p j lhuillier

A Canadian criminologist who once worked on inland immigration enforcement for the Canada Border Services Agency says Canada needs to better track foreign nationals who arrive in the country on student visas. Kelly Sundberg, a professor at Mount Royal University, says it does not surprise him at all that Indian law enforcement agencies are investigating links between Canadian colleges and a scheme to ferry international students across the Canada-U. S. border. India's Enforcement Directorate said on Tuesday it had uncovered evidence of human trafficking after probing the Indian connection to a family that died in a frigid winter trying to cross the border from Manitoba into Minnesota in 2022. Neither Public Safety Canada nor the RCMP would comment on the allegations Friday, which have not been proven in court. Sundberg says Canada needs to collect biometric data of people coming to Canada, tie that to immigration documents, and have a way of determining when people leave the country. These latest allegations land as Canada is making major changes to its immigration system, including significant cutbacks on the number of student visas it issues. At an immigration committee meeting last month, the Conservatives asked how Canada tracks international students if they leave the country. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the vast majority of people on temporary visas, including students, leave once their visa expires. He said there is work to do to curb asylum claims from international students. The problem of people crossing into the U.S. illegally has also become a thorn in the Canada-U.S. relationship ahead of the return of Donald Trump as president next month. Trump has threatened steep tariffs on all Canadian goods if Canada doesn't do more to end illegal border crossings and the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. -With files from Dylan RobertsonBy MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.p j lhuillier 。

NoneMumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday elected party president Ajit Pawar as the leader of the party in the legislative assembly. In a meeting chaired by party state president and Lok Sabha MP Sunit Tatkare, Pawar was appointed as the leader of the legislative party, and his colleague Anil Patil was reappointed as the chief whip. Patil will oversee the attendance of legislators and address their requests to speak on various topics during the sessions. The NCP and its Mahayuti allies, BJP and Shiv Sena, managed a stellar performance, clinching 233 out of 288 seats in the state assembly polls. The party bagged 41 out of 59 seats it contested and defeated its rival faction, NCP (SP), in 29 seats. The newly-elected assembly members of the Shiv Sena have authorised Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to hold talks with the ruling Mahayuti allies for the formation of next government in the state. The Shiv Sena Legislature Party meeting will be held on Sunday evening after all its newly-elected members reach Mumbai. Sena leader Deepak Kesakar said there was no dispute on the issue of the chief minister’s post. The Mahayuti, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP of deputy CM Ajit Pawar, retained power in the state on Saturday by winning 230 of the 288 assembly seats. On Saturday evening, CM Shinde held an online meeting of his party’s working committee and newly-elected members, who authorised him to hold talks with the allies, a party functionary said. He was also authorised to appoint the legislature party group leader, chief whip and other office-bearers. Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar told reporters on Sunday that the new government has to be sworn in by November 25 as the term of the outgoing assembly ends on November 26. “It looks like the swearing-in may be held at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde are national presidents of their respective parties. They will elect their own group leader while the decision on chief minister will be taken in Delhi,” he said, adding there is no dispute on the issue.

PHILADELPHIA and PERTH, Australia , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcadium Lithium plc (NYSE: ALTM, ASX: LTM, "Arcadium Lithium"), a leading global lithium chemicals producer, today announced that it has obtained all requisite shareholder approvals in connection with the proposed acquisition by Rio Tinto previously announced on October 9 , 2024. "Today's vote of support by our shareholders confirms our shared belief that with Rio Tinto, we will be a stronger global leader in lithium chemicals production. Together, we enhance our capabilities to successfully develop and operate our assets while supporting the clean energy transition. We are confident that this transaction will provide future benefit to our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate, and I am excited by the path ahead," said Paul Graves , president and chief executive officer of Arcadium Lithium. The final voting results of Arcadium Lithium's special meetings will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K and will also be available at https://ir.arcadiumlithium.com . Regulatory Update As of this release, merger control clearance has been satisfied or waived in Australia , Canada , China , the United Kingdom and the United States (Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976). Additionally, investment screening approval has been satisfied in the United Kingdom . The proposed transaction is still expected to close in mid-2025, subject to the receipt of remaining regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Arcadium Lithium Contacts Investors: Daniel Rosen +1 215 299 6208 daniel.rosen@arcadiumlithium.com Phoebe Lee +61 413 557 780 phoebe.lee@arcadiumlithium.com Media: Karen Vizental +54 9 114 414 4702 karen.vizental@arcadiumlithium.com About Arcadium Lithium Arcadium Lithium is a leading global lithium chemicals producer committed to safely and responsibly harnessing the power of lithium to improve people's lives and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. We collaborate with our customers to drive innovation and power a more sustainable world in which lithium enables exciting possibilities for renewable energy, electric transportation and modern life. Arcadium Lithium is vertically integrated, with industry-leading capabilities across lithium extraction processes, including hard-rock mining, conventional brine extraction and direct lithium extraction (DLE), and in lithium chemicals manufacturing for high performance applications. We have operations around the world, with facilities and projects in Argentina , Australia , Canada , China , Japan , the United Kingdom and the United States . For more information, please visit us at www.ArcadiumLithium.com . Important Information and Legal Disclaimer: Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as "will likely result," "is confident that," "expect," "expects," "should," "could," "may," "will continue to," "believe," "believes," "anticipates," "predicts," "forecasts," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "intends" or similar expressions identifying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words and phrases. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for Arcadium Lithium based on currently available information. There are important factors that could cause Arcadium Lithium's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the completion of the transaction on anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the transaction; potential litigation relating to the transaction that could be instituted by or against Arcadium Lithium or its affiliates, directors or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; the risk that disruptions from the transaction will harm Arcadium Lithium's business, including current plans and operations; the ability of Arcadium Lithium to retain and hire key personnel; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or governmental relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; certain restrictions during the pendency of the transaction that may impact Arcadium Lithium's ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; significant transaction costs associated with the transaction; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction, including in circumstances requiring Arcadium Lithium to pay a termination fee or other expenses; competitive responses to the transaction; the supply and demand in the market for our products as well as pricing for lithium and high-performance lithium compounds; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the integration of the businesses of Livent and Allkem or of any future acquisitions; our ability to acquire or develop additional reserves that are economically viable; the existence, availability and profitability of mineral resources and mineral and ore reserves; the success of our production expansion efforts, research and development efforts and the development of our facilities; our ability to retain existing customers; the competition that we face in our business; the development and adoption of new battery technologies; additional funding or capital that may be required for our operations and expansion plans; political, financial and operational risks that our lithium extraction and production operations, particularly in Argentina , expose us to; physical and other risks that our operations and suppliers are subject to; our ability to satisfy customer qualification processes or customer or government quality standards; global economic conditions, including inflation, fluctuations in the price of energy and certain raw materials; the ability of our joint ventures, affiliated entities and contract manufacturers to operate according to their business plans and to fulfill their obligations; severe weather events and the effects of climate change; extensive and dynamic environmental and other laws and regulations; our ability to obtain and comply with required licenses, permits and other approvals; and other factors described under the caption entitled "Risk Factors" in Arcadium Lithium's 2023 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 , as well as Arcadium Lithium's other SEC filings and public communications. Although Arcadium Lithium believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Arcadium Lithium cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither Arcadium Lithium nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Arcadium Lithium is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this news release to conform its prior statements to actual results or revised expectations . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arcadium-lithium-announces-shareholder-approval-of-proposed-rio-tinto-transaction-and-provides-regulatory-update-302338409.html SOURCE Arcadium Lithium PLCSHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of Micron Technology, Inc. - MU

Markets Could See Short Rally With NDAs Maharashtra Win, Says Motilal Oswal - NDTV Profit

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PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE: FSK) today announced that it has completed its previously announced offering of an additional $100 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% notes due 2030 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes due 2030 that FSK issued on November 20, 2024 , increasing the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the series to $700 million . BofA Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., and Truist Securities, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for this offering. FSK intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, including potentially repaying outstanding indebtedness under credit facilities and certain notes. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About FS KKR Capital Corp. FSK is a leading publicly traded business development company (BDC) focused on providing customized credit solutions to private middle market U.S. companies. FSK seeks to invest primarily in the senior secured debt and, to a lesser extent, the subordinated debt of private middle market companies. FSK is advised by FS/KKR Advisor, LLC. About FS/KKR Advisor, LLC FS/KKR Advisor, LLC (FS/KKR) is a partnership between FS Investments and KKR Credit that serves as the investment adviser to FSK and other business development companies. FS Investments is a global alternative asset manager dedicated to delivering superior performance and innovative investment and capital solutions. The firm manages over $83 billion in assets for a wide range of clients, including institutional investors, financial professionals and individual investors. FS Investments provides access to a broad suite of alternative asset classes and strategies through its best-in-class investment teams and partners. With its diversified platform and flexible capital solutions, the firm is a valued partner to general partners, asset owners and portfolio companies. FS Investments is grounded in its high-performance culture and guided by its commitment to building value for its clients, investing in its colleagues and giving back to its communities. The firm has more than 500 employees across offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia and is headquartered in Philadelphia . KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosure Notice This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to future events or future performance or operations of FSK. Words such as "believes," "expects," "projects," and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the economy, risks associated with possible disruption in FSK's operations or the economy generally due to terrorism, geo-political risks, natural disasters or pandemics such as COVID-19, future changes in laws or regulations and conditions in FSK's operating area and the price at which shares of FSK's common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Some of these factors are enumerated in the filings FSK makes with the SEC. FSK undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information: Investor Relations Contact Anna Kleinhenn Anna.Kleinhenn@fsinvestments.com FS Investments Media Team Melanie Hemmert Melanie.Hemmert@fsinvestments.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fsk-completes-public-offering-of-100-million-6-125-unsecured-notes-due-2030--302339667.html SOURCE FS InvestmentsCaprock Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Genpact Limited ( NYSE:G – Free Report ) by 31.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,716 shares of the business services provider’s stock after buying an additional 2,310 shares during the quarter. Caprock Group LLC’s holdings in Genpact were worth $381,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of Genpact by 160.8% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 952 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 587 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its position in shares of Genpact by 4,717.8% in the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 2,168 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $70,000 after acquiring an additional 2,123 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its stake in shares of Genpact by 54.3% during the second quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 2,797 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $90,000 after acquiring an additional 984 shares during the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Genpact by 74.6% during the third quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,623 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $103,000 after purchasing an additional 1,121 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Genpact by 221.3% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,329 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $131,000 after purchasing an additional 2,293 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.03% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Genpact from $38.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Genpact from $44.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday, November 8th. Needham & Company LLC upped their price objective on shares of Genpact from $42.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Genpact from $35.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Genpact from $40.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $42.33. Genpact Stock Performance Shares of G opened at $46.19 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.85, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market cap of $8.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.13. The business’s 50 day moving average price is $40.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $36.50. Genpact Limited has a 52 week low of $30.23 and a 52 week high of $47.98. Genpact Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 23rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 9th will be issued a $0.1525 dividend. This represents a $0.61 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 9th. Genpact’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 16.76%. About Genpact ( Free Report ) Genpact Limited provides business process outsourcing and information technology services in India, rest of Asia, North and Latin America, and Europe. It operates through three segments: Financial services; Consumer and Healthcare; and High Tech and Manufacturing. The Financial Services segment offers retail customer onboarding, customer service, collections, card servicing operations, loan and payment operations, commercial loan, equipment and auto loan, mortgage origination, compliance services, reporting and monitoring, and wealth management operations support; financial crime and risk management services; and underwriting support, new business processing, policy administration, claims management, catastrophe modeling and actuarial services, as well as property and casualty claims. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding G? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Genpact Limited ( NYSE:G – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Genpact Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Genpact and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .WASHINGTON — Miles Wood scored the tiebreaking goal early in the third period and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Washington Capitals 2-1 on Thursday night. Mikko Rantanen also scored for the Avalanche, who have won five of their last six games. Alexandar Georgiev stopped 29 shots to get his fourth straight win in his return after missing the last two games due to an upper-body injury. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored for the Capitals, who snapped a three-game win streak. Logan Thompson had 25 saves while taking his first regulation loss of the season. Earlier in the day, the Capitals learned they will be without superstar Alex Ovechkin for the next four to six weeks due to a broken left fibula, an injury he suffered on Monday against Utah. Takeaways Avalanche: Although Nathan MacKinnon was held off the scoresheet for the second time in three games — both against the Capitals — Rantanen kept his hot streak alive and has points in five of his last six games. Capitals: Without Ovechkin, Washington struggled to get much going offensively. The power play, which had found life in recent games thanks to its captain, went 0 for 2. Key moment Just 3:29 into the third period, Wood got to the front of the net and deflected a point shot from Cale Makar past Thompson for the go-ahead goal. Colorado Avalanche goalie Alexandar Georgiev (40) deflects the puck against Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. Credit: AP/Nick Wass Key stat Dating back to the 2021-22 season, Washington has gone 4-14 without Ovechkin in the lineup. The captain was leading the league with 15 goals at the time of his injury and is just 27 away from Wayne Gretzky's record. Up Next Avalanche visit defending Stanley Cup champion Florida on Saturday, and Capitals host New Jersey.

War fatigue deepens in Israel as deaths mount and fighting expandsNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Attentive , the AI-powered mobile marketing platform, today announced it ranked #242 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 TM, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 30 th year. Attentive’s rapid growth, marked by a 493% increase over the past three years, can be attributed to its native personalization solutions driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver one-on-one communications at scale. "Today's generic online shopping experience will soon be outdated," says Amit Jhawar, CEO of Attentive. "The future is about personalizing every consumer interaction with AI, and Attentive is poised to lead this transformation. The continued recognition by Deloitte is a testament of seeing more global brands reset their technical stack to take advantage of Attentive’s modern capabilities that enable smarter, more dynamic conversations that lead to measurable growth." Attentive continues to deliver significant value for brands in both revenue and business growth. According to the Total Economic Impact TM of Attentive SMS Marketing, a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting , the composite Attentive customer experienced total benefits of $10.11 million (USD) over three years, with an 181% return on investment. Attentive has been named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 award for four consecutive years. The company achieved several additional significant milestones, including: Generating $20 billion in revenue for customers in 2023, an over 40% increase year over year. Launching two premium AI-powered solutions: AI Pro and AI Journeys, as part of the Attentive AI suite, a cutting-edge suite that enables brands to send hyper-personalized messages that drive maximum performance. These solutions have set a new benchmark in the marking industry, with major brands like Hot Topic, Crate & Barrel, and UGG seeing an average revenue lift of 124%. This holiday season, we expect 90% of Attentive brands will use Attentive AI-influenced messages for uplift in marketing performance. Enhancing Attentive Email , with customers seeing a 95% increase in triggered email revenue. Expanding its global platform to more than 20 countries , with the U.K. seeing 128% revenue growth and Australia seeing 125% revenue growth. Entering new verticals such as sports, media, and entertainment , with over 40% of major professional sports leagues now using the platform for fan engagement and ticket sales. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company’s operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least US$50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least US$5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Attentive Attentive® is the AI-powered mobile marketing platform transforming the way brands personalize consumer engagement. Attentive enables marketers to craft tailored journeys for every subscriber, driving higher recurring revenue and maximizing campaign performance. Activating real-time data from multiple channels and advanced AI, the platform personalizes content, tone, and timing to help brands deliver 1:1 messages that truly resonate. With a top-rated customer success team recognized on G2, Attentive partners with marketers to provide strategic guidance and optimize SMS and email campaigns. Trusted by leading global brands like GUESS, Urban Outfitters, and Steve Madden, Attentive ensures enterprise-grade compliance and deliverability, supporting trillions of interactions across more than 70 industries. To learn more or request a demo, visit www.attentive.com or follow us on LinkedIn , X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram . About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future . Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122866813/en/ PR Contact: Annie Lee, Attentive,press@attentive.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS OTHER TECHNOLOGY DIGITAL MARKETING SOFTWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MOBILE/WIRELESS FINANCE SOURCE: Attentive Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 01:07 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 01:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122866813/en

NoneA study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Chloe Robinson said reported strikes represent a fraction of their true extent, and a lack of protection measures leaves whales vulnerable as global shipping expands. The study found shipping takes place across 92 per cent of the ranges for humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales worldwide, but measures to reduce vessel strikes have been implemented in less than seven per cent of high-risk areas. “That could really spell, you know, potential extinction for some of these species,” said Robinson, director of whales for Ocean Wise, a B.C.-based organization that provided data for the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. “A recent study estimated anything up to 20,000 whales are killed a year through ship strikes, globally, and that’s just an estimate, a best-case estimate.” Robinson said she was surprised to see Swiftsure Bank, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, emerge as a risk hot spot for strikes of fin, blue and humpback whales. The area is a “migration highway” for humpbacks, she noted. The study also identified a hot spot for the same three species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. “This is something that Ocean Wise has been looking into because a lot of the management measures occur offshore and not sort of within the Gulf of St. Lawrence itself and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, (which) leads down to the Great Lakes,” she said. “That was a huge hot spot, which was really interesting for me.” Robinson said there have been smaller studies on the risk of ship strikes in different regions, but the study published Thursday is the first to map the distribution of the four whale species, using a variety of data sources, then compare it with the Automatic Identification System, a tool used for tracking vessels worldwide. “This was really the first of its kind to map these two on top of each other,” she said. The researchers found the highest levels of risk in the Indian, western North Pacific and Mediterranean, while it also identified high-risk areas in the eastern North Pacific, North and South Atlantic Ocean along with the South China Sea. The Southern Ocean was the only region that did not contain any ship-strike hot spots due to low levels of shipping, despite high use by whales, the study found. Robinson said the findings support a strong case for maritime authorities to adopt measures such as whale alert systems, speed limits and no-go zones. “We know where there are areas where there are lots of whales and lots of ships, so this is where we need to target for management,” she said in an interview. Robinson said Canada is home to many “eyes on the water” and researchers exploring innovative techniques for monitoring whales. But the country lacks mandatory mitigation measures, and it’s not alone. “Next to none of the measures globally are mandatory. So, having voluntary measures (is) great, provided people comply,” Robinson said. Ocean Wise launched an alert system in 2018 that notifies large vessels of the presence of whales in Pacific Northwest waters, and Robinson said about 80 per cent of mariners from Washington state up to Alaska have signed up. The WhaleReport alert system mainly functions in what she describes as “inshore” waters around busy ports in Seattle, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The Port of Vancouver has also seen a high rate of compliance for its ECHO program, Robinson noted. The program encourages vessels to take voluntary steps, such as slowing down or staying farther away from whales, in order to reduce underwater noise and the potential for strikes in busy shipping areas. Robinson favours a multi-pronged approach to reducing ship strikes, but she said one single measure she believes could have a big impact would be equipping vessels with an infrared camera to detect whales within several kilometres. “Maybe some mariners ... respond better to knowing there 100 per cent is a whale 200 metres in front of your vessel, versus, ‘slow down, there might be a whale here.'” Robinson said such cameras can cost between US$50,000 and $75,000. But the cost was a “drop in the bucket” of major companies’ profits, she said. The cameras also present a public-relations opportunity for businesses to advertise themselves as operating in a more whale-friendly manner, Robinson said. “I know people who have had to go and have therapy after killing a humpback whilst at the helm,” she added. “I think there’s a lot to be said (for) the long-term benefits of this kind of technology.” The study also found areas with lower traffic that could provide refuge for whales, especially with added protections. It shows the Arctic Ocean, for example, has very few high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and Robinson said some researchers view it as potential sanctuary. But without protections, Robinson said Arctic waters could become the next high-risk hot spot as sea ice melts with climate change, opening up shipping routes. “Knowing the plans to expand shipping routes into these areas to cut shipping time, make things faster, right through prime whale habitat, I think this is a really good opportunity to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an issue,” she said. Whales play crucial roles in their ecosystems, including cycling nutrients that support other species, and they’re a boon for tourism, Robinson said. They’re also “magical” creatures that people feel connected to, she said, and they remain vulnerable after many species were hunted to the brink of extinction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press

John Parker Romo made a 29-yard field goal to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-27 overtime win against the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Romo buried the game-winning kick in his third career game for Minnesota (9-2), which won its fourth game in a row. The score capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive for the Vikings after the Bears went three-and-out on the first overtime possession. Sam Darnold completed 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings. Wideout Jordan Addison finished with eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. The overtime defeat spoiled an impressive performance from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago (4-7). D.J. Moore had seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Keenan Allen finished with nine catches for 86 yards and a score. Chicago erased an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. Romo had put Minnesota on top 27-16 when he made a 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams trimmed the Bears' deficit to 27-24 with 22 seconds to go. He rolled right and found Allen wide open in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, and moments later he fired a strike to Moore for a two-point conversion. The Bears recovered an onside kick on the next play to regain possession at their 43-yard line with 21 seconds left. Cairo Santos' onside kick bounced off the foot of Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt, and Tarvarius Moore recovered it. D.J. Moore put the Bears in field-goal position with a 27-yard reception across the middle of the field, and Santos made a 48-yarder as time expired to even the score at 27-all. Minnesota led 24-10 after three quarters. Romo made a 40-yard field goal early in the third quarter, and Aaron Jones punched in a 2-yard run with 1:22 left in the period to put the Vikings on top by two touchdowns. Addison and Jalen Nailor each had receiving touchdowns in the first half for Minnesota. Roschon Johnson scored on a 1-yard run for the Bears' only touchdown of the first half. Chicago trailed 14-10 at the break. --Field Level MediaFIVE TAKES: Can Bills clinch No. 2 seed with win over Jets? Will Allen further case for MVP?

Darts legend Adrian Lewis will lose his PDC Tour Card - 14 years after his maiden World Championship triumph. The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the sport's most talented players having won four major honours. 'Jackpot' won back-to-back world titles at Alexandra Palace in 2011 and 2012. He also emerged victorious at the European Championship and UK Open in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Lewis is also a four-time winner of the PDC World Cup of Darts having won the trophy alongside Phil Taylor on each occasions. But his form has dipped in recent years, and in April 2023, Lewis, who has been caring for his ill wife Sarah, announced he would be taking a break away from the sport. Last year was the first time since his debut 2005 appearance at the World Championship that saw him fail to feature. And his continued absence from darts will see him yet again miss out on competing at the iconic sports venue in next month's tournament. Lewis' current PDC Tour Card runs until the end of the year, but he has decided against entering in the PDPA World Championship qualifier, which starts on Monday. As a result, he will lose his Tour Card due to inactivity - much to the dismay of his adoring fans. Taking to social media, one X user posted: "The streets will never forget the big man!" Another messaged: "No Adrian Lewis at the PDPA qualifier so unfortunately he will lose his tour card. Miss you already king." A third added: "Such a great player to watch. Hopefully he’s well and we can see him back again some time." This supporter commented: "Ah man gutting. My favourite growing up and getting into darts." Meanwhile this fan simply stated: "One of the greatest to ever throw the tungsten." While Lewis will not be competing on the PDC Tour in 2025, he did announce in August he will return to action next year on the MODUS Super Series. And he also stressed he would be willing to enter the PDC qualifying school to earn his spot on the Tour. When asked by darts cult hero Wayne Mardle on when fans will see him back competing in PDC's biggest events, Lewis said: "I'm going to see where I'm at first. "Obviously I'll do the MODUS next year, see where I'm at see where my games at and if I'm enjoying it. Then obviously, I'd love to go to Q-School." Commenting on his time away from the sport, he added: "It was never my intention to put the darts away forever. "You know, I said I was taking a break, I never said I was retiring and there was always a possibility I was going to come back. I didn't really have the hunger, which I knew I needed to have to succeed. My wife has got an incurable kidney disease so we were in and out of hospital a lot of the time. "Then, my daughter, she's disabled, she's got autism and it was just all getting too much for me. That's not going away of course, but we can learn to deal with it."

In the realm of business leadership, few names resonate with the same level of respect and admiration as Wilf Wikkerink . As the current CEO of Book Depot, Wikkerink has carved a niche for himself as a leader who not only understands the art of business development but also the importance of fostering strong relationships. His journey from the son of Dutch immigrants to a business leader is a testament to his unwavering dedication and innovative approach to business management. Early Life and Education Wikkerink’s story begins on the picturesque Vancouver Island, where he was raised on a dairy farm. This humble beginning instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity—principles that have guided him throughout his life. His academic journey took him to Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the business world. Wikkerink's upbringing on a farm taught him invaluable lessons in discipline and perseverance, which he carried into his professional life. His parents, Dutch immigrants, played a significant role in shaping his character and work ethic. These early influences became the bedrock of his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes treating others with respect and gaining trust through consistent and ethical behavior. Career Beginnings and Rise to Leadership Before making his mark at Book Depot, Wikkerink spent nine years at Legacy Entertainment. During this period, he served as Partner and Operations Director, where he demonstrated his knack for business strategy and operations management. Together with his business partner, he built one of the industry’s leading budget music companies, which they successfully sold to a UK-based company. This successful venture was a springboard for Wikkerink, showcasing his ability to identify opportunities and execute strategic business decisions effectively. His transition to Book Depot in 2005 marked a new chapter in his career. As CEO, Wikkerink has been instrumental in transforming the company into a leader in the book distribution industry. His passion for sharing the company’s vision with employees, customers, and suppliers has been a driving force behind Book Depot's success. Wikkerink’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to building lifelong relationships and investing in both people and technology to enhance operations. Leadership Philosophy and Business Strategy Wikkerink’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a methodology he introduced to Book Depot five years ago. EOS has been a game-changer for the organization, providing a structured framework for setting and achieving long-term goals. Under his guidance, the company has embraced strategic priorities, or "rocks," to manage objectives and track progress effectively. Wikkerink believes in the power of vision casting and ownership thinking. By clearly communicating the company’s direction and goals, he empowers his team to make decisions and feel a sense of ownership in the business’s success. This approach not only motivates employees but also fosters a culture of innovation and accountability. His strategy emphasizes building long-term relationships with business partners, a key factor in Book Depot's growth. Wikkerink understands that trust is the foundation of any lasting business relationship, and he has consistently invested time and effort in nurturing these connections. Challenges and Achievements Throughout his career, Wikkerink has faced numerous challenges, but his ability to navigate them with resilience and strategic foresight has been a hallmark of his leadership. One of his most notable achievements at Book Depot has been the successful completion of several acquisitions, which have significantly expanded the company’s footprint in the industry. Wikkerink’s approach to decision-making is pragmatic and decisive. He advocates for making informed decisions efficiently to avoid the pitfalls of analysis paralysis. By fostering a culture where team members are encouraged to take calculated risks and learn from failures, he has created an environment where innovation thrives. Personal Life and Legacy Away from the boardroom, Wif Wikkerink is a family man. Together with his wife Natalie, they have six children and a growing number of grandchildren. The family enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as traveling and playing Spikeball. Wikkerink’s personal life reflects his belief in the importance of balance and the value of creating lasting memories with loved ones. As he continues to lead Book Depot, Wikkerink remains committed to his vision of building a company that values its people as much as its profits. His leadership has not only transformed Book Depot but has also set a benchmark for ethical and effective business practices. Wikkerink’s legacy in the business world is one of innovation, integrity, and inspiration—a testament to what is possible when one combines visionary leadership with a commitment to fostering genuine relationships. In reflecting upon his journey, Wilf Wikkerink stands as a beacon of visionary leadership in the business world, continually shaping the future of his industry with a focus on sustainable growth and meaningful connections. As he looks to the future, Wikkerink's influence and legacy continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. He remains dedicated to evolving Book Depot to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing market while staying true to the values that have defined his career. This commitment ensures that Wikkerink's impact will be felt for years to come, not only by his company but also by the wider business community, as he continues to inspire a new generation of leaders. *The San Francisco Examiner newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.

FSK Completes Public Offering of $100 million 6.125% Unsecured Notes Due 2030Attentive Named to the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500TM for the Fourth Consecutive Year