Dublin Fingal West General Election 2024 updates: Sinn Féin’s Louise O'Reilly set to be elected on third count as Aontú’s Robbie Loughlin is eliminated
MoneyTalks is Stockhead’s regular drill down into what stocks investors are looking at right now. We tap our extensive list of experts to hear what’s hot, their top picks, and what they’re looking out for. Today we hear from Cerutty Macro Fund's Chris Judd. Known for his dual Brownlow Medal wins and sterling career as one of the AFL's greatest names, Chris Judd's performance in the world of finance is beginning to transcend the premiership-winning form of his playing days. Starting out as an analyst for venture capital, Judd's now over 150 episodes deep on Talk Ya Book, a video podcast tapping the knowledge of Australia and beyond's most notable fundies and business thinkers, and closing in on 18 months managing the Cerutty Macro Fund. A long-only equities portfolio targeting 15-40 stocks named after the free-thinking Percy Cerutty – iconoclastic and eccentric coach of Aussie track legend and later business leader Herb Elliott – its raison d'etre is to find micro and small-cap Aussie equities and larger global names with upside based on the fund's analysis of the macroeconomic picture. Since its inception, Cerutty has delivered solid performance – adding 19.23% on an annualised basis since its launch and 29.17% over the year to October 31, despite a dip in the final month of that period. That compares to 12.03% and 26.65% for its benchmark, the ASX small ords accumulation index. But the US election and the looming return of Donald Trump to the White House with an all Republican-controlled legislature are the game changers at front of mind for Judd. And the early days post-election have given Judd and the Cerutty team reason to see his coming second term in a different light, seeing ongoing strength in the US dollar as a result. "We initially thought the US dollar would drop more under Trump because we thought his deficits were going to be bigger," Judd told Stockhead. "But for a number of reasons we've altered that view and we think the US is going to suck in a lot of capital now as they get rid of deregulation and reduce tax rates. "And we think internally in the US, you could see a real boom. "The US dollar has already been strong for a long time, so plenty of people are calling for it to roll over, but we've adjusted that view." Fundies like Chris Judd are trying to cut through the confusion around the market impact of Donald Trump's election. Pic: Getty Images Tariffs and taxes The two key Trump policies Judd is watching closely are income tax cuts, which economists think will spur a ramp up in consumer spending over 2026 and 2027, as well as radical tariffs placed not just on products out of China, but also friendly nations like Canada and Mexico. "The tax cuts are probably the most important thing and we think it will pass in the first 100 days," Judd said. "We think they have a big impact on the consumer, particularly a lot of those tax cuts are around people that don't have a huge amount of income, removing tax on tips (for example). "These types of people generally spend a larger portion of what they earn, as opposed to high income earners ... who are already consuming the vast majority of what they need." Judd thinks that could be positive for payment and gambling stocks exposed to the US market like gaming company Light & Wonder (ASX:LNW) , Afterpay owner Block Inc (ASX:SQ2) , which Cerutty doesn't hold, and Paypal (NASDAQ:PYPL) , which it does. The tariffs, on the other hand, could be "more bark than bite" compared to the tax cuts. Judd says Trump could be wielding them as a stick in negotiations with trading partners. "We think the tariffs will be implemented gradually and used as a tool for behavioural change that Trump wants to see with other countries," he said. That means they won't necessarily be the inflationary fuel from the moment of Trump's inauguration, as some commentators fear. "We'll wait and see, but we think they're more a bargaining tool for him to see a response from different governments around the world." The fallout for commodities Trump's return to the Oval Office will also bring with it a pro-development mindset, with deregulation and a thinning of the Capitol Hill bureaucracy high on the agenda. Judd thinks that could be less bullish for commodity prices, which thrive when metals and energy fuels are in short supply. "One of the reasons we were bullish commodity prices was because of all the red tape surrounding commodity producers as they tried to pull stuff out of the ground, as well as the ESG movement which had gone from being seemingly about the environment and it just kept scaling up until it took on more of a religious fervour," he said. "We think that's going to be really reduced." Cerutty's team also sees a high likelihood of an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia are both major mining, energy and agricultural producers. But outside of the US, a right-wing wave is on the horizon across major South American copper, lithium and iron ore producing countries following the success last year of free-market firebrand Javier Milei in Argentina. "There's a couple of right-wing leaders in those countries that are very much pro-business, pro the economy and anti-regulation, much like Milei has been, much like Trump's promising to be in his second term," Judd said. "And so that's great for the supply of commodities, but we think it's potentially a headwind to the price of commodities, copper and lithium producers in particular." The other side of the equation for commodities is Chinese demand. There could be issues there for bulks. "We think that China will stimulate their economy, but we think that stimulus will be pushed towards increasing internal consumption in China," Judd said. "We don't think it's going to be built around building more apartment blocks and they're already producing so many manufactured goods to be exported. "We're not sure if that's where the attention is going to go, either. We think the main thing China needs is to start increasing consumption domestically. "We think that's where the stimulus will be pushed towards, which is certainly less commodity intensive, particularly around bulks." Stocks to watch One of Cerutty's top picks is AML3D (ASX:AL3) , which recently raised $30 million to expand its operations in the United States, where it produces and supplies the Arcemy system, a 3D metal printing process, to US Navy contractors. $12m of that will be used to double the scale of its technology centre in Ohio, where it produces Arcemy manufacturing systems as well as undertakes contract manufacturing, alloy testing and prototyping contracts. It stands to benefit from the Trump administration's motivation to build up domestic manufacturing capacity. "AL3 is an additive manufacturing business that's already got a chunk of contracts with the US Navy and Department of Defense and there are some huge navy contracts coming up," Judd said. "They're well funded and may be a beneficiary of the US wanting to build out its manufacturing capacity." And the automated nature of its manufacturing processes means it is less likely to be negatively impacted by the potential removal of low cost labour implied by the proposed deportation of 11 million undocumented migrants. "The productivity from these additive manufacturing machines is significant," Judd said. "We could see a world where the US, using more innovation, can build out that manufacturing capacity whilst not flooding their country with new available low-cost labour." Looking to Australia's own defence industry spending, Judd says contractor Civmec (ASX:CVL) is positioning itself to benefit. "It is looking at completing a JV with Austal (ASX:ASB) and some of the navy contracts and shipbuilding contracts available in Australia for the submarine program are going to be really significant," he said. "We think some of those companies could play into that thematic of increased defence spending, which we think is going to continue to be really strong even though we don't think the war between Russia and Ukraine can continue for an extended period. "We still think defence spending in the US, particularly in Europe, but (also) other countries around the world is going continue to be heightened." The views, information, or opinions expressed in the interviews in this article are solely those of the interviewees and do not represent the views of Stockhead. Stockhead does not provide, endorse or otherwise assume responsibility for any financial product advice contained in this article. Originally published as MoneyTalks: How the US election has changed the game for football legend turned fundie Chris Judd Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Stockhead How the Santa rally keeps giving to the ASX December brings the ‘Santa rally’, accounting for 29% of Aussie market gains – a smart time to stay invested? Read more Stockhead Copper production goal for these companies Junior companies with the right mix of resources, location and exploration potential are racing towards the line to be the next mid-tier ASX copper producer. Read more
Arrests made after Kosovo blast called terrorism by premierKYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus emerges as an intriguing contender in the mid-range smartphone segment, particularly with its ambitious camera system. While Infinix has positioned this device as a photography-focused smartphone, it also impresses with a vibrant display, robust processing power, and substantial battery life. However, our focus today is on its camera capabilities, which promise to deliver premium features at a competitive price point. The brings a formidable camera array that punches well above its price class. At its core sits an impressive 108MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture – a setup typically found in flagship devices. What makes this sensor special is its intelligent 9-in-1 pixel binning technology, combining nine pixels into one to create stunning 12MP shots with enhanced light capture and reduced noise. I found this particularly effective in challenging lighting conditions, where the sensor proved its worth by capturing remarkable detail. The supporting cast is equally noteworthy. The 8MP ultra-wide lens offers a sweeping 120-degree field of view, perfect for landscape photography or group shots. During testing, I was impressed by how it maintained color consistency with the main sensor – a challenge many mid-range phones struggle with. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens and 2MP depth sensor might seem modest on paper, but they prove their utility in specific scenarios, especially for close-up shots and portrait photography. Perhaps the most surprising addition is the optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor – a feature often reserved for premium smartphones. This makes a noticeable difference in low-light photography and video recording, reducing blur and improving overall image sharpness. The front-facing 32MP selfie camera isn’t just about high resolution; its AI beauty enhancements offer subtle improvements while maintaining natural-looking results. The thoughtful design of the Hot 50 Pro Plus’s camera module showcases Infinix’s attention to practical aesthetics. The rectangular camera housing, while protruding slightly, integrates smoothly into the phone’s overall design. During my testing, I found that the protrusion, though noticeable on flat surfaces, doesn’t cause the phone to rock significantly when used on a desk – a common annoyance with many modern smartphones. The camera module’s placement in the upper left corner isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a calculated decision that pays off in real-world use. I noticed significantly fewer accidental finger appearances in shots compared to centrally-placed camera systems. The matte finish around the lenses also proves resistant to fingerprints, maintaining a clean look even with heavy use. The camera interface deserves special mention. Launching the camera app is near-instantaneous, taking just 0.8 seconds from screen-off to ready-to-shoot. The swipe-based interface feels intuitive, with commonly used modes like Night, Portrait, and Pro accessible with a simple horizontal swipe. I particularly appreciated the well-thought-out placement of controls, allowing for easy one-handed operation – a feature that proved invaluable when trying to capture quick, spontaneous moments. Daylight photography showcases the Hot 50 Pro Plus’s strengths. The 108MP main sensor captures impressive detail, though default 12MP shots offer better dynamic range. Colors appear natural with a slight tendency toward saturation, particularly in scenes with vibrant elements. The AI scene optimization effectively enhances photos without appearing artificial. In low-light conditions, the phone demonstrates commendable performance thanks to its Super Night Mode. While some noise is present in extremely dark scenes, the intelligent noise reduction maintains good detail preservation. The Night mode takes about 2-3 seconds to process images but delivers noticeably better results than standard mode. Portrait mode benefits from the dedicated depth sensor, producing natural-looking background blur with good edge detection. Skin tones remain true to life, though beauty mode defaults can be aggressive and might need adjustment for more natural results. Ultra-wide shots maintain good color consistency with the main sensor, though edge distortion is noticeable. The macro lens, while limited in resolution, proves useful in good lighting conditions for close-up shots within 4cm range. The Hot 50 Pro Plus supports 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. The OIS helps maintain stability in 4K recordings, though electronic stabilization at 1080p proves more effective. Audio capture is clear thanks to noise-canceling microphones, though wind noise can be an issue outdoors. Focus transitions appear smooth in most situations, though low-light autofocus can occasionally hunt. The camera app is easy to navigate, offering a balance between automatic and manual controls for both beginners and advanced users. AI modes enhance photos with real-time adjustments to exposure, color, and sharpness, while beauty settings allow for customizable portrait touch-ups. The app includes modes like Super Moon, Light Painting, and Document Scan, providing creative options for unique photography. The camera supports third-party apps, but some advanced features, like AI modes, are exclusive to the stock camera app. The app offers extensive customization, allowing users to adjust settings like exposure, ISO, and white balance for more control over their shots. The standout feature of the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is its 108MP primary camera. With such a high-resolution sensor, this smartphone can capture incredible levels of detail, which is especially noticeable in well-lit environments or landscapes. It allows for impressive cropping without a significant loss of image quality, making it great for users who love to take photos with finer details.The sharpness and clarity of images are typically remarkable, especially in daylight conditions. The night mode on the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is optimized for low-light environments, delivering well-exposed and detailed images even when lighting is not ideal. The AI-driven processing helps brighten dark areas without sacrificing too much detail. It works well in most night settings, delivering a well-balanced photo with good color reproduction and noise control. :With OIS on the primary camera, the phone ensures that photos remain stable, even if the user has shaky hands or is moving around. This is particularly helpful for video recording, allowing for smoother footage without the blur that can come from hand movements. It also helps in low-light photography, reducing the chances of camera shake affecting the image quality. :The phone offers several creative modes, allowing users to play around with their photography. This includes options like Portrait mode, Super Macro, AI-enhanced modes, and other specialized filters. These features provide more artistic control, especially for users who like experimenting with photography. The AI can also enhance photos based on context, like adjusting saturation or lighting for a more professional look. :The ultra-wide lens on the Hot 50 Pro Plus provides a broader field of view, making it great for capturing wide scenes such as landscapes, architecture, or large groups of people. When used in good lighting conditions, this lens delivers clear and detailed images, maintaining color integrity and sharpness across the frame. : While the phone features a macro lens for close-up shots, its performance can be inconsistent. In some cases, the macro lens might struggle to capture fine details, and the images may come out blurry or lacking sharpness, especially when focusing on very small objects. The quality of the macro shots often depends on the lighting conditions and the subject’s texture. This may be a disappointment for users who enjoy taking detailed close-ups regularly. : The AI in the phone’s camera system can sometimes over-process images, resulting in unnatural-looking photos. For instance, it might artificially boost saturation, smoothen skin too much in portrait shots, or over-sharpen edges, leading to a lack of naturalness. While AI enhancements can be useful for some users, others may find these results too “artificial,” especially when it alters colors and textures in ways that don’t reflect real life. : One of the more common issues with smartphones in this range is autofocus performance in low light, and the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is no exception. In dimly lit environments, the camera can sometimes struggle to focus quickly, leading to a delay or misfocused shots. This can be especially noticeable when trying to capture moving objects in low light, where the camera might take longer to lock onto the subject, leading to missed shots or blurry photos. : While the phone offers a wide array of camera features, users have reported occasional lag or delays when switching between different modes or processing complex images. This may not be a dealbreaker for casual users, but those who frequently take photos may find the lag frustrating, particularly when shooting in fast-paced environments. The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus boasts a surprisingly capable camera system for a . The 108MP main sensor delivers impressive detail and the effective Night Mode ensures good performance in low-light conditions. The inclusion of OIS is a significant advantage, enhancing image stabilization and video quality. The ultra-wide lens offers a useful perspective, and the overall camera app is well-designed and user-friendly. However, the camera system isn’t without its shortcomings. Inconsistent macro performance, occasional AI over-processing, and autofocus challenges in low light can be observed. The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus offers a compelling camera experience for its price point. While it may not surpass dedicated camera phones, it certainly punches above its weight in the mid-range segment. If you prioritize a versatile camera system with features like OIS and a high-resolution main sensor, the Hot 50 Pro Plus should be on your shortlist. PTA Taxes Portal Find PTA Taxes on All Phones on a Single Page using the PhoneWorld PTA Taxes PortalSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern. Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session. Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy's place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he's an unknown. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said they are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy. Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. Shanahan said Allen's confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn't anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day. Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy's throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury. Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps. Lynch described Purdy's status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as "tenuous." "Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we'll see," Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. "I think it's tenuous." When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese. Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media
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The New York Mets have a gem in their farming system that may be ready to take the big leagues by storm in 2025. Star righty Brandon Sproat is the Mets’ No. 1 overall prospect. He is projected to be called up to the Majors next season. The flamethrower’s stuff, coupled with his standout efficiency offers mouth-watering forecasts as to what he could prove himself to be as soon as he takes the big league mound. Mets: Flamethrower Brandon Sproat ready for the MLB SNY’s Joe DeMayo appraised the 24-year-old in a recent article published on Monday by saying this: “After signing as a second-round pick out of the University of Florida in 2023, Sproat took minor league baseball by storm with his 100 mph fastball. He went from an arm that many considered to be a project to one of the best pitching prospects and a consensus Top 100 prospect in the sport,” DeMayo wrote. Along with his triple-digit fastball, the Florida native has gone 7-4 with a 3.40 ERA, a scintillating 1.11 WHIP, and 131 strikeouts in 24 games for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets. As far as what Sproat has left to refine in his repertoire, DeMayo continued by saying: “Sproat will have to refine some of his secondary offerings and clean up some of his in-zone command, but he possesses No. 2 type starter potential and I think he could force the Mets’ hand in the first half of 2025.” Sproat can be a great backend rotational piece for Mets New York has a host of pitchers already in their rotation. Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea will go one and two for the Mets next season, with David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Frankie Montas rounding out their stout featured rotation. The franchise could also bring back free agent hurler Jose Quintana, who finished with a 3.75 ERA and 135 Ks last season, and are still in the hunt for Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki after he was posted this offseason from Japan’s NPB. Sproat would be a great option for Mets manager Carlos Mendoza to deploy out of their sixth slot, and he along with the 25-year-old incoming second-year veteran Christian Scott will lead their next wave of talent on deck to burgeon. This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.Here’s everything we’re expecting with Apple Pro Display XDR 2
SWORDS, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 27, 2024-- Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been recognized in TIME’s inaugural ranking of the World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth . Developed in collaboration with market research company Statista, the list highlights companies that excel in sustainable growth and financial stability while minimizing their environmental footprint. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Lowe scores career-high 22, leads Pitt over LSU 74-63 in Greenbrier Tip-Off
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To lure Juan Soto, Mets created a video of his statue outside Citi Field next to Tom Seaver's NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets wanted Juan Soto to know his future with them could be set in stone. When the free agent outfielder traveled to owner Steve Cohen’s house in Beverly Hills, California, for a presentation last month, the team unveiled a video that included an image of a future Soto statue outside Citi Field, next to the one erected of franchise great Tom Seaver. Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time Thursday after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. LeBron James ruled out of Lakers' game at Minnesota on Friday with foot soreness LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James has been ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game at Minnesota on Friday night due to soreness in his left foot. James will miss his second straight game when the Lakers return from a four-day break to face the Timberwolves. The top scorer in NBA history was away from the team this week with an excused absence attributed to “personal reasons,” coach JJ Redick said Wednesday. It’s unclear whether James will even make the quick round trip to Minnesota before the Lakers’ next game at home against Memphis on Sunday. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Hojlund scores twice for Man United to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in Europa League, Tottenham held 1-1 Rasmus Hojlund scored twice after coming off the bench and Manchester United rallied to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League. The Denmark striker netted in the 88th minute after collecting Bruno Fernandes’ pass off a free kick to seal the victory. Hojlund came on in the 56th and scored an equalizer six minutes later. Totenham was held 1-1 at Rangers and Lazio tops the standings after a 3-1 win at Ajax. In the Conference League a youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the third-tier competition.