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SM approaches 2025 with cautious optimism
A federal judge found New York City in contempt for its failure to stem violence at its notorious Rikers Island prison complex, as abysmal conditions have continued at the facility nearly a decade after a settlement meant to end them. “The current rates of use of force, stabbings and slashings, fights, assaults on staff, and in-custody deaths remain extraordinarily high, and there has been no substantial reduction in the risk of harm currently facing those who live and work in the Rikers Island jails,” Judge Laura Taylor Swain wrote in her scathing ruling. The decision could put an outside authority, known as a receiver, in direct control of New York City jails. City officials have been directed to draw up receivership plans by mid-January. In 2015, city jails fell under federal oversight as part of the settlement in a class-action lawsuit from prisoners, who argued violence inside facilities like Rikers was so severe it violated their constitutional rights. Since then, despite regular monitoring and a suite of recommendations, violence inside Rikers has gotten “demonstrably worse,” the court wrote on Wednesday, even as New York spends more than $400,000 a year per inmate, six times the average of other large U.S. cities. “One of the most disturbing statistics plaguing the Rikers Island jails is the number of deaths of people in custody in recent years. Nineteen people died in Defendants’ custody in 2022, nine more died in 2023, and five died in the first eight months of 2024,” Wednesday’s ruling reads. The Legal Aid Society and the law firm Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel, which helped bring the original class action, celebrated Wednesday’s ruling as an important step forward, calling it a “historic decision.” “The culture of brutality on Rikers Island has resisted judicial and political reform efforts for years,” they said in a statement to The New York Times . Civil rights advocates also praised the court’s decision. “Rikers Island is dangerous, inhumane, and an unconstitutional nightmare,” the New York Civil Liberties Union told The Independent. “ Today’s historic decision shows by clear and convincing evidence the Department of Correction’s systemic failure to protect the lives of those in its custody, the vast majority of whom are Black and Brown New Yorkers.” The administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Wednesday it had made “significant progress towards addressing the decadeslong neglect and issues on Rikers Island.” “We are proud of our work, but recognize there is more to be done and look forward to working with the federal monitoring team on our shared goal of continuing to improve the safety of everyone in our jails,” a spokesperson told Gothamist. A receiver could dissolve or alter labor contracts for staff in New York City jails, whom critics say have abused policies like unlimited sick leave, often leaving facilities like Rikers understaffed. The ruling marks the latest high-profile accusation of dysfunction at the facility. Earlier this week, attorneys for Harvey Weinstein accused the prison of being like a “gulag” as the disgraced Hollywood mogul awaits a retrial of his 2020 rape conviction. “When I last visited him, I found him with blood spatter on his prison garb, possibly from IVs, clothes that had not been washed for weeks, and he had not even been provided clean underwear – hardly sanitary conditions for someone with severe medical conditions,” Weinstein’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, said in a statement. In 2015, Kalief Browder killed himself after being held in Rikers, often in solitary confinement, for three years without trial on charges related to stealing a backpack. His death generated widespread outrage.
Crystal Palace attacker Eddie Nketiah closing in on hamstring recovery
PASAY CITY, Philippines , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The SM Group is approaching the coming year with cautious optimism, encouraged by the continued growth of the Philippine economy. SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said that despite ongoing challenges of peso volatility and higher inflation, the business sector has adapted well. Consistent demand sustained household spending in the third quarter, with Household Final Consumption Expenditure posting a year-on-year growth of 5.1%, maintaining the same level in the same quarter last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed. "Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands," Mr. DyBuncio said. To cater to growing demand, SM continues to expand into more underserved areas, contributing to sustainable economic development and collaborating with government stakeholders to enhance access to modern retail, financial services, and integrated property developments. "By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities," he said. Mr. DyBuncio also said SM continues to invest in promising ventures such as renewable energy and logistics, that foster economic activity. SM has invested in the clean energy industry through Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) which produces 300 Megawatts of geothermal steam supply. SM aims to continue to develop geothermal concessions through PGPC in support of the Department of Energy's goal of reaching 50% renewable energy supply by 2040. To encourage circularity towards green energy production, SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings partnered with GUUN Co. Ltd. ( GUUN ) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel. SM's banking arm, BDO Unibank is one of the largest funders of renewable energy projects. BDO has funded PHP898 billion in sustainable finance, including loans to 59 renewable energy projects as of December 2023. In logistics and tourism, the improvement of transport networks across the country's archipelago connects tourist and industrial areas that will help create inclusive growth. SM though its subsidiary 2GO launched MV Masigla and MV Masikap in 2024 to help better connect goods to 19 ports across the country including Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Manila , further supporting the government's push for medium term growth through an upgraded tourism infrastructure and ecosystem. "Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future," Mr. DyBuncio said. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sm-approaches-2025-with-cautious-optimism-302339448.html SOURCE SM Investments CorporationFrom the plethora of top tracks that came out in the past 12 months, these are the ones you need to hear. Some rocked, some rolled, some got down and bluesy, some went up country, and we've embedded a handy Spotify list at the bottom. This crunch-rocker from finds the Robinsons saluting the Youngs as only superfans can. “If the record is a love letter to rock‘n’roll,” says Rich Robinson, “then Rats And Clowns is a love letter to .” “I think the old-school fans will be happy, for once,” Billy Corgan snarked of ’ thirteenth album, , and lead-off single is most evocative of the 90s-era Pumpkins’ way with a hook. Savage and wistful in equal measure. When the guitarist split from in 2022, the script had him melting into obscurity. Mars didn’t read it, and while his ex-bandmates unleashed the , 72-year-old Mars arguably sounds spikier and bitier on this feral thrasher. Priest frontman Rob Halford’s disdain for social media drips from this standout from , its pulverising gallop offset by the Metal God’s most Darkness-sounding lyrics (‘The clamour and the clatter of incensed keys, can bring a nation to its knees’). With the real world ravaged by war, famine and AI, it’s no wonder Sheryl Crow keeps hitting the snooze button (‘ ’, she gripes). For the rest of us, this garage-band fuzz-rocker did the job of six espresso shots. It began as a workaday jam with bandmate Craig Ross, but grew into a stately synth-rock epic, complete with squiggly talkbox solo, and a -style video featuring Len getting felt up by a harem of bedouin maidens. We were all ears when Purple kicked off , with their new guitarist Simon McBride building from an urgent chime to a funky vamp before dropping a solo that sounds like it’s sampled from . Sixteen years since , few seriously expected Robert Smith to drag over the line in 2024. Miraculously, the Cure leader not only signed it off, but also caught a little of the old magic in this bleak courtship dance of skeletal piano and industrial drums. The title track from arguably the Canadian rock maverick’s strongest album in years, is a punchy, expansive encapsulation of his heavy, dreamy and good-humoured sides. A hyperactive yet laser-focused, super-hooky swirl of big feelings and empowerment for ‘power nerds’ everywhere. It’s hardly insightful music journalism to point out that the best tune so far from Tommy Henriksen’s project sounds exactly like AC/DC. From the cludding beat and riff-raff to the throat-flaying shriek, these boys have everything except the school blazer – but that’s a good thing. Imagine Judas Priest, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Ghost in one riffy package, styled by Terry Gilliam after a particularly industrial-strength cheese dream... That probably makes these Aussies sound unhinged, so you’ll have to trust us when we say this (the title track from their latest album) is brilliant. The Aussie rock’n’rollers marry the chunky boogies of AC/DC with the nastiness of on this highlight from 2024’s So oomphy and ripping it’ll put tattoos on your skin and a moustache (like frontman Cal Kramer’s) on your face after just one listen. If motorbikes made music, it would sound like this. When the Swedish rockers nailed this monster-banger, they knew everything was going to be fine with their next album, . You can see why. Part nuclear-grade disco boogie, part biting hard rock riff-fest – with a Beastie Boys detour in the bridge – you wouldn’t want to be the band following it up on a festival line-up. One debut album, so many bangers, but we’re including Automatic here for it’s ultra-hooky, air guitar-friendly properties. Feeling a little lethargic? Need a firm but loving kick up the arse? Crank this guy up, dance, and get shit done. They only formed in lockdown, but these Brits rock with the swaggering panache of a much more long-in-the-tooth bunch. If you like and The Black Crowes – and miss the retro revivalism of The Temperance Movement – you need this. Given that syncing all four diaries for BCC is seemingly harder than solving a Rubik’s Cube, the music had better be worth it – and this squelch-funk cousin to Led Zep’s struck up the campaign in style. Jason Isbell will be lucky to get his sideman back: this year’s album revealed a singer-songwriter who deserves his own spotlight, and Vaden’s take on (The Whigs curio, not the Bee Gees standard) sums up the album’s golden crunch. A visceral blues strut and V-sign wafted at the early doubters, toasts the Portsmouth band’s first half-decade and manifests their world domination. ‘Don’t you push me down,’ co-holler Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine, ‘you’d better believe I’m sticking around’. It turns out Herefordshire’s blues cowboy is very good at goodbyes, using the admittedly hackneyed set-up of a toxic relationship to deploy his nastiest fuzz pedals and most stinging slide licks. Stick around for the enjoyably wonky guitar solo. Over summer, the Lovell sisters trailed next year’s with a song they billed as “a rumination on the duality of the human experience”. In practice, is more hips than head, driven by levee-breaking beats and a capella vocals that you feel in your bones. If The Streets’ Mike Skinner – an old friend from the Black Country – fronted an apocalyptic blues band, the result might sound like Big Special’s breakthrough tune, where seismic beats and howls of the damned collide with Brummie gallows humour. Greta Valenti, Robin Davey and co. have gone down various musical rabbit holes over the years. On this single from the brilliant album they’re just here for a good time – a really good time, complete with pounding keyboards, Time Warp-esque energy levels and a melody you can’t help but sing along to. The former Purson mastermind’s latest solo album was made entirely in her own studio. Based on this exhilarating, ambitious highlight, we’d say it gave her the space to make the psychedelic tour de force she’s long had in her. Sumptuous, clever yet catchy stuff. Our favourite track from the rising Brighton stars’ excellent , this is retro fodder of the highest order, with a groove as thick as an anaconda – wrapped in vintage paisley scarves. It’s not difficult to picture them opening for Rival Sons, which they did earlier this year. The Canadian five-piece kick off their EP with this “good old-fashioned dumb rock song” – a 70s glam-stomping delight with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in its lungs and cowboy boots on its feet. If you don’t like it, you’re probably reading the wrong magazine. After 14 years and about 500 studio albums (okay, fine, 26; maths was never our strong point) the Melbourne psych rockers knocked out one of their juiciest singles yet, in the form of this stompy, fuzzy marriage of 70s glam, gang vocals and Frank Zappa-esque missives about adrenaline rushes, recreational gravedigging, Evel Knievel and more. Hot off the Midlands rockers’ new album , Merry-Go-Round capitalises on their influences (The Sweet, T.Rex, Suzi Quatro...) but stands on its own mega-riffed, platform-booted feet – taking a dreamlike detour into Prog Land with a flute solo and some tasty keyboard wizardry. Nice. The Brooklyn brother duo keep on delivering (and improving, even) with this glowing humdinger of an ear worm. Warm, funky and immaculately harmonised, like a Day-Glo dreamscape lined with palm trees and roller-discos. Dangerously addictive. Still daft as a brush when you hold out a dictaphone, but rapidly growing a social conscience on record, the Lancaster band’s seventh album peaked with this glistening power ballad, urging the countless men at the end of their rope to reach out, not check out. The best track on these Peterborough rockers’ new album is also one of their best overall – a stirring embodiment of the big, bittersweet melodies and classy rock tones they do so well, lyrically drawing from dark personal times for singer/guitarist David James Smith (much of which comes from his decision to quit drinking). Once a lost soul – and still prone to wobbles – Hart’s redemptive relationship with her road manager inspired this orchestral ballad. Sung by anyone else it might sound trite, but Hart has earned the sentiment, and it’s quite a thing to hear her life-ravaged roar among the strings. Listening to this in light of the band’s drummer Brit Turner’s death this year (not to mention, more recently, of their longtime British publicist Michelle Kerr) gives this gorgeous acoustic-based ballad an extra level of poignancy. A tender evocation of the hope and heartache endemic in life on this mortal coil. Nudged from his comfort zone by producer , the South Carolina guitarist sounds markedly different on his third album . Heartsick ballad bridges the old and the new, offering the albums’s only long-form virtuoso solo. This Canadian rock’n’soul collective give the Tedeschi Trucks Band a run for their money on , not least thanks to Meghan Parnell’s gorgeously rich, honeyed vocals that sound imbued with the nuances and yearning that make Susan Tedeschi such a force. Since parting ways with reggae-rockers Lionize, frontman Nate Bergman has come into his own as a singer and songwriter of real class. On he hits the sort of notes and storytelling beats that say ‘Sam Cooke’ and ‘Bruce Springsteen’, often in the same breath. One to watch. The British rockers’ debut gets off to a raring start with this raw-throated yet fiercely melodic headbanger, a whirlwind of 90s grunge, early and vibes. Exhilarating, breakneck stuff with a brooding heart. The Macclesfield duo evoke the raw power and T-bone steak riffage of their debut, wrapped in one of 2024’s most incendiary cries of despair. The voice of a troubled heart, reflecting a generation left behind with more fire and eloquence than almost any of their peers manage. These Aussie punk/pub rock big-hitters are at their smartest, funniest and fiercest on , taking aim at singer Amy Taylor’s more brain-dead critics. Plus that bass line is one of the fattest, grooviest things we’ve heard all year. From an album full of absurdly catchy, punk-sized singles, l has that marriage of sugar and human yearning present in all the best powerpop songs. Slightly longer than the average Bad Nerves choon (but still compact), it burrows its way into your heart and stays there. In a parallel universe, we’re all 21 again, losing our inhibitions at the world’s coolest house party, and is the soundtrack. Built on a woozy yet pounding one-note guitar hook, it’ll make you feel drunk in a sexy way just by listening to it. Fresh from their justifiably lauded latest album is the thrusting, insistent sound of these alt.rock heroes refusing to compromise standards or rest on their laurels. So much more than anyone had a right to expect, 26 years on from their last studio release. One of these British progressive stalwarts’ most commanding singles yet, (taken from the excellent ) balances straight-up rocking with deft electronics, complex beats and Bruce Soord’s fragile yet warm, penetrative tenor. Everyone knows That David Gilmour can do the spacey, reverb-soaked guitar stuff in his sleep, but it’s good to hear him get a little down ’n’ dirty on this solo album highlight, which opens with a squeal of feedback and references a ‘night of hard drinking and ecstacy’. Back in 2017 these progressive mavericks from Leeds wowed us with their self-titled debut. Now they’re back with a harder-hitting energy, psychedelic ambiance and flashes of noodly dexterity on this standout banger from their new album Onism. Big and clever. By turns wistful, dreamlike and beautifully strange, tender vignette was the first thing we heard from Bowness’s boundary-blasting new record – at London’s Hope & Anchor, ahead of its release this year. Quietly heartbreaking, spine-tingling stuff. Hackett has a vivid take on the 1950s London of his youth, and this standout from leads us through an evocative soundscape where sirens wail, babies cry, radios crackle and shady figures emerge through pea-soup fog. It’s like a time machine with added shredding. After the sudden death of their frontman David Longdon in 2021, these Brit progressives’ future was thrown into question. Now that future looks bright; they honour the pastoral sensibilities of their past and begin a new chapter on this epic ode to founder Greg Spawton’s childhood home town, and the heartbreaking truths of mortality. Few singers manage to sound sweet and chilling in the way that Iamthemorning’s Marjana Semkina does. Teamed up with Caligula’s Horse vocalist Jim Grey, the dark folk/prog songstress creates a cutglass, Tori Amos-infused spiral of pastoral warmth and haunted dreams on this highlight from her latest solo album. Classic Rock is the online home of the world's best rock'n'roll magazine. We bring you breaking news, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes features, as well as unrivalled access to the biggest names in rock music; from Led Zeppelin to Deep Purple, Guns N’ Roses to the Rolling Stones, AC/DC to the Sex Pistols, and everything in between. Our expert writers bring you the very best on established and emerging bands plus everything you need to know about the mightiest new music releases.
Published 5:39 pm Thursday, December 26, 2024 By Data Skrive The injury report for the New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) ahead of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies (20-10) currently features six players. The Grizzlies have four injured players listed on the report. The matchup is slated for 8:00 PM ET on Friday, December 27. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. The Pelicans enter this game following a 132-129 loss to the Nuggets in overtime on Sunday. Jordan Hawkins’ team-high 25 points paced the Pelicans in the loss. The Grizzlies’ most recent game on Monday ended in a 114-110 loss to the Clippers. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a team-best 24 points for the Grizzlies in the loss. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .BOARDWALKTECH REPORTS SECOND QUARTER FISCAL 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Judge says woman accusing Jay-Z, Sean 'Diddy' Combs of raping her at age 13 can proceed anonymously
DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector came "to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. Syrian citizens stand on a government forces tank that was left on a street Monday as they celebrate in Damascus, Syria. "It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty," the command said on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkey on Monday at the Oncupinar border gate near the town of Kilis, southern Turkey. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Syrian citizens celebrate Monday during the second day of the takeover of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. "Don't be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!" In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. "I haven't seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he's alive." Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. "We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth," he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank Monday along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. "We want to give everyone their rights," Haddad said outside the courthouse. "We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods." But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector "has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. "This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation's capital," Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again." People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Get local news delivered to your inbox!TORONTO — The federal government's "meaty" move to pause federal sales tax on a long list of items and send cheques to millions of Canadians this spring could factor into an improving outlook for growth in 2025, one economist says. Bank of Montreal chief economist Doug Porter says the moves, which will cost about $6.3 billion, could put some upward pressure on inflation. But he notes that the measures come at a time when inflation has cooled and policy makers are looking to boost the economy rather than tamp down price growth. BMO Economics believes the tax cut will drive additional spending, so it's raising its growth forecast for the first quarter to 2.5 per cent from 1.7 per cent. The GST break, which would begin Dec. 14 and end Feb. 15, applies to a number of items including toys, diapers, snack food, restaurant meals and beer and wine. Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 would also receive a $250 cheque in the spring. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024. The Canadian Press
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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 Solution © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Gemini Daily Horoscope Today, December 27, 2024 predicts opportunities in foreign universities
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