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Make the best use of every new space 

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

New construction homes in Northern California meet the contemporary needs of homebuyers. Builders invest a vast amount of research and analysis into floor plan design and finishes.In doing so, builders ensure that homes maximize every possible square inch of living space, counter space, storage space, visibility and privacy throughout the home.But the new-home buyer can make spaces function even better for their needs by incorporating a few tips when planning paint colors, furnishings and decor for the new home.Meet with the design expertsFirst, plan to speak with each builder’s design center experts. Ask which color schemes and home decor finishes are still on-trend and which are losing their luster.Before the design consultations, measure and take photos of existing furniture that will be making the move to the new house, especially any larger items such as dining sets, sofas, sectionals, bed frames, ottomans and side or end tables.Ask about ways to couple modern trends with more ...

Analysis: China’s Ukraine plan mixes peace, self-interest

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s plan to send an envoy to Ukraine allows his government to deflect criticism of its support for Moscow and pursue a bigger role as a diplomatic force, but Xi faces daunting obstacles if he is serious about trying to help end the 14-month-old war.The biggest: Neither Ukraine nor Russia is ready to stop fighting.Xi’s announcement Wednesday in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prompted optimism Beijing might use its warm relations with Russia’s Vladimir Putin to push for peace. That was followed by skeptical questions about whether Beijing is more focused on ending an invasion it refuses to criticize, or serving its own interests.China’s starting point is a peace proposal issued in February that called for a ceasefire, negotiations and an end to sanctions against Russia. It offered few details, but repeated Russian accusations that Western governments were to blame for the invasion.China has good reason...

Algeria, Egypt among 4 bids to host 2027 African Cup

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) — Algeria and Egypt are among four bidders competing to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football said Thursday.Botswana and a co-hosting project between neighbors Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania also entered the contest. They now have a May 23 deadline to submit a confirmed bid with guaranteed government support.CAF previously said its executive committee will choose both the 2025 and 2027 tournament hosts at the same time “before September this year.”Algeria is also in the 2025 contest, which includes Morocco, South Africa, Zambia and a Benin-Nigeria co-host bid. Guinea was removed as host by CAF last year.Algeria hosted the Africa Cup in 1990 and Egypt last staged the competition in 2019. Botswana, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have never hosted the tournament.The 2023 edition of the biennial tournament will be played next year in Ivory Coast, starting in January. Senegal is the current champion.___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub...

3 teenagers hospitalized after car crash in Mount Airy

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

Three teenagers have been hospitalized following a single-vehicle crash Thursday morning in Mount Airy, Maryland.The WTOP Traffic Center reported that the crash happened on Ridge Road near Wind Song Way just after midnight.One of the teens was flown to the University of Maryland’s R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland State Police told WTOP.Two other teenagers were sent to nearby hospitals while a fourth teen, who was in the vehicle, wasn’t transported.An investigation into the crash is underway.Below is a map of the area where the crash occurred. Source

Covenant Logistics: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (CVLG) on Thursday reported profit of $16.3 million in its first quarter.On a per-share basis, the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based company said it had net income of $1.20. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains and to account for discontinued operations, were 93 cents per share.The truckload transportation services provider posted revenue of $266.9 million in the period._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on CVLG at https://www.zacks.com/ap/CVLGSource

The Netherlands celebrates birthday of King Willem-Alexander

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

AMSTERDAM (AP) — The Netherlands celebrated the 56th birthday of King Willem-Alexander on Thursday with street markets, parties and orange-glazed pastries, even as an annual poll showed support for the monarchy continuing to decline.The king and much of his family spent part of the day in Rotterdam, where thousands of orange-clad people lined the streets to greet the royals during a walkabout. Willem-Alexander, who took the throne in 2013, is a descendant in the House of Orange dynasty.Supporters of a national republican organization staged a small demonstration, holding up signs reading “Willem The Last.” The organization complained about the cost of king’s walkabout and said in a statement on its website that it sees the monarchy as “a symbol of inequality.” An annual poll conducted for national broadcaster NOS by Ipsos ahead of the King’s Day national holiday showed support for the monarch continuing to fall after it plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when ...

Lincoln Electric: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

CLEVELAND (AP) — CLEVELAND (AP) — Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. (LECO) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $121.9 million.The Cleveland-based company said it had net income of $2.09 per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $2.13 per share.The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $2.04 per share.The manufacturer of specialized welding products and other equipment posted revenue of $1.04 billion in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts. Seven analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.03 billion._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on LECO at https://www.zacks.com/ap/LECOSource

Emcor Group: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

NORWALK, Conn. (AP) — NORWALK, Conn. (AP) — Emcor Group Inc. (EME) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $111.5 million.On a per-share basis, the Norwalk, Connecticut-based company said it had net income of $2.32.The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.83 per share.The construction and maintenance company posted revenue of $2.89 billion in the period.Emcor Group expects full-year earnings to be $9.25 to $10 per share._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on EME at https://www.zacks.com/ap/EMESource

The Shyft Group: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

NOVI, Mich. (AP) — NOVI, Mich. (AP) — The Shyft Group, Inc. (SHYF) on Thursday reported first-quarter net income of $1.7 million.The Novi, Michigan-based company said it had profit of 5 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were 12 cents per share.The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was breakeven on a per-share basis.The maker of chassis for Last Mile Delivery, RVs and other vehicles posted revenue of $243.4 million in the period.The Shyft Group expects full-year earnings in the range of 98 cents to $1.60 per share, with revenue in the range of $1 billion to $1.2 billion._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on SHYF at https://www.zacks.com/ap/SHYFSource

AbbVie: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:11:41 GMT

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) — NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) — AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $239 million.The North Chicago, Illinois-based company said it had net income of 13 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and amortization costs, came to $2.46 per share.The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $2.44 per share.The drugmaker posted revenue of $12.23 billion in the period, also surpassing Street forecasts. Six analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $12.08 billion.AbbVie expects full-year earnings in the range of $10.72 to $11.12 per share.AbbVie shares have increased slightly since the beginning of the year, while the S&P’s 500 index has increased nearly 6%. The stock has risen roughly 4% in the last 12 months._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks In...