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poker game sequence Mayor- Elect Daniel Lurie speaks in St. Mary's square a day after winning the Mayoral race in San Francisco on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Gabrielle Lurie | San Francisco Chronicle | Hearst Newspapers | Getty Images San Francisco's Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie has begun tapping tech heavyweights and business leaders to help with his goal of overhauling the city's image. His transition team includes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Twitter CFO Ned Segal. Lurie, a centrist Democrat and Levi Strauss heir, ousted incumbent London Breed in a closely-watched race and will step into the role in 2025. San Francisco-based companies need to invest in the city and commit to their communities, Lurie told CNBC in an interview. He named both Visa and Salesforce as models for this "two-way street." "I've had great conversations with Sam Altman," Lurie said. "He wants to put down roots here in San Francisco. We want to lean into being the home of AI, which we are, and I will continue to invest in that." The city can't have all its eggs in one basket and needs to expand into other business sectors as well, Lurie said. "We will go recruit companies from all sectors to come back to San Francisco," Lurie said. "Whether it's healthcare, whether it's technology [or] whether it's arts and culture, we want to be the number-one spot for business again in this country." Lurie, who founded the homelessness nonprofit Tipping Point, has plans that include declaring a state of emergency over the fentanyl crisis on day one in office and a previously disclosed proposal to build 1,500 shelter beds within his first six months in office. A fully-staffed police department and 911 dispatch office will be necessary to help bring businesses and workers back to the city, Lurie said. "We need to make sure we get our behavioral health crisis under control, which means we need to build more mental health and drug treatment beds," Lurie said. "We have to get people off the streets. We have to do that compassionately, but we also have to send a message — and we are — to the country and to the world that San Francisco is no longer a place that you come to deal drugs or to do drugs or to sleep on our streets." Lurie added, "We didn't get into this overnight, and it won't be fixed overnight." watch now VIDEO 2:45 02:45 San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie on homelessness plan Last Call Part of the solution he envisions will be bringing workers back to offices, modeling that goal with his administration. Lurie says his team will be in five days a week, and he hopes that the administration's work in cleaning up streets will entice others to do the same. More affordable housing will also be a priority to ensure workers can afford to live in the city, he said. He's also hopeful that future events the city will host in the next year and a half — from the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game and Super Bowl LX in 2026 — will help invigorate the city. "I've talked to Jamie Dimon," Lurie said. "I talked to the commissioner of the NBA. They all want San Francisco to come back." Lurie's election is part of a wider trend in the state of moving to the right of progressive policies and leaders of the past. More conservative district attorneys were voted into office in major counties, including Nathan Hochman in Los Angeles, while Alameda county District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faced successful recalls. California voters also adopted a proposition that increases penalties for certain drug and theft crimes while rebuffing a measure to raise the state's minimum wage to $18 an hour. Up and down the state, voters' focus was on the economy, according to polling from the Public Policy Institute of California, which found the economy, cost of living and inflation were the key issues for 35 percent of voters this cycle . "In some ways it's remarkable that California remained as much of a blue state and Democratic stronghold as it is considering the way people were feeling about their own financial circumstances, especially compared to four years ago," Mark Baldassare, PPIC's survey director, said. This comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom has convened a special legislative session next week in an effort to prepare the state and safeguard policies around climate change, reproductive rights and more ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House in January. Lurie told CNBC that he disputes the "shift to the right" narrative in the city, adding that his biggest challenge will be combatting the cynicism around what San Francisco has become. "What we have done in San Francisco is get back to common sense with this election," Lurie said. "It's about getting results for the people of San Francisco — allowing people to struggle and die in our streets is not progressive."Bhopal, Dec 15 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has made preparations for the participation of 450 million pilgrims, saints and tourists during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a state minister said on Sunday. The grand spiritual gathering will take place from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri) in Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is organised every 12 years. Addressing a press conference in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, UP’s Minister for Jal Shakti and Flood Control Swatantra Dev Singh said the congregation will surpass the previous ones in grandeur and divine essence. The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is expected to welcome over 450 million (45 crore) pilgrims, saints, ascetics, and tourists, he said, adding that the UP government has planned meticulously to make it a clean, healthy, safe and digital event. It will be a “single-use-plastic-free” Maha Kumbh, he said. About three lakh saplings have been planted across Prayagraj and they would be maintained even after the conclusion of the Mela, he said. A 100-bed hospital, two hospitals with 20 beds each and smaller hospitals with 8 beds have been set up. Besides, two 10-bed ICUs have been set up by the Army Hospital, he said. The authorities will deploy 291 MBBS doctors and specialists, 90 Ayurvedic and Unani specialists, and 182 nursing staff to attend to the medical needs of devotees and tourists. The UP minister said that 35 existing permanent ghats and 9 new ghats have been constructed for the convenience of the devotees taking a holy dip. He said the preparations for the event include a dedicated website and app, an AI-powered chatbot in 11 languages, QR-based passes for people and vehicles, a multilingual digital lost-and-found centre and other information technology-based facilities. Singh said 101 smart parking facilities, capable of accommodating up to five lakh vehicles daily, have been created. The parking area spans 1,867.04 hectares. Three technical methods including “attribute method”, RFID wristbands and mobile app tracking will be used to count every individual, he added. (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)Act II PV Wraps Up The Season With Follies

Nearly a month into a federal investigation of unexplained aircraft witnessed nightly in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, the White House and FBI have minimized concerns about the reports of suspected drones. Federal authorities “have not been able to corroborate any of the reported visual sightings," which number in the hundreds since the middle of November, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday at a press briefing . MORE : Monopoly-themed boutique hotel to be built in Atlantic City "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus," Kirby said. Federal investigators have used various electronic detection methods to gain a better understanding of the aircraft, which have been reported to appear in clusters during the night. Kirby said state and local law enforcement also have not been able to conclusively explain the sightings, and federal officials believe many of the sightings are routine air traffic. "Upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully," Kirby said, adding the U.S. Coast Guard has not found any evidence that foreign vessels are involved in deploying aircraft. Feds say people are mistaking airplanes for drones In a joint statement, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security echoed many of the remarks that came from the White House on Thursday. "Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities," the agencies said . "We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage." The statement appears to backtrack from comments made by the FBI's Newark office, which said witnesses had spotted "the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft" at various points along the Raritan River in North Jersey. Kirby said reports about the aircraft highlight "gaps in authorities" that point to the need for Congressional action to boost preparedness against threats that drones could pose to critical infrastructure. During a Wednesday press briefing, the Pentagon said the aircraft seen on the East Coast are not U.S. military drones. Pentagon officials also shot down claims by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) that the aircraft are coming from an Iranian ship off the Atlantic coast. Van Drew, who represents much of South Jersey, including the shore, had called for the aircraft to be shot down, a measure only the federal government would have the authority to do. N.J., Pa. politicians demand 'more concrete' info aircraft sightings Some elected officials in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York have grown increasingly alarmed by the lack of answers about the aircraft entering their communities. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who was sworn into office this week, spent Thursday night in Hunterdon County observing dozens of aircraft in the sky over a two-hour period. He posted videos of the aircraft he saw Friday morning on social media. Last night I went out with local police to spot drone flying over New Jersey, here’s what I saw. We drove to Round Valley Reservoir and the officer pointed to lights moving low over the tree line. Sometimes they were solid white light, others flashed of red and green.THREAD pic.twitter.com/ly7kUUDWDn "This has gone on for weeks. It's hard to understand how with the technology we have we aren't able to track these devices to determine origin and this makes me much more concerned about our capabilities more broadly when it comes to drone detection and counter measures," Kim said. Earlier in the week, Kim joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in sending a letter requesting more help from the FBI, DHS and the Federal Aviation Administration. On Friday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he wrote to President Joe Biden seeking increased federal resources for the investigation. "New Jersey residents deserve more more concrete information about these (unmanned aircraft system) sightings and what is causing them," the letter said. "The continued reporting of UAS activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms." Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke briefly about the unidentified aircraft during an unrelated event in Scranton on Friday. He said he's directed Pennsylvania State Police to fly helicopters to observe any unusual activity, adding that the agency has been conducting exercises focused on the aircraft. "I can't speak for the rest of the nation, but we're focused on it here in Pennsylvania. We've been told, again, by our federal partners, it does not pose any kind of national security or personal security risk," Shapiro said. "But you know, as the old saying goes, trust but verify." In New Jersey, state and local lawmakers met Wednesday at New Jersey State Police Headquarters for a law enforcement briefing on New Jersey's probe of drone activity. In a social media post , state Rep. Dawn Fantasia (R-24) recapped the meeting and said it was premature to conclude there are no threats to the public. "We know nothing. PERIOD," Fantasia wrote. "To state that there is no known or credible threat is incredibly misleading, and I informed all officials of that sentiment." Fantasia said reports of suspected drones ranged between four and 180 sightings per night, usually from dusk until 11 p.m. She said many of the aircraft appear large — up to 6 feet in diameter — and seem to avoid detection by traditional methods. In Pennsylvania, where sightings have increased since the start of December, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1) said Friday he was concerned about reports of drone activity overseas near a U.S. military base in Ramstein, Germany. Unidentified drones also were spotted late last month above U.S. bases in the United Kingdom, the BBC reported. Fitzpatrick had called Wednesday for more transparency from federal investigators. "(It's) an unacceptable threat to our security," Fitzpatrick said. "Enough is enough. We need answers. We need action. Now."

Renowned Architect Kazuyo Sejima Appointed to United States-Japan Foundation BoardJavon Leake is staying put. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Javon Leake is staying put. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Javon Leake is staying put. A CFL source said Friday the veteran running back-returner has agreed to terms on a two-year extension with the Edmonton Elks. Leake was slated to become a free agent in February. Edmonton Elks' Javon Leake (22) escapes a tackle by Calgary Stampeders' Ben Labrosse (29) during first half CFL football action in Calgary, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh The source added the deal — which was negotiated by Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes — was worth more than $270,000 in hard money. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as the Elks hadn’t formally announced the move. The six-foot, 205-pound Leake ran for a career-high 661 yards on 102 carries (6.5-yard average) with six TDs in 15 games this past season, his first with Edmonton. Leake also had two 100-yard rushing contests in 2024 while adding 34 catches for 301 yards and a touchdown. Leake also had 23 punt returns for 214 yards and 25 kickoff returns for 539 yards. Leake joined the Elks as a free agent after spending two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, winning a Grey Cup with the club in 2022. Leake was used predominantly as a returner with Toronto and was the CFL’s top special-teams player in 2023 after registering 81 punt returns for 1,216 yards and four TDs. He had 38 kickoff returns for 793 yards. Leake had 15 carries for 52 yards over his two seasons with the Argos. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. AdvertisementLAS VEGAS — (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support and innovation solutions, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP, and VMware software, today announced , a single-pane-of-glass management tool that unifies and simplifies the administration and monitoring of Rimini ConnectTM, Rimini Street’s industry-leading suite of interoperability solutions. 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By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS After weeks of fear and bewilderment about over parts of New York and , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry expects digital GDP this year to expand by 5.7% year-on-year, 2.2 times higher than the estimated Thai GDP, attributed to nudging the public sector towards digital government and promoting investment in cloud services and data centres. The value of the digital economy is expected to be 4.44 trillion baht this year, indicating the importance of the sector, according to the ministry. The National Economic and Social Development Council estimates Thai GDP expansion at 2.6% this year. Private digital investment is expected to grow 2.8% year-on-year, while government digital investment is projected to expand by 4.5%. Government investment expanded from a negative base the previous year. Private consumption in the digital industry is targeted to expand by 5.6%, higher than the estimate for national consumption growth this year of 4.8%. Government consumption of digital products is expected to expand by 11.4% based on accelerated budget disbursement. The value of digital industry exports of goods and services in 2024 is expected to expand by 17.2% from 5.1% the previous year, while the country's exports of goods and services are estimated to grow by 6.1% from 2.1% the previous year. Imports of digital goods and services are expected to expand by 9.0%, up from 3% in 2023, according to the DES Ministry. The ministry said the digital industry has high potential to generate foreign revenue. However, because Thailand relies on digital goods, both raw materials and final products, as well as digital media content from abroad, when exports expand, imports will also increase, noted the agency. For the manufacturing sector, the report said digital GDP will expand by 5.71% this year, up from 2.75% in 2023, in line with production expansion in all industrial categories. The top two industries with the highest growth are digital content at 12.6% and telecom at 10%. Roughly 80% of digital GDP growth is attributed to the expansion of the telecom industry, up 1.90%, the digital service industry, rising 1.36%, and the hardware industry, gaining 1.27%. DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said the digital GDP figures were provided by the Office of National Digital Economy and Society Commission. He said the government's investment promotion and Cloud First policy have led foreign tech giants such as Google and Microsoft to invest more than 100 billion baht in artificial intelligence and data centres this year in Thailand. "Two more major tech companies are expected to invest next year with an investment of no less than 100 billion baht," said Mr Prasert.

The National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson Alaribe FCA, has advocated for ethical practice and professionalism among the practitioners. Alaribe stated this at the inauguration of Omokemi Oladipo as the pioneer Chairman of the Lagelu and District Society. He charged the leadership of the newly created district to prioritize mentorship as a key strategy to attract and retain new members. The ICAN national president also used the occasion to officially inaugurate the Lagelu District and Society as a new geographical district and 74th of the Institute with the aimed of enhancing ICAN’s outreach and expanding its influence in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The inauguration and investiture of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo FCA, held on Saturday, November 23 in Ibadan, and attracted numerous prominent personalities from the accounting and business communities. Speaking at the event, the ICAN president who showered encomium on newly sworn in chairman of Lagelu District of the Institute, emphasized that mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding young accountants through their professional journeys and also helps them navigate the complexities of the accounting profession. While stressing the need for the Lagelu District leadership to uphold ethical conduct, practice, and high level professionalism in the discharge of their duties, Alaribe urged Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo to actively engage in mentorship programs and education that will not only support the career growth of aspiring accountants but also create a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals for the future. He called on the pioneer executive members of Lagelu District and other members to cooperate and support Chief Mrs. Oladipo in her new designation, and to ensure that the ICAN brand in the district remains united and cohesive devoid of any form of divisive tendencies. “Mentorship is at the heart of our profession’s growth. As we continue to expand and strengthen our membership base, we must focus on nurturing the next generation of accountants. “By deepening a culture of mentorship, we can ensure that more young professionals, especially those who don’t even want to be stressed by the nitty gritty of accounting, are inspired and equipped to join ICAN and contribute to the growth of the profession.” Chief Alaribe said. Keynote speaker, Mr Patterson Ariemuduigho (FCA), also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity of purpose and cohesiveness, which he said remains the strength of the Institute. He equally expressed confidence in Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo led leadership of the Lagelu District in driving the vision of ICAN to an enviable height. The chairman of the day, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Oodua Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahaman Yinusa (FCA), in his short address, congratulated the newly sworn in Lagelu District executive committee and assured that his company will continue to play its important role as a partner in progress to provide the needed support which also includes advisory role for both the national Institute and the new district. One of the leaders of the Institute, Dr Oyebade Oyedepo, in his paper presentation titled: “Breaking Barriers; Expanding Frontiers” highlighted various types of barriers accountants encounter in the discharge of their duties to include internal and external, as well as the impacts of such barriers, while equally providing key guides to preventing and mitigating such barriers. While highlighting some of the attributes required for breaking barriers in the profession to include courage, resilience, innovative thinking, strong determination and discipline, Dr Oyedepo expressed conviction that the Lagelu District of ICAN under the leadership of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo would embrace the points raised in the paper to soar high beyond limit. “I believe they can do it, particularly with the pedigree of the convener, Mr Biodun Adedeji (FCA) and the pioneer chairman Chief (Mrs.) Omokemi Oladipo FCA, I can attest to their outstanding performance and forthrightness.” Dr Oyedepo said. In her acceptance speech, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, who was the immediate past chairman of Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Ibadan branch; the women wing of ICAN, thanked the national president of ICAN and other regional and zonal leaders for their physical presence at the event. She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and promised to work diligently towards the growth of the district. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ICAN’s core values, fostering a collaborative environment for members, and ensuring that the Lagelu District becomes a model of excellence in the accounting community. She equally thanked the Institute and her colleagues for trusting her and expressing their confidence in her abilities with the new role of steering the affairs of the new ICAN district as a pioneer chairman, assuring that she would not let them down, while promising an inclusive governance to ensure all members have equal sense of belonging and participation. While noting that her swearing in and official inauguration of the Lagelu District marked a significant milestone for ICAN in its mission to expand its influence and enhance the professional lives of accountants in the state and nation, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo reaffirmed her commitment to uphold and preserve the reputation of the Institute as a respected brand while driving her vision forward. She also assured that her committee will hit the ground running immediately in implementing her vision for the district. Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo added that she would lead her team to embark on outreach programs which encapsulate education, professional capacity building, physical wellness, medical outreach, among others. She assured that her leadership would continue to maintain the integrity of the profession while leading by example in adherence to the ethical guidelines set forth by ICAN and ensuring that members of the district uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their practices. “I am humbled by this opportunity and I promise to lead with integrity, transparency, and dedication. Together, we will ensure that the Lagelu District becomes a beacon of professionalism, where ethical practices are not just encouraged but ingrained in every member’s approach to their work”, She said. Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo however, dedicated her career accomplishments to her husband; Chief Olabode Oladipo, the Bobadara of Osooro kingdom, Ikale, Ondo state, for believing in her dream and providing all the needed support and motivation to actualize her dream both in her professional career and at home as wife and mother. Earlier, the Lubokun IV, Rebuja of Osooro kingdom, and royal father of the day, HRM, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa, who was represented by a high-powered delegation, expressed delight in the career achievements of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, describing her as a brilliant and leading light even as a little child. As a result of her soaring influence and several selfless service to the people of Osooro kingdom and Ikale at large, the monarch announced the appointment of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo as a member, Oba in-council of Osooro kingdom, while assuring her of his continuous support in all future endeavors. In their separate goodwill messages, the Convener of the event, Mr Biodun Adedeji (FCA), Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA), Mr Timothy Oyelami, and Deacon Titus Alao, praised the spirit of residence and determination towards career success being displayed by Chief Mrs. Oladipo and promised to continue to provide support for her wherever and whenever needed. The event featured a series of discussions and presentations on the importance of ethical accounting practices and the role of chartered accountants in national development. Experts in the field highlighted the need for accountants to continuously update their knowledge and skills in compliance with evolving technology and regulations. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowFormula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season

Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inaugurationWASHINGTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally celebrated Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima has been named a Trustee at the United States-Japan Foundation (USJF), further strengthening her influential role in promoting cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. She has been a leader both in promoting the role of women in architecture, and in redefining the use of public space for community purposes. Sejima, a founder of Kazuyo Sejima & Associates and co-founder of SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates), is known for her groundbreaking work in minimalist architecture and her dedication to creating spaces that connect people with their surroundings. Her architectural contributions have earned global recognition, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, awarded jointly with co-founder Ryue Nishizawa in 2010. Sejima's architectural accomplishments span numerous internationally renowned projects, such as the New Museum in New York City , the Rolex Learning Center in Switzerland , and the Louvre-Lens in France . In Japan , she has designed iconic public spaces, including Kanazawa's 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the New Kagawa Prefectural Sports Arena. Her minimalist design philosophy emphasizes transparency and harmony, seamlessly blending built and natural environments. In 2023, Sejima won the Jane Drew Prize for Architecture for her contribution to raising the profile of women in architecture. The Jane Drew Prize is given annually as part of the W Awards, a program held by The Architectural Review and Architects' Journal, which was previously known as the Women in Architecture Awards. "Beyond the formal, structural, and material experimentation of her work, Sejima is one of too few female architects to have established themselves on the international stage," said The Architectural Review editor Manon Mollard . "Her courage, tenacity, and success are critical reminders that it is possible." "Sejima-san will contribute her insightful perspective and deep understanding of art, architecture, and culture, enhancing the Foundation's mission of supporting initiatives that advance social, economic, and cultural connections," said Lawrence K. Fish , USJF board chair. "As an architect who has consistently challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of design, Sejima-san brings a unique, innovative approach to the Foundation's programs." Sejima said, "When I was a child, an American family moved next door, and I have fond memories of them introducing me to many worlds I had never known. Because of that, I am honored to now be involved in passing on various activities to the next generation." For more information on Kazuyo Sejima's appointment and ongoing work with the US-Japan Foundation, please contact: info@us-jf.org View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renowned-architect-kazuyo-sejima-appointed-to-united-states-japan-foundation-board-302320062.html SOURCE United States-Japan Foundation

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Ekeler was concussed in the final minute of the Washington Commanders’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Coach Dan Quinn said he and general manager Adam Peters got to visit with Ekeler before he went to the hospital. A team spokesperson said the decision to transport Ekeler was made out of an abundance of caution. Ekeler, 29, was injured when he was tackled by Damone Clark and Nick Vigil on a kickoff return with 9 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Ekeler remained down on the field for some time being attended to by medical personnel, and players from each team knelt around him with their helmets off. Lineman Andrew Wylie was also concussed and fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr. sprained an ankle in Washington’s third consecutive defeat. Ekeler is in his first season with the Commanders after spending his first nine years in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

“Use the power of the purse as a hammer.” That’s the advice to President-elect Donald Trump from education reformer Richard Corcoran, who served as president of the New College of Florida and former House Speaker of the Florida State Assembly. As Trump names his nominees for Cabinet-level positions, he has stated his intention to eliminate the federal Department of Education and “send education back to the states.” Cabinet Chaos as Gaetz Bows Out; Guest Nick Gilbertson Corcoran, a veteran of many fights against “woke” educators at the college level, has a different message. Corcoran was on Trump’s shortlist as a possible nominee. Late Tuesday, however, Trump announced his intention to instead nominate Linda McMahon , who served as co-chair of Trump’s transition team and was the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). In Trump’s first term, she served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration and later worked as one of the leaders of the America First Policy Institutes that strategized for another Trump presidency. She also served one year on the Connecticut Board of Education starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Appearing on The Drill Down with Peter Schweizer, Corcoran believes the department should be “gutted and dismantled but not abolished.” He adds, “Go in and choose disruptors.” Schweizer agrees, saying, “This is not an air war where you just drop a few bombs and fire some people... This is a trench war.” Corcoran points out the Florida experience with educational bureaucracy during the Covid pandemic, where it was the state’s education department that forced schools to re-open and stop mask mandates — after local school boards, many dominated by members connected to teachers’ unions, refused to do so. “Use the power of the law to your advantage,” he suggests, explaining that the strategy amounts to: “Comply, or you won’t get the money.” Corcoran is the author of a new book, Storming the Ivory Tower: How a Florida College Became Ground Zero in the Struggle to Take Back Our Campuses that tells the story of his efforts with Christopher Rufo to reform the New College of Florida from a “woke” school that indoctrinated students with left-wing dogma into a true liberal arts college where students learn “how to think, not what to think.” The problem with simply sending money to the states, Corcoran believes, is that in some states the education establishment is so far to the left that giving them more money will simply exacerbate the problem (prompting Eggers to quip, “the California Department of Education will just say ‘Hold my beer!’”). Local school boards are often filled with union members, former teachers, and ideological liberals, Corcoran says. Eggers sums up the idea as using the federal DoE as a check on the worst state systems. “We can’t allow them one more foothold,” Corcoran agrees. He believes more money needs to get to charter schools, which are resisted by the bureaucracy. If the red tape around establishing charter schools in areas where the public schools are poorly performing, “the bureaucracy will buckle,” he tells the hosts. What are his suggestions on how to reform federal education policy? Change the law to make it easier for states to change their school accreditors, he says, because these accrediting organizations often enforce the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) policies. The DoE harasses those who try, he says. He also wants to get rid of the DEIB bureaucrats. “The way Covid exposed the local school districts, DEIB did for colleges and universities.” “In Florida, we ended the DEI office,” he says. ”We actually fired people. We didn’t have to be told. We did it on our own,” Corcoran says. During Covid, the DoE’s budget was about $238 billion. Something close to $190 billion was allocated for elementary and secondary school relief. “And a lot of it got spent on DEIB stuff,” Corcoran says. He wants to reinvent the mission of the DoE as defending a world-class education and defining it as such. Teach students the truth and how to think rather than what to think. “Even the textbooks,” he says. For more from Peter Schweizer, subscribe to The DrillDown podcast.WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden Sunday night announced he has pardoned his son Hunter, a reversal in his long-standing pledge that he would not exert his executive authority to clear his son of gun-related charges and tax crimes. “I believe in the justice system,” Biden said in a statement. “But as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice — and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Hunter, who is Biden’s only living son, was a frequent target of Republicans, who, through various investigations, sought to link broad corruption charges to the president and his son. No evidence has shown any wrongdoing by the president. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong,” Biden said. “There has been an effort to break Hunter — who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution.” Hunter Biden’s gun conviction before a federal jury in June stemmed from lying on a gun purchase in 2018. He checked a box that affirmed he was not using illegal drugs, but he did then use drugs while owning the firearm. The gun charges carried a possible prison sentence. Separately, Hunter Biden also pleaded guilty to federal tax charges in California. The decision came at the end of a holiday weekend and as Biden is winding down his presidency and President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in January. U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, blasted the move by the president, saying he has “lied from start to finish about his family’s corrupt influence peddling activities.” Last updated 6:34 p.m., Dec. 1, 2024

Tests keep coming for Auburn and Duke, who collide at Cameron Indoor Stadium in a typical prove-it game in a rare environment on Wednesday night. No. 2 Auburn and No. 9 Duke square off less than one month into the season as two of the most battle-tested teams in basketball. They're matched as one of the marquee games in the crossover showcase known as the ACC-SEC Challenge. Auburn (7-0) jumped two spots in the latest Top 25 poll propelled by its Maui Invitational championship. In one of Feast Week's toughest brackets, the Tigers rallied from 18 points down to beat then-No. 4 Iowa State, handled then-No. 12 North Carolina 85-72 and rolled past Memphis 90-76 in the title game. With a week off to shed any remnants of jet lag returning from the islands, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is pointing to another potential resume-building win. "The confidence that we're going to get from (Maui) is that we know we can play with anybody," Pearl said. "I promise you this, we'll stay humble and hungry. We will not begin to think too much of ourselves." Helping lead Auburn in Maui was fifth-year power forward Johni Broome. The tournament's MVP, Broome averaged 21.7 points, 15 rebounds, 4.3 assists and three blocks in the three-game sweep. Spearheading a veteran Tigers roster, Broome couldn't care less about individual honors. "I wanted to come to a place where the foundation was already built, and that's why I came to Auburn," Broome said. "Winning player of the year doesn't matter to me. I care about winning games, and making sure I can help my team in any way." Broome's 20.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game lead the Tigers, while Chad Baker-Mazara adds 12.6 ppg and Denver Jones chips in 11.1. Auburn's next roadblock is earning its first-ever win against Duke. The Tigers are 0-3 all-time against the Blue Devils, including a six-point loss in the 2018 Maui Invitational. Duke (5-2) has already been through three games against ranked opponents. The Blue Devils had a 77-72 loss against then-No. 19 Kentucky, a 14-point win at then-No. 17 Arizona and a 75-72 defeat against No. 1 Kansas last week in Las Vegas. "Best team we've played so far," Pearl said of Duke. Bouncing back on Friday, the Blue Devils took down Seattle 70-48, holding the Redhawks to just 10 made field goals on 47 attempts (21.3 percent). Despite the suffocating defensive effort, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer knows his team has a long way to go. "I wasn't really happy with much tonight, to be honest," Scheyer said on Friday. "I thought we rushed some shots, had too many turnovers. We need to finish stronger, drive stronger, make extra passes, there were a whole bunch of things. ... We just need to get back to practice. In fairness to our guys, we've been traveling a lot and we just need practice time." Pacing the Blue Devils in scoring is five-star freshman Cooper Flagg. He's averaging 15.9 points per game to go along with 8.3 rebounds. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel adds 13.4 points per contest. Far less seasoned raw freshman, big man Khaman Maluach has given Duke's interior defense an edge it was lacking last season. A projected lottery pick who can be overshadowed by the Flagg publicity train, Maluach (7-2, 248) is averaging 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and has two three-block games. In last year's inaugural ACC-SEC Challenge, Duke lost at Arkansas 80-75 and Auburn topped Virginia Tech 74-57. --Field Level Media

Last holiday for Biden White House celebrates 'a season of peace and light'Ravens’ Roquan Smith Out for Monday Night against ChargersNEWARK — Maryland men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard was back in the building that’s the backdrop for many fond memories from his previous job. Sunday afternoon’s rousing comeback win against Villanova, fueled by Terrapins freshman standout Derik Queen, produced the latest bit of exhilaration for Willard at Prudential Center. Queen’s two free throws with 19 seconds to play were the decisive points in a 76-75 win in the Empire Classic. The Terps, who were playing away from College Park for the first time, trailed by 13 early in the second half before the 6-foot-10 center took over; he finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.3,161 Shares in LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LPLA) Acquired by B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. Holding AG

The Stock Market Just Crossed a Threshold It's Never Reached Before -- and History Is Quite Clear What Happens NextSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — De’Vondre Campbell’s decision to quit on his team in the middle of a game overshadowed the bigger issues for the San Francisco 49ers. An offense that was one of the most dynamic in the NFL during a run to the Super Bowl last season has been just ordinary for most of 2024 and was downright bad in on Thursday night that just about ended San Francisco’s playoff hopes. San Francisco (6-8) was held to its fewest yards (191) in a regular-season game in eight seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan and its fewest points since Shanahan’s debut in 2017 on a rainy night that will be remembered mostly for Campbell walking off the field in the middle of the game with a towel draped over his head. The game also featured San Francisco going three-and-out on four drives as Brock Purdy struggled to connect with his receivers. a potential touchdown pass after about a lack of touches. Purdy then missed Ricky Pearsall on an underthrown deep shot in the fourth quarter before throwing an interception into the end zone that ended the Niners’ comeback attempt. “I just feel like I had a lot of plays left out there that I could have made for our team,” Purdy said. “I thought the defense and special teams played so good. That’s what’s hurting me is I just feel like I failed the team. I could have been better for our offense and we could have put up more points.” Scoring has been an issue this season for the 49ers, who have been missing key playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk for much of the season. San Francisco is scoring 8.5 fewer points per game on offense than the Niners did through 14 games last season. What’s working Red-zone defense. After allowing touchdowns on 13 consecutive red-zone drives over the previous four games, the 49ers kept the Rams out of the end zone on all three drives that went inside the 20. What needs help Receivers. The 49ers failed to get much production from their wide receivers with Purdy going 6 for 20 for 63 yards with an INT and a 19.4 rating when targeting wideouts. Samuel had 16 yards on seven targets with the key drop. Jauan Jennings had two drops and was the target on the interception. Pearsall had one catch for 16 yards on four targets. Stock up LB Dre Greenlaw returned for the first time since tearing his left Achilles tendon in last season’s Super Bowl. Greenlaw had eight tackles in the first half as he brought needed intensity and physical play that had been missing for much of the season. Stock down Campbell. The 49ers are deciding whether to waive or suspend Campbell, who lost his starting job when Greenlaw returned and then refused to play when he was needed. “His actions from the game just is not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still expect to be a part of our team,” Shanahan said. “We’re working through exactly the semantics of it right now, but we’ll handle the situation appropriately.” Injuries Greenlaw came out of the game feeling OK after leaving with soreness in his knee and Achilles tendon. He is day to day. ... S Ji’Ayir Brown (groin) and LB Dee Winters (neck) are also day to day. ... LT Trent Williams (ankle) is still trying to get back to play after missing the last four games. Shanahan said Williams’ recovery has been “a lot slower than anticipated.” Key number 0 — The Niners didn’t reach the red zone once all game, with their deepest penetration into Rams territory being when they reached the 27 on a third-quarter field goal drive. This marked the first time since Week 11 in 2010 that the 49ers didn’t run a single play inside the opponent’s 25. What’s next The 49ers visit Miami on Dec. 22. ___ AP NFL:The National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson Alaribe FCA, has advocated for ethical practice and professionalism among the practitioners. Alaribe stated this at the inauguration of Omokemi Oladipo as the pioneer Chairman of the Lagelu and District Society. He charged the leadership of the newly created district to prioritize mentorship as a key strategy to attract and retain new members. The ICAN national president also used the occasion to officially inaugurate the Lagelu District and Society as a new geographical district and 74th of the Institute with the aimed of enhancing ICAN’s outreach and expanding its influence in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The inauguration and investiture of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo FCA, held on Saturday, November 23 in Ibadan, and attracted numerous prominent personalities from the accounting and business communities. Speaking at the event, the ICAN president who showered encomium on newly sworn in chairman of Lagelu District of the Institute, emphasized that mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding young accountants through their professional journeys and also helps them navigate the complexities of the accounting profession. While stressing the need for the Lagelu District leadership to uphold ethical conduct, practice, and high level professionalism in the discharge of their duties, Alaribe urged Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo to actively engage in mentorship programs and education that will not only support the career growth of aspiring accountants but also create a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals for the future. He called on the pioneer executive members of Lagelu District and other members to cooperate and support Chief Mrs. Oladipo in her new designation, and to ensure that the ICAN brand in the district remains united and cohesive devoid of any form of divisive tendencies. “Mentorship is at the heart of our profession’s growth. As we continue to expand and strengthen our membership base, we must focus on nurturing the next generation of accountants. “By deepening a culture of mentorship, we can ensure that more young professionals, especially those who don’t even want to be stressed by the nitty gritty of accounting, are inspired and equipped to join ICAN and contribute to the growth of the profession.” Chief Alaribe said. Keynote speaker, Mr Patterson Ariemuduigho (FCA), also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity of purpose and cohesiveness, which he said remains the strength of the Institute. He equally expressed confidence in Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo led leadership of the Lagelu District in driving the vision of ICAN to an enviable height. The chairman of the day, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Oodua Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahaman Yinusa (FCA), in his short address, congratulated the newly sworn in Lagelu District executive committee and assured that his company will continue to play its important role as a partner in progress to provide the needed support which also includes advisory role for both the national Institute and the new district. One of the leaders of the Institute, Dr Oyebade Oyedepo, in his paper presentation titled: “Breaking Barriers; Expanding Frontiers” highlighted various types of barriers accountants encounter in the discharge of their duties to include internal and external, as well as the impacts of such barriers, while equally providing key guides to preventing and mitigating such barriers. While highlighting some of the attributes required for breaking barriers in the profession to include courage, resilience, innovative thinking, strong determination and discipline, Dr Oyedepo expressed conviction that the Lagelu District of ICAN under the leadership of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo would embrace the points raised in the paper to soar high beyond limit. “I believe they can do it, particularly with the pedigree of the convener, Mr Biodun Adedeji (FCA) and the pioneer chairman Chief (Mrs.) Omokemi Oladipo FCA, I can attest to their outstanding performance and forthrightness.” Dr Oyedepo said. In her acceptance speech, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, who was the immediate past chairman of Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Ibadan branch; the women wing of ICAN, thanked the national president of ICAN and other regional and zonal leaders for their physical presence at the event. She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and promised to work diligently towards the growth of the district. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ICAN’s core values, fostering a collaborative environment for members, and ensuring that the Lagelu District becomes a model of excellence in the accounting community. She equally thanked the Institute and her colleagues for trusting her and expressing their confidence in her abilities with the new role of steering the affairs of the new ICAN district as a pioneer chairman, assuring that she would not let them down, while promising an inclusive governance to ensure all members have equal sense of belonging and participation. While noting that her swearing in and official inauguration of the Lagelu District marked a significant milestone for ICAN in its mission to expand its influence and enhance the professional lives of accountants in the state and nation, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo reaffirmed her commitment to uphold and preserve the reputation of the Institute as a respected brand while driving her vision forward. She also assured that her committee will hit the ground running immediately in implementing her vision for the district. Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo added that she would lead her team to embark on outreach programs which encapsulate education, professional capacity building, physical wellness, medical outreach, among others. She assured that her leadership would continue to maintain the integrity of the profession while leading by example in adherence to the ethical guidelines set forth by ICAN and ensuring that members of the district uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their practices. “I am humbled by this opportunity and I promise to lead with integrity, transparency, and dedication. Together, we will ensure that the Lagelu District becomes a beacon of professionalism, where ethical practices are not just encouraged but ingrained in every member’s approach to their work”, She said. Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo however, dedicated her career accomplishments to her husband; Chief Olabode Oladipo, the Bobadara of Osooro kingdom, Ikale, Ondo state, for believing in her dream and providing all the needed support and motivation to actualize her dream both in her professional career and at home as wife and mother. Earlier, the Lubokun IV, Rebuja of Osooro kingdom, and royal father of the day, HRM, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa, who was represented by a high-powered delegation, expressed delight in the career achievements of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, describing her as a brilliant and leading light even as a little child. As a result of her soaring influence and several selfless service to the people of Osooro kingdom and Ikale at large, the monarch announced the appointment of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo as a member, Oba in-council of Osooro kingdom, while assuring her of his continuous support in all future endeavors. In their separate goodwill messages, the Convener of the event, Mr Biodun Adedeji (FCA), Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA), Mr Timothy Oyelami, and Deacon Titus Alao, praised the spirit of residence and determination towards career success being displayed by Chief Mrs. Oladipo and promised to continue to provide support for her wherever and whenever needed. The event featured a series of discussions and presentations on the importance of ethical accounting practices and the role of chartered accountants in national development. Experts in the field highlighted the need for accountants to continuously update their knowledge and skills in compliance with evolving technology and regulations. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now