Blue Star Foods Moves its Listing to OTC Markets under its current symbol BSFCShare Tweet Share Share Email Mastercard has collaborated with Boost to accelerate cash digitization in FMCG. Takeaway Points Mastercard has collaborated with Boost to accelerate cash digitization in FMCG. The partnership will benefit FMCG distributors and retailers that use Boost’s digital commerce platform to digitize payments. Boost powers manufacturers and their last-mile distribution networks with radically easy technology, data, and growth services. Why did Mastercard collaborate with Boost? Mastercard said on Thursday that it has partnered with Boost, the business-to-business (B2B) commerce platform, to drive the growth of small businesses operating in last-mile fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution networks—the final stage of supply chains in which products are delivered to end users. This partnership will provide digital payment options, planted credit, and integrated supply chain finance solutions to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard, while commenting about the partnership said, “Small businesses are the backbone of thriving economies, yet they often face significant barriers to growth. Through our partnership with Boost, we are strengthening the support ecosystem for MSMEs in emerging markets by providing essential digital tools and financing solutions to help them succeed in today’s digital economy.” Mike Quinn, co-founder and CEO, Boost, said, “We are thrilled to enter this commercial partnership with Mastercard in the pursuit of our mission to enable small businesses in last-mile global distribution networks to thrive in the digital economy. We have already proven that our highly scalable platform, coupled with our WhatsApp ordering solution, can power cost-effective growth across multiple channels in urban, peri-urban and rural settings by providing end-to-end visibility, increased coverage and direct-to-retailer digital promotions. Mastercard will help us take our model to the next level to create transformative value for our customers and partners while fueling our global ambitions.” How will this benefit FMCG distributors and retailers? According to the report, the partnership will benefit FMCG distributors and retailers that use Boost’s digital commerce platform to digitize payments, connecting them to essential working capital and Mastercard’s acceptance solutions. About Boost Boost powers manufacturers and their last-mile distribution networks with radically easy technology, data and growth services. The company’s innovative platform digitizes end-to-end distribution in primarily offline channels and drives growth by providing a space for direct-to-retailer digital engagement and embedded financing to distributors and retailers. Data by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) shows that MSMEs make up over 90% of all companies and account on average for 60-70% of total employment and 50% of the GDP worldwide. Still, according to the SME Finance Forum, they are currently encountering a roughly $5.7 trillion financing gap, which is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of the global MSME lending, Mastercard said. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. Related Items: Boost , Digital Payments , MasterCard Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Mobile Money Services: How FinTech Is Empowering Developing Economies How to Implement Fraud Prevention Strategies for Digital Payments Jira Planning Poker: How to Use It for Free to Boost Agile Teams Commentsslotvip 365 download 。

The Cincinnati Bengals were not guaranteed to have their No. 2 wide receiver Tee Higgins in the lineup for the Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos , but the former second-round pick ended up being active. Higgins was battling ankle and knee issues during the week but was still able to log three limited sessions before being listed as questionable. And, ultimately, Higgins was active when the Bengals released their list of inactives before kickoff. We expected Higgins to be involved early and often, especially with superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase getting shadow coverage from Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain, but that has not been the case. Here's the latest on Higgins' slow start in Week 17. Is Tee Higgins playing today? Higgins is indeed active and in the lineup, and we've seen him on the field. Sadly, he has yet to be targeted once over the team's first two drives. Hopefully things will get better for him as the game progresses. Tee Higgins stats today Stat Total Targets 0 Receptions 0 Receiving Yards 0 Touchdowns 0 MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS How Bengals can clinch improbable playoff berth Bengals vs. Broncos final Week 17 injury report Bengals' updated playoff chances going into Week 17Investigators from the New York Police Department (NYPD) were observed in Central Park on Saturday, as the department continues searching for evidence from the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson. (Christina Coulter / Fox News Digital) Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., didn't mince words while tearing into New York magazine for an article suggesting resentment over denied insurance claims made UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder "inevitable." "No shortage of s----y takes on the 2024 election or on this assassination," the Pennsylvania senator wrote in an X post on Saturday. "The public execution of an innocent man and father of two is indefensible, not ‘inevitable.’ Condoning and cheering this on says more about YOU than the situation of health insurance," he added. Thompson was gunned down outside a hotel in Manhattan on the way to a company conference on Wednesday morning, spawning a now days-long investigation as the suspect remains on the run. SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON GUNNED DOWN ON NYC STREET US Senator John Fetterman, then Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor, speaks at a reception for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party in Philadelphia on October 28, 2022. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) The motive behind the assassination remains unclear, though bullet casings left behind at the crime scene were found with words "deny", "depose" and "defend" written on them – a possible reference to the book " Delay, Deny, Defend : Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It." Reactions to Thompson's death have poured in across the web and in the media, with some speculating outrage over denied coverage perhaps inspired the event, including New York magazine's article titled "The Shooting That Was Inevitable. Our political system is breaking down. Now it has killed." "Christopher McNaughton needed care for his ulcerative colitis, which had already caused him to develop arthritis, diarrhea, fatigue, and blood clots that could kill him. The disease was one problem; his insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, soon proved to be another," the article began, setting the stage for a discussion about health issues that have gone unaddressed as a result of denied or shoddy coverage. FORMER NYPD INSPECTOR ‘SKEPTICAL’ UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO GUNMAN WAS PROFESSIONAL, ZEROES IN ON WEAPON OF CHOICE UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. (Photo Credit: Businesswire | NYPD Crimestoppers) The piece went on to pull in examples of less-than-empathetic commentary, including one X post that read, "Today, we mourn the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down.... wait, I’m sorry — today we mourn the deaths of the 68,000 Americans who needlessly die each year so that insurance company execs like Brian Thompson can become multimillionaires." On the note of the words inscribed on the bullet casings , writer Sarah Jones suggested it's "obvious" the gunman meant to send a "public message," adding that "some appear open to it." Commenters weighing in on Fetterman's searing take largely agreed with his sentiments, with multiple users thanking him for calling out the outlet. Fox News Digital reached out to New York magazine for comment but did not receive an immediate response. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Taylor Penley is an associate editor with Fox News.

Voters in Ireland were more than usually busy in 2024, casting their ballot in five different polls – for two referenda in March, local and European ballots in June and a general election in November. The country’s political comings and goings were further punctuated by an emotional announcement in March from former premier Leo Varadkar that he was resigning as taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. He was succeeded the following month in both roles by Simon Harris. But the year had so much more to offer than just politics, and PA news agency photographers were on hand to capture some of the highlights.It’s official: 2024 is coming to a close, and December’s festivities are nearly upon us. If you’re stocking your cupboards for holiday fun, Trader Joe’s has plenty of new products on the shelves for December ( you can find our round-up here !). But if you’re bored of the usual holiday fare, you can check out our guide to cooking a delicious Italian-inspired Christmas feast here . This week, research implied that certain households might be more likely to step away from the traditional Christmas ham this year than others. A newly published study from Baruch College and the University of Southern California suggested that the people most likely to reduce red meat consumption in the US are those aged over 65, female, and come from nonwhite households. And they’re not alone— King Charles could be joining them. Recently, the monarch’s stepson Tom Parker-Bowles revealed that both the King and Queen Camilla were looking at reducing their meat consumption for health reasons. Regardless of your food choices this holiday season, the truth is: everyone deserves a treat. Find out where to get everything from free dairy-free mochas to vegan bacon chocolate (yes, that’s bacon chocolate) to delicious festive dairy-free cinnamon buns below. We’ve also got news from the food tech space, fresh information on Oatly’s ongoing legal challenges, and updates on the vegan restaurant scene in India and Australia. Holiday food news In the US, Cinnaholic has a new vegan holiday menu, and Peet’s Coffee is offering free mochas on New Year’s Day. If you’re buying treats in the UK, H!P’s new Figs in Blankets chocolate bar with vegan salty bacon is well worth a try. Cinnaholic If you’re craving festive flavors, cinnamon roll chain Cinnaholic recently announced its new holiday menu, which consists of a Nutcracker Sweet Roll (which is topped with Bavarian candied nuts and creme brulée frosting), an Oh Fudge Roll (which features chocolate frosting, fudge cookie dough, chocolate bark, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles), and CinnaBites (which are basically bite-sized cinnamon rolls). You can also sip on hot cocoa made with plant-based milk and treat yourself to a Wreath Cake (made with cinnamon rolls) and an assorted dessert board. In honor of Pantone’s Color of the Year, coffee chain Peet’s Coffee has announced it will be handing out free mochas on New Year’s Day to anyone who says the codeword “Mocha Mousse.” The coffee chain’s mochas can be made dairy-free with a few tweaks: just ask for dairy-free milk and no whip. British oat milk chocolate brand H!P is known for its unique chocolate bar flavors (like Salty Pretzel and Cookies No Cream, for example), but for this year’s festive season, it has taken things to a whole new level. The new Figs in Blankets flavor, which combines plant-based bacon seasoning with figs, might sound a little odd at first, but the brand’s founder James Cadbury promises it hits “the sweet spot.” The flavor benefits The King’s Trust charity and is exclusively available on UK Amazon . Oatly RELATED: Boxing Hall of Famer Mike Tyson Invests in Vegan Burger Chain, Mr. Charlie’s Food industry and tech news While the holidays are undeniably a big theme for this week’s roundup, there has also been progress in food innovation—from potato-based cheese to butter alternatives to Oatly’s former president starting a new role with a game-changing plant-based meat brand. Plus, it’s a double mention for Oatly, as recently the UK ruled the company could not use the word “milk” in its marketing. Mike Messersmith, the former president of Oatly USA, one of the biggest names in the dairy-free industry, is taking his expertise to Tender Food . The Harvard scientist-led food technology brand creates unique, innovative plant-based meat products, including beef short rib and chicken breast, using its own patented technology. With Messersmith as CEO, Tender Food hopes to strengthen its mission and transform the food industry. “Stepping into a leadership role for Tender is a thrilling transition for me, Messersmith said in a statement. “The team has created an extraordinary platform for continued technological development and is on the cusp of a really exciting new chapter.” In more ingredient news, Israel-based food technology company Gavan recently announced it has raised $8 million to replace the animal fat in butter with a highly functional “cutting edge” plant-based alternative. According to the brand, the new funding round “opens the door for Gavan to enter the European food market.” KMC The dairy-free cheese market, which hit an estimated value of $1.9 billion in 2024, according to some market research reports, has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. Thanks to brands like Violife, Daiya, and Follow Your Heart, you can now buy everything from shreds to slices to cream cheese. Danish cooperative KMC believes that with its new potato-based starch ingredient, named CheeseMaker CF66, it can create a vegan mozzarella for pizza that can melt, stretch, and pull just like the dairy version. It hasn’t hit the market yet, but watch this space. Oatly has long used the word “milk” in its branding. One of its most commonly used phrases, for example, is “milk made for humans,” as well as “post-milk generation.” But London’s Court of Appeal recently ruled the leading dairy-free brand must stay away from the term “milk,” as it can only be applied to products made from “normal mammary secretion.”Alex Robinson, the CEO of environmental charity Hubbub, wrote on Linkedin : “This ruling feels regressive but the direction of travel is clear: more people are choosing plant-friendly options. The law will catch up eventually.” Mr. Charlie’s RELATED: Europe, US Boast the “Most Vegan-Friendly Cities” in the World: Report Restaurant news The popular vegan fast-food chain Mr. Charlie’s (a favorite of new investor Mike Tyson ), has launched a pop-up in Melbourne, Australia. Plus a new report from Good Food International (GFI) has promising news for the vegan market in India. A new report from GFI India, titled The Next Course: Reimagining Protein , revealed that while the plant-based meat market is still in its “infancy” in India, there has been some positive growth in the industry. The report noted that in Mumbai, for example, 37 percent of restaurants offer plant-based meat on the menu. In Bangalore, it’s 20 percent of restaurants, and in New Delhi, it’s 19 percent. The report acknowledged that while demand for plant-based meat is still low, “targeted education and strategic menu integration” can boost awareness. Melbourne residents who want a taste of vegan fast food from the popular California chain Mr. Charlie’s are in luck. The McDonald ’s-inspired plant-based brand has followed the launch of its Sydney location with a new pop-up in Melbourne. Located at the CoConspirators Brewpub, Mr. Charlies will be serving its burgers and Mr. Frowny meals through December and January. DON'T MISS OUT : Get breaking news, recipes, and our weekly vegan deal by signing up for our FREE VegNewsletter Bill Gates’ Favorite Yogurt Is Made From Fungi, and It’s a Game-Changer Plant-Based Proteins Slash Heart Disease Risk and Environmental Footprint LA’s Hottest Vegan Restaurant Now Available Nationwide JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Subscribe Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.

Share Tweet Share Share Email Mastercard has collaborated with Boost to accelerate cash digitization in FMCG. Takeaway Points Mastercard has collaborated with Boost to accelerate cash digitization in FMCG. The partnership will benefit FMCG distributors and retailers that use Boost’s digital commerce platform to digitize payments. Boost powers manufacturers and their last-mile distribution networks with radically easy technology, data, and growth services. Why did Mastercard collaborate with Boost? Mastercard said on Thursday that it has partnered with Boost, the business-to-business (B2B) commerce platform, to drive the growth of small businesses operating in last-mile fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution networks—the final stage of supply chains in which products are delivered to end users. This partnership will provide digital payment options, planted credit, and integrated supply chain finance solutions to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard, while commenting about the partnership said, “Small businesses are the backbone of thriving economies, yet they often face significant barriers to growth. Through our partnership with Boost, we are strengthening the support ecosystem for MSMEs in emerging markets by providing essential digital tools and financing solutions to help them succeed in today’s digital economy.” Mike Quinn, co-founder and CEO, Boost, said, “We are thrilled to enter this commercial partnership with Mastercard in the pursuit of our mission to enable small businesses in last-mile global distribution networks to thrive in the digital economy. We have already proven that our highly scalable platform, coupled with our WhatsApp ordering solution, can power cost-effective growth across multiple channels in urban, peri-urban and rural settings by providing end-to-end visibility, increased coverage and direct-to-retailer digital promotions. Mastercard will help us take our model to the next level to create transformative value for our customers and partners while fueling our global ambitions.” How will this benefit FMCG distributors and retailers? According to the report, the partnership will benefit FMCG distributors and retailers that use Boost’s digital commerce platform to digitize payments, connecting them to essential working capital and Mastercard’s acceptance solutions. About Boost Boost powers manufacturers and their last-mile distribution networks with radically easy technology, data and growth services. The company’s innovative platform digitizes end-to-end distribution in primarily offline channels and drives growth by providing a space for direct-to-retailer digital engagement and embedded financing to distributors and retailers. Data by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) shows that MSMEs make up over 90% of all companies and account on average for 60-70% of total employment and 50% of the GDP worldwide. Still, according to the SME Finance Forum, they are currently encountering a roughly $5.7 trillion financing gap, which is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of the global MSME lending, Mastercard said. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. Related Items: Boost , Digital Payments , MasterCard Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Mobile Money Services: How FinTech Is Empowering Developing Economies How to Implement Fraud Prevention Strategies for Digital Payments Jira Planning Poker: How to Use It for Free to Boost Agile Teams CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — A judge confirmed Friday that President-elect Donald Trump won’t be sentenced this month in his hush money case, instead setting a schedule for prosecutors and his lawyers to expand on their ideas about what to do next. Amid a flurry of filings in the case since Trump’s election win this month, it had already become clear that the Nov. 26 sentencing date wouldn’t hold. Judge Juan M. Merchan’s order Friday formalized that without setting a new one. He called for more filing from both sides over the next 2 1/2 weeks about how to proceed in light of Trump’s impending return to the White House. Trump’s lawyers want the case to be dismissed outright, and immediately. They have said that it otherwise will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Prosecutors have indicated that they’re open to putting the case on hold, perhaps as long as he’s in office, but they don’t want it to be scrapped altogether. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict.” Bragg’s office declined to comment on Friday’s ruling. Trump spokesperson and incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung hailed it as “a decisive win” for Trump. Trump, a Republican, was convicted in May of falsifying his business’ records to disguise the true nature of a chain of payments that provided $130,000 to porn actor Stormy Daniels. She received it, through Trump’s then-lawyer, in the waning days of the 2016 presidential campaign. The payout was meant to keep her quiet about a sexual encounter she says she had with the married Trump a decade earlier. He denies her claim and says he did nothing wrong.

Group of Independents in N.S. requests judicial review of snap election callAlexander and Boston University secure 80-74 OT win over Albany

ABU DHABI , UAE , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and a globally recognised hub for asset and wealth management unveiled nineteen major announcements from global financial institutions during the third edition of ADFW. These represent almost USD 635 billion in assets under management (AUM) and follow other Q4 announcements from the world's largest asset managers, BlackRock, PGIM, and Nuveen, which have also been set up in ADGM. This remarkable increase, from USD 450 billion to USD 635 billion , within a year has reinforced the centre's reputation as the region's fastest-growing and one of the world's most dynamic jurisdictions for asset management. This growth has been further bolstered by the establishment of billionaire-led family offices, including those of British businessman Asif Aziz , prominent philanthropist and financial strategist Wafic Said , and Singaporean entrepreneur and real estate leader Kishin RK, underscoring the centre's growing appeal as a global wealth management hub. Commenting on Abu Dhabi and ADGM's continued momentum, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi , Member of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM said, "These milestones reflect the heart of what makes Abu Dhabi so special—a shared vision of progress, partnership, and possibility. The growing number of global financial leaders and innovators choosing ADGM is a testament to the trust they place in our infrastructure, robust regulations, commitment to excellence and Abu Dhabi's reputation as the world's safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management. As we welcome these new partnerships, we remain dedicated to driving the growth and diversification of the 'Falcon Economy' and creating opportunities that resonate across industries and borders. It's an exciting moment for ADGM, Abu Dhabi , and all those who are part of this remarkable journey." Larry Fink , Chairman and CEO of Blackrock praised Abu Dhabi commenting, "It's been a long journey watching how Abu Dhabi has matured as an economy. The constant innovation that I'm seeing from the economy and from the leadership. And Abu Dhabi has really positioned itself to become a leader over the next 20 years. Its psychology was different, and now it's blossoming into this magnet of opportunity. With that strength, it is now becoming a foundation for innovation." "We see a real burgeoning of entrepreneurship happening in the region and believe that the Middle East is the next big entrepreneurial hot spot. We've watched this happen before and always had our eye out on areas emerging in terms of entrepreneurship," said Bill Ford , Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic , during the second day of ADFW. Sir Paul Marshall , Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Marshall Wace said, " Abu Dhabi is such a great place. Abu Dhabi is absolutely nailing it. It's a very attractive place." Confirming their establishment in ADGM during ADFW were leading private equity firms General Atlantic, Lone Star Funds, and Investindustrial along with private credit giants Golub Capital and Polen Capital, insurance manager – Eldridge as well as leading global equity management company, Carta and hedge fund Marshall Wace . This recent wave of commitments from global financial institutions signifies ADGM's leadership in attracting the world's foremost investment firms. Reflecting this confidence and growth, billionaire-led family offices have also been drawn to ADGM, recognising it as a trusted hub for managing and growing wealth. Asif Aziz , Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital commented, " Abu Dhabi's transformation into a global financial powerhouse makes it an ideal base for our operations. ADGM's world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide unparalleled opportunities to forge partnerships that align with our growth ambitions across the UAE and beyond." Building on its role as a leading destination for global investors and asset managers, ADGM is also redefining financial innovation by advancing its digital ecosystem. A cornerstone of this effort was the launch of Finstreet, a first-of-its-kind international securities market and an ecosystem for private securities, which exemplifies ADGM's commitment to integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with its robust financial infrastructure. The week also saw a new funding round for Themis and the entry of international digital pioneers Zodia Markets, Polygon Labs, FJ Labs, Aptos Digital, Chainlinks, Astra Tech and Themis, further solidifying the Emirate's reputation as a global innovation hub. Meanwhile, FinTech Astra Tech's Quantix announcement of a landmark USD 500 million financing from Citigroup, among the largest provided to a UAE FinTech company to date, to expand its CashNow consumer lending platform. Additionally, Themis—renowned for its advanced financial crime prevention technologies—is further reinforcing ADGM's position as a hub for the next generation of financial technologies, secured over USD 9.75 million in scale-up funding, building on its success in partnerships with global leaders, including ADGM underscoring its role in advancing financial crime prevention in innovative regulatory environments. The market announcements were released during the third edition of ADFW held under the theme "Welcome to the Capital of Capital," which gathered more than 20,000 leaders and executives from across the financial services industry, which collectively represented more than USD 42 trillion in assets under management. This wave of newcomers ADFW underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a global financial powerhouse and ADGM's role as a catalyst for economic diversification, attracting top-tier talent, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative investments that are shaping the emirate's future. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aum-of-usd-635-billion-at-adfw-caps-stellar-q4-as-trillion-dollar-club-flock-to-adgm-302336607.html SOURCE ADGMThe holidays are a magical time for kids, filled with decorations, celebrations and a break from school. But during the fun and festivities, parents must remember that this season can also bring an increased risk to children’s safety. Amid all the activities and family gatherings, children may face an environment where the risk of abuse quietly rises. As a survivor of child sexual abuse and a mother myself, I can personally attest that this should be a concern for parents across all zip codes, races, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds. With 42 million survivors of sexual abuse in America, it is clear this danger does not discriminate. The good news, however, is that we can prevent future abuse by educating ourselves and our children about personal safety. As uncomfortable as it is to acknowledge, 90% of child abuse is perpetrated by someone the child — and their parents — know and trust. With many relatives, friends and neighbors visiting during the holidays, children are more likely to encounter someone who may take advantage of that access and increased commotion. And while it’s difficult to confront this issue, the sad reality is that one in nine girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before turning 18. However, there is hope. Studies show that 95% of child sexual abuse can be prevented through education and awareness. Empowering our children with knowledge about personal safety doesn’t need to be a scary experience. Instead, it can be woven into family values when teaching your kids about common life lessons, such as respect, boundaries and the power of using their voice. Regardless of your child’s age, starting a conversation about safety is essential and can be done in fun and engaging ways. Consider beginning with these simple but crucial steps before the holiday chaos sets in: For older children, parents can also discuss how predators may use manipulation tactics or technology to build trust and then violate it with unsafe secrets or touches. Encourage open conversation about their thoughts and feelings in different unsafe scenarios. Let’s give our kids the gift of safety this holiday season. Through open dialogue and intentional conversations, we can empower them with the tools to establish boundaries and understand consent. Resources such as the Safer, Smarter Families website offer free, personalized family safety plans based on your child’s age. Parents should also read up on the warning signs of potential abuse. Knowledge is power, and by educating ourselves on the signs of potential abuse, we can be more prepared to protect our children. This gift will protect them well beyond the holiday season. For more information on child abuse prevention, visit LaurensKids.org . Lauren Book is a child advocate, former classroom teacher, best-selling author, former Florida state Senator, and the founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids. As a victim of childhood sexual abuse for six years at the hands of a trusted caretaker, Lauren founded Lauren’s Kids as a vehicle to prevent childhood sexual abuse and help other survivors heal.As the world’s two largest economies vie for influence in South America, Brazil sits at the heart of the global power struggle. The choices the country makes in the coming years could reshape the region’s economic and political trajectory, according to analysts. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Brazil for a state visit and the G20 Summit marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and underscored Beijing's expanding influence in South America amid intensifying U.S.–China competition. Xi’s visit resulted in 37 trade and diplomatic agreements with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. These agreements spanned agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure development, signaling a closer partnership between the world’s second-largest economy and Latin America’s largest nation. “Brazil has the biggest Chinese investment in the Global South. Lots of Chinese money here,” said Mauricio Santoro, political scientist and international relations expert, and author of Brazil-China Relations in the 21st Century , in an interview with VOA. “And the Chinese and Brazilians are backing a lot of the development of green technologies, wind power, solar power. So, there’s huge potential in that.” During the visit, Xi and Lula discussed strengthening economic cooperation between China and Brazil, as well as addressing key global issues, including trade, sustainable development and geopolitical challenges. Despite the sheer volume of agreements, experts suggest that many were largely symbolic, focusing on reaffirming commitments rather than enacting concrete policies. “Signing 37 agreements is huge. It’s likely they won’t have practical effects in the near term,” Livio Ribeiro, an expert on Sino-Brazilian trade, told VOA. “Most of them are very broad and unspecific. Though, linkages are being tied up. They are getting stronger. I think that’s the point.” China’s expanding influence China has cemented itself as Brazil’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at close to $160 billion in 2023. Trade between the two countries has increased by nearly 10% in the first 10 months of 2024, reported China’s state news agency, Xinhua. Over the past decade, Chinese investments in Brazil, particularly in energy and infrastructure, have surged. As China deepens its footprint in South America, the United States has emphasized soft power strategies, particularly in combating climate change — a central element of Lula’s international agenda. The Biden administration increased its climate finance to $11 billion annually and contributed $50 million to Brazil’s Amazon Fund. However, analysts say China’s rise poses challenges to U.S. influence in South America. Bilateral currency agreements between Beijing and countries such as Brazil and Chile enable trade in Chinese currency, the renminbi, gradually undermining the dollar’s dominance in the region. “Most American administrations look at Latin America as a problem. As a source of instability, of undesirable immigration, organized crime, border troubles and so on,” said Santoro. “But when China looks to Latin America, it basically sees opportunities.” The Trump factor The incoming Trump administration may shift the dynamics of U.S.–China competition in the region, and Trump’s proposals, including a possible sweeping tariff on Chinese imports, could alienate South American nations and draw them closer to Beijing, according to experts. “As we have Trump coming into office in January 2025, the balance of power will change,” Ribeiro told VOA. “And for me the great question is whether Trump, knowing and understanding that he’s losing Latin America, if he will try to regain it or he’ll just let it go.” He said higher interest rates in the U.S. and a stronger dollar may exacerbate economic challenges in South America, devaluing local currencies and increasing borrowing costs. Such volatility could make Chinese partnerships more appealing. Chinese officials "don’t believe that Trump will be able to build good relationships with the leaders of these countries,” Santoro said. Brazil’s balancing act President Lula has maintained a careful approach, strengthening ties with China without alienating the United States. His decision not to join China’s global infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflects a strategy to preserve Brazil’s diplomatic flexibility, experts said. “That’s the precise way Brazil should deal with it,” Ribeiro told VOA. “Because he [Lula] did not sign the Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, the U.S. can’t say that we are going into the opposition.” Analysts note Brazil can potentially still benefit from the BRI project — for example through a proposed Brazil-Peru transcontinental railway that remains in the planning stage — while balancing diplomacy between the global rivals, analysts said. “We are trading more and more [with China]. We are using infrastructure. We are receiving Chinese money. So, the integration that comes along with the Belt and Road is reaching us,” said Ribeiro. Some experts see opportunities for Brazil in the U.S.–China rivalry. “If China is suffering economically with the imposition of U.S. tariffs, it could quite possibly make a deal with Brazil to bring the trade to us, using our established trade partnership,” said Brazilian writer Sergio Farias in an interview with VOA. “I think there’s a great possibility of Brazil benefiting from this.”

The western third of the college football world, so often excluded from the four-team College Football Playoff, will have three representatives in the inaugural 12-team version after Boise State and Arizona State secured automatic bids Friday night and Saturday morning, respectively. The Broncos (12-1) locked up their spot with a victory over UNLV in the Mountain West championship, and the Sun Devils (11-2) did the same with a dominating performance against Iowa State in the Big 12 championship. The region’s third CFP participant, top-ranked Oregon (12-0), will make the field regardless of the outcome of the Big Ten title showdown with Penn State later today. Across the entirety of the four-team playoff era (2014-23), only three western teams participated: Oregon in 2014 and Washington in 2016 and 2023. Had the four-team event remained in place this season, the Sun Devils would have been on the outside looking in the day they lost for a second time (Oct. 19). Boise State likely would have been excluded as a one-loss team from the Group of Five. “In creating the format for the 12-team event,” former CFP executive director Bill Hancock told the Hotline on Saturday (via text message), “it was important to make sure college football thrived in every part of the country. “It is working!” Exactly where the Broncos and Sun Devils fit within the 12-team bracket, which will be revealed Sunday at 9 a.m. (Pacific) on ESPN, is unclear. Both teams want one of the opening-round byes assigned to the four highest-ranked conference champions. The fifth conference champion isn’t as fortunate and must open the CFP on the road. (The opponent is expected to be the runner up from the Big Ten or SEC, or Notre Dame.) Boise State was No. 10 in the rankings released Tuesday, five spots ahead of ASU. Was the Sun Devils’ blowout victory over No. 16 Iowa State enough to catapult them over the Broncos, who beat No. 20 UNLV by two touchdowns? “In no way should a Group of Five champion be ranked above our champion,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said earlier this week. Or could both Boise State and Arizona State receive byes — at the expense of the ACC champion? That seems unlikely if eighth-ranked SMU handles its business later today but entirely plausible if No. 17 Clemson topples the Mustangs. Arizona State’s victory brings a degree of clarity to the Pac-12’s bowl selection process, which includes all the legacy schools this season despite the breakup of the conference. With the Ducks and Sun Devils headed to the CFP, all other eligible teams will jump two spots from their natural position: — The Alamo Bowl has the first pick and is expected to select Colorado, which tied for first place in the Big 12 but lost the tiebreaker. The Buffaloes will face either Iowa State or Brigham Young, according to bowl officials. Given the Cyclones’ woeful performance in the title game — and their expected plunge in the rankings — Brigham Young is a safe bet to oppose Colorado. (The teams did not meet during the regular season.) — The Holiday Bowl has the second pick and will invite Washington State, which is protected by the Pac-12’s one-loss-down rule. It prevents bowl officials from bypassing one team for another if there is a two-game (or more) difference in losses. The Cougars are 8-4 and must be selected ahead of the three teams that finished with 6-6 records (USC, Washington and Cal), according to the Pac-12. Washington State’s opponent will be from the ACC. — Next up is the Las Vegas Bowl, which has its choice of the 6-6 teams and is expected to invite the Trojans, who began their season in Sin City with a dramatic victory over LSU. USC’s opponent will come from the SEC, which could mean a showdown against coach Lincoln Riley’s former team, Oklahoma. But we wonder if Mississippi, led by former USC coach Lane Kiffin, is more likely. — The Sun Bowl has the fourth pick and is expected to choose Washington, which has not played in El Paso since 2002. The Huskies will be matched against a team from the ACC. — That leaves the LA Bowl to select Cal, the lone remaining eligible team among the Pac-12 legacy schools. The selection makes sense in that the Bears have a large alumni base in Southern California and did not play a regular season game at USC or UCLA for the first time in eons. Cal would face an opponent from the Mountain West. The bowl pairings will become official Sunday afternoon, following the reveal of the CFP. *** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Follow me on the social media platform X: @ WilnerHotlineHello! Welcome back! The worst of the NBA Cup-related scheduling confusion is now behind us, so hopefully, we can just focus on what should be a fun final three games. I went deep last week on how the NBA Cup schedule impacted Fantasy, so we should be able to spend only a couple of sentences on that this week. Fantasy-wise, Week 9 is straightforward: there are fewer games than usual and no games at all on Tuesday* or Wednesday, so any extra games you can fit into your Fantasy lineup will matter more. Weekly managers target teams with extra games. Daily managers, target teams playing on Friday's and Sunday's small three-game slates (no team plays both days). *The NBA Cup Championship is on Tuesday, but will not count towards Fantasy matchups As always, the players in this article must be rostered in less than two-thirds of CBS leagues. Players are listed in the order that I recommend adding them, assuming they are equally good fits for your team. Adds for all leagues Herb Jones, Pelicans (67% rostered) Jones, at 67% rostered, is basically the universe's way of begging me to include him in this column. Longtime readers will know of my deepest affection for the skinny second-round fourth-year defensive ace. He just returned from a month-long absence due to a shoulder injury and has been atypically points-y in his first few games back. But even if the 16 points per game of his first three appearances doesn't last (and it already dropped in Game 4 Thursday night), he's still worth rostering due to his ability to contribute nearly three stocks per game. Last season, he got up to 1.5 3s per game, and he chips in enough rebounds and assists to avoid causing any harm. Also, the Pelicans are apparently cursed (do you have an alternative explanation for how many things have gone wrong for them this year?), so he should continue to get extra minutes and usage while his teammates miss games. Goga Bitadze , Magic (57% rostered) Wendell Carter has been back for eight games now, and Bitadze continues to start. This marks the first time in Bitadze's six-year career (citation needed) that a coach has had the ability to bench Bitadze and chosen not to. Coach Jamahl Mosley has elected to go with a twin towers approach, starting Carter alongside Bitadze. Paolo Banchero (oblique) nominally plays power forward most often, but he's versatile enough that it's conceivable all three players could start simultaneously as long as Franz Wagner (oblique) is still out. Banchero is due for a re-evaluation soon, with the expectation that he'll return shortly thereafter. Bitadze's current role appears safe at least until Banchero returns, and possibly even longer – until Wagner returns in mid-to-late January. I spent all those words focused on Bitadze's role because that's always been the only question with him. He's an excellent, well-rounded, per-minute Fantasy producer. Since Carter has returned, Bitadze is averaging 11-10-3 with 1.1 steals and 1.9 blocks. And he's taken on a much larger role in the first two games without Wagner. As long as Bitadze is playing good minutes, he's an all-league must-add. And he's currently playing good minutes. Vasilije Micic , Hornets (34% rostered) LaMelo Ball (calf) and Tre Mann (back) are both expected to miss at least another week, giving Micic at least a few more games as the starting point guard. Even including the dreadful "let's see if rookie KJ Simpson can handle it ok, good to know he definitely cannot" dud game on December 3, Micic is still averaging 12-3-7 with 2.2 3s through his six starts. And those numbers look a lot better without the December 3rd experiment, which seems unlikely to be repeated. It's rare to find this many assists on the waiver wire. Even if he turns into a pumpkin after Ball and Mann come back, the short-term boost in assists is valuable enough to prioritize him above the two potentially long-term additions below. T.J. McConnell , Pacers (33% rostered) Looking through McConnell's box scores lately, my reaction is a combination of the Arrested Development " her? " and the Star Wars " they fly now? ". T.J. McConnell scores now? Him? It's not just the 30-point explosion last Sunday, either. McConnell has scored at least 12 points in six straight and in nine of his last 11. He's averaging 14.2 points during that stretch, along with his typically solid assists and steals contributions. And he's doing this while playing just 22.2 minutes per game. McConnell's biggest drawback was always his low scoring, but if Indiana has found a way to get more points out of him, then one of Fantasy Basketball's best handcuffs can be rostered even without an injury to Tyrese Haliburton . Max Strus , Cavaliers (21% rostered) Strus (ankle) is close to making his season debut. As is common knowledge for anyone reading the fifth player blurb on a mid-December Fantasy basketball article, the Cavaliers' team build is basically "four stars and hope." Last year, they decided that Strus was their best option to round out the starting lineup. He was third on the team (including the stars) in minutes per game. He was second on the team (excluding the stars) in FGA. The roster hasn't meaningfully changed, and I still view Strus as the best fifth starter. There may be some ramp-up time, and we should always be careful not to assume a player will simply recreate their career-best season. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually settled in close to last season's 12-5-4 with 2.4 3s and 0.9 steals. Justin Champagnie , Wizards (8% rostered) It's pretty rare for a fourth-year undrafted pro who still hasn't hit 700 career minutes to casually drop a top 70 Fantasy week. Taking advantage of a decimated roster that's what East-coast Champagnie (his twin, a Spur, is in the "other recommendations" below) just accomplished. We should be highly skeptical of his ability to maintain this kind of production, but we also shouldn't ignore it. Ride this wave for as long as it lasts. Royce O'Neale , Suns (39% rostered) It looks like Kevin Durant (ankle) is trending towards returning soon, possibly in time for Friday's game, so this recommendation may already be too late to help anyone. When Durant is playing, O'Neale is an end-of-the-other-recommendations-list-level guy. But O'Neale has put up 19-7-2 with 4.7 3s in the three games Durant has missed, making him an easy all-leagues start. If Durant remains out, keep riding O'Neale. Other recommendations : Rui Hachimura , Lakers (57% rostered); Caris LeVert , Cavaliers (42% rostered); Al Horford , Celtics (46% rostered); Kevin Huerter , Kings (26% rostered); Moe Wagner , Magic (48% rostered); Julian Champagnie , Spurs (54% rostered); Anthony Black , Magic (21% rostered); Obi Toppin , Pacers (21% rostered) Just Say No Kelly Olynyk , Raptors (19% rostered) Olynyk made his season debut last week, and his roster rate immediately doubled. He actually played pretty well, and managers who started him are probably pleased with his output. But, folks, come on. He played just 14, 15, and 12 minutes in his first three appearances. He's not going to continue averaging double his career per-minute averages in steals, blocks, and 3s – as he did in his first two games. If his per-minute productivity normalizes without a massive minutes boost, he's nowhere near the Fantasy radar. Last season, Olynyk and Jakob Poeltl only played together for nine games. During those, Olynyk averaged 10-4-3 with 1.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 3s. That's not worth a roster spot in most leagues. He probably needs more like 24ish minutes to remain rosterable in deep leagues and closer to 29-30 to crack a standard league lineup. That's most likely not happening while the Raptors are healthy. If Olynyk's roster rate was in the low-single-digits, then sure, there would be some managers who could consider taking a chance on him. But his roster rate is already way above where it should be – if he's still available in your league, I'm confident your league isn't deep enough for you to consider him. Deep league special Duncan Robinson , Heat (14% rostered) Robinson got promoted into the starting lineup three and a half weeks ago, and his minutes and production increased as a result. The data is a little muddled due to the various injuries the Heat have dealt with – most notably to Nikola Jovic , who missed eight of those 11 games with an ankle injury – and Robinson's numbers have definitely been worse in the games Jovic has played in. That said, Robinson is averaging 12-3-3 with 2.4 3s in 25 minutes since the promotion. I'd absolutely rather add Cason Wallace if he's still available, but his roster rate is bordering on too high for this section, and I already covered him last week . Other recommendations: Cason Wallace, Thunder (19% rostered); Brandon Clarke , Grizzlies (13% rostered); Matas Buzelis , Bulls (18% rostered); Davion Mitchell , Raptors (12% rostered)

Sad Kerr news devastates supporters