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Fiscal Third Quarter Total Revenues of $2.160 Billion , Up 15.8% Year Over Year Subscription Revenues of $1.959 Billion , Up 15.8% Year Over Year PLEASANTON, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ: WDAY), a leading provider of solutions to help organizations manage their people and money , today announced results for the fiscal 2025 third quarter ended October 31, 2024. Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results 1 See the section titled "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in the accompanying financial tables for further details. Comments on the News "Workday's solid performance in Q3 reflects the trust our customers place in us across industries, the global momentum around our AI-driven innovations, and the strength of our partner ecosystem," said Carl Eschenbach , CEO, Workday. "Organizations are increasingly consolidating on the Workday platform to reduce total cost of ownership, simplify their operations, and to unlock the power of our best-in-class AI solutions. Workday gives them the ultimate advantage – and that positions our business for long-term success." "In Q3, we once again made good progress across a number of our key growth areas," said Zane Rowe , CFO, Workday. "Looking ahead, we expect fiscal 2025 subscription revenue of $7.703 billion , growth of 17%, and fiscal 2025 non-GAAP operating margin of 25.5%. We are focused on executing in our seasonally strongest quarter, as we lay the foundation for durable, profitable growth at scale." Recent Highlights 1 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for 1,000+ Employee Enterprises, Ranadip Chandra, Sam Grinter, Ron Hanscome, Chris Pang, Anand Chouksey, Josie Xing, Harsh Kundulli, David Bobo, Laura Gardiner, Hiten Sheth, Emi Chiba, Travis Wickesberg, and Michelle Shapiro, 23 October 2024. 2 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Service-Centric Enterprises, Robert Anderson, Denis Torii, Sam Grinter, Naveen Mahendra, Tomas Kienast, Johan Jartelius, 4 November 2024. 3 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Financial Planning Software, Regina Crowder, Vaughan Archer, Matthew Mowrey, Michelle Carlsen, 18 November 2024. Financial Outlook Workday is providing guidance for the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter ending January 31, 2025 as follows: Workday is updating its guidance for the fiscal 2025 full year ending January 31, 2025 as follows: 1 The Company has not provided a reconciliation of its forward outlook for non-GAAP operating margin with its forward-looking GAAP operating margin in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the amount and timing of adjustments that are used to calculate this non-GAAP financial measure, particularly related to stock-based compensation and its related tax effects, acquisition- related costs, and realignment costs. Earnings Call Details Workday plans to host a conference call today to review its fiscal 2025 third quarter financial results and to discuss its financial outlook. The call is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET and can be accessed via webcast . The webcast will be available live, and a replay will be available following completion of the live broadcast for approximately 90 days. Workday uses the Workday Blog as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. About Workday Workday is a leading enterprise platform that helps organizations manage their most important assets – their people and money . The Workday platform is built with AI at the core to help customers elevate people, supercharge work, and move their business forever forward. Workday is used by more than 10,500 organizations around the world and across industries – from medium-sized businesses to more than 60% of the Fortune 500. For more information about Workday, visit workday.com . © 2024 Workday, Inc. All rights reserved. Evisort, Workday, and the Workday logo are registered trademarks of Workday, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding Workday's fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 subscription revenue and non-GAAP operating margin, growth, momentum, and innovation. These forward-looking statements are based only on currently available information and our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. If the risks materialize, assumptions prove incorrect, or we experience unexpected changes in circumstances, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not rely on any forward-looking statements. Risks include, but are not limited to: (i) breaches in our security measures or those of our third-party providers, unauthorized access to our customers' or other users' personal data, or disruptions in our data center or computing infrastructure operations; (ii) service outages, delays in the deployment of our applications, and the failure of our applications to perform properly; (iii) privacy concerns and evolving domestic or foreign laws and regulations; (iv) the impact of continuing global economic and geopolitical volatility on our business, as well as on our customers, prospects, partners, and service providers; (v) any loss of key employees or the inability to attract, train, and retain highly skilled employees; (vi) competitive factors, including pricing pressures, industry consolidation, entry of new competitors and new applications, advancements in technology, and marketing initiatives by our competitors; (vii) our reliance on our network of partners to drive additional growth of our revenues; (viii) the regulatory, economic, and political risks associated with our domestic and international operations; (ix) adoption of our applications and services by customers and individuals, including any new features, enhancements, and modifications, as well as our customers' and users' satisfaction with the deployment, training, and support services they receive; (x) the regulatory risks related to new and evolving technologies such as AI and our ability to realize a return on our development efforts; (xi) our ability to realize the expected business or financial benefits of any acquisitions of or investments in companies; (xii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; and (xiii) changes in sales, which may not be immediately reflected in our results due to our subscription model. Further information on these and additional risks that could affect Workday's results is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K and other reports that we have filed and will file with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. Workday assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by law. Any unreleased services, features, or functions referenced in this document, our website, or other press releases or public statements that are not currently available are subject to change at Workday's discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at all. Customers who purchase Workday services should make their purchase decisions based upon services, features, and functions that are currently available. Workday, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) (unaudited) October 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,311 $ 2,012 Marketable securities 5,846 5,801 Trade and other receivables, net 1,404 1,639 Deferred costs 244 232 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 273 255 Total current assets 9,078 9,939 Property and equipment, net 1,263 1,234 Operating lease right-of-use assets 335 289 Deferred costs, noncurrent 490 509 Acquisition-related intangible assets, net 383 233 Deferred tax assets 1,031 1,065 Goodwill 3,479 2,846 Other assets 365 337 Total assets $ 16,424 $ 16,452 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 74 $ 78 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 323 287 Accrued compensation 476 544 Unearned revenue 3,447 4,057 Operating lease liabilities 102 89 Total current liabilities 4,422 5,055 Debt, noncurrent 2,983 2,980 Unearned revenue, noncurrent 64 70 Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 278 227 Other liabilities 53 38 Total liabilities 7,800 8,370 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 0 0 Additional paid-in capital 11,115 10,400 Treasury stock (1,208) (608) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 16 21 Accumulated deficit (1,299) (1,731) Total stockholders' equity 8,624 8,082 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 16,424 $ 16,452 Workday, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands and per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenues: Subscription services $ 1,959 $ 1,691 $ 5,678 $ 4,843 Professional services 201 175 557 494 Total revenues 2,160 1,866 6,235 5,337 Costs and expenses (1) : Costs of subscription services 329 264 924 759 Costs of professional services 201 181 606 552 Product development 647 619 1,952 1,829 Sales and marketing 620 538 1,804 1,581 General and administrative 198 176 609 512 Total costs and expenses 1,995 1,778 5,895 5,233 Operating income (loss) 165 88 340 104 Other income (expense), net 62 41 178 114 Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes 227 129 518 218 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 34 15 86 25 Net income (loss) $ 193 $ 114 $ 432 $ 193 Net income (loss) per share, basic $ 0.73 $ 0.43 $ 1.63 $ 0.74 Net income (loss) per share, diluted $ 0.72 $ 0.43 $ 1.61 $ 0.73 Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share, basic 265,411 262,153 265,062 260,747 Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share, diluted 268,549 266,377 268,936 264,087 (1) Costs and expenses include share-based compensation expenses as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Costs of subscription services $ 35 $ 30 $ 108 $ 90 Costs of professional services 28 29 86 87 Product development 162 162 498 494 Sales and marketing 78 65 226 212 General and administrative 65 63 204 188 Total share-based compensation expenses $ 368 $ 349 $ 1,122 $ 1,071 Workday, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions) (unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 193 $ 114 $ 432 $ 193 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:CFIUS Clearance: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan) and Cepton, Inc. (U.S.)
Noah Waterman's driving, twisting shot in the lane with 1.2 seconds left rescued Louisville from a home upset bid by Eastern Kentucky, escaping with a 78-76 home victory on Saturday. The Cardinals (8-5) equaled their win total from the 2023-24 campaign. Louisville claimed a 71-61 edge on a James Scott dunk with 6:17 remaining, but Eastern Kentucky (6-7) followed with a 12-1 run to claim the lead on Devontae Blanton's layup with 2:20 to play. The teams traded baskets until Waterman's shot in the final seconds provided the difference. Terrance Edwards Jr. made one of two free throws to pad the Cardinals' margin with 0.4 seconds to play. Louisville grabbed a season-high 21 offensive rebounds in the win. The Cardinals were led by Edwards' 20-point performance on 6-for-12 shooting. J'Vonne Hadley dropped in 15 points and added 10 rebounds, four on the offensive end. Chucky Hepburn added 14 points despite six turnovers and guard Reyne Smith had 12 points, including a trio of 3-pointers. Waterman contributed 12 points, none more significant than the game winner. Eastern Kentucky's George Kimble III keyed the Colonels' rally with 24 points, with 17 coming in the second half. Blanton scored 22 points on 10-for-23 shooting. Guard Jackson Holt added 15 points, shooting 3-for-5 from 3-point range. The game was a back-and-forth battle throughout. Louisville stretched a first-half lead to as many as 15 points, in part by canning nine 3-point shots in the first 20 minutes, as opposed to just two in the second half. The Cardinals led 46-37 at halftime and stretched their lead back to 13 before a 12-2 led by 3-pointers from Holt and Mayar Wol pulled the Colonels back into the game midway through the second half. The Cardinals will take on North Carolina at home on Wednesday. Eastern Kentucky opens Atlantic Sun play at Central Arkansas on Thursday. --Field Level Media
If you’ve been considering stepping into the world of premium smartphones but feel daunted by the plethora of options available, the OnePlus 12 could be your ultimate solution. Launched early this year, this flagship device boasts advanced technology and it’s available at an incredible price this Black Friday. With a great 30% discount on Amazon, it drops to $643 down from its original price of $899—a savings of nearly $250 . This makes it even more affordable than its 256GB model! See at Amazon The OnePlus 12 competes fiercely with top-tier models like the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 , and it’s a serious contender in the high-end smartphone market. At the heart of this device lies the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor by Qualcomm which ensures lightning-fast performance whether you’re gaming, streaming or multitasking on your phone. The OnePlus 12 features a fabulous 6.82-inch AMOLED display that delivers stunning colors and sharp details. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through content feels incredibly smooth and fluid. This display also supports HDR10+ for an immersive viewing experience in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments. The design is sleek and modern, available in elegant colors such as Silky Black and Flowy Emerald (out of stock). Hasselblad Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced camera system on the OnePlus 12. It features a triple-lens setup developed in collaboration with Hasselblad which is very famous for its high-quality imaging technology. The main camera boasts a 50MP sensor and is complemented by a 64MP telephoto lens and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. Additionally, the front-facing 32MP camera ensures that selfies are equally impressive. With a robust 5400 mAh battery, you’ll enjoy extended usage without frequent recharging. When it’s time to power up, the device supports rapid charging at 80W which allows you to go from zero to full charge in just about half an hour. For those who prefer wireless charging, it also supports 50W wireless charging Running on Android 14, the OnePlus 12 uses OxygenOS widely regarded as one of the best Android skins available today . This interface provides a clean and bloatware-free experience that improves usability while offering customization options to tailor your smartphone to your liking. The combination of powerful hardware and intuitive software makes navigating through apps and settings effortless, you will love it. One last thing: You can return all items purchased on Amazon until January 31, 2025, instead of the usual 30-day window. This is really convenient for holiday gifts! Make sure you grab your OnePlus 12 before it runs out of stock. See at Amazon
‘Low-fat’ Christmas decor is a Scrooge-like craze, garland everything & add sparkle, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen begs
However, the N-Dubz star has since left the jungle following a public vote but viewers of the show are shocked at her actions since. Before heading into the Australian jungle, celebrities often share pictures of themselves in their camp uniforms and the ITV show also shares videos and images of them while they’re in there which they share to their own personal accounts. However, viewers noticed the lack of Instagram posts about Tulisa’s time in the jungle following her exit. A post shared by I'm a Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) Taking to X, formerly Twitter, fans of the show noticed the singer has deleted her posts about the ITV show and her involvement. After leaving the show, Tulisa would’ve been given her phone back so it’s likely she deleted the posts herself. One viewer said: “Why has Tulisa deleted everything from her socials in relation to #ImACeleb”. (function (d, s, n) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; js = d.createElement(s); js.className = n; js.src = "//player.ex.co/player/3129a978-0bd5-43fb-847a-3b94cd5e7835"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); js.setAttribute('programmatic', 'true'); js.onload = function () { const playerApi237931 = ExCoPlayer.connect('3129a978-0bd5-43fb-847a-3b94cd5e7835'); playerApi237931.init({ "autoPlay": false, "mute": true, "showAds": true, "playbackMode": "play-in-view", "content": { "playFirst": [ { "title": "How much is Ant and Dec's net worth?", "src": "https://large-cdn.ex.co/transformations/production/3dac3c05-257d-45d2-b760-c1524f8b72f3/720p.mp4" } ], "playlistId": "649c4f278b6b900012871b1a" }, "sticky": { "mode": "persistent", "closeButton": true, "pauseOnClose": true, "desktop": { "enabled": false, "position": "bottom-right" }, "mobile": { "enabled": false, "position": "upper-small" } }}); }; }(document, 'script', 'exco-player')); Another commented: “Why has Tulisa deleted all traces of I’m a celeb off her socials?” A third called the singer out, saying: “So grateful you delete all trace of I’m a Celeb on your Instagram ey Tulisa?” After public votes, three celebrities have been eliminated from the ITV show so far. Loose Women star Jane Moore was the first to leave while Dean McCullough, a BBC Radio 1 presenter, was the second to be reunited with loved ones. Recommended reading: N-Dubz star Tulisa was the third to leave the jungle and said: “It is tough in there, leaving is still a happy thing.” Speaking about her I'm A Celebrity experience, she added: “I just think you're more grateful for everything, the food you eat, being around the people you love, the home comforts, just makes you very appreciative of life.” Tonight (December 3), another celebrity will leave the jungle. I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues nightly at 9pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX.
Sentrycs Concludes a Year of Record Growth with its C-UAS Technology Capable of Addressing the Growing Drone Threat Across Four Continents TEL AVIV, Israel , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentrycs, a technology leader in the Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) industry, announced today its continued progress globally within the public safety market. The company recently closed agreements with two new law enforcement organizations, including one in North America . These new agreements will deliver core protocol manipulation sensor solutions across a wide variety of scenarios, from fixed sites to vehicle-mounted (mobile) operations. The deals mark another significant milestone for the company, which has seen its business quadruple, year over year, along with continued adoption of its pioneering technology which is now deployed across sensitive facilities and strategic assets worldwide. The company has seen a noticeable spike in C-UAS interest heading into 2025, especially as in recent weeks, concerns have grown over unexplained drone sightings throughout several east coast states in the US. These sightings have prompted calls from both officials and citizens for swift action to identify and mitigate these mysterious flights. Unregulated or malicious drone activity poses significant risks to public safety and critical infrastructure, ranging from unauthorized surveillance and smuggling to potential terrorist threats where commercially available drones can quickly and inexpensively be weaponized. Addressing these challenges requires sophisticated solutions capable of countering such threats effectively while ensuring no interference with other communication systems that rely on the same frequency bands as the drones themselves. Sentrycs' solution is one of the few available technologies that addresses these challenges head-on, offering reliable and field-proven capability designed to safeguard public safety with no collateral damage. Leveraging proprietary technology, Sentrycs' passively detects, identifies and tracks drones, significantly reducing the possibility of false detections, a constant challenge encountered with other technologies. The platform also allows the operator to mitigate (or neutralize) the drone in seconds, directing it to a designated safe landing spot or returning the device to its original home location, avoiding the need for kinetic engagements that often cause collateral damage. "Recent events here in the US, specifically those in New Jersey really highlight the need to monitor unregulated drone activity, as it poses significant risks to public safety and critical infrastructure. Every single day our technology is supporting missions to monitor or mitigate illegal drone activity. Our global footprint means we address a variety of threats from ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) to enable human trafficking and drug smuggling, to even improvised explosive devices being delivered by the drones themselves" said Jason Moore , Chief Revenue Officer at Sentrycs. "Addressing these challenges demands sophisticated solutions that counter such threats immediately and effectively without interfering with critical communication systems or causing collateral damage" About Sentrycs Founded in 2017, Sentrycs is a leader in integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology, providing innovative solutions for drone threat detection and mitigation. The company is dedicated to advancing C-UAS technology through continuous research and development, ensuring its products remain at the forefront of the industry. With its solutions deployed across four continents, Sentrycs is committed to safeguarding public safety and critical infrastructure worldwide. CONTACT: [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2585358/Sentrycs_Counter_Drone.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422730/5087617/Sentrycs_Logo.jpg SOURCE Sentrycs
OAKLAND — The race to be Oakland’s next mayor may have officially kicked off Monday, but the starting line is eerily quiet — and may continue to be until Rep. Barbara Lee about whether to run. Lee, the longtime East Bay congresswoman and stalwart of progressive politics, said late last week in a social media post that she will announce her decision in early January, noting the decision was “not one I take lightly.” In the meantime, Lee has held numerous private meetings with city officials about the issues affecting Oakland, from the ongoing budget crisis to homelessness to policing, two sources with direct knowledge of those conversations told this news organization. The policy “deep dive,” as a source not authorized to speak publicly put it, might offer reassurance to skeptics who worry that the retiring legislator, who has represented Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley and San Leandro in Congress since 1998, would struggle to adapt to running a city full-time. But the larger consequence of Lee’s decision-making timeline is that the run-up to the April 15 special election to has largely stalled. Most candidates are holding off until Lee makes a move. Hours after the formal start on Monday of the candidate filing period, which lasts until Jan. 17, only two people had scheduled appointments to pull papers for the office — and , a pair of fringe prospects who are unlikely to make a dent in the race. Loren Taylor, the runner-up in the 2022 mayoral election, said Monday he plans to pull papers in the coming days, noting in an interview that his desire to help Oakland grow as a city won’t be affected by whom he’s running against. But others, such as former Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente and lobbyist Isaac Kos-Read, have said they’re holding off. “To be candid, I’m getting a little restless — but out of respect I have to wait,” De La Fuente said Monday in an interview. “Hopefully, she’ll make a decision soon.” An by numerous Oakland leaders urging Lee to run included sign-offs from City Council members Nikki Fortunato Bas, Treva Reid and Dan Kalb, as well as prospective candidate Kos-Read. The letter included signatures from both labor leaders and local political figures who otherwise have often clashed on issues like crime and public spending. “We need someone who can bring the new ideas, policies, resources and opportunities that the people of Oakland deserve,” the letter read. “That person is Barbara Lee.” There are other examples of weighty political races symbolically put on hold amid “will they, won’t they” tension involving potential candidates, including late in 1998. But the upcoming special election in Oakland is unique in how strongly some local leaders seem to be thinking past the election entirely in their overtures to Lee, said political expert Dan Schnur. “These communities and business and labor leaders aren’t begging her to run because they think she’s the only one who can win,” Schnur said. “They think she’s the only one who can govern.” The clearest sign of how many in the city view Lee — who has often weighed in on local affairs to or or — might be a billboard that popped up in recent weeks along Interstate 880 in East Oakland. “Thank You, Barbara Lee,” it reads, “for bringing over half a billion dollars of federal funds into Oakland in 2024!” The billboard, hoisted near the highway’s High Street exit, also links to a website, thankyoubarbaralee.com, which lists some of Lee’s accomplishments and includes a sign-up form “to add your name to our letter of gratitude!” Both the physical and digital ads were created by the East Oakland Youth Development Center. Selena Wilson, the nonprofit’s CEO, said the gesture had nothing to do with the upcoming special election and was solely intended to honor the congresswoman for her longtime support of the center. Nationally, Lee is perhaps best known for being the only member of Congress to oppose the use of military force following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Her entry into the race would bring a layer of gravitas to the top political office in Oakland, a city whose reputation took a hit after crime rose and the economy declined during the pandemic. But it may also bring back memories of the mayoral tenure of the late Rep. Ron Delllums, whose decorated legacy was hurt by the perception that he was an absentee leader during the Great Recession, or former Gov. Jerry Brown, whose time as mayor coincided with the infamous Riders police brutality scandal. Taylor, meanwhile, is steadfast about wanting to lead, an ambition that has not diminished in the two years by fewer than 700 ranked-choice votes. “I think the fact that the others are playing a game of political calculus,” he said, “is indicative of where their leadership commitment is and how confident they are in what they’re bringing to the table.”Minnesota is focused on one final task before it sets its sights on the Big Ten Conference season. The Golden Gophers (7-5) will look to finish 2024 on a high note when they host Morgan State on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. It will be the final nonconference game for Minnesota before it begins conference play in earnest with a home date against No. 21 Purdue on Thursday. Meanwhile, Morgan State (6-9) is hoping to break out of a skid that has included seven losses in its past 10 games. The Bears are coming off a 99-72 loss against No. 3 Iowa State on Dec. 22. The highest scorer on either team is Minnesota's Dawson Garcia, who is averaging 19.2 points to go along with a team-high 7.3 rebounds this season. Garcia is shooting 49.7 percent from the field, 85 percent from the free-throw line and 31.8 percent from 3-point range. Mike Mitchell Jr. ranks second on the Golden Gophers with 11.6 points per game. Lu'Cye Patterson is next with 10 points per contest, and Parker Fox is fourth with 6.8 points per game. "At the end of the day, we're all here for a reason," Mitchell said. "We have to produce when we're out there, but once (Garcia) gets going, it helps us all figure it out together." Minnesota coach Ben Johnson has seen opponents focus on slowing down Garcia as the season has progressed. That strategy could create opportunities for other teammates, he said. "Teams are always going to guard Dawson differently," Johnson said. "Are they not switching ball screens? Can you play through him in the post? ... When you get two on the ball, you can (kick) it out. Now you've got an advantage on the backside." For Morgan State, Wynston Tabbs leads the way with 16.1 points per game on 45.9 percent shooting from the field. Three other players are scoring in double figures: Amahrie Simpkins (12.7 points per game), Will Thomas (12.1) and Kameron Hobbs (10.7). Morgan State coach Kevin Broadus wants his players to be more disciplined on defense. "That's one of the things that we have to change," Broadus said. "We're fouling too much." This is the second meeting between the schools. Minnesota pulled away for a 94-64 win on its home court in the inaugural matchup on Dec. 8, 2009. --Field Level Media
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people convicted in the slayings of police and military officers, as well as federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev , and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner, Bryan Hurst, was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the killer's execution "would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House. But Hurst’s widow, Marissa Gibson, called Biden's move distressing and a "complete dismissal and undermining of the federal justice system,” in a statement to The Columbus Dispatch . Tim Timmerman, whose daughter, Rachel, was thrown into a Michigan lake in 1997 to keep her from testifying in a rape trial, said Biden's decision to commute the killer's sentence offered families “only pain.” "Where’s the justice in just giving him a prison bed to die comfortably in?” Timmerman said on WOOD-TV. Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a 2017 South Carolina bank robbery, called the commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post. “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” Corey Groves, whose mother, Kim Groves, was murdered in a 1994 plot by a New Orleans police officer after she filed a complaint against him, said the family has been living with the “nightmare” of her killer for three decades. “I have always wanted him to spend the rest of his life in prison and have to wake up every morning and think about what he did when he took our mother from us," Groves said in a statement through his attorney. Families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church have long had a broad range of opinions on Roof's punishment. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Risher, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out federal death row. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Risher said in a statement. Risher, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, said during a Zoom news conference that families “are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come.” Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director, said Biden was giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of their political motivations to kill. “When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office. Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden has shown "the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.” Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions. “Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.” Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” But Ed Dowd Jr., the U.S. attorney in St. Louis at the time of the robbery and now a private attorney, criticized Biden's move. “This case was a message to people who wanted to go out and shoot people for the hell of it, that you’re going to get the death penalty,” Dowd said. Now, "Biden is sending a message that you can do whatever you want and you won’t get the death penalty.” This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Rev. Sharon Risher's name. Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri; Stephen Smith in New Orleans, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed.SALINAS, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scheid Vineyards Inc. (dba Scheid Family Wines) (OTC Markets: SVIN) announced today its financial results for the six months ended August 31, 2024 (second quarter of fiscal 2025). Scott Scheid , President and CEO, commented, "It continues to be a difficult time for the wine industry. Bulk wine prices remain depressed and the market for cased goods, which has been impacted by distributor and retailer destocking, continues to be challenging. As a company, we've made significant efforts to do more with less, highlighted by our second quarter results showing a decrease of 16% in sales and marketing expenses and a decrease of over 5% in G & A. These efforts are ongoing and I'm proud of our teams who work each day on finding opportunities for growth and ways to improve our business." Mr. Scheid continued, "We recently executed new forbearance agreements with our lenders extending through July 31, 2025 . The terms of these agreements include forbearing interest and principal payments on the Company's existing debt. In addition, under the agreement with our operating lender, the Company received an additional $5.0 million to strengthen our working capital base." Financial Results Total revenues decreased 6%, to $26.1 million for the six months ended August 31, 2024 , from $27.7 million in fiscal 2024. Cased goods sales decreased 6%, to $21.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2025, from $22.5 million in fiscal 2024, as the bottled wine business across the entire market slowed in the first few months of calendar 2024. The Company's bulk wine sales decreased 14%, to $1.8 million from $2.1 million , and winery processing and storage revenues remained flat at $1.5 million . Gross margins remained at 20% for each period. Sales and marketing expenses decreased 16%, to $4.8 million , from $5.7 million , and general and administrative expenses decreased 5%, to $3.5 million , from $3.7 million , as the Company continues its cost-cutting efforts. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company recognized revenue of $3.6 million from proceeds received from the dissolution of a winery processing agreement. In addition, the Company recognized a gain from the sale of non-vineyard land in the amount of $1.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Interest expense rose 150%, to $7.5 million , from $3.0 million , due to increases in interest rates as each of the Company's lenders are accruing interest at the default rate of an average of 14.3%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased to $4.4 million , from a loss of $1.2 million , primarily from the sale of land and the proceeds from the contract dissolution. In total, the Company reported a net loss of $3.9 million for the six months ended August 31, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $4.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2023 . SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2024 AND 2023 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Six Months Ended August 31, 2024 2023 REVENUES: Cased goods sales $ 21,233 $ 22,539 Bulk wine sales 1,826 2,145 Winery processing and storage revenues 1,508 1,451 Direct sales revenues 1,340 1,329 Vineyard management revenues 203 229 Other revenues 7 5 Total revenues 26,117 27,698 COST OF SALES (20,962) (22,121) GROSS PROFIT 5,155 5,577 Sales and marketing expenses (4,790) (5,696) General and administrative expenses (3,545) (3,674) LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (3,180) (3,793) Interest expense, net (7,489) (3,008) Proceeds from contract dissolution 3,613 — Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 1,690 80 Other income (loss) 2 (40) LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES (5,364) (6,761) BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES 1,509 1,915 NET LOSS $ (3,878) $ (4,846) NET LOSS PER SHARE $ (4.23) $ (5.31) WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 916 912 About Scheid Family Wines Scheid Family Wines, a family-owned and operated wine company for over 50 years, is ranked among the top 25 largest wine producers in the United States . Based in Monterey County, California , Scheid is vertically integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably and organically certified vineyards and grower partners throughout the Central Coast. Scheid's innovative, luxury-level winery is 100% powered by renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed brand portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, VDR (Very Dark Red), Grandeur (organically certified), Fog & Light, Metz Road, District 7, Ryder Estate, and HOXIE, a premium wine spritzer. Scheid Family Wines sells internationally to over 30 countries and is one of the largest producers of premium exclusive brands. Please visit www.scheidfamilywines.com and www.otcmarkets.com/stock/SVIN/quote for more information. CONTACT: Scott Scheid, President and CEO, [email protected] Mike Thomsen, Chief Financial Officer, [email protected] View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scheid-family-wines-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-2025-results-302316784.html SOURCE Scheid Family Wines © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was hospitalized in the “afternoon for testing and observation," Angel Urena, Clinton's deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Clinton, a Democrat who served two terms as president from January 1993 until January 2001, addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer, and campaigned ahead of November's election for the unsuccessful White House bid of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris . In the years since Clinton left the White House, he's faced some health scares. In 2004, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery after experiencing prolonged chest pains and shortness of breath. Clinton returned to the hospital for surgery for a partially collapsed lung in 2005, and in 2010 he had a pair of stents implanted in a coronary artery. Clinton responded by embracing a largely vegan diet that saw him lose weight and report improved health. In 2021, the former president was hospitalized for six days in California while being treated for an infection that was unrelated to COVID-19, when the pandemic was still near its height. An aide to the former president said then that Clinton had a urological infection that spread to his bloodstream, but was on the mend and never went into septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition. The aide said Clinton was in an intensive care section of the hospital that time, but wasn’t receiving ICU care.The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations and trips back home. However, with the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year, holiday travel can dampen the festive spirit. Whether it’s a canceled flight, unexpected traffic jams or lengthy layovers, these disruptions can lead to stress and frustration for the whole family. Keeping spirits high during travel is essential to ensure everyone enjoys the holiday season to its fullest. This article offers twelve practical tools to help families navigate the challenges of holiday travel while maintaining a positive atmosphere. From staying connected with kids through specialized phones to engaging in fun games that bring laughter and joy, there are plenty of ways to turn a frustrating situation into an opportunity for connection and creativity. Holiday travel doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, especially for a budget-friendly ride. CoPilot offers an excellent solution for finding used cars for sale that meet your quality and affordability standards. Leveraging advanced AI technology, CoPilot scours thousands of dealerships and listings to provide a personalized selection of used cars based on your preferences. Unlike traditional car shopping platforms, CoPilot is designed to work for you, highlighting the best deals while ensuring you avoid overpaying or falling into common buying traps. Plus, CoPilot’s app continuously monitors the market for price changes, notifying you of the best time to buy. Whether you’re hitting the road for a winter getaway or simply looking for a dependable vehicle, CoPilot helps you find the perfect fit at a price that will keep your spirits soaring. Keeping kids connected during travel delays and while they’re on the move is essential for maintaining a positive atmosphere. Bark Technologies' kids phones , the Bark Phone, offer a safer way for children to stay in touch with their parents and friends. These devices are designed with built-in safety features that help children communicate without the distractions and dangers associated with other smartphones. The Bark Phone is a state-of-the-art Samsung phone that allows parents to set limits on screen time, monitor usage and more. This ensures that children can enjoy their devices without the worry of exposure to inappropriate content. With features like GPS-powered location tracking and contact approval, parents can feel secure knowing they can introduce their children to the online world without putting their safety at risk. Using the Bark Phone during travel encourages families to stay engaged with one another by sharing updates about their location, playing games or simply chatting. Staying connected helps alleviate boredom and contributes to a sense of togetherness, making the wait more manageable and enjoyable for all. Travel can be stressful for pets, especially when they are away from their familiar environment. Keeping dogs happy during long car rides or extended travel days is a necessity. Thankfully, giving them the best dental chews for dogs from Yummy Combs is an effective way to promote their comfort and overall well-being. These dental chews are designed to satisfy dogs' natural chewing instincts while also promoting oral health. Yummy Combs dental chews are made from high-quality ingredients that are delicious and beneficial for dogs' teeth and gums. They help reduce plaque and tartar buildup so pets can maintain good oral hygiene while they wait for plans to resume. Plus, rewarding dogs with these chews can help alleviate boredom and provide a soothing distraction in unfamiliar settings. Keeping pets entertained with Yummy Combs dental chews during travel contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere and a happier pup. Effective communication is key during travel, especially when dealing with changes. A cloud phone from Zoom helps families stay connected, regardless of location. This technology provides reliable voice and video communication that allows family members to coordinate plans and share updates easily. Using a cloud phone will guarantee that everyone remains in the loop during unexpected hiccups. With the ability to extract tasks from voicemails, send post-call summaries, and more family members can always stay on the same page. This flexibility is crucial for coordinating arrangements and maintaining peace of mind during busy holiday journeys. The user-friendly interface of Zoom’s cloud phone system simplifies communication for all ages. When checking in with loved ones or accessing flight information, a cloud phone keeps families organized and informed, helping to keep spirits high. Transit can take a toll on your body, whether you’re getting stuck in traffic on a long car ride or waiting for your flight to board. To help maintain healthy joints, hair, skin and more, consider incorporating collagen peptides from BUBS Naturals into your daily routine. These peptides provide essential amino acids that support overall vitality, making them a helpful addition to the family’s wellness plan. BUBS Naturals' tasteless collagen peptides powder is derived from high-quality bovine collagen. It can easily be added to smoothies, coffee or even water to boost your overall wellness while enjoying your favorite beverages. This versatility allows everyone, from kids to adults, to enjoy the benefits while on the go. With a little boost from BUBS Naturals, families can keep their spirits high and enjoy their journeys more fully. All pet parents know that traveling can also be stressful for pets, and staying cooped up in a car or crate can lead to joint stiffness, aches and more. Antinol Plus is a premium solution designed to support your dog’s joint health. This product features a proprietary blend of green-lipped mussel oil and Antarctic Krill to boost your pup’s mobility and help them maintain a healthy inflammatory response. This daily supplement is ideal for normal days at home and travel days alike, keeping your pets comfortable no matter what life throws at them. Traveling can often lead to discomfort, and extended periods in planes, trains and automobiles can do a number on your circulation. 2XU’s mens compression pants provide a solution by supporting your circulation and muscle recovery. These pants are designed with advanced technology to reduce injury, speed up recovery and keep you at your best. Plus, the high-quality fabric used in 2XU’s compression pants is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and comfortable. The ergonomic design allows for ease of movement, ensuring family members can stretch and shift comfortably during their journeys. Packing a pair of 2XU compression pants will help everyone stay relaxed and ready to enjoy their holiday plans. During holiday transit, maintaining a polished look can boost confidence and keep spirits high. Lip gloss from SHEGLAM is the perfect accessory to add a touch of pampering while on the go. Easy to apply and reapply, this product ensures family members look their best when waiting in an airport or embarking on a road trip. SHEGLAM offers a variety of lip gloss shades and formulas, allowing individuals to express their personal styles. From bold colors to subtle nudes, there is a perfect option for every personality. For winter trips, look towards moisturizing options to keep lips hydrated so they stay soft and smooth throughout the experience. This is especially important during the dry winter months when skin can become parched. With just a swipe, family members can refresh their looks and boost their confidence throughout the day. For families with little ones, Hero Journey Club offers a special way to keep kids entertained and engaged. This innovative subscription service provides weekly subclinical group sessions inside popular video games that assist with anger management for kids . These sessions encourage healthy coping mechanisms, helping children manage big emotions while developing problem-solving skills. Each Hero Journey Club session is limited to a small group of participants, keeping the experience intimate and interactive. Because only usernames and avatars are shared, children can enjoy a safe, anonymous space for social engagement and growth. This structured virtual gaming option provides an outlet for kids during long wait times and downtime. Hero Journey Club can help children dive into exciting adventures and make long-haul trips or delays feel like an opportunity for learning and personal growth. Finding the right clothing while on the move is essential for comfort and style. Search through Editorialist’s recommendations for types of jeans to find options that suit any occasion, from casual outings to festive parties to long days in transit. With a focus on fit and quality, Editorialist provides a selection that caters to diverse preferences. Editorialist's platform offers a seamless experience, allowing users to explore various styles and cuts, including skinny, straight-leg and bootcut jeans. The guidance from expert stylists ensures family members can find the perfect fit for their personal aesthetic, which makes it easier to feel confident during your journeys. Also, having the right jeans can enhance comfort during long hours of waiting. With their combination of style and practicality, the jeans recommended by Editorialist can help you maintain a chic look and feel great, too. Long journeys can make it hard to stay comfortable, but a travel neck pillow from Trtl is an easy solution. This innovative pillow provides strong but flexible neck support and is ideal for family members of all ages who need a rest while on the go. Its compact design ensures it’s easy to carry and pack, even in a stuffed carry-on. Unlike traditional bulky neck pillows, Trtl’s model has a design that offers maximum support without sacrificing comfort. The soft fleece wrap keeps the pillow snug against the neck to provide gentle, ergonomic support that mimics the comfort of a cozy scarf. This makes it perfect for flights, train rides or even long car trips. Keeping spirits high during winter travel can be as simple as breaking out a game of Dobble . This fast-paced matching game is easy to learn and perfect for all ages. The compact tin makes Dobble an ideal game on the go because it fits neatly into bags or backpacks. Dobble’s quick rounds and interactive play make it an instant favorite for family bonding. Players race to find the matching symbol between any two cards, making for a lively competition that keeps everyone engaged. Plus, the variety of ways to play means it never gets repetitive, even after multiple rounds. Holiday travel doesn’t have to dampen the festive spirit. With a little planning and these thoughtful tips, each family member can stay entertained, comfortable and happy. By prioritizing connection, fun, and relaxation, travel can become a cherished part of the experience — no matter what the season throws at you. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
Relief, defiance, anger: Families and advocates react to Biden's death row commutations
Status: Clearance Acquirer : KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. (Japan) Acquired : Cepton, Inc. (U.S.) Value : Unknown Industry Tags : Autonomous Vehicles; Lidar; Automotive On July 29, 2024, Cepton, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPTN) a provider of “lidar-based solutions for automotive (ADAS/AV), smart cities, smart spaces and smart industrial applications,” “signed a definitive agreement . . . providing for the acquisition by KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. . . . (TSE: 7276), a leading automotive tier one supplier, of all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company not owned by Koito for $3.17 per share in an all-cash transaction.” (Press Release, Cepton, Inc., Form 8-K, Ex-99.1, July 29, 2024, SEC Filing .) CFIUS Approval is a condition to the transaction. (Agreement and Plan of Merger, Section 8.02(c), Cepton, Inc., Form 8-K, Ex-2.1, July 29, 2024, SEC Filing .) “The final CFIUS notice was submitted on September 13, 2024 and accepted for review on September 24, 2024. At the end of the 45-day review period, the parties received confirmation that CFIUS concluded its investigation as of November 7, 2024, communicating that there are no unresolved national security issues with respect to the Transaction.” ( Cepton, Inc., Schedule 14A, Nov. 21, 2024, SEC Filing .)AP 6:39 JST, December 4, 2024 SEOUL (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government early Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote, and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Yoon imposed martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Less than three hours later, parliament acted, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.” The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifted his order. Woo applauded how troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote. Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military, Woo said. While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to impeach key government officials and senior prosecutors and lawmakers’ “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.” Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage following Yoon’s declaration showed that troops moved in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party. Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday. Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment. Some protesters scuffled with troops ahead of the lawmakers’ vote, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting “Aren’t you embarrassed?” Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state. When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be employed to restrict the freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts. The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote. Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant. In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government. Speaking at an event with Japan’s ambassador to Washington, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, a longtime Asia diplomat, reiterated that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is “ironclad” and the U.S. would “stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty.” Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea. They are not confined to base or under any type of curfew, Ryder said. The South Korean military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. Soon after the declaration, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions. All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at parliament leaving the site after the vote. Hours earlier, TV showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building. An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, likely from the military, that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site. The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party called the decision to impose martial law “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional.” Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country, he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. Yoon’s party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens,” but he did not elaborate. Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement. Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee. Sydney Seiler, Korean chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that the move was symbolic for Yoon to express his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament. He has nothing to lose, said Seiler, comparing Yoon’s move to the Hail Mary pass in American football, where he hoped for a slim chance of success. Now Yoon is likely to be impeached, a scenario that was also possible before he made the bold move, Seiler said. Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious backslide of democracy” that followed a “worrying trend of abuse” since he took office in 2022. South Korea “has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments,” Slavney said, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye. Park, the country’s first female president, was ousted from office and imprisoned for bribery and other crimes in 2017.
Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday addressed the media at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. He provided detailed insights into three major railway infrastructure projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) which will significantly boost connectivity in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While discussing the details of the project and its benefits to the Khandesh region of North Maharashtra and connectivity to the Purvanchal region of Uttar pradesh, the Minister highlighted the significant role of the 375 km multi-tracking projects,which include the Jalgaon–Manmad 4th line (160 km), Bhusawal–Khandwa 3rd & 4th lines (131 km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur 3rd line (84 km). These projects are set to boost connectivity between Mumbai and Prayagraj and aim to facilitate the movement of both passenger and goods trains, thereby driving the socio-economic growth of the region. The Minister further elaborated that these three projects, approved at the Cabinet level, are part of a comprehensive strategy to improve container movement between Purvanchal and Mumbai, including Varanasi. A detailed survey extending to Varanasi was conducted to ensure the corridor caters to the needs of emerging industries. These projects will enhance the logistic capacity to this section. This section will also work as a feeder section to Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), helping to decongest cities and major railway stations while enhancing connectivity to key ports in Maharashtra, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Mumbai and the upcoming Vadhwan Port. This connectivity will facilitate the seamless movement of both agricultural and industrial goods, thus strengthening the logistics ecosystem and supporting economic development. The Minister also emphasized the success of the recently launched Shetkari Samridhi Rail from Deolali to Danapur, which has achieved 200% occupancy since its inception. This innovative train service, with 10 passenger coaches and 10 coaches dedicated to agricultural produce, was introduced based on suggestions from farmers in Nashik. Many small-scale farmers expressed the need for a flexible transportation solution, as they are often unable to book an entire train. The Shetkari Samridhi Rail allows farmers to transport varied quantities, from half a quintal of produce like onions or pomegranates to larger consignments such as 10 quintals of soybeans. He further said that this train has been widely appreciated for its farmer-friendly approach, with positive feedback highlighting its popularity and utility. Encouraged by its success, plans are underway to expand similar services to other regions, enabling more farmers to benefit from affordable and reliable transportation for their agricultural products Answering a question from the media, the Minister discussed the implementation and progress of Kavach technology, aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency in the railway network. He highlighted that Kavach Version 3.2, which had been successfully implemented over 1600 km, is now being upgraded to the enhanced Kavach Version 4.0. Kavach Version 4.0 approved on 16th July 2024 by RDSO. The upgraded version incorporates advanced features to further bolster safety and efficiency in train operations. A massive initiative is underway to equip 10,000 locomotives with Kavach technology, with orders already placed and over 9,000 technicians and engineers trained for its installation. Comparing the scale of this project to starting a new telecom company, the Minister shared that testing between Sawai Madhopur and Kota has been successfully completed, and the section is now operational with Kavach 4.0. Additionally, certification for the Mumbai-Vadodara corridor is underway, while installation has commenced on routes such as Delhi-Mathura, Delhi-Alwar, and Delhi-Kanpur. As of now, Kavach 4.0 has been installed over 1,000 km, with plans to extend it to the entire country within the next six years. The Minister highlighted that while India is targeting nationwide coverage in just six years, other countries have taken more than 20 years to implement similar safety systems across their networks. The installation process has been made highly efficient, with Kavach being fitted on a locomotive in just 22 hours post-training. For achieving speeds of 130 km/h and beyond is not feasible without Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems like Kavach,the Minister added. The Minister also outlined the environmental and economic benefits of the railway projects, emphasizing that the Railways, as an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will play a crucial role in achieving the country’s climate goals while significantly reducing logistics costs. He highlighted that these projects will contribute to the reduction of 271 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the plantation of 15 crore trees. The total cost of these three projects is approximately Rs 7,927 crore, and they are expected to be completed in four years. The projects will result in incremental loading of 50 million tons of cargo and will save a total of 15 crore liters of diesel per year. This underscores the Government's commitment to sustainable development and economic growth through green and efficient infrastructure. These sections of 375 km of railway line projects will connect key regions, including the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route, Mumbai-Howrah golden diagonal, and Mumbai-Manmad-Bhusaval-Khandwa-Satna-Prayagraj-Varanasi route. The projects will enable the operation of additional passenger trains, benefiting pilgrims traveling to Jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), as well as to religious destinations in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. By improving capacity and operational efficiency, the projects will also enhance connectivity between Khandesh region in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Purvanchal in North India, and Mumbai in the West. In addition to religious and cultural benefits, these projects will promote tourism by improving access to key attractions such as the Khajuraho UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta and Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoti Falls, Purwa Falls, and more.Hospitals were 'hours from running out of PPE' during early months of Covid, Hancock says