Musk and Ramaswamy have their work cut out for themThousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Rolling blackouts plague Iran and some suspect bitcoin mining may have a role in the outages TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s capital and outlying provinces have faced rolling power blackouts for weeks in October and November, with electricity cuts disrupting people’s lives and businesses. And while there are likely several factors involved, some suspect that cryptocurrency mining has has a role in the outages. Iran's economy has been hobbled for years by international sanctions over its advancing nuclear program. The demand on the grid has not let up, however — even when Iranians stopped using air conditioners as the weather cooled in the fall and before winter months require people to fire up their gas heaters. Coincidence or not, bitcoin’s value is rocketing to all-time highs. McKinsey & Company agrees to pay $650M for helping Purdue Pharma boost opioid sales BOSTON (AP) — McKinsey & Company consulting firm has agreed to pay $650 million to settle a federal investigation into its work for opioids manufacturer Purdue Pharma, according to court papers filed in Virginia. McKinsey has also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve criminal charges, including that it conspired with Purdue Pharma to aid in the misbranding of prescription drugs. A former McKinsey senior partner has also agreed to plead guilty to obstruction of justice charges, according to the court papers. McKinsey said in a statement on Friday that it’s “deeply sorry” for its work for Purdue Pharma. Yankees to acquire closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Chad Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams and cash from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.Broadcom's AI Chip Leadership Puts Pressure on Nvidia and Marvell, Analysts Say
Entrepreneur Marc Lore on ‘founder mode,’ bad hires, and why avoiding risk is deadly
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Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow recordOklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris, a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago. “Fred Harris showed us what is possible when we lead with both heart and principle. He worked to ensure everyone had a voice and a seat at the table,” said Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Harris appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this year as a guest speaker for the Oklahoma delegation, where he reflected on progress and unity. "Standing alongside him in Chicago this summer was a reminder of how his legacy continues to inspire,” Andrews said. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma and the DNC, said that there is no one else in public service whom she admired more than the former senator. “He was a friend, a mentor, a hero and my True North. Oklahoma and America have lost a powerful advocate and voice,” Free said in a statement. “His work for Indian Country will always be remembered.” Sen. Fred Harris of Oklahoma at a Democratic party commission meeting on March 1, 1969, in Washington. Credit: AP “Senator Harris truly was an Oklahoma treasure and was ahead of his time in so many ways,” said Jeff Berrong, whose grandfather served in the state Senate with Harris. “He never forgot where he came from and he always remained focused on building a society that would provide equality of opportunity for all.” Harris served eight years in the state Senate before he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served another eight years before his 1976 presidential campaign. State party leaders commemorated his work on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, or the Kerner Commission, to investigate the 1960s riots. Harris was the last surviving member of the commission. Shortly after his presidential campaign, Harris left politics and moved to New Mexico and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. —- Former Oklahoma Sen. Fred Harris stands outside his Corrales, N.M., home, Friday, July 23, 2004. Credit: AP/Jake Schoellkopf Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Q3 Sales and operating results better than guidance Q3 Sales increase of 7% represents sequential improvement for the fifth consecutive quarter Raises full year 2024 outlook and provides fourth quarter guidance REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Victoria’s Secret & Co. (“Victoria’s Secret” or the “Company”) (NYSE: VSCO) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended November 2, 2024. Chief Executive Officer Hillary Super commented, “I am very encouraged by the strength of our third quarter business and the positive, early customer response to our holiday merchandise assortments. Sales increased 7% for the quarter, with mid-single digit growth in North America and 20+% growth from our International business. Our sales performance was well ahead of our expectations, and our best quarterly sales growth since 2021. Our strength for the quarter was broad based across all regions, all channels, all major merchandise categories and importantly all brands - Victoria’s Secret, PINK and Adore Me - were up to last year. We won the major moments during the quarter, starting with PINK back to campus in August, followed by our VSX sport launch in September and finishing the quarter with the return of the VS Fashion Show in October. I am particularly optimistic because these results were powered by emotional products she loves and clear, elevated brand marketing and storytelling. Our strength in sales and disciplined inventory management translated to strong margins which were up to last year, and our teams continue to be relentless on controlling costs in our business. I want to thank our VS&Co team whose passion for our brands and commitment to our customers and our transformation fueled these results. It was a great quarter for me to have joined the company and a great quarter to be on the VS&Co team.” Hillary continued, “We are excited to see our momentum from the third quarter continue through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Our merchandise offering and giftable product assortments are resonating with the customer and driving traffic both in stores and online. The strong product acceptance supported by our best-in-mall store experience and dozens of digital enhancements are driving solid conversion and basket size. As I travel with the teams, I have observed that our stores are often the busiest in the mall and am particularly impressed with how we continue to serve and engage our customers.” Third Quarter 2024 Results The Company reported net sales of $1.347 billion for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 7% compared to net sales of $1.265 billion for the third quarter of 2023 and above our previously communicated guidance range of a net sales increase of low-single digits. Total comparable sales for the third quarter of 2024 increased 3%. The Company reported a net loss of $56 million, or $0.71 per share for the third quarter of 2024. This result compares to a net loss of $71 million, or $0.92 per share for the third quarter of 2023. Third quarter 2024 operating loss was $47 million compared to $67 million in the third quarter of 2023. Excluding the impact of the items described at the conclusion of this press release, third quarter 2024 adjusted net loss was $39 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, which was better than our previously communicated range of an adjusted net loss of $0.60 to $0.80 per share and better than last year’s third quarter adjusted net loss of $66 million, or $0.86 per share. Third quarter 2024 adjusted operating loss of $28 million was favorable to our previously communicated guidance of an adjusted operating loss in the range of $40 to $60 million, and last year’s third quarter adjusted operating loss of $60 million. Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Outlook The Company is raising its full year outlook and is now forecasting net sales for the 52-week fiscal year 2024 to be up approximately 1% to 2%, compared to prior guidance of down approximately 1%, to a comparative 52-weeks from fiscal year 2023. The Company estimated the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2023 represented approximately $80 million in net sales. At this forecasted level of sales, adjusted operating income for fiscal year 2024 is now expected to be in the range of $315 million to $345 million, or favorable to prior guidance of $275 million to $300 million. The Company is forecasting net sales for the 13-week fourth quarter 2024 to increase approximately 2% to 4% to a comparative 13-weeks from the fourth quarter of 2023. At this forecasted level of sales, adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter of 2024 is expected to be in the range of $240 million to $270 million. Adjusted net income per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024 is estimated to be in the range of $2.00 to $2.30. Forecasted adjusted operating income and adjusted net income per diluted share for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 exclude the financial impact of purchase accounting items related to the Adore Me acquisition, including expense (income) related to changes in the estimated fair value of contingent consideration and performance-based payments, as well as the amortization of intangible assets. The Company is not able to provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted operating income or adjusted net income per diluted share to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because the Company is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate reconciliation or estimation of certain reconciling items without unreasonable effort, due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting the timing of, and quantifying, the various purchase accounting items that are necessary for such reconciliation. Quarterly Earnings Conference Call Victoria’s Secret & Co. will conduct its third quarter earnings call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern on Friday, December 6, 2024. To listen, call 1-800-619-9066 (international dial-in number: 1-212-519-0836); conference ID 5358727. For an audio replay, call 1-800-839-1334 (international replay number: 1-203-369-3831); conference ID 2485654 or log onto www.victoriassecretandco.com . The materials accompanying the earnings call have been posted on the Investors section of the Company’s website. The audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. About Victoria’s Secret & Co. Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSCO) is a specialty retailer of modern, fashion-inspired collections including signature bras, panties, lingerie, casual sleepwear, athleisure and swim, as well as award-winning prestige fragrances and body care. VS&Co is comprised of market leading brands, Victoria’s Secret and PINK, that share a common purpose of supporting women in all they do, and Adore Me, a technology-led, digital first innovative intimates brand serving women of all sizes and budgets at all phases of life. We are committed to empowering our more than 30,000 associates across a global footprint of 1,380 retail stores in nearly 70 countries. We strive to provide the best products to help women express their confidence, sexiness and power and use our platform to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of women’s experiences. Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this press release or made by us, our management, or our spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements, and any future performance or financial results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our future operating results, the implementation and impact of our strategic plans, and our ability to meet environmental, social, and governance goals. Words such as “estimate,” “commit,” “will,” “target,” “goal,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “strive,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue,” “potential” and any similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, could affect our results of operations and financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements: we may not realize all of the expected benefits of the spin-off from Bath & Body Works, Inc. (f/k/a L Brands, Inc.); general economic conditions, inflation, and changes in consumer confidence and consumer spending patterns; market disruptions including pandemics or significant health hazards, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events; our ability to successfully implement our strategic plan; difficulties arising from turnover in company leadership or other key positions; our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified associates and manage labor-related costs; our dependence on traffic to our stores and the availability of suitable store locations on satisfactory terms; our ability to successfully operate and expand internationally and related risks; the operations and performance of our franchisees, licensees, wholesalers and joint venture partners; our ability to successfully operate and grow our direct channel business; our ability to protect our reputation and the image and value of our brands; our ability to attract customers with marketing, advertising and promotional programs; the highly competitive nature of the retail industry and the segments in which we operate; consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to manage the life cycle of our brands, remain current with fashion trends, and develop and launch new merchandise, product lines and brands successfully; our ability to realize the potential benefits and synergies sought with the acquisition of AdoreMe, Inc.; our ability to incorporate artificial intelligence into our business operations successfully and ethically while effectively managing the associated risks; our ability to source materials and produce, distribute and sell merchandise on a global basis, including risks related to: political instability and geopolitical conflicts; environmental hazards and natural disasters; significant health hazards and pandemics; delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts; and disruption due to labor disputes; our geographic concentration of production and distribution facilities in central Ohio and Southeast Asia; the ability of our vendors to manufacture and deliver products in a timely manner, meet quality standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations; fluctuations in freight, product input and energy costs; our and our third-party service providers’ ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data and system availability; our ability to maintain the security of customer, associate, third-party and company information; stock price volatility; shareholder activism matters; our ability to maintain our credit rating; our ability to comply with regulatory requirements; and legal, tax, trade and other regulatory matters. Except as may be required by law, we assume no obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of future events, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2024. Total Net Sales (Millions): 1 – Results include consolidated joint venture sales in China, royalties associated with franchised stores and wholesale sales. Comparable Sales Increase (Decrease): NOTE: Please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion regarding our comparable sales calculation. 1 – Results include company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada, consolidated joint venture stores in China and direct sales. 2 – Results include company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada and consolidated joint venture stores in China. Total Stores: 1 – Includes twelve partner-operated stores at 11/2/24.Beneficient Enters into Agreement to Acquire Mercantile Bank International to Expand its Alternative Asset Custody Services
TSN Insider Reports Toronto Maple Leafs are Officially Targeting Brock NelsonCarolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital for a neck injury after landing on his head while making a catch late in the first half of Sunday's 30-27 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. As Sanders was brought down near the sideline after a 10-yard reception, he was flipped upside down and landed directly on the top of his helmet as he went out of bounds on the tackle by cornerback Trent McDuffie. After receiving attention from the team's medical staff, Sanders was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart with 40 seconds remaining in the half. He was taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for observation and later released Sunday afternoon, according to the team. On the CBS broadcast following halftime, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Sanders had movement in all his extremities, while extreme precaution was taken because of back tightness. CBS reported he was being examined for a concussion before later amending that to a neck injury. The 21-year-old rookie out of Texas had a team-leading three receptions for the Panthers at the half for 49 yards. In 11 games this season, Sanders has 29 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft in April. --Field Level MediaOgun Emerges Best Overall Performing State In ICT
Not Purdy: 49ers hit Green Bay with backup QB, no Bosa
OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old dispute between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-p Matt O'brien, The Associated Press Dec 13, 2024 12:04 PM Dec 13, 2024 12:20 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone in front of an image generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) A 7-year-old dispute between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives. Matt O'brien, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Science News OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' Dec 13, 2024 12:42 PM Geoffrey Hinton to donate some of Nobel winnings to create new annual award Dec 13, 2024 12:34 PM New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings Dec 13, 2024 12:22 PMAudi Crooks' winning shot leads No. 8 Iowa State to 80-78 win over Drake
Mohamed Salah is entering the final six months of his Liverpool contract, meaning clubs from outside of England can soon approach the Egyptian and entice him to move in their direction on a free transfer at the end of the season. His list of achievements and accolades for the Reds is remarkable. He is the club's third-highest scorer of all time, notching 226 in 370 games, and he is the highest-scoring African player in Premier League history. He also sits eighth on the division's top-scoring list with 170. His 77 assists, meanwhile, are good for 11th in the English top flight. He has picked up every possible trophy for Liverpool, including one Premier League title and one Champions League medal. Salah is, quite simply, a legend of the club, and one of the best players ever to grace a football pitch. In the last few years of Jurgen Klopp's Anfield reign, it looked like he was slowing down, with age and thousands of miles in the legs catching up to him. But under Arne Slot, he is somehow rejuvenated, scoring 13 in 14 Premier League games and providing eight assists for good measure. But the 32-year-old might not be wearing a red shirt for much longer, and his remarkable form this season will no doubt have encouraged a handful of clubs to invest in his talents for a few years. The Athletic's David Ornstein reported Anfield officials are set to offer him a new deal, but with each day that passes, the club and its fans will become more and more concerned that he won't put pen to paper and he'll be taking his talents elsewhere. But which other teams could we expect to make an offer? Read on for a handful of prospective parties who could be keen on putting a contract offer in Salah's hands. In 2023, Liverpool reportedly rejected a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad for Salah. An offer that seemingly couldn't be refused was, apparently, refusable, with the club deciding to keep him on board despite his value declining as his contract grew closer to its end. Looking back, it was probably a wise decision, with the forward now powering the club towards a possible Premier League title. Could a club from the Saudi Pro League be an option for Salah if he runs down his contract? With the way he's playing now, that possibility looks increasingly unlikely. At the start of last season, it looked like his previous high standards were waning, and there wasn't much more that could be extracted from a career that had reached notable heights. A hefty payday to see out the rest of his playing days made a lot of sense from a personal point of view. But he's been tremendous this season, winding back the clock and looking exactly like the player Liverpool signed in 2017. Because of that, he'll back himself to win a few more major titles, which is something the Saudi Pro League simply can't offer—no matter how much money they spend. He may yet head in that direction, but not for a few years. Verdict: Sell On Dec. 1, French publication L'Equipe (h/t Eurosport ) reported Paris Saint-Germain had opened talks with Salah regarding a free transfer. The Ligue 1 club's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi moved quickly to quash those rumors, telling Sky Germany that those assertions were "not true." "He's a fantastic and amazing player, but we've never considered him, to be honest," Al-Khelaifi added. With Salah not quite in the final six months of his Liverpool contract, it's perhaps not surprising that PSG would want to play down their interest in his possible signing. But it still looks like it could happen. PSG's star power has dwindled in the last few seasons, with the exit of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid representing the departure of the club's last remaining true superstar. Signing Salah on a free would be tempting, especially as the Parisians still seek the first Champions League title in club history. Salah could see it as a viable option, too. While winning Ligue 1 doesn't hold the gravitas that other top European titles do, he'll still almost certainly be able to play in the Champions League for another couple of years. He would also likely pick up a few individual accolades in France to further boost his legend status. Even if they won't declare an interest out loud, it's difficult to rule PSG out of the Salah sweepstakes. Verdict: Buy For the chances of the Egyptian King joining the GOAT in MLS, you can pretty much read the entry for the Saudi Pro League. Lionel Messi is having a whale of a time in Miami, but Salah's game is still at too high a level to join the Argentinian for a party in the U.S.A. Whether Messi should be there himself at this point in his career is a discussion for another day. Salah could see the States as a viable destination in the future, but right now, he still has too much-unfinished business in Europe. Verdict: Sell Bayern Munich is no stranger to signing Premier League goalmachines in their 30s, so it wouldn't be surprising if they were eyeing up Salah to support Harry Kane. Kane is still undeniably lethal in and around the box, but his movement has been lacking for the last few years. Salah, who still boasts copious energy and more tricks than David Blaine, would be a welcome addition to the Bundesliga side's attack. Imagine opposing sides' fear when seeing those two players lining up. The big thing counting against this move, though, is sacrificing young talent to squeeze the Egyptian into the starting XI. Michael Olise works his magic from the right flank, and he's been performing well in his debut season. Nineteen-year-old Mathys Tel, meanwhile, can also fill that spot in a pinch, and hindering his development might not be so wise. There is one thing that could make a deal more likely, though. Leroy Sané is also coming to the end of his contract, and replacing the winger with an arguably better player on a free transfer seems like a smart bit of business. Vincent Kompany knows about Salah's ability firsthand, so he might jump at the chance of signing a player who used to be a thorn in his side when the Belgian was in Manchester City's back line. Verdict: Buy Could Napoli be a dark horse in the race to sign Salah? This is pure speculation, but it could be a good fit. The Partenopei sit on top of Serie A, albeit narrowly, and look like a dead certainty to qualify for the Champions League next season. It doesn't seem there is a way back for Victor Osimhen, who's been shipped out on loan to Galatasaray amid a falling out with the club and probably won't suit up for them again. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has been tipped for a move for some time, with even Liverpool linked with the Georgia star, according to Team Talk . While Salah doesn't fit the positions those two players occupy, he will help to make up for the goals and assists lost with those potential permanent exits. Salah teaming up with Romelu Lukaku is a Chelsea attacking partnership from the multiverse—under the guidance of former Blues boss Antonio Conte, no less—so it would intriguing to see how they work out in Italy. With a potential title defense and a Champions League run to prepare for next season, Salah could be an affordable option to bolster an attacking corps that could experience a bit of a shakeup. Serie A might just favor the Egyptian's legs as the years creep up, too, and he's publicly praised the club in the past. After Liverpool beat Napoli 2-0 in the Champions League in 2022, he told BT Sport (h/t Football Italia ) that the Partenopei was "one of the best teams in the world." Verdict: Sell...but you never know Whatever happens, Mohamed Salah has etched his name into Liverpool folklore. The Egyptian's standout moments in a red shirt are too numerous to keep track of, and with at least half a season at the club remaining, he's got plenty of chances to add a few more. But setting aside loyalty, a fanbase that adores him, and the fond memories he's already made, staying at Anfield just seems to make the most sense. He won't go to another Premier League side, and the true top clubs in Europe are likely to pass on him for financial reasons or simply because they are already overflowing with top talent. His signing would be a gamble, too, because of the wages he'll likely be seeking, the talent he'll be blocking, and the fact that career drop-off could be lurking just around the corner. Right now, Liverpool are playing some of the finest football on the continent. Manager Arne Slot is settled in comfortably and has taken the Reds to a new level. And the squad is both stacked and balanced, giving the Egyptian ample support as he continues to astound and astonish. It is the best possible situation for him to be in now and for at least another two years, after which he can chase that one last giant paycheck in Saudi Arabia or the United States—assuming he doesn't take yet another unexpected leap forward. If the board doesn't pull their finger out, the fans will be furious. A contract is supposedly on the way, and it would be surprising if Salah doesn't sign his name on it. Verdict: BuyNokia completes the share buyback program launched in March
NoneMax Stock Limited: Immediate report of changes to interested party holdingsNonehttps://youtu.be/xYAslw4wMGE Mehroob Mushtaq “ Kashmir has her heroes that we will never forget. What happened to you puppets, Why are you loading your pockets? What happened to this paradise? Praying for your rise We lost many futures, and we are waiting for the rise.” These powerful lyrics, from Syed Musaib Bukhari, better known by his stage name MC Musaib, capture the essence of his music and his journey. His is a story of passion, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. Rap is an effective medium of messaging for him. “It’s all about rhythm and poetry and it helps to articulate a certain cultural perspective while amplifying the voices of the marginalized,” says the young rapper and music producer, whose raw authenticity and fearless approach have earned him a devoted following across social media platforms. Musaib belongs to a new generation of Kashmiri artists who are using hip-hop and rap to chronicle their lived experiences and social realities in Kashmir. Like many of his friends, he took to rap in 2009 and began using music and poetry to paint vivid pictures of daily life – everything from deeply personal to the broader issues around him – churning out compelling narratives that resonate deeply with the youth. MC Musaib’s impact goes beyond music. He uses his voice and his poetry to raise awareness about social issues and fight against injustice. His songs, like “ Kashmir Kya Tha Pehle, Ab Kashmir Ki Haalat Dekho”, “Roti Maa, Unke Pass Jake Unki Ankhon Se Pucho, ” highlight the struggles faced by the people of his homeland. Sitting on the banks of Jhelum, he says, music is not just something aesthetic but also a tool for social change. “It is also about connecting with the world,” he adds. His music is a testimony to that. From a small-town boy hailing from the HMT area on the outskirts of Srinagar city, he is now making waves in the music industry. Known for his soulful voice and powerful lyrics, Musaib’s 15-year journey is one of perseverance, family support, and creating a niche for himself. Growing up in the beautiful yet challenging environment of Jammu and Kashmir, music became his outlet for expression and he found solace and expression in the world of rap music. At a time when opportunities for local artists were limited, Musaib saw music as not just a hobby, but a path to express his emotions and connect with people. However, his passion for music was not initially supported by his family. “My father didn’t support me at first. He thought that music couldn’t be a stable career and wanted me to pursue something more conventional,” Musaib recalls. Despite this, his mother and sister believed in him wholeheartedly. “They were the ones who stood by me from the beginning. Their support was the key to my success,” he says with gratitude. With the encouragement of his mother and sister, Musaib didn’t let the lack of initial support from his father stop him. He continued pursuing his dreams, tirelessly working on his rap skills and music production. The struggle wasn’t easy, but Musaib was determined to make a name for himself. His big break came when he performed live at a major event. It was a turning point in his career and in his relationship with his father. “When my father saw me perform in front of a large crowd, he cried. He realized how much I had achieved and how far I had come. After that, he started supporting me fully,” Musaib shares, reflecting on the emotional moment that changed his father’s perspective. Musaib’s dedication to his craft eventually paid off. He became the only artist from Jammu and Kashmir to be praised by two of the biggest names in the Indian rap scene: Bohemia and Badshah. Their recognition greatly boosted his confidence and helped him gain more attention in the industry. In 2021, Musaib’s hard work was acknowledged at a larger scale when he was awarded the Young Achievers Award by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. This honour, which celebrated his contributions to the music industry, was a significant milestone in his career. “Receiving the Young Achievers Award was like a dream come true. It felt like all the hard work and sacrifices were finally paying off,” Musaib says, while reflecting on the moment. The award solidified his place as one of the top emerging artists from the region. Musaib continues to create music that resonates with his fans. His songs often reflect his personal experiences and the challenges he faced growing up in a region that’s not always easy for artists to thrive in. His songs are an articulation of his personal pain and the collective suffering he sees around, as well as the ironies of life, while also reflecting a love and passion for the land he belongs to. This is poignantly summed up in one of his lyrics: Kashmir Kitna Aage hai Dekho kitna door hai Kashmir ki haalat ko dekh kar Ab sab ki ankhein choor hain... “I’ve learned that persistence, passion, and belief in yourself can help you overcome any obstacle,” Musaib says. The path was not without struggles, he reveals. “I worked tirelessly to improve my rap skills and learn about music production..... the journey was challenging but I refused to give up,” he adds. From performing alongside legends to being the only Kashmiri rapper to share a talk show with Badshah, Musaib has achieved what many thought impossible. The national recognition he has received proves that with passion, perseverance, and the support of loved ones, dreams can be achieved even in the face of adversity. His story symbolises resilience and continues to inspire many young artists, especially those from Jammu and Kashmir, to pursue their passion and never give up on their dreams. “I hope my journey can inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem,” he says with a smile. (*The author is on X @MehroobM) —–
