Cavan Images Earnings of First BanCorp. ( NYSE: FBP ) will most probably continue to grow next year on the back of a satisfactory Puerto Rican economy. Further, rate cuts will slightly increase the net interest margin, which will support the bottom line. Overall, I’m expecting earnings to grow Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.GANG boss Gerry Hutch has flagged up housing, crime, the cost of living and immigration as his key issues in the election. In a video posted on social media, The Monk made his plea to voters in his constituency of Dublin Central but offered little in the way of solutions to the problems he flagged. Hutch has called for more Gardai on the streets and said: “They’re talking about extra Gardai for Christmas , is Santy Claus arriving with something special for Christmas? What about the rest of the year?” The mobster took aim at empty homes being “locked up” in the middle of a housing crisis , but offered no way to fix this. On immigration, he said the Government should stop “ramming gangs of people into one community without consultation with the community”. And he said he did not have a problem with ­people “coming with their toolbox” ready to work ­— but claimed people should not be allowed to come to Ireland to “sponge off the State”. On the cost of living , Hutch spoke about elderly people not being able to keep their heating on because of the prices. The Dail hopeful last week said his bid is "nothing to do" with taking on Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald , as he added: "I couldn't care less about what she does." The 61-year-old criminal mastermind is confident of gaining a seat in McDonald's stomping ground but says people can tell him to "f*** off" if they want. Speaking on a three-part podcast on Crime World and the Sunday Independent, The Monk - who is still on bail for alleged money laundering offences in Spain - said he has been “an unofficial politician” in his community for the last 40 years. He added: "I’ve always had a bit of a politician in me over the years, mediating with people, helping people, and doing stuff like that. "I've been a politician the last 40 years, in the community, an unofficial politician.” He has rejected suggestions that he is running to take her seat or is doing it as a revenge mission against Sinn Fein after the party's former councillor, disgraced Jonathan Dowdall, gave evidence against him. Dowdall, who remains behind bars for his role in facilitating the Regency hit, turned state witness against Hutch as he stood trial charged with the murder of Kinahan thug Byrne. Hutch said: "It's nothing whatsoever to do with Mary Lou. "I couldn't care less about what she does, or what Sinn Fein say they will do. "I'm focused on what I will do. I could probably be considered old, but I'm fresh. I've a lot of life experience. "To go into the Dail, you have to be hungry and ready to fight, and I am." He reiterated that people in his community wanted him to run and he wants to "serve". But he added: "I'm not the type of person who would beg anyone for their vote. If you want to vote for me, then do. I won't be twisting anyone's arm. I will be out, knocking on certain doors. "People can tell me to f**k off if they're not interested. I have to expect that cheek from people. Am I confident I'll get elected? Absolutely I am." Meanwhile, the Green Party has defended its climate change policies after it came in third place in an assessment of election manifestos and climate commitments by an environmental group. Labour emerged as the party with the best climate action policies in the assessment commissioned by Friends of the Earth. It was given the highest grade for its manifesto among the parties assessed, with the Social Democrats coming in second place, followed by the Green Party and People Before Profit. The three biggest parties, Fine Gael , Fianna Fáil and Sinn Fein, were joint fifth. In response to the findings, the Green Party’s Catherine Martin said: “I would say, to really get on top of the climate action, you do need more parties taking this issue seriously. So I welcome there are a number of us topping the charts here. “What is alarming is that the three main parties, one who will probably hold the office of the Taoiseach, are failing and failing miserably. “I say alarming, but not surprising, having been in government with two of those parties.”jilibet 178 。

Stephen Olowoniyi scores 18 as Southern Indiana knocks off Shawnee State 91-56

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has become known as one of the most troublesome — and entertaining — wide receivers in the NFL and is often able to give defensive backs bad days at the office. However, one Cleveland Browns safety, Rodney McLeod Jr., explained to The Ken Carman Show , a local Cleveland sports radio show, how the Browns were able to mess with Pickens. “I think there is a lot that we can do to obviously get in his head that works to our advantage,” he said. Pickens has been known for his temper when things do not go his way, throwing multiple tantrums in the past when the Steelers' offense was woeful. Now, with two new quarterbacks, he has been getting the ball plenty, but he can still lose his cool on opponents. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com , Pickens could face punishment for his role in a scrap with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome in Week 12. “The NFL will review George Pickens instigating a fight with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome after the Hail Mary at the end of the Browns' 24-19 upset of the Steelers, and a fine could be coming.” This would be his third fine of the season; Pickens also lost money for pulling a Cowboys player down by his facemask at the end of Pittsburgh’s loss to Dallas in Week 5 and excessively stiff-arming the facemask of a Washington Commander. GP clearly cannot stand to lose, nor to play less than great. He was held to four catches for 48 yards against the Browns, a mark lower than any since that last loss to Dallas back in Week 5. The similarities between the situations are stark, and the stats show a correlation between Pickens' success and the Steelers' success, which makes sense as their only starting-caliber wideout. They just have to keep him focused on football. Other than that, Pickens has been mostly dominant, becoming one of the best statistical deep-ball wideouts in the NFL since Russell Wilson took over, and Pickens has the sixth-most yards receiving overall. McLeod and the rest of the Cleveland defense will have to bring out their bag of tricks again in two weeks when they travel to Pittsburgh to stop the star receiver. We will see if Pickens can cool his fire just a bit by then, focus on the game, and change the story the next time around.Try out these hints for dryer sheets | 'Hints from Heloise'

Regtech Market to Grow by USD 25.2 Billion (2024-2028), Demand for Financial Crime Detection Boosting Growth, AI Transforming Market Evolution - TechnavioOne week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy advanced drone-tracking technology following weeks of reported drone sightings in parts of New York and New Jersey that have stirred fear and bewilderment. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to use the technology to track drones back to their landing spots. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat. But because they can’t say with certainty who's responsible for the drones, leaders of both parties are demanding better technology and powers to tackle the issue. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. After a 15-year pause in executions, Indiana prepares to put to death a man who killed 4 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are preparing to execute the state’s first death row inmate in 15 years. Joseph Corcoran was convicted in 1999 in the fatal shootings of his brother and three other men, including his sister’s fiancé. If Corcoran is put to death as scheduled Wednesday it will be the state’s first execution since 2009. Corcoran's attorneys have asked a federal court to stay his execution, arguing it would be unconstitutional because he has a serious mental illness. Indiana officials have refused to discuss how they obtained the sedative used for lethal injection. No media witnesses will be permitted under state law. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.Angela Merkel's newly released memoir, 'Freedom,' delves into the intricacies of her 16-year leadership as Germany's Chancellor. The book highlights her dealings with influential figures such as Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her diplomatic and political strategies. Merkel revisits pivotal moments, including the global financial crisis, the influx of refugees in 2015-16, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She particularly examines her controversial decision to maintain strong trade ties with Russia and help broker a peace deal for eastern Ukraine. The memoir also reflects on Brexit, with Merkel questioning her efforts to prevent it, and recounts her choice to step down on her own terms, addressing public health concerns and the personal stress of leadership. 'Freedom' paints a comprehensive portrait of Merkel's impactful yet challenging career. (With inputs from agencies.)

The 87 th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mandya has taken up issues beyond the realms of literature and touched upon issues related to agriculture, water, natural disasters, environment among others. In a panel discussion held on Saturday, experts from different streams underlined the importance of creating awareness of disaster management. V.S. Prakash, one of the panelists, said that the occurrence of natural disasters was increasingly becoming common, and there was a need to anticipate and prepare for it by harnessing the latest technologies. Other panelists in the discussion opined that unseasonal rains and cyclones were a regular event in recent years, and the intensity of rainfall was varying from place to place resulting in flood or drought. The experts called for localized data collection and research on weather at micro levels. Former Environment Secretary A.N. Yellappa Reddy chaired the session. Published - December 21, 2024 07:53 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditPM Modi celebrates Indian diaspora in Kuwait, calls it a ‘mini Hindustan’