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It’s Thursday, December 26, and the Houston Rockets (20-9) and New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) are all set to square off from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Rockets are currently 9-5 on the road with a point differential of +7, while the Pelicans have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts. Game details & how to watch Rockets vs. Pelicans live today Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024 Time: 8:00 pm EST Site: Smoothie King Center City: New Orleans, LA Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page , along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game. Game odds for Rockets vs. Pelicans The latest odds as of Thursday: Odds: Rockets (-336), Pelicans (+264) Spread: Rockets -8 Over/Under: 221.5 points That gives the Rockets an implied team point total of 113.83, and the Pelicans 109.65. Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more! Expert picks & predictions for Thursday’s Rockets vs. Pelicans’ game Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals. Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Rockets & Pelicans game: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New Orleans Pelicans at +8. Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 221.5. Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar! Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Rockets vs. Pelicans on Thursday · The Rockets have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records · The OVER is 4-1 in the Pelicans’ last 5 division matchups · The Rockets have covered in 4 of their last 5 games against divisional opponents If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: - Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) - Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) - Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) - Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Published 5:07 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 By Jim Gazzolo At least for one day, the Cowboys found paradise to their liking. McNeese State opened play at the Paradise Jam Invitational in the U.S. Virgin Islands Friday by outgunning hot-shooting Illinois State, 76-68. The win moves McNeese State into the winners’ bracket where they will play Longwood, an 89-81 victory over Alabama-Birmingham earlier in the day. The two will meet Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Lake Charles time at the University of the Virgin Islands. ISU (3-2) will take on UAB Saturday. Senior Javohn Garcia, splitting his time between the point and shooting guard positions, led McNeese (3-2) with 16 points and seven rebounds, but it was the bench that was the difference. “Very proud of JG after a tough first half,” said McNeese head coach Will Wade. “In the second half he was tremendous.” Garcia had just three points in the opening half, hitting only one of his five shots. The Cowboy subs outscored the Redbird extras 27-13 with Sincere Parker leading the way with 13 points and DJ Richards adding 10. Of their 23 points, 19 of them came during the first half. “You have to be ready when you go in,” said Parker. “I have to do a good job seeing the game when I’m on the bench and knowing what I can do to fix things.” Brandon Murray also added 13 points while Christian Shumate finished with nine and seven rebounds for the Cowboys. “We got a lot of contributions from a lot of guys,” said Wade. “Some of our guys played better today, some of our guys will play better on Sunday. That is something you need in these tournaments.” McNeese played solid defense against an ISU team that made 20 of 40 threes in its last game. Hounding the Redbird shooters the Cowboys forced ISU into missing 15 of their 26 shots from long range. ISU also missed on 8 of 21 free throws. That helped keep them from making any real run down the stretch. The Cowboys made 20 of 26 from the free-throw line and 8 of 20 on 3-point attempts. “We were able to do that better in the second half,” said Wade. “There are still a lot of things we have to clean up but we are working on that.” The Cowboys pulled away in the second and grabbed a 62-47 lead with 11:40 remaining after two Bryant Selebangue free throws ended an 8-0 run. The Redbirds tried to claw back into the game and had the lead down to six (72-66) with 31 seconds remaining. However, Garcia and Richards hit two free throws each from there to kill any upset chances. Sophomore Ty Pence led six ISU players who scored in double digits with 14 points while Mal Poindexter finished with 13. McNeese came out shooting strong, hitting six threes in the first half to grab a 43-36 lead. The Redbirds had come into the game with the reputation of being a great shooting team from long range. The two teams played things close for the first 10 minutes then Richards got hot for the Cowboys. He went on a personal 8-0 run over a 1:31 span to give McNeese a 25-18 lead. Richards hit two threes and two free throws during that time. After the Redbirds closed the gap to two at 25-23, the Cowboys went on a 12-3 run to lead 37-26 with 3:56 left. Omar Cooper’s steal and 3-point play capped off the run. “We were able to get some stops there,” said Wade. “When we got stops and didn’t foul we were able to get our pace going.” The lead grew to 15 (43-28) with 2:08 left before the break on Parker’s running layup. However, Ty Pence scored the final eight points on two threes of his own and a pair of free throws to bring ISU to within seven to start the second half. “That was a good win against a good team from the Missouri Valley,” said Wade.
MULGRAVE — With expanded services and a renewed commitment to community good works in the new year, Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL) is re-writing the rulebook on building relationships with the municipalities it serves, says its chief executive officer. “I think everybody is interested in doing better and more for the community,” Laura Emery told The Journal in a recent year-end interview. “I think the province has a real understanding of the reach of public libraries. Strengthening relations with [our] municipal partners [ensures] that we [bring] the best that we can to the community.” According to ECRL’s 2023-24 annual report, released last month, the signs are promising. In one year, the number of new users at its nine branches in Cape Breton and northeastern Nova Scotia communities – including Guysborough, Canso and Sherbrooke – has jumped by 871, which included 57 at the Cyril Ward Memorial Public Library in Guysborough town, 41 at the Canso Public Library and 89 at the Sherbrooke Public Library. As well, the report shows, circulation (books and other reading materials) was 16 per cent higher in all locations – to 95,000 units, from 80,000, in 2022-23. That included a 20 per cent increase in Guysborough alone – to 11,131 from 9,207. Meanwhile, branch hours increased to 14,227, from 13,041, system wide. Even more notable was the growth in the number of public library programs – to 328 from 164 – and their growing attendance – to 2,000 from just more than 1,000 between 2022-23 and 2023-24. Wrote ECRL board chair Clair Rankin in the annual report: “Increased in-person programming [provided] more opportunities for community members to engage and learn ... demonstrating the value of flexible learning options. Increasing partnerships and better supporting local library staff helped to make these changes happen. Clearly, working with the community and our municipal partners is the way foreword.” This hasn’t always been easy. The oldest and one of the largest regional library systems, by geographic area, in Nova Scotia – catering to more than 32,000 residents the counties of Guysborough, Inverness, and Richmond, as well as the Town of Port Hawkesbury – ECRL receives two-thirds of its roughly $1-million annual budget from the provincial government. It gets the rest from four municipal councils, with which it’s in regular contact but, historically, not always in agreement. One well-publicized dispute with the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s council over funding, for example, actually went to provincial mediation in 2022. The issue was resolved in April of this year when both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration and communications between them. “To create such a specific agreement with one of our partners and really formalize ways that we can always be working together, always be communicating and bringing the best to the community, is historic,” Emery told local media at the announcement in Mulgrave at the time. Today, she’s even more adamant about making things work collaboratively. “Positive actions organically lead to a more positive and encouraging environment,” she told The Journal. “I think we’re certainly heading in a good direction.” Much of that may have to do with the provincial government’s growing realization that at a time of rising costs and housing shortages, rural libraries in general and ECRL, in particular, have important roles to play in shoring up the social and even economic well being of their communities. Additional provincial funding – not related to core programming – is helping ECRL position itself as a community hub. Over the past year, Rankin noted in the annual report, “Eastern Counties Regional Library expanded its role in supporting community well-being. Special funding from the province [has] allow[ed] ECRL to give away menstrual products, diapers and incontinence pads to help with the increasing cost of living. We’ve been distributing COVID-19 test kits for a few years, so these new offerings easily fit into our library locations. Items are on display, and people can drop by and pick up what they or their family and friends need.” The library has also established seed banks at its branches and recently received a $42,000 contribution from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage to conduct strategic planning and community engagement on potential, new initiatives. “It is a tremendous example of how public libraries can do so much more to benefit the community if they have the funding,” Rankin concluded in his message. “My hope is this trend of special project funding will continue.” Certainly, ECRL’s efforts have not gone unnoticed among some of its municipal partners. At the Nov. 20 Municipality of the District of Guysborough regular council meeting, Councillor Mary Desmond (district #2) praised the “vibrancy” and “informative” content of this year’s annual report. Warden Paul Long added: “There seems to be a greater sense of cooperation and collegiality between the library and municipalities.” Said Emery: “I am very happy to hear that. I think provincial funding for community initiatives ... has demonstrated the additional value that a library can bring to a community. And, that’s probably helping with the positive perception of the Eastern Counties Regional Library. Things are starting to turn around and, you know ... that’s great.”SANTA CLARA — No Brock Purdy. No Nick Bosa. No chance for the 49ers on Sunday in Green Bay? “We’re missing two good players definitely but we’ll have a lot of good players out there,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan countered. “By no means do we not have a chance to win. We’ll fight our tails off. We’ll expect a real good game.” will force him to miss his first game due to injury since becoming the 49ers’ starting quarterback nearly two years ago, and that thrusts ninth-year journeyman Brandon Allen into his 10th career start and first since 2021 with Cincinnati. Bosa’s oblique and hip injuries will sideline him for his first game of this wobbly season. Also ruled out were cornerback Charvarius Ward (personal), return specialist Jacob Cowing (concussion), defensive tackle Kevin Givens (groin) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee), while left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable as a game-time decision for a second straight game. Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) are good to go for an offense that must make do without Purdy at the NFL’s most historic venue. Allen, who last threw a regular-season pass in 2022 as Joe Burrow’s backup in Cincinnati, will guide the 49ers’ offense in a key game as San Francisco aims to make a playoff push. “It’s an opportunity,” Allen said. “The circumstances are what they are. Our team all year long, we’ve been dealing with injuries here or there. It’s been a big next-man-up mentality. It’s definitely an opportunity for me to go out, play well, put our guys in a good position to win the game. “Obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that,” Allen added. “For the time being, it is an opportunity for me.” Josh Dobbs, who lost out to Allen in training camp and the preseason for the QB2 role, will serve in that capacity Sunday at Lambeau Field, where neither quarterback has played a regular-season game. Rookie Tanner Mordecai likely will be elevated from the practice squad Saturday to serve as the emergency No. 3 quarterback. Purdy wore a resigned, dour expression but offered upbeat words as he walked through the locker room, saying: “We’re all good.” This is not how Shanahan scripted it earlier in the week. “(Purdy) got the MRI on Monday, we thought he just needed some rest and really weren’t concerned about not being there this week,” Shanahan said Friday. “I don’t want to say there’s long-term concern,” Shanahan said Friday. “We got the MRI on Monday. We thought he just needed some rest and really weren’t concerned about him not being good this week.” Purdy rested his arm Wednesday, then left the practice field Thursday after a few light throws. “It surprised him, surprised us how it felt, so we had to shut him down,” Shanahan said. “The MRI doesn’t look like (it’s serious) so it should be alright. But the way it responded this week, it’s really up in the air for next week. We’ll have to see on Monday.” The 49ers follow this week’s trip at Green Bay with a prime-time appearance next Sunday, Dec. 1 in Buffalo. “I know this is like the first time Brock’s missed a game probably in his life,” Allen said. “He’s a tough guy and I’m not too worried about it. I don’t think any of our guys are. He’ll rehab and get back as fast as he can.” No one is saying when Purdy got hurt in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to Seattle, whether it was from diving for the goal line on his first-quarter touchdown scramble or later in the game. Shanahan did note that Purdy struggled to keep his shoulder loose and threw on the sideline, then the pain intensified after the game and into Monday. “It was somewhere during that Seattle game and I’m not sure Brock knows,” general manager John Lynch said on KNBR. “He fought through it through the course of the game. I did see him during the course of the game, anytime there was a pause, he kept throwing. At that point, you’re feeling something but he was so focused on trying to win.” Shanahan lauded Allen as a “really good thrower” who “runs our offense well” and that “guys believe in him.” The feeling is mutual on Allen’s side, as he explained what it was like as Purdy’s stand-in on the starting unit in practice this week: “It’s been a blessing to have them in the huddle with me and the leadership that’s in the huddle, so I can just come in and fill the spot for Brock for now, just try to make some plays and get the ball in their hands.” Added Shanahan: “It’s not a big game-plan adjustment. This is something we didn’t think would happen early in the week. We were fully preparing for Brock to go.” The Packers prepared that way, too. Allen is no total stranger, however. Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters Friday in Green Bay, prior to Purdy’s no-show practice: “I know Brandon. I was with him in L.A. (in 2017). He’s been in the league a long time. But I wouldn’t expect their offense to change a whole bunch.” While Purdy traveled with the 49ers to Green Bay, Bosa was staying behind to rehabilitate the upper-body injuries that forced him to miss Sunday’s fourth-quarter collapse against Seattle. It will be the first game Bosa has missed since Oct. 16, 2022 with a groin injury. The 49ers lost a road game that day to Atlanta 28-14 during a season in which Bosa was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. Sam Okuayinonu figures to make his first career start in place of Bosa while Leonard Floyd makes his 11th start at the other defensive end slot. Williams, with the help of a pain-killing injection, made it through the Seattle loss at what he said afterwards was 65 percent. Although listed as questionable, Shanahan reiterated Williams’ status could go right up to kickoff. Jaylon Moore likely would start in place of Williams, if needed. Ward, mourning the death of his 23-month-old daughter, was declared out but Shanahan hoped to have the All-Pro cornerback next week when the 49ers visit Buffalo. “He’s taken three full weeks off,” Shanahan said. “It’s not like dealing with all that stuff he’s getting workouts in and all that. We’re just happy to get him back in the building this week. We don’t want to put any pressure on him, hopefully he’ll be good to go next week.” Among those listed as questionable is guard/center Jon Feliciano, whose 21-day window of practicing while on injured reserve is about to expire. If the 49ers don’t put Feliciano on the 53-man roster by Monday, he’ll spend the rest of the season on injured reserve. Cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) was ruled out after being unable to practice all week, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) also will not suit up for Green Bay’s defense. Defensive tackle Colby Wooden is questionable as the only other Packers player on their injury report.
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US sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the Name, Image and Likeness era. Detroit Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde, name Todd McLellan as his replacement The Detroit Red Wings have fired coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan as his replacement. The move a day after Christmas comes after the Red Wings lost 21 of their first 34 games this season. They're on a three-game skid. Assistant Bob Boughner was also fired and Trent Yawney hired to work on McLellan's staff. McLellan signed a multiyear contract to start his fourth NHL head coaching job. Lalonde was nearly midway through his third season with Detroit after winning the Stanley Cup twice as an assistant with Tampa Bay. Penn State offensive coordinator Kotelnicki's creativity has the Nittany Lions humming in the CFP Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State. Penn State has one of the most unique offensive weapons in the country in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren has 92 receptions this season and has become a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 53rd minute. The four-time defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. While City is languishing in seventh place, United is even further adrift in 14th place after a 2-0 loss at lowly Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Jackson breaks Vick's NFL rushing record for QBs in Ravens' rout over Texans HOUSTON (AP) — Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for the most yards rushing by a quarterback in NFL history in a 31-2 win over the Houston Texans in Wednesday. Jackson moved past Vick on a 6-yard run in the third quarter. Jackson had 87 yards rushing to give him 6,110 yards, moving him past Vick, who piled up 6,109 in his 13-year career.Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Police are set to scrutinize CCTV footage that captured the tragic moment former One Direction star Liam Payne fell to his death. The 31-year-old singer met a heartbreaking end last month after plummeting from the third floor of a hotel. An autopsy revealed that Payne died on impact , suffering "multiple traumatic injuries" which led to "internal and external hemorrhage." Liam Payne found 'unconscious in elevator' before falling to death from balcony Liam Payne 'swapped hotels' before his death as investigation continues This development follows revelations that Payne's ex-neuropsychiatrist had discontinued treatment and cautioned about the lethal risks of mixing alcohol with antidepressants. In recent proceedings, Judge Laura Bruinard, who is presiding over the inquiry, directed law enforcement to secure testimonies from key figures linked to Payne's demise, including Roger Nores, Braian Paiz, hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra, security guard Esteban Reynaldo Grassi, and manager Gilda Martín. Additionally, she commanded the Special Technological Investigations Division of the Superintendency for the Fight against Cybercrime of the City Police to conduct extensive analyses on 22 electronic devices seized from suspects and witnesses during raids. Reports from local news outlets suggest that authorities have been tasked with examining a three-terabyte Western Digital hard drive provided by Sacro restaurant, adjacent to the CasaSur Palermo Hotel where Payne was staying. It has been alleged that the One Direction member had indulged in drugs and alcohol prior to his untimely passing. DON'T MISS... Liam Payne hotel staff's 911 call under renewed scrutiny as new charges possible [LATEST] Two new hotel suspects 'named' in connection to Liam Payne death probe [UPDATE] Liam Payne death investigation gets new update as prosecutors win major battle [NEWS] Infobae reports that the singer tragically fell over a balcony, striking his head on an umbrella base in the restaurant area. The police are set to review footage of Liam's devastating death, which has not yet been included in the comprehensive investigation led by prosecutor Andrés Madrea. Liam's friend, Roger Nores, is under investigation for suspected abandonment – a claim he refutes. Meanwhile, others face scrutiny for alleged drug facilitation. Last week, a judge sided with Madrea, summoning the existing suspects and two additional individuals for questioning. These interviews will occur between December 17 and December 19 via Zoom. Following this, Bruinard will have ten days to decide whether to prosecute or acquit the defendants. Currently, an iPhone belonging to Roger Nores and a laptop owned by Liam are slated for examination, despite being confiscated during earlier raids. During these raids, the phones of two suspects and one from a sex worker who visited Liam were seized. Additionally, a raid on the residence of a second sex worker in Tigre uncovered five more devices, which were also seized. Local reports last week suggested that prosecutors might consider manslaughter charges against hotel employees filmed carrying Liam out of the lobby shortly before his alcohol and drug-induced balcony fall.
PASADENA, Calif., Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN – VenHub, a disruptive AI and robotics company (“VenHub” or the “Company”), and Target Global Acquisition I Corp. (NASDAQ: TGAA) (“TGAA”), a NASDAQ-listed special purpose acquisition company, today announced they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement, dated as of December 2, 2024 (the “Business Combination Agreement”). The proposed business combination (the “Proposed Business Combination”) is expected to be completed (the “Closing”) in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. The combined company will operate as VenHub Global Holdings, Inc. following the Closing and is expected to list on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “VHUB”. As one of the leading providers of a 24/7 autonomous smart store, VenHub has introduced and developed a solution with the potential to transform how consumers interact with technology in retail environments. Powered by proprietary software and unique robotics arms technology, VenHub’s product offering can provide a seamless customer experience. Manufactured by a leader in the global robotics industry, the innovative robotic arms technology can differentiate VenHub from traditional retail solutions and well-positions the Company in the automated retail space. Additionally, VenHub’s cutting edge vision system adds precision and reliability to its product offering, and the efficiency and security of the Smart Stores are enabled by VenHub’s intellectual property portfolio. Founded in 2023, VenHub is addressing challenges facing traditional retail stores, including inefficient inventory management, limited hours, high labor costs, and security concerns. The Smart Stores are designed to utilize data-driven inventory management, a self-service delivery system, and advanced security protection, all of which reduce labor costs and collectively enhance sales and growth potential. Through these potential competitive advantages, VenHub has secured over 1,000 customer pre-orders across 48 states, with potential revenue of more than $300 million1 in pre-order value. This pre-order book demonstrates market confidence in VenHub’s smart store technology. VenHub’s growth strategy focuses on geographic and store format expansion to meet the growing demand for autonomous retail solutions, as well as product diversification to enhance VenHub’s market presence and operational efficiency. The Company’s CapEx-light business model has the potential to create value for stakeholders, and its diversified business model with potential for recurring revenue can allow VenHub to achieve its expansion plan. Key Investment Highlights Management Commentary Shahan Ohanessian, Chief Executive Officerof VenHub, commented: “This is day one for VenHub on a larger stage,” Shahan Ohanessian, CEO of VenHub, remarked. “We’re at the starting line of what I believe will be a remarkable journey, turning our vision into reality and expanding our reach on a global scale. We're not just joining the market; we're aiming to pioneer a new frontier in smart retail that enhances how businesses and consumers connect.” Mike Minnick, Chief Executive Officer of TGAA, added: “We are excited to partner with Shahan and the VenHub team. VenHub’s efficient, capital-light business model, combined with strong near-term projected positive cash flow generation, positions the Company for sustainable growth. This approach enables strategic expansion into multiple geographic markets while leveraging internally generated cash flow and maintaining disciplined resource allocation.” Proposed Business Combination Overview The Proposed Business Combination implies a pro forma enterprise value of $715 million, which assumes an estimated equity value of $650 million, $26 million in new cash to the balance sheet (assuming 100% redemptions by TGAA public shareholders), and $0.6 million in existing cash. The Proposed Business Combination is expected to provide net cash to VenHub of up to $14 million to support VenHub’s continued geographic expansion and product diversification. Cash proceeds raised will consist of TGAA’s approximately $20.4 million cash in trust, net of redemptions. The cash in the TGAA trust account is anticipated to support the Company’s growth capital needs, including VenHub’s production, marketing and sales efforts. It is intended that 100% of existing VenHub stockholders will roll over their equity and, assuming no redemptions and full rollover, own approximately 89% of the pro forma equity of the combined company in connection with the transaction. The Proposed Business Combination has been approved by the boards of directors of both VenHub and TGAA and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to shareholder approvals and other customary closing conditions. For a summary of the material terms of the Proposed Business Combination, as well as a supplemental investor presentation, please see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed today by TGAA with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Additional information about the Proposed Business Combination will be described in TGAA’s proxy statement relating to the Proposed Business Combination, which it will file with the SEC. Advisors Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC, is serving as the exclusive financial advisor, capital markets advisor and placement agent to VenHub. Smith Eilers PLLC is serving as legal counsel to VenHub. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is serving as legal counsel to TGAA. Travers Thorp Alberga is serving as legal counsel to TGAA with respect to Cayman Islands law. About VenHub VenHub Global, Inc., f/k/a Autonomous Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is reshaping the retail industry with its groundbreaking autonomous and robotic-operated Smart Stores. Leveraging advanced AI and smart inventory management systems, VenHub offers a seamless shopping experience that operates 24/7. This approach not only increases revenue but also significantly reduces operational costs compared to traditional retail setups. VenHub’s modular design allows for quick installation and easy customization to meet a wide range of consumer needs. The company operates across three main retail formats: fixed Smart Stores for permanent locations, mobile Smart Stores for flexibility and broader accessibility, and innovative solutions that upgrade existing retail spaces and shopping centers into advanced Smart Shopping environments. With its forward-thinking strategy, VenHub is poised to transform the retail landscape, providing an efficient and accessible shopping experience that anticipates the future of commerce. About Target Global Acquisition I Corp. TGAA Acquisition I Corp. is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Island exempted company and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. TGAA’s units, Class A ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “TGAAU,” “TGAA,” and “TGAAW” respectively. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. TGAA’s and VenHub’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, TGAA’s and VenHub’s expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the Proposed Business Combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the Proposed Business Combination and the timing of the completion of the Proposed Business Combination. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside TGAA’s and VenHub’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement, (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against TGAA and VenHub following the announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the Proposed Business Combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of TGAA or other conditions to closing in the Business Combination Agreement; (4) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement or could otherwise cause the Proposed Business Combination to fail to close; (5) the amount of redemption requests made by TGAA’s shareholders; (6) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the post-business combination company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC following the Proposed Business Combination; (7) the risk that the Proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Proposed Business Combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; (9) costs related to the Proposed Business Combination; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (11) the possibility that VenHub or the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (12) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the proxy statement relating to the Proposed Business Combination, including those under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” which will be set forth in a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed by TGAA and the Company and in TGAA’s other filings with the SEC. Some of these risks and uncertainties may be amplified by future events and there may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. TGAA cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. TGAA cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. TGAA does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Additional Information and Where to Find It This press release relates to a proposed transaction between the Company and TGAA. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act. TGAA and the Company intend to file a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement/prospectus of TGAA. The proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all TGAA shareholders. TGAA also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of TGAA are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by TGAA through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov . In addition, the documents filed by TGAA may be obtained free of charge from TGAA’s website at https://tgacquisition1.com/ or by written request to TGAA at: Target Global Acquisition I Corp., PO Box 10176, Governor’s Square 23, Lime Tree Bay Avenue, Grand Cayman KY1-1102, Cayman Islands. Participants in the Solicitation TGAA and the Company and their respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from TGAA’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about TGAA’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of TGAA’s securities is set forth in TGAA’s filings with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transaction may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. No Offer or Solicitation This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase any security of TGAA, VenHub or any of their respective affiliates. No such offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom. The contents of this press release have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. Investor Relations Contact IR@VenHub.com 888-585-4999 Wire Service Contact: IBN Los Angeles, California www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com 310.299.1717 Office Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com 1 Grand View Research, “GVR Report cover Convenience Stores Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Cigarettes & Tobacco, Foodservice, Packaged Beverages, Center Store, Low Alcoholic Beverages), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2028”, May 2022 2 Based on management estimates. As of September 30, 2024.Kenyan police officers who have been deployed to combat escalating gang violence in Haiti are confronting daily hostilities in Port-au-Prince . Police have been situated in a Kenya -led multinational force since earlier this year . Gangs now control approximately 85 percent of the city. Humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have suspended operations due to safety concerns, further straining aid delivery to those in need. On Thursday, Kenyan and Haitian officers engaged in a firefight with heavily armed gangs near the former National Police headquarters, a site previously abandoned due to gang encroachment. "The days are numbered for the gangs. Either you surrender...or we are coming for you," said Commander Godfrey Otunge of the United Nations -backed mission. Over 700,000 Displaced by Gang Territories In the first quarter of 2024 alone, around 2,500 people were killed or injured due to gang violence, marking the deadliest period since the U.N. began recording such statistics in January 2022. Additionally, gang activities have displaced an estimated 700,000 people in recent years, with gunmen burning and looting communities to expand their territories. Domestically, there are concerns that Haitian police , along with their reinforcements, have yet to secure gang strongholds or apprehend key leaders. There are unavoidable internal issues; nearly 20 Kenyan officers have tendered resignations over delayed pay and poor working conditions. While they continue to serve, their concerns remain unaddressed. Kenya's national police chief, Douglas Kanja, claimed that officers had been paid up to October, but officers reported their last payment was in September. Half Of Haitians Displaced Are Children The extent of the nation's humanitarian crisis is deepening. Last week, approximately 42,000 people, half of them children, were rendered homeless. UNICEF estimates that six million people, including 3.3 million children, will require humanitarian aid next year. The United States and other nations have advocated for a more robust U.N. peacekeeping mission, citing the current operation's lack of resources and funding. However, efforts to transition the mission into a U.N. peacekeeping force face resistance from China and Russia , who prefer to give the existing mission more time to establish peace. Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky expressed "shock and horror" at what is happening on the streets of Port-au-Prince. He accused the U.S. and other countries that initially supported the multinational force of failing to fund it. Acting Prime Minister Sacked Within Months Haiti's political instability compounds the mission's challenges. The Transitional Presidential Council recently dismissed acting Prime Minister Garry Conille , who had only been in power for several months. Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé replaced Conille on November 11. The council, established to facilitate a democratic transition, has been fraught with infighting, hindering efforts to restore order. French President Emmanuel Macron was caught on video among his G20 peers describing the council as "morons" that "never should have dismissed him." He said that their decision-making at a time of significant organized crime was "completely dumb." This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
T oday in America, 60% of our people live paycheck to paycheck, 85 million people are uninsured or underinsured and 21.5 million households are paying more than 50% of their income on housing. We have one of the highest rates of childhood poverty of almost any developed country on Earth, and 25% of older adults are trying to survive on $15,000 a year or less. In other words, the United States has fallen far behind other major countries in protecting the most vulnerable, and our government has failed millions of working families. But while so many Americans are struggling to get by, the United States is spending record-breaking amounts of money on the military. In the coming days, with relatively little debate, Congress will overwhelmingly pass the National Defense Authorization Act, approving close to $900bn for the Department of Defense (DoD). When spending on nuclear weapons and “emergency” defense spending is included, the total will approach $1tn. We now spend more than the next nine countries combined. I don’t often agree with Elon Musk, but he is right when he says the Pentagon “has little idea how its annual budget of more than $800bn is spent.” The Department of Defense is the only government agency that has been unable to pass an independent audit. It recently failed its seventh attempt in a row and could not fully account for huge portions of its $4.126tn in assets. Very few people who have researched the military-industrial complex doubt that there is massive fraud, waste and cost over-runs in the system. Defense contractors routinely overcharge the Pentagon by 40% – and sometimes more than 4,000%. For example, in October, RTX (formerly Raytheon) was fined $950m for inflating bills to the DoD, lying about labor and material costs, and paying bribes to secure foreign business. In June, Lockheed Martin was fined $70m for overcharging the navy for aircraft parts, the latest in a long line of similar abuses. The F-35, the most expensive weapon system in history, has run up hundreds of billions in cost overruns. Today, as a result of massive consolidation in the industry, a large portion of the Pentagon budget now goes to a handful of huge defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, RTX, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman. That consolidation has been extremely profitable for the industry: since 2022, these four contractors have brought in $609bn in revenues, including $353bn in US taxpayer funds, and recorded $57bn in profits. During that same period, they have spent $61bn on dividends and stock buybacks to make their wealthy stockholders even richer. These defense contractors also provide their CEOs with exorbitant compensation packages. In the last three years for which information is available, these companies paid their CEOs more than $257m combined – with annual salaries that are about 100 times more than the secretary of defense and 500 times more than the average newly enlisted service member. How does this happen? How do we keep handing huge amounts of money to companies that routinely overcharge the American taxpayer and often engage in fraud? The answer is not complicated. These companies – like the drug companies, insurance companies, Wall Street and the fossil fuel industry – spend millions on campaign contributions and lobbying. In the recent election cycle, defense contractors spent nearly $251m on lobbying and contributed almost $37m to political candidates. Surprise, surprise! Most members of Congress vote for greatly inflated military budgets with few questions asked. The lack of accountability at the Department of Defense is not just costing American taxpayer dollars. It’s costing lives. The United States is providing many billions of dollars to help defend Ukraine from Putin’s invasion. When defense contractors said they couldn’t ramp up production without more taxpayer support, Congress repeatedly appropriated emergency funding, with roughly $78.5bn going to buy equipment and services from the major defense contractors. How did those “patriotic” companies respond? They jacked up prices. RTX increased prices for Stinger missiles from $25,000 in the 1990s to $400,000 in 2023. Lockheed Martin and RTX raised the price of the Javelin missile system from about $263,000 per unit just before the war to $350,700 this year. Similar price hikes took place for Patriot missiles and other weapons. And make no mistake: every time a contractor pads its profit margins, fewer weapons reach the frontlines. The greed of these defense contractors is not just costing American taxpayers; it’s killing Ukrainians. The United States needs a strong military, but we do not need a defense system that is designed to make huge profits for a handful of giant defense contractors. We do not need to spend almost a trillion dollars on the military, while half a million Americans are homeless and children go hungry. In this moment in history, it would be wise for us to remember what Dwight D Eisenhower, a former five-star general, said in his farewell address in 1961: “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” What Eisenhower said was true in 1961. It is even more true today. I will be voting against the military budget.
The purpose of has mystified Britons for thousands of years, but researchers think they may now know the theory behind its creation. Experts believe the stone circle was created with rocks and boulders from all corners of ancient Britain as a symbol of unity against foreign invaders. Its construction came amid an from mainland Europe – countries now known as Germany and the Netherlands in particular – and may have been a political monument to unite indigenous Britons. The theory has come about as a result of the recent revelation that the prominent altar stone was actually from , rather than Wales, as had long been believed. The stone travelled some 430 miles from Scotland’s Orcadian Basin arriving about 2,500BC. Prof Mike Parker Pearson, the study’s lead author from the University College London’s y, said its design to include stones from different places in the country makes it “unique among over 900 stone circles in Britain”. He said it suggested “the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose – as a monument of unification for the peoples of Britain, celebrating their eternal links with their ancestors and the cosmos”. “ stands out in being a material and monumental microcosm of the entirety of the British Isles,” he added. ’s 43 “bluestones” were brought from the Preseli Hills in west Wales, about 140 miles away. Its larger “sarsen” stones were hauled from their sources at least 15 miles away to the north and east of the stone circle and are thought to originate in the West Woods. Prof Parker Pearson said: “We’ve known for a while that people came from many different parts of Britain with their pigs and cattle to feast at Durrington Walls, and nearly half the people buried at had lived somewhere other than Salisbury Plain. “The similarities in architecture and material culture between the area and northern Scotland now make more sense.” Prof Richard Bevins, co-author from Aberystwyth University, looked into the geology of the stones. He said: “Our research is like forensic science. We are a small team of earth scientists, each bringing their own area of expertise; it is this combination of skills that has allowed us to identify the sources of the bluestones, and now the altar stone.” It was uncovered earlier this year that the six-ton altar stone originated in Scotland and arrived at the time was remodelled from its original form. It is similar in size and placement to the large, horizontal stones in the stone circles of north-east Scotland. The altar stone has often been overlooked because it lies flat and is partly obscured by a huge fallen sarsen. It had been assumed it had also fallen, but the researchers explained that in Scotland multiple circles have stones that are purposely laid flat. “Given what we now know about where it’s from, it seems all the more likely that it was deliberately set as a recumbent stone,” Prof Parker Pearson said. He added that it was “highly likely” that the altar stone had been part of an earlier Scottish monument and that “these stones are not just plucked out of anywhere”. The Welsh bluestones are believed to have arrived for the first construction of Stonehenge, but for the second iteration there was more contact between Britain and Europe. Over the years there have been numerous theories about Stonehenge, ranging from a temple to an observatory and , but the new insight adds weight to it being a monument to unify Britons against foreign invaders. Prof Parker Pearson said. “It’s not a temple – that has been a major stumbling block for hundreds of years. It’s not a calendar, and it’s not an observatory. “I think we’ve just not been looking at Stonehenge in the right way. You really have to look at all of it to work out what they’re doing. They’re constructing a monument that is expressing the permanence of particular aspects in their world.” Ultimately, the new European arrivals brought to Britain advancements in metal working and the wheel, and would gradually replace indigenous Britons over the following four centuries to become the dominant population on the island, the researchers said. The research will be published in Archaeology International.Who will replace Ray Hadley? Bizarre theory emerges over broadcast veteran's potential successor READ MORE: Ray Hadley's multimillion retirement property investment revealed By A. JAMES FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 18:31 EST, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 18:44 EST, 22 November 2024 e-mail View comments Ray Hadley shocked listeners earlier this month when he announced he was hanging up his mic for good in December . And as the 70-year-old's retirement looms, speculation is hot over who will take his seat at Channel Nine's flagship station, 2GB. Front runners include current 2GB personalities Ben Fordham , and Chris O'Keefe. But since Channel Nine management has the summer to settle on the host's ultimate successor, a bizarre theory has emerged about how 2GB plans to fill the void left by Hadley in the meantime. Instead of popping in a stand-in announcer for Hadley's regular 9-12pm slot, there's now speculation that presenters will 'likely' have their shifts 'extended', according to The Daily Telegraph . There's been no confirmation from 2GB management over their plans. Ray Hadley astounded listeners earlier this month when he announced he was hanging up his mic for good in December. As the 70-year-old's retirement looms, speculation is hot over who will take his seat at Channel Nine's flagship station, 2GB. (Pictured) Instead of popping in a stand-in announcer for Hadley's regular 9-12pm slot, there's now speculation that presenters will 'likely' have their shifts 'extended' before a full-time successor is announced. Pictured: Ben Fordham Meanwhile, insiders are tipping 2GB's reigning breakfast show host Ben Fordham as his likely replacement. The tireless talkback presenter has repeatedly shown he is more than capable of winning over a crowd. He was given the almost impossible task of replacing 2GB's all-powerful Alan Jones four years ago and has since proved a runaway success at retaining the station's critical early morning audience. He's well-known to audiences after doing impressive stints with Sky News, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes. The only drawback? The internal shuffle would just create further headaches for Nine Radio execs who would then have to replace him at breakfast. There's also much talk about Nine reporter Chris O'Keefe comfortably slotting into Hadley's old chair. Currently wowing 2GB listeners in the station's 3-6pm drive time slot he impressed management as Nine Sydney's state political editor before switching formats. Also in the mix to replace Hadley is talkback veteran Jason Morrison. Front runners for Hadley's gig include current 2GB stars Ben Fordham and Chris O'Keefe (pictured) Read More Viewers mock Ray Hadley's new TV move with hilarious throwback post He kicked off his lengthy media career at 2GB as a cadet reporter in 1989 at the tender age of 17. Just 10 years later he was the station's director of news - the youngest person to ever hold the role – and been giving a weekly newspaper column. Like Fordham and O'Keefe, Morrison is a veteran of 2GB's drivetime slot, hosting the show between 2008 and 2010. He was also Alan Jones regular fill-in host at breakfast during the golden age of talkback and, according to industry legend, even out-rated him during one extended stint before defecting to rival 2UE. Morrison eventually left radio for the glitz and glamour of television during an eight-year run as Seven's Sydney news director before taking some time out with his young family last year. There is currently speculation that Sydney's 2SM are pursuing him for a major role. Insiders are also pointing to former Nine player Liam Bartlett. The award-winning journalist is a favourite among executives across all of the country's commercial networks - and was even a headline act at the national broadcaster for a while – due to his hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners approach to interviews. This year he made headlines for his chat with billionaire former media baron James Packer and for breaking the 'fake gun shots' scandal enveloping the ABC. A former presenter A Current Affair and 60 minutes, he's also worked for Seven's Spotlight. After leaving 60 Minutes for the second time five years ago, he enjoyed a successful stint at 2GB's sister station 6PR in his hometown of Perth. Sources said he enjoyed a strong relationship with Nine Radio boss Tom Malone while the duo worked together at 60 Minutes and that he shouldn't be ruled out of contention. Share or comment on this article: Who will replace Ray Hadley? Bizarre theory emerges over broadcast veteran's potential successor e-mail Add comment
Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’Mayor inaugurates newly constructed KPC lawn named after his parents
How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — When the San Francisco 49ers used a third-round pick to draft Jake Moody last year, the hope was it would settle their kicking position for years to come. A shaky second half to Moody's second season with San Francisco has put that into question headed to the offseason. Moody missed his sixth field goal in the past seven games last week, leading to questions about whether the 49ers will need to replace him or at least bring in competition for next season. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Moody on Thursday, attributing some of the struggles to a high ankle sprain he suffered in his kicking leg earlier in the season. “I still feel the same about him, that I believe he is going to be our guy," Shanahan said. “Everyone has got to perform and do things like that and I think he has had a tough year. ... I thought he was doing really well and then had a high ankle sprain to his kicking foot. Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously. But I think a lot of that probably has to do with that, just common-sense wise.” Moody got off to a strong start this season, making all six field goals he attempted in the season opener and going 13 for 14 before injuring his ankle while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff return in Week 5. He missed three games and has struggled since he returned. He missed three field goals in first first game back at Tampa Bay, two more in the snow at Buffalo in Week 13 and then a 41-yarder last week against the Dolphins. “That’s the great thing about kicking is, you can be as talented as whoever and you can struggle,” Moody said. “I feel like this year, I’ve struggled. It doesn’t really waver my confidence or anything. I feel like, throughout my entire life, I’ve gone through struggles, I’ve gone through high points. The biggest thing is to just stay consistent, not change anything.” Moody had an up-and-down rookie season, making 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missing only one extra point. But he missed a potential game-winning kick in a loss at Cleveland and missed field goals in playoff wins against Green Bay and Detroit. Moody then made three field goals in the Super Bowl with two coming from more than 50 yards, including a go-ahead 53-yard kick late in the fourth quarter against Kansas City. But Moody also had an extra point blocked in that game. “I believe we’ve got the right guy and I think that eventually, I think he has shown that at times,” Shanahan said. "I thought he showed that at times his rookie year. I thought he showed that big time being 12 out of 13 to start this year. And I think he’ll show us all that in the future.” NOTES: The Niners placed LT Trent Williams on IR after his ankle injury hasn't healed as quickly as hoped. Shanahan didn't think there were any long-term issues. ... LB Dre Greenlaw (calf) will be shut down for the rest of the season after playing parts of two games in his return from a torn left Achilles tendon. ... OL Spencer Burford (calf) didn't practice but might be able to play this week. ... San Francisco has signed two OL this week, adding Matt Hennessy and Charlie Heck. ... RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring, foot) was limited but appears on track to play this week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
