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online casino real money sign up bonus In a message to the American people, the King expressed “great sadness” at the news of Mr Carter’s death, describing him as “a committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”. He added: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981 and spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Carter had “lived his values in the service of others to the very end” through “decades of selfless public service”. Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.” Tributes to Mr Carter followed the announcement of his death by his family on Sunday, more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024 US President Joe Biden, one of the first elected politicians to endorse Mr Carter’s bid for the presidency in 1976, said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” Vice President Kamala Harris said Mr Carter “reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion”. “His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come,” she said. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter.” Other UK politicians also paid tribute to Mr Carter. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “an inspiration” who “led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney described the former president as “a good, decent, honest man who strove for peace in all that he did”, while Welsh First Minister said he was “a remarkable man” and “a humanitarian and scholar”. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Mr Carter’s “life was a testament to public service”. He added: “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC before being buried in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and, finally, the White House, where he took office as 39th president in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked more than four decades leading The Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center virtually eliminated Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public serviceTORONTO —On November 26, a vigil was held in Toronto to honour victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV). This solemn gathering brought survivors, advocates, and community members together to acknowledge the ongoing crisis of GBV, with a particular focus on its rising prevalence across Canada. The event marked an early recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, observed annually on December 6. This date commemorates the 14 women who lost their lives in the 1989 Montreal Massacre at École Polytechnique, a tragic act of misogyny. The victims—Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz—remain symbols in the fight against GBV. The Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) unveiled its annual femicide list during the event, revealing that 62 women and girls were killed in Ontario in 2024 due to gender-based violence. Among the victims was Parween Adel, who her husband fatally stabbed in Oshawa on November 17. Advocates emphasized the need for systemic change, particularly in addressing the housing crisis that disproportionately affects survivors seeking refuge and support. Colleen Hill, director of Manitoulin Family Resources, attended the vigil and expressed her disappointment with the province’s inaction. “The government’s hesitance to pass Bill 173 stems from a broader reluctance to invest in comprehensive wraparound supports, including affordable housing,” she said. “Without these critical resources, survivors and their families remain trapped in cycles of violence.” Municipalities across Manitoulin Island and the Sudbury Districts have already declared IPV an epidemic, aligning with the recommendations from a 2022 coroner’s inquest into the murders of three women in Renfrew County. The inquest underscored the need to treat IPV as a public health crisis, with concrete investments in shelters, legal support and prevention programs. Marlene Ham, executive director of OAITH, highlighted the importance of public awareness and government accountability. “Femicide is preventable,” Ms. Ham said. “Declaring IPV an epidemic would prioritize this issue and allocate resources where they are desperately needed.” The vigil also drew attention to the broader impacts of gender-based violence on marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. Amnesty International has documented extensive violence linked to systemic racism, resource development projects, and inadequate social services. Indigenous women are six times more likely to experience violence, a fact underscored by Canada’s slow implementation of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Action Plan. Despite over three decades since the massacre, GBV and IPV remain pervasive. Recent statistics highlight the urgency of action, with the rising numbers demanding immediate attention: Approximately 44 percent of women in Canada have experienced some form of IPV since the age of 15, with Indigenous women disproportionately affected at 61 percent. Women with disabilities are also at a heightened risk, with over half reporting lifetime IPV experiences. Young women aged 15–24 are particularly vulnerable, with nearly 30 percent reporting IPV in the past year—triple the rate seen among older age groups. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened protection and support for our young women. Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is a growing concern, including image-based abuse, cyberstalking, and threats of violence, exacerbating the emotional and psychological toll on victims. This underscores the need for urgent regulation and control of technology in the fight against GBV. The vigil served as a tribute and a call to action, linking past tragedies to contemporary realities. “We remember the 14 women killed in Montreal because they were women,” said one speaker. “But we also recognize that gendered violence is not a historical relic. It is a present and persistent threat.” The event aligned with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10. Advocates at the vigil urged participants to engage in actions such as advocating for stronger legislation, supporting survivors and challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence. Speakers emphasized the importance of addressing intersectional factors in GBV. For example, racialized, LGBTQIA+ and 2SLGBTQ+ communities face compounded vulnerabilities, requiring tailored support systems. Indigenous leaders at the vigil called for recognition of systemic inequalities contributing to violence in their communities. The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, launched in 2022, aims to improve prevention, protection, and accountability. However, critics argue that its implementation needs greater urgency and funding. Activists at the vigil called on governments to expand resources for shelters, mental health support and public education campaigns. The vigil also encouraged community members to reflect on their roles in creating change. By challenging toxic gender norms, supporting survivors and advocating for policy changes, individuals can help reduce GBV’s prevalence. Canadians are reminded of the ongoing fight to end GBV. The names of the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique are not just a memory but a call to action. One attendee poignantly noted, “We owe it to them—and to all women living in fear—to keep pushing for a world where safety and respect are guaranteed for everyone.” The vigil highlighted that remembrance is not enough; action must follow. By standing together, communities can work toward a future free from gender-based violence.

Now that Warzone Season 1 has integrated the game with Black Ops 6, the Call of Duty battle royale lets players use more weapons, attachments and lethal and tactical grenades than ever before. There are a staggering 177 primary, secondary and melee weapons from Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6 to choose from -- but you can't unlock the entire arsenal by simply leveling up your account. There's a careful balance to Warzone: Old battle pass and event weapons, attachments and aftermarket conversion kits are earned by players who participated in live challenges, so they're relatively exclusive. Each battle royale match needs to be a level playing field, and some of the old items are still part of meta loadouts. That's where the new Armory comes in, letting players work toward unlocking these items from older games and events one at a time as they earn XP in-game. Everything you can earn in the Warzone Armory You can earn weapons, attachments, aftermarket conversion kits and grenades through the new and improved Warzone Armory. The Warzone Armory allows players to earn any previously obtainable event weapon, attachment or aftermarket weapon conversion kit available in the game. That includes content from Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6. A prior iteration of the Armory lets players earn new items by completing daily challenges, but now weapons and attachments can be earned more consistently. All players can earn Black Ops 6 weapons and attachments during live battle passes and events, but Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 content has remained locked for new Warzone players -- until now. Players can select one item from the Armory at a time, working toward acquiring the new weapon or attachment by earning account XP. Weapons and attachments are locked behind 75,000 XP each, which can be earned in Warzone or Black Ops 6 multiplayer modes. You only earn XP toward the item you've chosen, so it's important to make sure you select a new weapon or attachment after you unlock the previous one you were working toward. How does the Armory work in Black Ops 6? New weapons and attachments are added through battle passes and events in Black Ops 6. There's also an Armory for multiplayer matches in Black Ops 6, which will function much the same as the Warzone Armory, although there's no path to unlocking any of the previous content from the Modern Warfare games. Instead, this version of the feature allows players to unlock weapons and attachments they may have missed in previous Black Ops 6-specific events and battle passes. The Season 1 battle pass, for instance, includes the Saug SMG, Krig-C assault rifle and the Dragon's Breath incendiary shotgun ammo. Additionally, the Season 1 event Hit List also introduced the Power Drill melee weapon, Sirin 9mm SMG and the buffer weight stock attachment. Anyone who completes these goals will unlock the new arsenal additions straight away, but the Armory ensures they'll never be gone forever. The Sirin 9mm SMG is the first "special" secondary weapon, taking up the secondary loadout slot. That means you can pair it up with a sniper rifle, assault rifle or LMG. Once a season is over, all of the weapons and attachments added to the game will be added to the Black Ops 6 Armory, allowing players to work toward earning these coveted goodies by completing daily challenges. Having to level up dozens of new weapons to make them combat-ready might sound overwhelming -- that grind is a lot easier if you activate double weapon XP tokens. If you want to learn more about how to get and use double XP tokens in Black Ops 6, we have a double XP token guide for you. Warzone Armory FAQs The Warzone Armory is unlocked when you reach player level 24. Once you have access to the Armory, you're available to start working toward unlocking any of the items contained within immediately. The Warzone Armory is once again open to let players earn any of the 177 weapons, attachments and other extras released in previous games and events. These include special ops rifles like the BP50 and the MORS, anachronistic fan favorites like the Kar98k and STG44 assault rifles, exotic melee weapons like the Karambit and Soulrender sword and oddities like the Torque 35 bow.By JILL COLVIN NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’ National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.

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This isn’t a justification—it’s a reckoning. The CEO was no innocent bystander. He was a symbol of a system that denies life-saving treatments, delays settlements after disasters, and leaves accident victims without recourse. His actions were legal but devastating, his decisions measured in profit margins while people’s lives unraveled. Two murderers, standing on opposite ends of a scale—one wielding a gun, the other a pen. Both left blood in their wake. Modern capitalism has turned into a theater of despair, where profit is the only currency of morality. Once, capitalism promised prosperity for all. The baker baked better bread. The butcher sold better meat. The customer got the best sandwich. But that promise died decades ago, in the late 1970s, when Milton Friedman decreed that ethics no longer mattered, that the sole responsibility of business was to maximize profits. Since then, the rich have gotten richer, and the rest of us? We’ve been left to fend for ourselves. This is no accident. This is a betrayal. CEOs were supposed to be the leaders we trusted, the alphas who protected the tribe when danger struck. Instead, they became the danger. Mass layoffs to inflate stock prices. Drug prices hiked 5,000% overnight. Insurance policies that work only until you need them most. This isn’t leadership—it’s exploitation. And the cost is measured in lives, not dollars. Luigi Mangione’s crime must be condemned, but so must the quieter, systemic murders committed every day by those who weaponize power and greed. One man pulled a trigger. Another man pulled strings that left thousands dead. Neither act is justifiable. Both demand accountability. What do we do with this anger, this despair? Do we sharpen pitchforks and prepare for revolution? Or do we demand change before it’s too late? The choice isn’t between action and inaction—it’s between chaos and rebuilding. Between letting the fractures grow or forging a new system that values life over profit. The solution begins with ethical capitalism. Leaders must prioritize humanity, not quarterly earnings. Policies must close the loopholes that allow exploitation to thrive. And yes, AI can play a role, but only if it’s wielded ethically—to enhance fairness, streamline care, and restore trust, not deepen the divide. This is the moment we decide what kind of world we want to build. A world where CEOs sacrifice others to preserve their power? Or one where leadership is defined by courage, empathy, and accountability? The clock is ticking. Every day we wait, another life is lost, another tragedy unfolds. So, here’s the question: will we let this broken system define us? Or will we rise to reclaim capitalism’s promise? The time to act isn’t tomorrow. It’s not someday. It’s now. The pitchforks are already being sharpened. Let’s make sure they aren’t needed. Dragan This is a "Viewpoint" opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Helsinki Times. This column is not fact checked and HT is not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article.RFK Jr. attorney asks FDA to revoke approval of hepatitis B, polio vaccinesn-Butanol Market Size Estimation, Future Scope, Revenue Opportunities and Forecast by 2029 12-11-2024 10:06 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Browse 156 market data Tables and 78 Figures spread through 220 Pages and in-depth TOC on "n-Butanol Market" The n-Butanol market is poised for robust growth, driven by rising demand across paints, coatings, and chemical industries. Key opportunities lie in bio-based alternatives and expanding applications in emerging markets. Addressing environmental concerns will be critical for sustained growth. The market for n-butanol is projected to reach USD 7.50 billion by 2029, from USD 5.63 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The rising demand for chemicals in infrastructural construction and automotive manufacture dominates the demand for n-butanol market. The n-butanol market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/n-butanol-market-1089.html?utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nbutanol ] is driven by several factors, including technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, favorable economic conditions, expanding applications in various industries, and growing demand. The increasing use of n-butanol in various end-use industries, such as agriculture, building & construction, paints & coatings, marine, pharmaceutical, chemical, and personal care are a significant driver for market growth. The paints and coatings industry is the largest consumer of n-butanol due to the increasing demand of the construction sector. As the trend towards growth in building and construction grows , demand of n-butanol increases. n-Butanol Companies The prominent global players that operates in the n-butanol market includes BASF (Germany), Dow (US), SABIC (Saudi Arabia), Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (Japan), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Sasol Limited (South Africa), OQ Chemicals GmbH (Germany), PetroChina Company Limited (China), KH Neochem Co., Ltd., SABIC (Saudi Arabia) and Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad (Malaysia) are the key players in the n-butanol market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1089 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1089&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nbutanol ] BASF SE One of the world's biggest chemical makers is Germany's BASF. Its seven business segments which are materials, chemicals, industrial solutions, surface technology, nutrition & care, agricultural solutions and others. The company manufactures & provides plasticizers, monomers, glues, solvents, textile, fibers, plastics, medicines, crop protection products, paints, and coatings under the chemical business division. Through its subsidiary operations, the company also serves a global customer base with 390 industrial facilities across over 90 countries in all of Europe. Focused on Europe as its main operating area, it is also present in Asia Pacific, South America, Africa and North America. The Dow Chemical Company The Dow Chemical Company is a pioneer in the industry, with its diverse clientele and various applications. The company employs approximately 36,000 employees and functions in approximately 160 nations. A wide variety of chemicals, polymers, and substances are available. Agricultural products are primarily used by industries rather than individual consumers. The corporation's product selection is diversified into three categories such as industrial intermediates, packaging, plastics designed for specific uses in packaging, materials for enhancing performance, and coatings built environment. The company provides n-butanol within the Performance Materials and Coatings department. Fossil fuels, energy, packaging, specialty plastics, and other items fall under the packaging and specialty plastics category. Polyurethanes, construction chemicals, and industrial solutions fall within the category of industrial intermediates and infrastructure. Pharmaceutical is projected to be the second fastest growing grade of n-butanol, in terms of value, during the forecast period The pharmaceutical grade of n-butanol is expected to be the second fastest-growing grade in the n-butanol market, driven by its growing importance for application in drug formulation and manufacturing. N-butanol is a well-established solvent and chemical intermediate used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is critical to the extraction and purification processes of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Due to its positive characteristics, it has a very low toxicity level and an excellent solubility characteristic. Hence n-butanol is the best pick for production in antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, and other vital compounds. The world's age advance continues to increase global demand for pharmaceuticals and other things in which the proportion of healthcare expenses on old people increases the demand to the solvent like n-butanol with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, the advancement in pharmaceutical research and development is anticipated to enhance the utilization of n-butanol in formulations for drugs, and hence this sector is predicted to drive growth in its market. By integrating all these aspects, it may be observed that n-butanol is of intense importance in the development of medicines in the pharmaceutical market with a focus on its importance in supporting the formulation of new as well as older therapeutic drugs. Get Sample Copy of this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=1089 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=1089&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nbutanol ] Conventional is the largest feedstock type of n-butanol, in terms of value Conventional feedstock type is expected to dominate the n-butanol market for the forecast period. This is due to the established processes and infrastructure on the production of n-butanol from conventional feedstocks that are mainly petrochemical-derived. Conventional production of n-butanol is often linked with oxo process in using propylene as the primary feedstock. This is highly adopted by major manufacturers because it is reliable and scalable, while conventional feedstock types offer several inherent quality advantages and allow easy integration of new developments into existing petrochemical facilities, besides offering scope for further optimization of efficiency and yield. Another significant factor is the well-developed distribution and supply chains established for more traditional feedstocks. North America captures the second largest share in the n-butanol market during the forecast period, in terms of value The second largest share in the market share of n-butanol is expected to be captured by North America by the end of the forecasted period, setting an impressive position in the global scenario. Demand for n-butanol in the region is found to be mainly driven by the significant applications in construction, automotive, and consumer goods industries. The United States is not only a significant consumer of n-butanol, but also an important producer due to its very strong manufacturing industry, especially from paints, coatings, and adhesives. Thus n-butanol is a high potential solvent in that industry. Canada too is an important entity in the market as it has a very strong construction and automotive industry, hence high-quality coating and material producers in that country are continuously in demand for n-butanol. Mexico's booming industrial base, especially in the fields of manufacturing and construction, is strongly impacting the regional market. Investment in infrastructure development coupled with growing renovation projects is driving this sector in North America. About MarketsandMarkets Trademark MarketsandMarkets Trademark has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets Trademark is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore Trademark (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=nbutanol-market-size-estimation-future-scope-revenue-opportunities-and-forecast-by-2029 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/n-butanol-market-1089.html This release was published on openPR.

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More than 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process, but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. The ruling party pushed through a constitutional reform in September to make all federal judges stand for election, replacing the system where court employees and lawyers mainly move up through the ranks. Current court employees and their supporters have staged dozens of demonstrations against the reforms, calling them part of a ruling-party campaign to weaken checks and balances and eliminate independent regulatory and oversight bodies. Now, candidates for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships need only a law degree, a grade point average of 3.2, “five years of professional experience” and five letters of recommendation from neighbors or friends. That, and some luck in the final drawing. Officials rejected criticism that has called the process rushed or amateurish for the often highly technical posts that can hear cases including intellectual property, organized crime and Constitutional law. “The results have been spectacular,” said Arturo Zaldivar, a top advisor to President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to the plan, evaluation committees will have just over a month to review thousands of resumes and whittle the field to about 10 candidates or less for each for the 881 judgeships and nine seats on the Supreme Court. Then 1,793 names chosen at random from those selected will appear on the ballot on June 1. Critics warn that many who land on the ballot will be unknowns who perhaps have never argued a case in the courts they seek to run. “You don’t elect a doctor or a surgeon for an operation based on their popularity, you elect them based on their technical expertise, their ability, their knowledge,” said Sergio Méndez Silva, the legal coordinator for the civic group Foundation for Justice. “That also applies for a judge.” With candidates now having to run election campaigns, critics warn there's a chance drug cartels or political parties could finance them to get friendly judges onto the bench. There are also concerns that the evaluation committees deciding who makes the cut for the selection to appear on ballots may not be impartial. Most committee members were appointed by the legislative or executive branches, controlled by the ruling Morena party. Some critics argue that the current justice system, which is riddled with nepotism, corruption and a lack of accountability, needs to be changed. “We need a justice system that gives results,” said Martínez Garza, an academic and former head of the human rights commission in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon who has registered to run for a Supreme Court seat. Trials in Mexico can last for years, and the ruling party has added to the growing list of crimes for which bail is not allowed, meaning that a large percentage of the prison population is people awaiting trial.

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BEIRUT — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials claimed they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Bulldozers remove the rubble of a destroyed building Monday that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations also expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire. “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt Monday from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Destroyed buildings stand Monday in the area of a village in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because "we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire." Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were "close to a deal." "It can happen within days," he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. A member of the Israeli security forces inspects an impact site Sunday after a rocket fired from Lebanon hit an area in Rinatya, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force. Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel demands the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government says such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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NFL Week 12 injury tracker: Latest updates on Malik Nabers, Mike Evans, D'Andre Swift and others banged-upFrench President Emmanuel Macron has named François Bayrou his fourth prime minister of 2024, tasking the veteran centrist with steering the country out of its second major political crisis in the last six months. The 73-year-old was appointed nine days after parliament ousted former prime minister Michel Barnier's government in a historic no-confidence vote following a standoff over his attempts to pass a cost-cutting 2025 budget. "The president of the Republic has appointed Mr. François Bayrou as prime minister and tasked him with forming a government," the presidency said. Bayrou is the sixth prime minister of Macron's mandate, with his predecessor Barnier, France's shortest-serving premier, having lasted only three months. Three times a presidential candidate himself, in 2002, 2007 and 2012 — and long cited as an obvious choice for Macron as head of government — he finally has his chance . What is Bayrou's background? Bayrou, 73, heads the liberal Democratic Movement (MoDem) party which is allied to, but not part of, Macron's centrist force and has supported the president ever since his victorious 2017 election campaign. He was named justice minister by Macron when he took the presidency in 2017. He resigned the same year when a legal case was opened against him over the alleged fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants by his party, but remained a key behind-the-scenes ally. Bayrou was acquitted in February after the seven-year-long case, with the judge ruling that he was owed the "benefit of the doubt". His acquittal opened up a potential return to government. Bayrou has had a long and varied political career, during which he has worked with former right-wing presidents Valery Giscard d'Estaing and Jacques Chirac before backing Socialist Francois Hollande in 2012. Mayor of the southwestern city of Pau, Bayrou is a practising Catholic but also a staunch supporter of France's secular system. Source: AAP, EPA / Teresa Suarez He gained notoriety during his 2002 presidential campaign when he slapped the face of a child who tried to pick his pocket. He won less than 7 per cent of the vote and was eliminated in the first round. The father of six children, Bayrou is also the author of a biography of the 16th- and 17th-century French king Henry IV. What challenges does Bayrou face? Bayrou will have to navigate a tricky course as the sixth prime minister of Macron's presidency. Each successive premier has served for a shorter period than their predecessor and, given the composition of the National Assembly lower house, there is no guarantee that Barnier's successor will last any longer than the three months that the right-winger was in office. His immediate priority will be passing a special law to roll over the 2024 budget, with a nastier battle over the 2025 legislation looming early next year. Parliamentary pushback over Barnier's 2025 bill led to his downfall, and progressive leaders announced on Friday that they might try to topple Bayrou as well should he use special constitutional powers to ram through the budget. Source: AAP, EPA / Teresa Suarez Barnier's budget bill, which aimed for 60 billion euros ($99 billion) in savings to assuage investors increasingly concerned by France's 6 per cent deficit, was deemed too miserly by the parties on the right and left extremes. In a speech alongside Barnier on Friday, Bayrou acknowledged the challenge. "Nobody knows the difficulty of the situation better than I do ... I am not unaware of the Himalaya that stands before us," he said. "I believe that this issue, the deficit and debt, is an issue that poses a moral problem, not just a financial one." He will be tasked with holding dialogue with all political forces except the far-right National Rally (RN) and hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) parties "in order to find conditions for stability and action", a member of Macron's team said on Friday. Bayrou's proximity to the deeply unpopular Macron may prove to be a vulnerability. Source: Getty / Julien de Rosa The Socialist Party, which Macron courted during his prime ministerial search, accused the president of ignoring their demands for a leftist leader in favour of a "risky" Macronista. "We will thus not enter the government and remain in the opposition," said Boris Vallaud, the leader of the Socialists' parliamentary bloc. Reaction to Bayrou's appointment on the left will be a concern for Macron, with the prime minister likely living day to day at the mercy of the president's opponents for the foreseeable future. Leaders of France Unbowed said they would be seeking to remove Bayrou immediately, while leaders from other progressive parties took a more nuanced approach. Greens boss Marine Tondelier also said she would support a no-confidence motion if the prime minister ignored their tax and pensions concerns. Communist leader Fabien Roussel said his party would hold fire against Bayrou and decide on a case-by-case basis if he promises not to ram through legislation. Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally party, said it would not be calling for an immediate no-confidence motion, while fellow RN leader Marine Le Pen said Bayrou should listen to the opposition's budgetary wishes. Macron will hope Bayrou can stave off no-confidence votes until at least July, when France will be able to hold a new parliamentary election.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Armada Hoffler (NYSE: AHH) announced that its Board of Directors declared the cash dividend of $0.205 per common share. The fourth quarter dividend will be paid in cash on January 2, 2025, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2024. The Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.421875 per share on its 6.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock payable on January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2024. About Armada Hoffler Armada Hoffler is a vertically integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") with over four decades of experience developing, building, acquiring, and managing high-quality, institutional-grade office, retail, and multifamily properties located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. In addition to developing and building properties for its own account, the Company also provides development and general contracting construction services to third-party clients. Founded in 1979 by Daniel A. Hoffler, the Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information, visit ArmadaHoffler.com . Contact: Chelsea Forrest Armada Hoffler VP of Corp. Comms. and Investor Relations Email: CForrest@ArmadaHoffler.com Phone: (757) 366-4000Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah

ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxford Industries, Inc. (NYSE:OXM) today announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended November 2, 2024. Consolidated net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 were $308 million compared to $327 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Loss per share on a GAAP basis was $0.25 compared to net earnings per share of $0.68 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. On an adjusted basis, loss per share was $0.11 compared to net earnings per share of $1.01 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Tom Chubb, Chairman and CEO, commented, “Following a difficult third quarter, we are pleased with the beginning of the holiday season now that some recent headwinds have started to abate. The cumulative effects of several years of high inflation combined with distractions from the U.S. elections and other world events, led to less frequent and more tentative consumer spending behavior during the third quarter which is traditionally our smallest volume quarter of the year. Additionally, our most significant and important market, the Southeastern United States, was impacted by two major hurricanes in quick succession that resulted in estimated lost sales of $4 million and an estimated impact of $0.14 per share. When combined with a highly competitive and promotional environment, these headwinds led to financial performance that was weaker than expected.” Mr. Chubb concluded, “Encouragingly, consumers have responded favorably to our recent product introductions and marketing campaigns, driving a nice improvement in comp store trends once the holiday season got underway. However, due to the weaker than expected consumer environment before the election and the fourth quarter impact of the hurricanes, which we project will include an additional $3 million of lost revenue and $0.11 per share, we have lowered our fiscal 2024 sales and EPS guidance. We are confident that our business model will drive profitable growth and long-term shareholder value well into the future. We could not do this without our exceptional team of people, to whom we extend our sincere gratitude.” Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 versus Fiscal 2023 Consolidated net sales of $308 million decreased compared to sales of $327 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Full-price direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales decreased 8% to $200 million versus the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Full-price retail sales of $99 million were 6% lower than prior-year period. E-commerce sales of $101 million were 11% lower than prior-year period. Outlet sales of $17 million were 3% higher than prior-year period. Food and beverage sales were $24 million, a 4% increase versus prior-year period. Wholesale sales of $67 million were 2% lower than the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Gross margin was 63.1% on a GAAP basis, compared to 62.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to a $4 million lower LIFO accounting charge and lower discounts at Lilly Pulitzer. This was partially offset due to full-price retail and e-commerce sales representing a lower proportion of net sales at Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was with more sales occurring during promotional and clearance events. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes the effect of LIFO accounting, decreased to 63.0% compared to 64.0% on an adjusted basis in the prior-year period. SG&A was $205 million compared to $195 million last year. On an adjusted basis, SG&A was $201 million compared to $191 million in the prior-year period. The increase in SG&A was primarily driven by: Expenses related to 33 new store openings since the third quarter of fiscal 2023, including four Tommy Bahama Marlin Bars. Pre-opening expenses related to approximately five additional stores planned to open in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, including two additional Tommy Bahama Marlin Bars that are expected to open in the next few months. The addition of Jack Rogers. Royalties and other operating income of $4 million were comparable to the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Operating loss was $6 million, or (2.0%) of net sales, compared to operating income of $14 million, or 4.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. On an adjusted basis, operating income decreased to an operating loss of $3 million, or (1.1%) of net sales, compared to operating income of $21 million, or 6.6% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The decreased operating income includes the impact of decreased net sales and increased SG&A as the Company continues to invest in the business. Interest expense decreased from $1 million in the prior year period. The decreased interest expense was primarily due to a lower average outstanding debt balance during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 than the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Due to lower earnings during the third quarter as compared to our other fiscal quarters, certain discrete or other items have a more pronounced impact on the effective tax rate. Our effective income tax rate of 42.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 included the impact of discrete, favorable US federal return-to-provision adjustments primarily related to an increase in the research and development tax credit and certain adjustments to the US taxation on foreign earnings. For the third quarter of fiscal 2023, our effective income tax rate of 18.6% included the favorable utilization of the research and development tax credit and adjustments to the US taxation on foreign earnings which reduced the effective tax rate. Balance Sheet and Liquidity Inventory decreased $3 million, or 2%, on a LIFO basis and increased $2 million, or 1%, on a FIFO basis compared to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Inventory balances were comparable in all operating groups. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, cash flow from operations was $104 million compared to $169 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The cash flow from operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, along with borrowings of $29 million, provided sufficient cash to fund $92 million of capital expenditures and $33 million of dividends. During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, long-term debt decreased to $58 million compared to $66 million of borrowings outstanding at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 as cash flow from operations exceeded increased capital expenditures primarily associated with the project to build a new distribution center in Lyons, Georgia, payments of dividends and working capital requirements. The Company had $7 million of cash and cash equivalents versus $8 million of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Dividend The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.67 per share. The dividend is payable on January 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 17, 2025. The Company has paid dividends every quarter since it became publicly owned in 1960. Outlook For fiscal 2024 ending on February 1, 2025, the Company revised its sales and EPS guidance. The Company now expects net sales in a range of $1.50 billion to $1.52 billion as compared to net sales of $1.57 billion in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, GAAP EPS is expected to be between $5.78 and $5.98 compared to fiscal 2023 GAAP EPS of $3.82. Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $6.50 and $6.70, compared to fiscal 2023 adjusted EPS of $10.15. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company expects net sales to be between $375 million and $395 million compared to net sales of $404 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. GAAP EPS is expected to be between $1.02 and $1.22 in the fourth quarter compared to a GAAP loss per share of $3.85 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 that included noncash impairment charges totaling $114 million, or $5.31 per share. Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $1.18 and $1.38 compared to adjusted EPS of $1.90 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The Company anticipates interest expense of $3 million in fiscal 2024, with interest expense expected to be $1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The Company’s effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 23% for the full year of fiscal 2024. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2024, including the $92 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, are expected to be approximately $150 million compared to $74 million in fiscal 2023. The planned year-over-year increase in capital expenditures includes approximately $75 million now budgeted in fiscal 2024 for the distribution center project in Lyons, Georgia. Additionally, we have been investing in new brick and mortar locations, relocations and remodels of existing locations resulting in a year-over-year net increase of full price stores of approximately 30 by the end of fiscal 2024, which includes approximately five planned to open in the fourth quarter of the year. We will also continue with our investments in our various technology systems initiatives, including e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities, data management and analytics, customer data and insights, cybersecurity, automation, including artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. Conference Call The Company will hold a conference call with senior management to discuss its financial results at 4:30 p.m. ET today. A live web cast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website at www.oxfordinc.com. A replay of the call will be available through December 25, 2024 by dialing (412) 317-6671 access code 13750235. About Oxford Oxford Industries, Inc., a leader in the apparel industry, owns and markets the distinctive Tommy Bahama ® , Lilly Pulitzer ® , Johnny Was®, Southern Tide ® , The Beaufort Bonnet Company ® , Duck Head ® and Jack Rogers ® lifestyle brands. Oxford's stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 1964 under the symbol OXM. For more information, please visit Oxford's website at www.oxfordinc.com. Basis of Presentation All per share information is presented on a diluted basis. Non-GAAP Financial Information The Company reports its consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). To supplement these consolidated financial results, management believes that a presentation and discussion of certain financial measures on an adjusted basis, which exclude certain non-operating or discrete gains, charges or other items, may provide a more meaningful basis on which investors may compare the Company’s ongoing results of operations between periods. These measures include adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted SG&A, and adjusted operating income, among others. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operational, and planning decisions to evaluate the Company’s ongoing performance. Management also uses these adjusted financial measures to discuss its business with investment and other financial institutions, its board of directors and others. Reconciliations of these adjusted measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP are presented in tables included at the end of this release. Safe Harbor This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. We intend for all forward-looking statements contained herein, in our press releases or on our website, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf, to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, demand for our products, which may be impacted by macroeconomic factors that may impact consumer discretionary spending and pricing levels for apparel and related products, many of which may be impacted by inflationary pressures, elevated interest rates, concerns about the stability of the banking industry or general economic uncertainty, and the effectiveness of measures to mitigate the impact of these factors; possible changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including, but not limited to, Federal Reserve policies in connection with continued inflationary pressures and the impact of the recent elections in the United States; competitive conditions and/or evolving consumer shopping patterns, particularly in a highly promotional retail environment; acquisition activities (such as the acquisition of Johnny Was), including our ability to integrate key functions, recognize anticipated synergies and minimize related disruptions or distractions to our business as a result of these activities; supply chain disruptions; changes in trade policies and regulations, including the potential for increases or changes in duties, current and potentially new tariffs or quotas; costs and availability of labor and freight deliveries, including our ability to appropriately staff our retail stores and food & beverage locations; costs of products as well as the raw materials used in those products, as well as our ability to pass along price increases to consumers; energy costs; our ability to respond to rapidly changing consumer expectations; unseasonal or extreme weather conditions or natural disasters, such as the September and October 2024 hurricanes impacting the Southeastern United States; lack of or insufficient insurance coverage; the ability of business partners, including suppliers, vendors, wholesale customers, licensees, logistics providers and landlords, to meet their obligations to us and/or continue our business relationship to the same degree as they have historically; retention of and disciplined execution by key management and other critical personnel; cybersecurity breaches and ransomware attacks, as well as our and our third party vendors’ ability to properly collect, use, manage and secure business, consumer and employee data and maintain continuity of our information technology systems; the effectiveness of our advertising initiatives in defining, launching and communicating brand-relevant customer experiences; the level of our indebtedness, including the risks associated with heightened interest rates on the debt and the potential impact on our ability to operate and expand our business; the timing of shipments requested by our wholesale customers; fluctuations and volatility in global financial and/or real estate markets; our ability to identify and secure suitable locations for new retail store and food & beverage openings; the timing and cost of retail store and food & beverage location openings and remodels, technology implementations and other capital expenditures; the timing, cost and successful implementation of changes to our distribution network; the effectiveness of recent, focused efforts to reassess and realign our operating costs in light of revenue trends, including potential disruptions to our operations as a result of these efforts; pandemics or other public health crises; expected outcomes of pending or potential litigation and regulatory actions; the increased consumer, employee and regulatory focus on sustainability issues and practices, including failures by our suppliers to adhere to our vendor code of conduct; the regulation or prohibition of goods sourced, or containing raw materials or components, from certain regions and our ability to evidence compliance; access to capital and/or credit markets; factors that could affect our consolidated effective tax rate; the risk of impairment to goodwill and other intangible assets such as the recent impairment charges incurred in our Johnny Was segment; and geopolitical risks, including ongoing challenges between the United States and China and those related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war and the conflict in the Red Sea region. Forward-looking statements reflect our expectations at the time such forward-looking statements are made, based on information available at such time, and are not guarantees of performance. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations could prove inaccurate as such statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or other risks or uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial, materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Important factors relating to these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in our Fiscal 2023 Form 10-K, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC. We caution that one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We disclaim any intention, obligation or duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

In a groundbreaking development for gamers, the much-anticipated “Monster Hunter Wilds” is now available on Game Pass, marking a significant evolution in gaming accessibility and technology trends. This news is a game-changer for both the franchise and its fan base, ensuring that millions can dive into the immersive world of monster hunting without the barrier of additional costs. Game Pass and Monster Hunter: A Perfect Duo The inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass is not just about wider accessibility; it signifies a strategic partnership that brings enormous value to subscribers. Game Pass, known for its expansive library and cost-effective model, is reinforcing its position as the go-to service for gamers seeking variety and innovation. Meanwhile, for Capcom, this collaboration introduces “Monster Hunter Wilds” to a potentially vast new audience, ensuring a fresh influx of players ready to explore, battle, and strategize in the untamed wilderness. Advanced Technology and Future Prospects “Monster Hunter Wilds” leverages cutting-edge technology to create rich and dynamic ecosystems, pushing the boundaries of what players can experience. With the power of modern consoles and the convenience of Game Pass, the game offers a seamless and breathtaking journey. Looking ahead, this move heralds a future where major releases will increasingly be accessible through subscription services, reshaping the landscape of the gaming industry. In essence, the inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass underscores a future where accessibility and innovation coalesce, setting a new standard for how games can reach players worldwide. “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass: A New Era for Subscription Gaming The inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” in Microsoft’s Game Pass is more than just an expansion of game libraries—it’s a strategic pivot that reflects broader trends within the gaming industry. This move caters to a growing demand for flexible, cost-effective gaming solutions, laying the groundwork for a transformation in how gamers access top-tier titles. Pros and Cons of Game Pass for Gamers and Developers From the gamer’s perspective, Game Pass offers unparalleled value. For a monthly fee, subscribers gain access to a vast array of games, including “Monster Hunter Wilds,” which would otherwise require a large upfront investment. This model reduces the financial barrier to accessing new games and encourages players to try titles they might not have purchased outright. For developers, however, the subscription model presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows for immediate exposure to a large audience, which can significantly boost initial engagement and word-of-mouth promotion. On the other hand, the revenue generated through subscriptions can be lower compared to traditional sales, making the financial outcomes uncertain. Comparing Game Pass to Other Subscription Services Game Pass stands out in the competitive landscape of gaming subscriptions with its extensive catalog and integration across Xbox and PC platforms. It offers more than just access—it includes exclusive discounts and bundled content, enhancing the overall user experience. When compared to Sony’s PlayStation Plus or EA Play, Game Pass consistently broadens its appeal by featuring first-day releases and big-name titles like “Monster Hunter Wilds.” Market Insights and Trends in Subscription Gaming The gaming industry is witnessing a shift as more consumers prioritize convenience and value over ownership. Subscription services like Game Pass are expected to dominate the market, with analysts predicting significant growth in the coming years. This model aligns with broader trends in digital consumption, similar to platforms like Netflix or Spotify, suggesting a move towards a future where gamers access rather than own. Sustainability and Innovations in Gaming Access With sustainability becoming an integral concern, the digital nature of Game Pass and similar services offers an eco-friendly alternative to physical copies, reducing packaging waste. Additionally, innovations in cloud gaming, such as enhanced streaming capabilities, are poised to further revolutionize how content is delivered, offering seamless play without hefty downloads. Security Aspects and the Future of Game Distribution Security remains paramount in digital gaming, and services like Game Pass employ robust mechanisms to ensure user data is protected. As gaming communities grow and evolve, maintaining secure platforms will be crucial to fostering trust and reliability. The partnership between “Monster Hunter Wilds” and Game Pass not only enriches the gaming experience but also showcases the evolving dynamics of game distribution. This collaboration sets the stage for future innovations in accessibility and game delivery methods, underscoring the vital role subscription services will play in shaping the gaming world.By JILL COLVIN NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. Related Articles National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game National Politics | About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.