Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman and his staff will open the floodgates in the 2026 recruiting cycle on Sunday. March 17 kicks off the program’s annual Pot of Gold Day campaign, the day the Fighting Irish begin offering most high school sophomore football recruits.

Blue & Gold expects this year’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed recruiting event to be bigger than ever. Over the last two cycles, about 65 recruits reported new Notre Dame offers on Pot of Gold Day. This year, the fourth edition of the event, the Irish could offer more than 90 recruits.

We will have complete coverage of today’s festivities in this live blog. Follow along to read about new Notre Dame offers and how the Irish coaching staff celebrates this huge recruiting effort.

RELATED: What is Pot of Gold Day? Introducing Notre Dame’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed recruiting event

Timeline of Notre Dame Pot of Gold Day offers and other notes

10:50 a.m. ET: The Irish are the fifth school to offer Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville High linebacker Cincere Johnson. The 6-3, 225-pounder will visit Notre Dame later this spring.

10:48 a.m. ET: Notre Dame offers the teammate of 2025 four-star EDGE target Damien Shanklin from Indianapolis Warren Central, 2026 defensive end Jerimy (JJ) Finch.

10:43 a.m. ET: Brunswick (Ga.) High four-star tight end Heze Kent collects a Notre Dame offer. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Kent is the No. 74 overall player, No. 7 “athlete” nationally and No. 10 prospect in Georgia.

10:38 a.m. ET: The Irish offered Carrollton (Ga.) Bowdon tight end Kaiden Prothro.

10:37 a.m. ET: Seffner (Fla.) Armwood cornerback Jaelen Waters recognizes Pot of Gold Day. The Irish originally offered the 6-2, 180-pound Waters on Feb. 28.

10:35 a.m. ET: Notre Dame offers Harrisburg (Pa.) Trinity running back Messiah Mickens, who committed to Penn State on Aug. 19. Mickens is the No. 25 overall player, No. 2 running back nationally and No. 1 prospect in Pennsylvania, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

10:35 a.m. ET: Four-star offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko from Durham (N.C.) South Garner reports a Notre Dame offer. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Ogboko is the No. 23 overall player, No. 3 offensive tackle nationally and No. 3 prospect in North Carolina.

The 6-6, 285-pound Ogboko is the younger brother of former Irish 2024 defensive tackle target Nnamdi Ogboko, who signed with Georgia.

10:32 a.m. ET: Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt posts an offer from the Irish.

10:32 a.m. ET: Decatur (Ill.) Mt. Zion tight end JC Anderson announces a Notre Dame scholarship offer. The 6-foot-7, 230-pounder will check out the Irish later this month.

10:29 a.m. ET: Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden posts on social media about Pot of Gold Day.

Gold price down by Rs 400 per tola today

Gold prices fell in India on Friday, according to data from India’s Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX).

Gold price stood at 65,304 Indian Rupees (INR) per 10 grams, down INR 34 compared with the INR 65,338 it cost on Thursday.

As for futures contracts, Gold prices increased to INR 65,800 per 10 gms from INR 65,595 per 10 gms.

Prices for Silver futures contracts increased to INR 75,624 per kg from INR 75,226 per kg.

Global Market Movers: Comex Gold price lacks firm near-term direction amid Fed rate cut uncertainty

• Data released on Thursday showed that the US producer prices increased more than expected in February, which might force the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated and prompt some selling around the Comex Gold price.
• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Producer Price Index for final demand rose by a 1.6% YoY rate in February as compared to the previous month’s upwardly revised print of 1% and the 1.1% market estimates.
• Separately, the US Department of Labor (DOL) published the usual Initial Jobless Claims data, which showed that the number of individuals filing for unemployment insurance for the first time unexpectedly fell to 209K last week.
• This, to a larger extent, overshadowed softer US Retail Sales figures, which rose by 0.6% in February and pointed to a slowdown in consumer spending during the first quarter amid rising inflation and high borrowing costs.
• Meanwhile, the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool indicates that the markets are still pricing in about a 60% chance that the Fed will cut interest rates at the June policy meeting, helping limit losses for the non-yielding yellow metal.
• Investors turn more cautious over the possibility of more hawkish signals from the Fed, which is evident from a generally weaker tone around the equity markets and lends additional support to the safe-haven XAU/USD.
• Russia moved tactical nuclear weapons from its borders into neighboring Belarus, closer to NATO territory, after President Vladimir Putin threatened a wider military showdown with NATO over the alliance’s backing for Ukraine.
• Traders now look to Friday’s US economic docket – featuring the release of the Empire State Manufacturing Index, Industrial Production figures and the Preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.
• The focus, however, will remain glued to the upcoming FOMC monetary policy meeting, starting next Tuesday, which might provide fresh cues about the Fed’s rate-cut path and determine the near-term trajectory for the metal.

(An automation tool was used in creating this post.)

Gold remains a significant commodity in Nigeria, reflecting both the nation’s economic health and the global market’s fluctuations.

As of March 17th, 2024, the gold prices per gram in Nigeria have been subject to various factors, including global demand, currency exchange rates, and local market conditions.

Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about today’s gold prices in Nigeria.

What is the price of gold per gram in Nigeria today?

As of March 17th, 2024, the gold prices per gram in Nigeria are as follows:

• 24K Gold: ₦112,281.44
• 22K Gold: ₦102,849.80
• 21K Gold: ₦98,246.26
• 18K Gold: ₦84,211.08
• 14K Gold: ₦65,684.64
• 12K Gold: ₦56,140.72
• 10K Gold: ₦46,821.36
• 9K Gold: ₦42,105.54
• 8K Gold: ₦37,389.72

How are these prices determined?

The prices of gold per gram in Nigeria are influenced by the international gold market, the USD to NGN exchange rate, and local market dynamics. The rates are updated frequently to reflect the live spot gold price.

What could affect the future prices of gold in Nigeria?

Several factors could influence the future prices of gold in Nigeria, including:

• Global Economic Stability: Economic downturns or stability can significantly impact gold prices.
• Currency Fluctuations: Changes in the value of the Nigerian Naira against the US dollar can affect gold prices.
• Supply and Demand: The balance between gold production and consumer demand can cause price changes.
• Investor Behavior: Investor decisions based on market conditions can lead to price volatility.

Where can I buy gold in Nigeria?

Gold can be purchased from licensed jewelers, gold traders, and financial institutions offering precious metal investments. It’s crucial to ensure that you’re dealing with reputable sources to avoid counterfeit products.

Gold Price Table (Per Gram in NGN)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to check with local gold traders or stay tuned to Okay.ng.

Gold rate in Qatar recorded a QAR 2,780.74 24k per tola on 17 March 2024. These rates are given in 1 tola, 1 gram, and 10-gramme increments in Qatari Riyal. Every day, the local gold and bullion markets in the Qatar provide live rates.

Live international today gold rate in QAR and its converted price of gold Qatari Riyal facilitates to the Qatari gold souk, gold investors, and individuals for fresh updates.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it’s all here, just a click away! Login Now!

With another potential “Greenslide” in Brisbane, numerous mayors running unopposed, and big pre-poll numbers — voting in local government elections has just officially closed across Queensland. 

More than 1.8 million votes have been cast today so far, according to the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ), amid reports of long wait times at many polling stations.

There have been complaints about long queues to vote at polling booths across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

Many voters told the ABC that the ECQ appeared to be understaffed at many polling stations, with some people saying they had decided to give up and “cop the fine”.

The ABC has been told some polling booths also ran out of ballot papers.

An ECQ spokesperson said queuing times varied “with most queue times reported to be 15 minutes or less”.

“Our team has confirmed we were required to replenish ballot papers at two polling booths this afternoon, and that ballot papers were securely delivered before stock was depleted at a small number of other booths,” the spokesperson said.

“Staffing is allocated to each booth according to expected voter turnout, which is analysed using data from recent Queensland and federal elections.”

But Sunshine Coast locals said the wait time was about an hour at Mooloolaba State School polling booth for most of the day. 

At 5.55pm, the queue was still estimated to be at least 45 minutes long. People who arrived before 6pm were still allowed to vote after the official closing time.

Sunshine Coast Council mayoral candidate John Connolly said the stream of voters had been constant. 

Meanwhile, Gold Coast resident David Curran said he waited just over an hour to cast his vote at Burleigh Waters at Caningeraba State School this afternoon.

Mr Curran said it was the longest he’s ever had to wait to vote. 

“I think the system needs to change, that’s just way too long — it started to rain,” he said.

Live updates

Updates are available. Tap to refresh.

When will we know who won the council elections?

1h agoSat 16 Mar 2024 at 7:29am

By Bridget Judd

Polling booths close at 6pm, and the results will trickle in shortly after. According to Queensland’s electoral commissioner Pat Vidgen, that’s when the “unofficial count” begins.

“Where just the first preferences are looked at and counted and we would expect that by around 7pm, on our website, the votes will start being shown on that and being published.”

That’ll happen through the night until about 11pm, which Mr Vidgen says “will give a good indication on where the first preferences are falling.”

That’s where we’ll leave today’s live coverage, but before we go, I can see some of your questions coming in…

In suspense

Will there be a live results page/blog like the federal/state elections? After all BCC alone has a comparative population!

There surely is — you can follow the live electoral results on the ABC Queensland homepage from 6pm.

You can also subscribe to Queensland mobile alerts to get the latest news sent straight to your phones.

Labor and the Greens are hoping to snatch Enogerra from the LNP

1h agoSat 16 Mar 2024 at 7:19am

By Bridget Judd

Alex Brewster is at Newmarket in Brisbane’s north-west in the ward of Enogerra.

Alex: It’s held by the LNP’s Andrew Wines, who has done so since 2008.

However, his margin was reduced to just 1.8% at the last election, that’s why Labor and the Greens especially believe they’ve got a real shot at snatching it.

If Councillor Wines’s primary vote was to fall, his chances at retaining the ward are slim, even with optional preferential voting.

Rising cost of living, crime and housing front and centre for voters in Townsville

1h agoSat 16 Mar 2024 at 7:09am

By Bridget Judd

Rachael Merritt is in Townsville, where long-serving mayor Jenny Hill is hoping for her fourth term in office.

Rachael: The rising cost of living, crime and housing shortages are the main issues on the minds of voters in Townsville as they head to the polls today.

Long-serving Mayor Jenny Hill is hoping for her fourth term in office, and she’s feeling confident she has the support of the community to return her to the role.

She’s facing competition from two independents, Troy Thompson and Harry Patel.

The other issues on the minds of voters today is road quality, ensuring parks and recreational spaces are preserved, and reinvigorating Townsville CBD.

It’s shaping up to be an interesting race in Logan in the state’s south-east

1h agoSat 16 Mar 2024 at 7:03am

By Bridget Judd

Arianna Levy has been out at Park Ridge State High, where hundreds of people have been filtering in and out to cast their vote.

Arianna: They’re voting for their local mayor, as well as their local councillors — and it is an interesting race, it’s between John Raven and Brett Raguse.

Now, John Raven has run on a platform of social media, advocating for the fact that he is one of the youngest mayors to be in this race. He says that he’s a young mayor for a young city.

Logan [is] one of the fastest growing most diverse and youngest population across the country.

So what are some of the issues front and centre for voters in the council electorate?

“Basically the stigma of the crime, the facilities provided and just the reputation basically,” one voter, Hayley, says.

“Logan can do better and hopefully it will.”

Our reporters across Queensland will join us with the latest on the council elections

1h agoSat 16 Mar 2024 at 7:00am

By Bridget Judd

As we’ve heard today, more than 1.8 million Queenslanders have cast their votes in today’s local government elections, with polls set to close at 6pm (AEST).

Some people have turned out in the spirit of democracy… others just want a sausage (no judgement).

Our reporters across the state will bring you the latest shortly.

View more posts

LNP wary about possible swing to Greens

In Brisbane, there are predictions of a ‘Greenslide’, with incumbent LNP Adrian Schrinner warning voters of the possibility of a Labor-Green Coalition. 

Almost 30 per cent of Queensland votes are in Brisbane — the country’s largest local government authority and the only council where party affiliations are on the ballot paper.

The Liberal National Party (LNP) has dominated Brisbane City Council for almost 20 years, currently holding 19 of the city’s 26 wards.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is vying for a second term amid potential for the Greens to take their ward count from one to five.

In his final pitch today, Mr Schrinner asked voters to “back his team” to avoid a “Green-Labor coalition”. 

“It’s important that we keep Brisbane growing,” he said.

The Labor party currently holds only five wards and is led by first-time candidate and lawyer Tracey Price.

Ms Price, who said she would be making a report to police after 40 of her signs were defaced, said Brisbane was “ready for change”.

“I want to restore all the essential services to the suburbs and make sure that the residents get every dollar that they deserve spent on their suburbs in and around where they are,” she said.

Former Greens councillor for the Gabba ward, Jonathan Sriranganathan, now running for Brisbane lord mayor, said he was hearing from a lot of people who will cast their first vote for the Greens today. 

“West End has always been a really safe area and will do well. But in wards like Paddington, Walter-Taylor and even Enoggera ward, the Greens support is surging like we haven’t seen before so it’s feeling pretty good.”

Councillor charged with murder makes bid for re-election

Further south on the Gold Coast, LNP councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden manned the booths at Arundel State School with a GPS ankle bracelet under his jeans.

The 32-year-old — accused of killing his stepfather last August — accepted voluntary suspension with full pay from the state government and is second on the ballot. 

His lawyers have indicated he will fight the charge at trial.

“Voters always get it right, people can have their say and that’s what democracy is all about,” he said.

If voters re-elect Mr Bayldon-Lumsden, Premier Steven Miles has said he would likely be suspended again.

Mr Bayldon-Lumsden said he would challenge any further suspension.

“The premier is the one who advised me that I am able to run for re-election,” he said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said on Saturday he was “humbly buoyant” after talking to voters. 

“I talk to people in the line and you get a feeling,” he said.

“I make phone calls to booth capitals from all over the city and the feedback has been coming in nicely.

Fifteen mayors running unopposed 

Queensland has 77 councils. Residents in 15 of those council areas won’t have to vote for a mayor because their mayors are running unopposed. 

They include Moreton Bay, the third largest in the state with a population of around half a million, led by Mayor Peter Flannery.

Also unopposed is Queensland’s longest serving mayor of 33 years, John Wharton, of Richmond Shire Council, as well as Lawrence Springborg in Goondiwindi, Ramon Jayo in Hinchinbrook and Samantha O’Toole in Balonne.

Logan Mayor Darren Power has stepped down after 26 years in office, four serving as mayor, with incumbent councillor Jon Raven, former federal MP Brett Raguse and independent James Reid all vying to replace him.

The Sunshine Coast will have its first new mayor since 2012 after Mark Jamieson retired. 

Six candidates have nominated for the role, including former television news presenter Rosanna Natoli and incumbent councillor Jason O’Pray.

Controversial Redlands mayor Karen Williams has opted not to run for her fourth successive term, with former federal MP Andrew Laming, Jos Mitchell, and Cindy Corrie on the ballot to replace her.

In Ipswich, Mayor Teresa Harding is one of six candidates for the top job, including current councillor Sheila Ireland and former councillor David Martin, who were both previously sacked from council.

Speaking at the ballot box today, she said people don’t want to go back to the “dark old days of corruption and dodgy deals”.

When will we know who won?

Polling booths opened at 8am and close at 6pm, and results will trickle in shortly after.

“Our staff go behind doors with scrutineers and start the counting process,” Queensland’s electoral commissioner Pat Vidgen said.

CHENNAI: In Chennai, today, the price of 22-carat gold decreased by Rs 80 per sovereign and is sold at Rs 44,920.

Gold price in Tamil Nadu has been fluctuating for the past few days. Following this, the price has fallen today.

Accordingly, the fall in price per gram of gold is Rs. 10 and a gram is sold at Rs 6,115.

Silver price has grown by 30 paise to Rs. 80.30 per gram and one kg silver is sold at Rs 80,300.