Bank of South Carolina Co. ( NASDAQ:BKSC – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, December 19th, NASDAQ Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.19 per share by the bank on Friday, January 31st. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. Bank of South Carolina has decreased its dividend by an average of 8.2% per year over the last three years. Bank of South Carolina Price Performance Bank of South Carolina stock opened at $13.20 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.19. The company has a market capitalization of $71.73 million, a PE ratio of 11.58 and a beta of 0.47. Bank of South Carolina has a one year low of $10.56 and a one year high of $15.02. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Bank of South Carolina in a research report on Wednesday. They issued a “sell” rating on the stock. Get Our Latest Report on BKSC Bank of South Carolina Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Bank of South Carolina Corporation operates as a bank holding company for The Bank of South Carolina that provides a range of financial products and services primarily in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties of South Carolina. Its deposits include non-interest-bearing demand accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, time deposits, and savings accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bank of South Carolina Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of South Carolina and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Airline Leader SkyWest Eyes Buy Point After Stock Takes FlightI'm A Celebrity star's baby son sends fans wild as he's seen dancing on set in Australia

Quantum Unveiled: Revolutionizing Finance with Advanced Quantum-Safe Security and AI Compliance on Coinstore

Saturday, December 14, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home Personal Finance 8th Pay Commission: Salary should be revised every 5 years, employee unions... Personal Finance 8th Pay Commission: Salary should be revised every 5 years, employee unions are demanding 8th pay commission By Shyamu Maurya December 14, 2024 0 9 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram 8th Pay Commission: Salary should be revised every 5 years, employee unions are demanding 8th pay commission 8th Pay Commission: The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday demanding the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission. 8th Pay Commission: The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday demanding the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission. The federation says that this step is necessary in view of rising inflation and fall in currency valuation. The federation represents about 7 lakh central employees working in different departments across the country like Post, Income Tax, Accounts, Survey, Census, CPWD, CGHS etc. It includes more than 130 unions and federations. Salary review is needed The federation said that the salary of central employees was last revised from 1 January 2016. By 7 July 2024, the rate of dearness allowance (DA) has increased to more than 53%. The letter states that after Kovid-19, the prices of essential and non-essential commodities have increased manifold. Rising inflation at an average rate of 5.5% and high interest rates have a negative impact on the lives of employees and pensioners. The value of salary has decreased significantly in the last 9 years, especially after Covid-19, because inflation has increased significantly. Salary should be revised every five years The federation said that the salary structure of the central employees should be so strong that it attracts the best talents of the country. The letter advocates salary revision every five years. Time required in the formation of Pay Commission It takes time for the formation and implementation of Central Pay Commissions. The federation said that the previous commissions took 2 years to present their report. The government took 6 months or more to implement it. Appeal for early formation The federation said that in view of the fall in inflation and currency valuation, the 8th Central Pay Commission should be constituted as soon as possible. This will ensure that central employees and pensioners can live a respectable life and implement government schemes and policies effectively, so that its benefits can reach the general public. The next salary revision of central employees is going to be from January 1, 2026. The federation has demanded that this process needs to be started soon. Join Informal Newz Tags 8th Pay Commission Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article HDFC and ICICI Bank customers will not get this service for 2 days, check details Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. In case of any complain or feedback, please contact me @informalnewz@gmail.com RELATED ARTICLES Personal Finance HDFC and ICICI Bank customers will not get this service for 2 days, check details December 13, 2024 Personal Finance ITR Filing: File your income tax by 31st, otherwise you may have to go to jail along with paying heavy penalty. December 13, 2024 Personal Finance Visa Free Entry: Indians can travel to this country without visa, order issued December 13, 2024 - Advertisment - Most Popular HDFC and ICICI Bank customers will not get this service for 2 days, check details December 13, 2024 ITR Filing: File your income tax by 31st, otherwise you may have to go to jail along with paying heavy penalty. December 13, 2024 Visa Free Entry: Indians can travel to this country without visa, order issued December 13, 2024 New Expressway: New toll free expressway will cover 2 big cities in 3 hours, wild animals will be seen in between December 13, 2024 Load more Recent Comments Gul Mohiudin on Kavita sister-in-law wore a sari without a blouse, seeing the pictures you will also be... Venkatesh on Urfi Javed crossed all limits, wore a front open hoodie top without inner, see photos and videos Gul Mohiudin on Malaika Arora came out in a backless strappy dress late at night, someone had to handle the gown and someone held her hand Gul Mohiudin on Priyanka Chopra reached award function without bra, shame had to be saved repeatedly in open jacket Venkatesh on Disha Patani shared a bo*ld picture while taking a bath, seeing Tiger Shroff’s heart beat will increase EDITOR PICKS HDFC and ICICI Bank customers will not get this service for 2 days, check details December 13, 2024 ITR Filing: File your income tax by 31st, otherwise you may have to go to jail along with paying heavy penalty. December 13, 2024 Visa Free Entry: Indians can travel to this country without visa, order issued December 13, 2024 POPULAR POSTS HDFC and ICICI Bank customers will not get this service for 2 days, check details December 13, 2024 ITR Filing: File your income tax by 31st, otherwise you may have to go to jail along with paying heavy penalty. December 13, 2024 Visa Free Entry: Indians can travel to this country without visa, order issued December 13, 2024 POPULAR CATEGORY Personal Finance 17929 Entertainment 17060 India 4491 News 3785 Technology 2245 Jobs Alert 787 Travel 652 Education 451 ABOUT US INFORMALNEWZ brings the Latest News & Top Breaking headlines on Politics and Current Affairs. Up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by informal Newz. Find latest news coverage of breaking news events, trending topics, and compelling articles. Contact us: informalnewz@gmail.com FOLLOW US Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube © - 2024 - informalnewz | Izon web Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us - Izon Web Pvt. Ltd. Hno. 789, Basement, Dlf Phase 4 Sector 43, Gurgaon, Haryana -122009, Call: +91-9110801499, 0124-4941700 Home Privacy Policy Authors and Team About Us Contact US Cookie Policy Disclaimer DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Terms of Service Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy हिन्दी

South Carolina has won six straight games, and one of the catalysts has been the improved free-throw shooting of Nick Pringle. When South Carolina (9-3) faces Presbyterian (7-7) in the final nonconference game for both teams on Monday in Columbia, S.C., the Gamecocks won't have to hold their breath when Pringle toes the line. During South Carolina's surge, which includes wins over three power conference teams, Pringle has made 26 of 30 (86.7 percent) free-throw attempts. It's a remarkable improvement from his 51.7 percent career success rate entering the season. Last month, in his South Carolina debut after transferring from Alabama, Pringle's foul shooting woes continued as he shot 3-for-8 in stunning 74-71 upset at the hands of the visiting North Florida. But video work with coach Lamont Paris convinced Pringle that he needed to quicken his routine and tweak his set point, which is where a player's eyes focus on the rim. "How long it was taking him to release the ball once he started his free throw process was really long, really, really long," Paris said. "So he shortened it." In a 74-48 win over Radford on Dec. 22, Pringle made all 10 of his free throws. His work at the line is no small matter, as he has taken the second-most free throws on the team (61). Pringle averages 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, combining with Collin Murray-Boyles (16.2 points, 9.3 rebounds) to give the Gamecocks a formidable duo inside. Presbyterian enters after suffering its first home loss this season, 86-81 in overtime to Manhattan on Dec. 21. It was a frustrating defeat after the Blue Hose led by 19 points in the first half. There was a positive, however, as Carl Parrish delivered 23 points and nine rebounds, both career highs. It was a performance that sixth-year coach Quinton Ferrell has been awaiting. "Seeing him play like that offensively is not a shock to me because that's really what he's capable of," Ferrell said. "He's a big-time offensive player." Parrish combines in the backcourt with the Blue Hose's top two threats: Kory Mincy, who averages 14.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, and Kobe Stewart, who scores at a 14.4 ppg clip. Located just 60 miles apart, South Carolina and Presbyterian (Clinton, S.C.) have a long history, with their first game coming nearly 108 years ago. The Gamecocks lead the series 33-8. --Field Level Media

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder rout Grizzlies, run streak to 11The Pelicans are sticking with Zion Williamson and it shouldn’t come as a shock — at least not yet. Despite the injuries, the rumors, and the whispers of doubt, New Orleans isn’t throwing in the towel on their franchise cornerstone, per Shams Charania of ESPN . Instead, they’re doubling down. According to Charania, the plan is clear: get Zion healthy and build the right pieces around him. Easier said than done, right? Let’s unpack this. Zion is one of the most dominant physical forces in the NBA when he’s on the floor. We’ve seen flashes of it — jaw-dropping highlights, overpowering finishes, and numbers that scream “superstar.” The problem? He’s played just six games this season. Six. And the Pelicans are 4-18. You don’t need to be a hoops expert to connect the dots. But here’s the thing: New Orleans isn’t giving up because they can’t afford to. Zion is the face of this franchise, the key to everything they’ve tried to build since drafting him No. 1 overall in 2019. Even with his injuries, the Pelicans have shown flashes of being a contender when he’s healthy. Last season, they were a top-three team in the West before Zion went down. That’s what keeps them believing. The problem isn’t Zion’s talent — it’s his availability. The hamstring issues, the conditioning questions, the seemingly endless absences. It’s a frustrating cycle, and the Pelicans are caught in the middle. Do you wait and hope he turns into the MVP-caliber player you dreamed of? Or do you start preparing for life without him? For now, they’re choosing the former. Here’s why it makes sense: the alternative is bleak. Trading Williamson now would mean selling low, especially with his health concerns hanging over him like a cloud. And waiving him? Let’s not even go there. This isn’t about desperation — it’s about belief. If Williamson can stay on the court, the Pelicans know they have a core that can contend. Brandon Ingram is a legit scorer, CJ McCollum is a steadying veteran presence, and young guys like Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy bring defensive versatility. Add a healthy Williamson to that mix, and you’ve got something. Still, belief only gets you so far. At some point, this team needs results. For the Pelicans, the clock is ticking, and the Western Conference is as brutal as ever. The Pelicans are saying all the right things now, but if Zion’s injury woes continue into next year, you have to wonder how long the patience will last. For now, though, New Orleans is staying the course. And really, what choice do they have? This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.Gemade Seeks Prayers For Alia To Rule Benue For Two Terms

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. ( OTCMKTS:INGXF – Get Free Report ) declared a dividend on Tuesday, December 24th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 1st will be paid a dividend of 0.0649 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Innergex Renewable Energy Stock Performance Shares of INGXF stock opened at $5.63 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.14 billion, a P/E ratio of -11.48 and a beta of 0.64. Innergex Renewable Energy has a 12-month low of $5.26 and a 12-month high of $7.90. The business’s 50 day moving average is $6.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $6.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.50. Innergex Renewable Energy ( OTCMKTS:INGXF – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $179.04 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $192.68 million. Innergex Renewable Energy had a negative return on equity of 1.70% and a negative net margin of 13.73%. Analysts expect that Innergex Renewable Energy will post -0.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Innergex Renewable Energy Company Profile Innergex Renewable Energy Inc operates as an independent renewable power producer in Canada, the United States, France, and Chile. It acquires, owns, develops, and operates renewable power-generating and energy storage facilities primarily in hydroelectric, wind, and solar power sectors. The company operates through three segments: Hydroelectric Power Generation, Wind Power Generation, and Solar Power Generation. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .NoneThe shocking murder of UnitedHealth Group executive, Brian Thompson, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, continues to shake the healthcare industry. Mangione, who was not a UnitedHealth customer, faces murder charges following the incident near a Manhattan hotel. While there's no clear link between Mangione's actions and his personal health struggles, the event has fueled widespread anger towards the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. Public figures, including UnitedHealth Group's CEO Andrew Witty, have condemned the glorification of the accused on social media. As healthcare companies reassess their security measures, public demands for transparency and better communication of coverage decisions grow louder. Meanwhile, analysts suggest the incident could represent a pivotal moment for potential change in the industry. (With inputs from agencies.)

THIS Storm Bert wreaked havoc on transport services and brought devastating flooding to towns across the region. In the early hours of Saturday (November 23) morning, Storm Bert hit South Wales, and several flood alerts were triggered. The M48 Severn bridge was closed in both directions due to the strong wind which had a knock-on effect of 50-minute delays on the M4. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind and rain. However, it was not until Sunday that the full force of the storm was felt. Yellow warning of rain affecting Wales A yellow weather warning is a familiar sight for the Argus readers, but on Sunday the devastating floods showed the real impact of the storm. In the early hours of Sunday, the M48 once again closed in both directions due to strong winds. There were several flood warnings issued with 50 red warnings and 60 amber alerts from Natural Resource Wales. Throughout the day, residents across Gwent and Monmouthshire saw increasingly shocking images and video footage as rivers burst their banks. The flooding took place across the region including but not limited to Risca, Ebbw Vale, Abertillery, Newport, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Abersychan and Blackwood. It may have felt like the real question was where wasn’t flooding, as road closure after road closure was announced. A map of all the flood warnings across Wales showed the national emergency taking place, which was even addressed by the First Minister of Wales herself. First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said: "Diolch to emergency services and council staff working hard to keep us safe during this awful weather and flooding. "Follow advice from your council, emergency services and Natural Resource Wales." Diolch to emergency services and council staff working hard to keep us safe during this awful weather and flooding. Diolch i'r rhai sy'n gweithio'n galed i ddiogelu ni. Cymerwch ofal a dilynwch gyngor lleol - follow advice from your council, emergency services and . An important message was issued by Gwent Police asking the public to abide by the road closure and not attempt to drive through floodwater. It was in the early morning, that within minutes a rugby club in Crosskeys Newport was hit by flash flooding. Cross Keys RFC says it is ‘heartbroken’ after it was hit by the devastating flash flooding at around 7.20am. Colin Vernal, 74, who runs the social club, was cleaning inside before the flood hit the premises. “I was in there at twenty past seven cleaning the club and there was not a drop of water, but by half past it was a job managing to get out of there.” He described the sound of floodwater hitting the building as loud as a ‘bomb going off’. The club previously flooded in 2019 and raised over £140,000 to repair damage to the furniture and carpets. The club is 'devastated' and heartbroken by the damage and how much this flood will set them back. In the morning, a local resident in Abergavenny witnessed the road completely flooded and what appeared to be a landslide at the Hardwick Roundabout. When the River Usk burst its banks over Castle Meadows in Abergavenny, the water rushed into the surrounding fields and roads. It was not just the roads that were flooded, as images showed a children’s play area at the Boating Lake park and garden in Cwmbran flooded. The flooding throughout Newport disrupted local bus services and train lines between Abergavenny and Pontypool were completely blocked. At around 10.19am photographs and videos of significant flooding on roads and residential streets in Abersychan began to emerge. The M48 Severn Crossing may have reopened at around 11.20am as winds died down, but the flooding continued to wreak havoc in towns across the region. At around 12.50, the River Ebbw at Tredegar Park in Newport began to breach its banks and residents received calls warning them of potential imminent flooding. In the early afternoon, a street in The Hawthorns in Caerleon was completely flooded, reported a local resident. In a video shared with the Argus, water levels can be seen so high that a skip floated towards parked cars at the Blackwood Rugby Club. A fundraiser has been set up to try and raise money to save the rugby club in Blackwood and a fundraiser for the Cross Keys RFC will be set up in a day or so. In Newport, an ominous picture shared by Mark Powis showed the gravestones at St Woolos Cemetery flooded with water.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield embarrassed the woeful Giants with his arm and legs, and if that wasn't enough, he rubbed it in after scoring a touchdown. Mayfield catapulted into the end zone for one of Tampa Bay's four rushing TDs, and the Buccaneers beat the Giants and new starting quarterback DeVito 30-7 on Sunday, snapping a four-game losing streak and extending New York's skid to six. With both teams struggling and coming off byes, most of the focus leading up to the game was on the Giants' decisions this week to bench quarterback Daniel Jones. The brash DeVito was given the starting job and asked to spark coach Brian Daboll's team, as he did last season. Instead, Mayfield provided the energy with his play and his trolling of DeVito. “Tribute to Tommy,” said a straight-faced Mayfield, who was 24 of 30 for 294 yards. “He’s a good dude, that’s why. Most of the times, I don’t know what I’m going to do. It’s spontaneous.” Mayfield was asked several times about the gesture and admitted he wanted to give Giants fans something they liked, adding he met DeVito at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February. “He had his chain blinged out, swag walking through the casino. It was awesome,” Mayfield said. “It was like a movie scene, honestly.” DeVito did nothing to help the NFL's lowest-scoring offense. He threw for 189 yards, mostly in the second half with New York well on its way to its sixth straight loss at home, where it is winless. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers dominated in every phase in a near-perfect performance that featured TD runs of 1 yard by Sean Tucker, 6 yards by Bucky Irving and 1 yard by Rachaad White. After recent losses to the Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs, Tampa Bay (5-6) moved within one game of idle Atlanta in the NFC South. “We’re hoping it builds confidence,” Mayfield said. “We have a belief that we are still sitting and controlling our own destiny.” Tampa Bay scored on five of its on first six possessions to open a 30-0 lead, and none was more exciting than Mayfield's TD run with 12 seconds left in the first half. On a second-and-goal from the 10, he avoided pressure and went for the end zone. He was hit by Cor'Dale Flott low and Dru Phillips high around the 2-yard line, and he was airborne when he crossed the goal line. The ball came loose when he hit the turf but he jumped up and flexed, DeVito-style, as the Bucs took a 23-0 lead. DeVito said players talked about the celebration in the locker room but he did not see it. Daboll was asked about the gesture and said Mayfield played well. He said the Giants' poor performance had nothing to do with Jones being released. “No excuse on that,” said Daboll, whose job is on the line despite making the playoffs in 2022. “We just didn’t do a good enough job.” “We played soft, and they beat the (expletive) out of us,” defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence added. Mayfield's favorite target Mike Evans returned to the lineup after missing three games with a hamstring injury and had five catches for 68 yards. Irving had 87 yards rushing and six catches for 64 yards. The Bucs held New York to three first downs and 45 yards in the first half, and they finished with 450 yards to the Giants' 245. DeVito had a 17-yard run in the fourth quarter to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Devin Singletary. The brash New Jersey native was sacked four times, including once in the fourth quarter, which forced him to go to the bench for one play. Injuries Buccaneers: LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) did not play and Justin Skule replaced him. ... Tampa Bay lost OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to an ankle injury in the second quarter and safety Jordan Whitehead to a pectoral injury in the fourth quarter. Giants: LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) were hurt in the first quarter and did not return. Up next Buccaneers: At Carolina next Sunday. Giants: At Dallas on Thanksgiving ___ AP NFL: Tom Canavan, The Associated Press

Cam Carter scored LSU's first eight points and finished with a game-high 23 and LSU raced to a 37-8 lead on its way to a 110-45 victory against outmanned Mississippi Valley State on Sunday in Baton Rouge, La. Vyctorius Miller added 20 points and Jordan Sears and Daimion Collins scored 15 each for the Tigers (11-2), who led 55-13 at halftime. It was their final game before opening Southeastern Conference play against visiting Vanderbilt on Saturday. LSU, which defeated Mississippi Valley 106-60 last season, shot 65.7 percent (46 of 70) from the floor. The Delta Devils (2-11) had no player score in double figures. The closest was Alvin Stredic with eight points. Mississippi Valley State remained winless against Division I opponents and have an average margin of defeat of 44.2 points heading into their Southwestern Athletic Conference opener at Alabama State on Jan. 4. Stredic's field goal tied the score at two before Carter made a tie-breaking 3-pointer to give LSU the lead for good. Carter made another 3-pointer during a 7-0 run that increased the lead to 12-4. Another field goal by Stredic ended that run before Carter and Sears each made a 3-pointer and the Tigers pushed the lead to 20-6. Stredic made another field goal, giving him six of his team's first eight points, before Carter made a 3-pointer and another basket to help fuel a 17-0 run that enabled LSU to build the 37-8 bulge. Johnathan Pace made a field goal to stop the run, but Sears and Curtis Givens III each made a 3-pointer to complete a 10-0 run that expanded the lead to 47-10. Jair Horton answered with the Delta Devils' only 3-pointer of the half before Miller and Sears each scored four points and the Tigers led by 42 at the break. Carter (16 points) and Sears (10) combined to score twice as many points as Mississippi Valley State in the half. Carter made 6-of-10 3-pointers and Sears made 4 of 8. --Field Level Media“Gladiator II” asks the question: Are you not moderately entertained for roughly 60% of this sequel? Truly, this is a movie dependent on managed expectations and a forgiving attitude toward its tendency to overserve. More of a thrash-and-burn schlock epic than the comparatively restrained 2000 “Gladiator,” also directed by Ridley Scott, the new one recycles a fair bit of the old one’s narrative cries for freedom while tossing in some digital sharks for the flooded Colosseum and a bout of deadly sea-battle theatrics. They really did flood the Colosseum in those days, though no historical evidence suggests shark deployment, real or digital. On the other hand (checks notes), “Gladiator II” is fiction. Screenwriter David Scarpa picks things up 16 years after “Gladiator,” which gave us the noble death of the noble warrior Maximus, shortly after slaying the ignoble emperor and returning Rome to the control of the Senate. Our new hero, Lucius (Paul Mescal), has fled Rome for Numidia, on the North African coast. The time is 200 A.D., and for the corrupt, party-time twins running the empire (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), that means invasion time. Pedro Pascal takes the role of Acacius, the deeply conflicted general, sick of war and tired of taking orders from a pair of depraved ferrets. The new film winds around the old one this way: Acacius is married to Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, in a welcome return), daughter of the now-deceased emperor Aurelius and the love of the late Maximus’s life. Enslaved and dragged to Rome to gladiate, the widower Lucius vows revenge on the general whose armies killed his wife. But there are things this angry young phenom must learn, about his ancestry and his destiny. It’s the movie’s worst-kept secret, but there’s a reason he keeps seeing footage of Russell Crowe from the first movie in his fever dreams. Battle follows battle, on the field, in the arena, in the nearest river, wherever, and usually with endless splurches of computer-generated blood. “Gladiator II” essentially bumper-cars its way through the mayhem, pausing for long periods of expository scheming about overthrowing the current regime. The prince of all fixers, a wily operative with interests in both managing gladiators and stocking munitions, goes by the name Macrinus. He’s played by Denzel Washington, who at one point makes a full meal out of pronouncing the word “politics” like it’s a poisoned fig. Also, if you want a masterclass in letting your robes do a lot of your acting for you, watch what Washington does here. He’s more fun than the movie but you can’t have everything. The movie tries everything, all right, and twice. Ridley Scott marshals the chaotic action sequences well enough, though he’s undercut by frenetic cutting rhythms, with that now-familiar, slightly sped-up visual acceleration in frequent use. (Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo are the editors.) Mescal acquits himself well in his first big-budget commercial walloper of an assignment, confined though he is to a narrower range of seething resentments than Crowe’s in the first film. I left thinking about two things: the word “politics” as savored/spit out by Washington, and the innate paradox of how Scott, whose best work over the decades has been wonderful, delivers spectacle. The director and his lavishly talented design team built all the rough-hewn sets with actual tangible materials the massive budget allowed. They took care to find the right locations in Morocco and Malta. Yet when combined in post-production with scads of medium-grade digital effects work in crowd scenes and the like, never mind the sharks, the movie’s a somewhat frustrating amalgam. With an uneven script on top of it, the visual texture of “Gladiator II” grows increasingly less enveloping and atmospherically persuasive, not more. But I hung there, for some of the acting, for some of the callbacks, and for the many individual moments, or single shots, that could only have come from Ridley Scott. And in the end, yes, you too may be moderately entertained. “Gladiator II” — 2.5 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: R (for strong bloody violence) Running time: 2:28 How to watch: Premieres in theaters Nov. 21. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.Jasprit Bumrah registered this 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, achieving the feat on Day 5 of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 30. The right-arm pacer (5/57) has been the best bowler of the IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and he attained the landmark by castling Nathan Lyon with just his third ball of the day. A day ago, he had completed 200 Test wickets, becoming the fastest Indian pacer to achieve that mark. Jasprit Bumrah, with this dismissal of Nathan Lyon, also completed 30 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Funny Memes Go Viral On Social Media After Rohit Sharma Makes In-Form Jasprit Bumrah Take Heavy Workload On Day 4 of IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test 2024 . That's the final wicket and another five-wicket haul for the champion bowler 🔥🔥 Jasprit Bumrah now has 30 wickets in this series so far! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Rs4QlYcT6U — BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2024 Jasprit Bumrah's fifth wicket was an absolute belter! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/vfDI5gEN3n — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)