55 jili

Defense fund established by supporters of suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione tops $100,000

ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com .The average investor can easily find new investment ideas by following well-known asset managers. One of those managers is Cathie Wood , who heads up Ark Invest, an investment fund that focuses on disruptive and innovative businesses. In the Ark Innovation ETF , the flagship product that the asset manager offers to clients, fintech enterprise Block ( SQ -0.47% ) is a top holding. As of Nov. 21, it's the eighth largest position. Should you buy this top Cathie Wood stock while it trades below $100 per share? Bullish on fintech Cathie Wood and her team at Ark Invest are bullish on numerous technological trends. One of the areas the investment manager is optimistic about is the fintech industry. In particular, the excitement relates to how companies are offering holistic solutions to customers for all their financial services needs. Block falls squarely into this investment theme. Ark Invest believes that in the future, the business' vertically integrated offerings, like digital wallets, bank accounts, and debit cards for consumers, and payroll, working capital, and bill pay for merchants, will result in a powerful and more widely used closed-loop payments system. Block is at the forefront of this trend. Indicative of how much Ark Invest is bullish on the fintech niche, the firm offers the Ark Fintech Innovation ETF , which primarily focuses on these types of businesses. Block is the third largest holding in that fund, making up 6.3% of the assets. Block's positive traits Investors probably appreciate Block's growth potential. Through the first nine months of 2024, the company reported a 20% year-over-year increase in gross profit . Both of the critical segments, Square and Cash App, saw double-digit gains with this key performance metric. On the merchant side, Square processed $59.9 billion in gross payment volume in the three-month period that ended Sept. 30. The segment continues to attract larger sellers. On the consumer side, Cash App now has 57 million monthly active users. Management continues to drive further adoption of the Cash App Card, which can boost spending activity and, ultimately, the revenue and gross profit that Block generates. Like many other tech-enabled companies in recent years, Block has made an effort to streamline its operations and drive greater efficiencies. We're seeing this play out right before our eyes. The business posted $323 million in operating income in the third quarter. That's a massive reversal from the $10 million operating loss reported in the year-ago period. The leadership team upped their full-year 2024 guidance, which now calls for an adjusted operating margin of 18%. In theory, Block's business model should scale up in a profitable manner. Large expense items, like product development and sales and marketing, should constitute a lower percentage of total revenue over time, showcasing operating leverage. Shareholders must pay close attention to this going forward to ensure the strategy is working. Betting on earnings growth Block shares were once some of the best-performing on Wall Street. From the company's initial public offering in November 2015 to the stock's peak in August 2021, the share price skyrocketed more than 2,000% higher. That gain was hard to beat. It's been a totally different story since then. As of this writing on Nov. 21, the stock trades 67% off that all-time high. The market is adopting a more tempered view of the business and its prospects. Investors looking to buy shares must pay a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.9. That's very reasonable. However, the stock should only be purchased by those who believe the company's top- and bottom-line growth are set to continue at a solid clip. Cathie Wood thinks this will be the case. Based on recent trends, I believe this is a likely outcome as well, which makes the stock look like a compelling buy below $100.

Anthony Sharwood’s Kościuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the Mountain is far more than a biography of an extraordinary historical figure. It is a trip through time, continents and cultural landscapes. It blends the life of Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746–1817) – a nobleman, military engineer, revolutionary and humanist – with contemporary debates about identity, reconciliation and memory. Sharwood invites readers to join him on a journey to uncover who Kościuszko was, why his name sits atop Australia’s highest mountain, and whether it should remain there. Review: Kosciuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the Mountain – Anthony Sharwoood (Hachette) Kościuszko is an enigmatic figure to everyone but the citizens of his native Poland, though he is also celebrated as a hero in America, where he is known for his role in the American rebellion against the British. His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. In Poland, he led the 1794 Kościuszko Uprising against Russian domination and advocated for social reforms. He fought to end Polish serfdom. He dedicated his American estate to the education and emancipation of African American slaves, although his will was never fully executed. Sharwood explores Kościuszko’s life with a unique narrative structure, inviting readers to explore his subject’s legacy as though they are travelling alongside him. The biography begins with a simple yet intriguing question: “Who was the Kosciuszko fella?” Sharwood’s answer takes readers to the heart of the man who became a symbol of liberty and equality, earning the admiration of luminaries such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Yet the book is as much about Australia and its Indigenous people as it is about Kościuszko himself. It offers a richly layered exploration of history, identity and the power of names. A champion of liberty and equality Sharwood’s approach is refreshingly unconventional. Rather than presenting a linear historical narrative, he embarks on a road trip through Kościuszko’s life and the places that shaped it. Along the way, we learn of Kościuszko’s early life in Lithuania and Poland, his education in France, and his commitment to Enlightenment ideals. Starting in America, Sharwood traces Kościuszko’s rise as a military engineer during the American War of Independence. His account of the period Kościuszko spent in America, from 1776 to 1784, is vividly detailed. As a colonel in the Continental Army, Kościuszko played a critical role in fortifying Saratoga and West Point. He emerges as a man of principle, who not only fought for American independence, but sought to challenge the contradictions of its society. His will, which directed his American assets to be used for freeing and educating enslaved people, becomes a focal point in the narrative. Sharwood uses it to explore Kościuszko’s unwavering commitment to human rights, painting him as a figure who transcended the cultural constraints of his time. The narrative then moves to Poland, where Kościuszko’s leadership during the 1794 uprising against Russian and Prussian forces solidified his status as a national hero. Despite his military brilliance and political vision, Kościuszko’s efforts to preserve Polish independence were thwarted by the effects of successive partitions of Poland in 1772, 1793 and 1795, which erased the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth of his childhood from the map of Europe. Sharwood vividly captures the drama and tragedy of this period, portraying Kościuszko as a charismatic leader whose vision for equality inspired soldiers and peasants alike. Despite his eventual defeat and imprisonment, Kościuszko’s ideals endured, making him a symbol of resistance against oppression. Sharwood’s storytelling shines in these sections, blending research with compelling prose that brings history to life. Read more: Mount Kosciuszko: how Australia’s highest peak came to be named for a freedom fighter against Russian aggression History, identity, naming What sets this biography apart is its integration of Kościuszko’s story with the contemporary debate over the naming of Mount Kosciuszko. Kościuszko never set foot on the Australian continent. The mountain was named in 1840, long after his death, by Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki (1797-1873), who was inspired by Kościuszko’s ideals. The naming is now at the centre of discussions about Indigenous recognition. Sharwood highlights the cultural significance of the Snowy Mountains for the Ngarigo people. He explores their ancient customs, their displacement during European colonisation, and their perspectives on the future of the mountain’s name. By engaging with traditional owners, such as Ngarigo elder Cheryl Davison, Sharwood adds depth to the narrative, situating the debate within broader questions of reconciliation and historical justice. Sharwood’s ability to connect Kościuszko’s legacy with contemporary issues facing Australia is one of the book’s greatest strengths. He explores how names shape our understanding of history and identity, asking whether Kościuszko’s name should remain on the mountain or be replaced with an Indigenous name. His nuanced approach reflects the complexity of the question. He acknowledges the multiple names used by different Indigenous clans, such as Kunama Namadgi and Tar Gan Gil . He also considers what Kościuszko himself might have wanted. Sharwood refrains from providing definitive answers. Instead, he encourages readers to reflect on the layers of history and meaning embedded in the mountain. The book’s road-trip structure enhances its accessibility and emotional resonance. Sharwood takes readers from Poland to Switzerland, where Kościuszko spent his final years, and to the United States, where his ideals of liberty and equality continue to inspire. The journey extends to the town of Kosciusko, Mississippi (notably spelled without the “z”), the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey, adding a quirky yet meaningful connection to Kościuszko’s global legacy. Sharwood’s travels culminate in Australia, where he retraces Strzelecki’s footsteps and delves into the history of the Snowy Mountains. This personal approach makes the biography feel intimate and relatable, as though readers are discovering Kościuszko’s story alongside the author. Sharwood’s writing is as engaging as it is informative. His journalistic background is evident in his ability to distil complex historical events into narratives that are both compelling and easy to follow. At the same time, his passion for the Australian High Country, showcased in previous works From Snow to Ash and The Brumby Wars , enriches his exploration of Mount Kosciuszko. His vivid descriptions of the landscape, combined with his deep respect for its cultural significance, create a powerful sense of place that anchors the narrative. Despite its many strengths, the book does have its limitations. Sharwood’s admiration for Kościuszko occasionally verges on romanticisation, portraying him as an almost flawless hero. While this approach underscores Kościuszko’s enduring appeal, it sometimes oversimplifies the complexities of his character and his historical context. Sharwood has crafted an unconventional biography that is as thought-provoking as it is inspiring, but his approach can be irritating, especially to a historian seeking greater detail. Kościuszko’s will, for example, is celebrated as a bold statement of equality, but the practical challenges that prevented its execution receive less attention. Similarly, the book’s road-trip format, while engaging, can feel disjointed, with some of the transitions between historical and contemporary narratives lacking fluidity. The book nevertheless succeeds in its primary goal. It illuminates the life and legacy of a remarkable figure, while prompting readers to consider the broader implications of his story. Sharwood’s exploration of Kościuszko’s ideals of liberty, equality and justice resonates deeply in a world still grappling with these issues. His engagement with the Indigenous history of the Snowy Mountains adds a vital layer of complexity to the narrative, reminding readers that history is never one-dimensional. In celebrating Kościuszko, Sharwood invites Australians to reflect on their own values and history. The parallels between Kościuszko’s life and the Australian ethos – resilience, fairness, unity, the championing of the underdog – underscore why his name, carried by Australia’s highest mountain, continues to inspire. By framing Kościuszko within this cultural narrative, Sharwood not only honours the man himself, but affirms the enduring relevance of these ideals in contemporary Australian society. For those interested in history and culture, or the intersections between the two, Sharwood’s biography is essential reading. Whether or not Kościuszko’s name remains on Australia’s highest mountain, his legacy as a champion of human rights and a symbol of resistance will endure.Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back C.J. Baskerville called foul on Arkansas Razorbacks Fernando Carmona over an allegedly "dirty" play during the Liberty Bowl on Friday. Baskerville made the claim in a post on X on Saturday. He accused Carmona of stepping on the back of his ankle after a play and shared two videos as proof. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Nov. 30, 2024; Lubbock, Texas: Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive safety C.J. Baskerville (9) is honored on senior day before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. (Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images) "There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them. But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and pressing down on it on purpose is straight up dirty," Baskerville wrote on X. "Proceeds to say "got your b**** a***." Do better." Carmona, who is listed at 322 pounds, didn’t immediately respond to Baskerville’s post. The incident in question occurred in the fourth quarter of Arkansas’ 39-26 win over Texas Tech. Sept. 21, 2024; Auburn, Alabama: Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (55) celebrates with fans after the Razorbacks beat the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. (John Reed-Imagn Images) MIAMI'S CAM WARD OPTS OUT OF BOWL GAME IN 2ND HALF AFTER SETTING TD RECORD, IGNITES SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE Baskerville led the Red Raiders with 10 total tackles, and he had one pass deflection in the game. The senior wrapped up his 2024 season with 52 total tackles and four interceptions on the season. The defense got to Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green twice. Green managed to avoid most of the pressure and was 11-of-21 with 341 passing yards and two touchdown passes. The Razorbacks finished the season 7-6 and are on a three-game bowl winning streak under head coach Sam Pittman. Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (10) runs the ball against Texas Tech defensive back C.J. Baskerville (9) during the second half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Red Raiders fell to 8-5 on the year. The team’s own three-game bowl winning streak was snapped with the defeat. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .Kari Lake Reveals Whether or Not She'll Run for Office Again