Election chaos is engulfing Romania and no one saw it coming
New Delhi, Dec 21, 2024 The SpaDeX mission, expected to launch this year aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, will propel India to the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday. ISRO aims to launch PSLV-C60 on December 30. However, the launch window is open till January 13. The space agency informed that the mission has completed “all tests and clearances”. The integration of the SpaDeX spacecraft is complete, and the spacecraft has been moved to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is currently “undergoing preparations for launch”. While only a few countries have aced the space docking technology, it is key for India for its impending space missions including the Moon mission, and setting up the Indian space station. “The launch vehicle has been integrated and now moved to the First Launch Pad, for further integration of satellites and launch preparations,” ISRO said in a post on X. “ISRO’s SpaDeX mission, launching with PSLV-C60, will demonstrate in-space docking using two small spacecraft. This groundbreaking technology is key to future lunar missions, building Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and more. India aims to join the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities,” it added. The PSLV will lift off two small spacecraft — SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target — weighing about 220 kg each. The mission will showcase the docking of the two spacecraft in a low-Earth circular orbit. “In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology,” ISRO said. It will also demonstrate “the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics — composite spacecraft control, and payload operations after undocking”. ISRO has also developed indigenous technologies to enable this docking mission. This includes a docking mechanism, a suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors, power transfer technology, indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy, inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the states of the other spacecraft, among others. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth, ISRO said.(Agency)Hope does not end: Jimmy Carter’s hospice care choice, and what Canada’s health system can learn from it
No. 6 Purdue routs MarshallTimeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024Sebi mulls diversifying ownership of clearing corporationsIsaiah Jacobsen, 20, a University of Nebraska at Omaha junior from Hickman, Nebraska, is one of the first UNO students to dual major in artificial intelligence and computer science. This computer lab at the UNO's Peter Kiewit Institute is available to students in the College of Information Science & Technology. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD “Computer science already had so many great job outlooks,” he said. “You add AI on top of it, a field that’s just getting started, that has the potential to grow and create so many different industries within it, for me, at least, the possibilities are endless.” At UNO, which recently launched Nebraska's first Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence, professors say AI may spook some people, but it's here to stay, and young Nebraskans should learn how to use it. The degree program is designed to produce graduates who can design, implement and manage AI systems across a range of sectors. Graduates could expect to earn as much as $100,000 a year, the university said. Students began enrolling this fall, and courses will begin in the Spring 2025 semester. The technology is transformational, its applications virtually limitless, and students competent in AI will have a competitive edge in the future, professors say. Job opportunities in AI extend beyond the tech sector, said Prashanti Manda, associate professor of who will teach some of the courses. “Everybody has the need for AI,” she said. If Amtrak wants to build an AI bot to help people find the best route or book tickets, an AI engineer could build that bot, Manda said. If Berkshire Hathaway wants to build an AI tool for people to find real estate listings that match what they’re looking for, without sifting through hundreds of listings, an AI engineer could build it. Nebraska farmers could benefit from AI as well, she said. A hot topic in agriculture is targeting pesticides where they’re needed instead of “carpet bombing” the whole field. AI could use image recognition to identify the portions of a field that need chemicals. Another use would be “intelligent watering” to optimize irrigation. AI has been around since the 1980s and 1990s, but applications like ChatGPT have given the general public a taste of what it can do. Manda said any new technology can cause job disruptions, but people who understand it will have the edge. “Your job is probably not going to be taken away by AI, but it might be taken away by somebody else who knows how to use AI,” she said. Students will use this high-powered Lambda computer at the University of Nebraska at Omaha as part of the new artificial intelligence degree program. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Victor Winter, a UNO professor who will be teaching some of the classes, said AI is developing with astonishing speed. “The technology is evolving so quickly, it’s beyond anything that people have ever seen before,” Winter said. “And that makes it, in and of itself, very, very unique.” The consequences for foot-dragging are significant. A two-year delay can put a person or company a technological generation behind, he said. “Everything else pales in comparison to how fast this stuff is advancing,” Winter said. He will be teaching students about generative AI, which enables machines to learn patterns from existing data. They will use the data to create new content, such as videos, text, images or audio. Young people are more open to the possibilities of AI, he said. Raised with computers, they're open-minded and fearlessly explore new technologies, and many have ChatGPT or other AI apps on their phones. Winter dismisses the idea that AI is a fad that will fade, though it does present ethical challenges. In recent years, the country has witnessed how bad actors can create fake content that misrepresents political candidates. There are practical concerns over biases, privacy and security. And there is a philosophical debate over whether AI can ever surpass human intelligence or become sentient — though Hollywood needs no convincing. Scientists are debating the question of whether guard rails should be set for generative AI. For instance, Winter said, should AI answer when someone asks how to make a bomb or to cook a horse? “There is not universal agreement on what is acceptable,” he said. “Horse meat is a delicacy in France and in Canada.” The Peter Kiewit Institute at UNO is home to College of Information Science & Technology and its new AI bachelor's degree program. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Martha Garcia-Murillo, dean of the UNO College of Information Science and Technology, said AI will affect everything people do, from education to entertainment, business and government operations. Everyone should have some level of competence in it, she said. “Not being engaged is at our own peril," she said. "The less familiar we are, we are not capable of recognizing the good and the bad. We might be shutting ourselves out of the opportunity to really leverage this technology and be more competent and confident using it.” She sees the rise of AI as similar to the introduction of computers in homes and businesses almost 50 years ago. Although there was some reluctance at first, people now use computers every day for everything. “This technology is going to have that type of effect, and the more competent you are, the better for you to therefore keep and make your job better.” Other Nebraska universities have recognized the value in AI and offered courses to students. Creighton University recently received a $250,000 grant from Google's philanthropic arm to support efforts to integrate AI into students' learning and research. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln launched its first AI course in 1995, with teaching and research focused in its College of Engineering. That expertise is helping support the launch of UNO's AI degree program, a spokesperson said. AI specializations are embedded in UNL engineering programs, designed to provide students with a foundation in AI. For instance, the Bachelor of Science degree in has an AI specialization. A new Bachelor of Science degree in data science includes an AI track. Jacobsen, the UNO junior, said AI provides a technological leap forward comparable with the launch of the internet. But he said he thinks the leap will be even more revolutionary. While some people are alarmed about doomsday predictions involving sentient computers and robot takeovers, Jacobsen said AI risks can be mitigated. “AI is really only the data you feed it,” he said. “As long as you’re feeding it good, clean data, in theory, there’s nothing that could go wrong, unless it makes inferences and connections between the good data and it ends up doing something bad.” 8,000 bottles of wine on the wall? National chain Total Wine opens first Nebraska store A few snowflakes rest on a hand rail at the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Watie White prepares to hang the portraits he drew for an exhibit inside the carriage house at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Watie White poses for a portrait holding some potraits he drew that will hang in an exhibit inside the carriage house at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Creighton's Pop Isaacs (2) goes up for a 3-pointer s head coach Greg McDermott motions in the background during the second half of a men's college basketball game against Kansas at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Creighton players react as they are unveiled on the NCAA Volleyball Tournament bracket during a watch party at DJ's Dugout in Omaha on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Creighton's Jackson McAndrew (23) and Fedor Žugić (7) take a selfie with fans after defeating Kansas, 76-63, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Damany Rahn, CEO of the Heart Ministry Center, poses for a portrait at FRESH Floral in Omaha on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. FRESH Floral helps support the Heart Ministry Center, a nonprofit that aims to provide food, healthcare and a way forward for people affected by poverty. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD The Omaha World-Herald 2024 All-Nebraska Volleyball Team, from left, Lincoln Lutheran's Keri Leimbach, Norris' Anna Jelinek, Papillion-La Vista South's Charlee Solomon, Omaha Skutt's Addison West, Fremont's Mattie Dalton, Omaha Westside's Ashlyn Paymal and Grand Island's Tia Traudt photographed at Steelhouse Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Siblings Aria, 9, and Apollo Taylor, 6, hold out alfalfa for a Camille, a camel from Scatter Joy Acres during the annual Christmas in the Village in Omaha on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Asma Abdikadir, right, zips up the coat of her cousin Mohamed Ali, 1, as they wait for bags at baggage claim at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Asma and other extended family members waited at the airport to greet Mohamed and his family upon their arrival from a refugee camp in Kenya. Mohamed’s father, Ali Mohamed Lujendo, fled Somalia and spent 19 years living in refugee camps. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Maka Ali Mgang, Somalia, makes food at her family’s home in Omaha on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Mgang arrived in Omaha with her family on Wednesday from a refugee camp in Kenya. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Miriam Grant and Levi Grant, 9, screw legs on to a kitchen table while volunteering to help set up an apartment for an incoming refugee family in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Nebraska's Juwan Gary (4) celebrates during the first half of a men's college basketball game against Indiana at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Nebraska's Andrew Morgan (23) and Indiana's Myles Rice (1) dive for the ball during the second half of a men's college basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
In a bid to raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 21 as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. “Additionally, the General Assembly acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being,” read the UN website. Indian PM Narendra Modi has called upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives on World Meditation Day, on Saturday. Prime Minister Modi said meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to one’s life, as well as to our society and planet. Today, on World Meditation Day, I call upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives and experience its transformative potential. Meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to one’s life, as well as to our society and planet. In the age of technology,... In a post on X, he wrote: “Today, on World Meditation Day, I call upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives and experience its transformative potential. Meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to one’s life, as well as to our society and planet. In the age of technology, Apps and guided videos can be valuable tools to help incorporate meditation into our routines.” Marking the event, Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the meditation session at the UN headquarters in New York. After delivering the speech, Ravi Shankar wrote on X: “Gave the keynote address at the launch of the 1st World Meditation Day at @UN Headquarters, facilitated by Permanent Representative of India @AmbHarishP in the presence of @UN_PGA H.E. Philemon Yang, USG Atul Khare @UN_OpSupport, senior UN officials, PRs, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries.” “With the efforts of the Permanent Missions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, Liechtenstein and Andorra, all 193 member states came together to acknowledge the power of meditation in bringing health and harmony to all of humanity. #WorldMeditationDay,” he said. Benefits of meditation Beyond individual benefits, meditation fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, contributing to collective well-being. Celebrated for its universality, meditation is practiced across all regions of the world by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, read the UN website. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises the significant benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation. WHO’s discussions on stress management underscore the importance of learning coping mechanisms, such as meditation, to support mental and physical well-being. According to WHO, meditation can be a powerful self-care tool to support treatment and enhance overall well-being, particularly in managing symptoms of anxiety. Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can help you achieve a sense of calm and focus. Additionally, WHO acknowledges the mental health benefits of practices like yoga, which often incorporate meditative elements. On the International Day of Yoga, WHO highlighted yoga’s contributions to lifelong health and well-being, emphasizing its role in promoting healthier populations and a more equitable and sustainable world.
Water Christmas cactuses with one item for 'most prolific blooms'
Writing in the November bulletin of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, Executive Director Cecile Wehrman said: “Well, it was nice while it lasted. “For several weeks after the postal roundtable held in Grand Forks on Aug. 26, I was getting a few messages from eastern (N.D.) newspapers expressing surprise that they were suddenly getting their newspapers (delivered) on time. “Of course, it didn’t last.” Wehrman, who is an accomplished journalist and former publisher/editor of weekly newspapers, was commenting on the ever-worsening level of service to North Dakota’s weekly newspapers from the United States Postal Service. (It’s the same for daily papers.) Her column was headlined “Postal issues still not resolved” — an understatement if ever there was one. At a time when community newspapers that have been mainstays of towns and counties for generations are struggling because of changes in the rural economy, USPS is making a challenging situation worse. In some cases, shoddy service from USPS has hastened, or even guaranteed, a newspaper’s demise. Weekly newspapers depend on the postal service to actually provide the service it is required to provide. Instead, deliveries are unreliable, unpredictable and sometimes so late that the content of the newspapers — news and advertising — is meaningless. Some advertisers have demanded refunds from publishers because ads didn’t get to readers in a timely fashion. Think of what that does to the bottom line of a small newspaper that counts on every advertising dollar. So what’s wrong with USPS? These days, just about everything. But at its core is a long-festering systemic fiasco that dates to the 1970 Postal Reorganization Act that reduced USPS from a cabinet-level department to an independent quasi-business agency. It’s an incompatible hybrid of half-baked privatization and fumbled government obligation. It was a mistake of historic proportions, and the years since have proved as much. It was an ideology-driven congressional manipulation of the constitutional mandate (Article I, Section 8), which gives Congress the power to establish post offices and post roads. The doctrine of universal service (getting first-class mail to you wherever you are) is what the framers envisioned. They did not enable a system that was going to be profitable commerce. The universal service obligation is not a profit model; and attempts since 1970 to make it so have failed. The USPS is a mess for many reasons: union intransigence, competition, the digital revolution, mismanagement, political interference and corruption. Nonetheless, mail delivery should be adequately federally funded, not dependent on a demonstrably unworkable profit pretense. It’s a constitutional obligation, much like providing for the common defense and the general welfare. Do we expect the Department of Defense to make a profit? Do national parks pay for themselves? The interstate highway system? Farm subsidies? Congress appropriates funds to meet those obligations. It should be the same for the postal service. As the Constitution directs: deliver the mail — and those weekly newspapers — everywhere and on time. Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster and a weekly newspaper owner, would expect no less.Water Transport Market Report: Comprehensive Analysis of Development Trends, Key Growth Drivers, Emerging Opportunities, and the Competitive Landscape Projected Until 2031 12-21-2024 01:14 PM CET | Logistics & Transport Press release from: Coherent Market Insights Pvt Ltd Water Transport The latest report titled ""Water Transport Market: Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunities, and Forecast 2024-2031"" by Coherent Market Insights delivers a thorough analysis of the industry, encompassing market insights. It also covers competitor and regional analysis, along with recent advancements in the market. The report includes a detailed table of contents, figures, tables, and charts, offering in-depth analysis. The Water Transport market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by factors such as rising product demand, a growing customer base, and technological progress. This report provides an in-depth evaluation of the Water Transport market, focusing on market size, trends, drivers, challenges, competitive landscape, and future growth potential. The report highlights the competitive landscape, market segmentation, geographical expansion, and the growth in revenue, production, and consumption within the Water Transport market. It covers the market size, growth analysis, industry trends, and forecast, detailing the factors shaping the business outlook. Additionally, the report examines future products, joint ventures, marketing strategies, developments, mergers and acquisitions, as well as promotional activities. 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Regional Analysis: ◘ North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico) ◘ Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe) ◘ Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia Pacific) ◘ South America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America) ◘ Middle East & Africa (GCC, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa) Key Highlights of This Report: Comprehensive Market Analysis: An in-depth exploration of manufacturing capabilities, production volumes, and technological advancements in the Water Transport market. Corporate Overview: A thorough examination of company profiles, highlighting key players and their strategic moves in the competitive landscape. Consumption Insights: A detailed assessment of consumption trends, offering a look into current demand patterns and consumer preferences. 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About Authors : Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States Phone: US +12524771362 / UK +442039578553 Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com About Coherent Market Insights Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We are known for our actionable insights and authentic reports in various domains including aerospace and defense, agriculture, food and beverages, automotive, chemicals and materials, and virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. This release was published on openPR.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 Lufthansa Group is advancing its commitment to sustainability and efficiency with an expanded order for Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Increasing its firm commitment from 10 to 15 jets, the Group plans to integrate these state-of-the-art planes into its fleet between 2028 and 2030. This $2 billion USD investment underscores Lufthansa’s dedication to fleet modernization and environmental responsibility. Upon delivery, the airline will operate a total of 75 A350 aircraft, comprising 60 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s, solidifying its position as one of the largest A350 customers worldwide. The A350-1000’s advanced technology reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to older models, supporting Lufthansa’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Beyond sustainability, the A350-1000 is designed to enhance the passenger experience. With spacious cabins, advanced air filtration systems, and ergonomic seating across all classes, the aircraft offers travelers a quieter and more comfortable journey. This fleet expansion not only reflects Lufthansa Group’s operational ambitions but also its vision to lead the aviation industry into a sustainable future. By investing in cutting-edge technology, Lufthansa is setting new benchmarks for innovation and environmentally conscious air travel while maintaining its role as a global connector of people and destinations. Carsten Spohr , Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “Today’s order underscores our great confidence in our long-standing, close and successful partnership with Airbus. With the state-of-the-art A350 long-haul jets, we are accelerating the largest fleet modernization the Group has done so far. We are investing more than ever before to make air transport more sustainable, to achieve our CO2 reduction targets and at the same time offer our customers the highest level of comfort with a first-class travel experience. Including today’s order, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 770 aircraft from Airbus throughout its history and is proud to be the Airbus’ largest customer worldwide. With the upcoming integration of ITA Airways in January, the Airbus fleet of Lufthansa Group Airlines will grow by another 100 short- and long-haul aircraft.” New Aircraft: Key to Lufthansa Group’s CO2 Reduction Strategy The Lufthansa Group, with a current fleet of approximately 740 commercial aircraft, is implementing a long-term fleet strategy centered on premium quality, cost efficiency, and significant reductions in emissions. Following its latest order, the Group has around 250 new fuel-efficient aircraft on its order list, including 100 state-of-the-art long-haul jets. These advanced aircraft are set to replace less efficient, four-engine models such as the Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-600, and Airbus A340-300, which are being gradually phased out. The new fleet additions are designed to consume up to 35% less fuel compared to their predecessors, resulting in significantly lower CO2 emissions. These measures are part of Lufthansa’s broader environmental commitment to halve its net CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels through reduction and compensation efforts, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Among the highlights of its fleet modernization is the Airbus A350-1000, ten of which were ordered in March 2023. Deliveries for this fuel-efficient aircraft, which is 73.8 meters long and offers 15% more capacity than the A350-900, are scheduled to begin in April 2026. The new aircraft will play a pivotal role in achieving Lufthansa’s ambitious sustainability goals.Despite some disagreements, city councillors swiftly approved Richmond’s proposed capital budget for 2025. On Monday evening, councillors at the finance committee discussed and carried next year's $152.6 million budget for 78 capital projects – Coun. Michael Wolfe was the only councillor who was opposed. Discussion around the construction of pickleball courts took some of the spotlight in the meeting. The capital budget includes an $800,000 project to construct four new pickleball courts at South Arm Community Park. The staff report reads “pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America,” as it features a low barrier to entry and a social playing environment. This project will bring the total number of public pickleball courts in Richmond to 13. Coun. Bill McNulty opened the floor on the pickleball discussion by asking staff if there was any possibility to build more courts with the $800,000 price tag. “Will that $800,000 go further? Can we squeeze more courts in for that?” he asked – to which staff responded the infrastructure to support the courts is a factor that drives up costs. Staff added constructing four courts for that price tag is already a squeeze, as the new courts will be located near existing pickleball-court infrastructure. “It’s a pity we can’t afford more at this time,” said Coun. McNulty. Coun. Alexa Loo also questioned staff on the price and on the possibility of building more courts. “It seems expensive; it seems to me we were able to build that pump track that seemed to have a lot more stuff going on for a lot less money,” said Loo. “Four pickleball courts basically fit on a tennis court, so is it gold?” Staff reiterated components such as sound attenuation, location, surfacing, lighting and proximity to amenities comes at a higher dollar value than a typical park project. Loo also compared the price tag of the pickleball court project to the curling club. “There’s 700 (pickleball) members, so for $800,000 you can get a whole bunch of them playing,” she said. “Versus if we look at how much the curling club is, it’s $4 million and there’s fewer than 300 members; so we’re spending a lot of money on a few people.” Coun. Kash Heed closed the pickleball discussion by encouraging other councillors to move forward with the budget. “I don’t agree with everything for 2025, but at the end of the day I think this is a decent capital budget put forward by our staff,” said Heed. “We can study the depth of pickleball courts for years, it’s $800,000, we’ve agreed to it, let’s move forward.” All councillors voted in favour of the capital budget except Wolfe, citing two reasons. The first was because of the funding source of a proposed $5 million fire vehicle replacement reserve purchases project in the budget, which will replace four front-line fire vehicles and a high-flow industrial pumper. According to the staff report, the total replacement cost for the vehicles is $11 million, but additional funding of $5 million is needed to complete previous submissions due to price escalations. This additional funding will be sourced from the emergency response fuel facility reserve. “As I mentioned a few weeks ago, it’s not the $5 million cost... it’s the funding source,” said Wolfe. “I don’t see why there was any need to use the emergency response fuel facility reserve... we’re draining $5 million out of something that was intended for something else.” The second was the inclusion of phase one of a $2.5 million public safety camera system (PSCS) consisting of installing 48 high definition cameras at 10 intersections across Richmond – this first phase will have an annual operating budget of about $180,000. “I’m not supportive of the capital budget because it includes that,” said Wolfe. “And it’s just phase one of what I anticipate will be a $13 million or more total project with a very high operating budget impact going forward.” Other projects highlighted in the 2025 capital budget included $7 million to install electric vehicle stations throughout Richmond, $4.5 million to renew the Richmond Ice Centre’s interior and $1.5 million to renew the Hugh Boyd Community Park playground. The capital and operating budgets are also on the agenda for Monday's city council meeting . - with files from Valerie Leung and Maria Rantanen Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected] . To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter . Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.Chelsea transfer practically sealed as 'clubs line up' to strike deal with Enzo Maresca
Equinox Gold Corp ( CVE:EQX – Get Free Report ) has been assigned a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from the eight ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$9.76. Several equities analysts recently issued reports on EQX shares. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on Equinox Gold from C$11.00 to C$10.00 in a research note on Monday, October 21st. CIBC cut their target price on Equinox Gold from C$9.50 to C$8.80 in a research note on Friday, October 4th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on shares of Equinox Gold from C$8.50 to C$8.75 in a research note on Thursday, November 21st. Finally, Haywood Securities dropped their price objective on shares of Equinox Gold from C$12.75 to C$11.50 in a research note on Friday, August 9th. View Our Latest Report on EQX Insider Buying and Selling Equinox Gold Stock Performance CVE:EQX opened at C$7.88 on Monday. The firm’s 50-day moving average is C$7.88 and its 200-day moving average is C$7.88. The company has a market cap of C$892.46 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -43.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.28, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.94. Equinox Gold has a 52-week low of C$4.25 and a 52-week high of C$8.90. About Equinox Gold ( Get Free Report Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral deposits. The company's principal properties include the Aurizona project covering a total land package of approximately 223,160 hectares located in Maranhão State, Brazil; and the Castle Mountain property situated in California, the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Equinox Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinox Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
DEAR ABBY: Six years ago, my family lost my mother, who was the rock of our family. Two weeks after that, my family started falling apart. My older brother, younger sister and I no longer speak. My brother and I got in a physical confrontation and haven’t spoken since. A year later, I suffered a massive heart attack. I was at death’s door. My doctors said it was a miracle I survived. I’m blessed to be here, but since then, not one family member has reached out. The story of my survival was all over social media and even on a few TV newscasts. My heart function is low, and I had a defibrillator implanted. I have been missing my family more and more, but I’m also afraid my heart will get broken. We have made mistakes, and I know I’m also at fault. I feel awful about what happened, but I’m hurt that no one reached out to my wife or daughter asking if I was OK or if they needed anything. I recently had some contact with my brother’s son, and we have been texting, but I have yet to hear from my brother. My family is growing with grandkids, and I would love to reconnect our families before it’s too late. Is it too late? – Estranged in Pennsylvania DEAR ESTRANGED: Maybe, maybe not. If you haven’t already, write or call your brother and make a formal apology for what happened between you. While you are at it, do the same with the rest of your family members. Tell them you are sorry, that none of you is getting any younger and you would like to be part of the family again. I can’t predict the outcome, but this would be a good start. I wish you luck. With the passage of time, people sometimes gain a better perspective. DEAR ABBY: My sister “Mary Ann” is a hoarder. She refuses all offers of assistance (physically and emotionally) to clear her home of the overwhelming amount of stuff that negatively impacts her life. Our extended family is thrilled that she has finally started to make an effort to sort through some of her “treasures.” Unfortunately, we have now become recipients of birthday and Christmas gifts, some of which are opened, used, dusty and have animal fur on them. We do not want or need these “gifts.” I sense that unloading these items on us gives Mary Ann a feeling of comfort and keeps her from making difficult decisions that will lead to truly changing her thinking related to letting go of her junk. How do we politely (and firmly) express to Mary Ann that we have no desire to receive her hoard, bit by bit, without reversing the progress she has made in attempting to address her disorder? – Unhappy Recipient in Missouri DEAR RECIPIENT: You are not going to “fix” Mary Ann. Be glad she is taking baby steps to help herself. I do not think it would be helpful to “politely express” that you have no desire to receive her hoard, bit by bit. Instead, accept the items and then quietly donate them or give them to someone who might use them. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.Therapist at The Center offers holiday advice about older generationIn recent past, Bluesky has been . It quickly ballooned to over 20 million users, and at a point, the service was adding over a million users a day. Between the earlier this year, as well as the results of the 2024 US presidential election – a large group of people have been choosing to leave X. But, they’re not leaving for Meta’s Threads, the more popular X alternative at the time – they’re going for Bluesky instead. Rise of Bluesky For one reason or another, people are picking Bluesky over Threads. It could be the fact that they prefer the look and feel of Bluesky, or just that they don’t want to support another social media platform owned by Meta and Mark Zuckerberg. Either way, the sudden rise of Bluesky is seemingly scaring Meta. There’s been a number of Twitter alternatives that people have tried using since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022, including Mastodon, Pebble (formerly T2), Bluesky, Threads, Hive Social, Post.news, and even Tumblr. Between all of those options, a number of them either completely shut down, or the companies failed to gain popularity – and for a solid while, it was looking like Threads was going to be the only viable alternative. Until now. Threads had grown to over 200 million users since its launch in July 2023, and Meta probably thought they had this whole “Twitter alternative” game in the bag. While Threads was a viable social media platform, the company definitely hadn’t put a lot of effort into actually catering to it’s users. For example, I’ve personally never been a fan of how Threads doesn’t allow you to switch your default feed from For You to Following. Sure, X does the same thing – but Threads also hid the feed switcher by default, requiring users to tap on the Threads logo at the top to present that menu. They really wanted you to use For You. Now, both of those things aren’t the case, with the feed switcher being displayed prominently, and the option to set Following as your default feed. These are all small features that Threads could’ve added at any moment, but chose not to. Now, these features are all here, probably to make the platform more appealing. Copying Bluesky features In recent weeks, Threads has also copied a number of Bluesky features, including custom feeds and starter packs. Custom feeds allow you to create a feed of a specific group of people, allowing you to easily track one topic or community. Starter packs allow you to easily follow a group of people who all have in common. These two features were key to Bluesky’s growth, and made it far easier to curate an engaging feed. Starter packs aren’t live on Threads quite yet, though the feature has already by reverse engineers. are already live on Threads for all users, seemingly. Competition is a good thing Ultimately, it’s unclear who’s gonna end up winning this “Twitter alternative” race, but one thing is clear – Bluesky and Threads are the key contenders here. At the end of the day, I don’t really care which platform “wins”, but this is an ultimate case of competition being a good thing. Meta wouldn’t suddenly care about implementing all of these key user experience improvements on Threads if they had no reason to. In recent past, Bluesky has been . It quickly ballooned to over 20 million users, and at a point, the service was adding over a million users a day. Between the earlier this year, as well as the results of the 2024 US presidential election – a large group of people have been choosing to leave X. But, they’re not leaving for Meta’s Threads, the more popular X alternative at the time – they’re going for Bluesky instead. Rise of Bluesky For one reason or another, people are picking Bluesky over Threads. It could be the fact that they prefer the look and feel of Bluesky, or just that they don’t want to support another social media platform owned by Meta and Mark Zuckerberg. Either way, the sudden rise of Bluesky is seemingly scaring Meta. There’s been a number of Twitter alternatives that people have tried using since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022, including Mastodon, Pebble (formerly T2), Bluesky, Threads, Hive Social, Post.news, and even Tumblr. Between all of those options, a number of them either completely shut down, or the companies failed to gain popularity – and for a solid while, it was looking like Threads was going to be the only viable alternative. Until now. Threads had grown to over 200 million users since its launch in July 2023, and Meta probably thought they had this whole “Twitter alternative” game in the bag. While Threads was a viable social media platform, the company definitely hadn’t put a lot of effort into actually catering to it’s users. For example, I’ve personally never been a fan of how Threads doesn’t allow you to switch your default feed from For You to Following. Sure, X does the same thing – but Threads also hid the feed switcher by default, requiring users to tap on the Threads logo at the top to present that menu. They really wanted you to use For You. Now, both of those things aren’t the case, with the feed switcher being displayed prominently, and the option to set Following as your default feed. These are all small features that Threads could’ve added at any moment, but chose not to. Now, these features are all here, probably to make the platform more appealing. Copying Bluesky features In recent weeks, Threads has also copied a number of Bluesky features, including custom feeds and starter packs. Custom feeds allow you to create a feed of a specific group of people, allowing you to easily track one topic or community. Starter packs allow you to easily follow a group of people who all have in common. These two features were key to Bluesky’s growth, and made it far easier to curate an engaging feed. Starter packs aren’t live on Threads quite yet, though the feature has already by reverse engineers. are already live on Threads for all users, seemingly. Competition is a good thing Ultimately, it’s unclear who’s gonna end up winning this “Twitter alternative” race, but one thing is clear – Bluesky and Threads are the key contenders here. At the end of the day, I don’t really care which platform “wins”, but this is an ultimate case of competition being a good thing. Meta wouldn’t suddenly care about implementing all of these key user experience improvements on Threads if they had no reason to.