WEBCO INDUSTRIES, INC. REPORTS FISCAL 2025 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
These AI tools offer help to commercial real estate prosDOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Monday denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys , who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musk’s 2018 compensation package. McCormick concluded in January that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. The compensation package initially carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Tesla’s stock price. Following the court ruling, Tesla shareholders met in June and ratified Musk’s 2018 pay package for a second time, again by an overwhelming margin. RELATED COVERAGE Stock market today: S&P 500 and Dow post gains and close out best month of 2024 The outlook is uncertain for AI regulations as the US government pivots to full Republican control Zuckerberg dines with Trump in Mar-a-Lago Defense attorneys then argued that the second vote makes clear that Tesla shareholders, with full knowledge of the flaws in the 2018 process that McCormick pointed out, were adamant that Musk is entitled to the pay package. They asked the judge to vacate her order directing Tesla to rescind the pay package. McCormick, who seemed skeptical of the defense arguments during an August hearing, said in Monday’s ruling that those arguments were fatally flawed. “The large and talented group of defense firms got creative with the ratification argument, but their unprecedented theories go against multiple strains of settled law,” McCormick wrote in a 103-page opinion. The judge noted, among other things, that a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction. “Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here due to multiple, material misstatements in the proxy statement,” she added. Meanwhile, McCormick found that the $5.6 billion fee request by the shareholder’s attorneys, which at one time approached $7 billion based on Tesla’s trading price, went too far. “In a case about excessive compensation, that was a bold ask,” McCormick wrote. Attorneys for the Tesla shareholder argue that their work resulted in the “massive” benefit of returning shares to Tesla that otherwise would have gone to Musk and diluted the stock held by other Tesla investors. They value that benefit at $51.4 billion, using the difference between the stock price at the time of McCormick’s January ruling and the strike price of some 304 million stock options granted to Musk. While finding that the methodology used to calculate the fee request was sound, the judge noted that the Delaware’s Supreme Court has noted that fee award guidelines “must yield to the greater policy concern of preventing windfalls to counsel.” “The fee award here must yield in this way, because $5.6 billion is a windfall no matter the methodology used to justify it,” McCormick wrote. A fee award of $345 million, she said, was “an appropriate sum to reward a total victory.” The fee award amounts to almost exactly half the current record $688 million in legal fees awarded in 2008 in litigation stemming from the collapse of Enron.
Share Tweet Share Share Email November has brought renewed activity to the crypto market, with AVAX and SUI leading the charge, fueled by rising optimism. Avalanche (AVAX) displays bullish signals, with its golden cross suggesting potential breakout rallies, supported by increasing network adoption. Meanwhile, Sui (SUI) has gained an impressive 90% this month, maintaining strong momentum as analysts watch for a sustained breakout above $0.90. Joining these trends, BlockDAG (BDAG) is delivering remarkable presale results, raising $50 million in record time and reaching a total of $150 million. The community has grown to over 170,000 unique holders, with many making significant purchases as the BULLRUN100 promotion approaches its expiration in less than 4 days. Priced at $0.0234 in Batch 26—an astounding 2240% increase from its starting value—BlockDAG is becoming a key contender in the evolving crypto landscape. SUI Rallies 90% in November: Can the Momentum Hold? SUI has gained 90% in November, drawing significant attention as it maintains strong upward momentum. This impressive rally is driven by rising trading volumes and improved sentiment across the crypto market. However, a resistance level near $0.90 could pose a challenge. Analysts believe that if SUI breaks through this barrier, it could continue its climb, possibly reaching $1 or higher. With solid fundamentals and an engaged community, SUI remains a token to watch closely as investors consider whether this rally signals the beginning of a sustained upward trend. AVAX Price Prediction Signals a Breakout! AVAX is catching attention with bullish predictions, as technical indicators highlight a golden cross pattern. This suggests the altcoin has moved out of its accumulation phase and is returning to a stronger price range. These movements align with earlier insights from @polaris_xbt, who noted June to October as a prime period for altcoin accumulation. Now consolidating above critical support levels, AVAX is sparking optimism for potential explosive growth. Adding to the excitement, the Avalanche network’s increasing adoption further strengthens the case for a significant price breakout. Fastest $50M: BlockDAG’s Presale Hits New Heights! November has seen altcoins like AVAX and SUI dominate conversations, with AVAX showing a golden cross and SUI climbing 90% this month. These coins are riding the wave of increased social activity and growing market confidence. BlockDAG, however, is making its own impact with a presale performance that stands out in the crypto space. BlockDAG’s community has grown to over 170,000 holders, with more joining daily. Its presale has raised $50 million in record time in the history of crypto, bringing the total to an impressive $150 million. Priced at $0.0234 in Batch 26, BDAG coins have surged 2240% from their initial price of $0.001. So far, 16.4 billion coins have been sold, along with over 14,000 miners, highlighting its growing popularity. BlockDAG’s roadmap focuses on advanced technology and scalability, making it appealing to those seeking long-term returns. The BULLRUN100 promotion adds even more value, offering a 100% bonus on all purchases and priority access to upcoming airdrops. These features are designed to benefit holders and drive interest. With just 4 days left for the BULLRUN100 code, large purchases are pouring in, including stakes of over $3 million, as buyers aim to secure their share of this rising crypto. Conclusion BlockDAG is distinctly positioning itself as a best crypto presale this November, with its successful presale events and technological advancements setting the stage for long-term growth. Its community now surpasses 170,000 holders, with many capitalizing on the BULLRUN100 offer, which ends in five days. As BlockDAG continues to draw in large stakes and expand its user base, it remains a key contender in the evolving digital currency landscape. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Related Items: Blockchain , BlockDAG Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you BlockDAG Presale Hits $150M Mark Raising $20M in 48Hrs; Ethereum Price and Cardano’s ADA Poised for Breakout Find Out Who’s Taking Over Blockchain in 2024: Plus Wallet or Coinbase? Shiba Inu (SHIB) Prepares to Ignite the Market with a 3x God Candle, While This Token is Set to Follow Ripple’s (XRP) Lead to Break $1 Barrier CommentsU.S. attorney’s office, the FBI, along with Tribal and local law enforcement officials, announce second 'Don’t Click December' consumer protection campaignWhy Cartier’s Parent Company Is Launching a High-End Furniture and Homewares Brand
The panic in New Jersey and across the nation is very real as there is still no explanation for the multiple drone sightings over the state. Reports of these drones have poured in nightly after the first sighting on Nov. 18, 2024, and the source of the drones is still a mystery. The drones have been seen over reservoirs, the U.S. military's Picatinny Arsenal facility, President-elect Trump's Bedminster golf course, and were even reported following a U.S. Coast Guard vessel. Almost 100 years ago on Oct. 30, 1938, many of these same parts of New Jersey were also the setting for the infamous radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds" by Orson Welles. This radio play, detailing Martians who landed in Mercer County, New Jersey, fooled many who tuned in late and believed the events were really happening. It would be unfair to compare the current drone situation directly with the "War of the Worlds" broadcast. There was no real event that corresponded to the broadcast, and no one saw anything in the sky. However, there are several interesting parallels, says A. Brad Schwartz. Schwartz is the author of " Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News ," a historical analysis of the infamous 1938 radio broadcast. "War of the World s has become a huge part of local folklore in that part of the state, so anything touching on the subject of UFOs is going to remind people of the broadcast," said Schwartz. Many in New Jersey, he says, have family stories of someone who listened to the broadcast. Some even went on school field trips to visit the "landing site." But the parallels do not end there. Wedged between two World Wars, the nation was in the midst of the Great Depression and mass unemployment. "Much like today, October 1938 was a very anxious time in America and around the world, when fears of war, economic depression, and environmental catastrophe felt very real for many people," says Schwartz. In fact, he says, many listeners of the broadcast did not think the visitors in the broadcast were Martians , but instead, Nazis, or that the crash landing was tied to some other environmental catastrophe. "When there's that much anxiety in the atmosphere, it tends to attach itself to an event like 'War of the Worlds'," says Schwartz. "People speculate publicly about their origin without knowing all the facts." This has been seen with the current drone situation, where explanations have ranged from mischievous hobbyists, an Iranian mothership, the Chinese, the Russians, our own government, Amazon, Google, Elon Musk, or even, yes, aliens. "One of the lessons I think people can still take away from War of the Worlds," says Schwartz," is to think more carefully about our sources of information, especially with a story like this that seems alarming or feeds into the anxieties of the moment." For their part, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a statement asserting that "it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully," according to Reuters. White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters during a press briefing on Dec. 12 that "there is no known malicious activity occurring" related to the reported drone activity. Nevertheless, some U.S. senators have made statements calling for the reported drones to be shot down . There is a lot of anxiety that exists today — especially with the current political situation and the advent of particularly powerful technologies — technologies that we don't know how to manage on a global stage. Similar anxieties existed in the late 1930s, when new forms of mass media were appearing. Some feared these technologies would threaten democracy. "Today, we all need to be even more careful to ensure that what sounds like news comes from a reliable source before we believe it or share it. That's the best and only way to stop fear from going viral and spiraling out of control," says Schwartz.Lindsey Vonn takes another step in comeback at age 40, competes in a pair of downhills
Former Conservative leadership candidate Patrick Brown to appear at committee probing foreign interference
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed 120 observers to monitor the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana. The observers were sent to Accra on December 5, 2024, ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. As part of its electoral assistance to member states, ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray approved the deployment of 21 long-term observers (LTOs) and 120 short-term observers (STOs). These observers will be spread across 16 regions and 216 districts in Ghana, providing oversight and support for the entire electoral process. The team of observers includes members from the ECOWAS Parliament, the Community Court of Justice, representatives from foreign ministries of ECOWAS member states, the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) in Abuja, the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), as well as regional election experts. Upon the observers’ arrival, H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasized the organization’s strong commitment to supporting democratic processes across its member states. He noted that a peaceful and credible election would not only strengthen Ghana’s democracy but also reinforce ECOWAS’s broader goal of promoting democratic governance across the region. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, reaffirmed that the deployment aligns with ECOWAS’s Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which was adopted in 2001. The protocol advocates for timely pre-electoral missions and election observation to ensure democratic practices are upheld. The Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, H.E. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, former Vice President of Nigeria, welcomed the observers and underscored the importance of their mission in fostering regional stability. He noted that elections are often triggers for conflict, and therefore, their mission is not only to ensure democratic consolidation but also to maintain peace and stability before, during, and after the elections. Vice President Sambo stressed the necessity of the observers’ success in ensuring the elections are transparent, free, fair, credible, peaceful, and inclusive while adhering to ECOWAS standards. ECOWAS has also extended financial support to Ghana’s electoral process, providing a grant of $210,000 USD to key stakeholders such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the National Peace Council (NPC), the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA). This funding demonstrates ECOWAS’s commitment to facilitating peaceful elections and supporting the democratic process in the region.Immunovant CFO Eva Renee Barnett sells $106,228 in stock
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael eye independent TDs as option to secure Dail majority
Suchir Balaji, an Indian-American former researcher at OpenAI who had openly criticised the company’s practices, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on 26 November. According to the San Jose Mercury News , Balaji was found dead inside his Buchanan Street apartment, as confirmed by San Francisco Police and the office of the chief medical examiner. The medical examiner's office determined the manner of death to be suicide, and police officials this week said there is "currently, no evidence of foul play". "The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has identified the decedent as Suchir Balaji, 26, of San Francisco. The manner of death has been determined to be suicide," a spokesperson was quoted as saying in reports. "The OCME has notified the next-of-kin and has no further comment or reports for publication at this time," the spokesperson added. Balaji worked for nearly four years at OpenAI before quitting the company, apparently after realising the technology would do more harm than good to society, he told The New York Times . In October this year, the 26-year-old raised serious ethical concerns about Sam Altman-led chatGPT maker OpenAI "breaking copyright law", and described OpenAI’s approach to data collection as harmful. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he said, expressing concern over the training of GPT-4 on massive amounts of internet data. In a post on X in the last week of October, Balaji said: "I was at OpenAI for nearly 4 years and worked on ChatGPT for the last 1.5 of them. I initially didn't know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits against GenAI companies." Also Read: Meta fails to detect AI-created fake ads inciting religious violence "When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defence for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they're trained on," he wrote. Balaji’s concerns centred on how generative AI systems could produce outputs that compete with the original copyrighted works used in their training. In a blog post he argued, “No known factors seem to weigh in favour of ChatGPT being a fair use of its training data.” He noted that this issue extended beyond OpenAI, saying, “Fair use and generative AI is a much broader issue than any one product or company.” The lawsuits against OpenAI, including those from major media outlets such as the New York Times , claim that the company’s practices infringe on copyright laws. Balaji was named in court documents as someone with “unique and relevant documents” to support the lawsuits. Earlier this month, the New York Times sued OpenAI and its primary partner Microsoft, claiming they used millions of articles published by NYT to build chatbots that now compete with the news outlet as a source of reliable information. Both companies have denied the claims. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who is currently in a legal battle with OpenAI CEO Altman, responded to the news of Balaji's death with a cryptic "hmm" post on X. Also Read: Open AI, owner of ChatGPT, accused of EU data protection violations An OpenAI spokesperson said "We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news today and our hearts go out to Suchir’s loved ones during this difficult time.” Balaji grew up in Cupertino, California before attending the University of California, Berkeley to study computer science. With agency inputs
Despite the flaws of ‘screen scraping,’ Ottawa should be thoughtful in how it phases it out
President Joe Biden faces scrutiny for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of lying on a federal form and avoiding paying taxes. "I think he got it wrong yesterday. I think he had it right before yesterday," Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said. Biden announced the pardon Sunday, stating, "Hunter was singled out only because he is my son," and adding, "... raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice." "What other father in America has the power to pardon their son or daughter if they're convicted of a crime?" Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said. Hunter Biden was convicted of lying on a federal form when he bought a gun in 2018 and for avoiding paying more than $1 million in taxes. President Biden and the White House had repeatedly said Hunter Biden wouldn't be offered clemency. "I said I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him," President Biden said on June 13, 2024. Some Biden supporters agreed with the president's reversal. "It's somebody who has a lifelong drug addiction and prosecutors would have handled this differently. So this was all politically motivated, so I understand," Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., said. Biden is not the first president to pardon a family member. "Donald Trump, in his waning days, pardoned the father of his son-in-law, Jared, and his father was convicted or pleaded guilty to very egregious conduct," former federal prosecutor Gene Rossi said. President-elect Trump criticized the move on social media, calling the pardon an "abuse and miscarriage of justice." The president-elect also questioned if the pardon includes the "J-6 hostages."None
Arkansas visits skidding Miami in battle of veteran coachesArcher Daniels Midland Co. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitorsRICHMOND, Va. , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) ("Universal" or the "Company"), a global business-to-business agriproducts company, today announced that, as expected, on November 19, 2024 , it received a notice (the "NYSE Notice") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the Company is not in compliance with Section 802.01E of the NYSE Listed Company Manual as a result of its failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024 (the "Form 10-Q") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") prior to November 18, 2024 , the end of the extension period provided by Rule 12b -25 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The NYSE Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. The NYSE Notice informed the Company that, under NYSE rules, the Company has six months from November 18, 2024 , to regain compliance with the NYSE listing standards by filing the Form 10-Q with the SEC. If the Company fails to file the Form 10-Q within the six-month period, the NYSE may grant, in its sole discretion, an extension of up to six additional months for the Company to regain compliance, depending on the specific circumstances. The NYSE Notice also noted that the NYSE may nevertheless, in its own discretion, commence delisting proceedings at any time during such period. As previously disclosed in the Company's Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25, filed on November 12, 2024 (the "Form 12b-25") with the SEC, the Company was unable to file the Form 10-Q on a timely basis due to an ongoing internal investigation. As a result of the additional time required to complete its internal investigation, the process of finalizing financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 could not be completed on a timely basis. The Company is committed to completing a deliberate, thorough investigation while diligently working to fulfill all reporting obligations and currently expects to file the Form 10-Q within the six-month period granted by the NYSE Notice; however, there can be no assurance that the Form 10-Q will be filed within such period. About Universal Corporation Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) is a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience supplying products and innovative solutions to meet our customers' evolving needs and precise specifications. Through our diverse network of farmers and partners across more than 30 countries on five continents, we are a trusted provider of high-quality, traceable products. We leverage our extensive supply chain expertise, global reach, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability to provide a range of products and services designed to drive efficiency and deliver value to our customers. For more information, visit www.universalcorp.com . CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Among other things, these statements include statements regarding expectations about the Company's filing of its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 . These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as we "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "could," "should," "may," "plan," "will," "predict," "estimate," and similar expressions or words of similar import. These forward-looking statements are based upon management's current knowledge and assumptions about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, prospects, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the uncertainty of the ultimate findings of the ongoing internal investigation, as well as the timing of its completion and costs and expenses arising out of the ongoing internal investigation process and its results; the impact of the ongoing internal investigation on us, our management and operations, including financial impact as well as any litigation or regulatory action that may arise from the ongoing internal investigation; the impact of the internal investigation on our conclusions regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures; our ability to regain compliance with NYSE listing requirements; success in pursuing strategic investments or acquisitions and integration of new businesses and the impact of these new businesses on future results; product purchased not meeting quality and quantity requirements; our reliance on a few large customers; our ability to maintain effective information technology systems and safeguard confidential information; anticipated levels of demand for and supply of our products and services; costs incurred in providing these products and services including increased transportation costs and delays attributed to global supply chain challenges; timing of shipments to customers; higher inflation rates; changes in market structure; government regulation and other stakeholder expectations; economic and political conditions in the countries in which we and our customers operate, including the ongoing impacts from international conflicts; product taxation; industry consolidation and evolution; changes in exchange rates and interest rates; impacts of regulation and litigation on its customers; industry-specific risks related to its plant-based ingredient businesses; exposure to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change; changes in estimates and assumptions underlying our critical accounting policies; the promulgation and adoption of new accounting standards, new government regulations and interpretation of existing standards and regulations; and general economic, political, market, and weather conditions. Actual results, therefore, could vary from those expected. Please also refer to such other factors as discussed in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of Universal's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 , and related disclosures in other filings which have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . All risk factors and uncertainties described herein and therein should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and all of the forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein and therein. Universal cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements speak only as of the date when made, and it undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-corporation-receives-nyse-notice-regarding-filing-of-form-10-q-for-the-fiscal-quarter-ended-september-30-2024-302314579.html SOURCE Universal Corporation
Lea Miller-Tooley hopped off a call to welcome the Baylor women’s basketball team to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, where 80-degree temperatures made it easy for the Bears to settle in on Paradise Island a week before Thanksgiving. About 5,000 miles west of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men's teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley, the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men's and women's tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” MTE Madness The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville 72-66 for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Notre Dame takes on Chaminade during the first half of a 2017 game in Lahaina, Hawaii. Atlantis rising Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four's most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Popular demand Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event's relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo argues a call during the first half of a Nov. 16 game against Bowling Green in East Lansing, Michigan. Mi zzo is making his fourth trip to Maui. Packed schedule The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina. It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo's Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021. “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii. Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Alleman forced 17 turnovers and held Moline to just 25 percent shooting from the field to cruise to a 53-23 home victory on Saturday afternoon. “We came out ready to play, and we played organized and well together,” Alleman head coach Steve Ford said. “We played a lot smarter with the basketball against the (Moline) pressure compared to the pressure on Thursday night.” Alleman, ranked No. 7 in the latest Class 2A poll, fell to the 7-1 Sterling Golden Warriors 59-30 on Thursday, but turned around and had a complete performance against Moline on Saturday, sending the Maroons to their third straight defeat. “It was a great win. We knew Moline was going to be a rough game, but we came out and got the win right away,” junior Adalynn Voss said. Voss led all scorers with 21 points, while senior Carson Wendt had a career-high 15 points. People are also reading... The Pioneers were going after every 50-50 ball relentlessly, perfectly defined with one-third quarter possession. With under two minutes left in the quarter, Wendt got fouled while making a layup. She missed the ensuing free throw, but sophomore Alysa Brinkman and junior Megan Hulke grabbed and missed sequential putback attempts. Wendt again found herself under the rim and was fouled for a second consecutive and-1 on the same possession. That five-point swing turned a 46-19 Moline deficit into a 51-19 rout. “I was so proud of our team,” Voss said about that possession. "It was just an amazing moment for Carson.” The Alleman defense was in full show in the opening quarter. Their three-quarter press caused the Maroons’ offense to be sped up, and Moline turned the ball over six times and only made two baskets in the first quarter. “Our focus has been defense and rebounding lately,” Ford said. "To come in with that great focus and aggressiveness and intensity and forcing turnovers versus not turning the ball over was good to see.” On the other end of the court, Alleman was able to orchestrate its offense enough to hold a double-digit lead in the first quarter, shooting 44 percent from the field and only coughing up the ball once. “The girls moved the ball well and got some really good looks,” Ford said. “It always looks great when they make shots. They were shooting with a little more confidence there in that first quarter and it was a really good start.” The Pioneers were able to widen the lead to to much as 20 points in the first half, thanks to the continued pressure and rushing the Moline offense to quick shots and double teams at midcourt. The Maroons committed 10 first half turnovers and were only 5 of 20 from the field, trailing 35-13 after two quarters of play. Voss led all scorers with 13 points at halftime, with Wendt adding another 10 and Hulke five points. For Moline, senior Tahlea Tirrell had a team-high six points, with sophomore starting point guard Aniya Dixon contributing another four points at the half. The Pioneers (6-2, 2-1) continue WB6 conference play with their second straight home game against Rock Island (5-2, 1-1) on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Maroons (4-4, 1-2) play at United Township (0-7, 0-2) next, also on Thursday at 7 p.m. Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.