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Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that Intel may be eyeing Apple's renowned chip executive, Johny Srouji, to potentially fill the position of the company's new CEO. This move comes as Intel seeks to revamp its leadership and reinforce its position in the competitive semiconductor industry. If the rumors hold true, Srouji would bring a wealth of expertise and innovation to Intel, leveraging his successful track record at Apple to steer the company towards a new era of growth and technological advancement.Cyberpunk 2077 fans, get ready to immerse yourself in a whole new world as CD Projekt Red has officially announced the upcoming 2.2 update for the game. Anticipation runs high as players eagerly await the release of this update which promises to bring exciting new content and surprises to the futuristic dystopian universe of Night City.
[WHY?] Why did Yoon declare martial law? Korea's political YouTubers might be to blame
In the world of entertainment and stardom, it is not uncommon to see the torch being passed down from one generation to the next. Such is the case with Taiwanese Mandopop star Jimmy Lin and his son, Kimi Lin, who has been making waves recently with his striking good looks and undeniable talent.
In conclusion, the US's comeback in the Middle East is reshaping the global balance of power and disrupting the anti-US narrative that has long prevailed in international relations. While this shift may have positive implications for stability and cooperation in the Middle East, it also raises concerns about potential consequences for regions such as the Taiwan Strait. As the US recalibrates its foreign policy priorities, the Taiwan Strait may indeed be the first to feel the pressure of these shifting dynamics. It is crucial for all stakeholders to carefully navigate these evolving geopolitical currents to ensure peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Virginia state Sen. Barbara Favola thinks it makes sense to have Standards of Learning tests available in other languages. The Arlington Democrat says this will help evaluate how Virginia students learning English as a second language are doing with other core classes. She’s introducing a bill requiring the state Department of Education to develop SOL tests in languages besides English. The aim is to help teachers pinpoint where a child may be struggling to get a concept down — whether, for instance, flubbing an arithmetic word problem is a matter of not multiplying or dividing numbers correctly or not reading English well enough to understand the problem. “This is a way to help school systems see what they need, if curriculum needs changing, how a student is doing and what they need,” Favola said. The purpose of SOL tests is to see if students are meeting the goals the state Board of Education sets for what they need to learn, the state Department of Education says. The tests begin in third grade, and high school students need to pass SOL tests for English and other required courses in order to graduate. In Virginia schools, “children are going to learn English, gain mastery," Favola siad. "This is not about preferring another language." “Schools are among the first institutions families touch when they arrive in the United States, but how will a school system assess where a child is before they’ve achieved English mastery?” she said. Making SOL tests more useful is a concern of the state Senate’s only teacher, Schuyler VanValkenburg, a Henrico Democrat who is also planning a bill that aims to do that. “The short answer is: No,” VanValkenburg said when asked whether teachers he knows are able to use students’ SOL test results to focus the help they give individual students who may be having trouble with a concept. “The problem isn’t testing. It’s poor testing,” he said. One issue that’s a particular problem for students still learning English and those with special needs is that many SOL tests are based on multiple choice questions. That puts a premium on rote memorization instead of writing and analysis, he said. Another is a lack of transparency. “There’ll be 40 questions for the whole span of U.S. history, but what they’ll ask about we don’t know,” VanValkenburg said. In New York, which also requires passing statewide tests to graduate from high school, the same questions come up year after year, said VanValkenburg, who grew up in upstate New York. “It’s not about gotcha. It’s about saying this is what’s important,” he said of the New York approach. The summaries Virginia teachers receive of their students’ SOL test results do not contain information specific enough to be of much use, he said. Favola’s bill does not specify which languages to use in SOL testing, but she said Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese and Hindi were possibilities. Favola is also introducing legislation that expands on her 2024 legislation that bans using search warrants, subpoenas or court orders for information related to menstrual health data. The new measure says obtaining, disclosing and selling reproductive health or sexual health information without the consent of a consumer violates the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill protects information about pregnancy, abortion, purchases of contraceptives, sexual disease, menstruation and sexual activity. Commonwealth’s attorneys and the attorney general can seek fines for violations of the act, but the law also provides that individuals can sue to recover damages. Courts can award treble damages, or three times the compensatory damages, for willful violations. Dave Ress (804) 649-6948 dress@timesdispatch.com Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Michelle Obama slammed for gloomy New Year's message as Trump prepares to take office By KELLY GARINO FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:48, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 21:48, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments Michelle Obama was heavily criticized for a New Year's message shared with her followers just weeks ahead of Donald Trump 's return to the Oval Office. The former first lady took to Instagram on Friday afternoon with a minute-and-a-half-long video message wishing her followers a happy holiday season as 2024 officially comes to a close. But the internet wasn't so keen about her words of encouragement for the American people. The video, which has amassed hundreds of comments within just the first three hours of being posted, showed the former first lady against a white background as she began to address the lens. 'Happy holidays!' she gleefully began. She then took a few moments to speak of the year just ahead - and how the nation may be feeling about the near future. 'I know it's been a difficult few months for so many of us - and folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain,' she said. 'But even during these tough times, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful.' Former First Lady Michelle Obama was heavily criticized for a New Year's message she shared to Instagram early Friday afternoon after she wished her followers a happy holiday season and spoke of the uncertain year ahead of the country The video message, which has amassed hundreds of comments within the first three hours of being posted, was filled with comments of people who believe it was a dig at Trump's landslide presidential victory and official return to the Oval Office in just a few weeks The former first lady then spoke of the hope she personally sees through the people she works with through the Obama Foundation. 'I wanted to share some reflections on the work the Obama Foundation is doing to lift up the young change-makers around the world,' she captioned the video. 'Take a look.' The rest of the clips showcased all different kinds of people - including her husband, Former President Barack Obama - and some of the work they have done throughout the last 12 months. This included the construction of the Obama Presidential Center being built in the south side of Chicago. But many thought her 'gloomy' message to the internet was taking aim at Trump's landslide victory over Kamala Harris in the presidential election just last month. And hundreds of viewers flooded the comments with their own opinions on what's in store for 2025. 'Twenty-four more days and we are out of this nightmare you and your husband created for the American people!' one commenter wrote. Another agreed, adding: 'What a joke. Trump can hopefully fix the mess your husband has gotten this country into. The subway in your video, how ironic.' 'It has not been difficult for most of us! Most of us voted for Trump!' wrote another. 'We are good!' Another comment read: 'The only sad person is you and your butt buddy Obama.' 'I am so happy Donald Trump won and life will go back to normal,' one person wrote. 'The homeless needed and New York City people are on the street and all you did was put the money in your pockets.' 'Thank God that Donald Trump won, they’ll be no kids unfed fed,' the same person added. 'Boys will be boys girls would be girls.' 'You’re showing a building that you put up but what about the people that are starving and their dying on the street what about our safety? What about our lives? What about everything? Why don’t you worry about that for a change?' they continued. 'We are so happy that Donald Trump is in the office because we’ll all be equal.' Read More Michelle Obama slams Trump for portraying Harris as a 'bimbo' in fiery plea for voters to dump him Others were quick to agree with the long-written statement - noting how she should be happy Trump will be returning to the White House in January. Some comments also questioned how she could be nervous about the next four years without taking a step back to look at how the last four played out. The Obama couple got increasingly involved in the 2024 race and hit the campaign trail for Kamala Harris in the final weeks leading up to November 5. At a Harris campaign three days before the election, the former first lady gave a speech in Pennsylvania where she hyped the vice president and urged people to get out and vote while slamming Donald Trump - all without once uttering his name. She argued that in America 'we rise more than we fall' but warned of those who are trying to tell another story about the country. She noted how during dark and difficult times, the country needs someone who will 'connect with people's pain and address the systemic issues at their root, not leaders who stoke our fears and focus our fury on one another.' 'Once you open up that gasoline can, once you wink at hate and make it normal to call somebody a bimbo, or low IQ or human scum, look, you cannot control how fast or far that fire of hate will spread,' she warned, referring to some of the names Trump and allies have called Harris. The former first lady got increasingly involved in the 2024 race and hit the campaign trail for Harris in the final weeks leading up to November 5 A few days after the election last month, the Obama's put out a joint statement on X following Trump's presidential victory - congratulating him while also acknowledging that 'this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for' 'All of a sudden someone feels emboldened to say that our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico come from an "island of garbage,"' she continued, noting the ex-president's rally in New York City where a comedian made a racist joke about the territory. She also referred to Trump as a conman, a small man trying to make himself feel big, and Kamala's opponent, but she did not mention him by name. But just days after the election, the Obamas finally broke their silence on Trump's victory , congratulating the president-elect while also acknowledging that 'this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for.' The joint statement from Barack and Michelle Obama noted that 'America is not immune' to having an electorate that reacts accordingly to the conditions of the country, which ultimately led to sweeping victories for Republicans across the country and in national and state-wide races. 'America has been through a lot over the last few years,' the former first couple wrote. 'In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won't always see eye-to-eye on everything,' the statement admits. 'But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree.' The statement was shared to X shortly after Harris told her tearful fans in D.C. to keep fighting as she conceded. Instagram Michelle Obama Chinese New Year Share or comment on this article: Michelle Obama slammed for gloomy New Year's message as Trump prepares to take office e-mail Add comment
Moline to staff a third ambulance in the new year
A state Route 36 improvement project near Hydesville and Carlotta has received more than $15 million in federal funding from the California Transportation Commission. The funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and will be used for roadway and guardrail improvements, including the extension of a passing lane and a new bridge at Ward Creek. Construction on what is being called the Carlotta shoulder widening project is estimated to begin in late spring or early summer 2025 and will improve the safety of a two-mile stretch of state Route 36 from west of Fisher Road to west of Wilder Road. The new 60-foot wide, 45-foot-long bridge at Ward Creek will replace the current 60-foot long, 10-foot-wide culvert at that location, which is a barrier for fish. “The project upgrades along state Route 36 go beyond fish passage,” Caltrans Humboldt and Del Norte counties spokesman Myles Cochrane said. “With wider shoulders, additional rumble strips and improved curves, we’re building a safer, smoother drive for everyone in this area,” he added. The changes will also enhance visibility and also reduce collisions. The improvement project was initiated by a traffic investigation report which found that between 2013 and 2017 there were 31 collisions on this stretch of state Route 36, from mile post 3.0 to mile post 6.0. Of these collisions, seven involved fatalities and 16 were injury incidents. This project has been in discussion for several years. “We really appreciate all of the great feedback we received about this project during a 2022 public meeting,” Cochrane said. “The community was engaged and excited with us about improvements for this beautiful area.” Once construction begins, the goal is to be complete by the end of 2026. “Well keep folks in the loop if there are changes,” Cochrane said. He added that progress on Caltrans projects can be found on social media and the Caltrans website.
In addition to dressing warmly, it is essential to keep homes well-heated and insulated to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Using electric heaters, blankets, and hot water bottles can help to create a cozy environment and prevent the cold from seeping in. Proper insulation of doors and windows is also important to retain heat and keep out drafts.The national government has summoned Congress for extraordinary sessions between December 5 and 27 to debate six bills including the elimination of the PASO primaries via electoral reform, Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni said Thursday. The other bills cover political reform, trials in absentia, the anti-mafia law, presidential travel and the reform of political immunity – but not the 2025 Budget presented with such fanfare by President Javier Milei last September 15, due to a lack of consensus in Congress committees. Other absentees in Adorni’s list were the privatisation of Aerolíneas Argentinas, the ‘ ’ bill to bar those with confirmed corruption convictions from electoral candidacy and the Supreme Court nominations of Ariel Lijo and Manuel García-Mansilla with the votes reportedly lacking. The government aim for the extraordinary sessions is to advance with its electoral reform package, including the elimination of the PASO primaries and changes in party financing. Libertarian deputy Martín Menem was re-elected as Congress Speaker on Wednesday with the support of most parliamentary caucuses, except Unión por la Patria, which decided to abstain. His vice-presidents will be Cecilia Moreau (Unión por la Patria), Silvia Lospennato (PRO) and Julio Cobos (UCR). Presidential chief-of-staff Karina Milei and Adorni were among those present at the speaker's re-election. – TIMES/NA Ads Space Ads Space
In conclusion, the city of Damascus is currently experiencing a period of relative calm in terms of large-scale fighting, but small-scale disturbances and clashes persist. The situation remains fragile and unpredictable, and the ultimate resolution of the conflict in Syria is still uncertain. As the city navigates this complex and challenging landscape, the resilience and perseverance of its people will be crucial in shaping its future.
In the ‘00s, The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan looked at the disruptive nature of early social media platform MySpace and saw the death of the record label. It didn’t exactly work out that way — not with MySpace, not with Facebook, not with TikTok. In fact, the major music companies became adept at using these platforms to break artists and perpetuate their market power; if there’s a breakout song on TikTok, labels rush into an old-fashioned bidding war. While social media certainly disrupted the music business, it didn’t uproot the traditional record label model. There have been numerous other game-changers over the years that failed — on their own, at least — to radically alter how major labels do business, including independent distribution. After TuneCore launched in 2006, major labels continued to sign artists and own their intellectual property, albeit to broader “360” deals that incorporated more than recorded music rights. Nor did the advent of streaming by itself reshape the structure of major record labels. The artists with the most streaming success are involved with major labels in one way or another, be it a traditional record contract, a joint venture or, in rare cases like Taylor Swift , a distribution deal. Corgan may have misjudged social media’s sole impact on record labels, but he wasn’t entirely wrong about its ultimate influence. When combined, social media, independent distribution and streaming form a potent combination that has changed the balance of power and induced major labels to change how they promote music around the world. This dynamic isn’t exactly new, but it was never clearer than in 2024. This year, major labels have increasingly embraced the role of being service providers to those parties who prefer to remain independent and retain ownership of their intellectual property. A few years ago, Universal Music Group (UMG) was pouring money into superstar acquisitions such as Bob Dylan ’s and Sting ’s song catalogs. More recently, the company has been focusing on its artist services model. In the last three months alone, UMG acquired indie label group [PIAS] and agreed to acquire Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million, though the proposed deal has encountered opposition from the independent music community and will need to pass regulatory scrutiny before being finalized. The company also purchased Outdustry — which has an artist- and label-services arm that focuses on China, India and other high-growth emerging markets — and bought a stake in Chord Music Partners, giving UMG distribution and publishing administration duties for the more than 60,000 songs in the investment vehicle’s catalog. In fact, 2024 played out much like UMG CEO Lucian Grainge said it would. His January memo predicted the company would continue to expand globally and offer labels outside of mature markets a “full suite of artist services” while “acquiring local labels, catalogs and artist services businesses.” To be fair, UMG was already on that path: In 2022, it acquired m-theory’s artist services company and installed its founders, JT Myers and Nat Pastor , as co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group to expand Virgin’s independent music division globally. Warner Music Group (WMG) appears to have sensed the shifting landscape, too, as there has been a noticeable shift in messaging during Robert Kyncl ’s tenure as the company’s CEO. In the Stephen Cooper era, WMG was the music community’s leading investor in Web3 startups. In contrast, Kyncl has chosen to focus on expanding WMG’s footprint globally. WMG briefly signaled its interest in acquiring Believe in March and April after the French company announced a CEO-led effort to take the company private . Notably, Believe has a global label services business and a presence in developing markets that take advantage of the “glocalization” of local markets and global streaming platforms’ ability to help music travel across borders. WMG ultimately passed on pursuing Believe, but Kyncl has followed his peers’ interest in emerging markets, purchasing stakes in Indian companies Divo and Global Music Junction. The service model isn’t an entirely original approach. Grainge wrote that UMG is “creating the blueprint for the labels of the future,” but UMG is doing what major music companies have always done: following trends and buying independent companies that established a particular market. Sony Music already bought into the service model with The Orchard and AWAL, the latter purchased in 2022 for $430 million. Independents such as Believe, OneRPM and Symphonic Distribution have become established players by combining distribution and artist services, while investors have poured money into independents such as Create Music Group — which this year raised $165 million at a $1 billion valuation — and gamma, which is backed by $1 billion. But the well-established blueprint was never more of a hot commodity than in 2024. In the music business, nothing signifies the relevance of a business model like the major labels’ desire to buy it and integrate it into their systems — especially when the largest music companies feel they have no choice. The holy trinity of social media, independent distribution and global streaming platforms has given artists an alternative to the much-derided major label record contract. Artists who want to own their intellectual property and have more creative control have never had more of the tools necessary to be independent. That includes financing options, such as advances from well-funded independents or royalty advances from a new breed of financial services companies. When there’s no need for radio promotion and shelf space at brick-and-mortar retailers, the independent model looks a lot more attractive — not only for artists but for the major labels that have become increasingly keen on buying into it. Ironically, the major labels’ acceptance of the independents’ business model means the music business is becoming less independent. Trade groups such as the Association of Independent Music and IMPALA quickly spoke out against UMG’s agreement to purchase Downtown, just as they did with Sony Music’s purchase of AWAL. U.K. regulators ultimately concluded that AWAL was a “relatively small player” and that the deal did not substantially reduce competition. Time will tell if competition watchdogs feel the same about UMG’s much larger purchase of Downtown. In any case, the independents have proved that artist and label services businesses are a good fit for the modern music business. The next step was always going to be consolidation.
Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponentsIn their official statement, the village committee acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed their deepest regrets for the unfortunate turn of events. They emphasized that all necessary precautions had been taken prior to the drone's deployment, including conducting signal tests and ensuring proper communication with the pilot. However, it was believed that external factors, specifically signal interference, had disrupted the drone's navigational systems, causing it to malfunction and lose control.PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- The Board of Directors of Zoetis Inc . (NYSE:ZTS) has declared a dividend of $0.50 per share for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 16% from the quarterly dividend rate paid in 2024. The dividend will be paid on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to all holders of record of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. “Zoetis’ performance has been strong this year, driven by our diverse, science-driven portfolio and our differentiated execution,” said Wetteny Joseph, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Zoetis. “I am pleased to announce that we are increasing our dividend in 2025, consistent with our commitment to returning excess capital to shareholders.” About Zoetis As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.5 billion in 2023 with approximately 14,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com . DISCLOSURE NOTICES Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of Zoetis with respect to business plans or prospects, future operating or financial performance, future use of cash and dividend payments, and other future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if management's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Zoetis expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections thereof captioned “Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings and subsequent filings are available online at www.sec.gov , www.zoetis.com , or on request from Zoetis. ZTS-COR ZTS-IR ZTS-FIN View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212274866/en/ CONTACT: Media Contacts: Jennifer Albano 1-973-945-4333 (o) jennifer.albano@zoetis.com Laura Panza 1-973-975-5176 (o) laura.panza@zoetis.com Investor Contacts: Steve Frank 1-973-822-7141 (o) steve.frank@zoetis.com Nick Soonthornchai 1-973-443-2792 (o) nick.soonthornchai@zoetis.com KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH OTHER HEALTH MANAGED CARE PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY VETERINARY SOURCE: Zoetis Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 04:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212274866/en
One of the standout features of YU7 is its advanced AI-powered assistant, designed to enhance the driving experience and provide personalized assistance to passengers. From navigation and entertainment to climate control and vehicle diagnostics, the AI assistant in YU7 will offer a seamless and intuitive interface for drivers, making every journey more enjoyable and productive.One of the clubs reportedly keen on signing Rice is Manchester United. The Red Devils are said to view the 22-year-old as a key target as they look to bolster their midfield options for the upcoming season. With Rice's versatility and ability to play both as a holding midfielder and as a central defender, he would undoubtedly add depth and quality to United's squad. However, it remains to be seen whether West Ham would be willing to part ways with one of their most valuable assets.