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ocean magic ultra NoneNEW YORK — The confetti fell not once, but twice. As the clock expired on the Nebraska football team’s 2024 season, a group of Huskers rushed to dump green confetti all over head coach Matt Rhule. On a rainy, cold day, the confetti stuck to Rhule’s face and coated players’ helmets, several of whom paused to throw the small pieces of paper in the air. And when Nebraska received its trophy for winning the Pinstripe Bowl, the confetti that rained down was red instead. Hours after the Huskers departed New York City to head home, pieces of red confetti still blew around the Yankee Stadium concourse and field. The players were gone, but the proof of their hard work remained — a lesson that the Huskers should take to heart moving forward. Let’s drop into coverage: 1. Wrapping up the 2024 campaign People are also reading... Another Nebraska football season has now come to an end. In a memorable 2024 season, here are the key moments: * Bowl streak: Not only did Nebraska make it back to the postseason, which it had failed to do in the seven years prior, but it also ended its season with a bowl game win. The importance of heading into the offseason and the spring with momentum can’t be understated. The 2024 team will forever stand as the group that brought a winning record back to Lincoln. * Storming the field: Fans stormed the field at Memorial Stadium twice this season. Wins over Colorado and Wisconsin were special for different reasons, and the on-field emotion present after both Husker victories won’t be forgotten any time soon. * Dylan Raiola: The five-star freshman not only hit the ground running as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, but he started all 13 games, led NU to a winning record and was a steady, dependable leader. That doesn’t happen often with true freshmen quarterbacks. * In-season coordinator change: Rhule’s in-season decision to move on from Marcus Satterfield as the team’s offensive coordinator and hire Dana Holgorsen instead was a bold choice, but it was one that undoubtedly paid off. * Big-time defense: Apart from a blowout loss to Indiana, the Husker defense made big plays and kept their team in the game all season long. The likes of Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford, John Bullock, MJ Sherman and DeShon Singleton have now played their final games as Huskers — and their hard work won’t be forgotten. 2. What’s next? A bowl game win deserves to be celebrated, but the national college football landscape waits for no one. That’s why even in the moments after Nebraska’s win, Rhule was already thinking about what happens next. “To be what we want to be next year, we have to be the same defensively and probably a little better in some areas,” Rhule said. “We have to really improve on offense, and on special teams we need a total overhaul of that.” Reaching a bowl game was the minimum requirement for a successful season in year two under Rhule, but finishing with a 7-6 record reflects plenty of progress. After a two-win improvement from NU’s record of 5-7 a year prior, could the Huskers again add two more wins to their resume next season? A nine-win campaign, once the benchmark for Nebraska football, would again reflect a high level of progress — but Rhule wants his players to dream bigger. “To go a bowl game, you have to get used to going to the postseason,” Rhule said. “We want to go to the College Football Playoff; we want to win national championships.” And in order to get there, Rhule’s philosophy of team building hasn’t wavered. Adjustments have been needed in the modern era of college football, but Rhule’s message to the team in the aftermath of Nebraska’s win over Boston College showed that the program’s process remains the same. “The old-school things of hard work, they work; they’re better now than they were earlier in the year and they’re better now than they were three weeks ago,” Rhule said of the Nebraska roster. “We have big plans when we come back on Jan. 20, we’re going to work and we’re going to double down on what we’ve done. I think they all understand that, and I think they all have aspirations of something really special at Nebraska.” 3. How NU gets there: offense Nebraska’s offensive outlook moving forward is a positive one, especially given the dynamism the Huskers have shown in Holgorsen’s four games as the team’s playcaller. However, the Huskers still need to get better. Raiola’s level of play, excellent for a freshman quarterback, will need to improve as a sophomore. “He’s gotten so much better as the year’s gone on in terms of his feet, his movement and those things,” Rhule said of Raiola. “He’ll have a great offseason, and he’ll make another huge jump; really, the sky’s the limit.” The personnel around Raiola will be taking a jump too. Impact transfers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter will join Jacory Barney Jr., Jaylen Lloyd and Carter Nelson as Nebraska’s top pass-catchers, with several other young wide receivers looking to continue their growth as well. The continued presence of Emmett Johnson at running back should power a steady Nebraska run game, and the Huskers’ offensive line has experienced steady growth under the coaching of Donovan Raiola. The Huskers may look for an experienced transfer at offensive tackle, but three of the five players who started NU’s bowl game are set to return for next season. The Pinstripe Bowl win also showed that Nebraska has some serious talent in its tight end room. Thomas Fidone II caught five passes, Luke Lindenmeyer looked ready for a bigger role and Heinrich Haarberg’s potential shone through. 4. How NU gets there: defense It won’t be easy to replace all the departing talent, but there have been flashes of the future from Nebraska’s young core. Those returning Huskers will combine with several transfer portal additions to make an interesting mix of talent on the Nebraska defense. The defensive line, one of NU’s most consistent and productive units over the last two seasons, will face some pressure to hit the ground running right away. Elijah Jeudy, who was visibly fired up on the Yankee Stadium field after Nebraska’s recent win, will be a veteran leader in the young room. Cameron Lenhardt, Keona Davis, Riley Van Poppel and Sua Lefotu are among the players to expect big things from next season, while the additions of Williams Nwaneri and Jaylen George could transform the unit as well. At linebacker, Dasan McCullough is a key transfer pickup, but it’s Vincent Shavers who’s a star in the making. Having earned a Blackshirt in the lead up to Nebraska’s bowl game, Shavers “was all over the field” on Saturday, Rhule said. Willis McGahee IV will be another key player to watch moving forward. A new-look secondary will need to be figured out as well. Ceyair Wright, Marques Buford and Malcolm Hartzog are the top returning contributors, but how do incoming transfers Andrew Marshall and Justyn Rhett fit into the mix? Then there’s Blye Hill, who was poised for playing time at cornerback before redshirting due to injury, and several young Huskers such as Amare Sanders, Caleb Benning, Mario Buford and Donovan Jones who’ll all want to earn playing time. That defensive back rotation will surely be difficult to crack. 5. How NU gets there: special teams Elements of Nebraska’s coaching or strategic approach to special teams play will need to change. Converting a fake punt makes a difference, but miscues nearly cost Nebraska the game on Saturday — and Rhule knows it. NU’s special teams unit “has not been good enough this year,” Rhule said after the game. There’ll be a new punter and long snapper in Lincoln next season, but what happens at kicker? John Hohl was money down the stretch while Tristan Alvano redshirted after battling injuries. Both players will be sophomores next year. Photos: Nebraska football vs. Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl — Dec. 28 Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson speaks during a news conference after the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) watches on as his teammates celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule hoists the championship trophy after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bow on Saturday. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (7) and Donovan Jones (37) tackle Boston College’s John Montague (8) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Referees and players try to break up a fight during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) hangs his head down after Boston College scored a touchdown during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's KP Price (20) and Boston College's Omar Thornton (30) celebrate a fumble recovery during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Nebraska at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans cheer as Nebraska scores a touchdown during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Members of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band put on rain ponchos during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Grayson James (14) celebrates his first down during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles while walking down the sidelines during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) runs the ball down the field during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Boston College's Grayson James (14) outruns Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players stand on the stage covered in confetti after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From left, Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) celebrates with teammate Cayden Echternach (48) after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) walks off the field in celebration after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) shakes confetti out of his hair after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates as the trophy is awarded after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (left) hugs Bryce Benhart (54) after NU’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From right, Nebraska's Derek Branch (24) celebrates with Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson (9) celebrate after a good defensive play during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band cheers during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Gage Stenger (47), left, and Vincent Genatone (30), right, celebrate with Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien watches on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Evan Taylor (37) tackles Boston College's Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Grayson James (14) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tackles Boston College's Cameron Martinez (29) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates after a touchdown against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) stretches out for the first down as he is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) and KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Boston College's Bryce Steele (2) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) lifts up teammate Kwinten Ives (28) after Ives’ touchdown during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Evans (51) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's John Hohl (90) kicks in an extra point during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans gather in the Dugout BX bar on Friday ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College in New York. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans watch on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) reaches out but misses the pass ahead of Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) attempts to tackle Boston College's Dino Tomlin (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Reed Harris (4) makes a catch during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) and John Bullock (5) stop Boston College's Turbo Richard (27) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Vincent Shavers Jr. (1) celebrates after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to an official during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball against Boston College's George Rooks (91) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Boston College's KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans look on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) catches the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska football players stand together during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) holds the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk up to the gates at Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans take shelter from the rain outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. 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What to know about the potential for a national bitcoin reserve that's got the crypto market so excitedBy JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts Things To Do | Make these Tahini-Roasted Sweet Potatoes for Thanksgiving Things To Do | Fun to Do: Pierce the Veil, Grand Illuminations and more winter events Things To Do | How to watch and stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Things To Do | Review: Generic Theater’s ‘A Beautiful Day in November’ spoofs turkey days and family ways If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.

If you've checked your emails or scrolled through social media lately, you will likely have been bombarded with emails and ads about Black Friday sales. As the fictional Australian character Darryl Kerrigan once proved, it can be hard to resist a bargain. "If you get ‘em for half price, it’s a bargain,” he said in the film The Castle while considering the purchase of a secondhand pair of jousting sticks. But while Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales seem to start earlier every year, encouraging Australians to potentially make even more purchases than the last, more content creators are turning to social media to discourage consumption. When is Black Friday this year? Black Friday sales originated in the United States, where businesses offered sales on the day after Thanksgiving. Online retailers soon coined the term 'Cyber Monday' for sales offered on the following Monday. This year, Black Friday falls on 29 November. But some brands appear to have started early. Marketing and social media expert Meg Coffey, who lives in Perth but is originally from the US, said she finds it bizarre this sale has caught on in Australia. "It used to be because malls were the only things open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, you've been cooped up inside and the only place you could go was the movies or the mall," she said. "But Australia doesn’t even have Thanksgiving." Australians buy more new clothes than anyone else. Meet the people trying to change that Coffey said she had noticed more online adverts and emails about Black Friday sales this year. "They seem to have started at the beginning of November," she said. Financial educator Serina Bird said she had noticed the sales were happening "earlier and earlier every year". "It's quite phenomenal how this has really replaced the Boxing Day sales," she said. She said the timing of Black Friday sales was just far enough from Christmas to avoid "a mad rush the week before" and meant items could be shipped in time for the exchange of gifts. Increased retail activity as a result of Black Friday sales has previously been observed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which also noted in 2023 that retailers had begun their sales earlier and run them for longer, compared to previous years. Myer and David Jones are among the department stories that had dropped prices more than two weeks ahead of the official Black Friday. Source: Getty / Roni Bintang According to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), more Australians than ever are expected to participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this year, with many driven by a quest to purchase gifts at sales prices. "Shoppers are set to spend a record $6.7 billion during the four days, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to the same time last year," the ARA said in a statement. It comes amidst a cost of living crunch , where Australians are having to spend more money on the basics of everyday life, which is putting financial pressure on some people's household budgets. While inflation may be slowing, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged some Australians "are still under pressure", with cash strapped households having to cut back on non-essential items to pay for basics. Underconsumption core But some content creators on social media are pushing back. Accounts, such as those run by British woman Charlie Gill (@lifebeforeplastic on Instagram) and American Alyssa Barber (NewsLifestyleABB on Youtube) share anti-materialism content about reducing consumption. They're referred to by some as "de-influencers". These creators may post content using hashtags such as #unaesthetic or #nonaesthetic that feature everyday items deemed functional, but not desirable by others. They talk about reusing or repurposing items they own and resisting new ones, often labelling their content as "underconsumption core". As well as espousing environmental and financial benefits, such de-influencers also often share posts about appreciating what they already have and enjoying experiences rather than items. What is de-influencing? De-influencing emerged as a growing trend on social media at the beginning of 2023. It challenged the status quo on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where influencers use the social capital they build with their followers to create desirability for certain products. Content creators began offering negative feedback on items, calling out over-hyped products and even suggesting cheaper alternatives to high-end makeup and skincare ranges. Shasha Wang, a senior lecturer in the school of advertising, marketing and public relations at the Queensland University of Technology, said there is a growing number of people on social media who are urging people to put greater consideration into their purchases. She said the de-influencer movement, which resulted in content creators providing more than just positive reviews of items, had "evolved" as more individuals sharing sustainability messages on social media grew their followers. When the term was first used, Wang argued it was "not actually talking about de-influencing". "They just wanted to say, 'don't buy that product, buy mine'. But now I think it's evolving in a way that people who are really interested in encouraging less consumption and environmental protection have started finding their voice on social media." What influence do de-influencers have? Wang believes the trend is a "positive" one, and could act as a reminder to consumers to put greater consideration into some of their purchases. However, she does not think the movement would make a huge difference on spending in the current and upcoming sales. "The impact won't be large enough that half the people stop buying [items] ... I don't think so," she said. Bird thinks the movement has potential to prompt change on an individual level. “[It is] really important because it forces people to think," she said. Coffey questioned the motivation of de-influencers, suggesting most influencers wanted to try to sell something. I'm a trad woman. I think other women secretly wish they were too Bird, who hosts the podcast The Joyful Frugalista and has previously sold her own financial course, said many de-influencers were not selling a product. "Some people really do need regular guidance and need those kinds of structures in place, and it can actually be really helpful for a lot of people.” Retailers saying no to Black Friday sales Meanwhile, some brands are not taking part in Black Friday sales — including Australian knitwear label Wah Wah, whose owner believes the practice "encourages over-consumption as well as unconsidered design". "I 100 per cent understand why you might buy essentials when on sale (especially during a cost of living crisis !!!). I just don't believe in having big mark-ups so you can afford to have big sales," Kaylene Milner wrote on Instagram. Speaking to SBS News, she said that as a small business, if she was to heavily discount her pieces, she would not make a profit. To keep her business profitable, Milner sells directly to the public. Source: Supplied There are a number of costs involved in running Wah Wah Australia the way that Milner wants to operate as a "slow fashion" label. She says her products are made from merino wool, artists she works with are paid royalties, her manufacturing supply chain is audited to ensure a certain standard of conditions for workers and her products are delivered in reusable, recycled and compostable packaging. Despite this, Milner said she was not tempted to do those things differently in order to increase profits. Echoing the sentiment of de-influencers who often post about the importance of quality over quantity, she said she was proud that each item she sold was valued and appreciated. Bird said she understood why small businesses may not run a Black Friday sale. “Small business owners are often not in the place where they can really compete with those kind of loss leaders to get people on their side, as they are quite different in terms of how they are set up,” she said. Why are we compelled to buy? Bird admits the discounts offered as part of Black Friday sales can be tempting. "Shiny object syndrome is a real thing and you might not think you needed that whizz bang thing, but it’s there and just because something’s cheap doesn’t mean that you need it," she said. Challenging the giants: The people leading Australia's 'unsupermarket revolution' Wang said brands often used the idea of "scarcity" to prompt people to buy products. "Basically it appeals to people's fear of missing out, they say this sale has a limited time and a limited quantity, so these kind of limited offerings make people feel like, 'Oh, if I don't make the decision quickly, I may lose this good deal.'”Canada thumped Trinidad and Tobago 38-0 to win the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens on Sunday and qualify for World Rugby’s second-tier Challenger Series. The tournament-favourite Canadian men outscored their opposition 169-0 over five matches in a first step back up the rugby sevens ladder since being relegated from the elite HSBC SVNS circuit in June. The top four teams from the three-event Challenger Series will face off against the bottom four from the HSBC SVNS at the SVNS World Championships May 3-4 in Carson, Calif., in a promotion/relegation playoff. “I think it’s just about continually building,” said Canada captain Elias Hancock. “We know what we’re capable of. We’ve shown it at times. It’s just time to get back to that place where we know we belong.” Prior to relegation, Canada had been a core team on the top sevens circuit since 2012-13 and lifted the trophy in Singapore in 2017. The Canadian men finished eighth at the Tokyo Olympics. Trinidad had plenty of the ball in the first half of Sunday’s final at Larry Gomes Stadium. But Canada, helped by several penalties, scored first with Hancock touching down under the posts for a try converted by Thomas Isherwood. Matt Oworu, beating two defenders, added another converted try for a 14-0 lead at the break. Cooper Coats added a converted try early in the second half. And Hancock, Jack Shaw and Noah Bain added late tries after Trinidad lost a man to the sin-bin for two minutes midway through the second half for an infraction off a Canadian kickoff. Earlier Sunday, the Canadians defeated Jamaica 26-0 in semifinal play and the Cayman Islands 38-0 in the quarterfinal. Trinidad and Tobago made it to the final — for the first time since 2013 — with a 19-7 comeback win over Mexico. Jamaica defeated Mexico 12-0 to finish third. Weather was a factor during the three-day tournament in Arima, some 30 kilometres east of Port of Spain. After enduring 30-plus C heat and humidity Friday, their final Pool A game against Barbados was abandoned Saturday due to a storm. On Sunday, the Canadians played the Cayman Islands in a downpour and the skies opened again at halftime of the Jamaica game. Alex Russell, Josiah Morra, Coats and Hancock scored tries against Jamaica for Canada, which led 12-0 at the break. Thomas Isherwood added three conversions. Morra and Hancock each scored two tries against the Caymans and Ethan Hager and D’Shawn Bowen added singles for Canada, which led 19-0 at the half. Canada added four conversions. Canada, which blanked Guyana 29-0 Friday, dispatched Bermuda 38-0 Saturday and was leading Barbados 10-0 when the game was halted in the first half due to heavy rain and high winds. While play eventually resumed, the interrupted Canada game was ruled a scoreless draw. The Canadian men are coming off a disastrous 3-36-0 HSBC SVNS season that ended with a 22-14 loss to Spain with relegation on the line. It was a 29th straight defeat. After being relegated, coach Sean White’s team fell short in an Olympic repechage tournament in late June in Monaco, finishing fourth after losing 26-0 to eventual winner South Africa in the semifinals. The Blitzboks went on to claim bronze in Paris. The 13-man roster for the RAN 7s includes six players who were part of the relegation playoff in Madrid: Hancock, Isherwood, Morra, Coats, Oworu and David Richard. Morra, Coats and Oworu joined the sevens team from Bucharest where they were part of Kingsley Jones’ Canadian 15s squad for test matches against Chile and Romania. The Canadian men are scheduled to play in an invitational men’s sevens tournament taking place at B.C. Place Stadium alongside the HSBC SVNS Vancouver stop in February. The Canadian women left Sunday for Dubai and the opening stop of the 2005 HSBC SVNS season. The Olympic silver-medallist Canadians open play next Saturday against Japan before facing Brazil and Olympic champion New Zealand.

With so many new AI Girlfriend options these days, it’s no wonder more people are asking if AI companions become legal life partners in Iowa. There have been a couple of people who have already married their AI partners in other countries, but what about the United States? This article will dig into the topic to see what those in Iowa are doing with their AI partners and whether they’re marrying them or not. Right now, there is an influx of AI being used in the manufacturing sector, healthcare, and education departments but there hasn’t been a significant introduction of AI companions in the states. People are also reading... With that said, it seems that this technology is becoming more popular in other areas of the world. This means that some attention should be drawn to the subject of AI companions. In fact, there is a story about an artist who recently wed her holographic boyfriend. This is an interesting concept and, quite honestly, something that is shocking to learn about, so this story is an excellent starting point to share some details about AI companions becoming legal life partners and whether or not people want to have this type of marriage option in the state. What are AI companions? In case you’re new to the topic, you should be caught up a bit with what AI companions are. AI companions are a digital creation that’s run by artificial intelligence (AI). This application allows the person to sign up and answer a few questions. Once the questions are answered, this generative AI-powered application will create a digital avatar and a personality based on whatever your answers depict. This is where you will then have an AI companion to talk with about anything, with some safeguards in place to ensure the conversation stays mostly family-friendly. Some of these AI companions have digital avatars, and others don’t. You’ll need to visit the application to learn more about it. Most AI companions are free to use, but some have a premium option so you can get fewer ads or customize your companion even further with better personality options or voice options. Based on what is happening currently, this is going to be much more expansive in the near future. The AI companions are meant to be a digital connection that mimics a real-life human-to-human friendship. This digital person will be available 24/7 to chat with you and be a companion in your chaotic life. This is a perfect option for anyone who works crazy hours, is tired of the dating scene or simply just wants someone there to chat with about life’s silly questions. This companion will continue to learn from your conversations about how to show up, respond to you and behave. They will learn your emotions and become as engaging as possible in a manner that suits your preferences and personality. This companionship seems like a breeze to connect with. While they are not the perfect partner, they can be quite a compelling option to work through any issues you’re struggling with or just show up as a friend during your time of need. You can have this digital companion become humorous, serious or even professional if you’d like. The key is to continue chatting with it and telling the AI companion what you like and don’t like from the chat. If they respond in a way you don’t like, just tell them, and they will adjust each time to show up as the best AI companion for your needs at any given moment. Now that you know more about what an AI companion is, it’s time to dig deeper into thoughts on AI companions becoming life partners in Iowa. There are no stories yet of anyone marrying their AI companions in Iowa, although there is a story that may help you see what the future in this state may look like, and today, you’ll hear that story. Follow along to take a trip to the Netherlands, where this Spanish-Dutch artist married her holographic AI companion. This artist decided that she wanted to marry her holographic AI companion and became the first woman to marry a holographic companion. This concept of marrying an AI companion isn’t new; there was a man in Japan who wed his AI companion but lost connection a few years later because of an outdated software issue. This artist wed her companion in Rotterdam, Netherlands, after already living with her AI husband for five years. This concept was part of an ongoing exploration of hybrid couples where humans and technology coexist to determine if this is a good option for the future of humankind . Whether you like it or not, AI companions are on the scene, and many humans are starting to see this as a viable source of connection in an otherwise disconnected world. While there are no legal AI companionship marriages on the books here in Iowa, it’s starting overseas and will surely be here before you know it. The woman went on to name her holographic husband. This companion was trained using profiles of the artist’s ex-boyfriends. One of her ex-boyfriends is actually the voice of her now-AI husband. While this connection seems to be displayed as more of an artistic performance, it is perhaps how you can see the future of humanity heading. The couple said vows as people would in a human-to-human wedding, and the wedding went well for the couple. This may be a representation of what the future looks like: hybrid couples. This is a subject matter that brings this article to another topic of discussion: if hybrid couples become the future and people in Iowa start to marry their AI companions as a legal life partner option, what will become of humanity? Who will benefit from marrying AI companions? Those who have experienced a loss, such as a husband or wife passing, may benefit from marrying their AI companion. That’s precisely what happened with this particular incident. She was struggling since the loss of her husband, so this was the next best thing. While these virtual companionships may create an emotional connection for the person with the AI companion, they could also create more feelings of loneliness in some people. The kind of person who may find connection with this concept of a digital connection would be people who have lost their spouse, have limited physical mobility or those who have extreme anxiety about social situations or going out in public. While you don’t have to have any illness or disability to marry your AI companion, this is often the case why marrying an AI companion makes sense. This would provide a good level of companionship to those who may otherwise not get or struggle with receiving human companionship. Having an AI companion partner is also a good option for people who have experienced some extreme levels of trauma in their lives. This AI companion is less intimidating or triggering to them, so they’re able to gain an emotional connection without having to trigger old wounds. What are the potential downsides of marrying your AI companion? You’re probably already thinking about the potential downsides of an AI companion becoming a legal life partner in Iowa. Many people are thinking the same thing! It’s not so easy to hop on the bandwagon just yet with this marriage of an AI companion and a human without some concerns. This could cause someone to withdraw completely for a life of solitude with their AI companion. They could form such a deep emotional connection to this generative AI creation that they simply don’t want to get back into the human-to-human dating world. Another potential risk is that this could give false hopes to those who haven’t experienced the dating world. Consider this: you’re a young adult, fresh out there in the world, and you’ve not tried your hand at dating yet. You happen upon the AI companionship option and think that it would be fun to try it out. Over time, you start to develop an emotional connection to your AI companion and think that perhaps you should get out in the real world to meet a human to make a family. The problem is that every person you meet from these dating apps pales in comparison to your amazing AI companion. This is because the AI companion may act and respond similarly to a human being, but it’s still a robotic creation. It’s a program running software known as natural language processing to engage you in conversations that interest you. When you haven’t experienced real human dating, this may give you a false understanding of how relationships in the real world work. The give and take of ideas, conversations, and so forth are natural occurrences among emotionally driven human beings; this doesn’t happen the same way with a robotic companion and human connection. Once you’ve started dating an AI companion, it may just be harder to get back out there into the human world. You may find that people have communicated so much with robots that they start to behave like robots. You may see this happen in the state as AI companionship becomes more mainstream here. Right now, it’s easy to discuss the potential ups and downs of AI companionship and whether or not AI companions will become legal life partners in Iowa because this idea has only been around for so long. However, as humans continue to see this technology advance faster than minds can evolve, they must continue to keep the dialogue open. Do you want to allow community members to make legal life partners of their AI companions? Will you put your feet down and say that’s going too far? AI companions are not sentient; they have no protections, so how could an AI companion make the legal choice to wed their human? There seem to be more questions than answers when it comes to discussing this topic. With that said, this isn’t the first time that the artist noted above has explored intimacy through performance art. She lived for a month with a male mannequin, where she cultivated over 30 photos documenting this intimate occasion. Whether this entire stunt was an artistic performance that she would later walk away from or it becomes a lifelong commitment to being wed to this AI holograph, it certainly brings you to having these conversations about whether or not AI companions will become legal life partners in the state. If you think about it, every love story eventually ends, so that may hold true for AI companionship, too! There may be a space in your life right now where you’re hurting and feel that any companionship would be much better than that intense loneliness that you’re feeling. This technology is so realistic that it’s simple enough to get all signed up with an account, create your digital avatar and start talking to a new companion today. You’ll find within just a few short conversations that this companionship becomes something that mimics real-life human-to-human relationships. These AI companions can provide friendship in a world where some have opted to isolate at home rather than venture out into their community. For those who have withdrawn from society, this concept of allowing legal partnership with your AI companion in Iowa may help reduce loneliness rates among people living here. Who knows what the future will hold, but you could possibly foresee a day when Iowa residents can legally gain life partnership status with their AI companions. It is only a matter of time before more people hop on board and find this companionship option as the best lifelong commitment available to them. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

In a surprising industry shift, Super Micro Computer has announced its delisting from the stock market. This unexpected move raises several questions about the future of gaming technology. While the company has long been a key player in delivering cutting-edge hardware solutions, its sudden delisting may signal forthcoming transformations in the tech landscape. As high-performing microcomputers become increasingly integral to the gaming industry, from eSports tournaments to sophisticated indie games, Super Micro Computer’s strategic decisions could pave the way for noticeable change. Their hardware often drives top-tier gaming experiences, where the most powerful processing is crucial for enhanced graphics and seamless gameplay. This delisting could stem from Super Micro Computer’s desire to pivot its focus directly to innovating future technologies away from public shareholder pressures. Such a move might allow them to fast-track development on next-gen gaming hardware that aligns more closely with future gaming demands, such as VR and AR integration. As gaming enthusiasts and industry experts speculate on potential impacts, some analysts suggest this decision may also affect competitive pricing and technology accessibility. Super Micro Computer’s departure from the public sphere might reduce transparency, potentially altering investment patterns within the gaming sector. This delisting might be a calculated risk, positioning Super Micro Computer to make bolder strides in technological advancements. The industry could see the ripple effects of their decisions, reshaping gaming hardware’s future trajectory. The tech community watches eagerly, anticipating how this move will influence the gaming world’s evolution. Is Super Micro Computer’s Delisting a Game-Changer for Gaming Tech? In a bold move that has captured the tech community’s attention, Super Micro Computer has chosen to delist from the stock market. This strategic decision has raised several questions and speculations about its future impact on the gaming industry and beyond. Let’s delve into some of the insights and implications of this surprising shift. Innovations and Trends in Gaming Technology Super Micro Computer has been at the forefront of delivering high-performance hardware crucial to gaming technology. Their decision to delist might signal a renewed focus on innovation without the constraints of public market expectations. As the company pivots, there is potential for accelerated development in next-gen gaming hardware, particularly in realms like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Such advancements could revolutionize gaming experiences, offering state-of-the-art graphics and immersive gameplay. Impact on Pricing and Accessibility One concern arising from Super Micro Computer’s transition is the potential effect on competitive pricing and technology accessibility. While operating privately might provide the company with more operational freedom, it also introduces risks related to reduced transparency. This could lead to shifts in investment patterns within the gaming sector, influencing how technologies are developed and priced. Security and Sustainability Considerations Delisting may allow Super Micro Computer to focus more on emerging technologies that prioritize security and sustainability. In an era where digital threats are a growing concern, a dedicated approach to creating secure gaming environments could be a key differentiator. Furthermore, developing sustainable hardware solutions aligns with global efforts toward eco-friendly tech innovations. Predictions and Market Insights Industry analysts predict that Super Micro Computer’s strategic move might set a precedent for other companies in the gaming tech industry. This decision could act as a catalyst for broader transformations, potentially reshaping how gaming hardware companies operate and innovate. The market may see an upsurge in private investments aimed at driving technological breakthroughs absent public market pressures. As the gaming industry evolves, stakeholders from developers to players are keenly watching the ripple effects of Super Micro Computer’s delisting. The company’s future steps could redefine gaming landscapes, highlighting the interplay between innovation, market strategies, and technological advancements. For more information on Super Micro Computer and their latest endeavors, visit Super Micro Computer .

Elon Musk accused of censorship after H1B migrant controversy deepens

Kelly Services stock hits 52-week low at $14.19The SteelSeries Stratus Duo controller is a hybrid gamepad. Indeed, the ‘Duo’ refers to the fact that you can switch between both Bluetooth and 2.4G connectivity on the go, for gaming on either Android or PC. The Stratus Duo is one of three controllers SteelSeries offers, each designed for different platforms. The Duo’s sibling controller, the Stratus+, is available for an extra $40 — dropping the 2.4G adapter support, it instead includes a phone mount built into the gamepad, making it better if you exclusively game on mobile. The Stratus is a versatile gamepad thanks to its neat connectivity features and Hall Effect triggers. However, it uses disappointingly drift-prone ALPS thumbsticks, and some of its construction materials are cheap. While the case has some minimalistic charm, it doesn’t pair well with the very poor quality of the face buttons. So, is the superior connectivity of the Duo worth your money, despite some performance shortcomings? Find out in my full SteelSeries Stratus Duo review. SteelSeries Stratus Duo Controller review: Cheat Sheet SteelSeries Stratus Duo Controller review: Specs SteelSeries Stratus Duo Controller review: The ups The Stratus Duo offers features that make it a worthy upgrade over your phone screen or even a basic first-party Xbox or PlayStation controller while keeping a comfortable and sleek design that works well with phones. Comfortable grip The Stratus Duo features the best of both worlds when it comes to the grip. It features a PlayStation-like symmetrical thumbstick configuration, which as a long-time DualShock 4 user, is my preference. It has a much ‘taller’ case which is a perfect fit for my palms and more comfortable than a traditional DualShock controller, so fans of the taller Xbox-style design will feel at home here too. The Stratus might be too big for those with smaller hands, though, making the analog toggles for the power and connectivity settings less accessible. The more expensive GameSir Tarantula Pro sticks closer to the traditional DualShock format but still manages to edge out the Stratus Duo in terms of comfort thanks to the more rounded grips. However, neither controller causes me any severe discomfort even during long gaming sessions. The front of the Stratus is slightly depressed inwards. I found this didn’t interfere too much with how I held the controller, although it certainly felt different than most other DualShock-inspired controllers. Minimalist design The controller’s plastic chassis also enhances its comfortability. It's a high-quality plastic with a slight texture that’s soft to the touch. The case is also durable, with a weighty and substantive feeling that justifies the controller's asking price. Sadly, the premium quality of the case is undermined by the rather poor face buttons, but I’ll talk about those later. I’m a fan of the lighting that indicates power status, with the 4 white LEDs complementing the white highlights on the center buttons. It’s a shame the minimalistic lighting isn’t used elsewhere on the controller, such as on the underwhelming ABXY buttons. This would have given the Stratus Duo a stronger identity beyond its dark, graphite casing. Hall Effect triggers The controller utilizes Hall Effect magnetic triggers, which allows for increased accuracy and a smoother motion versus the analog triggers you’ll find on a first-party controller. The triggers are great for racing games on PC and Mobile, where the precise trigger control and smooth motion help you modulate the throttle. Hall Effect triggers are also my go-to for arcade flight games like Ace Combat and Project Wingman, allowing me to adjust my acceleration with pinpoint accuracy. Firing up my afterburners doesn’t get much more satisfying than with a great Hall effect trigger. Connectivity The namesake feature of the gamepad is its dual wireless connectivity. The Stratus Duo supports wireless 2.4G as well as Bluetooth and Wired. This lets you simply leave the wireless adapter plugged into your PC while you game on your phone over Bluetooth, and then flip the switch to immediately connect to your PC. This is ideal for anyone who wants to play on their phone while waiting to connect to their next PC game, or anyone who finds themselves gaming both on both platforms. It's uncommon for mobile controllers to come with a 2.4G dongle, but it’s very welcome and makes the Duo a versatile gamepad. Playing games on my PC over 2.4G felt snappier than with a Bluetooth connection. Exclusively mobile gamers will still enjoy this gamepad, as it’s a big upgrade over touch controls and supports connectivity to Samsung Gear VR, among other headsets. Battery Battery life is another strong aspect and perfectly complements the controller’s wireless, on-the-go ethos. The battery lasts for over 20 hours without charging, completely blowing away the terrible battery life of first-party controllers like the Sony DualSense Edge . This longevity is on par with excellent third-party Pro controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 ($199). SteelSeries Stratus Duo Controller review: The downs Unfortunately, a few issues hold back the Stratus Duos. Analog thumbsticks are a disappointing choice when there are cheaper competitors with Hall Effect sticks, and the cheap-feeling buttons undermine the strong build quality. No Hall Effect sticks The Stratus Duo opts for analog thumbsticks instead of the increasingly common Hall Effect sticks, which makes the controller vulnerable to stick drift. The ALPS analog thumbsticks are traditional thumbsticks that rely on a physical mechanism rather than magnets to report movements. This mechanism can wear down over time, causing the thumbsticks to ‘drift,’ creating false movements while not in use. Hall Effect sticks avoid this by not having any physical contact, which increases the overall longevity of the controller significantly. Additionally, the physical mechanism in the thumbsticks has a roughness to movement that you don’t get with Hall Effect. While you might prefer this, I found it annoying since it hampered consistency and accuracy. I tested the controller on Call of Duty Mobile and found the rough thumbsticks hindered by fine control and accuracy. Be warned, as the lack of Hall Effect thumbsticks are not clearly laid out in the marketing for the controller — the graphic accompanying the Hall Effect description shows both the thumbstick and the trigger in action, but only the trigger supports this technology. It's also important to point out that there are similarly priced alternatives available with Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers, such as the GameSir G7 SE ($44), or the plastic version of the PB Tails Crush ($45) which boasts TMR (an upgraded Hall Effect). Low-quality buttons The Stratus Duo’s face buttons are at odds with the overall quality of the controller. They almost look like a manufacturing error. The legends for the ABXY buttons are a faded tone of grey that’s hard to make out, especially in low light (in our studio photography, they stand out well, but that’s because we use a professional lighting setup). This all makes the buttons look tacky, and misaligned with the white highlighted Select, Start and Home buttons in the middle of the gamepad. There are some color indicators on the controller, though. Four small colored dots indicate the typical Xbox button colors, but I would have preferred actual colored buttons or that they matched the white highlighted center controls. Crucially, the buttons feel horrible to press. They’re mushy to the touch and very unsatisfying. I prefer the satisfying feedback of micro switches, although these are usually only seen on Pro gamepads like the Razer Wolverine V3 . However, even the membrane buttons on gamepads like the GameSir G7 SE perform much better than the Stratus Duo’s. The G7 buttons give an affirmative ‘tap’ when pressed, which makes them feel much more responsive. And while they look nice, the center buttons feel even worse than the face buttons. These are placed in a depression on the controller, making them difficult to press during gameplay. Sure, you won’t be using them as frequently as the other face buttons, but it’s frustrating having to stretch and use the very tips of my fingers to pause the game. Poor D-Pad If you’re a fan of the retro games available on mobile, you’ll likely rely on the D-Pad instead of the thumbsticks for accurate movements. Sadly, the D-Pad is the weakest element of the Stratus Duo’s controls, and it was already a pretty low bar. Each press of the D-Pad is very shallow, while also feeling mushy like the face buttons. Holding a direction doesn’t feel very secure, with a wide contact area that melts right into the case when pressing down. This is fine when using the D-pad for quick commands, such as in Call of Duty Mobile, but using to control my character in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was not a very satisfying or responsive experience at all. Lack of features While I love the dual connectivity, the controller is a little barebones when compared to similarly-priced controllers. The lack of any extra buttons is disappointing, as I would have loved to see back paddles on a controller with this layout. The GameSir G7 SE, for example, has assignable back paddles. Of course, you will have to sacrifice the Stratus Duo’s excellent wireless connectivity features to access this, as well as mobile support. Additionally, the Hall Effect triggers aren’t Hair Triggers, a feature that shortens the distance that the triggers travel before activating. This is a common feature I’ve seen on other (cheaper) Hall Effect controllers such as those on the GameSir Kaleid ($41). The longer throw of standard triggers is perfect for racing titles like Asphalt, but for shooters like Fortnite and Call of Duty Mobile, hair triggers are best. SteelSeries Stratus Duo Controller review: Verdict Overall, the Stratus Duo is a mixed bag. It had so much potential but is held back by some of its most important functions. Poor buttons and analog thumbsticks in particular put the Stratus behind the competition. A few more gaming features like hair triggers or back paddles may have made this more forgivable, but these are lacking too. The excellent connectivity features mean the controller could still be worth picking up when on sale or at the reduced price commonly seen at Amazon . At the $59 retail price, however, it’s difficult to recommend giving the Stratus Duo a shot.

Radian Group CEO sells $699,156 in stockWe've noticed that many retailers are starting their 'Boxing Day' sales earlier than ever in recent years. One such brand, famous for its iconic footwear, has launched its discounted range, offering up to 40% off. The Dr Martens sale was initially launched only for those subscribed to the brand's newsletter for 'early access', but is now available to everyone. This pre-Christmas treat includes a wide variety of styles, from the classic 1460 boots and loafers to accessories like bags and even insoles, all massively reduced. The Dr Martens sale runs until January 27 at 5pm, giving you plenty of time to browse. However, we anticipate that many styles will sell out quickly, so it's best to be proactive and secure your favourite design before it's gone. READ MORE: Zara Tindall's Christmas Day burgundy handbag is still available to buy and comes in four colours READ MORE: Charlotte Tilbury launches Boxing Day sale with up to 40% off makeup and skincare favourites For example, you can get a pair of the 1460 Pascal Fleece Lined Leather Boots - perfect for the colder weather - for £133, down from £190, saving you a hefty £57. These shoes, available in a gorgeous chocolate brown or black, are still in stock in sizes 3 - 13 and feature a welted slip-resistant WinterGrip outsole. Naturally, they're finished with the iconic yellow stitching and branded heel tab, but these 1460 style boots also boast a fleece lining for added warmth. The shoes are water-resistant and feature an oiled finish that adds a touch of character. Customers who have bagged these beauties claim they require no breaking in period, dubbing them as 'the best [I've] ever had'. Fancy a fur-lined boot for extra snugness? The 1460 Serenas are currently discounted by 30%, now priced at £126 instead of £180. Sporting a tan finish, these popular 8-eye boots are lined with WarmWair faux fur in a contrasting cream. There's also a Chelsea boot style available for £126, exuding...WEST JORDAN, Utah, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. (“Sportsman's Warehouse” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPWH) today announced third quarter financial results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024. “Despite a pressured consumer and complex macroeconomic environment, we focused our efforts on driving sales and achieved growth in our fishing, camping and gift bar categories during the quarter,” said Paul Stone, Sportsman’s Warehouse President and Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to make progress on our business reset initiatives with a focus on improved in-stocks, in-store and online customer experience and our Great Gear | Great Service program.” “To improve our holiday relevancy and drive traffic during the season, we introduced an omni-channel marketing campaign highlighting gear perfect for gifting or for treating yourself, primarily centered around value,” continued Stone. “This is a new approach to engaging our customers, which we coupled with an upgraded store experience creating a fully integrated customer experience. As we move through the balance of the holiday season and navigate a pressured consumer environment, we’ll continue to prioritize traffic-driving marketing and product pricing initiatives, exceptional customer service and prudent inventory management. Emphasizing the balance sheet and ending the year with positive free cash flow remain our primary objectives.” For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2024: Net sales were $324.3 million, a decrease of 4.8%, compared to $340.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. The net sales decrease was primarily due to the continued impact of consumer inflationary pressures on discretionary spending, resulting in a decline in store traffic and lower demand across most product categories, particularly in ammunition, apparel and footwear. This decrease, however, was partially offset by year-over-year sales growth in our fishing, camping and optics and accessories departments. Same store sales decreased 5.7% during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, primarily as a result of the impact of consumer inflationary pressures and recessionary concerns on discretionary spending. Gross profit was $103.1 million, or 31.8% of net sales, compared to $103.2 million or 30.3% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. This 150 basis-point increase, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily driven by improved product margins in our apparel and footwear departments, partially offset by increased freight and shrink. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $100.0 million, or 30.8% of net sales, compared to $100.1 million, or 29.4% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Net loss was $(0.4) million, compared to a net loss of $(1.3) million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted net income was $1.4 million, compared to adjusted net loss of $(0.2) million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see “GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures”). Adjusted EBITDA was $16.4 million, compared to $16.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Diluted loss per share was $(0.01), compared to diluted loss per share of $(0.04) in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.04, compared to adjusted diluted loss per share of $(0.01) for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024: Net sales were $857.2 million, a decrease of 6.6%, compared to $917.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. This net sales decrease was primarily driven by lower demand across most product categories due to current consumer inflationary pressures on discretionary spending. This decrease was partially offset by same store sales growth in our fishing department and the opening of 1 new store since October 28, 2023. Stores that have been open for less than 12 months and were not included in our same store sales, contributed $30.8 million to net sales. Same store sales decreased 9.4% compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2023, primarily as a result of the same factors noted above that impacted net sales. Gross profit was $266.9 million or 31.1% of net sales, compared to $284.0 million or 31.0% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. This increase, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily due to higher overall product margins, versus last years apparel and footwear clearance events which put pressure on our gross margin, partially offset by increased shrink. SG&A expenses decreased to $288.7 million or 33.6% of net sales, compared with $301.5 million or 32.9% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. This absolute dollar decrease primarily related to our ongoing cost reduction efforts and decision to not open new stores during fiscal year 2024, partially offset by increases in rent and depreciation expenses. The increase as a percentage of net sales was largely due to lower net sales. Net loss was $(24.3) million, compared to net loss of $(20.3) million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted net loss was $(21.7) million, compared to adjusted net loss of $(16.6) million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 (see “GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures”). Adjusted EBITDA was $15.1 million, compared to $19.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Diluted loss per share was $(0.65), compared to diluted loss per share of $(0.54) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023. Adjusted diluted loss per share was $(0.58), compared to adjusted diluted loss per share of $(0.44) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 (see "GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Balance sheet and capital allocation highlights as of November 2, 2024: The Company ended the third quarter with net debt of $151.3 million, comprised of $130.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility, $24.0 million of net borrowings outstanding under the Company’s term loan facility, and $2.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Inventory at the end of the third quarter was $438.1 million. Total liquidity was $150.8 million as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, comprised of $148.1 million of availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility and term loan facility and $2.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Company Outlook: “Given the current consumer environment and the shift towards value and promotion-driven shopping, we intensified our marketing and advertising campaigns to drive sales, which placed additional pressure on our margins this quarter,” said Jeff White, Chief Financial Officer of Sportsman’s Warehouse “To ensure strong core product in-stocks and to bring fresh offerings to our stores, we made strategic inventory investments aimed at improving sales during the hunting and holiday seasons. As we progress through the remainder of the year, we will remain disciplined in managing our expenses, and will reduce total inventory levels to generate positive free cash flow. Our mid and long-term objectives will be centered on improving our topline with a focus on margins and profitability.” The Company is adjusting its guidance for fiscal year 2024 and expects net sales to be in the range of $1.18 billion to $1.20 billion, adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $23 million to $29 million and total inventory to be below $350 million. The low end of the adjusted EBITDA range still assumes positive free cash flow for the full year. The Company now expects capital expenditures for 2024 to be in the range of $17 million to $20 million, primarily consisting of technology investments relating to merchandising and store productivity. No new store openings for the remainder of fiscal year 2024 are currently anticipated and we plan to open one new store in fiscal year 2025. The Company has not reconciled expected adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2024 to GAAP net income because the Company does not provide guidance for net (loss) income and is not able to provide a reconciliation to net (loss) income without unreasonable effort. The Company is not able to estimate net (loss) income on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable efforts due to the variability and complexity with respect to the charges excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, including stock-based compensation expense. Conference Call Information A conference call to discuss third quarter 2024 financial results is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The conference call will be held via webcast and may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.sportsmans.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release includes the following financial measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”): adjusted net (loss) income, adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA. The Company defines adjusted net (loss) income as net (loss) income plus expenses incurred relating to director and officer transition costs, costs related to the implementation of our cost reduction plan, costs related to legal settlements and related fees and expenses, and fees and expenses related to a settlement in the cancellation of a contract related to our information technology systems. Net (loss) income is the most comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted net (loss) income. The Company defines adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share as adjusted net (loss) income divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted (loss) earnings per share is the most comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income plus interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, director and officer transition costs, costs related to the implementation of our cost reduction plan, a legal settlement and related fees and expenses, and fees and expenses related to a settlement in the cancellation of a contract related to our information technology systems. Net (loss) income is the most comparable GAAP financial measure to adjusted EBITDA. The Company has reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures under “GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release. As noted above, the Company has not provided a reconciliation of fiscal year 2024 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures not only provide its management with comparable financial data for internal financial analysis but also provide meaningful supplemental information to investors and are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the Company’s industry. Specifically, these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to better understand the performance of the Company’s business and facilitate a more meaningful comparison of its diluted (loss) earnings per share and actual results on a period-over-period basis. The Company has provided this information as a means to evaluate the results of its ongoing operations. Management uses this information as additional measurement tools for purposes of business decision-making, including evaluating store performance, developing budgets and managing expenditures. Other companies in the Company’s industry may calculate these items differently than the Company does. Each of these measures is not a measure of performance under GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. The Company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to evaluate the Company’s operating performance and compare its results of operations from period to period on a consistent basis by excluding items that management does not believe are indicative of the Company’s core operating performance. The presentation of such measures, which may include adjustments to exclude unusual or non-recurring items, should not be construed as an inference that the Company’s future results, cash flows or leverage will be unaffected by other unusual or non-recurring items. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our progress on our business reset initiatives; our prioritization of traffic-driving marketing and product pricing initiatives, exceptional customer service and prudent inventory management; our emphasis on the balance sheet and ending the year with positive free cash flow; our ability to manage expenses, reduce total inventory levels to generate positive free cash flow; and our guidance for net sales and Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2024. Investors can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “can have,” “could,” “due,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and our management’s beliefs and assumptions. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our own operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that predicting the impact of known factors is very difficult, and we cannot anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. The Company cannot assure investors that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it has anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to many factors including, but not limited to: current and future government regulations, in particular regulations relating to the sale of firearms and ammunition, which may impact the supply and demand for the Company’s products and ability to conduct its business; the Company’s retail-based business model which is impacted by general economic and market conditions and economic, market and financial uncertainties that may cause a decline in consumer spending; the Company’s concentration of stores in the Western United States which makes the Company susceptible to adverse conditions in this region, and could affect the Company’s sales and cause the Company’s operating results to suffer; the highly fragmented and competitive industry in which the Company operates and the potential for increased competition; changes in consumer demands, including regional preferences, which we may not be able to identify and respond to in a timely manner; the Company’s entrance into new markets or operations in existing markets, including the Company’s plans to open additional stores in future periods, which may not be successful; the Company’s implementation of a plan to reduce expenses in response to adverse macroeconomic conditions, including an increased focus on financial discipline and rigor throughout the Company’s organization; impact of general macroeconomic conditions, such as labor shortages, inflation, elevated interest rates, economic slowdowns, and recessions or market corrections; and other factors that are set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on April 4, 2024, and the Company’s other public filings made with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release speaks only as of the date on which the Company makes it. Factors or events that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. About Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. is an outdoor specialty retailer focused on meeting the needs of the seasoned outdoor veteran, the first-time participant, and everyone in between. We provide outstanding gear and exceptional service to inspire outdoor memories. For press releases and certain additional information about the Company, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.sportsmans.com. Investor Contact: Riley Timmer Vice President, Investor Relations Sportsman’s Warehouse (801) 304-2816 investors@sportsmans.com

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Cover Five: After key bowl win, is Nebraska’s next step 9 wins in 2025?MUNCIE — The 2024 Hoosier Survey, conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University, identifies Indiana residents’ top three policy priorities heading into the new year: school safety, public safety, and healthcare. Notably, this year’s Hoosier Survey – an annual, non-partisan public policy study that gauges public opinion on key social and political issues – found that these priorities are shared across political affiliations, according to Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of the Bowen Center for Public Affairs and associate dean of Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

NoneStrategic hire underscores Assembly's commitment to bolstering its leadership team to deliver best-in-class services and results for its clients. NEW YORK , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Assembly, a leading global marketing agency within the Stagwell (STGW) network, today announced the appointment of Josh Berman as Executive Vice President, Assembly Lead. Earlier this year, Assembly unveiled a new operating structure with teams organized into 'Assemblies' based on geography and industry sector. Based in New York , Berman will co-lead Assembly East, focusing on deepening brand relationships, driving innovation, and providing more rigor, expertise, and growth for clients. Berman brings 15 years of media industry experience to Assembly. Most recently, as Managing Partner and Client Lead at Wavemaker, he led media planning and buying for a major Church & Dwight brand and contributed to global product development initiatives, leveraging data and technology to craft effective marketing solutions. Over his career, Josh has partnered with marquee brands across various industries, including Citi, Campbell's , IKEA, Tiffany & Co., Amgen, Marriott, and AT&T. Berman's appointment is part of Assembly's ongoing growth efforts, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of the industry and continues to meet clients' evolving needs. "Our clients get the best of both worlds—an agency big enough to lead yet small enough to care—which means each client receives the attention, dedicated leadership, and prioritization the industry and clients are demanding," said Rick Acampora , Global CEO of Assembly. "Josh's extensive experience in media strategy, analytics, client leadership, and innovation, coupled with his ability to fuse media and creative to unlock and accelerate brand performance, will be instrumental as we continue to elevate and find the change that fuels growth for our clients. We are thrilled to have him join our team." Berman's role is effective immediately. ABOUT ASSEMBLY Assembly is a leading global omnichannel media agency that merges data, talent, and technology to catalyze growth for the world's most esteemed brands. Our holistic approach weaves together compelling brand narratives with a comprehensive suite of global media capabilities, driving performance and fostering significant business expansion. Our initiatives are powered by STAGE, our proprietary operating system, and executed by a dedicated global team of over 2,300 professionals across 35 offices worldwide. Committed to purposeful action, Assembly leads the way in social and environmental impact within the agency realm. As a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network designed to revolutionize marketing, Assembly continues to set new standards of excellence. For more information, please visit assemblyglobal.com . Contact Mariana Delacqua mariana.delacqua@assemblyglobal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/josh-berman-joins-assembly-as-evp-assembly-lead-in-north-america-302337752.html SOURCE Assembly

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2024-- Skillsoft Corp. (NYSE: SKIL) (“Skillsoft” or the “Company”), a leading platform for transformative learning experiences, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 ended October 31, 2024. Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Select Metrics and Financials from Continuing Operations (1)(2) “Our fiscal third quarter financial results demonstrate our first step in executing our transformation strategy,” said Ron Hovsepian, Skillsoft’s Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “The operationalization of our strategy is showing the first signs of business and financial improvement for our shareholders and customers.” Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Business Highlights “I am pleased with our financial results for the quarter, which are highlighted by strong revenue execution, improved profitability, and positive free cash flow,” said Rich Walker, Skillsoft’s Chief Financial Officer. “Our third quarter performance, coupled with momentum from our transformation execution, gives us confidence to raise and tighten our FY25 revenue guidance range, while reaffirming our adjusted EBITDA outlook.” Full-Year Fiscal 2025 Financial Outlook (2) The following table reflects Skillsoft’s updated financial outlook for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, based on current market conditions, expectations, and assumptions: GAAP Revenue $520 million – $530 million Adjusted EBITDA $105 million – $110 million (1) Growth calculated relative to the comparable prior year period unless otherwise noted. (2) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Metrics” below for the definitions of our key operational and non-GAAP metrics and how they are calculated and more information regarding the fact that the Company is unable to reconcile forward-looking non-GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. We have provided at the back of this release reconciliations of our historical non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures. Webcast and Conference Call Information Skillsoft will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results. To access the call, dial (877) 413‐9278 from the United States and Canada or (215) 268‐9914 from international locations. The live event can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of Skillsoft’s website at investor.skillsoft.com . A replay will be available for six months. About Skillsoft Skillsoft delivers transformative learning experiences that propel organizations and people to grow together. The Company partners with enterprise organizations and serves a global community of learners to prepare today’s employees for tomorrow’s economy. With Skillsoft, customers gain access to blended, multimodal learning experiences that do more than build skills, they grow a more capable, adaptive, and engaged workforce. Through a portfolio of high-quality content, an AI-enabled platform that is personalized and connected to customer needs, and a broad ecosystem of partners, Skillsoft drives continuous growth and performance for employees and their organizations by overcoming critical skills gaps, unlocking human potential, and transforming the workforce. Learn more at www.skillsoft.com . Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Metrics The Company has organized its business into two segments (or Business Units): Talent Development Solutions (formerly referred to as Content & Platform) and Global Knowledge (formerly referred to as Instructor-Led Training). We track the non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics that we believe are key financial measures of our success. Non-GAAP measures and key performance metrics are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to us, many of which present non-GAAP measures and key performance metrics when reporting their results. These measures can be useful in evaluating our performance against our peer companies because we believe the measures provide users with valuable insight into key components of U.S. GAAP financial disclosures. For example, a company with higher U.S. GAAP net income may not be as appealing to investors if its net income is more heavily comprised of gains on asset sales. Likewise, excluding the effects of interest income and expense moderates the impact of a company’s capital structure on its performance. However, non-GAAP measures and key performance metrics have limitations as analytical tools. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. They are not presentations made in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not measures of financial condition or liquidity, and should not be considered as an alternative to profit or loss for the period determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or operating cash flows determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, these performance measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, results of operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We have provided at the back of this press release reconciliations of our historical non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures. We do not reconcile our forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and/or certain information not being ascertainable or accessible; and because not all of the information necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is available to us without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. We provide non-GAAP financial measures that we believe will be achieved, however we cannot accurately predict all of the components of the non-GAAP calculations and the U.S. GAAP measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP measures. We disclose the below non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics in this press release because we believe these non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics provide meaningful supplemental information. Dollar retention rate ( “ DRR ” ) - For existing customers at the beginning of a given period, DRR represents subscription renewals, upgrades, churn, and downgrades in such period divided by the beginning total renewable base for such customers for such period. Renewals reflect customers who renew their subscription, inclusive of auto-renewals for multi-year contracts, while churn reflects customers who choose to not renew their subscription. Upgrades include orders from customers that purchase additional licenses or content (e.g., a new Leadership and Business module), while downgrades reflect customers electing to decrease the number of licenses or reduce the size of their content package. Upgrades and downgrades also reflect changes in pricing. We use our DRR to measure the long-term value of customer contracts as well as our ability to retain and expand the revenue generated from our existing customers. Adjusted net income (loss) - Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as GAAP net income (loss) excluding non-cash items, discrete and event-specific costs that do not represent normal, recurring, cash operating expenses necessary for our business operations, and certain accounting income and/or expenses that management believes are necessary to enhance the comparability and are useful in assessing our operating performance, include the following (including the related tax effects): Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA is defined as adjusted net income (loss) excluding interest expense or income, benefit from or provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted operating expenses – Adjusted operating expenses are defined as GAAP costs of revenues, content and software development, selling and marketing, and general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation expense, long-term incentive compensation expense, system migration costs, transformation costs, and other non-cash charges, as applicable. Adjusted gross margin – Adjusted gross margin is defined as GAAP revenue less GAAP cost of revenues, excluding long-term incentive compensation expense and depreciation expense, divided by GAAP revenue for the same period. Adjusted contribution margin – Adjusted contribution margin is defined as GAAP revenue less adjusted operating expenses, divided by GAAP revenue for the same period. Free cash flow – Free cash flow is defined as GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and internally developed software. Adjusted free cash flow (levered) – Adjusted free cash flow (levered) is defined as free cash flow plus the cash impact for adjusted EBITDA excluded charges. Free cash flow conversion – Free cash flow conversion is defined as free cash flow divided by adjusted EBITDA for the same period. Net leverage – Net leverage is defined as current maturities of long-term debt, plus borrowings under accounts receivable facility, plus long-term debt, less cash and equivalents and restricted cash, divided by adjusted EBITDA for the preceding twelve-month period. Reclassifications Certain amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current year. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, total liabilities, total stockholders' equity, or net income (loss) for the prior year. Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements This document includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook (including revenue, non-GAAP EBITDA, and free cash flow), our product development and planning, our sales pipeline, future capital expenditures, share repurchases, financial results, the impact of regulatory changes, existing and evolving business strategies and acquisitions and dispositions, demand for our services, competitive strengths, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, and our ability to successfully implement our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “forecast”, “seek”, “outlook”, “target”, “goal”, “probably”, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Skillsoft’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those described under “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10‐K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included in our other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this document represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, or otherwise. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. Given the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results. Additionally, statements as to market share, industry data and our market position are based on the most current data available to us and our estimates regarding market position or other industry data included in this document or otherwise discussed by us involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including as set forth above. SKILLSOFT CORP. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts) October 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 97,921 $ 136,308 Restricted cash 3,881 10,215 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of approximately $558 and $562 as of October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2024, respectively 102,498 185,638 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 55,834 53,170 Total current assets 260,134 385,331 Property and equipment, net 3,543 6,639 Goodwill 317,071 317,071 Intangible assets, net 456,692 539,293 Right of use assets 5,054 8,044 Other assets 11,037 17,256 Total assets $ 1,053,531 $ 1,273,634 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 6,404 $ 6,404 Borrowings under accounts receivable facility 10,009 44,980 Accounts payable 21,159 14,512 Accrued compensation 28,325 31,774 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 22,370 29,939 Lease liabilities 2,088 3,049 Deferred revenue 203,646 282,570 Total current liabilities 294,001 413,228 Long-term debt 574,312 577,487 Deferred tax liabilities 44,099 52,148 Long-term lease liabilities 6,839 9,251 Deferred revenue - non-current 1,823 2,402 Other long-term liabilities 11,977 13,531 Total long-term liabilities 639,050 654,819 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity: Shareholders’ common stock - Class A common shares, $0.0001 par value: 18,750,000 shares authorized and 8,576,683 shares issued and 8,276,906 shares outstanding at October 31, 2024, and 8,380,436 shares issued and 8,080,659 shares outstanding at January 31, 2024 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 1,559,547 1,551,005 Accumulated equity (deficit) (1,412,279 ) (1,321,478 ) Treasury stock, at cost - 299,777 shares as of October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2024 (10,891 ) (10,891 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (15,898 ) (13,050 ) Total shareholders’ equity 120,480 205,587 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,053,531 $ 1,273,634 SKILLSOFT CORP. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenues: Total revenues $ 137,225 $ 138,956 $ 397,241 $ 415,697 Operating expenses: Costs of revenues 34,312 36,407 101,254 114,698 Content and software development 14,937 16,126 45,436 51,024 Selling and marketing 39,615 43,983 122,591 130,321 General and administrative 21,686 22,308 66,390 72,689 Amortization of intangible assets 31,826 38,620 95,197 116,086 Acquisition and integration related costs 931 510 3,349 2,838 Restructuring 3,095 873 15,361 8,592 Total operating expenses 146,402 158,827 449,578 496,248 Operating income (loss) (9,177 ) (19,871 ) (52,337 ) (80,551 ) Other income (expense), net (538 ) 19 1,261 (1,290 ) Fair value adjustment of warrants — 1,105 — 4,750 Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps (822 ) 3,981 418 11,186 Interest income 924 1,060 2,897 2,576 Interest expense (15,845 ) (16,492 ) (48,538 ) (48,683 ) Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes (25,458 ) (30,198 ) (96,299 ) (112,012 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (1,859 ) (2,462 ) (5,498 ) (8,735 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations (23,599 ) (27,736 ) (90,801 ) (103,277 ) Gain (loss) on sale of business — — — (682 ) Net income (loss) $ (23,599 ) $ (27,736 ) $ (90,801 ) $ (103,959 ) Net income (loss) per share: Basic and diluted - continuing operations $ (2.86 ) $ (3.45 ) $ (11.11 ) $ (12.84 ) Basic and diluted - discontinued operations — — — (0.08 ) Basic and diluted $ (2.86 ) $ (3.45 ) $ (11.11 ) $ (12.92 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted 8,239,564 8,047,497 8,170,344 8,043,712 SKILLSOFT CORP. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 October 31, 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ (90,801 ) $ (103,959 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Amortization of intangible assets 95,197 116,086 Stock-based compensation 9,985 22,917 Depreciation 2,404 2,629 Non-cash interest expense 1,628 1,546 Non-cash property, equipment, software and lease impairment charges 2,495 4,265 Provision for credit loss expense (recovery) (4 ) 205 (Gain) loss on sale of business — 682 Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes – non-cash (8,080 ) (10,270 ) Fair value adjustment of warrants — (4,750 ) Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps (418 ) (11,186 ) Change in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 82,877 70,645 Prepaid expenses and other assets, including long-term 4,258 2,726 Right-of-use assets 1,632 2,184 Accounts payable 6,693 (3,283 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities, including long-term (12,819 ) (20,820 ) Lease liabilities (3,387 ) (3,048 ) Deferred revenues (79,446 ) (75,250 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 12,214 (8,681 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (820 ) (3,753 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 10 — Internally developed software - capitalized costs (13,018 ) (8,055 ) Sale of SumTotal, net of cash transferred — (5,137 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (13,828 ) (16,945 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Shares repurchased for tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock-based awards (1,052 ) (1,441 ) Payments to acquire treasury stock — (8,046 ) Proceeds from (payments on) accounts receivable facility (34,971 ) 793 Principal payments on term loans (4,803 ) (4,803 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (40,826 ) (13,497 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (2,281 ) (1,674 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (44,721 ) (40,797 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 146,523 177,556 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 101,802 $ 136,759 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash and cash equivalents $ 97,921 $ 129,806 Restricted cash 3,881 6,953 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 101,802 $ 136,759 SKILLSOFT CORP. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (in thousands, unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenues Talent Development Solutions $ 102,998 $ 101,132 $ 302,725 $ 302,893 Global Knowledge 34,227 37,824 94,516 112,804 Total revenues, as reported $ 137,225 $ 138,956 $ 397,241 $ 415,697 Net income (loss), as reported $ (23,599 ) $ (27,736 ) $ (90,801 ) $ (103,959 ) Acquisition and integration related costs 931 510 3,349 2,838 Restructuring 3,095 873 15,361 8,592 Transformation costs 164 1,053 1,351 2,503 System migration costs — 510 118 1,580 Long-term incentive compensation expenses 4,099 7,962 10,438 22,917 Executive exit costs — — 3,326 — Fair value adjustment of warrants — (1,105 ) — (4,750 ) Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps 822 (3,981 ) (418 ) (11,186 ) Foreign currency impact 524 (181 ) (1,297 ) 1,513 Gain (loss) on sale of business — — — 682 Tax impact of adjustments (1,057 ) (602 ) (3,349 ) (2,921 ) Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations (15,021 ) (22,697 ) (61,922 ) (82,191 ) Interest expense, net 14,921 15,432 45,641 46,107 Expense (benefit from) income taxes, excluding tax impacts above (802 ) (1,860 ) (2,149 ) (5,814 ) Depreciation 1,000 266 2,404 2,629 Amortization of intangible assets 31,826 38,620 95,197 116,086 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 31,924 $ 29,761 $ 79,171 $ 76,817 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted 8,239,564 8,047,497 8,170,344 8,043,712 Basic and diluted per share information: Net income (loss), as reported $ (2.86 ) $ (3.45 ) $ (11.11 ) (12.92 ) Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1.82 ) $ (2.82 ) $ (7.58 ) $ (10.22 ) Adjusted net income (loss) margin % (10.9 )% (16.4 )% (15.6 )% (19.7 )% Interest expense, net 10.9 % 11.1 % 11.5 % 11.1 % Expense (benefit from) income taxes, excluding tax impacts above (0.6 )% (1.3 )% (0.5 )% (1.4 )% Depreciation 0.7 % 0.2 % 0.6 % 0.6 % Amortization of intangible assets 23.2 % 27.8 % 23.9 % 27.9 % Adjusted EBITDA margin % 23.3 % 21.4 % 19.9 % 18.5 % Adjusted gross margin 75.2 % 73.9 % 74.7 % 72.6 % Adjusted contribution margin 23.3 % 21.4 % 20.0 % 18.5 % SKILLSOFT CORP. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - continued (in thousands, unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Operating expenses: GAAP costs of revenues $ 34,312 $ 36,407 $ 101,254 $ 114,698 Depreciation (91 ) (80 ) (315 ) (413 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (201 ) (128 ) (499 ) (463 ) Adjusted costs of revenues 34,020 36,199 100,440 113,822 GAAP content and software development 14,937 16,126 45,436 51,024 Depreciation (74 ) 22 (218 ) (169 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (857 ) (1,575 ) (3,061 ) (5,350 ) System migration — (510 ) (118 ) (1,580 ) Adjusted content and software development 14,006 14,063 42,039 43,925 GAAP selling and marketing 39,615 43,983 122,591 130,321 Depreciation (161 ) (160 ) (531 ) (839 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (1,595 ) (1,421 ) (3,648 ) (2,435 ) Transformation — (9 ) (213 ) (251 ) Adjusted selling and marketing 37,859 42,393 118,199 126,796 GAAP general and administrative 21,686 22,308 66,390 72,689 Depreciation (674 ) (48 ) (1,340 ) (1,208 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (1,446 ) (4,838 ) (3,230 ) (14,669 ) Transformation (179 ) (882 ) (1,192 ) (2,475 ) Executive exit costs — — (3,326 ) — Adjusted general and administrative 19,387 16,540 57,302 54,337 Total GAAP operating expenses 110,550 118,824 335,671 368,732 Depreciation (1,000 ) (266 ) (2,404 ) (2,629 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (4,099 ) (7,962 ) (10,438 ) (22,917 ) System migration — (510 ) (118 ) (1,580 ) Transformation (1) (179 ) (891 ) (1,405 ) (2,726 ) Executive exit costs — — (3,326 ) — Adjusted total operating expenses $ 105,272 $ 109,195 $ 317,980 $ 338,880 (1) This line item does not agree to the amounts reflected on preceding table due to certain transformation expenses not being reflected in GAAP operating expenses. SKILLSOFT CORP. FREE CASH FLOW RECONCILIATION (in thousands) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Free cash flow reconciliation Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 8,717 $ (10,666 ) $ 12,214 $ (8,681 ) Purchase of property and equipment, net (411 ) (347 ) (810 ) (3,753 ) Internally developed software - capitalized costs (4,222 ) (2,104 ) (13,018 ) (8,055 ) Total free cash flow 4,084 (13,117 ) (1,614 ) (20,489 ) Cash impact for adjusted EBITDA excluded charges 10,089 2,306 17,187 10,098 Adjusted free cash flow (levered) $ 14,173 $ (10,811 ) $ 15,573 $ (10,391 ) View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210536898/en/ CONTACT: Investors: Ross Collins or Stephen Poe SKIL@alpha-ir.comMedia : Cameron Martin cameron.martin@skillsoft.com KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY SECURITY OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE INTERNET CONTINUING TRAINING DATA MANAGEMENT EDUCATION SOURCE: Skillsoft Corp. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 04:04 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210536898/en

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