Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024EDMONTON — The Alberta government has announced plans to ban new mountaintop removal and open-pit coal developments on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, but the new rules wouldn't apply to advanced projects like a contentious mine proposed for the Crowsnest Pass. Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean announced Friday the new policies expected in late 2025, along with a round of consultations with industry players on how to implement them. Jean said under the "long overdue" rule revamp, all coal mining projects would be held to the highest environmental standards. "Our job will be to develop a policy that will attract investment and create jobs while respecting and protecting the air, land, water and wildlife," he said. Jean said royalty revenues are also to be “substantially increased,” with rates to be revised after the consultations. "They're too low. We're going to bring them up," he said of the province's current rates. The new bans wouldn’t apply to advanced proposals, including the proposed Grassy Mountain open-pit mine in the Crowsnest Pass, which has been fought by environmental groups and communities downstream. Alberta Energy Regulator hearings into that project are to continue in January. Jean said the Grassy Mountain project, which aims to reclaim a site that was mined over 60 years ago but was never properly restored, would be monitored closely if approved. He said the province needs to find innovative ways to clean up those contaminated sites. "I hope (Albertans) look at us and say, 'Wow, that's smart. What a smart government,'" he said. Concerns over coal mining blew up in spring 2020, when the province announced it would remove rules that had protected the eastern slopes of the Rockies from open-pit coal mining since 1976. Public reaction was swift and angry, and the United Conservative Party government reinstated the protections and stopped selling exploration leases. Friday's announcement also comes three years after the government received a report and recommendations on the issue, including public feedback ranging from environmental concerns to dissatisfaction with the regulatory process. Jean said the COVID-19 pandemic, last year's provincial election and fights with the federal government over resource jurisdiction led to the delay of the new initiative. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the plan to collect more royalties represents a plan to increase production in Alberta, with no economic benefit and a lot of environmental risk. "They may want to mess around with the rates, but what they really are trying to do is increase the amount of coal mining in the province," he said. He said the policy previously in place since 1976 was lifted for a brief period so the UCP could "sneak" a few projects through the regulatory process. "It's economically illiterate. It's not going to create the jobs and the economic benefits that we need in Alberta," Nenshi said. Under the new rules, companies would be required to show they can prevent toxic selenium from leaching into watersheds. Jean said technology, including "high wall mining" to catch overburden, the layer of soil and rock that sits above coal, would be used to keep it in check. But NDP environment and protected areas critic Sarah Elmeligi said she's skeptical technology to remove selenium from waterways works at scale, outside a lab. "That technology doesn't currently exist and, if it does, I would love to see it." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2024. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
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The military's tradition of tracking Santa Claus on his gravity-defying sweep across the globe will carry on this Christmas Eve, even if the U.S. government shuts down, officials said Friday. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online. “We fully expect for Santa to take flight on Dec. 24 and NORAD will track him," the U.S.-Canadian agency said in a statement. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats, such as last year's Chinese spy balloon. But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” The endeavor is supported by local and corporate sponsors, who also help shield the tradition from Washington dysfunction. Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, told The Associated Press that there are "screams and giggles and laughter” when families call in, usually on speakerphone. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, "Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early." NORAD's annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War, predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics. Here's how it began and why the phones keep ringing. The origin story is Hollywood-esque It started with a child's accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy's mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80-foot (18-by-24-meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from "those who do not believe in Christmas.” Is the origin story humbug? Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup's story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy's call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child's call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. "When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,'" Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. "People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” A rare addition to Santa's story NORAD's tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa's story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada — known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That's when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org, that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
According to Pinterest Predicts 2025, Gen Z is done with florals, and is hunting for something deeper, something personal. In Chennai, this feels more cultural. “I am a literature student, and want my fashion to tell my story in 2025,” says Pavai Iniyaval, 21, who is also a theatre enthusiast. For her, the future of style is about storytelling. “We aren’t buying into American trend predictions always. For me and my peers, experimenting with fashion choices is about revisiting and recreating culture in combination of desi-coded fashion. Like nose pins making a comeback. And bold, coloured pop eyeliners? That’s 2025,” she says. Shri Janani of a social media management team, in her early 20s, nods. “Fashion has taken a good turn in Chennai. The younger crowd is all about experimentation in 2025, without having to listen to societal norms.” Aswin, fresh out of Loyola College with a degree in Finance, has a similar sentiment. “Oversized sweats and baggy jean were 2024. New year, who knows? But we are sure to experiment to cultivate our identity. It is not just the students who study fashion any more, everyone wants the new,” he says. But Smrithi Riya Alex, a 25-year-old alumna of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai, says Gen Z is big on self-expression in Chennai and all over the world, and so some of them would steer clear of trends. “This generation is loud, unapologetic, and though older generations find us rather quirky and strange, we, in some aspect, demand for the change we want to see towards inclusivity, sustainability, and mental health.” Slowcations The 2025 travel forecast says, “Skip the cities, go for mountains!” Chennai’s Gen Z seem to hold strong desire to travel more than ever. “I think exploring the wilderness or unseen and taking breaks from reality is expressed through travel. Travel-based influencer archetype is blowing up,” says Ms. Pavai. “Slowcations never used to be the norm growing up,” adds Mr. Aswin. This immersive, unhurried escape seems to be the lifestyle choice in 2025. Era of personalisation? Every week, there is a new aesthetic: fairycore to medieval core, you name it, but will Gen Z in Chennai buy into it? Mr. Aswin is not too sure. “For me, it is less about sticking to one aesthetic and more about finding my individuality. I see my peers too customising their sneakers, , whatever feels unique.” Smrithi, on the other hand, says, “Many don’t really know about the young crowd in Chennai. We are diverse and interested in everything under the sky. Some sections care about the newer aesthetic, too, but we are holding ourselves to our roots; which is why, we see a lot of fusion wear coming up.” It is clear that personalisation will evolve into a trend, with Gen Zers going all out with personalising their belongings. Laptop covers plastered with stickers and charm-covered phone cases, they are making everything their own to express who they really are. But in 2025, at least one thing is clear for sure: standing out is the new fitting in for this crowd. Published - December 29, 2024 10:36 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
Wearable Devices Ltd. ( NASDAQ:WLDS – Get Free Report ) saw a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 58,100 shares, a drop of 50.6% from the November 30th total of 117,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 621,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 3.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Wearable Devices Stock Performance Shares of Wearable Devices stock opened at $1.88 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 1.34 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $2.17 and a 200-day moving average of $5.62. Wearable Devices has a 52-week low of $1.32 and a 52-week high of $16.00. Wearable Devices Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Wearable Devices Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wearable Devices and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Gakdeng scores 21 with 12 rebounds, No. 17 UNC women beat Miami 69-60
The Government has not held any discussions nor have entered into any agreements with India regarding the proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said this during the special media conference held yesterday (20) at the Department of Government Information to create awareness and to provide insights into President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. The Minister said that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka was further strengthened as a result of this state visit to India by the President and the Sri Lankan delegation, as they were well received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and other Indian authorities, which is a significant victory for the country and will further benefit Sri Lanka and its people in many ways with important decisions that were made that are highly beneficial for Sri Lanka and its people in economic, cultural, digital, technological, environmental and many other spheres. Bilateral talks were held between the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities and a statement by the President of Sri Lanka and the Indian Prime Minister were made separately followed by a joint statement by both. Two Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) were signed between the two countries. An MOU was signed for a two week training programme on public service to be conducted for 1,500 Sri Lankan state officials in India for the next five years. A second MOU was signed on the removal of the existing double taxation for businesses of Sri Lankans in India and Indians in Sri Lanka where currently such businessmen are taxed by both countries which will benefit the business community economically in both countries going forward as a result. There were no agreements that were signed besides the two MOUs and only discussions were held on technical matters and development projects between both countries during the three day state visit of India by President Dissanayake. In-depth discussions were held about the issues faced by the Sri Lankan fishermen in the North and the South Indian fishing community to find further solutions to them. President Dissanayake emphasized to Indian authorities about the ongoing problem of South Indian fishermen coming to Sri Lankan waters and continuing to carry out bottom trawler fishing activities and also being arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for trespassing into Sri Lankan territorial waters for fishing. Both parties agreed to arrive at an expedited permanent solution to these continued fishing problems. The Indian government assured that the ongoing housing projects carried out with Indian aid in its third and fourth stages constructed in the country will be further strengthened and continued. Indian Prime Minister Modi has promised to convert the complete loan amount given by India into a grant, to renovate the Mahawa – Omanthai railway line with the construction of the traffic signal system which is nearing completion that will run two trains between Anuradhapura and Jaffna, which is a significant victory achieved by the Sri Lankan government during this visit. India has also agreed to provide all funds required as a grant to build the Karainagar Boat complex that will greatly benefit the fishing industry in the North and the entire country. The government of India also agreed to expedite the removal of existing legal barriers for the Mahabodhi Foundation in receiving foreign donations. Sri Lankan proposal was made by President Dissanayake to Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasising on the need to discuss and finalise on the demarcation of the Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends from the Sri Lankan coastline of the Sri Lankan maritime zone as the finalized EEZ area need to be communicated to the United Nations after agreement reached with India, which the Indian government agreed to commence discussions on, to arrive at a final agreement. The President has assured the Indian Prime Minister that the Sri Lankan territory including land and sea areas will not be permitted to be used by anybody including any foreign powers that will cause security threats to India or the Asian region in any way. Discussions were made between the two countries on the ongoing proposed power and energy, electricity development projects which face some technical problems, besides technical, political and cultural fields requiring development that will benefit both countries. The Sri Lankan government agreed to continue the Sampur solar power project that an agreement has already been reached before, between the two countries which the Ceylon Electricity Board and an Indian company have already signed an agreement on the project which will generate solar power for the country. It has been agreed by the Sri Lankan government to hold discussions over power and energy and electricity generating projects between both countries using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Wind Power, to export excess electricity generated by solar power and wind power which are natural resources that the country possess to other countries through India, under the BIMSTEC economic cooperation which will greatly benefit the country bringing in revenue.Agreement has been made to continue further discussions in the future on the proposed joint venture between Sri Lanka, India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on construction of a multi-product oil pipeline between Sri Lanka and India to supply affordable and reliable energy, establishment of a high-capacity power grid interconnection between India and Sri Lanka while prioritising environmental protection through flora and fauna project. Minister Herath emphasised that the Sri Lankan government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will not agree to anything that is detrimental to the country in any way.
President Jimmy Carter’s work making the world a better place will continue because of his faith, a dogged determination to leave a mark on the planet and a curious late-night dream. He left the White House in bitter disappointment and frustration in early 1981 at not having a second term because of the ascendance of Ronald Reagan. The ambitious Carter was not content to build a presidential library and rest on the laurels of a Mideast peace treaty, a nuclear arms deal with the Soviet Union, expanding national parks and reemphasizing human rights in American foreign policy. There was much left undone, in his estimation, but how to go about it now that he was out of the bully pulpit? He and his wife Rosalynn decided to leverage the prestige of his being a former president into opening doors and continuing work addressing poverty, illnesses and democracy around the world. Carter said in a 2009 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they realized there could be advantages in working without the shackles of congressional approvals, presidential protocols or inter-party politics. He and Rosalynn would later talk about whether he was able to accomplish more in the world through the Carter Center than he would have as a second-term president. “I think yes,” Carter told the AJC. He reemphasized his satisfaction with his decision during an August 2015 press conference. He said, in retrospect, given the choice between winning a second term or founding the Carter Center, he would have chosen the Carter Center. The well-funded and globally respected nonprofit will carry his work and ideals well into the future. The Carters dived — freelance and sometimes to the chagrin of the White House — into brokering peace between warring groups, addressing global health, shoring up human rights, freeing hostages, spreading democracy and increasing food production. It led to a passel of recognitions and awards — including his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. The idea for the center came to him in a night-time dream of cabins built on a patch of wooded land, incongruously, within the shadows of Atlanta’s skyline, Carter told the AJC. His center was to be a re-creation of the wooded presidential retreat at Camp David, the location where he orchestrated, through stubborn refusal to accept “no” from either side, the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. He found a patch of land east of downtown, but he had to plead with his former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, who was then mayor of Atlanta, to spare the land from a proposed highway project. The Israel-Egypt peace deal was a foreign-policy coup in the Mideast that no one has come close to replicating, and Carter’s hopes of re-creating the highlight of forging peace between implacable enemies grew into the ever-evolving Atlanta institution. The Carters wrestled with what the center’s other roles should be before turning to their personal experiences with poverty in south Georgia during the Great Depression. They recalled small-town values of neighborly help and their deeply held Christian values and applied those to Carter Center work. At the center’s founding, his work focused on mediating peace between warring groups, such as helping end a conflict between Ethiopia and its breakaway region of Eritrea. “And we still do some of that,” Carter said, but the focus of the center’s work changed and shifted with world need. They looked for causes few others were working on and used their status to leverage donations and attention, ultimately tipping the balance in battles against various human ills. The Carters’ work moved into fostering democracy by monitoring national and village level elections. Carter and his staff monitored more than 113 elections in 39 countries. As president, he helped normalize relations with China, and its government invited him in the 1990s to help standardize the vast array of electoral procedures in rural areas. The Carters adopted mental health issues, something Rosalynn had worked on since their days in the Georgia governor’s mansion, as well as press freedoms, human rights and government transparency. They threw themselves into food production programs in African villages, something Carter had worked on as president. But it was a visit from an old Georgia friend and former White House staffer Dr. Peter Bourne that opened the former president’s eyes to the issues on which a lion’s share of Carter Center money is spent: the eradication of little-known but devastating diseases. Bourne continued working on world health issues after leaving the White House, but the former president had him come to the Carter Center in May 1985 to talk about Guinea worm disease. Bourne and others believed it could be wiped out, which would make it the second human disease in history to be eliminated, after smallpox. Later that year, Bourne and the Carters were together in Wales indulging in one of their favorite pastimes, fishing. Bourne told them that others had some success eradicating Guinea worm at local levels in Africa and south Asia, where about 3.5 million people were affected. They knew that once the parasitic, water-born cycle was broken, it would be wiped from the earth. But those working on it didn’t have the political clout to convince countries to get involved at the highest levels. Carter could bring that, Bourne told them. Carter thought about it a few weeks, then called Bourne to say he was in. “He has been the driving force in getting the political will necessary ever since,” Bourne said. With Carter raising the profile of the illness and money — the center’s assets were more than $925 million according to its 2020 annual report — governments and nonprofits got behind it. Guinea worm was down to 14 reported cases in 2021 in four African countries, the center said. “We analyzed every human illness on earth to ascertain which ones of those might theoretically be ... eradicated,” Carter said. And they chose four others in addition to Guinea worm. River blindness was found in Africa and parts of Central and South America. By 2015, the center’s work coordinating nonprofits and governments pushed the disease into a few isolated deep-jungle spots in Venezuela and Brazil. With a great deal of optimism, the center moved in 2014 to declare a war on eradication of river blindness in Africa, where more than 100 million people are at risk. The center also began programs for trachoma, an infectious eye disease causing blindness; two diseases carried by parasitic worms, elephantiasis and schistosomiasis; and malaria in the Caribbean. The center will carry the couple’s work well past their demise. “I think 100 years from now we will still have the Carter Center as an independent entity,” Carter said. “I hope they are still doing the kinds of good things we have done so far.”
Unlocking the Mystery: These 5 Cryptos Could Shake Up Your Portfolio with Massive Gains!The School Bus Market: Trends, Size, Share, Growth, and Demand by 2031 12-13-2024 07:16 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) School Bus Market The school bus market is a critical component of the global transportation industry, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for millions of students daily. This segment has undergone significant transformation over the years, driven by technological advancements, evolving safety standards, and growing environmental awareness. By 2031, the school bus market is expected to witness robust growth, fueled by emerging trends and increasing demand for innovative solutions. Access Full 350 Pages PDF Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-school-bus-market School buses play a pivotal role in the education system, providing a reliable mode of transport for students. Their design prioritizes safety, with features like high visibility, reinforced structures, and advanced safety systems. The market for school buses has grown steadily due to the rising need for student transportation in urban and rural areas alike. In recent years, factors such as government regulations, advancements in technology, and environmental concerns have shaped the dynamics of this market. By examining trends, market size, share, and growth prospects, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the future of the school bus industry. Key Trends in the School Bus Market Electrification of School Buses Electrification is one of the most transformative trends in the school bus market. Governments and organizations worldwide are pushing for greener alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. Electric school buses (ESBs) are gaining traction due to their zero-emission capabilities, lower operational costs, and support from government subsidies. Major manufacturers are investing heavily in developing efficient battery technologies and infrastructure to support this transition. Adoption of Advanced Safety Features With student safety being paramount, manufacturers are incorporating cutting-edge safety technologies. Features like GPS tracking, automated braking systems, collision avoidance, and surveillance cameras are becoming standard in modern school buses. These advancements not only enhance safety but also provide peace of mind to parents and school administrations. Integration of Smart Technologies Smart buses equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities are revolutionizing the market. Real-time tracking, route optimization, and predictive maintenance are some of the innovations enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, these technologies allow for better communication between bus operators, parents, and schools, improving the overall user experience. Increasing Demand for Customization Educational institutions are seeking tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. From varying seating capacities to specialized designs for students with disabilities, customization has become a significant trend. Manufacturers are responding with flexible designs and modular options to cater to diverse requirements. Focus on Sustainability Environmental concerns are driving demand for sustainable solutions in the school bus market. Besides electrification, there is a growing interest in alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane. These options provide a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel-powered buses while being cost-effective. Market Size and Share Data Bridge Market Research projects that the global school bus market, which was valued at USD 1.29 billion in 2023, is expected to reach USD 1.76 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.96% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The "electric" dominate the by powertrain type segment of global school bus market due to their eco-friendly nature, reduced emissions, and lower operating costs compared to traditional diesel buses. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand. Regional Insights North America North America holds a substantial share of the school bus market, driven by stringent safety regulations and high demand for advanced transportation solutions. The U.S. and Canada are leading the adoption of electric school buses, supported by government incentives and robust infrastructure. Europe Europe is witnessing steady growth, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France investing in green transportation initiatives. The push for sustainable mobility and advanced safety standards is propelling market expansion in this region. Asia-Pacific The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, fueled by increasing student populations and rapid urbanization. Countries like China and India are focusing on expanding their educational infrastructure, driving demand for school buses. Additionally, the adoption of electric and hybrid buses is gaining momentum in this region. Latin America and Middle East & Africa These regions are also contributing to the global market growth, with improving educational systems and growing investments in transportation infrastructure. While these markets are currently smaller in comparison, they offer significant growth potential in the coming years. Growth Prospects The school bus market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% during the forecast period, reaching a substantial market value by 2031. Factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing emphasis on education are driving this growth. The transition towards electric and hybrid models is also a significant growth driver, supported by favorable policies and advancements in battery technology. Challenges and Opportunities While the market presents immense growth opportunities, it is not without challenges. High initial costs of electric buses and inadequate charging infrastructure remain significant barriers. However, ongoing innovations and government initiatives to build a robust infrastructure are expected to mitigate these challenges over time. The rising focus on autonomous school buses also presents a promising avenue for future growth. Demand Outlook by 2031 The demand for school buses is projected to surge in the coming years, driven by the following factors: Rising Student Enrollments Increasing student populations worldwide are creating a greater need for efficient transportation solutions. Governments and private institutions are investing in expanding their fleet of school buses to meet this demand. Government Support and Policies Subsidies, grants, and favorable regulations are encouraging the adoption of modern, eco-friendly school buses. Policies aimed at phasing out older, polluting vehicles are also contributing to market growth. Technological Advancements Innovations in electric and autonomous driving technologies are making school buses more efficient and appealing to educational institutions. These advancements are expected to drive demand further. Focus on Rural Transportation Governments in developing regions are emphasizing rural education and transportation, creating new opportunities for market expansion. The introduction of cost-effective and durable buses is helping address the challenges of providing transportation in remote areas. Browse Trending Reports: https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/information-technology-operations.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/subscription-and-billing-management.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/vascular-ultrasonography-market-size.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/outdoor-motion-sensor-lights-market.html Conclusion The school bus market is on the brink of a significant transformation, with electrification, safety advancements, and smart technologies shaping its future. By 2031, the market is expected to experience substantial growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, policymakers, and educational institutions, must collaborate to address challenges and seize emerging opportunities. As the industry evolves, the focus will remain on delivering safe, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation for students worldwide. About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com" This release was published on openPR.
Since opening in 1977, Banner Health Torrington Community Hospital has provided critical healthcare access, including joint replacement surgeries, to the people of southeast Wyoming and neighboring Nebraska. As healthcare technology rapidly grows, Community Hospital is staying a step ahead by integrating the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics System into joint replacement surgeries. This revolutionary technology is available for hip and full and partial knee replacement surgeries, and patients are returning to their daily activities faster and more comfortably than ever. Levi Keener, Community Hospital’s director of clinical operations, said they chose the Mako system because of its clinically proven ability to give patients a better experience. “There’s evidence that patients have better outcomes with this method of surgery versus a conventional orthopedic replacement,” he said. Mako’s knee or hip replacement advantages begin with a personalized surgical plan. “A CT scan creates a 3D model of the patient’s orthopedic structure,” said Keener. “Saving as much bone as possible extends the life of the orthopedic prosthetic, and patients can have better physical therapy outcomes.” The CT scan also provides a look at surrounding joints. For instance, a patient having their knee replaced will get a CT scan of their hip and ankle areas. “That way, when they’re building the prosthetic and planning for surgery, they know how the patient’s unique anatomy aligns from hip to toe,” said Keener. In the operating room, the surgeon guides the Mako’s robotic arm to perform a precise, minimized surgery according to the patient’s custom plan. With the Mako’s smaller incisions and the ability to preserve healthy tissues and bones, patients experience less pain and shorter hospital stays compared to manual joint replacements. “The custom surgical plan means the robot will help the surgeon know how much bone to cut and won’t allow for any more bone removal than what the 3D model predicted,” said Keener, who also emphasizes that the robot’s role is to assist. “The orthopedic surgeon controls the procedure,” he said. Community Hospital RN and director of patient care services Libby Montgomery added that the Mako system can facilitate more complex joint replacements by accommodating a patient’s natural curvature in their joint. “The Mako system makes it easier to retain the patient’s natural curvature, so they don’t feel a difference after the surgery in terms of their natural gait when they walk,” she said. After the operation, patients typically recover faster and need less inpatient physical therapy. Compared with a manual joint replacement, many patients can resume their regular activities one week faster with the Mako system and enjoy greater joint flexibility. “Most patients are concerned about pain,” said Montgomery. “To reduce a six-week recovery time by a week is significant to the patient.” If a person is experiencing chronic joint pain, it might be time to consider a joint replacement. A Community Hospital provider can walk patients through their options, risks and benefits to determine if a Mako-facilitated joint replacement surgery is right for them. “We are remote in Wyoming, but we’re a part of the Banner Health system, and we want to provide the same level of patient care as larger areas,” said Keener, who is committed to staying at the forefront of emerging healthcare technology. If you are considering a joint replacement, schedule an appointment with Community Hospital’s orthopedic program to see if a Mako-enabled joint replacement would be right for you. Get local news delivered to your inbox!-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email During the pandemic, food delivery became more than a convenience — it became a lifeline. For many of us, it’s still a habit that feels hard to shake. But with rising fees, health goals unmet, and local restaurants squeezed by third-party apps, 2025 might be the year to reassess our reliance on takeout. I know this because I was there. Delivery meals became a near-nightly occurrence in my household, driven by convenience, but costing us a little more than we realized. The financial strain was obvious — delivery fees, service charges and tips added 30% or more to each meal — but the hidden costs were just as significant. My nutritional goals suffered, and I began to feel disconnected from the joy of cooking and the support I wanted to offer local businesses. Related No more apps: How saying goodbye to Big Food delivery changed the way I eat Breaking the habit wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. If you’re ready to do the same, this guide is for you. Start with your “why” To break any habit, you need a reason. For me, it was threefold: my health , my wallet and my ethics. I wanted to eat more nutritious meals , save money for bigger goals and do better by the restaurants I love. Food delivery apps often take a significant cut from local businesses, leaving them with a fraction of the money you think you’re spending to support them. Take a moment to identify your own “why.” Is it financial? A desire to cook more? A way to feel more connected to your community? Write it down. Let it guide your next steps. Find your roadblocks Once I had my “why,” I had to figure out what was stopping me from cooking at home. Here’s what I learned: I wasn’t meal planning, which led to last-minute delivery orders. My kitchen was often too cluttered to feel inspiring. I didn’t have easy fixes for nights when cooking felt like too much. Delivery had become a default, especially on busy or lazy nights. From there, I borrowed a strategy from Kendra Adachi, author of “ The Lazy Genius Way ”: break big problems into small, actionable solutions. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism Small solutions that work Plan meals ahead Meal planning doesn’t have to be elaborate. A few simple steps — like theme nights ( Taco Tuesday , Soup Sunday ) or jotting down meals for the week — can make a huge difference. Knowing what’s for dinner eliminates the temptation to open a delivery app when hunger strikes. If meal planning feels overwhelming, start small. I found success by planning just three dinners a week and leaving the rest flexible for leftovers or low-effort meals. Over time, I got better at stocking ingredients for meals we genuinely enjoyed, which made cooking less of a chore and more of a pleasure. Keep the kitchen ready A dirty kitchen is the enemy of cooking. Inspired by K.C. Davis’s “ How to Keep House While Drowning, ” I started practicing “closing duties.” Every night before bed, I empty the sink, store (or freeze) leftovers and wipe down the counters. These three small tasks transformed my relationship with cooking. This routine became one of my favorite parts of the day. I toss on music, use cleaning products I genuinely enjoy (a good-smelling spray can be oddly motivating) and savor the ritual. Waking up to a clean kitchen not only makes mornings smoother, but also removes an easy excuse to order delivery later. Stock the freezer Freezer meals became my secret weapon. I had dabbled in meal prep before but mostly for office lunches—and let’s be honest, they weren’t thrilling. This time, I shifted my focus to comforting dinners that could be made in double batches and frozen for later. Curries , stews , pasta bakes , pot pies , vegetable lasagnas and Swedish meatballs all became staples. Pinterest and Instagram are full of ideas, and I started thinking of freezer cooking as a favor to “future me.” After a long day of interviews in the Chicago slush, knowing that dinner was just a reheating away was often enough to keep me off the apps. Plan for “lazy” nights Not every night needs to involve a full recipe. Delivery often felt easiest on nights when I was low on energy, so I started keeping ingredients for mix-and-match meals on hand. Shredded rotisserie chicken and bagged salads became a go-to. Omsom noodle kits paired with tofu, rotisserie chicken or frozen meatballs were another lifesaver. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods freezer sections offered plenty of solid options — from stir-fry kits to frozen pizzas — that felt quicker and cheaper than delivery. Recreate your favorites One of the most satisfying parts of this process has been recreating some of my delivery staples at home. Cà ri gà — Vietnamese coconut curry with chicken — now simmers on my stove instead of arriving in a takeout container. Sweetgreen-inspired salads have become a lunchtime highlight. Even pad Thai feels less intimidating thanks to Pinterest’s wealth of dupe recipes. Learning to make these dishes didn’t just save money; it also gave me a sense of accomplishment. And the best part? They taste even better fresh than they do after languishing in a delivery bag. The reward As I reflect on the past year, I’ve noticed changes beyond the numbers in my bank account. I’ve rediscovered the joy of cooking, embraced a sense of agency over my meals and felt more connected to the food I eat. I also support local restaurants by dining in or ordering directly from their websites, skipping the third-party fees. Breaking a delivery habit doesn’t mean swearing off takeout entirely—it’s about finding balance. Start small, celebrate your wins, and remember your “why.” Read more about this topic Edy Massih talks his new cookbook, Lebanese food and why restaurants are "built for competition" "Cooking saved my life more than once": Chef Einat Admony on her culinary memoir "Taste of Love" On the promise and joy found in the cookbook section of used bookstores By Ashlie D. Stevens Ashlie D. Stevens is Salon's food editor. She is also an award-winning radio producer, editor and features writer — with a special emphasis on food, culture and subculture.Her writing has appeared in and on The Atlantic, National Geographic’s “The Plate,” Eater, VICE, Slate, Salon, The Bitter Southerner and Chicago Magazine, while her audio work has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered and Here & Now, as well as APM’s Marketplace. She is based in Chicago. MORE FROM Ashlie D. 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Celebrities can spark change when they speak up about their healthSome quotations from Jimmy Carter . We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” ___ Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” ___ I am a Southerner and an American , I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian , a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” ___ Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. ___ This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. ___ It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. ___ But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. ___ We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. ___ War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. ___ Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” ___ I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. ___ I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. ___ I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. ___ You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. ___ I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” ___ I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks ___ We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary - which is wonderful - but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. ___ I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. ___ The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”
Stock futures were flat in overnight trading Sunday evening ahead of the last few trading sessions of 2024. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were flat, while S&P 500 futures edged up 0.04%. Nasdaq-100 futures rose 0.1%. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are The major averages are heading into the yearend shy of record levels, with the S&P 500 and Dow up more than 25% and 14%, respectively, and on track for the best year since 2021. The Nasdaq has gained more than 31%. The benchmarks are also headed for a winning fourth quarter, with the Nasdaq on pace for its longest quarterly winning streaking since the second quarter of 2021. Despite a losing session for all the major averages on Friday, investors are hoping that stocks will continue to rise into the year-end and the new year, and trigger what's known as a Santa Claus Rally. The phenomenon refers to the market rising into the final five trading days of a calendar year and the first two in January. The S&P 500 has returned 1.3% on average during this period since 1950, according to LPL Financial. This week ushers in a light period for economic data, with the market closed Wednesday in observance of New Years Day. Chicago PMI and pending homes sales data are due out Monday. Stock futures open little changed Stock futures opened little changed as Wall Street kicked off the final trading week of the year. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were flat, while S&P 500 futures edged up 0.04%. Nasdaq-100 futures rose 0.1%. — Samantha Subin