Pepeto Introduces Advanced Features For Memecoin EnthusiastsAUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- Keller Williams Realty, Inc. (KW), the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, announces the appointment of Shanan Steere as Director of Growth Operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en/ Shanan Steere, Director of Growth Operations, KW (Photo: Business Wire) “As we continue to invest deeply into providing our KW-affiliated brokerages support for the development of their team leaders (TL) and operating principals (OP), we are excited to welcome Shanan, who will spearhead those efforts,” said Mark Willis, President and CEO, KW. “An exceptional talent and an amazing contributor, Shanan will ensure our core brokerage leaders remain equipped to fuel further expansion and build on our already strong culture," said Willis. In her new strategic role, Steere will reimagine core market center leadership training, lead masterminds with KW-affiliated brokerage TLs and OPs, and helm renewed holistic efforts to help those brokerages attract the next generation of TLs. "I am honored to be home at Keller Williams and a part of a mission-focused team that truly prioritizes agents and their success,” said Steere. “I fell in love with leadership and coaching many years ago, and it's why I launched my first market center with Keller Williams in 2005.” In 1997, Steere began her real estate career as an agent. She first joined a KW-affiliated brokerage in 2004. A year later, she launched a KW franchise in Shawnee, Kansas, which was recognized as the “Launch of the Year” for the Greater Heartland Region of KW. “I firmly believe that KW is the best company for agents and leaders in this industry,” said Steere. “It’s an immense opportunity every day for our leaders to invite others to participate in our incredible training, coaching, and consulting – all powered by amazing technology.” Within the KW ecosystem, Steere has served in various top KW-affiliated brokerage leadership roles, including TL, OP, KW MAPS Coach, and a Business Objective: A Life by Design (BOLD) instructor. “Team leaders are the cornerstones of our market centers,” said Steere. “They provide the best opportunity to positively change the lives of agents, succeeding through others and helping them achieve extraordinary results.” A John Maxwell Certified coach and 12 Week Year trainer, Steere is the owner and CEO of the Shanan Steere Group, an Olathe, Kansas-based real estate team affiliated with KW Overland Park. About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 170,000 agents. The franchise is No. 1 in units and sales volume in the U.S. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards affiliated agents. For more information, visit kwri.kw.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en/ CONTACT: Darryl G. Frost Director of Public Relations and Media Relations darryl.frost@kw.com / 254-466-3627 KEYWORD: TEXAS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT SOURCE: Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 03:45 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 03:47 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/enLAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. “We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. “Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world.” Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. “The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team,” Michael Andretti posted on social media. “I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!” The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti’s dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA . The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they’ve already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti’s application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1’s current grid. “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. “Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024,” F1 said in a statement. “Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1." AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racingbest roulette strategy 。

DALLAS (AP) — The championship vision that led Nathan Eovaldi to sign with Texas as a free agent two years ago is the same one that brought him back to the Rangers. A World Series title in his first season was followed by a losing record this year. “I believe in the guys in the group that we have. We were able to do it in ‘23. I don’t feel a lot has changed,” Eovaldi said Friday, a day after finalizing a $75 million, three-year contract . “We had a down year last year, but I've said it before, you learn a lot from losing seasons.” Eovaldi had declined a $20 million player option to become a free agent again and reaching an agreement during the winter meetings in Dallas. Texas also acquired slugging corner infielder Jake Burger in a swap with Miami. Burger had fallen asleep before getting a call late Tuesday night that he had been traded to Texas, where his family was already planning to move after the October birth of a daughter with Down syndrome. “The other city that is really good other than Nashville in terms of children's hospital and resources for her Downs is in Dallas," Burger said. “Not just from the baseball spectrum, from the life aspect as well ... I feel like it was meant to be, and we couldn’t be more more excited about that.” In the Nashville area, Burger lives close to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, whom he plans to visit with soon. His former Marlins manager, Skip Schumaker , was hired last month by the Rangers as as a senior adviser for baseball operations, and Luis Urueta, Miami’s bench coach the past two seasons, recently joined Bochy’s on-field coaching staff for 2025. Burger and Rangers pitcher Dane Dunning were once roommates in the Chicago White Sox organization. Burger hit .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Marlins last season, when he started 59 games at third base and 50 starts at first. He was with the White Sox in Texas when he got traded to Miami on Aug. 1, 2023, and four days later hit his first homer with the Marlins at Globe Life Field. When the Rangers made the title run in 2023, Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts. He was the winning pitcher in their World Series-clinching Game 5 at Arizona. He was also part of Boston’s 2018 title. Eovaldi was 12-8 this year with a 3.80 ERA in 29 starts, the last seven scoreless innings in the regular-season finale. He is 24-13 with a 3.72 ERA in 54 starts for Texas the past two seasons. The new deal for the Texas native, who who turns 35 in February, includes a $12 million signing bonus, half payable on Nov. 15, 2026, and the rest on Jan. 15, 2028, and salaries of $18 million next season, $25 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027. He gets a full no-trade provision. After being welcomed back by Chris Young, the Rangers president of baseball operations, the pitcher said he never felt like he really left. The Rangers stayed in contact throughout the process after he declined his option Nov. 4. “Kind of listening to the market and everything, I’m extremely happy to be back. I’m glad we were we were able to make it all work out,” Eovaldi said. “We had a lot of teams reach out right away and we were in contact with most them across the league. Ultimately we were able to make it back here.” AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Modern Political Campaigns Showcase Revolutionary Marketing Strategies for Business Growth - Commenting Albert Valiakhmetov, Founder of FlyX Marketing Athens, Greece, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In today's digital landscape, where competition is fierce and attention spans are limited, figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump demonstrate how strategic marketing-whether for a product or a presidential campaign-can redefine engagement. Albert Valiakhmetov, founder of FlyX Marketing, draws intriguing parallels between these strategies and effective brand advertising. Mirroring the tactics used in marketing to influence, engage, and ultimately, build loyalty. As Valiakhmetov observes, " The news that Donald Trump became president reminds us of how much presidential elections resemble classic marketing campaigns. " Both political and advertising campaigns share the fundamental aim of creating a connection with their audience-whether to win votes or attract loyal customers. https://flyxmarketing.com/ " Political campaigns today, especially those as influential as Trump's recent run, highlight marketing principles at their peak effectiveness, " Valiakhmetov explains. " By implementing similar strategies in business, FlyX Marketing has seen up to 200% growth for clients across various sectors. " Campaign strategies such as precision targeting, cross-platform message consistency, and emotionally resonant content have become crucial in both spheres, emphasizing the power of digital influence. Mastering Modern Influence for Brands Key insights from FlyX Marketing stem from current political campaign techniques that have reshaped their approach: Advanced Social Media Strategy: Like political messaging or Elon Musk's provocative use of platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to engage audiences, brand campaigns thrive on tailored approaches to maximize reach. Precision Demographic Targeting: As political campaigns focus on voter bases, FlyX Marketing connects brands with core demographics, leading to higher engagement. Cross-Platform Message Integration: Ensuring a unified message across digital platforms is as crucial in business as it is in politics. From Ballot Box to Brand Building " What's compelling about recent political strategies, such as those used in Trump's and Harris's campaigns, is their intelligent use of digital platforms. Similarly, Elon Musk's ability to spark viral conversations demonstrates the value of cross-platform engagement, a principle FlyX Marketing adopts to revolutionize brand connections. ”, Valiakhmetov notes. " In marketing, the goal is to influence purchasing behavior, while political propaganda seeks to steer public opinion, " Valiakhmetov explains, pointing to the similar foundations of both fields. Emotional Connection: Building Brand Loyalty Through Human Insight One of the standout elements of FlyX Marketing's strategy is creating a deep emotional connection with audiences, drawing on the same principles political campaigns use to sway public sentiment. Just as Trump's messaging struck a chord with voters on issues like economic stability, FlyX's campaigns emphasize brand stories that appeal to core human needs, offering customers relatable themes and solutions to everyday challenges. Digital Innovation at Work with FlyX Marketing FlyX Marketing takes inspiration from the efficiency seen in political campaigns by incorporating cutting-edge technology and data analytics to craft campaigns that resonate deeply. It embraces innovation akin to Elon Musk's ventures, utilizing cutting-edge tools like AI-driven analytics and real-time optimization to craft campaigns that deeply resonate with audiences. Key tools include: AI-Driven Analytics: Predictive models track engagement and fine-tune content, ensuring maximum relevance. Real-Time Optimization: Rapid adjustments increase reach and engagement with audiences. Strategic Audience Segmentation: Building personalized experiences ensures each demographic feels addressed. Platform-Specific Messaging: Tailored content for each channel optimizes overall campaign performance. Here are FlyX Marketing's full suite of services , designed to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing and AI-driven solutions. From advanced data analytics to strategic execution, each service is tailored to maximize growth and drive results. " The recent campaigns by Trump and Harris provide insight into the evolution of digital communication, " observes Valiakhmetov. " These strategies not only shape public opinion but demonstrate best practices in audience engagement for businesses looking to make a real impact." Revolutionizing Marketing with Campaign Insights FlyX Marketing's modern approach combines the following elements, proven to drive substantial results for clients: Viral Content Development: Creating shareable, high-impact content that aligns with brand goals. Data-Driven Strategy: Guiding marketing decisions with real-time data to optimize campaigns. Emotional Connection Building: Connecting on a personal level, similar to political storytelling. Platform-Specific Optimization: Adjusting strategies to maximize impact on each channel. Message Amplification: Reaching larger audiences with clarity and precision. The Future of Marketing in a Politically-Driven Landscape Looking forward, marketing experts can expect to see even greater integration of political strategies within brand advertising and by industry disruptors like Elon Musk, as all these industries increasingly rely on digital and data-driven tools to make impactful decisions. According to Valiakhmetov, the future of branding will likely mirror these trends, further blurring the lines between marketing and political campaigning. Choosing a marketing partner like FlyX Marketing ensures brands are not only prepared for these shifts but are also leading the way. With a proven track record in delivering customized, high-growth campaigns, FlyX continues to set new standards for success, making this era an exciting one for both brands and political strategists alike. More information about services, consultations, and insights can be found on the FlyX Marketing website or by contacting [email protected] . Media Contact Company Name: Flyx Marketing Contact Person: Nick Agamian Email: [email protected] Website: https://flyxmarketing.com/ Disclaimer: This content does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation of any security, product, or service. Furthermore, nothing in this press release should be interpreted as a suggestion to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to participate in any specific investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to assess the suitability of any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction based on your individual objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Please consult your financial advisor, attorney, or tax advisor for guidance on your specific financial, legal, or tax situation. For more information, contact [email protected] .Juve deepen Man City crisis, Barcelona into Champions League knockouts

U.S. stocks are extending their lead over global peers and some investors believe that dominance could grow if President-elect Donald Trump can implement his economic platform without becoming mired in a full-blown trade war or ballooning the federal deficit. The S&P 500 .SPX has gained over 24% in 2024, putting it well ahead of benchmarks in Europe, Asia and emerging markets. At 22 times expected future earnings, its premium to an MSCI index of stocks of more than 40 other countries stands at its highest in more than two decades, according to LSEG Datastream. Though U.S. stocks have outperformed their counterparts for more than a decade, the valuation gap has widened this year thanks to resilient economic growth and strong corporate earnings — particularly for the technology sector, where excitement over developments in artificial intelligence have boosted the shares of companies such as chipmaker Nvidia NVDA.O. Some market participants believe Trump’s agenda of tax cuts, deregulation and even tariffs can further fuel U.S. exceptionalism, outweighing worries over their potentially disruptive nature and inflationary potential. "Given the pro-growth tendencies of this new administration, I think it's tough to fight the battle against U.S. equities, at least in 2025," said Venu Krishna, head of U.S. equity strategy at Barclays. Invest wisely: Best online brokers Signs of a growing U.S. bias were evident immediately after the Nov. 5 election, when U.S. equity funds received more than $80 billion in the week following the vote while European and emerging market funds saw outflows, according to Deutsche Bank. Strategists at Morgan Stanley, UBS Global Wealth Management and the Wells Fargo Investment Institute are among those who recommend overweighting U.S. equities in portfolios or expect them to outperform next year. Earnings engine A critical driver of U.S. strength is corporate America's profit edge: S&P 500 company earnings are expected to rise 9.9% this year and 14.2% in 2025, according to LSEG Datastream. Companies in Europe’s Stoxx 600, by contrast, are expected to increase earnings by 1.8% this year and 8.1% in 2025. "The U.S. continues to be the geographic region of the world that generates the highest earnings growth and the most profitability," said Michael Arone, chief investment strategist at State Street Global Advisors. The dominant role of massive technology companies in the U.S. economy and their heavy weightings in indexes such as the S&P 500 .SPX are helping drive that growth. The five largest U.S. companies — Nvidia, Apple AAPL.O, Microsoft MSFT.O, Amazon.com AMZN.O and Alphabet GOOGL.O — have a combined market value of more than $14 trillion, compared with roughly $11 trillion for the entire STOXX 600 .STOXX, according to LSEG data. More broadly, the U.S. economy is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025, compared with 0.8% this year and 1.2% next year for a group of about 20 countries using the euro, according to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund. Trump’s plans to raise tariffs on imports could help the U.S. extend that advantage, despite the risk of some blowback, said Mike Mullaney, director of global markets research at Boston Partners, who favors U.S. stocks. "If Trump throws on a 10% to a 20% tariff on European goods, they're going to get hurt more on a relative basis than we are," Mullaney said. Trump trades: Bitcoin at record highs, sets sights on $100,000 Republicans’ lock on power in Washington — which could make it easier for Trump to enforce his agenda — prompted Deutsche Bank’s economists to raise their 2025 U.S. growth forecasts to 2.5% from 2.2%. While tax cuts and deregulation are expected to boost growth, relatively tight margins in U.S. Congress and the administration's sensitivity to market reactions could limit the scope of the most “extreme” policies, such as tariffs, the bank wrote on Thursday. Analysts at UBS Global Wealth Management, meanwhile, expect the S&P 500 to hit 6,600 next year, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, lower interest rates, tax cuts and deregulation. The index closed at 5,948.71 on Thursday. Still, an all-out trade war with China and other partners could hit U.S. growth and stoke inflation. A scenario in which countries retaliate against far-reaching U.S tariffs could send the S&P 500 to as low 5,100 — though global stocks would also decline, UBS said. Certain corners of the market could be particularly vulnerable to Trump’s policies: worries over plans for cutting bureaucratic excess bruised shares of government contractors last week, for example, while drugmakers fell when Trump picked vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Broad tax cuts could also spark concerns about adding to U.S. debt. Deficit worries have helped drive a recent selloff in U.S. government bonds, taking the 10-year Treasury yield to a five-month high last week. At the same time, the valuation gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world could become so wide that U.S. stocks start looking expensive, or international equities become too cheap to ignore. For now, however, the long-term trend is in favor of the U.S., with the S&P 500 gaining more than 180% against a rise of nearly 50% for Europe's STOXX over the past decade. "Momentum is a great thing," said Colin Graham, head of multi-asset strategies at Robeco. "If you've got something that keeps outperforming, then investors will follow the money." Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf in New York; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili and Matthew Lewis

Surveys have continued to show many Kiwis aren’t comfortable with eating genetically modified (GM) food, despite studies supporting its safety. In a new paper, Otago University researchers delved into the factors behind that scepticism – finding emotional responses play a major part. It comes as the Government is looking to overhaul its regulatory stance on gene tech, while Food Safety Australia New Zealand has been consulting on a new definition for GM food. New Zealand might be softening its regulatory stance on genetic modification – but a new snapshot survey suggests there’s still some consumer unease about its use in food. Our supermarkets are full of imported processed foods that contain GM ingredients and must be labelled accordingly – but our shelves are essentially bare of GM meat, fruit and vegetables. In a new study, Otago University researchers sought to explore what shaped peoples’ perceptions around GM and another long-standing food technology, irradiation, which is often used in fresh produce to control insect pests like fruit flies. While there’s now a wealth of international studies to support the safety of both technologies, research has continued to highlight a degree of public scepticism about them.

BBC Question Time audience member enrages farmers by saying he wants to play 'the world's smallest violin' for those hit by Keir Starmer's inheritance tax grab Do YOU know the audience member? Email emily.davies@mailonline.co.uk By EMILY JANE DAVIES Published: 19:33 GMT, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 19:38 GMT, 22 November 2024 e-mail 56 View comments A BBC Question Time audience member has enraged farmers after saying he wants to play 'the world's smallest violin' for those hit by Keir Starmer 's inheritance tax. The Prime Minister is facing a growing backlash from farmers, celebrities and his own MPs over Labour's decision to impose 20 per cent inheritance tax on farms worth more than £1million . More than 10,000 farmers and high-profile supporters including Jeremy Clarkson and Lord Lloyd Webber descended on Westminster to protest against the controversial policy on Tuesday. A man in the audience of the BBC Question Time debate programme told the panel of political figures: 'I keep hearing this term cash-poor and asset-rich. 'My maths isn't great but for £400,000 worth of inheritance tax, you have a £5million estate. 'I'm afraid you are gonna have to find me the world's smallest violin to tell me that you don't pay tax on an estate that you're passing down to your children of £5million. It sounds crazy to me.' Furious farmers took to X to slam the comments, with one saying: 'I hope you find the world's smallest violin when there's a food shortage.' It comes just days after the BBC's 'truth checking' unit was under scrutiny for quietly deleting a statement backing ministers' claims in their tax-grab battle with farmers . A BBC Question Time audience member has enraged farmers after saying he wants to play 'the world's smallest violin' for those hit by Keir Starmer 's inheritance tax Speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, Sir Keir Starmer repeated his claim that the 'vast majority' of farmers would be unaffected by the tax raid Jeremy Clarkson said farmers had received a 'kick in the nuts and a light hammer blow to the back of the head' BBC Verify, a service set up to root out 'misinformation', wrote that the government's figures were 'likely' to be right concerning the number of farms affected by the inheritance tax raid. But on the day under-fire Sir Keir Starmer trumpeted the BBC's finding, triggering a political row about bias, the corporation quietly removed it from its website. According to the BBC, the change was made before Mr Starmer spoke. There have been dramatically conflicting estimates about how many farms will be dragged into the tax changes announced in the Budget. Ministers insist the reforms will only affect about 500 estates a year. But the Country Land and Business Association claimed 70,000 farms face being snared by the new regime with 'devastating' consequences for farming families. Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit in Rio on Tuesday, the Prime Minister insisted 'the vast majority' of farmers would be unaffected, telling reporters: 'All of you can check out what that means in terms of the impact - I think the BBC has already done it. 'It means the vast majority of farms are unaffected by this and I think it's just important we keep making that clear.' Clarkson holding a sign reading 'With our farmers' at the November 19 rally Demonstrators tuck into M&S sandwiches at the farmers' rally in Whitehallin November 19 A furious Jeremy Clarkson has begged the government to 'be big' and admit they had made a mistake as he addressed a mass protest of more than 13,000 farmers and their supporters in London. Farmers and their supporters from as far away as Northumberland made their way to the centre of the rainy capital earlier this week, with many arriving in large coaches wearing tweed jackets. The 64-year-old, who is recovering from a life-saving heart operation, attended the event alongside his Clarkson's Farm co-stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland, theatre legend Andrew Lloyd-Webber and dozens of MPs including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. Giving a speech after the main rally, Mr Clarkson confessed he was 'off my t***' on codeine and paracetamol, before describing how he had come to understand that farming was 'unbelievably difficult, dangerous and cold'. Farmers faced costs, pressure from environmentalists and regulations, and 'we have all these complications and costs, and there's very little money in it as you know - and then we got the Budget', he said, to boos from the crowd. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch was among those present at the farmer rally in Westminster Farmers left large piles of vegetables outside Downing Street in protest The TV star continued: 'I know a lot of people across the country in all walks of life took a bit of a kick on the shin with that Budget. You lot got a knee in the nuts and a hammer blow to the back of the head.' 'For the sake of everybody here, and for all the farmers stuck at home paralysed by a fog of despair over what's been foisted on them, I beg of the Government to be big and accept this was rushed through, it wasn't thought out and it was a mistake. That's the big thing to do, and back down.' Earlier, Mr Clarkson - who runs Diddly Squat farm in Chipping Norton - became exasperated with Victoria Derbyshire during an interview on Whitehall. The argument began when Ms Derbyshire had asked him whether he was there for himself rather than British farmers, asking him: 'So it's not about you, your farm and to avoid inheritance attack?'. A clearly taken aback Mr Clarkson immediately rolled his eyes and said: 'Classic BBC there. Classic'. Ms Derbyshire shot back: 'Is it?', referring to an article in the Sunday Times where he wrote about the tax benefits of buying a farm. Mr Clarkson then tacitly accused of her of giving an opinion, disputing her claim that it was a 'fact' that he bought his Oxfordshire farm for tax purposes, explaining it was because he loved country sports such as shooting. He continued: 'Typical BBC. You people', and would later say to the crowd around them: 'Are you listening to this?' when Ms Derbyshire repeated Ms Reeves' claims that the inheritance tax raised would 'raise money for public services'. Children on toy tractors led a small march in central London on November19 Vast crowds gather to watch Clarkson and other supporters give speeches at the protest Mr Clarkson also hit out at the BBC during his speech, branding the broadcaster 'the mouthpiece of this infernal Government'. Shortly after arriving at the rally, Mr Clarkson joked he was in London to do 'a bit of Christmas shopping' before saying: 'I'm here to support the farmers, it's that simple, because they need all the help they can get really, even from me.' Asked about his comments in an interview with the Times in 2021 that avoiding inheritance tax was 'the critical thing' in his decision to buy land, he said: 'That's actually quite funny because the real reason I bought the farm was because I wanted to shoot, so I thought if I told a bunch of people that I bought a farm so I could shoot pheasants it might look bad. 'So, I thought I better come up with another excuse, so I said inheritance tax. I actually didn't know about inheritance tax until after I bought it. I didn't mind, obviously, but the real reason I bought it is because I wanted to shoot.' Jeremy Clarkson Labour Keir Starmer London Share or comment on this article: BBC Question Time audience member enrages farmers by saying he wants to play 'the world's smallest violin' for those hit by Keir Starmer's inheritance tax grab e-mail Add comment

The decision to cut P12 billion from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget for 2025 has sparked a heated debate, with various perspectives coming out on the effects and justifications of this fiscal adjustment. Despite the cuts, the DepEd’s annual budget for 2025 has actually increased by P20 billion compared to the 2024 budget. According to Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate finance committee, this overall increase demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to prioritizing education. Additionally, the budget for teaching supplies allowance has more than doubled from P4.825 billion in 2024 to P9.948 billion in 2025, highlighting the government’s emphasis on directly supporting teachers and students. While this increase is a positive step, we have to note that further measures are definitely necessary to support teachers who are often overworked, underpaid, and forced to cover classroom expenses out of their own pockets. The reduction in specific programs, particularly the P10 billion cut from the DepEd Computerization Program, has raised significant concerns. Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed disappointment, noting that this program was intended to bridge the digital divide, an issue that became glaringly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. Critics argue that deprioritizing this initiative could worsen existing inequalities and leave millions of students unprepared to meet the demands of a technology-driven world, especially as AI technology continues to transform the modern landscape. This digital divide, while a significant issue, can actually be addressed through other initiatives such as public-private partnerships, community-based programs, and collaborations with technology companies. These alternative solutions may even be more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. Moreover, reducing government funding for certain programs can actually create opportunities for private sector participation and investments in education, leading to more innovative and efficient solutions. Private entities often bring in new technologies, management practices, and funding models that can complement public efforts, enhancing the overall educational landscape. The decision to cut P12 billion from the DepEd budget for 2025 is a multifaceted issue involving various factors. Although the overall DepEd budget for 2025 has increased, the reductions in specific programs highlight the need for fiscal prudence and efficiency. By addressing systemic problems, balancing national priorities, and exploring alternative solutions, the government can strive to create a more sustainable and effective education system. Ultimately, we must remember that education is a right, not a privilege, and that investing in it is both a constitutional obligation and a moral imperative. The government must continue to prioritize education while ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. The ultimate goal should be to establish a comprehensive education system that supports both teachers and learners, whileequipping them to face the many challenges of the modern world. Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II received his Law degree from Ateneo de Manila University in 1994. He is currently engaged in the General Practice of Law through the firm he established, Jose M. Rojas Law Office. Prior to getting his Law degree, Atty. Rojas graduated Cum Laude in Economics and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts. He used to chair the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) and, more recently, used to sit as Vice-Chairman and General Manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Atty. Rojas is an opinion columnist for the Business Mirror and Pilipino Mirror, and 2014 awardee of People Asia’s “Men Who Matter.” He is a member of the Saturday Group of artists and is married to Atty. Patricia A.O. Bunye.

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