After our recently elected councillors decided their council telephone numbers would not be listed publicly, another controversial issue has arisen. or signup to continue reading It was reported by a Melbourne newspaper that Bendigo council offered an Enterprise Agreement 'pay deal' to staff, which if accepted included a clause totally irrelevant to staff's employment. Specifically, that references to Australia Day be replaced with '26 January Public Holiday'. I sought clarification of this and other matters through council's Customer Requests. I've been advised of the following. "Regardless of how a future agreement may come together, the City of Greater Bendigo has no plans to make any changes to the way Australia Day is celebrated in our community". That may appear reassuring to the vast majority of people, according to polls, who wish for the continuation of a national day of celebration named Australia Day. However, by '26 January Public Holiday' being included in an Enterprise Agreement, that indicates to me the likely beginning within our council to rename Australia Day, despite their assurance there are; "no plans to make any changes to the way Australia Day is celebrated in our community". Council confirmed the offer of three extra days "Sorry Business Leave" annually, to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees a period of mourning and bereavement. Also, included in the first offer not supported by a majority of staff, was a one-off "signing on" bonus of $500 per employee in exchange for a yes vote. Readers not supportive of council's intentions could email all nine councillors and request their prompt representation by combining to ensure Australia Day will continue to be named and recognised by council. Perhaps, also advise their thoughts on councillor's telephone numbers not being made public. Thank you to Bendigo Health for the outstanding support I received during my recent stay in hospital. From the Ambos, doctors, physios, nurses, all support staff, volunteers, etc and especially ward 6A staff, I was so impressed with all and its reassuring to know we have such a magnificent facility employing such caring people. Thank you so much. While we wish everyone a Merry Christmas, the Festive Season is sadly the busiest time for our nation's specialist frontline family violence support and emergency services. With calls for help increasing every year, in some areas police are attending a family violence incident every four minutes - but we know most don't reach out. Family violence is indiscriminate, impacting people from all walks of life, and looks different for every individual but creating a single opportunity for someone to speak out might just change a statistic. Learn more about family violence by visiting www.1800respect.org.au. If you need support or advice, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. I wish everyone a safe Christmas and New Year. Across 2024, we have been able to achieve some truly incredible things for our region. This includes wins for individuals and community groups, securing funding for major projects, improving service delivery in our towns, and making Labor backflip on some poor and out-of-touch decisions that would impact our community. Some highlights include: While these are some major wins for our region and everyone that lives in them, there remains a lot of work to be done. Under this Labor Government, too many crucial services have been neglected. Our schools, hospitals, roads, and emergency services are just some of the areas suffering at the moment that we will keep fighting for. After 10 years of Jacinta Allan and Labor, regional Victorians continue to suffer the pain on housing. The housing affordability crisis has never been worse and more than 12 months on from Labor's "landmark" housing statement, it has abandoned a pledge to build 80,000 homes a year. At the same time, in a cruel double-whammy, Labor continues to raise property taxes. Victoria is now the highest-taxed state in the nation, with Labor introducing 57 new or increased taxes, including 29 property-based taxes. Social housing should provide a haven for those in need, but social housing stock has never been more strained. While Labor spends up on its big city "Big Build", regional areas are ignored. Regional Victorians are being crushed by soaring rents, rising property taxes, and the difficulty of saving for a home. The Housing Industry Association states "Government taxes and charges account for as much as 50 per cent of the cost of a new house and land package". No wonder the cost of homes continues to be out of reach for so many. Regional communities need affordable housing solutions, targeted investment, and policies that prioritise them - not another decade of Labor's ignorance. Labor can't manage housing, can't manage money, and regional Victorians are paying the price. Click for more letters. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty kick again and Federico Valverde gifted a late goal as Real Madrid lost ground to Barcelona in the Spanish league after a 2-1 loss at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Mbappé had his penalty saved by Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala in the 68th minute, and Valverde lost possession on defense to allow an easy winner by Gorka Guruzeta in the 80th. “We knew that he is a good penalty taker,” Agirrezabala said of Mbappé. “He missed the last one and I believed that he was going to choose the same side and luckily that’s what happened.” Valverde had control of the ball but gave it away while trying to get past a few Athletic players instead of passing it to a teammate, leaving Guruzeta with an easy run into the area for his goal. Álex Berenguer had put the hosts ahead in the 53td and Jude Bellingham equalized for Madrid in the 78th. Mbappé had also missed a penalty in Madrid's 2-0 loss at Liverpool in the Champions League last week. He didn't take the one for the club in a Spanish league match on Sunday, but he scored in the 2-0 win over Getafe to ease some of the pressure on him and the club. But it was another lackluster outing for Mbappé, who continues to struggle in his first season since finally joining the Spanish powerhouse. “I won’t evaluate the performance of a player because of a missed penalty. Obviously he is sad and disappointed, but you have to move on,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said about Mbappé. “He is not at his best level, but you have to give him time to adapt. You have to give him time to be able to do better.” The defeat left Madrid four points behind Barcelona, which on Tuesday ended a three-match winless streak in the league with a 5-1 rout at Mallorca. Madrid, which has a game in hand, had won three consecutive league games since a 4-0 loss at home in the “clasico” against Barcelona. Madrid has lost five of its last 11 matches in all competitions. Athletic moved to fourth place with the victory, its fourth consecutive across all competitions. Both matches on Tuesday and Wednesday were moved forward in the schedule because the clubs will be playing in the Spanish Super Cup in January. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Rajnandgaon, Dec 21 (PTI) Six persons, including four cops, were arrested on Saturday for allegedly committing forgery in the ongoing constable recruitment drive in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district to favour some candidates in the selection process, police said. Those held have been identified as constables Yogesh Dhruve, Dharmraj Markam, Pushpa Chandravanshi and Paridhi, and two workers of a private firm providing technical assistance for the drive, Pavan Sahu and Nuteshwari Dhruve, they said. Also Read | Delhi Excise Policy Scam: AAP Rejects Claims of LG VK Saxena Granting Sanction to ED To Prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, Says 'ED Must Show Order Copy'. Pushpa, Paridhi and Nuteshwari are women, police said. The drive to recruit constables for Rajnandgaon Police Range began on the premises of the 8th battalion of Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) on November 16 and is being held with technical support from Hyderabad-based Timing Technology Company, a police official said. Also Read | Mohali Building Collapse: Multi-Agency Rescue Effort On After Building Collapses in Punjab's Sohana, 5 Feared Trapped, CM Bhagwant Mann Says 'Will Take Action Against Culprits'. The police range covers the districts of Rajanandgaon, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki and Kabirdham. The private company manages the technical equipment used in the recruitment process and storage of data, the official said. On December 17, an FIR was registered on the complaint of Deputy Superintendent of Police Tanupriya Thakur, in charge of a shot put event under the Physical Efficiency Test during the drive, after she found a candidate's marks to be forged, he said. She also noticed that the equipment used to record marks had been tampered with to benefit some candidates, he said. Examination of CCTV footage, mobile chats and statements of witnesses pointed to the involvement of these six accused in the malpractice following which they were apprehended, he said. Further investigation into the matter is underway, the official said. A constable, Anil Ratnakar, suspected to be involved in the alleged irregularities was found hanging from a tree in Rampur village under Lalbag police station limits in the morning, police said. “A note written with a pen was found on the left palm of Ratnakar, which stated employees were being targeted in the alleged irregularities in recruitment and officers protected. Prima facie, it seems to be a case of suicide and further investigation is underway,” Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said earlier. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)The Hyperallergic Art Crossword: December 2024

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WORKERS will save as little as 1p a day under income tax changes in today’s Holyrood Budget — but face massive council tax hikes. Finance Secretary Shona Robison boasted most Scots “will be better off”, despite an end to the rates freeze signalling rises of £71 to £284 a year for typical homes . 3 Shona Robison announced the Scottish Government's draft budget today Credit: PA 3 She said most Scots will be "better off" despite confirming major tax hikes Credit: SCIOT GOV/UNPIXS 3 Scotland income tax brackets compared to the rest of the UK. Numbers in red show Scots worse off, while numbers in green represent being better off. Her income tax tweaks are worth a maximum of a fiver a year to more than a million low earners. Top accountant Bruce Cartwright said: “This small gain will be completely wiped out.” The Nats finance secretary confirmed the end of the council tax freeze - imposed on local authorities last year by Humza Yousaf - and did not bring in a cap on the tax. It came in a budget that was blasted as a “con” over the lack of clarity on council tax and measly income tax breaks dressed up as boosts to Scots. READ MORE ON THE SCOTTISH SUN 'RECORD FUNDING' Scots Finance Minister says 'no reason' for councils to impose tax hikes 'RABBIT OUT THE HAT' SNP announce huge change to two-child benefit cap in Scottish Budget Ms Robison also announced at her budget: A freeze on income tax for the rest of the parliament, and a 3.5 per cent increase to thresholds for the Basic and Intermediate rates Confirmation of a £101million fund for a universal £100 winter fuel benefit for state pensioners £2billion more for Scotland’s NHS And pledges to scrap the two-child cap - a policy designed to pile the pressure on Scottish Labour to back the budget - were also ridiculed as a “policy without a penny”. The spending plans were announced just over a month after the UK Government provided the Scottish Government with a cash boost of £3.4billion last year in their budget. Most read in The Scottish Sun STAR LOST Legendary BBC star dies aged 86 as family pay tribute to his 'amazing life' GER HIT Rangers star sent off in B team game for off the ball clash 'MORE TIME' Tulisa breaks her silence after deleting I’m A Celeb posts & snubbing spin-off FERGIE TIME Lewis Ferguson 'lined up for AC Milan move' with other top club linked Experts said this was a “significant” increase in spending power for ministers - and Ms Robison chose to splash the cash on benefits , local government, and the health service. Announcing a record £1billion uplift for councils, Ms Robison, also committed the government to a “no freeze, no cap” policy on council tax, paving the way for possible gigantic hikes this year for Scottish households. BUDGET REACTION: Rachel Reeves bails out SNP - but is it a trap? An average Band D property in Scotland currently pays £1,418 in council tax. But with a 5 per cent hike, that could increase by £71 per year - or £6 per month. A 10 per cent increase would see £142 per year increase, with a 15 or 20 per cent increase hitting £213 and £283 respectively. EMPTY PROMISES By Lewis McKenzie THE Finance Secretary promised funds to meet NHS waiting targets in 2026 - despite Nats ministers already promising to hit them by THIS YEAR. Shona Robison announced that £200million would be committed in a bid to cut waiting times for patients, with the intention of having no-one waiting for longer than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment or day case treatment by March 2026. However, it echoes similar promises made by the SNP Government in 2022, when then-Health Secretary Humza Yousaf announced that the NHS here would aim to “eradicate waits of more than two years”, and then “one year in most specialties” by September 2024. In her Budget statement, Ms Robison told MSPs: “I am today investing almost £200million in our plan to reduce waiting times and improve capacity, to reform the service and make it more efficient, and remove blockages that keep some patients in hospital far too long. Because of today’s record funding, our health service can reduce waiting times. “By March 2026, no-one will wait longer than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment or day case treatment. The extra funding we are providing will see over 150,000 extra patients treated as a result.” But, opponents accused Nats chiefs of “moving the goalposts”, as they said it would be “cold comfort” to those stuck waiting for help. Scottish Tory shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “The SNP’s only vision for our NHS is rehashing old promises they have already broken. “Trying to talk this up as a new pledge is some shameless spin from the Nationalists, who are out of ideas when it comes to tackling the permanent crisis in our NHS.” Aberdeenshire Council earlier this year floated to residents the idea of a 20 per cent increase to their council tax, equal to an average rise of £27.87 per month - in order to bring in £33.7million and make no savings to budget. And Perth and Kinross Council told residents they faced a whopping hike of 10 per cent this year - equal to an £11.70 per month increase - followed by the same increase in 2026/27, and a six per cent increase in 2027/28. Scottish Borders Council was also considering a potential 10 per cent increase to their council tax for the coming years. In her speech to MSPs Ms Robison warned councils there was “no reason” for significant increases. She said: “While it will be for councils to make their own decisions, with record funding, there is no reason for big increases in council tax next year.” Quizzed by reporters after her speech on whether any councils could decide to raise tax by double-digits, Ms Robison said she would be “very surprised” if any did so. She said: “I think reason will prevail in that local administrations, of various political colours, will not want to have to go out to their public and say, ‘I know we got record levels of funding, but we’re going to hike your council tax up anyway’. “I don’t think that makes any political sense and I’d be very surprised if any local authority was to put themselves in that position.” SMALL BUSINESSES SIDELINED By Lewis McKenzie FAILURE to include small retailers and leisure firms in a rates relief extension was last night described as a “bitter pill to swallow”. Finance Secretary Shona Robison confirmed the Scottish Budget will provide a 40 per cent rates relief for most hospitality venues here - having been urged to replicate measures put in place by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the UK Budget. Ms Robison said that choices had to be made in the Budget about what is “proportionate” as she defended her decision not to expand the support further. But while welcoming the rates relief for a majority of hospitality firms, the Federation of Small Businesses policy chair Andrew McRae said: “The refusal to extend the same rates relief to our small retailers and leisure providers is a bitter pill to swallow. “The pressures they are facing are exactly the same as those in England and Wales, where relief has continued to be available since July 2022 – the last time such relief was offered in Scotland. “As a result, many retailers will face yet more difficult decisions in the months ahead as they look to protect the future of their businesses and employees.” Speaking to journalists after the Budget, Ms Robison said: “Whatever we did on business rates relief had to be sustainable because we ain’t going to get any consequentials for it next year. “So, whatever we did is probably going to be something the public purse will have to support on an ongoing basis.” And SNP sources claimed that the “no cap, no freeze” policy plus a £1billion boost for local government funding had reduced the impact of planned tax hikes. A senior Scottish Government source said: “We have turned double digits into single digit. “I don’t think double digit council tax rises are needed or reasonable.” Council leaders will meet today to discuss the budget, with Cosla saying they would “spend the coming days analysing the implications for local authorities and the communities we serve.” Experts said last night that the massive potential increases to council tax would “wipe out” any benefits from the income tax handouts from ministers. Ms Robison announced a 3.5 per cent increase in the thresholds for the Basic and Intermediate rate - but this only sees £5 to £15 more in people’s pay packets next year. KEY PLEDGES FROM THE SCOTTISH BUDGET By Lewis McKenzie HEALTH : A “record” £21billion for health and social care, with a promise to end waits of over 12 months for a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment or day case treatment by March 2026. COUNCILS : An increase in local government funding of £1billion, while there is no freeze or cap on council tax, paving the way for rises. JUSTICE : Almost £4.2billion funding for the justice system, including £1.62billion for policing, with £3million towards tackling retail crime such as shoplifting. BENEFITS : A promise of funding to mitigate the two-child benefits cap in Scotland, with the aim to do this by April 2026. TAX : No changes to income tax bands, with rates frozen until 2026. The basic and intermediate rate thresholds will increase by 3.5 per cent. HOUSING : Investment of £768million into affordable homes, with funding of £4million aimed at tackling homelessness and prevention pilots. CLIMATE : Funding of £4.9billion towards tackling the climate and nature emergencies BUSINESS : Non-domestic rates relief of 40 per cent for the majority of hospitality firms in Scotland, while the Small Business Bonus Scheme is protected. LBTT (STAMP DUTY) : Commitment to maintain residential rates and bands at their current levels for LBTT. CULTURE : Increase to culture budget by £34million next year, with non-domestic rates support for music venues. TRANSPORT : Investment of £1billion aimed at improving road safety, including continuing to dual the A9, as well as £1.1billion to maintain and renew the country’s rail infrastructure. That is the equivalent to around 1p a day - far less than any council tax hike. Bruce Cartwright, chief executive of ICAS, said the income tax changes offered a “glimmer of hope”. But he added: “But to put this increase into context, it isn’t as much as you would expect – for example, someone earning £25,000 a year will only be £5 better off. “And if they see their council tax bill go up by more than that, this small gain will be completely wiped out.” Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy blasted the announcement. He said: “Shona Robison’s income tax plans in reality are a con. “Scots won’t be fooled when they know they will still be facing higher bills under the SNP.” Ms Robison also came under fire for her pledge to “effectively scrap” the two-child cap - but only by 2026. Ministers say they need they can only do so after the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions provide the data needed for the policy to be brought in. And they claim it could even need legislation to be passed in Westminster . COMMENTARY By ROSS MARSHALL, Tax Partner at PwC Scotland This budget promised record funding for the NHS and local government; more affordable housing; and claimed that 60 per cent of Scots will be better off compared with those south of the Border. The big question is whether ordinary Scots will feel any better off, and if so, when. In welcome relief for taxpayers, the Finance Secretary froze income tax for the remainder of the Parliament. The announcement of a 3.5% increase in the Basic and Intermediate income tax rates will be welcomed by many, although workers in the Higher, Advanced and Top rate tax brackets will see no changes - and no increase in their monthly take home pay. The young and the elderly were specifically singled out. The two-child benefit cap looks set to go from 2026 onwards, subject to joint working with the Department for Work and Pensions. Many families will welcome the new funding being made available to provide free school meals to P6 and P7 pupils from lower-income households, as well as a proposed pilot scheme for free breakfast clubs across Scotland’s primary schools. In a departure from the rest of the UK, the universal winter heating payment will be restored to every pensioner household. For business operators liable to pay Non-Domestic Rates, the Basic Property Rate on properties (those with a rateable value up to £51,000) is frozen at 49.8p and hospitality owners will welcome the 40% relief for properties which are liable for the Basic rate (capped at £110,000 per business). However, there may be some raised eyebrows at the failure to mirror the UK Government’s approach to rates relief for retail and leisure businesses. And while first-time buyers, among others, will be relieved to hear no further increases to LBTT, landlords or property owners with more than one property will swiftly be impacted by an increase in the Additional Dwelling Supplement to 8% - on top of the standard rates of LBTT already due. The cost of the policy is also estimated to be as much as £250million - but no money has been put towards the plans this year other than a few million for developing the IT software needed to deliver the benefit. The policy has been a thorn in the side of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar who promised to lobby the Prime Minister , Sir Keir Starmer , over its scrapping. Mr Sarwar backs scrapping the cap himself, but admitted the UK Labour government would not do so after winning the election. But Paul O’Kane, Scottish Labour’s social security spokesman, blasted the move as being without substance. WHAT IS THE BUDGET? Put simply, the Budget is a document published annually by the Scottish Government setting out their plans for taxation and spending over the coming fiscal year - which runs from April 1 to March 30. It is accompanied by the Budget Bill, which sets out those plans in a legal document. MSPs then go on to debate this, with amendments voted upon, before the Bill is passed and becomes law. There will be around £60billion available for spending - mainly funded through annual funding from the UK Government, known as the Scottish block grant, and devolved tax revenues. For this coming year, the UK Government has said it will provide a block grant of £47.7billion - which it says includes an additional £3.4billion as a result of October's UK Budget. This is as a result of the decisions taken by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the UK Budget in October. At the time, Ms Reeves said the SNP must use the money “wisely”, with First Minister John Swinney having promised his Government will deliver “careful stewardship” of the public finances. He said: “Labour will engage constructively but in reality this is a policy without a penny. “There is no funding allocated to this commitment and no plan within Shona Robison’s budget to deliver it.” John Swinney requires at least two votes to pass the budget - which will be voted on at Stage 1 in the new year . But the Scottish Greens last night said it required major changes before they backed it. The party’s finance spokesman, Ross Greer, said: “The Government has agreed to more modest Green proposals like free ferry travel for young islanders, free bus travel for asylum seekers and higher tax on the purchase of holiday homes, but these measures are not nearly enough to make up for the cuts elsewhere. “Big changes will be needed if they expect the Scottish Greens’ support.” And Scottish Lib Dem leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said that the budget’s inclusion of some of his party’s demands did not “guarantee support”. He said: “Let me be clear, this does not guarantee our support. As in all budgets, the devil will be in the detail.” Read more on the Scottish Sun DECEMBER MISERY Scots face blizzards and travel chaos as weather map reveals 75mph storm CHOC OFF Mums fume at Poundland’s ‘rotten’ advent calendar they thought was ‘for dogs’ Joao Sousa, Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, added: “This was a Budget with an eye on the election, but storing up risks. “And crucially, what was left unsaid was just as consequential as what Shona Robison mentioned in her speech.”NEW DELHI: BJP Thursday attacked Congress for using a "distorted" map of India on a banner at its executive committee meeting venue in Karnataka's Belagavi . The party's charge came after its Karnataka unit posted pictures on X of a banner and a welcome flex allegedly put up by Congress ahead of the meeting. "INC Karnataka has shown utter disrespect for India's sovereignty by displaying a distorted map at their Belagavi event, portraying Kashmir as part of Pakistan. All this just to appease their vote bank. This is shameful," the state unit said on X. Later, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said, "Congress is displaying posters in which the map of India with Mahatma Gandhi's image has completely excluded the regions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin. This is reprehensible and condemnable." He accused Congress of "appeasement politics" and asked whether this was done at the instance of US-based billionaire investor George Soros, whom BJP has accused of sponsoring a campaign against PM Modi. "Congress is working with forces trying to destroy India," he added. "Why is India's map being shown after removing different parts of the country? Is it just a coincidence or part of a systematic anti-India experiment? At whose behest is this happening?" he asked, adding, "Is there a signal coming from some Soros secret service or from other anti-India forces based abroad with whom Congress gets along well?" Trivedi added, "I want to assure everyone the govt under PM Modi is alert about all such forces. We are fully confident the people of the country are equally alert and keeping an eye on such forces." Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .

Voting "FOR” ONLY the Board's Four Nominees on the WHITE proxy Card Will Help Ensure that Shareholders Realize the Significant Value Expected from UDF IV's Transaction with Ready Capital Troubling Pattern of Value Destruction at NexPoint-Managed Funds Should Raise Concerns for Shareholders Visit UDFForshareholders.com for Voting Instructions and Other Information IRVING, Texas, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Development Funding IV ("UDF IV” or the "Trust”) today reminds all shareholders to vote on the WHITE proxy card "FOR” the Board's four highly qualified nominees - Steven J. Finkle, Lawrence S. Jones, J. Heath Malone and Phillip K. Marshall - in advance of the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting”), which will be held on December 10, 2024. Shareholders are encouraged to visit UDFForShareholders.com for more information and voting instructions. As shareholders consider their vote, UDF IV reminds them that: If NexPoint gains control of the Board and the Trust, NexPoint will be in a position to deprive shareholders of the value and liquidity you will receive from the Ready Capital transaction the current Board has negotiated and approved. Do not be misled - supporting NexPoint's dissident trustees will enable NexPoint to continue to implement what we expect will be a self-serving, value destructive agenda. Remember that only your latest dated proxy counts and that a vote on the green proxy card to "WITHHOLD” on the NexPoint nominees could revoke your votes "FOR” the UDF IV nominees on the WHITE proxy card. Please simply discard any green proxy card sent to you by NexPoint and vote every UDF IV WHITE proxy card you receive as you may hold your shares in multiple accounts. Shareholders have the opportunity to allow UDF IV to continue its work to protect and enhance shareholder value by reelecting the four independent Trustees - Steven J. Finkle, Lawrence S. Jones, J. Heath Malone and Phillip K. Marshall - who oversee our efforts to protect the value of your investment. We urge you to vote "FOR” ONLY the four nominees proposed by the Board of Trustees on the WHITE proxy card included in the enclosed UDF IV proxy materials. UDF IV shareholders with questions or who require assistance with respect to voting their shares are encouraged to contact UDF IV's proxy solicitor: INNISFREE M&A INCORPORATED Shareholders may call: 1 (877) 750-9496 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada) +1 (412) 232-3651 (from other countries) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION WITH READY CAPITAL The Ready Capital transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to the approval of UDF IV shareholders and other customary closing conditions. UDF IV expects to call a special meeting of its shareholders to approve the proposed transaction and to distribute a proxy statement and other documents to its shareholders in connection with the special meeting. Ready Capital expects to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, containing a prospectus and the UDF IV proxy statement, and other documents with respect to the proposed transaction. The Ready Capital prospectus and the UDF IV proxy statement will contain important information about the proposed transaction and related matters. WE URGE YOU TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS AND THE UDF IV PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO EACH OF THEM) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY READY CAPITAL WITH THE SEC AND MADE AVAILABLE BY UDF IV CAREFULLY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT READY CAPITAL, UDF IV AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. You may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the prospectus and other relevant documents filed by Ready Capital with the SEC (if and when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Ready Capital with the SEC are also available free of charge on Ready Capital's website at www.readycapital.com. UDF IV shareholders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other relevant documents made available by UDF IV free of charge on www.udfonline.com. About United Development Funding IV United Development Funding IV is a Maryland real estate investment trust. UDF IV was formed primarily to generate current interest income by investing in secured loans and producing profits from investments in residential real estate. Additional information about UDF IV can be found on its website at www.udfiv.com. UDF IV may disseminate important information regarding its operations, including financial information, through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the timing of the closing of the Ready Capital transaction, the estimated amount of the special dividend to be paid to UDF IV's shareholders, the estimated contingent consideration expected to be paid and the potential future of UDF IV under NexPoint's control. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or future events. Such forward-looking statements generally can be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "may,” "will,” "expect,” "intend,” "anticipate,” "estimate,” "believe,” or other similar words. Readers should be aware that there are various factors, many of which are beyond UDF IV's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made in this release including, among others, the results of the trustee elections at the Annual Meeting, the risk that the Ready Capital transaction will not be consummated within the expected time period or at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement; the inability to obtain UDF IV shareholder approval of the transaction or the failure to satisfy the other conditions to completion of the transaction; risks that will affect the amount of the special dividend to UDF IV shareholders, including, among others, developments in litigation involving UDF IV; risks that will affect the amount of contingent consideration, if any, including, among others, the performance of specified UDF IV loans and developments in litigation involving UDF IV; risks related to disruption of management attention from the ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction on the operating results and businesses generally of Ready Capital and UDF IV; the outcome of any legal proceedings relating to the transaction; and the ability to retain key personnel. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this letter. UDF IV undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Contact: Investor Relations 1-800-859-9338 [email protected] Media Contact: Mahmoud Siddig / Lucas Pers / Dylan O'Keefe Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (212) 895-8668

The company opens international research contest to strengthen technology leadership; open for entries until January 31, 2025 Selected researchers to receive annual research funding of up to USD 150,000 annually BIC program revamped to enhance two-way collaboration between industry and academia SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) has announced its launch of the 'Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) 2025' to identify and support the next groundbreaking battery technologies. Innovators from universities and research institutions worldwide are encouraged to submit proposals until January 31, 2025 , at https://bridge.lgensol.com/ . Since its inaugural competition in 2017, BIC has been LG Energy Solution's flagship research contest. This year's edition has been revamped to foster greater collaboration between academia and industry. Selected researchers will receive annual research funding of up to USD 150,000 annually. Additional funding may be granted to projects making significant achievements through extended contracts. Maximizing Industry–Academia Benefits through Two-way Communication Unlike previous iterations of the competition, 'BIC 2025' allows participants to submit proposals on specific topics pre-announced by LG Energy Solution. "By presenting specific research optics, we aim to go beyond merely supporting academia and maximize the mutual benefits between the industry and academia," said an LG Energy Solution spokesperson. To facilitate active collaboration, LG Energy Solution has introduced the ' BRIDGE ' system, a platform designed to manage open innovation programs like BIC. The system facilitates seamless collaborations with features that help teams working on joint research projects track their objectives and deliverables. LG Energy Solution has unveiled the preselected 18 research topics for collaborative projects on the ' BRIDGE ' platform, such Battery Safety diagnosis algorithm technology and New materials for LFP Batteries topic. At the same time, the contest retains its traditional format to ensure participants are free to propose completely original research ideas. All research proposals must be submitted through the ' BRIDGE ' system. "Providing Differentiated Customer Value via Enhanced Technology Leadership" To protect the original ideas of every participant, LG Energy Solution has split the application process into two stages: initial proposals that provide concise information, followed by detailed proposals from a shortlist of candidates. This change aims to safeguard the ideas of researchers not selected for funding. "The BIC platform serves as a bridge of wisdom between members of academia and industry, driving technological innovation for the all-important battery sector," said Je-Young Kim , CTO of LG Energy Solution. "Through this initiative, we aim to provide differentiated value to our customers by strengthening our technology leadership." As of today, LG Energy Solution has supported 26 battery research projects through the 'BIC' initiative, with some evolving into large-scale projects that have received additional funding and resources. Thanks to the success of this competition, the company continues to establish partnerships with world-leading universities and research institutions, reinforcing its commitment to preparing the battery field for the future. About LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 58,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia , includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-energy-solution-hosts-battery-innovation-contest-bic-2025-to-foster-breakthrough-battery-technologies-302339134.html SOURCE LG Energy SolutionPanama president rules out talks with Trump over canal threatBlame it on the food and drink?