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2025-01-08   

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Provident Bancorp, Inc. Adopts Stock Repurchase Program( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Calgary, Alberta and Surfers Paradise, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2024) - Transition Opportunities Corp. (TSXV: TOP.P) (" Transition " or the " Company ") and InterGroup mining Limited (" IGM "), are pleased to provide the following updates in connection with the previously announced Qualifying Transaction, as defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies (" Policy 2.4 ") of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange " or the " TSXV "), of Transition (the " Proposed Transaction ") as further described in the press release dated August 20, 2024. In evaluating the Proposed Transaction, IGM considered the long-term strategic benefits of listing on the TSXV, one of North America's prominent junior mining exchanges, including the ease of graduating to a senior exchange in the future, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange. Proposed Financing In preparation for the Proposed Transaction, it is anticipated that IGM will complete a non-brokered private placement of at least 15,000,000 ordinary shares of IGM (" Ordinary Shares ") at a price of $0.35GBP (the " Offering Price ") per Ordinary Share (the " Initial Private Placement "). The closing of the Initial Private Placement is not conditional upon completion of the Proposed Transaction. Further details regarding the Initial Private Placement are anticipated to be provided in subsequent press releases. In addition to the Initial Private Placement, IGM may complete further private placements of debt or Ordinary Shares. Further information regarding the Initial Private Placement and any subsequent private placements will be forthcoming in continuous disclosure documentation of IGM. Technical Reports In connection with the Proposed Transaction, ERM Australia Consultants Pty Ltd., formerly CSA Global, has substantially completed a 43-101 - Technical Report (the " Technical Report ") for the Clydesdale Brumby Kaolin Project (the " Project "), subject to certain updates in connection with the Proposed Transaction. On or prior to closing of the Proposed Transaction, a copy of the Technical Report will be posted on Transition's SEDAR+ profile at . Additionally, Varndell & Associates has substantially completed a valuation report in connection with the Project owned by IGM, either directly or indirectly (the " Valuation Report "). The Valuation Report will follow the guidelines of TSXV Appendix 3G, which incorporates most aspects of CIMVAL Code for the Valuation of Mineral Properties dated November 29, 2019. Subject to approval from the TSXV, IGM intends to use the Valuation Report to evidence value for the Proposed Transaction in accordance with Policy 2.4. IGM Audits IGM has also finalized its audited financials statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 (the " IGM Financials "). On or prior to closing of the Proposed Transaction, a copy of the IGM Financials will be posted on Transition's SEDAR+ profile at . IGM Offtake Agreement In Q3 of 2024, IGM completed an onsite sampling program to provide sample shipments and guaranteed analysis to interested offtake partners. Desire for ongoing long-term and large-scale supply of Kaolin, Silica, Metakaolin and Gold have been expressed by multiple parties for different manufacturing and use applications. Discussions are ongoing regarding offtake agreements and product delivery dates upon mining production start around this latest sample allotment. IGM is confident that the market remains strong and ever growing in the "Oceania" region for the Project's mineral assets. IGM looks forward to strong demand as its production phases begin and its product enters the commodities market. IGM Feasibility Study In preparation for the Proposed Transaction, IGM is in the process of upgrading its 2024 Scoping Study into a Pre-Feasibility Study and Definitive Feasibility Study (collectively, the " Feasibility Studies "). The completion of Feasibility Studies will allow the IGM to increase and underpin the valuation and financing of the Project significantly. It is anticipated that part of IGM's fundraising will be deployed towards completing the Feasibility Studies by mid-next year. Additional Information Additional information concerning the Proposed Transaction and any connected transactions of the Company, IGM and the resulting issuer following completion of the Proposed Transaction (the " Resulting Issuer "), will be provided in subsequent press releases and in Transition's management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, to be filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction, which will be available under Transition's SEDAR+ profile at . All information contained in this press release with respect to the Company and IGM was supplied by or from the respective party for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval, the completion of a definitive agreement in connection with the Proposed Transaction (the " Definitive Agreement ") and closing conditions customary to transactions of this nature. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The Proposed Transaction will not constitute a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV). Accordingly, it is not anticipated that the Proposed Transaction will be subject to the approval of the shareholders of Transition. About Transition Transition is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and is a capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange. Transition has not commenced operations and has no assets other than cash. Transition's principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a "Qualifying Transaction" under Policy 2.4. About IGM IGM is an Australian company focused on exploring and extracting minerals essential to delivering a net zero emissions world and strives to be a carbon neutral mining operation. IGM is a multi-commodity mine with Gold, Kaolin and Silica. It also has data showing 6Rare earth minerals that it is proving out currently. Its current focus is on developing a major high- quality kaolin, silica and gold project located in NE Queensland, Australia, approximately 250 kilometres from the major seaport of Townsville, west of Charters Towers, and immediately north of the gold bearing district of Pentland. To provide a little background on only one of IGM's minerals - Gold. Significant test work has been carried out to define the gold reserves and to determine the maximum gold recovery. The test work done to date has included: An excerpt from work done by Gekko Metallurgical Laboratory stated, "The following conclusion can be made from testing the Jodo Gold Brilliant Brumby ore sample. The calculated head grade from the 54.32 kg Two Stage CGR test was 8.74 g/t Au. This compared well to the calculated head grade derived from the 1 kg grade by size analysis of the minus 1.18 mm feed, which was 8.38 g/t Au." The above test work shows that IGM has high grade gold deposits. Additionally, in "typical" mining operations, the operator must remove significant overburden to get to the gold bearing ore. IGM's overburden is the sellable products of kaolin and silica. This will result in IGM's gold reserves being one of, if not the lowest, cost gold mine in the world. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this release has been approved by Ross William McVicar Garling, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and an independent consultant to IGM, who is a qualified person under NI 43-101. Further Information Transition Opportunities Corp. John Pantazopoulos, Director Email: ... Phone: (403) 801-5015 InterGroup Mining Limited James Busche, Chief Executive Officer Email: ... -- Rajiv Kamaria, Chief Financial Officer Email: ... Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, " forward-looking statements ") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the Proposed Transaction, the completion of the Initial Private Placement at the Offering Price and the completion any subsequent private placement, the completion and timing of the application to the TSXV in respect of the Proposed Transaction, the entering into of any offtake agreements between IGM and other parties, the completion of the Feasibility Studies, the proposed structure by which the Proposed Transaction is to be completed, the ability of the Company and IGM to meet the conditions of the Proposed Transaction in the required timeframes, obtaining the necessary exemptions and approvals from the TSXV or other regulatory bodies, including the business, name and function of the Resulting Issuer and certain financial information and forecasts. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and IGM, including expectations and assumptions concerning the Company, IGM, the Resulting Issuer, the Proposed Transaction, the negotiation of the Definitive Agreement on satisfactory terms, the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the acceptance of the TSXV, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement, as well as other risks and uncertainties. The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction may change based on the Company's due diligence (which is going to be limited as the Company intends largely to rely on the due diligence of other parties of the Proposed Transaction to contain its costs, among other things) and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both the Company and IGM. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, IGM, their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable). All information related to IGM and its operations in this press release has been provided by IGM. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Transition Opportunities Corp. MENAFN27112024004218003983ID1108934307 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Unions score a major win in Wisconsin with a court ruling restoring collective bargaining rights

As the holiday whirlwind surrounds us, we are reminded how much we should be grateful for: no matter which holidays we celebrate, we have numerous opportunities to congregate with friends and family members and to share the holiday spirit, we exchange material and spiritual gifts, we reach out to people we know and even to people we don’t know, to offer our time, compassion, love and support more than in any other part of the year. So why are we not so happy? Why are most people stressed and overwhelmed and the question “Are you ready for the holiday Season?” often sounds more like a disaster preparedness inquiry than an exciting reminder? Scientists and common folk alike offer various explanations. Harvard scientists warn that the holiday season requires us to keep track of additional duties and responsibilities, so the prefrontal portion of our brain goes on “overdrive” with executive decisions we must make. This high demand can cause a decrease in our memory functions, and stress can even stop the production of new brain cells. Harvard scientists recommend self-evaluating how we spend time over the holidays and considering “breaks” from the festivities to slow down this process. Luckily, once the holidays are over and the season’s stress is over, the normal brain function recovers. Additionally, the winter holidays coincide with months when there is less sunlight because the days are shorter. As a result, some people (roughly 6% of the population) develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is more prevalent in northern climates but can be experienced in Colorado, as well. Factors connected with financial stress contribute in a major way. The pressure to buy gifts for all “on the list” replaces the joy of giving if comparison and unrealistic expectations replace the sense of enjoying gift exchanges as a traditional activity and a way to bond. The need to take part in family activities challenges those who experience family conflicts. Even the most diplomatic of us feel challenged when we must face family members with strong political, religious, or health beliefs and convictions. This discourages many people from attending family gatherings. This avoidance causes the opposite negative feeling of loneliness. Statistics indicate that 75% of Gen Z-ers and 65% of single adults feel lonelier than their peers. No matter the source of holiday stress, December is undoubtedly the most stressful month. The end of the year is a time for evaluating our year of experiences, for scorekeeping and tallying personal and professional goals, and for focusing on “what could have been better” as we begin to craft New Year’s resolutions. This reflection, mixed with social media and sometimes forced family functions, can bring the weight of the world crashing down on you. So, how can you avoid this? Is it even possible? Of course it is, but it’s up to us. Whenever you are feeling the holiday blues, do something small for you. Brew some coffee or tea, take a moment or two, and drink in this moment. Allowing yourself the time to experience the heat radiating from the cup in your hand, the chill on your face as you look at the window, and the warmth the holiday season brings to our relationships through celebration. Focus on the moment and not on the Season. And don’t forget, if you are seriously depressed or anxious, your mental health provider or the providers at the 988 hotline will be happy to help. Happy Season to all from us at GTI! ______________________________________________________________________________ Jenni Guentcheva, LPC, LAC, NCACII co-founded GTI and leads GoodNeighbor LLC, both treatment centers in the heart of Canon City. She has developed and managed multiple mental health and addiction treatment programs in Fremont County since 1999. Jenni’s mission is to create opportunities for her clients, both individuals and fellow professionals. Brian Monahan, B.S., CSCS, is the CEO and co-founder of GTI. Brian is a retired US Army Special Forces operative (Green Beret), a coach, trainer, and a psychotherapist. He is pursuing a second degree in Health Psychology and has dedicated his post-military career to another area of service – the health of the community. Brian and Jenni can be contacted at 719-301-7676 and info@greenthumb-initiative.com.Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Google Cloud and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) announced the official opening of the Google Cloud Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Business Innovation Park in Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The milestone reflects the successful, long-standing collaboration between MCIT, Google Cloud and QFZ to further accelerateQatar’s digital innovation, cloud adoption, and skills development. The Google Cloud Center of Excellence will play a pivotal role in building digital capacity within the State of Qatar. The Center of Excellence was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ); Reem Al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); and Ghassan Costa, Regional Country Manager of Google Cloud, in a ceremony attended by several high-profile dignitaries and distinguished guests.The ceremony featured keynote remarks, a ribbon-cutting, and a tour of the new Center of Excellence. The CoE builds on the launch of the Doha Google Cloud Region last year, which brought Google Cloud’s state-of-the-art technology to Qatar to enhance cloud adoption across industries and allow businesses to access powerful data analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities. The CoE further amplifies Qatar’s digital transformation journey by providing world-class cloud training, supporting startups in scaling their businesses, and facilitating cutting-edge research on cloud-based solutions. In addition to these offerings, the Center will serve as an incubator for high-potential startups and a hub for cloud innovation, positioning Qatar as a regional leader in digital transformation, and supporting its efforts to build a knowledge-based economy in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said: “This marks a true milestone in Qatar’s digital capability-building journey. Our years of collaboration with MCIT and Google Cloud have culminated in this achievement. What makes the Center of Excellence particularly significant is its role as an enabler, localizing technology and building human capital that goes beyond utilizing cutting-edge technologies to actively creating and innovating with them. Qatar is emerging as the premier hub for digital innovation in the MENA region, a transformation that reflects the collective commitment of government and private stakeholders who believe in our nation’s vision. As momentous as today’s announcement is, I want to emphasize that this is just one step in our ongoing journey. QFZ will continue to attract world industry leaders to Qatar, further cementing our position as a global technology destination.” On the occasion,Reem Al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs, at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), said: “The launch of the Google Cloud Center of Excellence is a further step in our journey towards transforming Qatar into a regional leader in cloud computing and digital innovation. This collaboration aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and our Digital Agenda 2030, enabling us to upskill our workforce, provide further meaningful support to startups in Qatar, and foster sustainable economic growth. The Google Cloud CoE in Qatar will provide a new benchmark for the region in driving innovative technological advancements.” Ghassan Kosta, Regional Country Manager of Google Cloud, said: “Google Cloud is proud to partner with Qatar Free Zones Authority and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and to launch this state-of-the-art Center of Excellence. Our goal is to equip individuals and businesses with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. Through the CoE, we will provide training, support, and resources that will help foster a community of cloud innovators, ultimately contributing to becoming a leader in digital transformation across the region.” The collaboration between MCIT, QFZ, and Google Cloud dates back to before 2020 when Google Cloud first announced that it would launch a cloud region in Doha, the first such facility in the GCC and North Africa region. This collaboration deepened in 2021 with the agreement to develop the Center of Excellence, followed by a supplementary Memorandum of Understanding between QFZ and Google Cloud in 2022 to further support the CoE’s establishment and operations. The same year saw MCIT and Google Cloud sign a framework agreement aimed at accelerating digital transformation initiatives and adoption of digital and cloud technologies. In May of 2023, the Doha Google Cloud Region was officially launched. The Google Cloud Center of Excellence is set to play a key role in Qatar’s digital transformation efforts, providingessential cloud-based training and support to businesses and individuals alike. This initiative underscores the commitment of MCIT, QFZ and Google Cloud to building a future-ready, innovation-driven economy. Through this collaborative effort, the CoE will foster a new era of growth, digital innovation, and technological excellence in Qatar and beyond. Copy 03/12/2024 10

Pictures showed the Dungeness lifeboat bringing a number of people, thought to have been picked up from a small boat in the Channel, into the port at Dover. The latest arrivals follow crossings made on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 27 – the first time since 2018 small boats have made the journey on all of those dates. Official Government figures show 305 people arrived in the UK via small boat on Friday, bringing the total for the week to 1,163. The 407 arrivals on December 26 meant more than 150,000 people had made the crossing from France since records began on January 1 2018, prompting a political blame game over responsibility for the numbers. A Home Office source sought to blame the previous government, saying they had left “an appalling legacy of broken border security”, while Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp blamed Labour’s decision to scrap the Tories’ Rwanda scheme. After Saturday’s update to the figures, Mr Philp said the numbers represented “Labour’s appalling failure” and were “an insult to the British people”. He said: “In 2023, Conservatives cut the numbers crossing the channel by a third. But now, it’s all moving the other way. “These rising numbers are the predictable outcome of Starmer scrapping many Conservative measures to tackle this issue, like scrapping the Rwanda deterrent before it even started. We know from the experience in Australia that a deterrent would have stopped the boats if it had been allowed to start as planned in late July. “The British people deserve better than a Government that can’t, or won’t, deal with illegal channel crossings.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has put international co-operation with law enforcement agencies in Europe at the heart of his bid to cut the number of arrivals, having promised to “smash the gangs” smuggling people across the Channel during this year’s election. Some 22,629 people have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since Sir Keir became Prime Minister in July, up 25% on the same period in 2023 but down 31% on the record year of 2022. So far this year, 36,204 migrants have arrived in the UK on small boats, provisional Home Office figures show. This is up 23% on this time last year, but down 21% on 2022. Prior to the election, crossings in 2024 were up 19% compared to the same period in 2023. A Home Office spokesperson said: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. “The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.”The transition to lower-carbon energy will require a massive investment. According to Goldman Sachs , the world needs to invest an estimated $3 trillion annually through the end of the decade to support its goals of reaching net zero carbon emissions in the coming decades. That massive investment spans multiple opportunities, including renewable energy, electricity grids, and increased electrification. One company that is absolutely critical to building this infrastructure is Quanta Services ( PWR -2.26% ) . It's the industry leader in providing specialized infrastructure solutions. Here's a closer look at this crucial infrastructure stock . Digging into Quanta Services Quanta Services provides specialized infrastructure solutions to the utilities , renewable energy , technology, communications, pipeline , and energy industries. Its client list is a who's who of industry leaders in those respective sectors, including Duke Energy , NextEra Energy ( NEE -0.36% ) , Verizon , and Enbridge . It helps these companies design, install, repair, and maintain their infrastructures. While the company's services span several infrastructure assets, about three-quarters of its revenues come from utilities and renewable energy developers. That puts it in a strong position to capitalize on the growing total addressable market opportunity for infrastructure related to the transition to lower-carbon energy. For example, investor-owned U.S. electric utilities (e.g., Duke Energy and NextEra) expect to incur $186.4 billion in capital expenses to maintain and expand their electricity transmission and distribution systems and power-generating capabilities this year. They will spend $51 billion on power-generation projects, with 65% of that capital going toward renewable energy. That number should rise significantly in the coming years. Forecasters estimate that the U.S. will deploy 375-450 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable and storage capacity over the next seven years. That's three times more capacity than the country deployed over the last seven (140 GW). Customers like NextEra Energy are driving this acceleration (it expects to more than double its renewables and storage capacity from 38 GW today to 81 GW by 2027). NextEra Energy is also investing capital to build out transmission lines and maintain and expand its electric utility operations in Florida. That's just one opportunity in one country. Quanta Services operates across multiple industries and countries, providing customers with a growing array of services . The strong performance should continue Increasing infrastructure investment is driving strong growth for Quanta Services this year. It delivered another quarter of double-digit growth in the third quarter. Its revenue rose from $5.6 billion to $6.5 billion, while its adjusted earnings increased from $2.24 per share to $2.72. It also generated $539.5 million in cash flow, pushing its year-to-date total to nearly $1.4 billion (with almost $980 million in free cash). That strong performance has helped drive a more than 50% increase in its stock price this year. Quanta Services is in a strong position to continue growing. It ended the third quarter with a record $34 billion of projects in its backlog. That gives it a lot of confidence in its continued growth. "We believe we are well positioned to achieve another year of double-digit earnings-per-share growth in 2025 due to increasing demand for our services, strong execution of our strategic plan and capital deployment opportunities," stated CEO Duke Austin in the third-quarter earnings press release. The company has been enhancing its ability to continue growing and capture a greater share of the massive opportunity it sees ahead for energy transition investments. Quanta has made several acquisitions and investments over the past year to bolster its capabilities, including acquiring Cupertino Electric (a premier electrical infrastructure solution provider) and investing in Hybar (a company building a technologically advanced scrap metal recycling rebar mill ). It has also invested capital back into its business to drive additional organic growth. The company believes these investments will enable it to deliver solid revenue and earnings growth over the long term. A potentially compelling way to invest in this massive megatrend The world will invest trillions of dollars in building lower-carbon energy infrastructure in the coming years. That trend plays right into the strengths of Quanta Services, which is a leading provider of specialized infrastructure solutions to utilities and renewable energy developers. It should drive continued healthy growth for the company, making it a potentially compelling way to invest in this massive megatrend.

Should AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal? | Mohammad HosseiniHOUSTON — The Houston Texans certainly didn’t look like a playoff team in a rout by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. With just one game left until the playoffs begin, the AFC South champions know they’ll have to get much better to be competitive in the postseason. “That’s not who we are. That’s not what we represent,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “What we put out there on the field, that’s not Texans football. For anybody to come back and bounce back from it you’ve got to check yourself and make sure you’re playing with elite execution and elite energy.” The 29-point loss to the Ravens was Houston’s most lopsided defeat this season. The defense gave up a season-high 251 yards rushing, and the offense was shut out, with the team’s only points coming on a second-quarter safety. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw an interception and missed several throws in a performance he called “one of the worst games of my whole career.” He was asked how he and the team can move on from such a tough loss. “That’s the only thing we can do,” he said. “There is nothing in life you can go ... back and redo, so it’s all about how you respond. You hit rock bottom; the only way is up. So we still have a lot of hope. At the end of the day, we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity in the playoffs.” The Texans (9-7) went 0 for 2 in the red zone Wednesday to lower their red-zone efficiency to 50.94% this season, which ranks 26th in the NFL. After their safety Wednesday, they had a chance to cut the lead or potentially tie the score when they had a first down at the 10-yard line. Joe Mixon ran for 7 yards on first down before the drive stalled. He was dropped for a 1-yard loss on second down before an incompletion by Stroud brought up fourth-and-4. Stroud threw a short pass to Mixon, and he was stopped at the 1-yard line to give the Ravens the ball back. Lamar Jackson then led a 99-yard drive capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-2. What’s working Not much was working in this debacle. About the only good thing that happened for the Texans on Wednesday was a 45-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce in the second quarter to start the drive that ended with Mixon being stopped on fourth down. Pierce is averaging 38.1 yards per return. What needs help The Texans managed just 58 yards rushing against the Ravens, with Mixon gaining 26 yards on nine carries. Houston hasn’t reached 100 yards rushing in three straight games and four of its past five. The Texans must get their running game going to take some pressure off Stroud, who is working with a thin receiving group with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs out for the season with knee injuries. Stock up WR John Metchie led the team with five receptions for 48 yards as he took on a bigger role in the offense in the first game without Dell. It’s the second-most yards Metchie has had in a three-year career where he missed his entire rookie season undergoing cancer treatments. Stock down Wednesday was the second time in three games where Mixon was held to fewer than 30 yards rushing. He started the season strong, running for at least 100 yards in six of his first eight games. But he’s struggled since then, reaching 100 yards just once in five games. Injuries G Shaq Mason missed Wednesday’s game after injuring his knee against the Chiefs and it’s unclear if he can return for the next game. ... C/G Juice Scruggs missed a fourth straight game with foot injury. Key number 59.2 — Stroud had a 59.2 passer rating in the loss, which is tied for the third-worst rating of his career. Next steps After playing three games in 11 days, the Texans now have an extended break before wrapping up the regular season next weekend at Tennessee. Stroud will try and use this setback to get better. “There’s not sunny days if there is not days with rain,” he said. “It’s a rainy day but at the end of the day the sun will rise up tomorrow. We have another crack at this thing next week to keep rolling.”

QIAGEN launches novel tools for customizing digital PCR assays and NGS panels for microbial analysisSaturday, December 28, 2024 The Caribbean tourism industry stands at the cusp of a transformative era, with a confluence of factors reshaping the travel sector’s trajectory in 2024 and 2025. From infrastructure improvements to shifts in traveler preferences, the region is leveraging its diverse offerings to captivate a broader audience while addressing emerging challenges. A significant driver of growth is the expansion of airlift across Caribbean destinations. Airlines are increasing routes and frequencies, connecting the region to new and existing markets. This development enhances accessibility and positions the Caribbean as a year-round destination, making it easier for travelers from North America, Europe, and emerging markets like South America and Asia to visit. Improved connectivity also supports multi-destination tourism, allowing visitors to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences within the region. Governments and tourism boards are working closely with airlines to sustain this momentum, ensuring that economic benefits extend to local communities. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . Investment in infrastructure is a hallmark of the Caribbean’s 2024-2025 tourism strategy. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to eco-lodges and community-based accommodations, developers are focusing on providing a mix of experiences for a diverse traveler base. Major destinations are also upgrading existing attractions to meet the demands of modern tourists. This includes enhanced facilities, improved accessibility, and the integration of technology to provide seamless experiences. Whether it’s exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites or indulging in water sports, these upgrades aim to elevate the region’s global competitiveness. Travelers are increasingly seeking unique, personalized experiences, and the Caribbean is answering the call with a shift towards niche and diversified tourism offerings. Nature tourism, community-based initiatives, and wellness travel are gaining traction, particularly among younger audiences. Get all the latest US travel news in English today , as well as the latest travel and tourism industry news from the UK , Europe , Asia , America, Africa , Australia , New Zealand , India and the rest of the world. Subscribe our Travel newsletter in your inbox. Key niche markets include: These niche markets cater to evolving consumer demands and create opportunities for destinations to stand out in a competitive landscape. Modern travelers prioritize authenticity and personalized experiences. They want to connect with local cultures, traditions, and communities. The Caribbean is capitalizing on this trend by offering genuine, immersive opportunities that allow visitors to engage with local craftspeople, artists, and culinary experts. Tailored experiences, such as private guided tours and customizable packages, are becoming standard. Hotels and resorts are also emphasizing localized offerings, from farm-to-table dining to cultural workshops, enhancing the appeal of their services. Environmental sustainability is a central focus for the Caribbean’s tourism strategy in 2024-2025. Governments, businesses, and communities are adopting practices that prioritize conservation, reduce environmental impact, and promote regenerative tourism. Key initiatives include: Regenerative tourism, which aims to leave destinations better than they were found, is emerging as a guiding principle. This approach enhances the long-term viability of the tourism sector while preserving the region’s natural and cultural assets. Improving regional connectivity is critical for sustaining tourism growth. Enhanced ferry services, inter-island flights, and streamlined visa policies are making it easier for travelers to explore multiple destinations. Regional collaborations, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), are also working to address logistical challenges and promote seamless travel within the region. Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping the Caribbean tourism experience. From virtual reality previews of destinations to AI-driven concierge services, innovation is enhancing every stage of the traveler journey. Key advancements include: By embracing digital tools, Caribbean destinations are meeting the expectations of tech-savvy travelers while streamlining operations. The Caribbean tourism industry is poised for robust growth, but challenges remain. Climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical factors require proactive strategies to ensure resilience. Collaboration among stakeholders—from governments and private sector players to local communities—is essential for navigating these complexities. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the Caribbean can solidify its position as a leading global destination. As the industry evolves, the region’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality will continue to captivate travelers worldwide. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .

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