The Ottawa Senators placed winger Zack MacEwen on waivers on Sunday for the purpose of reassigning him to the AHL. The #Sens have placed Zack MacEwen on waivers. The forward had 2G and 1A in 19 games. Zack Ostapchuk has been recalled from Belleville, he has 1A in 6 games with Ottawa. The move comes not due to the Senators making room on their NHL roster, but more so to make a move amidst a five-game losing streak, and MacEwen’s play appears to have made him the scapegoat. He had seen his fair share of struggles playing on the fourth line this season, so Ottawa opted to send him down to their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, to see if his play improves or if they can find another option for that fourth line role. MacEwen has just 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in 19 games, although that’s still about his usual scoring pace, as he has yet to even hit the 10-point mark in his NHL career. That said, he has drastically underperformed in terms of driving play compared to the rest of his team, as his -6.04% 5v5 relative expected goals share is the fourth worst on the Senators. MacEwen is currently in the second year of a three-year contract with a $775,000 cap hit. The Senators have also recalled center Zack Ostapchuk from Belleville to replace MacEwen on the roster. He has 1 assist in 6 games with Ottawa this season, along with 1 goal and 7 assists for 8 points in 9 games in the AHL with Belleville. With MacEwen in the minors, the Senators will probably slot in one of Ostapchuk or Noah Gregor on their fourth line alongside Adam Gaudette and Nick Cousins. The Senators will look to snap their five-game losing streak when they host the Calgary Flames on Monday at 7:30 p.m. EST. Ottawa currently sits in seventh in the Atlantic Division with an 8-11-1 record, which is already six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.hot 646 ph online casino
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--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) issued financial guidance ahead of its annual Investor Conference which takes place on December 4, beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET. UnitedHealth Group will introduce its 2025 outlook which includes revenues of $450 billion to $455 billion, net earnings of $28.15 to $28.65 per share and adjusted net earnings of $29.50 to $30.00 per share. Adjusted net earnings only excludes the after-tax non-cash amortization expense pertaining to acquisition-related intangible assets. Cash flows from operations are expected to range from $32 billion to $33 billion. As announced in the third quarter earnings release, UnitedHealth Group 2024 net earnings are expected to be $15.50 to $15.75 per share and adjusted net earnings $27.50 to $27.75 per share. The company will stream the Investor Conference presentation and management question-and-answer portion of this meeting on its Investor Relations page at www.unitedhealthgroup.com . Meeting materials and a replay of the conference will be available on the Investor Relations page. About UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone through two distinct and complementary businesses. Optum delivers care aided by technology and data, empowering people, partners and providers with the guidance and tools they need to achieve better health. UnitedHealthcare offers a full range of health benefits, enabling affordable coverage, simplifying the health care experience and delivering access to high-quality care. Visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com and follow UnitedHealth Group on LinkedIn . Non-GAAP Financial Information This news release presents non-GAAP financial information provided as a complement to the results provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial information to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided in the accompanying tables found at the end of this release. Forward-Looking Statements The statements, estimates, projections, guidance or outlook contained in this document include “forward-looking” statements which are intended to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws. The words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those that management expects, depending on the outcome of certain factors including: our ability to effectively estimate, price for and manage medical costs; new or changes in existing health care laws or regulations, or their enforcement or application; cyberattacks, other privacy/data security incidents, or our failure to comply with related regulations; reductions in revenue or delays to cash flows received under government programs; changes in Medicare, the CMS star ratings program or the application of risk adjustment data validation audits; the DOJ’s legal action relating to the risk adjustment submission matter; our ability to maintain and achieve improvement in quality scores impacting revenue; failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems or if our technology products do not operate as intended; risks and uncertainties associated with our businesses providing pharmacy care services; competitive pressures, including our ability to maintain or increase our market share; changes in or challenges to our public sector contract awards; failure to achieve targeted operating cost productivity improvements; failure to develop and maintain satisfactory relationships with health care payers, physicians, hospitals and other service providers; the impact of potential changes in tax laws and regulations; increases in costs and other liabilities associated with litigation, government investigations, audits or reviews; failure to complete, manage or integrate strategic transactions; risk and uncertainties associated with the continuing sale of operations in South America; risks associated with public health crises arising from large-scale medical emergencies, pandemics, natural disasters and other extreme events; failure to attract, develop, retain, and manage the succession of key employees and executives; our investment portfolio performance; impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets; failure to protect proprietary rights to our databases, software and related products; downgrades in our credit ratings; and our ability to obtain sufficient funds from our regulated subsidiaries or from external financings to fund our obligations, reinvest in our business, maintain our debt to total capital ratio at targeted levels, maintain our quarterly dividend payment cycle, or continue repurchasing shares of our common stock. This above list is not exhaustive. We discuss these matters, and certain risks that may affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations, more fully in our filings with the SEC, including our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual results may vary materially from expectations expressed or implied in the Investor Conference materials, related presentations or any of our prior communications. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. UNITEDHEALTH GROUP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure Adjusted net earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes the use of adjusted net earnings per share provides investors and management useful information about the earnings impact of the following items: Intangible Amortization: As amortization fluctuates based on the size and timing of the Company’s acquisition activity, management believes this exclusion presents a more useful comparison of the Company's underlying business performance and trends from period to period. While intangible assets contribute to the Company’s revenue generation, the intangible amortization is not directly related. Therefore, the related revenues are included in adjusted earnings per share. South American Impacts: Represents the effects of various international transactions, including the loss on sale of our Brazilian operations that was completed on February 6, 2024, the loss on our remaining South American operations being classified as held for sale and certain other non-recurring matters impacting our South American operations. As these matters are related to the Company's strategy to exit South America, the impact is not representative of the Company's underlying business performance and therefore management believes the exclusion presents a more useful comparison of the Company's underlying business performance and trends from period to period. Direct Response Costs - Cyberattack: Management believes the exclusion of costs incurred to investigate and remediate the attack, other direct and incremental costs incurred as a result of the cyberattack and incremental costs for accommodations to support care providers presents a more useful comparison of the Company's and its reportable segments' underlying business performance and trends from period to period. Projected Year Ended December 31, 2024 2025 Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders $14,375 - $14,650 $25,850 - $26,450 Intangible amortization ~1,665 ~1,625 Tax effect of intangible amortization ~(410) ~(400) South American impacts ~8,515 — Tax effect of South American impacts ~(175) — Direct response costs - cyberattack ~2,000 — Tax effect of direct response costs - cyberattack ~(470) — Adjusted net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders $25,500 - $25,775 $27,075 - $27,675 Diluted earnings per share $15.50 - $15.75 $28.15 - $28.65 Intangible amortization per share ~1.80 ~1.75 Tax effect of intangible amortization per share ~(0.45) ~(0.40) South American impacts per share ~9.15 — Tax effect of South American impacts per share ~(0.15) — Direct response costs - cyberattack per share ~2.15 — Tax effects of direct response costs - cyberattack per share ~(0.50) — Adjusted diluted earnings per share $27.50 - $27.75 $29.50 - $30.00 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203502829/en/ CONTACT: Investors: Zack Sopcak Zack.Sopcak@uhg.com 952-936-7215Media: Eric Hausman Eric.Hausman@uhg.com 952-936-3963 KEYWORD: MINNESOTA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH INSURANCE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT HEALTH INSURANCE MANAGED CARE SOURCE: UnitedHealth Group Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:13 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203502829/en
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower Tuesday in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, as momentum slows following a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% after reporting growth for the latest quarter that fell just short of analysts’ expectations. It was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500, even though CEO Safra Catz said the company saw record demand related to artificial-intelligence technology for its cloud infrastructure business, which trains generative AI models. AI has been a big source of growth that’s helped many companies’ stock prices skyrocket. Oracle’s stock had already leaped more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of Wednesday’s report on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Economists expect it to show similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update and a report on Thursday about inflation at the wholesale level will be the final big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week, where many investors expect the year’s third cut to interest rates . The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to take pressure off the slowing jobs market, after bringing inflation nearly down to its 2% target. Lower rates would help give support to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.22% from 4.20% late Monday. Even though the Fed has been cutting its main interest rate, mortgage rates have been more stubborn to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. CEO Douglas Yearley Jr. said the luxury builder has been seeing strong demand since the start of its fiscal year six weeks ago, an encouraging signal as it approaches the beginning of the spring selling season in mid-January. Elsewhere on Wall Street, Alaska Air Group soared 13.2% after raising its forecast for profit in the current quarter. The airline said demand for flying around the holidays has been stronger than expected. It also approved a plan to buy back up to $1 billion of its stock, along with new service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul . Boeing climbed 4.5% after saying it’s resuming production of its bestselling plane , the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. Vail Resorts rose 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in China after the world’s second-largest economy said its exports rose by less than expected in November. Stocks rose 0.6% in Shanghai but fell 0.5% in Hong Kong. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
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The "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity (Special Session for Musical Journey) Held in Pengzhou, Sichuan Province 12-03-2024 09:32 PM CET | Fashion, Lifestyle, Trends Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Stones_PR On November 30, the "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity (Special Session for Musical Journey), guided by the Department of Industry Development of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism was held in Bailu Music Town, Pengzhou, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The event was conducted both online and offline, with live coverage through text, images, and video on domestic and international platforms, attracting over 2.14 million online participants, including more than 970,000 overseas viewers. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/11/b5785942218be5b523eaf61ea341bafc.jpg The event was hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and organized by the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcast-TV, and Tourism, the Pengzhou Municipal Government, China Tourism News, and the Institute of Creative Industries Technology at the Renmin University of China. It aimed to propel outstanding Chinese music products, projects, and services onto the global stage and attract international tourists to "travel with music in China" while contributing to the development of Sichuan's cultural and tourism industries as well as Chengdu's efforts to build itself into an "International Music City". This event features a total of 43 music-related products and projects and 12 music-themed tourism routes, along with a dedicated product manual. Five music-related companies participated in roadshow presentations to showcase their offerings, including the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center "Art Performance for Parent-Child Bonding" boutique tourism routes and Bailu Music Town. On the same day, the "Finest Music from China" Bailu International Music Artists Alliance was officially established. In addition, the host introduced 10 music-themed tourism routes, inviting domestic and international tourists to explore the scenic beauty of Sichuan through a music-themed journey. A special concert by the China National Traditional Orchestra was held during the event, captivating guests from home and abroad with the charms of traditional Chinese music. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/11/0d099e0880c7ad131745134bc5a918c8.jpg The music industry is a key part of the cultural industry. In recent years, with "content + technology + integrated innovation" as the core driver, Tencent Music and Migu Music, among others, have played their platform strengths to deepen their presence in the music sector. Through initiatives like Tencent Music Entertainment Group's Global Music Outreach Initiative, they have strived to advance the global expansion of Chinese music, achieving fruitful results. Various guests were present at the event, including Ye Xiaogang, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Chairman of the China Musicians Association; Wang Xiaofeng, President of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association; officials from the Department of Industry Development of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, some provincial (district and municipal) administrative departments of culture and tourism, and local governments; and representatives from cultural and tourism enterprises, cross-border e-commerce platforms, investment and financing institutions, experts, and media outlets. It is understood that by integrating domestic and international resources as well as online and offline resources, the "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity seeks to showcase, promote, and trade high-quality cultural and tourism products with distinct Chinese characteristics and styles that are well-received in the international market. It strives to build a platform for exchange and cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, expanding the cultural trade scale and optimizing the structure. Ultimately, the campaign aims to boost the international competitiveness and popularity of Chinese enterprises and brands. Over 11 special sessions have been previously held for the "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity. They have received an overwhelming response and produced remarkable results. Media Contact Company Name: Globalnewsonline Contact Person: Luayy Alkilani Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=the-finest-cultural-gifts-from-china-cultural-and-tourism-trade-promotion-activity-special-session-for-musical-journey-held-in-pengzhou-sichuan-province ] Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info/ This release was published on openPR.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jamichael Stillwell had 22 points in Milwaukee's 69-65 win over St. Thomas on Sunday. Stillwell added eight rebounds for the Panthers (5-2). Aaron Franklin had 15 points and eight rebounds. AJ McKee added nine points. Drake Dobbs led the way for the Tommies (4-4) with 16 points and five assists. Kendall Blue added 11 points and Miles Barnstable scored 10 with two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Eagle-eyed viewers spot Tulisa was eager to remove 'all traces' of I'm A Celeb
ADLQ annual symposium concludesAfter institutions for people with disabilities close, graves are at risk of being forgottenThe expanded Big Ten is poised to be a major player in this season's College Football Playoff. The 18-team conference had three of the top-four teams in the AP poll this week — No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Penn State. A one-loss Indiana team is ranked 10th but is still very much a contender to make the playoff, given how many Southeastern Conference teams have three defeats or more. Indiana's rise has been perhaps the Big Ten's biggest story this season. Much of the spotlight was on newcomers Oregon, Southern California, UCLA and Washington, but aside from the top-ranked Ducks, that foursome has struggled to impress. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers won their first 10 games under new coach Curt Cignetti before losing at Ohio State last weekend. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 back in October, and if the Buckeyes beat rival Michigan this weekend, they'll earn a rematch with the Ducks for the Big Ten title. And it's entirely possible another matchup between those two teams awaits in the CFP. Dillon Gabriel has quarterbacked Oregon to an unbeaten record, throwing for 3,066 yards and 22 touchdowns in 11 games. But don't overlook Iowa's Kaleb Johnson and his 21 rushing TDs, and quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been a big part of Indiana's improvement. Penn State's Abdul Carter has eight sacks and two forced fumbles and could be one of the top edge rushers drafted this year. Oregon (11-0, 8-0), Ohio State (10-1, 7-1), Penn State (10-1, 7-1), Indiana (10-1, 7-1), Illinois (8-3, 5-3), Iowa (7-4, 5-3), Michigan (6-5, 4-4), Minnesota (6-5, 4-4), Washington (6-5, 4-4), Southern California (6-5, 4-5), Nebraska (6-5, 3-5) and Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) have already reached the six-win mark for bowl eligibility. Michigan State (5-6, 3-5) and Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5) can join them. There may not be many firings in general at the top level of college football. The prospect of sharing revenue with athletes in the future might lead schools to be more judicious about shedding one coach and hiring a new one. Who should be most worried in the Big Ten? Well, Lincoln Riley is struggling to stay above .500 in his third season at USC. Purdue is 1-10, but coach Ryan Walters is only in his second season. Maryland's Mike Locksley has been there six years and his Terrapins are 4-7, but this was his first real step backward after guiding the team to three straight bowl wins. Cignetti has shown it is possible for a coaching change to push a previously moribund program to some impressive heights in a short amount of time — but the improvement has been more incremental at Michigan State following Jonathan Smith's arrival. Sherrone Moore wasn't a completely unknown commodity at Michigan after he won some massive games in place of a suspended Jim Harbaugh last year. But in his first season completely at the helm, the Wolverines have declined significantly following their national title a season ago. The Big Ten is home to one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country in Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. He has 52 catches for 899 yards and nine touchdowns. Highly touted quarterback Dylan Raiola has teamed up with fellow freshman Jacory Barney (49 catches) to lead Nebraska to bowl eligibility. Ohio State is on track to land the Big Ten's top class, according to 247 Sports, but the big news recently was quarterback Bryce Underwood flipping from LSU to Michigan. If the Wolverines do in fact keep Underwood in his home state, that would be a big development for Moore. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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Unai Emery knows Champions League top-eight spot is possible for Aston VillaThere are a few general pillars to know about MLS expansion drafts before San Diego FC makes five selections on Wednesday night. First, it’s easy to get distracted by big names or experienced players. In reality, it’s extraordinarily unlikely San Diego fills their five picks with five players on bigger contract hits. It’s extraordinarily unlikely San Diego selects even one player who would have to be a designated player. Sorry, Toronto FC , San Diego isn’t picking up the bill on Lorenzo Insigne . Ditto for Sporting Kansas City ’s Alan Pulido. Teams want to sign their own DPs. Second, it’s about value. More directly: Cheap contracts and domestic players. The expansion draft in recent years has had a focus on trying to fill roster slots 14-19 rather than grabbing a handful of starters (who make starting-level money). Third, I’m expecting one of these selections to be traded. It’s not just San Diego diving into these lists, it’s all other MLS teams. They start making bids to trade for a player left unprotected. Most GMs I’ve spoken with expect the same. In 2022, St. Louis CITY SC selected Jake la Cava to trade him to Inter Miami. In 2021, Charlotte picked Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver) and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (LAFC) to flip. In 2020, Austin picked Kamal Miller (CF Montréal) to trade. Fourth, don’t draft players who are out of contract (or loan expired). Albert Rusnak, Eduard Atuesta and Jeremy Ebobisse would be cool, but all three theoretically could be signed via another mechanism. Fifth, don’t forget about handshake deals. For instance, this week, the San Diego acquired an international slot from the Columbus Crew SC for $100,000 GAM. Those slots usually go for $200,000 GAM at this stage of the year. You can safely assume there’s an understanding San Diego won’t take a Columbus player in the draft. My mock draft absolutely would have included a Crew player, whether it was DeJuan Jones or Dylan Chambost, because those two would have been worth breaking the previous guidelines I laid out. That’s the only trade of this kind currently announced, unless there was a similar understanding in the trade to acquire Tomas Angel from LAFC, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only one done. Lastly, contract terms are important. If there is a player with a transfer fee picked up, San Diego would assume the payments. Deals aren’t always paid upfront. This is most evident in New York City FC ’s Jovan Mijatovic, who was signed from Red Star Belgrade last year. Sources confirm there is absolutely money left to be paid on the $8.6 million transfer fee. If the transfer agreement was four installments, then San Diego would be on the hook for roughly $6.4 million. That is a much different proposition than if the fee had been totally paid off. Some other quick odds and ends to keep in mind when diving through these lists. Just because a team leaves a DP or high-priced player unprotected doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t value them. It’s strategy. The low-priced, domestic player is more likely to be taken than an international DP. A player like Julian Gressel would make sense despite a significant contract, but he left the Vancouver Whitecaps a couple years ago because he wanted to be on the East Coast. Alright, with all that as context, let’s get into my mock expansion draft. 1 Deybi Flores My view would be to roll the dice with one starting-level pick and break a couple general rules, either salary or international spot (or both). Flores sticks out to me as that guy. The Toronto FC and Honduras international midfielder is on a friendly contract for his ability ($400k) but because he was acquired with a transfer fee, his budget charge goes into the TAM threshold. I still think it’s worth it, even with that plus needing an international slot. Flores, 28, made 29 appearances for TFC this year and helped anchor the midfield. 2 Kyle Hiebert St. Louis City defender Kyle Hiebert is a cheap, MLS-experienced center-back who doesn’t need an international slot. These are the kinds of typical MLS expansion draft picks. Hiebert, 27, has made 47 appearances for St. Louis in two MLS seasons with the club. He could be in the mix for legitimate minutes, but even if he doesn’t win a regular role, his $189k budget charge is palatable. He’s under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027. Goalkeeper Ben Lundt was another St. Louis player considered, but finding a domestic backup goalkeeper after the expansion draft wouldn’t be too hard. If Celio Pompeu didn’t have a serious leg injury — he underwent surgery for an ankle dislocation and fibula fracture — he would have been a top candidate. 3 Jordan Adebayo-Smith Minnesota has a few players who should be considered, but I landed on forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith. Adebayo-Smith is under contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. His contract hit this year was just $88k. He’s a young (23), physical forward whose rights Minnesota acquired from New England for a non-insignificant fee of $125k GAM + $50k add-ons. He had 12 goals and added six assists in almost 2,400 minutes in MLS Next Pro for the Revs. The forward didn’t play much for Minnesota in Year One, but they had plenty of options up top. The other Loons player I’d think hard about taking is fullback D.J. Taylor. The 27-year-old has started 69 games for Minnesota the last three years and made $190k last season. 4 Jon Bell Jon Bell was previously taken in the 2022 expansion draft by St. Louis City. He has since ended up with the Seattle Sounders . Bell is someone that could be on the move again. He’s a cheap ($100k contract hit last year), experienced, domestic defender. Seattle just triggered his 2025 contract option. Bell, 27, has appeared in 40 MLS games over the last four years between time with New England, St. Louis and Seattle. Other options for this slot in a similar mold include Houston’s Ethan Bartlow, San Jose’s Tanner Beason and more, though those two are around $300k cap hits. 5 Trade I’m not sure who the top trade candidate would be, but I feel strongly San Diego will trade a pick. Nashville center back Jack Maher could be one. He’s not on a cheap contract, but good players cost money. I still believe in CF Montreal forward Matias Coccoro, though I don’t know if/how much is left on his transfer fee to still pay. Houston Dynamo midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk is an interesting one. He’s a good player, but is it one with enough value that teams will give enough to San Diego to pick-and-trade? Portland’s Cristhian Paredes, too. I rate Orlando center back David Brekalo, but he carries a significant cap hit. For teams with international roster spot flexibility, Charlotte duo Iuri Tavares or Joao Pedro would be interesting. Also, a Middle Eastern club is eyeing a Rapids defender, and some expansion draft talk.
Doing business in China has been more challenging for British companies this year compared to last year, according to a survey published by the British Chamber of Commerce in China on Dec. 3. Of the 311 British companies surveyed, 58 percent reported that doing business in China has become more challenging over the past year. The companies identified various reasons for these difficulties: 86 percent attributed the challenges to economic factors, 49 percent to geopolitical factors, and 39 percent to regulatory factors. This year marks the fifth consecutive year British companies have found the Chinese business environment has grown tougher. When asked about the business outlook for 2025, 41 percent were optimistic, down from 46 percent who expected better conditions in 2024. The British Chamber of Commerce conducted its survey between Sept. 23 and Nov. 4, the day before the U.S. elections. “On the geopolitical front, companies remain wary of the broader global environment, particularly with the European Union’s recent tariff increases and the intensification of US-China and EU-China political rhetoric,” the survey reads. According to the Chamber’s survey, 33 percent of the companies expected their revenues to increase year-on-year in 2024, a drop from 45 percent in 2023. Only 8 percent planned to reduce investment in 2025, the lowest level since 2021, the survey said. However, a record high of 16 percent were uncertain about the level of investment next year. Navigating cybersecurity and information technology regulations has become the top concern for British companies in China for two consecutive years. “Increased scrutiny and rapid implementation of new cyber policies have left organisations facing heightened compliance demands, with many reporting this as their number one regulatory priority,” the survey reads. “The challenges are further amplified for firms with a heavy reliance on digital infrastructure, with sectors like creative industries, ITT, and financial services each noting the profound impact.” Some of the survey respondents said they faced increased challenges in accessing online resources outside of China’s borders, while others said curbs on cross-border data transfer “have negatively impacted” research and development. Other regulatory concerns included transparency of China’s business environment, difficulties in obtaining business licenses and permits, and the protection of intellectual property (IP). The Chamber’s survey found that 29 percent expected the number of regulatory challenges to increase over the next five years, while 31 percent believed the number would stay the same, and 9 percent expected a reduction. The remaining 31 percent said they “cannot confidently say.” “Despite Chinese government efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and attract foreign investment, many businesses have yet to experience meaningful regulatory stability,” the survey reads. “This lingering uncertainty continues to temper long-term confidence in the market.”Sen. Tammy Duckworth , a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, pulled no punches when discussing Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth , Donald Trump ‘s pick to lead the Department of Defense . The Democratic senator sounded off on Hegseth’s lack of experience, calling him a “pretty low-ranking guy” when he was in the military. Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as at Guantanamo Bay. He has worked at Fox News in various on-air roles since 2014. “He was a pretty low ranking guy in the military, and he never had a command position,” Duckworth told host Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation. “He was a platoon leader, I think, once or twice, but he never even commanded a company. And so this is a man who is inordinately, unqualified for the position.” The senator continued, “The Pentagon is three million servicemen and women and civilians. It is over a $900 billion budget. He’s never run anything anywhere near to that size.” Even Republican senators have spoken out anonymously against Hegseth’s nomination, with one senator telling Rolling Stone Trump’s choice “makes no sense!” Duckworth additionally criticized Hegseth’s vocal opposition to women serving in combat roles. Hegseth has said, “I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasn’t made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated.” “He’s wrong,” Duckworth said of Hegseth. “Our military could not go to war without the 220,000 plus women who serve in uniform. Women [serving] in our military does make us more effective, does make us more lethal.” Duckworth was co-piloting a Black Hawk helicopter in 2004 in Iraq when it was shot down by an RPG. Duckworth was severely injured, losing her legs and partial use of her right arm. In addition to his terrible takes on women in combat, Hegseth wrote in his book that the Pentagon’s “social justice” messaging and “woke” policies have harmed recruitment efforts. “America’s white sons and daughters are walking away [from military service], and who can blame them,” he wrote in the book , The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free , published in June. Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time Hegseth also faces a sexual assault allegation , which, according to Rolling Stone’s reporting he hid from Trump’s transition team. A woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in a California hotel room in 2017. According to a police report , the woman said Hegseth took her phone and “blocked the door with his body,” preventing her from leaving the hotel room. She said she “remembered saying ‘no’ a lot” to him. Hegseth told investigators he had sex with the woman, but it was consensual. He later paid the woman a settlement in an undisclosed sum. In exchange, she signed a nondisclosure agreement. Hegseth made the payment to save his career, since the matter “would result in his immediate termination from Fox,” Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told The Washington Post. “It’s frankly an insult and really troubling that Mr. Trump would nominate someone who has admitted he paid off a victim who has claimed rape allegations against him,” Duckworth said . “This is not the kind of person you want to lead the Department of Defense.” Duckworth also expressed worry that Republicans in the Senate are prepared to approve not just Hegseth but Trump’s other nominees . “I’m deeply concerned that they will green light [anyone Trump nominates],” she said, adding, “From what I’m hearing from my Republican colleagues on everything from defense secretary to other posts, it sounds like they are ready to roll over for Mr. Trump.”