tech 0 Pic- IANS Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: The IPO market is set to be bustling next week, with 11 companies like Vishal Mega Mart, TPG Capital-backed Sai Life Sciences and fintech firm One Mobikwik Systems gearing up to launch their initial share sales, collectively aiming to raise nearly Rs 18,500 crore. Other mainboard IPOs to be launched during this period are Inventurus Knowledge Solutions Ltd and Blackstone-owned diamond grading firm International Gemmological Institute (India) Ltd. Also Read Mcap of 6 of top-10 most valued firms jump Rs 2 lakh crore; TCS, HDFC Bank lead gainers 2 hours ago FPIs return to Indian equities with Rs 24,454 crore inflow in December first week 3 hours ago Alongside the five main-board IPOs, six SMEs are preparing to float their maiden public issues next week to garner over Rs 150 crore collectively. Together, these 11 companies aim to raise approximately Rs 18,500 crore through public offerings. These IPOs will span various sectors and deal sizes and include fresh issues and offers for sale. The companies are tapping the primary market to provide an exit route to the existing shareholders, raise funds for expansion plans, retire debt and support working capital requirements. Trivesh D, COO of Tradejini, an online brokerage house, had said the Maharashtra election verdict and the UP Lok Sabha by-election results created a positive market sentiment that could boost IPO activity and fundraising efforts. While 2024 has been a strong year for IPOs overall, some recent issues have struggled in the secondary market, highlighting the recurring challenge of pricing during a bull run when issuers often aim for higher valuations, he stated. So far in 2024, 78 main-board companies, including Hyundai Motor India, Swiggy, NTPC Green Energy, Bajaj Housing Finance and Ola Electric Mobility, have mobilised around Rs 1.4 lakh crore collectively via mainboard. This was way higher than Rs 49,436 crore garnered by 57 firms through the route in 2023. The IPOs of Vishal Mega Mart, Sai Life Sciences and Mobikwik will be open for public subscription on December 11 and conclude on December 13. Further, the three-day initial share-sales of Inventurus Knowledge Solutions and International Gemmological Institute will open on December 12 and December 13, respectively. Before this, the public issues of Property Share Investment Trust SM REIT and Suraksha Diagnostic concluded their IPOs in the first week of December. Vishal Mega Mart is looking to float an Rs 8,000 crore IPO, which will be entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) of shares by promoter Kedaara Capital-led Samayat Services LLP, with no fresh issue of equity shares, according to the updated draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). The price band has been set at Rs 74 to Rs 78 per share. Sai Sai Life Sciences has fixed a price band of Rs 522 to Rs 549 per share for its Rs 3,043 crore initial public offering (IPO). This comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 950 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 3.81 crore shares by a promoter, investor shareholders and other shareholders. The Mobikwik IPO is aiming to raise Rs 572 crore through a fresh issue of 2.05 crore shares. The price band for the offering has been set at Rs 265 to Rs 279 per share. The issue by Inventurus Knowledge Solutions consists entirely offer for sale, comprising 1.88 crore shares and merchant bankers have pegged the issue size at Rs 2,500 crore. International Gemmological Institute is eyeing Rs 4,225 crore through the IPO. The issue includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,475 crore and an OFS valued at Rs 2,750 crore by promoter BCP Asia II TopCo Pte Ltd, an affiliate of Blackstone, red herring prospectus showed. The share price band of Inventurus Knowledge Solutions and International Gemmological Institute will be announced on Monday. Upcoming SME IPOs are Dhanlaxmi Crop Science Ltd (December 9-11), Toss The Coin Ltd and Jungle Camps India Ltd (both December 10-12), Supreme Facility Management Ltd and Purple United Sales Ltd (December 11-13) and Yash Highvoltage Ltd (December 12-16). The primary market is experiencing strong interest from issuers and investors across various sectors. The IPO investors over the past five fiscal years have enjoyed significant gains. 236 IPOs launched between FY21 and FY25 delivered an average listing gain of 27 per cent for the retail bucket, with current gains soaring to 105 per cent (as of October 31, 2024), Trivesh stated. PTI Tags: BSE Business Investment IPO NSE Stock market Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:

Richard Osman, his Thursday Murder Club... and an eight-year war of words between Scots librarians! Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By STUART MACDONALD FOR THE SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL Published: 21:25, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 21:27, 4 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments It is a spat that has seen two of Scotland’s most remote libraries rib each other over their services for eight years. The friendly rivalry between staff in Orkney and Shetland began in 2016 when bestselling author Richard Osman vowed to mention Orkney in his next Thursday Murder Club book after an online exchange with the island’s library. Since then staff at the two libraries have been have been trading jibes on social media platform X, formerly Twitter , leading to them both gaining thousands of followers. Osman responded to a post on Orkney Library’s X account which pointed out he was one of the only authors on their most borrowed list who didn’t have a connection to the area. The post read: ‘A lot of our most borrowed books are set in Orkney, written by people from Orkney, or written by people who have visited Orkney. But also Richard Osman.’ Osman, 54, replied ‘Sounds like I better move there’ leading the library to say, 'Well you’re doing pretty well without any Orkney content but maybe something to think about’. The Pointless and House of Games host then agreed to a compromise by saying ‘I’ll slip an “Orkney” into the new Thursday Murder Club book’. Best-selling author Richard Osman is at the heart of a spat between two Scots libraries Richard Osman's crime novels are a huge hit The library’s account responded by posting: ‘You heard it here first. ‘Do that and we’ll slip the new Thursday Murder Club book into Orkney (library).’ However, Osman’s pledge led to him being contacted by the X account of Shetland’s library who asked him: ‘Richard! You wouldn’t slip Orkney in without us, would you?.’ In a reference to author Ann Cleeves’ Shetland novels which have been turned into the successful BBC TV series, he replied: ‘Do you honestly think you’ve been under-represented in crime fiction?’ Orkney Library then got back in touch with Osman to say, ‘Careful or they’ll start going on about being “the most northerly “yadi yadi yah’. Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport Advertisement In 2016 when Orkney Library’s account received a coveted blue ‘tick’ - given to public figures and institutions to establish the authenticity of their identity - it wasted no time in tweeting: ‘Do you like our blue tick ShetlandLibrary? We know you already have blue ticks but ours isn’t caught off sheep.’ An hour later, they received the reply: ‘OrkneyLibrary Assume this ‘blue tick’ business is a bit like when Debenhams have a sale, identifying what’s knocked down & had its day?’ Orkney Library has built up a following of 85,000 people on X with its amusing posts while Shetland Library has 21,000. Osman is currently working on the fifth instalment of The Thursday Murder Club series which has continually broken publishing records since the first novel was published in 2020. The books are set around a group of pensioners living in a retirement village who crack the mysteries behind a series of killings. The original Thursday Murder Club book is being turned into a film by Steven Spielberg’s company Amblin Entertainment with Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, Ben Kingsley and David Tennant all due to appear. Richard Osman Share or comment on this article: Richard Osman, his Thursday Murder Club... and an eight-year war of words between Scots librarians! e-mail Add commentInvestors in Target ( TGT 2.81% ) may struggle to imagine an earnings report worse than the one released for the third quarter of 2024. The stock fell by 22% in the following trading session as the company released disappointing results. With that, Target's stock price has fallen to lows last seen more than one year ago. Now, the question for investors is whether that means the pessimism is overdone, or is Target a stock that investors need to avoid? Let's take a closer look. Target's third-quarter earnings Admittedly, Target's recent financials are not likely to inspire most investors. In the third quarter of 2024, revenue came in at just over $26 billion, an increase of just under 1% from year-ago levels. This included a comparable sales increase of only 0.3%. Although digital sales surged 11% higher during that time, those did little to offset the dismal in-store performance. On the Q3 2024 earnings call , CEO Brian C. Cornell blamed cautious consumer spending for the modest increase. The lower-than-expected sales led to a spike in inventory, with its $15 billion in inventory increasing more than $3 billion from last year's levels. Unfortunately for Target, operating expenses rose by just over 3%. The company blamed disruptions from the brief port strike, storm activity in the Southeast, and rising healthcare costs for the added expenses. Those factors led to a 12% yearly decline in net earnings, which came in at $854 million for Q3, or $1.85 per share. Still, the biggest disappointment may have come from Target's full-year guidance. The company now estimates its 2024 adjusted earnings per share will come in at $8.60 per share at the midpoint, well below the $9.35 per share it forecast at the midpoint just one quarter ago. Additionally, Target's situation may leave investors wondering where the company will find growth. More than 75% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Target, and with no apparent inclination to expand internationally, one may wonder how Target will drive growth longer term. The state of Target stock Such a performance led to Target stock setting new 52-week lows. Consequently, the company has barely eked out a positive total return over the last five years, a concerning situation for investors. However, the current state of Target stock might appeal to growth and income investors. The high inventory levels and cautious consumer spending are likely cyclical challenges that should improve over time. Moreover, these struggles are likely priced into Target stock. Amid its difficulties, the P/E ratio has fallen to about 13, a level close to five-year lows and far below the valuation of its largest competitors. TGT PE Ratio data by YCharts Furthermore, Target's annual dividend of $4.48 per share now has a return of 3.6%. This is approximately triple the dividend yield of the S&P 500 , which offers investors a return of just over 1.2%. Target is also a Dividend King , with a dividend increase streak of 53 years. While that situation boosts confidence in the stock, it also implies much of the value of Target stock hinges on these annual payout hikes. Thus, Target is likely to continue this streak, which should bolster confidence in the company's steady, rising income stream. Investing in Target stock Although Target looks like a troubled stock under current conditions, the buy case for the company appears unexpectedly strong. Indeed, sales levels are lackluster, and challenges such as rising inventory and a relative lack of expansion options appear concerning. Nonetheless, investors should remember that the company remains profitable despite its troubles. Moreover, its 13 P/E ratio likely means its stock price has more than priced in the company's current challenges. Furthermore, a 3.6% dividend yield combined with a 53-year streak of payout hikes may be too good for income investors to ignore. As business conditions improve, sales and earnings should begin to rise again. That should not only bolster Target's stock price but also allow it to continue the long streak of dividend increases.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. reduced its position in shares of Liberty Broadband Co. ( NASDAQ:LBRDK – Free Report ) by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 74,713 shares of the company’s stock after selling 2,709 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned 0.05% of Liberty Broadband worth $5,775,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its position in Liberty Broadband by 4,888.9% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 449 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 440 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Liberty Broadband by 200.7% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 424 shares of the company’s stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 283 shares during the period. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC boosted its position in shares of Liberty Broadband by 75.8% in the third quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 443 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Beach Investment Counsel Inc. PA purchased a new stake in Liberty Broadband in the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. raised its stake in Liberty Broadband by 103.7% during the second quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 762 shares of the company’s stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 388 shares during the period. 80.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Liberty Broadband Stock Performance Shares of LBRDK stock opened at $86.92 on Friday. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $81.17 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $65.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 2.07 and a quick ratio of 2.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.01 and a beta of 1.02. Liberty Broadband Co. has a 12 month low of $46.46 and a 12 month high of $101.50. Analyst Ratings Changes LBRDK has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Rosenblatt Securities upped their price objective on Liberty Broadband from $80.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Liberty Broadband in a research note on Thursday. They issued a “sell” rating on the stock. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Liberty Broadband Insider Buying and Selling at Liberty Broadband In other Liberty Broadband news, insider Renee L. Wilm sold 4,423 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.56, for a total value of $338,624.88. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,670 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $280,975.20. This trade represents a 54.65 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Also, CAO Brian J. Wendling sold 2,208 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.84, for a total transaction of $167,454.72. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 11,054 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $838,335.36. This trade represents a 16.65 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 6,673 shares of company stock worth $509,688 over the last quarter. 10.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Liberty Broadband Company Profile ( Free Report ) Liberty Broadband Corporation engages in the communications businesses. The company's GCI Holdings segment provides data, wireless, video, voice, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, educational, and medical institutions in Alaska under the GCI brand. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Liberty Broadband Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Liberty Broadband and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .IPO Frenzy next week: Five main-board, six SMEs to hit primary market to raise Rs 18,500 crore PTI Updated: December 8th, 2024, 17:30 IST in Business , Sci-Tech 0 Pic- IANS Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: The IPO market is set to be bustling next week, with 11 companies like Vishal Mega Mart, TPG Capital-backed Sai Life Sciences and fintech firm One Mobikwik Systems gearing up to launch their initial share sales, collectively aiming to raise nearly Rs 18,500 crore. Other mainboard IPOs to be launched during this period are Inventurus Knowledge Solutions Ltd and Blackstone-owned diamond grading firm International Gemmological Institute (India) Ltd. Also Read Mcap of 6 of top-10 most valued firms jump Rs 2 lakh crore; TCS, HDFC Bank lead gainers 2 hours ago FPIs return to Indian equities with Rs 24,454 crore inflow in December first week 3 hours ago Alongside the five main-board IPOs, six SMEs are preparing to float their maiden public issues next week to garner over Rs 150 crore collectively. Together, these 11 companies aim to raise approximately Rs 18,500 crore through public offerings. These IPOs will span various sectors and deal sizes and include fresh issues and offers for sale. The companies are tapping the primary market to provide an exit route to the existing shareholders, raise funds for expansion plans, retire debt and support working capital requirements. Trivesh D, COO of Tradejini, an online brokerage house, had said the Maharashtra election verdict and the UP Lok Sabha by-election results created a positive market sentiment that could boost IPO activity and fundraising efforts. While 2024 has been a strong year for IPOs overall, some recent issues have struggled in the secondary market, highlighting the recurring challenge of pricing during a bull run when issuers often aim for higher valuations, he stated. So far in 2024, 78 main-board companies, including Hyundai Motor India, Swiggy, NTPC Green Energy, Bajaj Housing Finance and Ola Electric Mobility, have mobilised around Rs 1.4 lakh crore collectively via mainboard. This was way higher than Rs 49,436 crore garnered by 57 firms through the route in 2023. The IPOs of Vishal Mega Mart, Sai Life Sciences and Mobikwik will be open for public subscription on December 11 and conclude on December 13. Further, the three-day initial share-sales of Inventurus Knowledge Solutions and International Gemmological Institute will open on December 12 and December 13, respectively. Before this, the public issues of Property Share Investment Trust SM REIT and Suraksha Diagnostic concluded their IPOs in the first week of December. Vishal Mega Mart is looking to float an Rs 8,000 crore IPO, which will be entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) of shares by promoter Kedaara Capital-led Samayat Services LLP, with no fresh issue of equity shares, according to the updated draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). The price band has been set at Rs 74 to Rs 78 per share. Sai Sai Life Sciences has fixed a price band of Rs 522 to Rs 549 per share for its Rs 3,043 crore initial public offering (IPO). This comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 950 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 3.81 crore shares by a promoter, investor shareholders and other shareholders. The Mobikwik IPO is aiming to raise Rs 572 crore through a fresh issue of 2.05 crore shares. The price band for the offering has been set at Rs 265 to Rs 279 per share. The issue by Inventurus Knowledge Solutions consists entirely offer for sale, comprising 1.88 crore shares and merchant bankers have pegged the issue size at Rs 2,500 crore. International Gemmological Institute is eyeing Rs 4,225 crore through the IPO. The issue includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,475 crore and an OFS valued at Rs 2,750 crore by promoter BCP Asia II TopCo Pte Ltd, an affiliate of Blackstone, red herring prospectus showed. The share price band of Inventurus Knowledge Solutions and International Gemmological Institute will be announced on Monday. Upcoming SME IPOs are Dhanlaxmi Crop Science Ltd (December 9-11), Toss The Coin Ltd and Jungle Camps India Ltd (both December 10-12), Supreme Facility Management Ltd and Purple United Sales Ltd (December 11-13) and Yash Highvoltage Ltd (December 12-16). The primary market is experiencing strong interest from issuers and investors across various sectors. The IPO investors over the past five fiscal years have enjoyed significant gains. 236 IPOs launched between FY21 and FY25 delivered an average listing gain of 27 per cent for the retail bucket, with current gains soaring to 105 per cent (as of October 31, 2024), Trivesh stated. PTI Tags: BSE Business Investment IPO NSE Stock market Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:Girls basketball: Big second half gets SD by JCD

Curious about bitcoin after it hit $100,000? Here’s what to know.NEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that it has filed a lawsuit against Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. EVLV and certain of the Company's current and former senior executives. If you invested in Evolv, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc . Investors have until December 31, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Evolv's securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and is captioned Buchan v. Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. , No. 1:24-cv-12768. A copy of the lawsuit can be found here: https://www.bfalaw.com/siteFiles/Cases/EvolvFiledComplaint.pdf What is the Lawsuit About? Evolv is a security technology company that utilizes AI-based screening designed to help create safer experiences. The complaint alleges that Evolv's financial statements prepared for the periods between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024 contained material misstatements relating to Evolv's revenue recognition and other reported metrics that are a function of revenue. On October 25, 2024, Evolv announced that the Company's financial statements issued between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024 should not be relied upon due to material misstatements impacting revenue recognition and other previously reported metrics that are a function of revenue. The Company revealed that certain sales, including sales to one of its largest channel partners, were subject to extra-contractual terms and conditions not shared with the Company's accounting personnel and that certain Company personnel engaged in misconduct in connection with those transactions. The Company also announced that it has self-reported these issues to the Division of Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission and was delaying filing its upcoming quarterly report for the third quarter of 2024. On this news, the price of Evolv stock declined roughly 40%, from $4.10 per share on October 24, 2024, to $2.47 per share on October 25, 2024. Then, on October 31, 2024, Evolv announced the termination of the Company's CEO, Peter George, effective immediately. The Company announced that Michael Ellenbogen, Evolv's Chief Innovation Officer will serve in an interim role until a successor is appointed. On this news, the price of Evolv stock declined roughly 8%, from $2.34 per share on October 30, 2024, to $2.15 per share on October 31, 2024. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in Evolv you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Reports: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold entering transfer portal

Major League Baseball announced some changes to its 2025 schedule as a result of the in Tampa next season due to the during Hurricane Milton. "These proactive schedule adjustments have been made to optimize the number of games played in the best weather conditions given the Rays’ transition to an outdoor ballpark," a statement issued by MLB said. MLB announces changes to the Rays' schedule (as well as the Angels' and Twins' schedules) because of move to Steinbrenner Field — Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) To avoid the summer humidity, which can reach levels of 90% or higher in July and August, MLB has moved an April three-game series (April 7-9) between the Rays and from Anaheim's Angel Stadium to Steinbrenner Field. The three-game set the two clubs were scheduled to play in August (Aug. 4-6) in Tampa will instead be played in Anaheim. Two series involving the Rays and will also swap places on the schedule. A three-game set previously scheduled to be played in Minneapolis from May 26 to 28 will move to Tampa, and the series scheduled for July 4-6 at Steinbrenner Field will instead be played at Target Field. As a result of these changes, the Rays will play 64 of their last 108 games on the road, . The team is only scheduled to play eight home games in both July and August. Steinbrenner Field, with a capacity of 11,000, is the spring training ballpark for the and their Class-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. The Tarpons will play their home games on other fields on the Yankees' complex during the Florida State League season. Tropicana Field suffered damage to its fabric roof panels when they as Hurricane Milton made landfall, allowing rain and wind to also harm the interior of the stadium. After assessing the damage, the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, determined that fixing the facility would cost approximately $55.7 million and would not be completed until 2026. The St. Petersburg City Council initially voted to approve the funds, only to hours later.