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poker game y8 CES 2025 Preview: TESSAN to Showcase Charging Solutions for Enhanced Connectivity and ConvenienceMaverick McNealy and Vince Whaley share the lead in an RSM Classic that is wide open

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ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Maverick McNealy steadied himself after a rugged start Saturday with a 4-under 66 and caught up with Vince Whaley in a wild third round at the RSM Classic in which a half-dozen players had at least a share of the lead. McNealy looked as though he might have the lead when he hit wedge on the final hole that rolled just by the cup and settled 8 feet away. He missed the putt, still in great position to go after his first PGA Tour victory. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

FAIRMONT, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- MVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: MVBF) (“MVB Financial,” “MVB,” or the “Company”) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share, maintaining the dividend declared in the previous quarter for shareholders of record as of December 1, 2024, payable on December 15, 2024. This is the fourth quarterly dividend for 2024. “We are pleased to continue to add value for our shareholders and encouraged by the adaptability of Team MVB and the resilience of our business model,” said Larry F. Mazza, Chief Executive Officer, MVB Financial. “MVB’s foundational strength remains intact, evidenced by stable asset quality, an enhanced capital base and growth in tangible book value per share. We are increasingly well-positioned for future growth and improved profitability.” About MVB Financial Corp. MVB Financial Corp., the holding company of MVB Bank, Inc., is publicly traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market® under the ticker “MVBF.” Nasdaq is a leading global provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, information and public company services. Through its subsidiary, MVB Bank, Inc., and the Bank's subsidiaries, the Company provides banking services to Fintech clients throughout the United States. For more information about MVB, please visit http://ir.mvbbanking.com . Forward-Looking Statements MVB Financial has made forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in this press release that are intended to be covered by the protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations about the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continues,” or the negative of those terms or similar expressions. Note that many factors could affect the future financial results of the Company and its subsidiaries, both individually and collectively, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon any forward-looking statements. Those factors include but are not limited to: market, economic, operational, liquidity, and credit risk; changes in market interest rates; impacts related to or resulting from recent bank failures and volatility; inability to achieve anticipated synergies and successfully integrate recent mergers and acquisitions; inability to successfully execute business plans, including strategies related to investments in Fintech companies; competition; the pace of recovery following the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business and financial condition; changes in economic, business, and political conditions; changes in demand for loan products and deposit flow; operational risks and risk management failures; and government regulation and supervision. Additional factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update, revise, or correct any forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121464014/en/ CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT Amy Baker VP, Corporate Communications and Marketing MVB Bank abaker@mvbbanking.com (844) 682-2265INVESTOR RELATIONS Marcie Lipscomb mlipscomb@mvbbanking.com (844) 682-2265 KEYWORD: WEST VIRGINIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: MVB Financial Corp. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121464014/enThe US believes journalist Austin Tice is alive after disappearing in Syria in 2012, Biden says

Published 20:15 IST, November 23rd 2024 Kalpana Soren, wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has emerged as a powerful force in the party that revitalised the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Ranchi: Kalpana Soren, wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has emerged as a powerful force in the party that revitalised the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Her political journey, which was never her initial choice, began in earnest after her husband's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case tied to an alleged land fraud. Despite the personal and political challenges posed by her husband's legal battles, Kalpana has proven to be a resilient and dynamic leader. She became a vocal figure in the opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of being a "tyrannical force" targeting the opposition INDIA bloc. Her leadership became especially prominent during the Lok Sabha elections, where she campaigned vigorously and led the JMM’s efforts in Jharkhand, gaining the support of tribal communities and others. Kalpana’s political rise gained significant momentum after her husband's release from jail and his subsequent return to office as Chief Minister in July. She emphasised that tribals, by their very nature, do not bow to oppression, a sentiment that has resonated with many in the state. Her message has been clear - she stands firm against injustice and dictatorial forces, taking inspiration from her husband’s refusal to compromise on his principles. Kalpana's political journey began on March 4 at the JMM's 51st Foundation Day celebration in Giridih district, where she claimed that a conspiracy had been orchestrated by opponents since the Hemant Soren coalition government came to power in 2019. Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land fraud. He resigned from his post before the arrest. Kalpana has been a prominent figure in INDIA bloc rallies in Jharkhand and campaigned for the alliance in the state. She was one of the key speakers at the 'Ulgulan Nyay' rally in Ranchi, attended by leaders of 28 parties on April 21. She won the Gandey bypoll, held in June along with Lok Sabha polls by 27,149 votes over her nearest BJP rival Dilip Kumar Verma and ever since has not looked back. Through her about 200 rallies in assembly elections this time, Kalpana has infused new blood in the party and has emerged as a powerful face. Kalpana, 48, holds engineering and MBA degrees. "I will fight against injustice and dictatorial forces as bowing is not in tribal DNA. I will follow my husband's footsteps. He chose to court imprisonment rather than compromise his values. I am his better half and will see to it that tyrannical forces get a befitting reply," Kalpana emphasises. She terms her husband's arrest by the ED as politically motivated and part of a plan to coerce him to join the BJP. "His arrest was part of a plan by the central government to browbeat, intimidate, and humiliate him, but they will get a befitting reply in the elections," she had said. Kalpana completed her schooling in Baripada in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district and obtained her engineering and MBA degrees in Bhubaneswar. Speculation regarding Kalpana's candidacy arose following the resignation of Ahmad in December, with the BJP claiming it was to facilitate her candidacy in case the ED issued summonses to her husband. The BJP in the state has been attacking Kalpana, saying that Champai Soren was a "caretaker and puppet chief minister" while she was the "centre of power" in Jharkhand. "All of you have reached this far in this great election campaign by shedding your blood and sweat. Every vote is precious for us. That is why we have to maintain our passion and fighting spirit until we get the certificate of victory," she emphasises. Now her luck is sealed in the EVM as she once again contested from Gandey. Kalpana has been making headlines now as Hemant finds himself increasingly facing heat from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case pertaining to an alleged land scam. As the ED turns up the heat on the CM, Kalpana is set to remain in the limelight. With PTI Inputs Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. 20:15 IST, November 23rd 2024Rogers Park Men’s Homeless Shelter Opens On Clark StreetOppenheimer & Co. Inc. boosted its stake in VanEck BDC Income ETF ( NYSEARCA:BIZD – Free Report ) by 24.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 17,124 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 3,316 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s holdings in VanEck BDC Income ETF were worth $284,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Truist Financial Corp bought a new position in shares of VanEck BDC Income ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $248,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in VanEck BDC Income ETF by 130.2% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 235,203 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,024,000 after purchasing an additional 133,044 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in VanEck BDC Income ETF by 206.1% in the third quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 166,398 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,756,000 after buying an additional 112,039 shares during the period. Condor Capital Management lifted its position in shares of VanEck BDC Income ETF by 7.7% during the 2nd quarter. Condor Capital Management now owns 978,936 shares of the company’s stock valued at $16,750,000 after acquiring an additional 70,045 shares during the period. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of VanEck BDC Income ETF by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 28,052 shares of the company’s stock valued at $480,000 after acquiring an additional 2,483 shares during the period. VanEck BDC Income ETF Trading Up 1.1 % NYSEARCA:BIZD opened at $16.66 on Friday. VanEck BDC Income ETF has a 12 month low of $15.18 and a 12 month high of $17.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.42 and a beta of 0.58. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $16.34 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.57. VanEck BDC Income ETF Profile The VanEck BDC Income ETF (BIZD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in financials equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of US BDC companies whose principal business is to invest in, lend capital to, or provide services to privately held companies. BIZD was launched on Feb 12, 2013 and is managed by VanEck. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BIZD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for VanEck BDC Income ETF ( NYSEARCA:BIZD – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for VanEck BDC Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VanEck BDC Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Modi’s BJP, allies to win election rebound in India’s richest stateBluegreen Vacations ( OTCMKTS:BVHBB – Get Free Report ) and Provident Financial Services ( NYSE:PFS – Get Free Report ) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, risk, valuation and profitability. Profitability This table compares Bluegreen Vacations and Provident Financial Services’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Bluegreen Vacations and Provident Financial Services”s revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Bluegreen Vacations and Provident Financial Services, as provided by MarketBeat. Provident Financial Services has a consensus price target of $23.00, suggesting a potential upside of 7.48%. Given Provident Financial Services’ stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Provident Financial Services is more favorable than Bluegreen Vacations. Institutional and Insider Ownership 20.7% of Bluegreen Vacations shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.0% of Provident Financial Services shares are held by institutional investors. 88.2% of Bluegreen Vacations shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.3% of Provident Financial Services shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Bluegreen Vacations pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Provident Financial Services pays an annual dividend of $0.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Bluegreen Vacations pays out 5.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Provident Financial Services pays out 92.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Summary Provident Financial Services beats Bluegreen Vacations on 11 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Bluegreen Vacations ( Get Free Report ) Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corporation operates as a vacation ownership company. The company markets and sells vacation ownership interests (VOI); and manages resorts in leisure and urban destinations, including Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Charleston and New Orleans, and others. It also provides resort management, mortgage, title, reservation, and construction design and development services; and financing to qualified VOI purchasers, as well as management services to the vacation club and homeowners' associations. The company was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. About Provident Financial Services ( Get Free Report ) Provident Financial Services, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Provident Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. Its deposit products include savings, checking, interest-bearing checking, money market deposit, and certificate of deposit accounts, as well as IRA products. The company's loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans that are secured by properties, such as multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings, retail and industrial properties, and office buildings; commercial business loans; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate properties; commercial construction loans; and consumer loans consisting of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, personal loans and unsecured lines of credit, and auto and recreational vehicle loans. It also offers cash management, remote deposit capture, payroll origination, escrow account management, and online and mobile banking services; and business credit cards. In addition, the company provides wealth management services comprising investment management, trust and estate administration, financial planning, and tax compliance and planning. Further, it sells insurance and investment products, including annuities; operates as a real estate investment trust for acquiring mortgage loans and other real estate related assets; and manages and sells real estate properties acquired through foreclosure. The company was founded in 1839 and is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. Receive News & Ratings for Bluegreen Vacations Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluegreen Vacations and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Deepening Israel's international isolation in the starkest fashion since the start of the 13-month-old war in the Gaza Strip, the Hague-based International Criminal Court said Thursday it had issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his recently dismissed defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over the conduct of the war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The warrants, for alleged criminal responsibility for acts including murder, persecution and starvation as a weapon of war, prompted fury in Israel, which like the United States does not recognize the court's jurisdiction. It also presented a dilemma for close U.S. allies in Europe, several of which declared that they would honor the warrants and the court's jurisdiction. The decision also underscores a growing rift between a traditionally U.S.-led Western order and the so-called Global South, which was far more welcoming of the court's move. Advertisement In a statement, Netanyahu's office said Israel "categorically rejects the absurd and false accusations" and called the court a "biased and discriminatory political body." Israeli President Isaac Herzog, posting on X, called it a "dark day for justice." Israel's main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, also denounced the court's move, calling it a "reward for terrorism." Gallant, forced out of his post by Netanyahu earlier in November after repeatedly clashing with the prime minister over Gaza, did not specifically address the charges against him, but said in a statement that Israel had been fighting a war of self-defense. The Biden administration has staunchly supported Israel since the Hamas-led attack of Oct. 7, 2023, on southern Israel, which triggered the war. About 1,200 people were killed and some 250 taken hostage in the assault. Six months ago, when the court's chief prosecutor said he had requested the warrants, the U.S. condemned the move. Advertisement The White House did so again Thursday, but in somewhat more... Laura KingST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Maverick McNealy steadied himself after a rugged start Saturday with a 4-under 66 and caught up with Vince Whaley in a wild third round at the RSM Classic in which a half-dozen players had at least a share of the lead. McNealy looked as though he might have the lead when he hit wedge on the final hole that rolled just by the cup and settled 8 feet away. He missed the putt, still in great position to go after his first PGA Tour victory. Whaley, also winless on tour, birdied the 18th for a 63 and will be playing in the final group for the first time on the PGA Tour. McNealy, who joined him at 14-under 198, also shared the 54-hole lead in 2021 at the season opener in Napa, California. Whaley was playing with a sense of freedom not everyone has at the final PGA Tour event this year. He was playing on a medical extension and fulfilled the necessary points in July. The next step was finishing in the top 125 in the FedEx Cup. He secured that last week with a tie for fifth in the Bermuda Championship. Everything else feels like a bonus, and there could be no greater perk than a victory to get into the Masters and PGA Championship, along with a two-year exemption. “I've really got nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I'm just excited for the opportunity,” Whaley said. Opportunity abounds going into the final round. Daniel Berger shot a 63 and played his way into the final group, just two shots behind. He was tied with former Sea Island winner Mackenzie Hughes (65), Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Patrick Fishburn (69). Berger and Thorbjornsen were among those who arrived at Sea Island outside the top 125, the number required to keep full status on tour on next year. Thorbjornsen already has that locked up as the No. 1 player in the PGA Tour University ranking. Berger needed a big week and he's delivering, even though he says he doesn't feel stress. Berger missed 19 months with a back injury that he feared might end his career. Now he's healthy enough to have played 27 times this year. “Regardless when I play well, I'm going to be fine,” said Berger, who played in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. "When you miss that much amount of time it takes a little bit of a while to get back. It's just a matter of being patient and eventually good things come around.” Henrik Norlander and Hayden Springer, also on the the wrong side of No. 125, each shot 63 and were among those tied for 12th, a position that currently would let them move into the top 125. Joel Dahmen, who had to make a 5-foot par putt on Friday to make the cut, shot 70 and was tied for 61st. He is at No. 124 and his future depends on a big round Sunday, along with how Thorbjornsen, Berger, Norlander and Springer fare. Closer to the top, eight players were separated by three shots. That includes Luke Clanton, the Florida State sophomore and No. 1 amateur in the world who already has three top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour and was going after another one. AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Ottawa driver gets double licence suspension after allegedly going 3 times the speed limitIowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level MediaNational Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE:NHI) Given Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” by Analysts

Liberty Broadband Corporation Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend on Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred StockPremier League referee David Coote sacked, position ‘untenable’ after Jurgen Klopp rant

Ghana opposition leader Mahama officially wins election

A MASKED thug has been filmed brandishing two huge "zombie knives" at passersby outside a school. The yob, dressed in a dark tracksuit and balaclava , was spotted walking around residential streets holding a pair of black, machete-like weapons . Advertisement 4 A masked thug was spotted brandishing two 'zombie knives' in Nottingham Credit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn 4 He was confronted by two heroic bystanders Credit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn A clip taken by a pedestrian posted on X showed the knifeman being confronted by a pair of brave bystanders on the street. The heroic Brits yelled at him to "put it away", saying: "Look at you. "Think you're a f****** hard man with a knife? "Get gone." Advertisement READ MORE UK NEWS FIND HIM Urgent hunt for man who 'pulled out gun' in terrifying mosque ambush HERE COMES BERT Map reveals where Storm Bert will hit with 70mph gales, blizzards & floods The thug seemed to lunge at the pair with his weapons before saying something in reply, but it was muffled by his mask. He then turned to walk away, placing both knives in one hand so he could make an obscene gesture with the other. The person holding the camera shouted after him: "I'd f*** off and all. "P**** Advertisement Most read in The Sun WAITING GAME Rangers-Dundee Utd kick off DELAYED amid Storm Bert chaos as new time revealed COLD SNAP Full List of Storm Bert chaos with TEN games off and THREE Prem matches delayed SNOW JOKE Shock moment SPFL team coach gets stuck in snow amid Storm Bert travel chaos Live Blog WEATHER BOMB Road chaos ensues amid treacherous conditions as Scots urged not to travel "F*** off." The video has been heavily circulated on social media, with the man attracting universal scorn from commenters. ‘Loner’ pie heir who knifed only pal to death in frenzied Xmas Eve attack as screams of horror heard is GUILTY of murder One person claimed on Facebook that the incident had taken place outside their grandchildren's school and that pupils had been sent home for the day. Another wrote: "He intimidated nobody. Advertisement "Nottingham folk don’t fear b*******." And a third added: "How are these [knives] getting into the country?" The Sun has contacted Nottinghamshire Police for comment. 4 The incident allegedly took place outside a school Credit: Twitter/@CrimeLdn Advertisement 4 Pupils were reportedly sent home for the day Credit: Twitter/@CrimeLdnWhat's New Wall Street rallied with a strong performance in a holiday-shortened trading session on Tuesday that was led by the technology sector. Why It Matters This seasonal rally, often referred to as the "Santa rally," has historically delivered average gains of 1.3 percent over the final five trading days of the year and the first two of the new year. Analysts say this period often sets a tone for January and the coming year. Despite some December losses that have pared back the year's gains, the stock market is poised to end 2024 on a high note. The S&P 500 remains up 26 percent so far this year and remains within striking distance of its all-time high achieved earlier this month. If the momentum holds, it will mark a banner year for U.S. equities with a record 57 new highs set by the S&P 500 alone. What To Know The S&P 500 climbed 0.8 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 273 points, or 0.6 percent. The Nasdaq composite, often seen as a bellwether for tech, rose 1 percent. Semiconductor companies bolstered gains with Broadcom up 2.9 percent and Nvidia—one of the market's most influential players—gaining 0.8 percent. Super Micro Computer surged by 5.8 percent. Tesla emerged as one of the session's biggest winners, jumping 5.1 percent, while Amazon saw a 1.6 percent uptick. Other Sectors Not all sectors shared in the cheer, however. American Airlines edged down 0.1 percent following a brief nationwide grounding of its flights due to a technical glitch. Elsewhere, U.S. Steel rose 1.1 percent, reflecting investor confidence despite ongoing concerns about the potential sale of the company to Japan's Nippon Steel. A standout performer was NeueHealth, which soared nearly 69 percent after the healthcare company announced plans to go private in a deal valued at approximately $1.3 billion. On the bond market, Treasury yields inched higher with the yield on the 10-year note rising to 4.61 percent from 4.59 percent on Monday. What People Are Saying Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist at BofA Global Research , previously noted that economic optimism, based on expectations for economic growth and other indicators, is now at its highest level since August 2021, another signal that sentiment might be overheated. What Happens Next Wall Street is now gearing up for a short break as markets close early Tuesday and remain shut Wednesday for Christmas. Investors, however, have their eyes on upcoming economic reports, including Thursday's update on unemployment benefits. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.A court challenge over a Stormont vote on extending post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland has been dismissed, and the Assembly debate will go ahead as planned on Tuesday. Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.

Maverick McNealy and Vince Whaley share the lead in an RSM Classic that is wide open

Oracle Q3 results miss estimates; share dip in afterhours tradingSen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has announced that he is voting against this year’s $900 billion Pentagon budget, citing the defense industry’s “massive fraud” and “waste” as Congress neglects the fact that regular Americans are struggling to survive. In an op-ed in The Guardian on Sunday , Sanders pointed out that the U.S.’s defense budget — which, between the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other spending for defense, will total nearly $1 trillion — is higher than the next nine top global spenders on the military combined. “The US has fallen far behind other major countries in protecting the most vulnerable, and our government has failed millions of working families. But while so many Americans are struggling to get by, the United States is spending record-breaking amounts of money on the military,” Sanders wrote. The NDAA is poised to come to a vote within the coming days, with the massive figure having not faced much scrutiny in Congress despite the fact that the budget balloons to extreme heights each and every year. This year, Congress is slated to authorize $850 billion for the Department of Defense directly, as well as other “national security” projects, with add-ons like nuclear weapons and emergency spending likely to push the budget close to or over $1 trillion. Sanders pointed out that this spending is going toward an agency that has failed seven audits in a row, unable to account for its over $4 trillion in assets — while hundreds of billions will also go toward private defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, RTX, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, who charge the government brazenly high prices with little accountability or consequences. For instance, the companies “jacked up prices” as Congress has appropriated emergency funds for defense contractors to expand their production capacity to make weapons for Ukraine, the senator pointed out. These four companies have brought in over $353 billion in revenue from taxpayers since 2022, turning $57 billion in profits and spending $61 billion on dividends and stock buybacks. “Very few people who have researched the military-industrial complex doubt that there is massive fraud, waste and cost over-runs in the system,” Sanders said, pointing out that defense contractors protect their profits and large executive payouts with extensive lobbying campaigns. “We do not need to spend almost a trillion dollars on the military, while half a million Americans are homeless and children go hungry,” Sanders concluded. “I will be voting against the military budget.” In his term in office, President Joe Biden has massively increased the military budget, taking it from $740 billion in 2020 to a level this year that exceeds the amount that the U.S. spent on average each year during World War II when adjusted for inflation, as analyst Stephen Semler has pointed out. When accounting for other military-related programs like veterans’ aid, U.S. spending on militarism in Fiscal Year 2025 will total a whopping $1.6 trillion, according to the National Priorities Project . The U.S.’s militarism projects have horrific and deadly consequences. In the first year of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, for instance, the U.S. sent a record $18 billion in military aid to Israel. The U.S. is slated to send another $20 billion soon, enabling Israel as it carries out an ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza, continually violates a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and occupies and attacks other surrounding countries like Syria.