Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 people, including kidsCOPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) today announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) for TransCon hGH (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; marketed as SKYTROFA ® for pediatric GHD). The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of July 27, 2025. “This marks another step towards achieving our objective to expand SKYTROFA’s label beyond pediatric GHD and expand its reach to address new groups of patients,” said Jan Mikkelsen, Ascendis Pharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Adult GHD is an undertreated condition associated with significant comorbidities and higher annual healthcare costs compared to the 5-10% of patients who receive treatment, indicative of the high unmet need.” The sBLA submission is based on results from foresiGHt, a Phase 3 randomized, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled (double-blind) and active-controlled (open-label) trial that compared the efficacy and safety of weekly TransCon hGH with weekly placebo and daily human growth hormone (hGH) in adults with GHD. The trial evaluated 259 adults with GHD aged 23 to 80 years old, randomized 1:1:1, titrated to receive a target fixed dose of TransCon hGH, placebo, or daily hGH based on age and oral estrogen intake with approximately equivalent hGH mg/week for TransCon hGH and daily hGH. TransCon hGH demonstrated superiority on its primary efficacy and key secondary efficacy endpoints at Week 38, with TransCon hGH-treated participants showing a statistically significant reduction from baseline in trunk fat and increase in total body lean mass at Week 38 compared to placebo. In the trial, TransCon hGH was generally safe and well tolerated, with no discontinuations related to study drug and with comparable safety and tolerability to daily hGH treatment. About Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Growth hormone plays an essential role in the health of children and adults, promoting normal growth in children and maintenance of normal body composition and cardiometabolic health throughout adulthood. In adults, growth hormone boosts protein production, promotes fat utilization, enhances muscle mass, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Adult GHD is a condition in which an individual’s body does not produce enough growth hormone. Symptoms and morbidity can include central obesity, metabolic syndrome, decreased bone density, alterations in lipid profile and markers of cardiovascular risk, fatigue, general weakness, lack of muscle tone, and psychological symptoms such as cognitive impairment, social isolation, lack of motivation, and depression. 1 About Ascendis Pharma A/S Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, Ascendis uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States. Please visit ascendispharma.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding Ascendis’ future operations, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) the PDUFA goal date for SKYTROFA, (ii) Ascendis’ objective to expand SKYTROFA’s label and reach to address new groups of patients, (iii) Ascendis’ ability to apply its TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company, and (iv) Ascendis’ use of its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, expectations, and projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Ascendis makes, including the following: dependence on third party manufacturers, distributors and service providers for Ascendis’ products and product candidates; unforeseen safety or efficacy results in Ascendis’ development programs or on-market products; unforeseen expenses related to commercialization of any approved Ascendis products; unforeseen expenses related to Ascendis’ development programs; unforeseen selling, general and administrative expenses, other research and development expenses and Ascendis’ business generally; delays in the development of its programs related to manufacturing, regulatory requirements, speed of patient recruitment or other unforeseen delays; Ascendis’ ability to obtain additional funding, if needed, to support its business activities; the impact of international economic, political, legal, compliance, social and business factors. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ascendis’ business in general, see Ascendis’ prospectus supplement filed on September 20, 2024 and Ascendis’ current and future reports filed with, or submitted to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on February 7, 2024. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that Ascendis may enter into or make. Ascendis does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo, TransCon, and SKYTROFA ® , are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma group. © December 2024 Ascendis Pharma A/S. 1 . Hoffman AR, Mathison T, Andrews D, Murray K, Kelepouris N, Fleseriu M. Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: Diagnostic and Treatment Journeys From the Patients' Perspective. J Endocr Soc. 2022;6(7):bvac077. Published 2022 May 12. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvac077Kids aren't the only ones who hang their stocking by the chimney with care each year. Who doesn't love to wake up on Christmas morning to find their stocking stuffed with goodies? Chocolates and candy canes, are the natural go-to stocking stuffers, but there's a world of fun and unexpected tchotchkes just waiting to get stuffed into a sock. I've rounded up a list of the best stocking stuffers that put the "fun" in functional, all under $20. This list includes a bunch of out-of-the-box ideas for kids and adults alike. I'm talking a for just $4, for your teen's Stanley cup and a (yep, you read that right). From tech problem-solvers and budget-friendly beauty faves to card games for the whole family, these ideas are proof that the best things often come in the smallest packages. Broken down by price for easier shopping, keep scrolling to find a few stocking stuffer ideas for everyone on your list — , , teens, kids, you name it. And while you're in the shopping spirit, check out our along with and . Aveeno Skin Relief Repairing Hand Mask E.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick Pulidiki Car Cleaning Gel Little Stinker Bag of Reindeer Farts La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm Betrich Electric Lighter Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks, 6 Pairs MaledenInvisible Ink Pens, Set of 6 Gocii Airtag Wallet Holder, 2 Pack Urtheone Silicone Hair Scalp Massager HomDsg Silicone Cowboy Hat Straw Covers, 4 Pack UNO Show ‘em No Mercy Card Game Ototo Tulip Tea Infuser Schylling NeeDoh Nice Cube Oxo Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner OctoBuddy Silicone Suction Phone Case Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps, 3 Pack Crosley Radio Mini Record Player Bluetooth Speaker Jiskan Pro Golf Club Brush Cleaner Don't let dry, scaly skin take away from her merry mani this holiday season. These shea butter-infused masks work their skin-saving magic in just 10 minutes. Just slip 'em on, rub in any visible products once the time is up and reveal smoother, softer hands. A little swipe of color goes a long way. This bestselling multi-tasker works as an eyeshadow, blush and lipstick — all for a fraction of the price of popular brands like Ilia and Jones Road. Editor , raving that they're "dewy without being slick or sticky." Pick from seven gorgeous colors, from a shimmery peach to a bolder berry. ( ) A car vacuum is great for the floor mats and seats, but this slime-like gel can tackle all of the nooks and crannies. Press it into air vents, cupholders and other hard-to-clean spots, then pull it away slowly to remove dust and debris. Give kids a good laugh with this toot-tastic treat, which smells— and tastes? — like cherries. Cue the fart jokes (sorry, parents). Hot take: Our Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini suggests you skip th and pick up this potent, moisturizing balm instead. She's not the only one who stands by this fragrance-free favorite — thousands of Amazon reviewers say it effectively treats dry, cracked lips, with that "it's incredibly hydrating without being greasy" and the "effects last for hours without needing constant reapplication." No flames or fuel here. Charge this long-necked lighter with the included USB cord and use it up to 800 (!) times before it needs a power boost. Slip these into her stocking to encourage some overdue TLC. Dubbed an "energy drink for your eyes," these glittery gels target all the usual suspects: puffy eyes, dark circles, fine lines and dryness. Pint-size spies can write special messages for their eyes only — or the eyes of the ones they trust (ahem, you). The ink is totally invisible unless they shine it with the blacklight from the pen’s cap. Everyone in your life should have an AirTag (or five) by now. On the off chance that they don't, pick up and divvy them up between stockings. Then stick the trackers in these sleek holders, which they can slip into any card slot in their wallet. "It was super easy to pop the AirTag in and it fits securely," adding that they also keep one in their passport holder when they travel. Hair products aren't cheap. This little doodad ensures that shampoo and other treatments are evenly distributed, ultimately giving her better bang for her buck. Plus, , "it makes it feel like you are getting your hair professionally washed at the salon." Maybe there's a "big dumb cup" waiting for her underneath the tree. Or maybe she already has a collection of 'em. Either way, she'll love dressing up her tumbler(s) with these silly (yet stylish) straw covers. UNO is having a bit of a resurgence right now, so why don't you kick things up a notch with this new-and-improved version? "It is chaotic, fast-paced, and can easily turn casual players into cutthroat revenge-seeking enemies," one customer raved. That's because the rules are stricter and the actions are way more brutal (like Skip Everyone and Wild Draw 10). Talk about a tea-riffic stocking stuffer: Place any loose-leaf variety in the base of this flower, then watch the flavors blossom as it steeps in hot water. "It stands well, defuses well, and washes well," adding it's a "cheerful addition to my tea cup." A whopping 90,000 Amazon shoppers picked up this sensory squish in the last month. The reason: "It is satisfying to hold and squish without being too squishy. There is a slight firmness to it," , plus it "doesn't have the sticky gross feeling that comparable products can have." It's all about how you squeeze it — go slowly for a softer feel or pick up the speed to increase its firmness. ( ) You know what's always "in"? Taking care of your tech. Use this double-sided tool to clean laptops, smartphones and tablets — the retractable brush sweeps away crumbs and dust, while the microfiber pad gets rid of smudges and fingerprints. This silicone stick-on is every influencer's (not-so) secret to quality videos and selfies. Snag one for your budding social media star — or better yet, for anyone who simply wants to watch videos, read recipes or follow directions on their phone hands-free. "It sticks on most surfaces, as long as it's flat and smooth," . "Doesn't leave any suction cup marks or anything." If they're the practical type, reusable food wraps are a no-brainer. They'll get three sizes in this pack —a small one for half a lemon, onion or avocado; a medium wrap for sandwiches and snacks; and a larger one to cover bowls or pie dishes. "Eliminates the need for dozens of rolls of plastic wrap, so saves money and the environment at the same time," There's more than meets than eye to this retro-inspired speaker. It looks like a mini version of Crosley's popular turntable, but it has all the modern-day tech to play up to eight hours of music via Bluetooth. He's spent a near fortune on his clubs, and now he'll be able to properly care for 'em. He can clip this brush onto his belt or bag, so he can quickly remove dirt and grass before his next play. Mix a little soap and water in the squeeze bottle for a deeper clean. ( ) See all of our in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — , , , you name it.SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Primo Spears' 31 points led UTSA over Houston Christian 78-71 on Saturday night. Spears had five assists for the Roadrunners (3-3). Raekwon Horton added 19 points while shooting 6 of 7 from the field and 7 for 7 from the line while he also had nine rebounds. Damari Monsanto finished 3 of 8 from 3-point range to finish with 11 points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. 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PINE RIVER — Happy Dancing Turtle and Pine River-Backus Community Education will host the 19th Annual Back to Basics sustainable living event Feb. 15 at Pine River-Backus School. Workshops, vendors, exhibitors, lunch, door prizes and a keynote speaker are planned for the event which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attend the morning keynote address and the all-day vendor/exhibitor fair for free. Register to participate in a full day of workshops, choosing from over 50 offerings on topics such as food, DIY, gardening, health & wellness, and environmental sustainability. ADVERTISEMENT Benjamin Winchester, a rural sociologist with the University of Minnesota Extension’s Department of Community Development, will present the keynote, “Rewriting the Rural Narrative.” “Benjamin Winchester brings a fresh framing of opportunities and challenges of rural living, with a big emphasis on the opportunities. His enthusiasm is just contagious,” said Happy Dancing Turtle Executive Director Quinn Swanson in a news release. Running concurrently throughout the day will be the free Back to Basics vendor/exhibitor fair which requires no registration and is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit more than 50 booths of sustainably themed vendors and chat with knowledgeable people while stocking up on handmade and locally sourced foods, house goods, handmade herbal products and jewelry, clothing and more. “With new workshop presenters and topics like cheese making, small batch fiber processing, cooking Ayurvedically, biometeorology, carbon credit cash plus the variety of new and returning vendors/exhibitors, this will be an outstanding event,” Michelle Hoefs, one of the primary event coordinators, said. “The synergy of so many people sharing ideas, products, and information on sustainable living make for an inspiring day.” Happy Dancing Turtle is looking for helpers to contribute their time and energy for the event. In exchange for four hours of help, volunteers receive lunch, an event T-shirt, and will have the opportunity to attend workshops. Email b2b@happydancingturtle. org if you would like to volunteer or call 218-587-2303. Full-day registration for workshops is $40, with discounts for senior citizens and students. Á la carte options are also available. Participant registration opens Jan. 3; register online at www.happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics-workshops . Walk-in registration is available the day of the event, although some workshops may have filled. It is recommended to register early to reserve the workshops you wish to attend. ADVERTISEMENT

ST. PAUL — A planned lottery to give some would-be cannabis business owners a licensing head start won’t go forward early this week after a judge halted the process Monday. Ramsey County District Court Judge Stephen Smith sided with a group of applicants who had been denied access to the social equity pre-approval lottery. They sued over a process they argued had lacked clear criteria and that left no room for appeals. “There’s no lottery tomorrow,” Smith ruled toward the end of an hourlong online hearing. He said the state was free to file an appeal. Ahead of the hearing, officials with the Office of Cannabis Management warned that the lottery might not happen at all if it was postponed given the cost and logistics of putting it on. Attorney David Asp, who represented some of the applicants, told Smith that the lottery was rushed and that people who were denied entry deserved a chance to contest their disqualification. “The state doesn’t dispute that our client will suffer irreparable harm if this order isn’t entered. That’s usually one of the main issues in an injunction, but it’s not a dispute here. Our clients will be harmed. As I said, more than $1,000,” Asp said. “The harm on the OCM side is entirely of their own making.” The Office of Cannabis Management had defended its process, saying they were attempting to root out applicants who were looking for a quick profit instead of actually moving to set up legitimate businesses. Officials with the regulatory agency said that some applications appeared to have been put in on behalf of other entrepreneurs trying to get a foothold in Minnesota’s nascent market. “The Legislature chose for this pre-approval process to be an efficient and expedient one, and part of that is evidenced by the fact that there is no appeals provided for for the pre-approval process, whereas in the final license approval process, there is an availability for reconsideration,” said the agency’s attorney, Ryan Petty. “So a major factor of this is the Legislature’s decision to make this process efficient and expedient so that the social equity applicants can get that head start.” There were more than 1,500 applicants for this stage of the licensing process, the agency said. The lottery was to narrow that down to 282. When the judge asked Petty about the timeline, including the lottery being scheduled shortly after denial letters went out, Petty said the selection process involved several moving parts. “There wasn’t any hiding the ball here. There wasn’t any attempt to restrict the ability of applicants to challenge their denials,” he said. State lawmakers legalized cannabis for adult recreational use in 2023, but the setup of a retail marketplace has been slow. No licenses have been issued for commercial growers or sellers ahead of what is expected to be an early 2025 launch. People can grow their own marijuana and give away small quantities. American Indian tribes have also opened their own stores, but those sales are limited to reservation land. The social equity lottery is intended to give a leg up to people who live in high-poverty areas, those harmed by the war on drugs, and military veterans. ______________________________________________________Column: Trump 2.0 won’t reverse Biden’s critical minerals push

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Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launchHAMDEN, Conn. (AP) — Amarri Tice scored 20 points and Paul Otieno added six in the overtime as Quinnipiac defeated Hofstra 75-69 on Sunday. Tice added 11 rebounds and three blocks for the Bobcats (6-7). Otieno scored 17 points and added 14 rebounds. Jaden Zimmerman shot 4 of 8 from the field, including 1 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 1 for 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points. Jean Aranguren led the Pride (8-5) in scoring, finishing with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Cruz Davis added 14 points and two steals for Hofstra. Michael Graham had eight points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Quinnipiac entered halftime up 36-32. Tice paced the team in scoring in the first half with 10 points. Quinnipiac was outscored by four points in the second half and the teams finished regulation tied 63-63 after two free throws by Aranguren with 38 seconds remaining. Otieno shot 2 of 3 from the field on the way to their six points in the overtime. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Miguel Tomley scored 28 points as Weber State beat Pepperdine 68-53 in the Desert Division championship game of the Arizona Tip-Off on Saturday night. Tomley shot 7 for 12 (6 for 7 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Wildcats (4-4). Blaise Threatt added 21 points and seven rebounds. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.27 Imo PDP LGA chairmen disown Ugochinyere’s alleged appointment as state leaderWASHINGTON (AP) — Micah Peavy's 24 points helped Georgetown defeat Albany (NY) 100-68 on Saturday night. Peavy added eight assists, four steals, and three blocks for the Hoyas (6-1). Malik Mack scored 16 points while shooting 6 for 8, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Thomas Sorber had 14 points and finished 6 of 9 from the field. Amar'e Marshall led the Great Danes (5-3) in scoring, finishing with 17 points and four steals. Kheni Briggs added 17 points. Justin Neely finished with 12 points. Georgetown took the lead with 9:05 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 49-35 at halftime, with Peavy racking up 17 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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20 analysts have shared their evaluations of Tractor Supply TSCO during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives. The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 7 6 7 0 0 Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0 1M Ago 1 0 0 0 0 2M Ago 5 5 6 0 0 3M Ago 1 0 1 0 0 Analysts have recently evaluated Tractor Supply and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $300.45, accompanied by a high estimate of $335.00 and a low estimate of $250.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 4.94% from the previous average price target of $286.32. Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Tractor Supply. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Zachary Fadem Wells Fargo Lowers Overweight $320.00 $325.00 John Lawrence Benchmark Raises Buy $310.00 $280.00 Michael Lasser UBS Raises Neutral $280.00 $272.00 Matthew McClintock Raymond James Raises Outperform $290.00 $285.00 Seth Sigman Barclays Raises Equal-Weight $250.00 $240.00 Michael Baker DA Davidson Raises Buy $325.00 $300.00 David Bellinger Mizuho Raises Neutral $270.00 $250.00 Seth Basham Wedbush Maintains Neutral $270.00 $270.00 Scot Ciccarelli Truist Securities Lowers Buy $317.00 $325.00 Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform $335.00 $335.00 John Lawrence Benchmark Maintains Buy $280.00 $280.00 Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Raises Outperform $335.00 $300.00 Christopher Horvers JP Morgan Raises Neutral $290.00 $260.00 Scot Ciccarelli Truist Securities Raises Buy $325.00 $293.00 Peter Keith Piper Sandler Raises Overweight $332.00 $300.00 Zachary Fadem Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $325.00 $295.00 Oliver Wintermantel Evercore ISI Group Maintains In-Line $300.00 $300.00 John Lawrence Benchmark Maintains Buy $280.00 $280.00 Karen Short Melius Research Announces Buy $315.00 - Anthony Chukumba Loop Capital Raises Hold $260.00 $250.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Tractor Supply. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company. Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Tractor Supply compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance. Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Tractor Supply's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on Tractor Supply analyst ratings. About Tractor Supply Tractor Supply is the largest operator of retail farm and ranch stores in the United States. The company targets recreational farmers and ranchers and has little exposure to commercial and industrial farm operations. Currently, the company operates 2,270 of its namesake banners in 49 states, including 81 Orscheln Farm and Home stores (rebranded as Tractor Supply), along with 205 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores. Stores are generally concentrated in rural communities, as opposed to urban and suburban areas. In fiscal 2023, revenue consisted primarily of livestock, equine & agriculture (27%), companion animal (25%), and seasonal & recreation (22%). Tractor Supply: Delving into Financials Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position. Revenue Growth: Tractor Supply's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 1.65% . This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Discretionary sector. Net Margin: Tractor Supply's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 6.96%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management. Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 10.51%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital. Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.47%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets. Debt Management: Tractor Supply's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 2.33 . This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage. The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter. Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launchWhite House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed the sightings of ‘drones’ over New Jersey's skies, denying that any evidence suggests a foreign adversary is responsible. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby claimed Thursday that many of the purported drone sightings spotted over New Jersey for the past several weeks are actually lawfully operated manned aircraft. "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus," Kirby told reporters at the daily White House press briefing. "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they're working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin." "Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings," he said. "To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully. The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey, and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels. And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brian Harrell, a former DHS assistant secretary for infrastructure protection under the Trump administration, said Kirby missed a key opportunity to develop trust with the public. NEW JERSEY DRONES: HOUSE SPEAKER JOHNSON SAYS HE'S GETTING A CLASSIFIED BRIEFING TODAY White House national security communications adviser John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) "The government has a unique opportunity to build trust with the American public here, and they are fumbling the ball," Harrell said. "Yes, additional authorities are needed; however, we have the tools and radar capabilities today to understand the details of these drones. While I don’t think foreign nations are involved, it’s clear to me that the government or contractors are testing capabilities." A joint Homeland Security and FBI statement said federal authorities were working with the New Jersey State Police and would continue to "investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings." "Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities. We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection," the statement said. "To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space." Both agencies said threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems are taken seriously. "To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage," they said. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities." Kirby appeared to pass the buck to Congress, calling on lawmakers to "expand existing counterdrone authorities," recognizing the potential threat of unmanned aircraft. "We certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports, even though they have uncovered no malicious activity or intent at this particular stage," Kirby said Thursday. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities, and so we urge Congress to pass important legislation that will extend and expand existing counter drone authorities so that we are better prepared to identify and mitigate any potential threats to airports or other critical infrastructure. And so that state and local authorities are provided all the tools that they need to respond to such threats as well." In this image taken from video provided by MartyA45_, several drones appear to be flying over Randolph, New Jersey, on Dec. 4. (MartyA45_ /TMX via AP, File) Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on Thursday decried the lack of information coming out of the White House. "We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases," Blumenthal said, according to The Independent. "The Biden administration ought to be acting more aggressively against these drones that have been reported. If only to tell the American people who owns them, who’s flying them, what they are. The lack of information is absolutely unacceptable." NEW JERSEY DRONE SIGHTINGS: MILITARY ANALYSTS BREAK DOWN NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, DOUBT HOBBYISTS AT PLAY Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the reported drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety, but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft. The FBI is among several agencies investigating, and it has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information they may have about the drones. At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state's largest aquifer, about 50 miles west of New York City. But soon sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, according to The Associated Press. The aircraft have also recently been spotted in coastal areas. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre looks on as White House national security communications adviser John Kirby answers questions in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend. During a congressional hearing on the matter, FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler testified that the bureau does not know who is responsible for the drones spotted over New Jersey in recent weeks, the Asbury Park Press reported. Smitth said he was told by officials at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst that they don't have permission from the Department of Defense to shoot down the unknown aircraft trailing their boats and retrieve them for analysis. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In an interview with Fox News , Smith said he's written to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin seeking permission. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on X: @danimwallace .