CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Jayden Reid led South Florida with 14 points, including the game-winning jumper as time expired, and the Bulls defeated Wright State 73-72 on Sunday to claim third place at the Myrtle Beach Invitational tournament. Reid finished 6 of 9 from the field for the Bulls (4-3). Jamille Reynolds added 13 points while finishing 6 of 11 from the floor while he also had 14 rebounds and three blocks. Kobe Knox went 4 of 9 from the field (1 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points. The Raiders (4-4) were led by Jack Doumbia, who posted 18 points and 10 rebounds. Solomon Callaghan added 15 points and seven rebounds for Wright State. Alex Huibregste finished with 12 points. Kasen Jennings scored seven points in the first half and South Florida went into the break trailing 34-32. Reynolds scored 10 second-half points. South Florida outscored Wright State by three points over the final half. NEXT UP South Florida plays Tuesday against Stetson at home, and Wright State hosts Air Force on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .ASX to climb on US rate cut bets; Nasdaq hits record - The Australian Financial Review
Metro Transit spending $12 million to boost security, cleanliness on Twin Cities light rail and busesSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn't improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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Shares of retail giant Costco Wholesale ( COST -0.87% ) jumped 11.2% during November, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . The company reported monthly sales results early in the month and that's all the encouragement that investors needed to send the stock to an all-time high approaching $1,000 per share. Costco's sales results for October were released on Nov. 6, showing a 7% increase from October 2023. Interestingly, management believes that sales would have been up by an even higher amount. But hurricane preparations in September pulled some sales forward. While a single-digit increase might not seem like much, Costco is one of the biggest businesses in the world with annual sales in excess of $250 billion . Therefore, gaining even a single percentage point translates to billions of dollars. Costco stock has been one of the best performing stocks of the past decade with shares up nearly 600%. And it's also been a great performer in 2024, considering the stock is up 49% year to date as of this writing. And with ongoing strong sales results, investors are reluctant to sell. More all-time highs than one Costco's stock price is hitting all-time highs but so is its valuation. The company went public nearly 40 years ago. But at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 60, Costco stock has never been more expensive than it is right now, as the chart below shows. COST PE Ratio data by YCharts. In fact, the P/E ratio for Costco stock is more than double its all-time average, which is definitely something that investors today need to take into account when making decisions to buy or sell shares. How should investors process this? In investing, there are various risks, including competition, new technologies, and changing regulations. But valuation can also present a risk. If investors today pay more than Costco is worth, they risk seeing little return on their investment even if the business performs well. This is the only pressing risk that I see with an investment in Costco stock today. And that provides a measure of comfort. Consider that the business uses a membership-based model. And right now, retention rates are high, new members are signing up, and the average age of its members is getting younger, which are all really good signs for the long-term health of the business. For this reason, I find it unlikely that Costco would post financial results bad enough to sink shares back down to more reasonable valuations. It's more likely that shares won't pull back unless there's a broad market decline. If I were a shareholder, I'd take comfort in knowing that the business is as solid as ever, and October financial results showed that. Moreover, the company just released its net sales for November, showing another 6% sales jump. So I wouldn't necessarily consider selling. That said, for those looking to buy Costco stock, it may be prudent to wait for a better price with the valuation now at unprecedented levels.
Syria's Druze hope for better future without Assad
WHEELING, W.Va. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. ("WesBanco") (Nasdaq: WSBC ) and Premier Financial Corp. ("Premier") (Nasdaq: PFC ) today announced that WesBanco's shareholders and Premier's shareholders have each voted overwhelmingly to adopt and approve, as applicable, all proposals relating to the previously announced merger agreement for WesBanco to acquire Premier. The votes were held at the respective special meetings of WesBanco's shareholders and Premier's shareholders today. Approximately 85% of the votes cast at WesBanco's special meeting voted to approve the merger and to approve the proposal to issue shares of WesBanco common stock as described in the joint proxy statement/prospectus for the special meeting, and approximately 68% of the outstanding shares of Premier common stock voted to approve the proposal to adopt the merger agreement. "Shareholder approval is a key milestone that reflects strong confidence in the opportunities this merger creates for our communities, customers, employees and shareholders," said Jeff Jackson , President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco. "With this step complete, we look forward to receiving the required regulatory approvals and then scheduling the closing of the merger, so we can bring our community commitment and the resources of a stronger organization to all of our communities." With the completion of this critical milestone, the companies believe the merger is on track to close during the first quarter of 2025. The transaction remains subject to the completion of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The merger will create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale, and strong pro forma profitability metrics. With complementary and contiguous geographic footprints, the combined company would be the 8th largest bank in Ohio , based on deposit market share, have increased presence in Indiana , and serve customers in nine states. About WesBanco, Inc. With over 150 years as a community-focused, regional financial services partner, WesBanco Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC ) and its subsidiaries build lasting prosperity through relationships and solutions that empower our customers for success in their financial journeys. Customers across our eight-state footprint choose WesBanco for the comprehensive range and personalized delivery of our retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services, all designed to advance their financial goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia , WesBanco has $18.5 billion in total assets, with our Trust and Investment Services holding $6.1 billion of assets under management and securities account values (including annuities) of $1.9 billion through our broker/dealer, as of September 30, 2024 . Learn more at www.wesbanco.com and follow @WesBanco on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. About Premier Financial Corp. Premier Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: PFC ), headquartered in Defiance, Ohio , is the holding company for Premier Bank. Premier Bank, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio , operates 73 branches and nine loan offices in Ohio , Michigan , Indiana and Pennsylvania and also serves clients through a team of wealth professionals dedicated to each community banking branch. For more information, visit Premier's website at www.PremierFinCorp.com . Matters set forth in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements, including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, and including statements about the benefits of the proposed Merger between WesBanco and Premier, that are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those contained or implied by such statements for a variety of factors including: the effects of changing regional and national economic conditions, changes in interest rates, spreads on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and associated interest rate sensitivity; sources of liquidity available to WesBanco and its related subsidiary operations; potential future credit losses and the credit risk of commercial, real estate, and consumer loan customers and their borrowing activities; actions of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Institution Regulatory Authority, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Securities Investors Protection Corporation, and other regulatory bodies; potential legislative and federal and state regulatory actions and reform, including, without limitation, the impact of the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act; adverse decisions of federal and state courts; fraud , scams and schemes of third parties; cyber-security breaches; competitive conditions in the financial services industry; rapidly changing technology affecting financial services; marketability of debt instruments and corresponding impact on fair value adjustments; and/or other external developments materially impacting WesBanco's operational and financial performance, the businesses of the WesBanco and Premier may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected; the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from the proposed Merger may not be fully realized within the expected timeframes; disruption from the proposed Merger may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with clients, associates, or suppliers; the required governmental approvals of the proposed Merger may not be obtained on the expected terms and schedule; changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of other business strategies; the nature, extent, and timing of governmental actions and reforms; and extended disruption of vital infrastructure; and other factors described in WesBanco's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Premier's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and documents subsequently filed by WesBanco and Premier with the SEC. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available at the time of the release. Neither WesBanco nor Premier assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. SOURCE WesBanco, Inc.
CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 23 points as Central Arkansas beat UNC Asheville 92-83 in double overtime on Sunday. Jordan Morris made two free throws with one second left for UNC Asheville (2-3) to force overtime tied at 71. Fletcher Abee's 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the first overtime tied the game at 79 and led to the second extra period. Michael Evbagharu's layup gave Central Arkansas (2-4) the lead in the second OT and Cato followed with a 3-pointer as the Bears outscored the Bulldogs 21-12 to pull out the victory. Cato added nine rebounds for the Bears. Layne Taylor totaled 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Brayden Fagbemi pitched in with 19 points, seven assists and five steals. The Bulldogs (2-3) were led by Fletcher Abee, who recorded 27 points. UNC Asheville also got 17 points from Josh Banks. Toyaz Solomon finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press
Trump’s Tariffs on Canada, Mexico Signal Focus on North American Free Trade AgreementA new draft proposal at COP29, the UN climate talks, suggests that rich nations commit $250 billion annually to help developing countries combat global warming. This proposal, presented on Friday by the host country Azerbaijan, is seen as a critical effort to break the deadlock after two weeks of intense negotiations. However, it has faced backlash from developing nations and climate activists who argue that the figure is insufficient to address the rapidly escalating climate crisis. The proposed deal aims to raise at least $250 billion per year from wealthy nations by 2035, as part of a broader target to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually from both public and private sources. This would support developing nations in their efforts to cut emissions and adapt to climate change. It is the first time concrete numbers have been proposed in the ongoing discussions at COP29, following years of debate about financial commitments. However, the proposed target has been met with strong criticism, particularly from African nations and climate activists who argue that the figure falls far short of what is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and prevent further climate catastrophe. Ali Mohamed , chair of the African Group of Negotiators, labeled the proposal “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing that the funds would be inadequate to meet the pressing needs of vulnerable nations. Friederike Roder , from activist group Global Citizen, echoed similar concerns, calling the proposal “inadequate” and “outrageously below the needs of developing countries.” Jasper Inventor of Greenpeace also criticized the target as “divorced from the reality of climate impacts.” The African Group and other developing countries had previously pushed for a much larger commitment— $500 billion per year —to address climate change more effectively. They argue that the $250 billion figure would lead to significant loss of life, particularly in Africa, and undermine global efforts to mitigate climate change. While the U.S. and other developed countries, including the European Union, have signaled that the proposed figure is more politically feasible, they emphasize the role of the private sector in contributing to climate finance. The European Union, for example, has advocated for emerging economies like China to contribute more to the global climate finance goal. Azerbaijan, hosting the summit, defended the $250 billion figure, stating that it reflects the commitments made by wealthy nations during negotiations and that they are working on “final adjustments” to address outstanding issues. The COP29 summit has also been marked by frustrations over Azerbaijan’s leadership. The country, heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, has faced criticism for its handling of the talks. Some delegates have expressed a sense of “complete frustration” with the process, citing a lack of effective leadership and clear direction. Mohamed Adow , speaking on behalf of the Climate Action Network , called it “the worst COP in recent memory,” and other critics agree that no deal may be better than a bad deal for developing nations. Another major issue dividing nations at COP29 is the treatment of fossil fuels. While many countries agree that global efforts must focus on phasing out coal, oil, and gas, Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing nations have resisted efforts to target specific sectors like fossil fuels in the climate deal. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called out Saudi Arabia for trying to “turn back the clock” on commitments made at last year’s COP28. The talks at COP29 come at a time when the world is experiencing unprecedented climate impacts. Deadly storms have ravaged the Philippines and Honduras, while Ecuador faces a national emergency due to severe drought and wildfires. Meanwhile, Spain has been devastated by historic floods, highlighting the urgent need for concrete climate action. The ongoing discussions at COP29 have exposed the deep divides between developed and developing nations on the issue of climate finance. While rich countries defend the proposed $250 billion target, many in the Global South argue that this amount is not enough to address the scale of the climate crisis. As the talks draw to a close, the world waits to see if negotiators can reach a meaningful agreement that adequately supports vulnerable nations in their fight against climate change.Rape allegation against Jay-Z will not affect NFL relationship, says chief
TOM UTLEY: The infuriating reason every Christmas at the Utleys begins with smiles... and ends with blood on the carpet By TOM UTLEY FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 23:22 GMT, 5 December 2024 | Updated: 23:40 GMT, 5 December 2024 e-mail View comments The numbers get bigger every year, as our ever-growing family squashes round the table in a house that comfortably seats only six. Otherwise, it’s always the same in the Utley household, as Christmas Day draws to its close. After weeks of planning and shopping for presents and food, the lunchtime banquet that has kept my wife busy since the first glimmer of dawn is over at last, having stretched well into the evening. The plates and the worst of the debris have been cleared away. Now that blissful moment arrives when the youngest, exhausted after all the excitement, are bathed and tucked up in the travel-cots and camp beds that cover every square inch of spare floor space upstairs. At long last we adults, bloated and slightly sozzled, can top up our glasses, put our feet up in front of the telly and enjoy a little peace. Except we never can. For every Christmas, without fail, this is the moment a blasted son or a daughter-in-law chooses to bang on the table and issue the order: ‘OK, let’s play a game!’ Spoilsport At this, every fibre of my being groans. But all my pleas for mercy are overruled. ‘Come on, Dad. Don’t be a spoilsport. We need you to make up our team.’ Holidays and celebration concept -multi generations family having christmas dinner at home, drinking red wine and clinking glasses. No game played by the Utleys at Christmas, when we’re all full of turkey and booze, can ever be described as civilised, writes Tom Utley (Stock photo) This week Matter said that 63 per cent of families at Christmas have taken part in an initially friendly board game that soon became much less so (Stock photo) It’s not that I have any fundamental objection to the parlour and board games beloved of our four sons and their other halves. Indeed, I quite enjoy a civilised game of Charades , Boggle, Scrabble, Articulate or even Trivial Pursuit (though only when I win). What’s more, I’m proud to say that I was president of the chess club at school. It’s just that no game played by the Utleys at Christmas, when we’re all full of turkey and booze, can ever be described as civilised. The trouble is that apart from Mrs U, every one of my immediate family is fiercely competitive. (If you’re wondering where they get it from, I’m ashamed to say that I gave up playing chess after son number two started beating me; he was only eight at the time, and I just couldn’t bear the humiliation.) This means that whichever game our young insist on playing, it is sure to spark bitter recriminations and wild allegations of cheating, with all of us accusing our opponents of making up the rules as they go along. A day that began with smiles all round, and speeches of rapturous thanks for presents of novelty socks that we will never wear, is all but guaranteed to end with blood on the carpet. This week, a survey confirms that in that respect, my lot are far from unique. Having questioned more than 2,000 Britons, researchers commissioned by Mattel , the toy and games company, find that 63 per cent of us have taken part in an initially friendly board game that soon became much less so. Even more, 73 per cent, admit that games bring out their competitive side, with 23 per cent describing themselves as ‘extremely competitive’. Meanwhile, 46 per cent complain of cheating by friends or relatives, with more than a third saying that arguments have led to games being abandoned altogether. 73 per cent, admit that games bring out their competitive side, with 23 per cent describing themselves as ‘extremely competitive’ (Stock photo) 46 per cent complain of cheating by friends or relatives, with more than a third saying that arguments have led to games being abandoned altogether (Stock photo) The only surprise to me is that those figures are quite so low. To pick the obvious example, I can’t remember a single game of Monopoly that my family has played through to the end. Ever since our boys first learned to play it, our games have had to be abandoned half-way through, when one or other of them has left the room in a huff or hurled the board and all its pieces onto the floor. For months afterwards, miniature silver irons, green houses and red hotels would turn up behind the radiator or under the sofa. Unfamiliar As for the guessing games loved by my children and their partners, I fear I’m often the first to stir up acrimony by complaining furiously of foul play. Take the game that involves working out the name of a celebrity, living or dead, chosen by an opponent and stuck unseen to one’s forehead. How the devil is an old buffer like me expected to have heard of obscure American rappers, Second Division football managers or contestants on Love Island? I reckon it affronts the spirit of Christmas to choose a name unfamiliar to some of the players – and I’m never afraid to say so, at the top of my voice. Read More Playing family board games can lead to arguments and full-on relationship breakdowns So what if my opponents haven’t heard of the celebrity I’ve chosen – a junior minister in Margaret Thatcher’s government, say, or a former editor of the Financial Times? I say they jolly well ought to have done. And if they haven’t, well, don’t they deserve a taste of their own medicine? Before you know it, we’re all at each other’s throats. Then there’s the infuriating moment in the middle of a board game, when a daughter-in-law suddenly announces a house rule, known only to her. ‘Sorry. The way we’ve always played it in my family is that you lose a turn when you throw a double two.’ It’s no good pointing out that it says nothing about that in the official rule-book. A full-blown barney invariably ensues. But it’s worst of all when someone insists on playing a brand-new board game, unwrapped earlier in the day, which none of us has played before. In even my most sober moments, I find it increasingly hard these days to remember the rules of any game we may have played at our last family gathering, only a few weeks earlier. Maddening As for trying to master a completely new game, in my befuddled state after Christmas lunch, I find it all but impossible. Is it just me, or do rules become ever more complicated as the years go by? The truly maddening thing is that our sons and the mothers of our grandchildren seem to grasp those rules as soon as someone reads them aloud. Meanwhile, I’m still floundering after reading them again and again. ‘Don’t be an idiot, Dad. How many times do I have to tell you that you can only move three squares forward if the matrix card is in the ascendant and the arrow on the buzzle is pointing to the spy-circle?’ But you must forgive me if I sound a little jaded. My excuse is that to mark my birthday last week, my darling wife took it into her head to prepare a sit-down lunch for 24 people – 19 of them called Utley – though some of the young had to stand. So it was that, while Mrs U shopped and cooked, I spent much of the week shifting furniture and erecting fold-away tables and camp beds, before dismantling them all when the last of our guests left on Sunday. But since it’s our turn to do Christmas again this year, they’ll be back in force before the month is out, and we’ll have to go through the whole exhausting business again. Just one observation. My birthday lunch seemed to pass in perfect domestic harmony, from beginning to end, with a good time had by all. Could this have had something to do with the miracle that, on this occasion, we were spared any organised games? In the name of peace and goodwill to all men, is it too much to hope that the young will show similar mercy on December 25? 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