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jilibet super ace Geode Capital Management LLC Acquires 45,155 Shares of Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (NYSE:MD)By Mead Gruver and Amy Beth Hanson, The Associated Press A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will “continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms,” the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. “We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week.” The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 -– making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they’re playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday’s semifinals. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting “messages of hate” and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women’s Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women’s sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the “likelihood of success” needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women’s sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana. More in Nation-World News Iconic guitar maker trying to put a stop to Trump-themed offering Dow hits another record as stocks continue to rise This American corporation is cutting 2,000 employees five days before Christmas

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TLGY Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: TLGY) revealed in an 8-K filing a series of resignations and appointments within its leadership team. Effective immediately, the company received notices of resignation from Mr. Vikas Desai, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of the board of directors, Mr. Merrick Friedman, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Mr. Donghyun Han, a director of the company, and Mr. Young Cho, a director who resigned as the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The resignations were disclosed to have occurred without any disputes or disagreements with the company’s operations, policies, or practices. As a response to these developments, Mr. Young Cho has been designated as the new CEO, with Mdm. Christina Favilla and Mr. Niraj Javeri appointed as independent directors. The new officers and directors have each entered into an Indemnity Agreement with TLGY Acquisition Corporation, similar to agreements established with other officers and directors during the company’s initial public offering. The newly appointed leaders do not have familial relationships with existing management and have not entered into undisclosed arrangements related to their appointments. Furthermore, following these changes, the company has updated the membership of its standing committees. The audit committee consists of Niraj Javeri (Chairman), Enrique Klix, and Christina Favilla. The compensation committee includes Enrique Klix (Chairman), Niraj Javeri, and Christina Favilla. Lastly, the nominating and corporate governance committee comprises Christina Favilla (Chairman), Enrique Klix, and Niraj Javeri. The company has provided detailed biographical information about the new leadership and committee compositions in a bid to ensure a smooth transition and effective governance moving forward. As per the disclosure, the new appointments aim to enhance the strategic direction and operational efficiency of TLGY Acquisition Corporation. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read TLGY Acquisition’s 8K filing here . About TLGY Acquisition ( Get Free Report ) TLGY Acquisition Corporation does not have significant operations. The company intends to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or other business combination with one or more businesses. It intends to acquire companies in the biopharma or technology enabled business-to-consumer industries worldwide. Read MoreSoccer-West Ham win at Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui

Chiefs are no longer relishing close wins as the stress of the postseason push begins to mountWelcome to the Thanksgiving week Cardinals chat here at StlToday.com . There undoubtedly will be the usual maelstrom of fascinating questions, biting criticism, and incisive challenges from readers, but in keeping with the spirit of the week don't be afraid to sprinkle in something you're thankful. I'll start. I'm thankful for a fan base ravenous for baseball conversation year round and one that is both respectful of the history of baseball in St. Louis and demanding because of that history. That's powerful blend, and it makes covering a club like the Cardinals in a city and region like St. Louis a great opportunity for a baseball fan and baseball writer like me. Aren't you already thankful I avoided Thanksgiving imagery in the above paragraph? I cannot promise that will last. Enough prelude. Let's get to the stuffing of this Cardinals chat. As always, a real-time transcript of the chat will be available below the chat window. You'll be able to read questions and answers just as you any article here at StlToday.com on your mobile, your desktop, or your tablet. Questions are not edited for spelling or grammar. They are ignored for vulgarities and threats. Onward! Bake21: Hey Derek. Most teams play their weakest defender in LF. The Cardinals have theirs in RF. Has there been any talk of moving Walker to LF. DG: There have been questions about it -- from reporters like me. Often. Much to their chagrin. The answer has always been that Jordan Walker is more comfortable in right field. During a recent podcast with baseball writer Dayn Perry, I brought up another reason why the Cardinals have had him focus on right field. Let me offer you some statistics. There were 11 outfielders with at least 1,000 innings in center, and they averaged 348 putouts. There were nine LF with at least 1,000 innings there, and they averaged 251 putouts. There were six RF with at least 1,000 innings there, and they averaged 252. And that is a lot closer than helps my illustration. But look deeper -- 10 center fielders had at least 300 putouts, two left fielders, and zero right fielders. The Cardinals had more putouts in RF than LF this past season, but overall the thinking is there are fewer baseballs hit to RF, fewer plays in RF, and that that would be a contributing reason for having a novice outfielder play out there. One more thing: Jordan Walker has an excellent arm. When he played third base, scouts thought his arm was an asset there and compensated for other elements of his fielding. He has a strong arm that can be beneficial in right field. That too is a factor -- it's a spot where one of his skills can still stand out. Millo Miller: Derrick, since Nolan Arenado has not demanded a trade as of now, but has given the Cardinals the ok to explore the market, would it be in the Cardinals best interest to keep him until the trade deadline next year? I know the contract might make this hard to do. Your thoughts? DG: Sure seems like that would not the best route here. Not for the complexity of his contact. Not for the offer. And not to do the best thing for Arenado. How much you want the Cardinals to weigh in what's best for Arenado here can be debated, but they will take that into account as they have for players in the past. And why not give him a chance to start the season with a team, in a good spot to contend, and set up his family there and all of that ... Keep in mind, too, at the trade deadline -- what happens if you bank on that but there's no place appealing in his opinion? RedbirdFarmhands: Hey Derrick do you think Boston could be a legit landing spot for Arenado DG: There are reports that they plan to move Devers to first base to make room for Alex Bregman. Seems like that would also apply. I do not know if that's a landing spot that Arenado would approve. It would be a team that would take more time to figure out a trade because Boston is pursuing many free agents first. Bboy Bird: DG, The Cardinals OF depth chart is heavily LH. Do you expect them to make a minor free-agent signing for an RH OF, perhaps a complement to Siani in CF? Thanks! DG: That is definitely on their mind and could be a move later in the winter, or even during spring, more for their bench. They also see Jordan Walker as that RH OF, of course. Let me quickly add: There is nothing wrong with having a lot of left-handed hitters. A lineup with left-handed production time and time and time again is better, deeper lineup as a result, and a left-handed presence (or few) sure seems essential to October success when you look at teams that do well in the playoffs. Bake21: Regarding Walker in RF, that's a good point about the putouts. And I do think Walker is athletic enough and has a good arm. The issue is he terrible out there. He doesn't appear to track balls well at all. And if you're going to misplace a ball in LF it might only be one base, if you misplace a ball in RF it's more than likely two bases. DG: Entirely fair, and that has been part of the questions for the Cardinals. When you think about how poor the defense was early in 2023, it was because of the outfield -- where misplays didn't cost 90 feet, they cost 180 feet. Darrell M: Good morning Mr. Goold. I have very much enjoyed your Cardinals coverage over the years and would like to say thank you for all of your work. DG: Thank you, Darrell. Much appreciated. Duffy in CT: Mark Feinsand today wrote "Ryan Helsley is likely to be traded". Does he know something we do not know or is he speculating? DG: That probably is a better question for him than for a chat here, because I'll just repeat to you our reporting on the subject. That seems like the best thing for me to do, no? But here's the deal. Mark Feinsand, an executive writer for MLB-dot-com, has a baseball card in the recently released Allen & Ginter set from Topps. I was thrilled to recently get an autographed card sent to me. I've added it to my collection . Mark has been a friend for a long time and I'm thrilled he's joined our group of wax-pack writers. He referenced the Cardinals "likely" trading Ryan Helsley as part of a piece tying one free agent to every team. Already he had a difficult task -- linking the Cardinals, who have publicly stated they won't do much shopping this winter, to that exact thing. And then adding to that difficult -- his description was picked up without context by another outlet. A bold headline was slapped on it. And here we are again. It's going to be a long winter of this, and I feel the frustration readers must have. Truly. And if you have any suggestions on how to combat that and helped readers, I'm eager to do so. Mark made his description very clear. Just as I will mine. I've spoken to multiple sources aware of the Cardinals conversations or directly involved in those conversations, and one walked away feeling the Cardinals are leaning toward keeping Helsley. Two others told me that the Cardinals are adopting that stance so that they will only trade him if overwhelmed by an offer. There are teams calling the Cardinals making their bid for Helsley. So they'll have choices to sort through. Duffy in CT: Giovanni to the Dodgers. Surprised? DG: No. Michael: Can you share any details about the upcoming writers' dinner in January? DG: Absolutely. Thanks for asking. It is set for Jan. 19 here in St. Louis at the Missouri Athletic Club downtown. Tickets go on sale Friday, and there will be news of who will be honored and other plans as Friday approaches. Here's a hint: Ryan Helsley will receive one of the headline awards, and our hope is to have a surprise and fitting guest there to present him with it. Ken: Hi Derrick! Can you help me understand what’s happening with Nolan ? ( This reminds me of that song by the Clash ).Does he want to leave ? Does he want to stay ? DG: All those questions are fair, Ken. And the answers are direct -- because it will depend on the offers the Cardinals get. Keep in mind that Arenado has not formally requested a trade, per multiple sources. Wrote a whole reported, tightly sourced story about that -- and it's bit of shared history with what happened 2007 -- this past week. Best for me to guide you to that story then to rewrite all of the answers in it here. Millo Miller: Derrick, were you surprised the Rays non-tendered D. Carlson? I feel sorry for the kid. He's young but just can't stay healthy and get on track. DG: I was. Longtime chatters will know what I've written about Dylan Carlson's talent, ceiling, or however you want to phrase it. A switch-hitter with a good feel for the strike zone -- and capable of playing all three spots in the outfield. Sure seems like he needs a team that unlocks his offense and gives him the playing time to make it happen. He'll have suitors eager to do that. Sam: Hi Derrick, happy thanksgiving! Do you have a sense of what kind of return the team is targeting with a potential trade of Helsley? High upside low level prospects? Near MLB players? Players currently on the other teams 26 man? similar question for Nado: how much money will the team kick in for a trade to get back a quality return instead of pure salary relief? Thanks! DG: Great question, and the answer is that it will depend on the team on the other side of the conversation. The Cardinals can toggle between those two asks because a guiding goal for them in any of these conversations is stocking the prospect depth chart. That's what they want to do. And they want to do that at a variety of levels, if possible -- both prospects at the lower levels with higher ceilings and prospects on the brink of the majors with higher floors and clear routes to contribute. "Collecting depth" or "collecting talent" are the phrases used by the Cardinals' front office. In these deals, it's likely they try to accumulate several players who fit each of the descriptions: predictably close to the majors, high upside but young and farther away, and pitching. As for Arenado. There is $74 million remaining on his contract, and some of that money will be covered by the Rockies (who owe payments for 2025 and 2026). The Cardinals are on the hook for all of his 2027 salary, which was a year they added during the conversations to make the trade. That year is $15 million, and if past precedent means anything interested teams are going to point out that the Cardinals added that so the should pay it. The Cardinals feel -- and they're not alone in this, based on conversations I've had with non-Cardinals folks -- that Arenado's deal has value that will be clear when some of the free agents sign. And it's a shorter commitment. Cardinals are not looking for pure salary relief. They're looking for the right fit for them and if it's an agreeable fit for Arenado, too. MS Bird Brain: One reason I've remained a long time Cardinal fan is that they value the team culture as a factor along with the business side. No it doesn't trump business, but it is a big factor that keeps me as a fan. Nolan Arenado has turned down millions of dollars because he wanted to stay in St. Louis. As far as we know he has not asked to be traded. As a fan, if they trade him, they better improve the on the field team enough to show that the culture factor was included. If it's just about money, I will be deeply ashamed of them. DG: This obviously has been a topic of conversation for me with lots of people in the past few weeks, and I can write again what I've attempted to convey. From the article above: "(New 'clarity' on their finances) allows them to explore deals that gives the club a favorable return and the veteran player a favorable destination to win, if possible." Bob the Subscriber: Without revealing your ballot, what're your thoughts on the HoF ballot this year? DG: I just got it in the mail. Haven't had a chance to five into the usual research I do. There are some holdovers that I've voted for in past years, so I'll start with them, and see how much room I have, and then re-rank them all to see who fits in the 10 spots. Here is one sure thing: I will eagerly rush to put an X beside Ichiro Suzuki. Cannot wait be one of the voters who pave his way into Cooperstown. Mike: Good morning! We know that the cardinals want to go younger, do you see them trying to ADD any younger major league talent on the pitching side this offseason or at the trade deadline? DG: Oh, absolutely. That is always a good goal for any team -- but, yes, it's an area where the Cardinals can, will focus, need to focus. However you want to phrase it. Building pitching depth is an area of focus for them -- and that's not just acquiring players (it's a big part of it), but it's also about building the support staff, facilities, and so on to improve development, too. Bob the Subscriber: Gotcha, thnaks. So should we expect an Arenado trade (if it happens at all) to occur later in the off-season? DG: At last check, the Cardinals expect the pace of the market to pick up at the winter meetings -- or going into the winter meetings. That is, of course, echoed by the reporters about the Soto courtship. Given that Bregman is available to teams interested in adding a 3B, and given that a few of the teams with an eye on Bregman first have to figure out where Soto signs ... you can see how all of these conversations are linked and where the Cardinals may have to wait for movement elsewhere to get the best offer they can take to Arenado. November Rain: Would the Cardinals consider trading Gorman or Walker if blown away by an offer? DG: Yes. Cards Fan 1941: Derek, I look forward to your column and podcasts. You recently mentioned a hitters machine that can be programmed for a particular pitcher, At $800k, that is a big investment. Do the Cardinals seem interested? DG: They have two of them. They have one at Busch Stadium that the big-leaguers use, and they have one in Jupiter, at the complex down there. Initially in the podcast, when I was asked if the Cardinals had a Trajekt machine, I said no. I was wrong. I did ask about it during the season, and may have misunderstood the answer or asked the wrong person. That's on me to figure out, and I'm being candid with you here. I subsequently learned that they had two. And I've updated and corrected the podcast to reflect that. Chris: Which team could be the 2025 version of the Royals leveraging what I expect will be a heavy buyers market in the free agent pool given all the revenue issues? DG: Detroit Tigers. Bob the Subscriber: I understand that Sasaki is unlikely to sign here. But is the team going to make a pitch to him? DG: They usually do, yeah. Just to make sure they don't wonder. They want to be told no. That's pretty standard for the Cardinals and other teams. If you don't try, you don't know for sure. You want to hear the no. CJ: There seem to be a lot more online "news" outlets nowadays that pump out clickbait headlines that read "cards pursuing x or y superstar" with no sources cited. As a legitimate reporter yourself, how does that impact the work that you do and is there anything you or the PD can do to stop it or raise awareness to fans? DG: What we've seen elsewhere is aggregation devours the reporters providing the info for aggregation. The Post-Dispatch invests heavily in coverage of the Cardinals and Blues and Mizzou, and does so with dedicated reporters and clear standards of practice. And that needs the support of subscribers. It's an issue if that reporter or reporting is skimmed or misrepresented -- and I hope that readers, like you, recognize it and seek out the media outlets that invest the coverage and offer you clear and concise attribution and accountability. I get that rumors and speculation are entertaining, but more and more and more we're seeing speculation become what fans remember, not the hard, tangible reported facts. There is a lot of coverage out there coming from sites that are taking from reporters on site, from outlets that pay to have professionals in place to cover the team, and the Post-Dispatch is not alone in that when it comes to the Cardinals. What happens if readers don't value the difference ... We can all see where that leads, because we've already seen media outlets close or change, from august publications like Sports Illustrated to newspapers throughout the country. Raising awareness, as you say, is key. I'm trying to do that. Doesn't always play well on Xwitter, of course. But I'll keep trying. Thanks for the compliment. chico: Happy Thanksgiving,DG,you're the reason that I subscribe to the Post. Just one question:What does a special assistant to the President do? Then,what does the Assistant GM do then? I'm confused. DG: Thank you for subscribing. This is a great question, and a lot of it has to do with what you'd call an organizational flow chart. For a team that has a president of baseball operations -- president puts that person on the same level as president of business operations -- there is usually a vice president or senior vice president who is the GM. Most folks just know his/her title as GM, not the VP part. But the VP part puts them in the organizational chart, right? Assistant GMs would then be one tier below, and increasingly they oversee specific silos of baseball ops -- draft, minors, analytics, etc. Starting to see the tree? I'm sure there are examples in other industries. In newspapers, it's executive editor, section editors, deputy editors, and then on into the writers from senior writers to lead writers to columnists, etc. Now an assistant or special assistant to the GM is one who reports to the GM, and same for the assistant or special assistant to the President. That usually is someone who contributes to all facets of the organization without running one specific one. An example would be when Alan Benes was a special assistant and did scouting, or when Chaim Bloom had a similar title and spent the past year auditing the minor-league system. Special assistant is a broader title that can lead to broader responsibilities. Hope that helps. Ron: When will we hear more on coach hiring and farm director DG: It was supposed to be soon. Likely next week, unless it's before Wednesday. A check last week was that it's still near-term. They want to put together a sizeable amount of the staff and then announce. They were still doing some offers/interviews. Chris: I was surprised to read in your past chats or a report, I forget, that the Cardinals are still thinking of trying Liberatore as a starter. He was so effective in the bullpen and could grow into the next closer. Why not commit him to that path given his past struggles in the rotation? DG: Mostly because a left-handed starter is so valuable to teams and the Cardinals (and others) see Liberatore's upside as a starter, even if his immediate role for the Cardinals is relief. They don't want to limit his potential. They've seen how that goes, too. Recently. ud: Brendan Rodgers non tendered in Colorado. He looks like s pretty useful second baseman. Why would they let him go? I don't see us going after him but he'd be an upgrade at that position. DG: Cost. He was about to get a third crack at arbitration and see a raise. The Rockies made the determination that his production for them was not likely to be worth the cost to them. And they did try to trade him and shopped him around before making the move. Teams were reluctant to part with much because they could read the Rockies' intentions and why not just wait for him to become a free agent and not tied to the arbitration process. His salary set by the market, not the argument. Also: Pretty telling that Rockies go from that choice to signing Kyle Farmer. Davel: Hi Derrick and thanks to you along with the rest of the P-D baseball writers for great reporting. What are you hearing about the chances of Ken Boyer finally getting elected to the HOF? DG: That discussion, that vote is going to happen pretty soon -- right on the eve of the winter meetings. I do not yet know if Boyer will have a strong advocate in the room. That is usually what it takes. He has a strong case, of course, and just needs a strong advocate to make it in the room. Looking at the list of other candidates, sure does appear it's going to be a difficult bid to get 75% of the voters. The other names on the Classic Era ballot: Dave Parker, Tommy John, Dick Allen, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, and Luis Tiant. Parker has a strong case, and so does former Cardinal Dick Allen and there's a lot of growing support for Tommy John. It's going to be in the room where it happens. Matt S: Are the Cardinals looking to clear a path for Mcgreevy by trading one of Mikolas or Matz? DG: They are exploring those talks, yes, and not just for the purpose of clearing a way for McGreevy. They see there already is a path for him to start. There are teams at least intrigued by Matz. We'll see if that manifests into offers. Mike: I have been a little suprised over the past several years not to see the Cardinals more active in the Japanese player market, or exciting international players in general, is that something you see changing with Bloom? DG: They have certainly tried. They positioned themselves to make several offers over the past few years, and just have been outbid. They hired a full-time scout in Japan who had strong relationships with the reps there and familiarity with the teams. Matt Slater has spent years developing and advocating for relationships and scouting there in Japan. They've signed a handful of players from there, some of them are U.S. players who went abroad only to return and sign with the Cardinals. There is also Won-Bin Cho from Korea, and he's one of the Cardinals top prospects and their first amateur signed of Asia. Chen-Wei Lin is also a top prospect for the Cardinals and could zoom up the rankings in 2025. He was signed out of Taipei for $500,000, and at 6-7 he sports a 97 mph fastball. So, on the horizon, there are players coming from that activity. JolietDave: I bought opening day tickets last Wednesday as a “so called” VIP. I am closer to the field and at lower cost than the past few years.,Seems the lower attendance last year has made the message of unhappy fans clear? DG: Ownership has said as much, yep. And actions suggest that too Jim from DeBary FL: Didn't Matt Slater leave the organization? Will that have a negative impact on their Asian relationships? Who will be taking his place. DG: He did leave the organization, yes. He was an advocate for the talent in Asia. How this sorts out will be clear as Bloom puts his group together. Assistant general manager Moises Rodriguez continues to be heavily involved in overseeing the international amateur scouting. Travis W: I am thankful that there will be a direct-to-customer option to watch the Cardinals in St. Louis next year. Despite the product on the field possibly being worse next year, I'll easily watch 3x as many games now DG: Every scenario with the broadcast situation will ultimately be better for fans. It may not be immediate and it will come at a cost, but it access will be better. That's where this is headed. Ron the usher: Happy Thanksgiving to all at the O-D. On those days when rain bad weather is threatening, what is the decision-making process on whether or not to play, and who makes these decisions? DG: Major League Baseball and the clubs make that decision with MLB more involved than ever over the past few years on whether a game is ppd or played. And coming out of 2020, MLB and the clubs have sought to be more proactive with those calls, sometimes making them a day in advance or in the morning before a night game. Once a ballpark is open, however, MLB and the clubs will try to have that game played, and if it's the final meeting between the teams it could be a long night of trying to make that happen. Twister18: Miles Mikolas in a high leverage relief role next year, crazy or crazy smart? He can get his fastball into the upper 90's and has good secondary pitches. DG: Would have to strike out more batters for that to make sense, given the modern makeup of bullpens and leverage spots. Missing bats is what teams want. Missing bats is repeatedly what the Cardinals say they seek for those roles. RedbirdFarmhands: hey derrick do they have an order of who they may want to trade first. Is Arenado first priority then Helsley or is there not a a certian order they priotirite DG: They do not. They can a) multitask and b) aim for the best offer when they think they can get it because they've shed salary to a point where it doesn't have to be a trade driven by dropping costs. Ryan: What I struggle with to connect the dots is how/why the Cards FO thinks that they’ll be able to compete in the NL next year and why a player like Arenado or Gray thinks they can. I mean, they just don’t have the starting pitching. Gray sure. Pallante as a #4 you bet. But posturing Fedde, Mikolas and Matz as #’s 2, 3 & 5 you just can’t win 90+ with that. Maybe McGreevy pulls a Wacha or Buehler rookie year. But that’s asking a lot. Unfortunately they don’t have the staff. And what else is close as SP’s are 4’s&5’s that will be on inning limits. Guess we should buckle up for 5 1/3 of 5.25 ERA ball from Lizard King. DG: They do play in the NL Central, still. Jim: Do you have any sense of what level the Cards would like to start Wetherholt at the beginning of the season? Do you think he gets an invite (even if its a cup of coffee to get aclimated) to spring training? DG: It does seem likely that he'll get an invite to spring training -- or at least make an appearance at some point during spring training with the big-league club. So, if not invited for the start of it, you'll see him in Grapefruit League games (maybe even a start?) at some point during spring. As far as what level he'll start at? With a new farm director coming in and new leadership for the development, I don't have past practice to base an answer on, and I'm eager to get a chance to talk with them about their philosophy. The Cardinals liked to advance a player during the season, so might start him at High-A and then plan on midseason to Double-A. The new group might have a new approach and see where his spring takes him or seek to challenge him with an aggressive promotion. The internal view is that he's an advanced hitter -- one that fits the description of reaching Class AA at some point in 2025 and could be one of the reps for the Cardinals in the Arizona Fall League a year from now. Taguchi99: Hi Derrick, it feels like the Cardinals are pleasantly surprised that they've already cut payroll to the point where they no longer NEED to trade to cut salary. But all the decisions to this point have been entirely in their control (FA, options, etc.) Does this attitude have more to do with the outcome of the TV deal? Seems like the cuts may not be as deep as we've braced for? DG: It is entirely the TV deal and getting certainty there. When the offseason started they were looking at all sorts of possibilities -- Diamond Sports Group liquidizing and deals vanishing along with that revenue; a steep cut in broadcast rights as they jumped to MLB Media, as the Reds are faced with; or some cut from their expected deal that would at least be more revenue than either of the previous two scenarios. They got that done at a cut of 23%. At one point they were workshopping what would happen with a 40% cut or worse. So, it is entirely getting that deal done and knowing what it looks like for 2025. Aaron Knopf: Thanks for the book recommendation of “How High We Go in the Dark” in your recent podcast with Dayn Perry. I wasn’t familiar with the title or the author, but it’s a great read so far. Maybe you could add a regular “what I’m reading” segment to the BPIB. DG: I would like to start a Best Book Club in Baseball. Is there any St. Louis store interested? Drop me a line. Bryan C: Is there any exciting news from the Cardinals you can share to make us less boarded so far this off season? I hope you and your family has a Happy Thanksgiving. DG: The sleeve logo from City Connect jerseys that features the arch and fleur-de-lis with the STL initials is under consideration for a more prominent spot in the Cardinals' look for 2025. It could be on one of the team's official hats, which would mean it pops up in spring or batting practice. That's probably exciting for the uniform devotees. Mike: I don't know if you can write in candidates for the HOF ballot, but if you only end up with 9 (or less) selections on your ballot, I'd hope you'd write in Dale Murphy. A travesty (like Boyer) that he isn't in the Hall yet. And a further travesty that he wasn't on the Classic Era Ballot this year...but, alas, we have Steve Garvey on there. He of 38 career WAR. DG: Write-in candidates are not permitted. There is no line for it, and there is no way to do that. The ballot is likely to be thrown out. If write-in candidates were allowed, you can bet there would have been many writers from decades ago who wrote in Pete Rose. That didn't happen. Murphy is a strong candidate for look from one of the eras committees, and here's hoping he gets it. He's never appeared on a ballot that I received. MS Bird Brain: I've seen some '24 WAR estimates for free agent SPs now on the market. With the intangibles he brought, in almost any revenue scenerio it was simply a bad business decision to let go of Gibson. They won't be able to replace those wins and innings for the value they already had. DG: I did try to point that out as the decision approached. It would be a telling move. It was. MS Bird Brain: Charley Hustle a lock this year? DG: He is not up for consideration because he's on the permanently ineligible list. Cardinals make the signing of Jose Barrero official . It's a minor-league deal with invite to spring. larry harnly: Larry harnly is there a chance mo will try to sign kittredge. he could be the closer if helsley is traded. i am thankful for these chats and your podcasts. DG: As of right now, the Cardinals do not plan to make a bid for Kittredge's return, and he expects to sign elsewhere. Mike: This is more of an opinion question, but if you could pick a player to exceed expectations next year, who would it be? DG: Given the expectations for the Cardinals that I see in these comments and questions and my email inbox, it sure seems like I could pick anyone and likely be right. Expectations are pretty low it seems. So, finding the resonant answer here is tricky. I'll try. Paul Goldschmidt. Mike: If you'll indulge me, let's talk a bit about Pete Rose. Like you, I'm a "put them in with transgressions on the plaque" type of guy. I hear on the interwebs and with friends the argument that, "Pete knew he couldn't get into the Hall when he accepted his punishment". However, this is factually untrue. He accepted his ban from baseball in 1989. However, the Hall didn't change the rules until 1991 -- in direct response to Pete Rose then being eligible for the ballot for the first time. Would he have made a different decision -- or specifically sought to remain eligible in his settlement with MLB -- if the rules had been in place in 1989? DG: That is a fair question -- but not to ask me. I don't know, nor do I have much background talking with Rose to crawl inside his thoughts and give you any kind of answer at all. Your best bet? Probably to see if someone actually asked him that question. There have been many great articles about him and his view of things, especially from writers there in Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Enquirer and The Athletic. I have not yet seen the documentary. It's on my list to watch this offseason so I can see how well C. Trent Rosecrans does in it. So if Rose touches on this topic in it -- I'll find out then. I won't even try to guess his thoughts. Craig: I love that. Now I wish they would add more players names on these City Connect jerseys. Masyn Winn for example. My 10 year old son really wants one. They are missing a real marketing opportunity, and revenue! DG: Yes, Cardinals need more Winn merch in general at the ballpark from what I hear. mikemk: Do you see boras throwing a wrench into the post season by holding out on his FAs untill spring training again? DG: Some of his clients may not sign until spring training. That's always likely -- not just with him, but with this market. As far as the headliners? The general sense from many in the game is that the winter meetings are going to be a bonanza of Boras. Brace yourself. Darron: It seems like Alec Burleson is one of the best young hitters on the roster, but most of the talk is centered around him being a platoon bat vs. right handers. Do the Cardinals feel that he has reached his ceiling? It seems like "letting the kids play" could include an opportunity for Burley to figure it out vs. lefties. (Although I'll admit his .514 OPS last year vs. lefties is pretty rough) DG: The Cardinals do not feel that he's reached his ceiling. You've done a classic job of answering your own question. I'll only note that the platoon talk with Burleson was about 1B/DH and was not like a strict platoon, just a description of how he and Contreras could appear at the same positions and be in the same lineup. SE Steve: Derrick, greetings from SE Colorado. You think Rockies want Noland back? I bet Dick would pay another $50 million and toss in Doyle and couple 1st rounders (hehehe). DG: Some teams rebuild. The Cardinals reset. The Rockies just seem stuck on repeat. Ken: Derrick if they move Miles and Matz . Who will take their place ? That leave two starters DG: McGreevy will take one spot. Maybe Liberatore takes another. Or the Cardinals continue to say they might circle back to Kyle Gibson about returning. That is a possibility, too. Matt S: Once the Cardinals decide who they plan on trading or keeping, is there any chance they sign players on one year deals looking for a prove it deal? Then, they could trade that player at the deadline. DG: Yes, there is. They are doing some of that with the minor moves, and they'll look at some of those moves for big-leaguers, too. Don't expect to be wowed by the moves. But they'll look for such additions, yes. pugger: I'm curious what 'your' thoughts are in terms of keep/trade Helsley... Isn't it logical to take a 30 y/o reliever, coming off a great year, but also has had multiple injuries, on a team that is in a stated 'retool' to trade that player and try to obtain a solid building block for the long haul?? I don't see the logic in keeping a player like that.. It would be different if he were a rotation centerpiece, or a solid everyday hitter.. Closers change literally during the year. Like Luke Weaver of the Yankees... Cardinals need long term assetts, as they are building for the long term... DG: I don't know why you put 'your' in quotes. Have we entered an era of the chat where I need to say at the start that AI is not writing these answers? If it sounds like AI is writing these answers, then blame the writer, not question his 'humanity.' Closing is a volatile business, and you outline the situation well. Trading a closer at the highest value makes sense for a team that is pivoting into a 'reset,' and that's what they're calling it so it's why you see it in quotes. Any way, trying to maximize the return is a good strategy, and that is where the Cardinals would be Helsley. It's a similar spot that the Yankees were in with Chapman or Miller, and in 2016 at the deadline they flipped both of those elite relievers into talent at the trade deadline. Which is part of the calculus here. The Cardinals have to determine if they might get more for him at the deadline, and if the risk of keeping him and risk of injury is worth the potential payoff. There is also another factor here, and it's one that you should keep in mind. Helsley is arbitration eligible. That means that he and the Cardinals have until early January to agree on a salary or they will swap figures. The Cardinals are file-and-trial. If they swap figures, they'll go to the arbiter. As you know arbitrations hearings can get feisty. Some players come out of them frustrated, irritated, etc. Tyler O'Neill said he could not sleep heading toward his. Helsley said he was irked by some of the things the Cardinals rep said about his performance in the hearing. Stay with me here. There's a payoff. If you're a team interested in Helsley, then you trade for him now with the intent to sign him before that hearing -- because why would you want his first experience with a new team to be a confrontation in arbitration. Or, just let the Cardinals do that. Have the hearing. Set his salary. Then make the trade and be the new team that brought him to a better spot. You want to know if/when/how they might trade Helsley, consider the arbitration schedule. I know it's not sexy and thrilling and its not generating fun, crazy, wild rumors of his trade now. But, hey, it's pragmatic. Wouldn't you wait if you were an interested team? marpdagn: Hey Derrick. Any chance we see a hit and run once in a while next year? Maybe a stolen base or two? I long for the days of Whiteyball. DG: Yes, you will see both of those things. Probably several times. Likely even in the same game. Brad: There's a hot new St Louis band called The Band Feel. Opened for ZZ Top recently. Check'em out, Derrick. DG: Thanks for the heads up. Also need a new theme song for the podcast. Got to find a band interested in doing that ... SE Steve: Derrick, do you get the sense we are riding out this year until Bloom takes over POBO. Cards have the TV deal, so why not be active in free agency. It just feels weird this offseason. DG: Who else is active in free agency other than the Angels? The Cardinals have explained why they're not going after the headliners. You are welcome to disagree. The TV was a major part, but not the only part of that decision. SE Steve: Derrick, what is going to happen with Tampa Bay? Seems like the area can not settle on a new stadium. Seems like that team is begging to move now. DG: I don't know. I suggest you check out of the coverage from Marc Topkin at the Tampa Bay Times. He's got all the details and is a superb baseball writer. Thomas: The diamondbacks are looking to shed Monty, and they need relievers. Odds we send Matz and Helsley and get Monty and a prospect in return? Could a bigger package that nets Jake McCarthy be had? DG: I don't see that scenario as likely at all. The Cardinals don't seem to be aching for a reunion with Montgomery. There are reports from Arizona outlets about the Diamondbacks are considering trading McCarthy. Cardinals seem more likely to streamline their outfield choices at this point, not add another one to the mix, as appealing as McCarthy might be. marpdagn: With the coming reset, do you see the Cards being active in the Rule 5 draft? DG: No more so than usual. They've often looked into the Rule 5 draft to take a specific type of player or a pitcher with a specific upside pitch. They'll do the same this year. Carbondale Mike: Lets say Cardinals trade Helsley and Arenado for near ready or ready prospects and dont trade for any known bat or starter making the rotation gray, fedde, pallante, and the 4th/5th a choice of mcgreevy, mathews, hence, liberatore... Do you think this team is a better rotation and lineup than past season if you were a betting man? DG: I am not a betting man. The lineup could be better. The rotation would have more questions -- and that could turn out well, but we've seen it more likely to leave the Cardinals gasping for innings when they need them to contend. SE Steve: maybe even a bunt DG: Don't get greedy. marpdagn: Agree with Pugger. Makes no sense to keep Helsley with their stated intent to reset. DG: Noted. marpdagn: Seems like the Cards are in a tough spot with Walker. If they keep him and let him play this year and he doesn't hit, his value craters more than it already has. Would they trade him now in a package for one of Seattle's young starters? DG: They aren't eager to trade Jordan Walker. They would listen if that's the conversation that the Mariners want to have. No indication Seattle is seeking that talk. alabama cards fan: Derrick, too bad you dont make commissions or bonus based on how many subscribers you are responsible for.....I bet more than anyone ! Does the rebuild make you more likely to look at other situations, or are you still happy in the Lou? DG: Ha. Thanks for the kind words. I like the framing of the question, too. The nest empty now, kid off to college. But I'm hoping to stay and see this thing through as long as The Lou will have me. Mark1082: Hey Derrick, thanks for the chat! Who do the Cardinals view as their catcher of the future? Herrera, Crooks, Bernal or even Pages? Or too soon to tell? I think that's a big question to answer don't you? DG: The answer is ... yes. They see one or two from that list as their catchers of the future, and they're thrilled to be in a position here they can let performance dictate that -- or what offers they get for those talents shape that choice. They have high expectations for Crooks, and they are really intrigued by what he could bring in the coming two years to the majors. He's also complement for either of the catchers already there. And I'm glad you brought up Bernal. Some see him as the best of the group you've listed. It is a big question for the Cardinals. They don't want to miss on the answer in the way they have with outfielders, and they don't want to miss on the chance to utilize this depth to make other deals. Honestly, this could be one of the first defining decisions for the Bloom front office. Brad: Hey Derrick, Happy Thanksgiving and always enjoy your chats. I'm all in on 'letting the kids play' and finally seeing what we have. My concern is that this regime won't go 'all in'. I'd love to see them go with VS2 in CF, commit a rotation spot to both Pallante and McGreevy and give the overwhelming majority of the C starts to Herrera. Do you think they'll go all in and really let the kids play? DG: The Cardinals' habit is to come just shy of all-in. You could argue Contreras at first base is an example of that. I have argued that past decisions with signing starting pitchers has been that. It does seem like they're going to at least hit 2 of the 3 things you'd like to see. Victor Scott II is going to get a chance to make that decision for the Cardinals with his play in spring training. CF is going to be a competitive spot for the Cardinals this spring, and it does not appear like it's going to be a duel just between Scott and Michael Siani. We'll see. Bob the Subscriber: What kind of off-season work are Walker and Gorman doing to get their bats back on track? thanks! DG: New hitting coach Brant Brown has been in contact with the hitters. Walker has been in Jupiter working there at the facility, and getting input from the Cardinals coaches. Gorman is in Arizona, where he's working at a facility there, and he has done so with a plan put together by the Cardinals and now added to by Brown. Jojo Disco: I know DeWitt III highlighted fan engagement as a focus for next year. I have an idea; they should create a new character as a Fredbird counterpart named Larry the Lame Duck, as a nod to the theme of this coming season and the many people/players in the organization in that situation . He could walk around the stadium with a bag full of old giveaways they had in storage and hand them out to fans. DG: This season is going to be a gas. Cards fan in Bama: Hi DG, happy thanksgiving week to you and the folks at the Post Dispatch ! i know we are all hungry for trade news regarding the home team, but wouldn't it be just as prudent to hang on to some of these guys in the rumor mills until the trade deadline next year ? i mean if they are playing .500 ball in July or a little above, that looks a whole lot different than 10 games under and out of the race. Maybe the FO has a little more clarity by then of the roster going forward and what they really need to target besides just more depth or redundancy ? DG: There is a definitely something to taking this approach, and I like how you positioned it about using the season like they describe -- to create playing time and see what develops. And then see where the needs are. That makes some sense. It does come with some risk -- because you have the chance for injury, the chance for the market to shift, any of that stuff come the trade deadline. You do hint at something that the Cardinals and others looking at the Cardinals are wondering: What if these moves -- similar to the moves the Brewers made a year ago -- reveal a better team? There is at least some conversation on how they could position themselves to add at the deadline. To do that they would have to also know what they had -- and they would through the production. Which is the best answer they could get. Capstone: Cards have in past oscillated between needing a left-handed bat to a right-handed bat. They simply need an OF bat that can consistently slug and hit 25+ HR/year over a sustained period AND play defense. Noot has tools but health and performance meant he has not done it; Burleson tailed off as league caught up. Cards CF'ers have been defense-first for a decade. Chase Davis is at least two years away, even if he progresses. Even if Nado stays, doesn't look like they have enough power; they don't have elite base-stealers; pitching is iffy. Not clear Cards have an identity. As a 60+ years fan, sure hope they engineer a better team. DG: Of all the things the Cardinals could acquire, somewhere on that list is identity. That 2022 certainly captured the imagination of fans with Albert Pujols' pursuit of 700. But did the team? I think it's been a real fascinating part of the past few years -- that the Cardinals haven't really seized the city with charisma. I don't know why that is. It cannot only be losing. It could be the staleness that we've discussed. But at the same time the Cardinals did add Nolan Arenado in that time, did have two MVP candidates at the same time, and neither were Albert Pujols, and so on. So, why haven't the Cardinals inspired that buzz? Identity would be a good addition. Not as impactful as a 30-homer outfielder from somewhere -- internally or externally -- but definitely important. Heck, maybe can get both of those things with the same person. Craig: Derrick, what do the Cardinals see as Gorman's primary reason for struggling last season? Is it mechanical, pitch selection, mental or some combination? I've always thought he has trouble keeping his head down/eye on the ball with the way his front foot is not aligned with his back foot and seems to pull his body (and head) towards right field. I'm no hitting guru obviously, but it seems really hard to hit that way. DG: Swing path, mostly. That would be fall into mechanics, but also touch on the other categories you mention. He had returned to a swing that the upward slant that just made it difficult for him to reach pitches at the top of the zone, and teams just seized on it. I spoke with a few scouts through the year about what they saw and how Gorman just made it difficult on himself with a swing path that left him vulnerable. The Cardinals coaches and Gorman worked on it, and that was part of the move back to the minors. The adjustment just didn't happen in the majors, and opponents seized. bo: Derrick- i dont understand the signing of barrero . He is a career under .200 hitter whose fielding metrics have not been good . He is 26 if the cards are truly all in on their prospects why sign this guy to take one of their places at triple a. DG: They need a backup shortstop -- either to take over at Memphis when Saggese makes the big-league team, or to be there as a reliable fielder to spell Masyn Winn. Also, they don't really want to only play two shortstops all of spring trainng. JoJo Disco: Sorry - I've sent this in a couple times but I just need to know. I’m still not understanding the math with the Cardinals approach to 2025. You reported that the amended TV deal lops off $17.3m a year in revenue for the Cardinals and Gray is due a $15m raise in 2025. Add another couple million dollars for additional instructors and let’s call the total $35m. They have carved almost $70m off last year’s payroll, more than enough to absorb the TV shortfall and Gray’s increase, and still leave them $30m+ ahead. And that doesn’t even contemplate an Arenado or Helsley trade. Where is that money going and why isn’t it being redeployed into the major league club? DG: Let's do this. 1) You're already operating with more information than the Cardinals had when they held the press conference to disclose their offseason plans. 2) With that more information -- really the TV deal, but also the drop in salaries -- the Cardinals have also talked about adjusting some of their approach, and not looking at trades as a way to shed salary, rather as a chance to seek the deals that are best for them and maybe appealing to the players. To use your phrase: The math has changed. 3) I'm not really sure where there's a question or any misunderstanding other than you wanted them to comment in early November as if they had the information of late November. This is pretty common. Hindsight fuels a lot of questions when fans have more info than the team did when it made the call. That's the gig. When you have to make the decision, you don't always know how it's going to turn out. When you judge the decision, a lot of times it's already happened. 3) Where is the money going? Well, some of it is going to expanded staff, expanded facilities, and upgraded tech -- all of the advertised investments in minors that were discussed. Some of it will go to free agents yet to sign. Some of it, ownership said, will be targeted for additions later to outfit a team built on youth. Some of it will go to raises due players. You mentioned Gray. That's the significant one, but not the only raise. Some of it won't be spent. The Cardinals have said they'll have a smaller payroll than 2024. They've advertised that, and they have not backed off that. How much less they have adjusted because they know more today than they did three weeks ago. 4) You've left out the biggest unknown they're facing. Ticket sales. They have long tied payroll to ticket revenue, and they acknowledge that ticket sales will be slow -- for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the past two seasons and the standings. Cool? Ed AuBuchon: The key to the Cardinal reset is Gorman and Walker. Without them meeting their potential free agent signings will be expensive. DG: Can definitely make that case. Jrmomo1000: Happy Thanksgiving DG: Thank you. And same to you. Jrmomo1000: Do you think they are done trading now that the payroll is better. DG: I still expect them to pursue trades and likely make at least one. Mr Boondy: Watching both the Blues and City SC be aggressive with coaching changes and adding players to become better, just makes the Cardinals negligence worse. Very bad look DG: Does it? Could somebody elaborate on this? I'm quite curious, and I don't really have a view or opinion on this other than wanting to know more why? Because it sure seems like the NHL is too fickle and I'm still learning the MLS landscape for coaches. MLB tends to be less volatile, less fickle, and now it seems like you want it to be more so? That would be different for the whole game, no? Jrmomo1000: Would you use the young pitchers in the bullpen DG: Sure. I think that has been and can be a valuable part of development, for sure. Jim from DeBary FL: I read your possible timeline of a trade of Helsey. But if the situation is awaiting the resolution of the arbitration hearing, doesn't that mean a trade during spring training. Isn't thar when the arbitration hearings are conducted? DG: Thank you for pointing that out. Starting to see why some folks in the know think they'll keep him unless it's a deal that a team just has to get done? mystic: Are the Cardinals cognizant of how they are compared to other teams like the Blues? The Blues are also in a rebuild but aren't throwing in the towel and are actually trying to make their team better NOW. Do the Cards realize how bad they look in comparison? DG: The Cardinals are cognizant of the Blues, yes. They have a good relationship from a business standpoint, a link with their broadcast partner and future broadcast plans, and they also exist together in this same bubble when it comes to perception. I don't know if the Cardinals share your opinion for the Blues or the comparison of the two teams. I cannot speak for them. I do not agree with it. The Blues are not off to a good start this year. Full stop. They have not been in the playoffs since the same year the Cardinals were last in the playoffs, and they have only once been out of the first round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2019. Similarly, the Cardinals have not won a playoff round since that fall, in 2019. So, again where are the differences? I guess one difference is that more NHL teams make the playoffs than MLB teams, and still the Blues have not been there the past two years. That's splitting percentages. The Cardinals have not once said they're "throwing in the towel." If that's your view of their actions, then cool -- you could totally make that point and defend that opinion. Just as someone could make the point and defend the opinion that the Blues aren't doing enough to make their team better. Or they're too late to do so. Either way, let's just be blunt about a few things from your comparison. The Blues are doing things now because their season is going on now. They have games to win, time to change their trajectory. The Cardinals do not have games to play, any standings to change. So, there is still a lot of time for the Cardinals to give some sense of their direction, some sense of where they're throwing the towel, to use your phrase. They don't play tomorrow. The Blues play tonight. I think there is something about the Blues messaging. I think there is something about the grace purchased by the 2019 Stanley Cup -- the first and only in Blues' history. If it was their 11th, I would imagine there wouldn't be as much patience. And that is ultimately where I see the difference in the two teams. Blues have solid messaging that fans respond to, and the Cardinals haven't had that same resonance. Maybe that's because expectations are higher for the Cardinals. As they should be. Jrmomo1000: I wonder if they could trade miles and matz for Montgomery DG: That's not likely to happen. Brad: curious what you're thinking here.... is this Noot, with Donovan in left, or are you thinking they'll bring someone in from the outside? DG: The Cardinals current view of their outfield is Nootbaar in left, Siani in center, and Walker in right. Ed AuBuchon: The Cardinals always project their outfield. Never seems to workout ! DG: It's been an issue, yes, in recent years. Brad: "The Cardinals current view of their outfield is Nootbaar... " yes, understood. I was just asking about your response saying it's not just a competition between Sianni and VS2 in CF. Was curious what you meant by that. DG: Gotcha! OK. That didn't come through in the question. That's the tech, not you. Thanks for coming back with more details. Yes, Nootbaar would be in the CF conversation. We'll see how much. That's something that will be discussed more in the coming month, and we'll get a sense by watching the playing time in spring. 50Umpire: Some of the trade proposals I have read were so far out that the guy writing about must before the Team trading with... 2 or 3 of our Best young guys for 1 guy regardless who it is in most case to me would be out of the question. No idea where MO's mind might be & hope Bloom is got a say in it as it will impact him REAL soon...:):) DG: Bloom has a say in any of the deals that would impact the team he's inheriting. Mozeliak said that, almost using those words, during I conversation I had with him following the presser. That had not changed by the time they got to the GM meetings and were having several conversations in tandem, discussions in duo. However you want to phrase that. Mozeliak is going to be the public face of the organization and do a lot of the media access for the coming year. But don't read that as Bloom not being involved in the answers. Brad: MLB laid out their Top 25 Prospects today: JJ Wetherholt is #13 a tick behind Bazzana. DG: MLB-dot-com, yes. Draft spot matters. They'll be jockeying for a higher ranking this time next year. JoJo Disco: Thank you for the detailed answer. However, ticket sales are a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Cardinals operated like they were a utility for years, the last two seasons have informed them that they are in fact a luxury item when they under-deliver because of minimal effort to acquire top-shelf talent. DG: Ticket sales are not a self-fulfilling prophecy in the sense that good teams generate good ticket sales. It was a pretty good playoff bound team for the Cardinals that did not sell out a playoff game, you'll remember. April has an outsized effect on ticket sales, as many teams, including the Cardinals, will tell you, and then explain. Performance in April -- off to a strong start -- tends to goose ticket sales down the road, and a good April can even help a team sell tickets despite a disappointing June. But a hot July? Well, that may not generate much when it comes to ticket sales, and a late run like say winning 18 games as school starts and budgets have been made an entertainment dollars spent doesn't generate the ticket boost like a compelling April will. Keep that in mind as April arrives. The utility analogy is compelling, and I appreciate the layers to it. Baseball is in the entertainment industry, and throughout the economy we have seen shifting entertainment tastes and spending. No different here. People with fewer entertainment dollars to spend are being more selective with how they spend them. And that is a real factor for the Cardinals. A real followup question -- and it's one I've asked and will ask again -- is whether the Cardinals could spend on the quality of team to invite spending from fans to see that team. Would an investment on the front end bring support from the fans? That's always part of the business proposition, and I wonder how the team sees its fans right now -- would they respond to spending, or are they skeptical? bo: Derrick - to answer your question on the blues approach they saw a top coach available and fired their current coach to get arguably one of the best coaches in hockey. The cards have stuck with a guy who the last 2 years has had a very poor record and their are certainly potential managers with better track records out there .Maybe the cards think he is a better manager than the other guys out there but i would disagree. As to adding players the Blues went out and got arguably 2 of the best young players available as RFAs . that would be akin to the cards going on the international market and signing the top guys [not just a bunch of lesser FA] which they have also never done . DG: I get what you're saying. I couple of thoughts: Again, the NHL has a culture of being fickle with coaches, and I felt some of the comments from the Blues about having a coach grow with young players vs. a coach already set to lead young players were interesting. That said, MLB doesn't really have that same fickleness with managers, outside of it seems White Sox and Miami, and if you want the Cardinals to be more like them, then cool, that would certainly be something to cover. Again, I hear where you're coming from on this -- but what's the example? Chasing Francona or chasing Schumaker this winter? That is still different than what the Blues did because it's not in-season, in-stride, so does that make the Cardinals less urgent? One thing is clear, the Cardinals have a different view of their manager than you or others. And that's going to happen. But their actions are most revealing when it comes to their opinion, and check out there actions as you've detailed. Must say everything about how they view the manager, whether you or I agree with them or not. bo: Derrick -if the cards spent to get a Soto i think yes there would be an uptick in ticket sales , spending on the Lynn's , Gibson's etc may have kept some season ticket holders last year but not new sales DG: Would there be enough tickets sold to cover the cost of Soto? Interesting homework for the evening. All of that supposes that Soto has any interest at all of coming to the Cardinals when he has these other teams in other markets vying for him. So how much would the Cardinals have to top the Yankees offer to woo him? Scott Boras' fondness for the Cardinals only goes so far ... Ed AuBuchon: I thought it was a bad look for the Blues to fire Drew Bannister. They were just waiting for the coach they really wanted to be available. DG: Thank you for pointing that out. I have enjoyed Matthew DeFranks' coverage of the change and learned a lot from it. JoJo Disco: Must see players is a pretty good start. And when I say must see I don't mean past relics rolled out to ping our nostalgia, I mean young and exciting talent. Winn is a terrific starting point but he doesn't have the cache of a masher like Soto yet. A dominant starter would also do wonders. Now at the risk of contradicting myself I think a guy named Max on a 1-year deal would get people down there every 5 days. DG: That is correct ... In one major-league season Masyn Winn, a shortstop with a gifted glove, has yet to equal the production or impact of Juan Soto, the most talented hitter of his generation. What are we doing here? Can we come up with comparisons that aren't rigged so you can always claim to be disappointed? The Cardinals traded for the best all-around player in the National League ahead of the 2021 season. And you didn't even bring that up as a ticket-mover. Why that move isn't brought up more is fascinating. Guess it doesn't fit the narratives that persist, even without roots, in some corners here. Clearly the chat and social media are not adequate representatives of what moves tickets. 50Umpire: HI Derrick, Good info But are the Cardinals in a hurry to do anything before Christmas.. Let things play out a bit & then make some "Educated Decisions" ..I would Hope... Thought trade Contras (sp) would have made more since than moving to 1st base & block Burly & Baker..& resigning Gibson or Lynn won't be a bad Idea...Thanks Happy Turkey Day!!1 DG: That's possible. Cardinals feel that there will be a pick up in the pace of their conversations by the winter meetings, and even some activity there or coming out of the meetings. That's their feel. Tyler: It's easy to hope this "reset" produces multiple starters for years to come - maybe even a star or two. I'm certainly hoping for that to be the case - but what happens if we experience the worst-case scenario? What's the plan for 2026 if the kids can't play? Surely we wouldn't double down and let the kids play again? DG: This is a great question and it's one that doesn't yet have an answer, but it's one worth watching and always including in the discussion. Well done, Tyler. And in a lot of ways it's the question. If the Cardinals do not get the production they expect from players they are counting on longterm, then what kind of team does Chaim Bloom inherit other than one he has to overhaul from the start. As I think more about this question it would really put the Cardinals in this spot: Not a build-upon or build-up or build-better, but a true and complete rebuild that they cannot run from or call a reset. They would have to confront it. DCG: DG, Knowing you get tons of questions and and many (most?) don't make the chat, I'm going to try again with one that I really want to get your response to because it's something I've begun to wonder about and you brought it up on a recent BPIB. Are the Cardinals truly all in on this reset? I don't mean selling off all big contract and tanking. But so far, it does feel like a half-measure, which is a word you used on the podcast. If the season began today (yes, I know it doesn't), the only real difference is Contreras at first. The starting staff seems immune to the reset even with letting Gibson and Lynn gone. It's still mostly older vets. So, do you believe the Cardinals would be fine starting next season with what they have as of today? If so, is the reset simply about money reallocation and giving Walker and Gorman more time to develop without threat of benching/demotion? DG: Money was clearly a major driver in their early decisions, and I would push back slightly on the idea that the rotation is largely the same. It's changed. And there's a spot in it for Pallante. The Cardinals aren't talking about him competing for a spot, like they would have with a similar young pitcher in past seasons. I think -- and I made this case in the podcast -- you could argue that the Cardinals remain in the middle, just shifting to the other side of it. Some of that has to do with the TV deal getting done at the amount it did, leaving them in a different spot than they had to brace for. The last thing you mention is no small thing. Gorman got a long look this past season. Walker did not get that same look, and while he was a starter for a long time in 2023, there's still a sense that the Cardinals aren't as patient with prospects as some other teams who are then rewarded with production. They do seem prepared to do that at catcher, in the outfield, and at second with someone. Oh, and often at DH, too. That is the shift. And it does seem like they're not willing to completely pull out of the idea of contending, even if they want to reduce the expectations or weight placed on the team to do so. Thomas: Do you think the Cardinals will have any interest in non-tendered players? Kyle Finnegan could be a good addition with an adjustment to his pitch mix. DG: Yes. That's a good name to keep in mind. Max: As a BPIB listener since day one (and baseball nerd that gets alerts when new episodes drop), I just wanted to shout out the past two episodes as being really stellar. The episode with Dayn Perry was especially enjoyable and I think it's important to hear from a fan every now and then. The one with Rob Bradford was excellent as well, especially the conversation about how the Cards never went past their puke point. Has your reporting ever found that there were advocates for signing Harper in the FO? His personality (not to mention skills) is something the team just hasn't had in a awhile and I remember thinking at the time that he would've been a perfect Cardinal for the edge he could've given the team. DG: Thank for listening. There were advocates, yes. And there were discussions. But if you recall how that offseason unfolded, the pursuit of Paul Goldschmidt quickly dominated their interests and they wanted to move fast to do so. When they pulled that off, it became about keeping him too. The Cardinals really thought that Goldschmidt was the best fit for them -- and the kind of player is rarely available to them and would not be in free agency. Once that deal took place, they kind positioned as getting their guy and not engaging in the pursuit of Harper. They did not see their chances of signing him as strong as say some on Harper's side did. Maybe that was leverage. Maybe that was just trying to pull another bidder into the mix, sure. But certainly some of the things Harper said then and later about his free agency would have suggested the Cardinals as a fit. Once Goldschmidt was done, did not hear much from the Cardinals about Harper, and that checked out with them not really participating in the bidding. pugger: Derrick.. Just wanted to say thanks for the chats and bringing us good information to take in, even debate it a little bit.. I was saddened to read in your last chat someone who not only took a jab at you, but the late great Rick Hummel. I respect that you put all opinions out there... But, I found the comment in such poor taste and just infuriating.. Disagreeing is fine, debate is fine.. But to stoop to such levels.. Shows you how openly disrespectful behavior, and frankly, infantile behavior, are becoming the norm.... I don't always agree with you, and that's part of the fun in having a spirited convo/debate... Here's hoping there's more of that, and less idiocy in the chats.. Thanks again Derrick!! DG: Thank you for the note. Enjoy the holiday. marpdagn: Sure seems like a good time to try to find an ace, or at least a number two starter. Would Nootbaar/Siani or Donovan/Siani be enough to persuade the Mariners to part with one of their young guns? DG: The Cardinals would really like that ace to emerge from within their system. Neither of those deals would draw the Mariners into moving one of their starters. Britt: Derrick, On thing I'm thankful for are these weekly chats to get more insight into our favorite club. Thank you! There's been mention on many of the trade questions over the past few chats about the 'Cardinals being overwhelmed by an offer' to trade someone. How likely is it that anyone is going to overwhelm them with an offer since it seems like, most???, all???, front offices want to win the trade nowadays. Doesn't that seem to contradict the way baseball is operating these days that overwhelming offers are few and far between? DG: A contender looking at the bullpen and seeing a hole in the ninth inning and a lot of loses leaking in the back end would be motivated to add a sure thing, and that would definitely lead to a strong offer. That's possible. Right now: It's that kind if position and Ryan Helsley had that kind of year. Duffy in CT: Thanks for all your chats. We appreciate all the time you devote to them.Just an opinion not a question. With the youth movement, Helsley is the Cards most reliable player. Wins will certainly be dear and a lock down closer will help the youth-their confidence and incentive to do their part. Plus there is no obvious repla event closer. DG: Here is the other side of the discussion that has been laced through this chat about when to keep, when to move, and what to get in return for an ace closer. mrr: Thank you for doing the chat(which, to my understanding, is a STL today innovation for sports writers), and the wonderful posting of the transcript below!!! I'm thankful for both of those!! Now for the questions--if the cardinals do hire additional instruction field staff (which will be focused on the minor leagues), how do those young players recently promoted (Herrera and Walker, for example) get "caught up" to an acceptable level? Would you see those additional resources at the major league level this year? Finally, have there been any names announced for these instructional positions? Thank you, as always, and have a wonderful holiday DG: This is an interesting question. I will give it a go here, because I think I can answer this. A lot of what the Cardinals want to do in the minors already is available in the majors, or at least something similar. The expanded staff? The Cardinals have done that over the past few years in the majors, and they've done it again this winter. The expanded tech? Well, for hitters, it's been there either in the hitting barn in Jupiter, or at the cages in STL. So, it's not a matter of the players now in the majors "catching up" -- they've had a lot of this. But it's also about the Cardinals offering them greater support to, not to catch up, but to get ahead. This about raising the entire organization, so I don't think the players who are in the majors are going to be overlooked here or miss out on things, because they've already had this or they're going to get it too. There have been not been official hires for some of the roles, no. Those are expected soon. DCG: DG, In terms of the reset and chance to see what they young players can do, this weirdly seems to apply only to the position players. As of now, they starting staff would by four 30 year olds (Gray, Mikolas, Fedde, Matz) and Pallante (who turns 27 next season). Mean while, years are burning off Graceffo, and McGreevey, and Thompson is quietly already 27. They've really wasted his career with the yoyo-ing of roles and opportunity. Anyone, I don't really see the reset plan re: pitching. What is it? DG: You outlined it. But you need to add Tink Hence and Tekoah Roby. And Quinn Mathews. And Cooper Hjerpe. They're in the mix, too. Lei down the road, and others. Iowa dude: Thanksgiving, Thankful that it's the final week of November and yet you commit to this chat. Very much appreciate that. Question: Hard to replace Helsley's performance. Why not offer new deal with big increase for 2025 plus 2 more years? Trading Nado -- if that happens -- I assume, frees up a lot more $ as they retool for 2026. DG: If there was going to be an extension conversation, sure seemed like this past spring was the time to do it. Helsley told me he was open to that conversation, and the timing seemed right with the potential then of what did happen. Now, not sure either side has motivation for that. Helsley could strike it rich as a free agent with a repeat, and it could end with a contender depending on how the Cardinals season goes. Cardinals don't want to commit in that role until they know more about what the coming years look like and the actual pace of their "reset," not the expected or planned. Jim from DeBary FL: Derrick, I always look forward to your chats. The only one I'm willing to spend the hours it takes to monitor. I know I'm getting more of the facts from reporting, and not speculating fantasy. I'm hoping the Cards can swing a good deal for Helsey. Relief pitchers are such a volatile position, and he is currently at his peak. With Drew Rom outrighted to Memphis, is he exposed to the Rule 5 draft? DG: He is, yes. November Rain: Your recent podcast was awesome - thanks for chatting with the guy from Boston. Lot's of similarities between the two 21st C juggernauts. So, I'm thinking about the stress Mo put himself under with the new operating philosophy he launched at the end of year presser. With Contreras and Gray wanting to remain in St Louis, will Moe regret his "let the kids play reset" for the organization if he can't trade Arenado? Really, if Nolan A. remains on the Cards exactly what "kids" are going to have opportunities? Also factor in that Mikolas and Matz may stick around, too, which greatly affects the young pitchers. In order to have a true reset Mo needs to move the older veterans. I'd say that's some serious stress. How about you? DG: I could completely see what you mean with the rotation, and that numbers there don't lie. That said, it usually takes 8-9 starters to get through a season, right, so the innings will be there. I don't see the same roadblock that you do at third base with Nolan Arenado. We can agree to disagree. I don't see his return as some block to the growth of some young player, not one the Cardinals couldn't find a way to work around that would still benefit the young player. MS Bird Brain: Hey DG. At the risk of being sappy I am very thankful for all the fun and life lessons I have received as a life-long Cardinal fan. There is a reason they have the BFinBB. As a given for my question I say that the Cards have a core need for some right-handed damage in their lineup in general, and their outfield in particular. In looking at the available free-agents, there are surprisingly few options in the price range they will shop in. That leaves trade options and in-house options. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject in general, but here is my question: What surprises could we see in ST for non-grass right swinging defenders out there trying to get noticed shagging flies? Some I wonder about are Saggese and Herrerra. We can probably rule out Baker? How about Prieto? Are you seeing or hearing anything along those lines? DG: Definitely not hearing any such things about Herrera or Baker. Cardinals have gone out of their way this winter to say that Herrera is going to get a run at catcher, alongside and in tandem with Pages. The outfield thing is quite literally far from what they've described. Saggese, yes, that's a possibility. Have not heard that about Prieto, but honestly that's because I haven't asked. The reason why I haven't asked is because the Cardinals have talked about trying to streamline their choices in the outfield (again) and get playing time for Nootbaar, Siani, and Walker. Maybe it's just me, but when that is the answer to the question and we've been asking it for so many years about outfielders not getting their chance -- Arozarena leaps to mind, maybe Thomas, too -- then it seems disingenuous to make that point over and over and over again and then when they say, OK, here is the priority group, start asking about the possibility of adding more to the mix by moving infielders out there, too. Donald N: Good morning Derrick; Why is Andrew Kittridge returning apparently not on Cards radar? Guy pitched his arm off and with some new/young arms in rotation, strong bull pen more important than ever. I guess money, is that the only factor? Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and your family. Donald L DG: Money is the factor, yes. They expect that he'll get a better offer out there than they are willing to make, and they're right. chico: Does the fact that the TV and on demand situation has been cleared up in any way help the Cardinals plan a budget regarding the team? DG: Helps a bunch. Gives what ownership told me was "clarity" they did not have a few weeks ago. DCG: Derrick, I try to listen to each podcast, and I'm not sure if it was the last one or the one before that, but you asked the question that really has me concerned: Are the Cardinals in danger of continuing their trend of half-measures by repeating that with their youth push. As excited as I was when they announced the new direction, as of now (and I get that it's early), with the decision of Gray and Contreras to stay, they will will have an old rotation and almost the exact same lineup minus PG. If that's how it ends up, then all that press conference really meant was they will lower payroll (fine with me) and give Walker all the time he needs to prove himself. Other than that, status quo. If they don't trade NA, then what has really changed other than money allocation? DG: Since you asked, and I just want to make clear, this is a list of what changed, not advocacy that it was a lot or even a measure of how much was changed. The rotation changed. The bullpen has changed. The catching situation changed. First base has changed. The hitting coach changed. The outfield coach changed. And there will be another member of Marmol's coaching staff yet to come. So there have been changes, and each of the above changes with the exception of first base has been a change toward youth or a setup to give support to that youth. The question becomes of it's not everywhere, is it enough? Or, because it's not everywhere is the better for the youth to thrive? As we look into the winter, I'm starting think that it's a lot like what I wrote about the Blues. This isn't just about clearing innings and starts for youth. That's part of it, and that may even be the guiding compass. But it also seems like the Cardinals are trying to do something that will be difficult. Lower expectations. Alright, just updated the transcript below this window -- and it turns out to be 100 more inches of questions and answers. Guess I got a little carried away in the past hour. And that prompted a look at the clock. Time to move on to some other assignments and a few other spots on the to-do list today. It's already dark, and it was coffee time when this thing started. Thanks for the great and challenging questions. This was a good conversation, and as always I'm intrigued by the themes that developed. Many of them from this chat are worth revisiting as the winter unfolds -- and even as July arrives and there are standings and there are games and the urgency for change can be measured from the Cardinals in the same circumstance as the Blues. Enjoy the holiday. Travel safe. The chat will return just in time for turkey sandwiches next Monday. -A charity shop owner has been left heartbroken after his store was ruined by flooding from Storm Bert just four days after opening. Andrew Jones, 39, who runs Bacup Bargains in Rossendale - a community support hub - said the flood damage occurred on Saturday (November 23). In a desperate bid to prevent water from entering the premises, he used stock from the not-for-profit organisation, which had only opened its doors on Wednesday (November 20). Now, Andrew and his team of volunteers are faced with the task of cleaning up the shop, leaving him "devastated," , reports Lancs Live . READ MORE: "My community are good people": High-profile TikTokers speak out after young Travellers turned away from Manchester "I've been left devastated, truly devastated," he said. "When we got the building, we weren't aware of any flood risks. We did our research and found that there's been times where the water has got high up, but never to the point where it's flooded the buildings." He described the weekend's events as unprecedented, saying: "It was a whole new level on Saturday and Sunday, it's something that I've never seen before. We've had to do a good clean-up operation, we've had to put some more carpet down and buy new mats." The flooding has also impacted the business financially, as Andrew explained: "People haven't been able to come and visit the business, so we've lost money that way as well. We just want people to come and support us, so we can help them." The floods caused damage to stock He recalled how the floodwater became "deeper and deeper", leading him to use some of his stock to create a barrier. This decision resulted in a loss of £100 worth of items that could have been sold. Andrew said: "It started around dinnertime on Saturday, I saw it coming down the hill and thought that it wasn't normal. It got deeper and deeper but cars were still driving on the road, so it was pushing water into the business." He added: "We managed to use some clothes, which were our stock, so we have lost around £100 worth of stock as a result of the flooding. We also used some door mats that we were selling, so we tried to create a flood barrier with that." Gemma Lewis who works at The Waterloo pub on Rochdale Road in Bacup Andrew says that some of the drains near the shop were blocked with leaves, which is why he thinks it flooded the street so badly. "I went round and unblocked around 13 drains and within an hour, the water had gone," he said. "If the drains weren't so blocked up, then I think it could have been prevented." Local pub owner Pete Lewis, 44, who has been at the helm of The Waterloo in Bacup for approximately four months, also experienced significant flooding. He described how fast the situation deteriorated: "The rain started quite early in the morning and the snow started melting, so that was it. The drains got blocked up and couldn't handle it." As a result of the water ingress, he said, "The carpets have been ripped up and the beer barrels in the basement have been damaged - the whole place got flooded. "There wasn't much we could do because once it started going in through the cellar, it just filled the cellar up. Then it got worse and worse. "We aren't very happy about it but it's one of those things, it probably will happen again in the future."Bendigo's Andy Buchanan eyeing personal best in Valencia Marathon

Major stock indexes on Wall Street drifted to a mixed finish Friday, capping a rare bumpy week for the market. The S&P 500 ended essentially flat, down less than 0.1%, after wavering between tiny gains and losses most of the day. The benchmark index posted a loss for the week, its first after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1%, ending just below the record high it set on Wednesday. There were more than twice as many decliners than gainers on the New York Stock Exchange. Gains in technology stocks helped temper losses in communication services, financials and other sectors of the market. Broadcom surged 24.4% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company’s big gain helped cushion the market’s broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Some tech stocks were a drag on the market. Nvidia fell 2.2%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Google parent Alphabet slid 1.1%. Among the market’s other decliners were Airbnb, which fell 4.7% for the biggest loss in the S&P 500, and Charles Schwab, which closed 4% lower. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 17% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. All told, the S&P 500 lost 0.16 points to close at 6,051.09. The Dow dropped 86.06 points to 43,828.06. The Nasdaq rose 23.88 points to 19,926.72. Wall Street’s rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve’s last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year. The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank’s 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed’s policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain’s FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.TV and Movie Merchandise Market to Grow by USD 103.5 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by E-Commerce Platform Growth, AI Redefining Market Landscape - Technavio

No. 8 Kentucky flying high ahead of Western Kentucky meetingNo. 8 Kentucky flying high ahead of Western Kentucky meeting

Vita Coco chief marketing officer sells $143,906 in stockJudge grants dismissal of election subversion case against TrumpChina’s Temu spies on users, under DHS investigation over forced-labor violations: official

Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Krispy Kreme, Inc. ( NASDAQ:DNUT – Free Report ) by 2.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,099,645 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 48,203 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 1.24% of Krispy Kreme worth $22,555,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in Krispy Kreme by 450.6% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 169,209 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,816,000 after purchasing an additional 138,475 shares in the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp grew its holdings in Krispy Kreme by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 38,658 shares of the company’s stock valued at $415,000 after purchasing an additional 958 shares in the last quarter. Point72 DIFC Ltd acquired a new stake in Krispy Kreme during the 3rd quarter valued at $51,000. Holocene Advisors LP acquired a new stake in Krispy Kreme during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,716,000. Finally, Bamco Inc. NY grew its holdings in Krispy Kreme by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 10,481,319 shares of the company’s stock valued at $112,569,000 after purchasing an additional 425,630 shares in the last quarter. 81.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Krispy Kreme Trading Up 0.5 % NASDAQ DNUT opened at $9.78 on Friday. Krispy Kreme, Inc. has a one year low of $9.18 and a one year high of $17.84. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $10.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a PE ratio of 57.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.21 and a beta of 1.34. Krispy Kreme Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In DNUT has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Krispy Kreme from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Krispy Kreme from $14.00 to $13.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Krispy Kreme in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $14.00 price objective for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $15.56. Get Our Latest Research Report on DNUT About Krispy Kreme ( Free Report ) Krispy Kreme, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces doughnuts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: U.S., International, and Market Development. The company offers doughnut experiences through hot light theater and fresh shops, delivered fresh daily branded cabinets and merchandising units within grocery and convenience stores, quick service restaurants, club memberships, drug stores, and ecommerce, as well as through its branded sweet treat line comprising Krispy Kreme branded sweet treats. Read More Five stocks we like better than Krispy Kreme Best of the list of Dividend Aristocrats: Build wealth with the aristocrat index S&P 500 ETFs: Expense Ratios That Can Boost Your Long-Term Gains Financial Services Stocks Investing How AI Implementation Could Help MongoDB Roar Back in 2025 Bank Stocks – Best Bank Stocks to Invest In Hedge Funds Boost Oil Positions: Is a Major Rally on the Horizon? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DNUT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Krispy Kreme, Inc. ( NASDAQ:DNUT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Krispy Kreme Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Krispy Kreme and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Woody Johnson has given up on the season — what that means for Jets coaches and playersIsrael detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals, Palestinians say DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital on Friday and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s army didn’t respond to questions about the hospital director. It denied it had entered or set fire to the complex but acknowledged it had ordered people outside. It said it was conducting operations against Hamas in the area. The military repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan Hospital, which officials there have denied. Israeli airstrikes hit a Yemen airport as a jet with hundreds onboard was landing, UN official says UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The top U.N. humanitarian official in Yemen says Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s main airport as a civilian Airbus 320 with hundreds of passengers on board was landing this week. He says a U.N. delegation led by the head of the World Health Organization was waiting to leave on Thursday as two Israeli airstrikes hit the airport in the capital of Sanaa. Julien Harneis told U.N. reporters on Friday that the most frightening thing about the airstrikes wasn’t the effect on him and about 15 others in the VIP lounge at the international airport. Rather, it was the destruction of the airport control tower as a Yemenia Airways plane was taxiing in after touching down. Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Trump's request Friday came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The brief said Trump opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more then 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. US to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine, pushing to get aid out before Biden leaves office WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say the United States is expected to announce it will send another $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. It's part of a push by the Biden administration to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. Officials say the large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds. The officials say they expect the announcement will be made on Monday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. Canadian Cabinet ministers meet with Trump's nominee for commerce secretary in bid to avoid tariffs TORONTO (AP) — Two top Canadian Cabinet ministers have met with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago as Canada tries to avoid sweeping tariffs when Trump takes office. New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. The meeting was a follow up to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping tariffs if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks.

Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. ( NYSE:MD – Free Report ) by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,936,751 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 45,155 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned about 2.26% of Pediatrix Medical Group worth $22,452,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quest Partners LLC increased its holdings in Pediatrix Medical Group by 25.6% in the 3rd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 3,054 shares of the company’s stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 622 shares during the period. nVerses Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pediatrix Medical Group during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pediatrix Medical Group during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Quarry LP grew its holdings in shares of Pediatrix Medical Group by 54.1% during the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 4,735 shares of the company’s stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 1,662 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its holdings in shares of Pediatrix Medical Group by 134.0% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 6,427 shares of the company’s stock valued at $74,000 after purchasing an additional 3,681 shares during the last quarter. 97.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling In other Pediatrix Medical Group news, EVP Mary Ann E. Moore sold 8,108 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.00, for a total transaction of $129,728.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 135,810 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,172,960. This represents a 5.63 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Also, Director Mark S. Ordan sold 27,600 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.35, for a total transaction of $423,660.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 138,683 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,128,784.05. This trade represents a 16.60 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 2.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Read Our Latest Research Report on Pediatrix Medical Group Pediatrix Medical Group Stock Performance Shares of MD stock opened at $13.49 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.16 billion, a PE ratio of -4.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.57. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $14.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $6.62 and a 12 month high of $16.41. Pediatrix Medical Group ( NYSE:MD – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 1st. The company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.07. Pediatrix Medical Group had a negative net margin of 12.65% and a positive return on equity of 12.79%. The firm had revenue of $511.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $498.87 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.29 EPS. The business’s revenue was up .9% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. will post 1.26 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Pediatrix Medical Group ( Free Report ) Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides newborn, maternal-fetal, pediatric cardiology, and other pediatric subspecialty care services in the United States. It offers neonatal care services, such as clinical care to babies born prematurely or with complications within specific units at hospitals through neonatal physician subspecialists, neonatal nurse practitioners, and other pediatric clinicians. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Pediatrix Medical Group Stock Dividend Cuts Happen Are You Ready? S&P 500 ETFs: Expense Ratios That Can Boost Your Long-Term Gains Insider Selling Explained: Can it Inform Your Investing Choices? How AI Implementation Could Help MongoDB Roar Back in 2025 Dividend Screener: How to Evaluate Dividend Stocks Before Buying Hedge Funds Boost Oil Positions: Is a Major Rally on the Horizon? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. ( NYSE:MD – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Pediatrix Medical Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pediatrix Medical Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abacus Life, Inc. (“Abacus” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ABL), a pioneering alternative asset manager specializing in longevity and actuarial technology, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, consisting of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock sold by the Company and 2,500,000 shares of common stock sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the “Selling Stockholders”) at the public offering price of $8.00 per share. The gross proceeds raised in the offering, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering, were approximately $100 million, of which approximately $80 million was raised in the primary offering by the Company and approximately $20 million was paid in connection with the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders. Abacus intends to use net proceeds that it receives for its operations, including the purchase of life settlement policies, to support its overall business strategy, for working capital purposes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding previously announced and future acquisitions and repayment and refinancing of its indebtedness. Abacus did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the Selling Stockholders. Piper Sandler & Co., TD Securities (USA) LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and SG Americas Securities, LLC acted as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters for the offering. The registration statements on Form S-3 relating to this offering were declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 14, 2024. Final prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses relating to and describing the terms of the offering were filed with the SEC on November 25, 2024 and may be obtained from: Piper Sandler & Co. by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020 or by email at prospectus@psc.com; TD Securities (USA) LLC by mail at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at TD.ECM_Prospectus@tdsecurities.com; KKR Capital Markets LLC by mail at 30 Hudson Yards, 75th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Prospectus Delivery; B. Riley Securities, Inc. by mail at 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at prospectuses@brileyfin.com; SG Americas Securities, LLC by mail at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 or by email at us-ny-prospectus@sgcib.com; or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares of the Company’s common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares of common stock or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Abacus Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The Company leverages its longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors. With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including pending acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this press release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Abacus. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding the proposed offering, including the expected closing of the proposed offering; Abacus’s financial and operational outlook; Abacus’s operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Abacus’s ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” ”intend,” “anticipate,” “goals,” “prospects,” “will,” “would,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions). While Abacus believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the fact that Abacus’s loss reserves are bases on estimates and may be inadequate to cover its actual losses; the failure to properly price Abacus’s insurance policies; the geographic concentration of Abacus’s business; the cyclical nature of Abacus’s industry; the impact of regulation on Abacus’s business; the effects of competition on Abacus’s business; the failure of Abacus’s relationships with independent agencies; the failure to meet Abacus’s investment objectives; the inability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; the effects of acts of terrorism; and the effectiveness of Abacus’s control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Abacus with the SEC from time to time, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Abacus cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Abacus assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Abacus does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Contacts: Robert Phillips – SVP Investor Relations rob@abacuslife.com (321) 290-1198 David Jackson – IR/Capital Markets Associate djackson@abacuslife.com (321) 299-0716 Abacus Life Public Relations press@abacuslife.com

2024 has seen a significant surge in demand for tech, data, and analysis professionals. Jessica Tandy, Executive Director at Bizmod, says that going into 2025, it is crucial that companies budget for attracting and retaining the right talent, especially considering the recent economic trends that have impacted recruitment. The recently released Bizmod 2024 Annual Talent Report found that in 2023 the tech sector saw significant layoffs, especially among large companies with job postings relating to key tech trends dropping by 26% compared to a 17% decrease in global job postings. Tandy says, "Cost-cutting measures and slowing revenue growth likely drove this sharp decline." On the flip side, areas with strong investment and innovation, such as generative AI saw increased demand for advanced skills. Despite short-term declines, the long-term outlook remains positive with tech-related job postings up 8% from 2021 to 2023, signaling potential for future growth. The Report revealed that the five most challenging talent to acquire in South Africa are: Business Analyst (short-term insurance) – these professionals are in high demand and are well-compensated making them less likely to be actively seeking new roles. They also tend to transition out of the short-term insurance section quickly and often have high financial expectations. Data Specialists – Predominantly found in banking and financial services, data specialists possess scarce skills making them highly sought-after. Rapid career progression in corporate environments often leads to increased salary demands that are faster than in other roles. Solutions Architects – this skill is in high demand due to digital transformation requiring a mix of technical skills, business acumen, and communication. Full Stack Developers – Proficiency in front-end and back-end technologies is... Staff WriterNext U.S. ambassador Hoekstra 'easier to do business' with: former envoy

STEP Project Underway in Communities Island-wide

A trio of federal agencies are considering whether to pursue additional environmental guidelines for the Columbia River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power Administration and the Bureau of Reclamation are conducting the review to comply with an agreement reached late last year after litigation by regional Native nations and environmental groups. Environmental groups and tribes are holding out hope the agencies will recommend the removal of Snake River dams, which seemed likely only a few years ago. But, with Republicans set to control Congress and the White House in less than two months, it’s unclear what will happen. The guidelines at the center of the debate are collectively called the Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement. Despite the dense, bureaucratic name, the document is important because it shapes many crucial aspects of the Columbia River’s management — including how much water is used by dams to generate hydroelectricity versus how much passes over their spillways to help young salmon safely make it to the ocean. The federal agencies began work on the current environmental impact statement in 2016 and finalized it in 2020. Groups had anticipated the 2020 environmental impact statement to finally settle the conflict over four dams on the Lower Snake River. They produce about 5 percent of the region’s electricity but contribute to salmon’s struggles by preventing endangered fish from reaching historic spawning grounds. However, the 2020 document did not recommend their removal. Native nations and environmental groups sued. The recent litigation came after more than three decades of legal battles over the government’s efforts to save endangered salmon runs, which environmental groups argue are inadequate. Following the 2020 litigation, the Biden administration in 2021 stepped in, halting this most recent round to give parties time to negotiate an agreement. The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement, reached in 2023, paused litigation for five to 10 years. It also mandated the government review the recent environmental impact statement, conduct new research and potentially produce a supplement to the document that would change the government’s stance on issues like Snake River dam removal. “To get a stay in that litigation, we agreed to some things,” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Tom Conning said. “And one of those things is environmental compliance.” That compliance could lead to a supplemental environmental impact statement or the slightly less significant step of a supplemental environmental assessment. Or it could lead to nothing at all. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a supplemental environmental impact statement is required when an agency “makes substantial changes to the proposed action that are relevant to its environmental concerns” or when “there are substantial new circumstances or information about the significance of adverse effects that bear on the analysis.” In a follow up email, Conning said the agency is looking at things that have changed since 2020, specifically citing: changes to the Columbia River system’s 14 federal dam and reservoir projects; species that have since been listed by the Endangered Species Act; changes in Columbia River flows from the pending Columbia River Treaty with Canada; and newly published research. When asked if the agencies are considering Snake River dam removal, Conning said the dams are a part of the Columbia River system, but the agencies are “looking at the system as a whole and not necessarily individual projects.” Earth Justice lawyer Amanda Goodin said her organization expects to find out what approach the agencies are taking through a notice of intent from the trio by the end of this fall. It’s currently unclear how the January transition from the Biden administration to another Trump presidency will impact the agencies’ decision-making. Goodin said it’s likely it will have some effect, but the specifics remain to be seen. She noted removing the Snake River dams — when combined with significant investment in areas like Lewiston, Idaho, that would lose local revenue — would be a win for environmentalists, Native nations and the region’s economy. But Goodin added that “decision documents that came out of the last Trump administration showed no interest in that kind of win-win solution. And, in fact, (they) were pretty fine condemning salmon to extinction.” The Corps’ Conning said the coming change in administrations will not change anything the agency is doing. “Right now, we don’t (expect) basically any impact,” he said. “It’s not like we can really speculate at this point what the incoming administration or the next Congress might do.” Republicans, who will control the presidency and both the chambers of Congress after January 2025, have opposed Snake River dam removal. During his first term, President-elect Donald Trump showed a clear preference for cutting environmental protections for fish and ecosystems, instead increasing the amount of river water available across the West for farming. That’s a stance he doubled down on while campaigning this summer, The Columbian reported last month. To Goodin, the stakes of the federal agencies’ potential action could not be higher — or more time sensitive. “The science has made clear that we are in an extinction crisis and that we really have to act with urgency here if we don’t want to lose some of these (salmon) runs,” she said. “We don’t really have time for half measures. We don’t really have time for inaction.” “And if the federal government decides to not live up to its obligation and not to keep moving forward with the agreement,” she continued, “then anything’s on the table — anything that we can do to buy the fish more time, anything that we can do to keep this moving forward.” Whatever the agencies decide on Snake River dam removal, Goodin acknowledged that issue will ultimately have to be decided by Congress. This article was first published by The Columbian through the Murrow News Fellow program, managed by Washington State University.Freeland says we're in a 'vibe-cession' and she's got the cureGeode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in AMERISAFE, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMSF – Free Report ) by 1.4% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 453,539 shares of the insurance provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 6,166 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC’s holdings in AMERISAFE were worth $21,924,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado grew its holdings in shares of AMERISAFE by 5.1% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 315,409 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $13,843,000 after purchasing an additional 15,196 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of AMERISAFE by 8.5% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 811,561 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $39,223,000 after purchasing an additional 63,638 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of AMERISAFE by 70.6% in the third quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 41,299 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $1,996,000 after purchasing an additional 17,084 shares in the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in AMERISAFE in the second quarter worth $591,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in AMERISAFE by 6.9% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 5,882 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $284,000 after buying an additional 381 shares during the period. 97.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have weighed in on AMSF shares. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of AMERISAFE from $48.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. JMP Securities reissued a “market outperform” rating and issued a $65.00 price objective on shares of AMERISAFE in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. AMERISAFE Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ AMSF opened at $51.63 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $983.55 million, a P/E ratio of 16.13 and a beta of 0.33. AMERISAFE, Inc. has a 1 year low of $41.97 and a 1 year high of $60.24. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $55.60 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $50.08. AMERISAFE ( NASDAQ:AMSF – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 23rd. The insurance provider reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $78.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $75.38 million. AMERISAFE had a net margin of 19.49% and a return on equity of 16.50%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.61 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that AMERISAFE, Inc. will post 2.45 EPS for the current year. AMERISAFE Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 6th were paid a $3.37 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 6th. This represents a $13.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 26.11%. This is an increase from AMERISAFE’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. AMERISAFE’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.25%. AMERISAFE Company Profile ( Free Report ) AMERISAFE, Inc, an insurance holding company, underwrites workers’ compensation insurance in the United States. The company provides benefits to injured employees for temporary or permanent disability, death, and medical and hospital expenses. It sells its products through retail and wholesale brokers and agents; and small and mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, including construction, trucking, logging and lumber, agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunications, and maritime. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMSF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AMERISAFE, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMSF – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for AMERISAFE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMERISAFE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .ANT McPartlin left his I'm A Celebrity co-stars open-mouthed as she made a VERY racy joke about Britain's Got Talent's Amanda Holden He was being grilled by Unpacked presenter Joel Dommett alongside Dec Donnelly when he made the shock comment. Asked how the Britain's Got Talent judges would fare in an eating trial, Ant said: Who would be worst at a Bushtucker trial? Oh Simon Cowell , absolutely. He wouldn't do it. "Alesha's quite game." He then quipped: "Amanda will pop anything in there, so that's fine." Dec said: "I'm saying nothing." READ MORE ON I'M A CELEB Ant then added: "Food, Joel." Amanda has previously thrown shade at Ant - whose wedding she skipped in favour of a Greek holiday in 2019. Previously asked who is her favourite of the Geordie duo, Amanda said: “Oh Dec. Me and Alesha [Dixon] always say that.” Ant and Dec are returning to host a new series of Britain's Got Talent in the New Year after wrapping filming on I'm A Celeb. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 It comes after social media star and boxer KSI was a sensation as he made his debut on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel. As he took to the stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool , he bounced into the theatre like he was about to have a bout in the ring. The star, who is a temporary replacement for Bruno Tonioli , was given a rapturous response when he was announced after fellow judges Simon Cowell , Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. It left hosts Ant and Dec stunned, with Ant commenting: “Everyone’s thinking, ‘Bruno who?’. I’m joking!” Bruno is in the US filming Dancing With The Stars and, though he’ll be back soon to continue auditions in Blackpool, KSI is filling in this week. And it didn’t take him long on his first day to get into the swing of things, posing for a selfie with the audience — using a filter to put a pair of orange shades over his eyes, just like Simon’s. Commenting online, KSI said: “The audience in Blackpool are absolutely amazing and I’m really glad I’m part of the band.” The YouTuber, who has 80million followers across a variety of platforms from Facebook to TikTok , even got to hit his golden buzzer on the first day. READ MORE SUN STORIES Without giving away what the act was, the audition — which will hit screens in spring next year — came from a woman called Stacey who cooks chickens inside a Morrisons supermarket. KSI was quickly followed by Simon and Amanda, who also pressed their golden buzzers.