As Cuba has grappled with electricity failures and natural disasters, Americans with family on the island and tourists considering visiting have been mobilizing to provide much-needed aid. For both groups, the situation has been cause for worry, extra precautions and planning. In the past few weeks, Cuba has struggled with nationwide blackouts , two major hurricanes and a 6.8 magnitude earthquake — blows to an already weakened infrastructure. Residents have been left without power for hours a day, and access to food, medicine, water and fuel — already scarce — has become even more of a challenge. Now, just about a month after the initial grid collapse, both tourists and family members are channeling their frustration and concern into action — sending supplies from both overseas and in person. Marisa Diaz, a Cuban American content creator , and her husband, Yoel, are a primary provider of aid to their family in Cuba, and during the first round of blackouts weeks ago, their family struggled to preserve food and medicine without any power. “Electricity blackouts are certainly not uncommon in Cuba,” said Diaz, who's based in Phoenix; her family lost power for up to eight hours a day following the power collapse. “It’s just to the degree that it was at this point.” Though the couple regularly pay for cellular data for their family to prevent communication losses during regular, shorter power outages, recent packages to the island have included nonperishables like coffee, instant noodles, dried seasonings, powdered milk, first-aid items like ibuprofen and bandages, and solar-paneled flashlights and phone chargers. “It’s really hard for Americans to try to understand the quality of life in Cuba,” she said. “There’s so much scarcity.” “I think all of that has a negative effect on the tourism sector of Cuba,” added Diaz, who’s critical of the country’s government. “Americans are reminded that, yes, there is a dictatorship in Cuba. Yes, Cuba is a communist country.” Stephanie Herchak, from Orr Lake, Canada and a frequent visitor to Cuba, recently returned from a trip despite travel advisories against going from Canada , the United States and the United Kingdom , citing shortages, the effects of the storms and increased crime. Aware of the increasingly dire conditions, Herchak brought food and sanitary items to hand out to locals, though she didn’t stray far from the resort where she was staying with her partner. “All the houses and things that we’ve driven by are just shambles with no windows or anything, people with no power,” she said. Herchak, who stayed at the Sanctuary by Grand Memories in Santa Maria, said she didn’t experience power outages at the resort while she was there. In a phone call with NBC News, resort staff confirmed they have not had blackouts and use their “own generators.” But Herchak said she heard from many locals and hotel staff she spoke with that power was still out for hours at a time in residential areas. Reddit pages and several Facebook Cuba travel groups have become home to conversations on the situation in Cuba; some share concerns regarding upcoming trips and others share rare glimpses into current conditions, even encouraging visitors to reconsider their vacation. Many ask for advice on which goods are most needed by locals. “Over the last few years, more and more people who are going to Cuba are looking for ways to help,” said Rebecca Shoval, program director for Not Just Tourists New York City, a volunteer effort that has connected underserved countries with hard to find resources for over 30 years. This year, they’ve sent a "record number" of shipments to Cuba, according to the organization. Avi D'Souza, executive director of Not Just Tourists Toronto, said their group alone has sent 475 suitcases of supplies this year — 62% more than in 2023. In bulk, they've sent 298,000 lbs of medical supplies and equipment via container, 24% more than last year, he said. Shoval explained that tourists are given suitcases filled with medical supplies to bring to drop-off locations on the island. Anthony ImBoden, of Ontario, is one of many who expressed concerns and asked questions on a public Reddit forum regarding his upcoming vacation to Cuba. A diabetic whose insulin needs to be refrigerated, ImBoden asked for tips on how to travel with — and preserve — his medication through the power outages. Even though a Canadian travel advisory encourages visitors to “exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel," ImBoden said he’s “taking [the concerns] with a grain of salt.” While some people told him not to go, Imboden said his diabetes is well controlled and it’s a risk he's "willing to take.” The Cuban government has blamed U.S. sanctions as well as the effect of the pandemic on tourism for the tougher economic conditions on the island, while the U.S. has blamed Cuba’s centrally planned, communist economy. Cuba’s lack of hard currency has affected its ability to import basic necessities. Recent travelers like Monica Joseph — who stayed at an Airbnb in Cuba just before the massive outage — noted a feeling of safety in more tourist-centered areas like Havana, the capital. Though she did not experience blackouts herself, she did speak to many residents who described an inability to find goods like soap or sanitary products. Joseph, who lives near Washington, D.C., said she was told “that it was a bit better to be in the city" but would have "issues" outside of Havana. The conditions outside of cities and tourist areas are a source of frustration for Cuban Americans like Mailen Rodríguez, 23, a kindergarten teacher from Houston who emigrated from Cuba when she was seven years old. “It was bad in 2007, but now it’s even worse. ... Back then, I don’t ever remember sleeping without any light. Now, when I went in October, the [blackouts] were four to five hours every single day,” Rodriguez said, asking why tourists aren’t affected. “Why is it only affecting the people in the provinces that are scared to speak up and protest?” The Cuban government didn’t respond to a request for comment on whether tourist areas are being given priority for electricity power and on countries' travel advisories warning of current conditions on the island. When Rodriguez visited Cuba in October, she brought her family basic necessities like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoos, razors, clothing, shoes, and cooking seasonings — emphasizing that this was a luxury not afforded to many Cubans. “The people that have relatives over here, thankfully, they have a source of income, they have money for food, for any necessities,” Rodriguez said. “But if you don’t have family outside of the island, you’re kind of stuck — it’s really hard to get any resources.” Carl Eaton, director of the Orange County California Chapter of Not Just Tourists, has become more aware of the needs in Cuba through his work. “People who live in Cuba love Cuba, and they want to stay there because they love the island. However, a lot of people are reaching the end of the rope,” Eaton said, mentioning that more people are trying to leave; the country has seen record migration out of Cuba. For tourists who want to help, “Cuba is probably one of the easiest countries in the world as far as aid warrants. They need the help, and they’re not going to discourage anybody from bringing supplies into the country,” Eaton said. “The big thing is to get through to the traveler that this is something that they can do, where they can make a difference.”genie costume aladdin 。

US stocks rallied in the final, shortened trading session before the Christmas holiday. The benchmark S&P 500 ( ^GSPC ) climbed about 0.7%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite ( ^IXIC ) rose roughly 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI ) edged up around 0.4%. Wall Street looks set to enter its Christmas break rejuvenated, after tech stocks including AI chip giant Nvidia ( NVDA ) led the march higher on Monday . Markets close at 1 p.m. ET today and are off tomorrow for Christmas Day. Sizable gains on Friday and Monday have put the indexes back on the path toward their record highs, from which they took a Fed-fueled nosedive last week. Wall Street is reassessing the path of interest rates next year as it grapples with the reality that the Fed mostly pulled off a so-called soft landing — but couldn't fully shake the US economy's inflation problem. According to the CME FedWatch tool, most bets are on two coming holds at the Fed's January and March meetings, followed by a toss-up in May. Meanwhile, many eyes continue to be trained on Nvidia, which saw a more than 3.5% gain on Monday. As Yahoo Finance's Dan Howley writes , 2024 was Nvidia's year, with the stock up some 180%. But 2025 could contain plenty of challenges. President Biden is set to decide the fate of Japanese-owned Nippon Steel's ( NISTF , 5401.T ) $15 billion bid for US Steel ( X ). The Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) referred the deal to Biden on Monday after failing to reach a consensus. The president has 15 days to review the deal, which he has long opposed. Despite the deal's uncertainty, shares of US Steel Corporation ( X ) edged higher on Tuesday, rising just under 1%. Bitcoin ( BTC-USD ), one of the biggest beneficiaries of the post-election rally, rose over 5% to trade above $98,000 a coin. Although the crypto lost some momentum after hitting above $100,000 earlier this month, investors and analysts remain mostly bullish heading into 2025. Trump's win in November pushed bitcoin prices to all-time highs in the immediate aftermath of the election, with the administration viewed as generally more friendly to the alternative asset class. In July, Trump attended a bitcoin conference in Nashville and has since pledged to usher in more supportive regulation . His promises also included appointing a crypto Presidential Advisory Council and firing current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who announced he would step down on Jan. 20. Other cryptocurrencies and crypto-adjacent names echoed bitcoin's moves to the upside. Ethereum ( ETH-USD ) rose about 7% to trade around $3,500 a coin. Meanwhile, shares of MicroStrategy ( MSTR ), which owns nearly 280,000 bitcoins, rose around 6%. The company recently announced the purchase of an additional 51,780 bitcoins for $4.6 billion. MicroStrategy now holds $16.5 billion worth of bitcoin. Coinbase ( COIN ), which allows crypto trading on its platform, saw shares rise nearly 3%. It's the start of the so-called Santa Claus rally. Historically, the stock market has seen gains from the last five trading sessions of December through the first two trading days of January. So far, markets are embracing the Christmas spirit, with all three major indexes trading firmly in the green. The tech-heavy Nasdaq led the way higher in late morning trade, up about 1%. Tesla ( TSLA ), Arm Holdings ( ARM ), and Broadcom ( AVGO ) saw the largest gains within the index, rising 5%, 4%, and 3%, respectively. Most sectors also traded in the green, with Consumer Discretionary ( XLY ), Energy ( XLE ), and Tech ( XLK ) the three biggest gainers of the morning session. Health care ( XLV ) was the biggest laggard, dragged down by drug manufacturer Viatris ( VTRS ) and insurance company Cigna ( CI ). American Airlines ( AAL ) briefly grounded all flights nationwide due to a technical issue earlier this morning. The FAA lifted the ground stop at around 8 a.m. ET. American Airlines said in a statement that "a vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning. That issue has been resolved, and flights have resumed." The ground stop lasted for about an hour. Shares initially fell over 5% in premarket trading on the news. They've since recovered most of those losses, but are still down a little over 1% shortly after the opening bell. The development comes during a busy holiday travel day with the TSA expecting to screen nearly 30 million people from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2. In the final sprint to the Christmas holiday, markets added to gains. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite ( ^IXIC ) led the way higher, rising roughly 0.3%. The benchmark S&P 500 ( ^GSPC ) edged up about 0.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI ) hugged the flatline. Markets close at 1 p.m. ET today and are off tomorrow for Christmas Day. Christmas Eve — Markets close at 1 p.m. ET Economic data : Building permits (November); Durable Goods Orders (November); New homes sales (November); New home sales (November) Earnings : No notable earnings Here are some of the biggest stories you may have missed overnight and early this morning: Nvidia dominated 2024 big-time. Next year? Plenty of challenges. American Airlines grounds US flights amid technical glitch The Fed avoided a recession in 2024 but failed to shake inflation Biden to decide on US Steel takeover after panel deadlocks MicroStrategy mania exposes rare faultline in ETF industry Elon Musk's xAI lands $6B in new cash to fuel AI ambitions Starbucks strike to hit over 300 US stores on Christmas Eve

Sports on TV for Wednesday, Dec. 11Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns as the Los Angeles Chargers booked their place in the NFL playoffs with a blowout 40-7 win at the New England Patriots on Saturday. The Patriots, who suffered a sixth straight loss, were booed off the field by the remaining fans at Gillette Stadium as they fell to 3-13 on the season. But for the Chargers it was a job well done as the confident Herbert ensured a second post-season place in three seasons with another accomplished quarterback display. Herbert completed 28 of 38 passes and threw for 281 yards against a Patriots defense that caused few issues against the passing game. The Chargers took the lead late in the first quarter thanks to a beautiful 23-yard Herbert pass, superbly caught by the diving Derius Davis. After a Cameron Dicker field goal early in the second, Herbert found rookie receiver Ladd McConkey at the back of the end-zone with a pinpoint pass to make it 17-0. Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye had been forced out of the game in the first quarter after suffering a hit to the head by Cam Hart when running down the sideline. But Maye, who had been cleared to return for the second quarter, showed he was in good shape with a fine 36-yard touchdown pass to DeMario Douglas to give the Patriots some hope. But the Chargers ran away with the game with Herbert again connecting with McConkey, this time with a 40-yard pass down the middle and a two-yard rush from J.K Dobbins in the fourth completed the rout. Herbert's performance meant he set a new record for the most passing yards in the first five years of an NFL career -- passing Peyton Manning's tally of 20,618 yards. But the quarterback, who has yet to win a playoff game, was quick to give credit for his achievement to his team-mates. "It says so much about the guys we had catching those passes and a great offensive line giving me the time to get the ball off and (the defense) getting me the ball back," he said. "I couldn't have done it without them," he added. The Denver Broncos can clinch a place in the playoffs when they face the Bengals in Cincinnati later on Saturday. sev/nfEd Sheeran apologises to new Manchester United manager after interrupting interview

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's two stuck astronauts just got their space mission extended again. That means they won't be back on Earth until spring — 10 months after rocketing into orbit on Boeing's Starliner capsule. NASA announced the latest delay in Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' homecoming Tuesday. The two test pilots planned to be away just a week or so when they blasted off June 5 on Boeing's first astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Their mission grew from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to send the company's problem-plagued Starliner capsule back empty in September. FILE - This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (NASA via AP, File) Now the pair won't return until the end of March or even April because of a delay in launching their replacements, according to NASA. A fresh crew needs to launch before Wilmore and Williams can return and the next mission was bumped more than a month, according to the space agency. NASA's next crew of four was supposed to launch in February, followed by Wilmore and Williams' return home by the end of that month alongside two other astronauts. But SpaceX needs more time to prepare the new capsule for liftoff. That launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late March. NASA said it considered using a different SpaceX capsule to fly up the replacement crew in order to keep the flights on schedule. However, it decided the best option was to wait for the new capsule to transport the next crew. NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station for a smoother transition, according to officials. Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, talks to his family members as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov looks on after leaving the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts are beginning a mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) In this image from video provided by NASA, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, and astronaut Nick Hague travel inside a SpaceX capsule en route to the International Space Station after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (NASA via AP) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, gives a thumbs up as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Complex 40 for a mission to the International Space Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., (AP Photo/John Raoux) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) The Falcon 9's first stage booster returns to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Get local news delivered to your inbox!Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play after they were banned amid protests

Even with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing. Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening. If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide. Utter Nonsense Ages 8+ This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties. Speak Out Ages 8+ This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love. Escape Room in a Box Ages 13+ What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Escape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves. Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience. Codenames Ages 14+ This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers. Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin. This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together. ​​​​​​​Harry Potter Clue Ages 9+ Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred. Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game. ​​​​​​​Pandemic Ages 8+ If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic. You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race. Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first. ​​​​​​​ Catan Ages 10+ This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities. Play again and again. Every game is different. Ticket to Ride Ages 8+ Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different. ​​​​​​​5 Second Rule Ages 10+ This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic. Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out, whether it’s relevant to the topic or not. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay home after rebel takeover

Busy schedule gives Packers no time to celebrate their lopsided win over 49ers

Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares ( NYSEARCA:LABU – Get Free Report )’s share price gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $96.24, but opened at $94.00. Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares shares last traded at $94.42, with a volume of 203,924 shares trading hands. Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares Stock Down 4.3 % The firm has a fifty day moving average of $116.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of $123.16. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new stake in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares during the second quarter valued at about $596,000. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares by 25.3% in the 2nd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,087 shares of the company’s stock worth $464,000 after buying an additional 825 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $68,000. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its position in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares by 49.3% during the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 3,199 shares of the company’s stock valued at $412,000 after acquiring an additional 1,057 shares during the last quarter. Finally, McGuire Investment Group LLC boosted its stake in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares by 3.9% in the third quarter. McGuire Investment Group LLC now owns 4,633 shares of the company’s stock valued at $596,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. About Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares The Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (LABU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry index. The fund provides daily 3 times exposure to the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. LABU was launched on May 28, 2015 and is managed by Direxion. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Saints vs. Raiders Predictions & Picks: Odds, Moneyline, Spread – Week 17OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Creighton point guard Steven Ashworth likely won't play Tuesday in the No. 21 Bluejays' game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday, and coach Greg McDermott said he didn't know how long he would be out. “He stepped on a guy's foot on a 3-point shot and you're defenseless in that situation," McDermott said after the game. "He torqued it pretty good.” An athletic department spokesman said Monday that Ashworth's status was doubtful for the game against the Aztecs. Ashworth is Creighton's second-leading scorer with 16 points per game and leads the team with 6.4 assists per game. He also is 23 of 23 on free throws. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballAP Trending SummaryBrief at 2:28 p.m. ESTSpecial counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against Trump

Wall or nothing: 17-year-old Ava is UK's fastest woman climber

A Democratic state senator’s errant email is shedding light on new taxes that she and her colleagues may pursue in 2025 as well as a strategy to sell them to the public. Sen. Noel Frame , D-Seattle, sent the missive last Friday as a follow-up to discussion during a Washington state Senate Democratic Caucus retreat. But she inadvertently blasted it out to every Republican senator too. You can predict what happened next. Her email and attached PowerPoint presentation found their way onto social media. A furor followed. Conservative podcaster Brandi Kruse, a former television journalist, led the way, calling the materials “worse than getting a lump of coal in your stocking.” “Probably the worst email and ideas in state history,” wrote Rep. Travis Couture , R-Allyn, on X. He will be the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee next session. Frame on Monday described the email mixup as a “very simple error.” She said her presentation was intended as an “education exercise” for her Democratic colleagues. With the state facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, she said her role as vice chair of finance on the Senate Ways and Means Committee is to explore tax options while others try to identify savings. “I wanted to get the conversation started early. Not this early. Now, every legislator is better prepared,” she said Frame’s email says the quiet part out loud. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen have said voters’ preserving of the capital gains tax in the November election is a sign they’re comfortable with requiring super-wealthy individuals and large businesses to pay a little more. And Democratic budget writers in the two chambers have already indicated that they plan to consider all revenue options to erase a shortfall estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next four-and-a-half fiscal years. They’ve just not itemized tax policies in the manner Frame did. For example, there have been private conversations on attempting a statewide version of Seattle’s JumpStart tax levied on companies with large payrolls and high-paid employees . Frame puts it atop her list. The idea is employers would pay a tax on the total compensation paid to employees making more than $168,600 annually. It would affect companies with an annual payroll of $8 million or more in Washington. A “wealth tax” is on her list as well. Last year, she proposed a 1% levy on intangible assets above $250 million such as cash, bonds and stocks. Gov. Jay Inslee last week called for a similar tax on wealth above $100 million. Frame’s PowerPoint includes a guesstimate of what might be raised if the threshold is lowered to $50 million. In addition, Frame suggests the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate could make another run at a 1% real estate transfer tax on any portion of property sales above $3.025 million. That proposal didn’t reach the finish line last session. Her roster includes a 1% surcharge on taxes paid by the state’s largest corporations, an excise tax on guns and ammunition sales, a lift of the 1% cap on annual property tax increases , and a sales tax on self-storage unit rentals. “We can fund world-class schools, affordable housing, and more by making the wealthy few pay what they owe,” reads the PowerPoint. “We have to identify the villain and the problem blocking our progress and how we can take action to solve the issue.” Pedersen said Monday he doesn’t think it’s “necessarily a bad thing” the email got out. Democrats are trying to be transparent on the pluses and minuses of different revenue options, he said, adding that there will be months of discussion “before we get to the answer.” Even so, Pedersen distanced himself from the content. “The PowerPoint contained language that Sen. Frame was trying to sell the caucus on and I’ll say that reflects Sen. Frame’s viewpoint, and that’s not necessarily the viewpoint of any other member,” he said. Frame also outlined tax relief ideas such as a renters’ credit and a property tax exemption for one’s primary residence. A margin tax for businesses is on the list too. This would allow a company to choose a major deduction — like the cost of labor — before tax is calculated on its gross receipts. In her email, Frame invited her Democratic colleagues to reach out if they had interest in sponsoring a revenue bill. “Let’s spread that tax policy love around! 😊,” she wrote. 2025 Revenue Discussion slides The PowerPoint presentation emailed by Sen. Noel Frame featuring discussion and possible messaging about tax policy proposals for 2025. 2025 SDC revenue policy handout – FINAL The PowerPoint presentation emailed by Sen. Noel Frame listing tax policy options Democrats could choose to consider in 2025. Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com .

Tesla Robotaxi: Potentially $1.3 Trillion Of Incremental Enterprise Value In 2030CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's two stuck astronauts just got their space mission extended again. That means they won't be back on Earth until spring — 10 months after rocketing into orbit on Boeing's Starliner capsule. NASA announced the latest delay in Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' homecoming Tuesday. The two test pilots planned to be away just a week or so when they blasted off June 5 on Boeing's first astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Their mission grew from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to send the company's problem-plagued Starliner capsule back empty in September. FILE - This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (NASA via AP, File) Now the pair won't return until the end of March or even April because of a delay in launching their replacements, according to NASA. A fresh crew needs to launch before Wilmore and Williams can return and the next mission was bumped more than a month, according to the space agency. NASA's next crew of four was supposed to launch in February, followed by Wilmore and Williams' return home by the end of that month alongside two other astronauts. But SpaceX needs more time to prepare the new capsule for liftoff. That launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late March. NASA said it considered using a different SpaceX capsule to fly up the replacement crew in order to keep the flights on schedule. However, it decided the best option was to wait for the new capsule to transport the next crew. NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station for a smoother transition, according to officials. Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, gives a thumbs up as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Complex 40 for a mission to the International Space Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Falcon 9's first stage booster returns to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, talks to his family members as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov looks on after leaving the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts are beginning a mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) In this image from video provided by NASA, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, and astronaut Nick Hague travel inside a SpaceX capsule en route to the International Space Station after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (NASA via AP) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Before November 5th, millions of us were already struggling with poverty, extreme storms, immigration nightmares, anti-trans bills, criminalized reproductive health, the demolition of homeless encampments, the silencing of freedom of speech on campuses... and, of course, the list only goes on and on. Since Donald Trump and J.D. Vance were elected, more of us find ourselves in a state of fear and trembling, given the reports of transgender people attacked in broad daylight, misogynist social media posts threatening “your body, my choice,” Black college students receiving notes about returning to enslavement , and the unhoused beaten and battered . In the wake of the election results, there has also been a flurry of activity in anticipation of the extremist policies Donald Trump and crew are likely to put in place to more deeply harm the nation’s most vulnerable: mass Zoom meetings with MoveOn, the Working Families Party, Indivisible, and more; interfaith prayer services for healing and justice organized by various denominations and ecumenical groups; local actions pulled together by the Women’s March ; community meetings with the hashtag #weareworthfightingfor ; and calls to mobilize for inauguration day and beyond. Although some were surprised by the election outcome, there were others who saw it coming and offered comfort and solidarity to their communities even before the results were in. On the eve of election night, a public elementary school in West Harlem, New York, sent this message to its families: That message came from a Title 1 school, nearly 60% of whose students qualify for free school meals. If Trump keeps up with his promise to close the Department of Education, tens of thousands of public schools across the country, like the one in West Harlem, could lose critical funding and programs that sustain tens of millions of students and their families — that is, if public education isn’t completely privatized in some grim fashion. Of course, not all communities approached Trump’s election with such trepidation. On November 6th, the Bloomberg Billionaire Index reported that the 10 richest men in the world added $64 billion to their own wealth after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 election. Since then, the stock market has had some of its best days in recent history. After inciting an insurrection at the Capitol, being indicted in state and federal court, convicted of 34 felony counts, and using racist, sexist, and hateful rhetoric prolifically, Donald Trump has gone down in history as the only convicted felon to become an American president, receiving more than 74 million votes and securing 312 electoral college votes. Although an undisputed victory, the outcome relied heavily on a weakened democracy and a polarized economy, drawing on discontent and disarray to regain political power. Indeed, although Donald Trump has the distinct “honor” of being the first Republican to win the popular vote in 20 years, he has done so after more than a decade of assaults on voting rights, unleashed in 2013 when the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. Over the next 10 years, nearly 100 laws were passed in 29 states that restrict voting access, from omnibus bills to polling location closures, limits on mail-in and absentee voting, harsh ID requirements (including eliminating student ID cards as a valid form of identification), and more. Since 2020, at least 30 states have enacted 78 restrictive laws , 63 of which were in effect in dozens of states during this election. And in 2024 alone, nine states enacted 18 restrictive voting laws , alongside purges of thousands of voters in the days leading up to November 5th. In addition to such prolonged attacks on the right to vote, widespread poverty and economic precarity have become defining characteristics of our impoverished democracy: more than two of every five of us are poor or low-income, and three in five are living paycheck-to-paycheck without affordable healthcare, decent homes, or quality education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 report Poverty in the United States: 2023 , 41% of this country’s population has a household income either under the poverty threshold or just above it, precariously living one emergency away from financial ruin. That translates into approximately 137 million people who are struggling every day to make it through without falling even further behind. Those tens of millions of people include a disproportionate percentage of people of color, including 56.5% of Black people (23.4 million), 61.4% of Latino people (40.2 million), 55.8% of Indigenous people (1.4 million), and 38% of Asian people (8.5 million). They also include nearly one-third of white people, 60 million, and nearly half (49%) of all children in the United States. Such rates are slightly higher for women (42.6%) than for men (39.8%), including 44.6% for elderly women. When tallied up, these numbers mirror pre-pandemic conditions in 2018 and 2019, during which poverty and low-income rates stood at about 40%, impacting 140 million people in every county, state, and region of the country. In other words, in this sick reality of ours, poverty is clearly anything but a marginal experience — and yet, as in the last election, it’s repeatedly minimalized and dismissed in our nation’s politics. In the process, the daily lives of nearly one-third of the electorate are discounted, because among that vast impoverished population, there are approximately 80 million eligible voters described by political strategists as among the most significant blocs of voters to win over. Case in point: In 2020 and 2021, there was a significant dip in the overall number of people who were poor or low-income. Covid pandemic programs that offered financial help also expanded access to health care, food stamps, free school meals, and unemployment insurance, while monthly support from the Child Tax Credit lifted over 20 million people out of poverty and insecurity while increasing protection from evictions and foreclosures. Such programs made millions of people more economically secure than they had been in years. Nonetheless, instead of extending and improving them and potentially gaining the trust of millions of poor and low-income voters, all of these anti-poverty policies were ended by early 2023 . By 2024, not only had the gains against poverty been swiftly erased, but more than 25 million people had been kicked off Medicaid, including millions in battleground states like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In that same time period , the Biden administration approved an $895 billion budget for war and another $95 billion in additional aid to Ukraine and Israel. Rather than speaking to such economic crises or pledging to address such pervasive insecurity, over the course of the election season, the Democrats emphasized a rising GDP , a strong job market , and important infrastructure investments made in recent years — macro-economic issues that had little effect on the material well-being of the majority of Americans, especially those struggling with the rising cost of living. For instance, pre-election polling among Latino voters showed that three-quarters (78%) of them had experienced an increase in food and basic living expenses; two-thirds (68%) emphasized the high costs of rent and housing; and nearly three in five (57%) said that their wages weren’t high enough to meet their cost of living and/or they had to take second jobs to make ends meet. When you consider the grim final results of election 2024, such realities — and the decision of the Democrats to functionally disregard poor and low-income voters — should be taken into account. With just over 74 million votes (to Harris’s 71 million), among a voting-eligible population of more than 230 million, Trump actually received only one-third of the possible votes in this election. Nearly 85 million eligible voters simply chose not to turn out. In reality, he won’t enter office with a popular mandate. However, buoyed by a Republican-controlled Senate and House of Representatives, his second term brings with it a profound sense of dread, based on a heightened awareness of the policies that Trump 2.0 is likely to carry forward (laid bare in the Heritage Foundation’s nearly 900-page pre-election Project 2025 mandate ). From mass deportations to assaults on social-welfare programs, housing programs, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ families, and public education, millions of people could be thrown into crisis, with alarmingly fewer ways to resist or express dissent, especially given Trump’s long-time willingness to use military force to quell protest. With the passage of the “ non-profit killer bill ” in the House of Representatives (before Trump even takes office), the infrastructure of resistance is also under threat. Add to all this: Trump has already started talking about overhauling the Medicaid and food-stamp programs that benefit at least 70 million poor and low-income people to offset the costs of extending tax cuts to billionaires and corporations. All of this brings us to the Bible. Poverty was both severe and all too common in Jesus’s day. Ninety percent of the population in the Roman empire was believed to have been poor, with a class of expendable low-wage workers (to which some historians suggest Jesus belonged) so poor that many only lived remarkably brief lives in utter precarity. Shifts in farming and fishing had catapulted some people into great new wealth but left the vast majority struggling for basics like food and housing. Many of the impoverished subjects of the Roman Empire joined political and religious renewal movements, which took various forms and used various tactics to resist these and other injustices. Some readers may be familiar with the decadence and violence of the Roman Emperor Nero. Popularly known as the anti-Christ , he came to power after Jesus walked the earth, but as is clear from his nickname, had a grave impact on many of Jesus’s followers. Nero was, of course, the one who was accused of “fiddling while Rome is burning” — holding lavish banquets, using and abusing (even possibly raping) some of his poor subjects, persecuting Christians, and bringing about the decline and eventual fall of the Roman empire through his authoritarian rule and decadent overspending. As detailed in Luke’s Gospel, during the last week of his life, Jesus turned to the people of Jerusalem and wept. He described the profound suffering they had been enduring and instructed them to brace themselves for the suffering still to come, saying, “For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” This line foreshadows Jesus’s death on the cross (an execution reserved for those who dared to challenge the Roman Empire and its emperors), the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, and the persecution of his poor followers who continued to practice mutual solidarity, even after that crucifixion. Writing decades later, the author of Luke’s gospel may have been offering a warning about emperors like Nero that would foreshadow later times. Luke had the benefit of hindsight in the wake of Jesus’s life and death in which there was not exactly a lot of good news about the canceling of debts, the release of those enslaved to unjust structures, or the prosperity of the poor (of the sort Jesus had called for when he started his public ministry). Rather, those who dared to stand up to Rome were being persecuted, while so many others were being overworked and underpaid in a society that was faltering. Two thousand years later, this sounds all too familiar, doesn’t it? Looking at Donald Trump’s new appointments and his (and his cronies’) plans for “making America great again,” you really have to wonder: if the poor and our democracy were suffering before Trump was reelected, what will happen now? If, amid relative abundance, the poor were already being abandoned, what will indeed occur when those with the power to distribute that abundance, and protect our air, water, and land, openly disdain the “least of these,” who are most of us, and instead favor the wealthy and powerful? Donald Trump may liken himself to Jesus in his media appearances and election rallies, but his words and actions actually resemble those of Nero and other Roman emperors. With claims that “I alone can fix your problems” and bread-and-circus rallies like the pre-election one he held at Madison Square Garden, perhaps a more accurate parallel with the incoming administration may, in fact, be Nero and his cronies who stood against Jesus and his mission to end poverty. If so, then for those committed to the biblical call for a safe and abundant life for all, such times demand that we focus on building the strength and power of the people. During the fall of the Roman Empire, poor and dispossessed communities banded together to build a movement where everyone would be accepted and all needs would be met. Don’t you hear echoes of that in the words and actions of that school in West Harlem, so deeply concerned about its families, and the community actions proclaiming that “we are worth fighting for”? Such communities of yesteryear knew a truth that is all the more important today: lives and livelihoods will be saved, if at all, from below, rather than on high. As we approach a new year and the inauguration of Donald Trump (on Martin Luther King Day, no less), let us take to heart a favorite slogan of the authors: “When we lift from the bottom, everybody rises.” This is the only way forward.Hamilton foodbank supports hundreds of families over busy Christmas periodDeSantis appointee says he won't help his elected replacement take office

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The Tale Of Lady Ok episode 3 will not air on JTBC TV on Saturday (December 7) at 10:30 PM KST. The historical fantasy thriller drama is taking a short hiatus for the special news coverage of the dramatic political turmoil in South Korea. According to the production team, the third chapter telecast has been rescheduled for Sunday (December 8). People in Korea can watch the mini-series on TV or stream it on various online platforms. K-drama fans from other parts of the world, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Mexico, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Greenland, Hong Kong, China, Japan, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, Turkey, and South Africa, can watch the mini-series with subtitles on various online streaming platforms, including Kocowa. The Tale Of Lady Ok is a historical romance drama. It follows runaway slave Goo Deok Yi. It narrates the title character's survival con game as she fakes everything, including her husband. The mini-series features Lim Ji Yeon, Choo Young Woo, Yeonwoo, and Kim Jae Won. It premiered on JTBC on Saturday (November 30) at 10:30 PM KST. Here is everything about The Tale Of Lady Ok episode 3, like the airdate, preview, spoilers, and streaming details. Airdate, Time, and Streaming Details The historical romance drama will air its next episode on JTBC TV on Sunday (December 8) at 10:30 PM KST. People in Korea can watch the mini-series on TV or stream it on various online platforms. K-drama fans from other parts of the world, including the US, Canada, and Australia, can watch the mini-series with subtitles on various online streaming platforms, including Kocowa. Here are the International Air Timings of The Tale Of Lady Ok Episode 3: Preview and Spoilers The Tale Of Lady Ok episode 3 promotional stills show fake Ok Tae Young embracing herself as a noblewoman. The female lead wouldn't only look like an aristocratic family. She would adapt to the lifestyle of a wealthy lady. The character would use her powers to protect fellow handmaids. This chapter will feature romantic tension between Ok Tae Young and Cheon Seung Hwi. According to the production team, viewers can expect drama and mystery. The producers teased an intriguing twist with the arrival of Seong Yoon Gyeom. Choo Young Woo will portray the character, who resembles the male lead. "1 point for the viewers to fill is to watch the chemistry between the onscreen couple. It was my first time working with Choo Young Woo. Although we both faced the challenge of portraying multiple personas, we filmed with consideration for each other. I received help from him, and we worked hard to embody our characters," the actor shared .genie diy costume 。

NBA to host preseason games in China five years after league was effectively blocked from the country

Title: "The Unraveling of a Tech Elite: The 26-Year-Old Shooting Incident Involving the CEO of an Insurance Giant"Recently, a video circulating on the internet allegedly shows thick smoke billowing from an Alibaba Cloud data center, sparking concerns about the safety and security of the renowned cloud computing provider's services. However, in a swift response, Alibaba has clarified that the incident has not affected its cloud services.As we navigate through this battle with the cold air, let us remember to take precautions to stay safe and warm. Whether it's ensuring our vehicles are winter-ready, dressing in layers, or stocking up on hot cocoa, let us face the challenge with resilience and determination. And let us not forget to marvel at the beauty of the winter landscape and the resilience of nature in the face of adversity.

Title: PS New Promo Teaser Unveils 2025 Game Lineup! Death Stranding 2 and Souls of Yamaoka Make a SplashColby Rogers made 6 of 9 3-pointers and scored 28 points as host Memphis defeated No. 16 Ole Miss 87-70 on Saturday afternoon. Rogers fouled out and finished one 3-pointer and one point short of his career-highs in both categories and Memphis never trailed. PJ Haggerty added 17 points, Dain Dainja had 16 and Moussa Cisse, an Ole Miss transfer who's in his second stint with the Tigers (10-3), had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sean Pedulla scored 13, Jaylen Murray had 12 and Malik Dia added 11 to lead the Rebels (11-2), who had won their last five games. Memphis scored the first five points of the second half to increase its lead to 43-36. Pedulla made a layup for Ole Miss' first points, but Nicholas Jourdain made consecutive field goals to push the lead to nine. Mikeal Brown-Jones made two free throws for the Rebels before Haggerty made a 3-pointer and Cisse added a tip-in for a 52-40 lead. Pedulla made a jumper before Brown-Jones was ejected for committing a Flagrant 2 foul. Haggerty made both of the technical free throws and Rogers added two 3-pointers to push the lead to 16. Ole Miss got within 11 points four times, but couldn't get any closer until Matthew Murrell's dunk trimmed the lead to 76-67 with five minutes remaining. Rogers answered with a 3-pointer and Dainja added two field goals to increase the lead to 16. Murray made a free throw, but the Rebels didn't make a field goal during the final 5:32. The Tigers scored the first four points of the game and Haggerty had four as they opened a 9-2 lead. The Rebels made consecutive field goals before Memphis scored eight straight points for a 17-6 lead. Eduardo Klafke made a 3-pointer to end the run, but Rogers' 3-pointer helped the Tigers increase the lead to 27-14. Ole Miss scored the next seven points before Cisse's basket ended the run. The Rebels closed within four points four times Brown-Jones made two free throws to trim the lead to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level Media

WASHINGTON -- A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She noted that because the hack appeared to be targeting a relatively small group of individuals, only a small number of Americans' phone calls and texts have been compromised. Neuberger added that impacted companies are all responding, but none “have fully removed the Chinese actors from these networks.” “So there is a risk of ongoing compromises to communications until U.S. companies address the cybersecurity gaps the Chinese are likely to maintain their access,” Neuberger said. She said that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. White House officials believe that the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, which has been dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Neuberger pointed to efforts that have been made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. ___ Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men on Friday of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an alleged participant in the smuggling ring, a survivor of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press reported , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.” Goldberg reported from Minneapolis.Fei Xiang, Ma Dongxi, and Song Xiaobao are all well-loved figures in the Chinese entertainment industry, known for their impeccable comic timing and unique sense of humor. Their individual talents have endeared them to audiences of all ages, and fans have long awaited the opportunity to see them share the screen together.

Romania's top court annuls first round of presidential vote won by far-right candidateIn addition to the technological prowess behind the service, Amazon Express will also rely on a dedicated team of delivery personnel who will be trained to handle and fulfill orders with speed and precision. These delivery associates will be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to ensure that orders are picked, packed, and delivered to customers in a timely manner.Lisa Simpson once said during an episode of “The Simpsons:” What could be more exciting than the savage ballet that is pro football? On Monday night, the entire Simpsons universe gets to experience it in a way not many could have imagined. The prime-time matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys will also take place at Springfield’s Atoms Stadium as part of “The Simpsons Funday Football” alternate broadcast. The altcast will be streamed on ESPN+, Disney+, and NFL+ (on mobile devices). ESPN and ABC have the main broadcast, while ESPN2 will carry the final “ManningCast” of the regular season. The replay will be available on Disney+ for 30 days. Globally, more than 145 countries will have access to either live or on replay. “We’re such huge football fans, and the Simpsons audience and the football audience, I feel, are like the same audience of just American families and football. And the Simpsons are so much a part of the DNA of the American family and culture that for us to, like, mush them together in this crazy video game, it’s so fun,” said Matt Selman, executive producer of “The Simpsons.” While the game is the focal point, the alternate broadcast, in some ways, will resemble a three-hour episode of “The Simpsons.” It starts with Homer eating too many hot dogs and having a dream while watching football. Homer joins the Cowboys in the dream while Bart teams up with the Bengals. Lisa and Marge will be sideline reporters. “That’s the beginning of the story, and the story continues through the entire game until Homer wakes up from his dream at the end of the game. It is like a complete story, and the NFL game will happen in between. It’s just going to be an amazing presentation with tons of surprises,” said Michael “Spike” Szykowny, ESPN’s VP of edit and animation. This is the second year ESPN has done an alternate broadcast for an NFL game. It used the characters from “Toy Story” for last year’s Sunday morning game from London between the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars. “The Simpsons” has featured many sports-themed episodes during its 35 seasons. Even though “Homer at the Bat” remains the consensus favorite sports episode for many Simpsons fans, there have been football ones such as “Bart Star” and “Lisa The Greek.” There also was a Super Bowl-themed one after Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl 33 between Denver and Atlanta in 1999. Even though “The Simpsons” remains a staple on Fox’s prime-time schedule, it is part of the Disney family after their acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. All 35 seasons are on Disney+. The show’s creators have worked with ESPN and the NFL to make sure the look and sound is definitely Simpsonsesque. The theme song is a mash-up of “The Simpsons” opening and “Monday Night Football’s” iconic “Heavy Action.” There have also been pre-recorded skits and bits to use during the broadcast featuring Simpson’s legendary voices Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, and Yeardley Smith. The telecast will be entirely animated, with the players’ movements in sync with what is happening in real-time on the field. That is done through player-tracking data enabled by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats system and Sony’s Beyond Sports Technology. While Next Gen Stats tracks where players are on the field with a tracking chip in the shoulder pads, there is skeletal data tracking and limb tracking data — which uses 29 points per player — to get closer to the player’s movements. The other data tracking will allow Beyond Sports and Disney to add special characters to the game. For example, there might be a play where Lisa catches the ball and goes 30 yards instead of Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins. “Lisa is much smaller than the rest of the players. So, in real life, the ball would go over her head, but now, with data processing, we can take the ball and make it go exactly into her hands. So for the viewer, it still looks believable, and it all makes sense,” said Beyond Sports co-founder Nicolaas Westerhof. The other major challenge is making “The Simpsons” two-dimensional cartoon characters into 3-D simulations. Szykowny and his team worked to make that a reality over the past couple of months. “That’s a big leap of faith for them to say, hey, we trust you to make our characters 3-D and work with it. Our ESPN creative studio team has done a wonderful job,” Szykowny said. Lisa, Krusty, Nelson, Milhouse and Ralph will be with Bart and the Bengals; while Carl, Barney, Lenny and Moe join up with with Homer and the Cowboys. The broadcast will also feature ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. ESPN’s Drew Carter, Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky will call the game from Bristol, Connecticut, and also be animated. They will wear Meta Quest Pro headsets to experience the game from Springfield using VR technology. For Kimes, being part of the broadcast and being an animated Simpsons character is a dream come true. She is a massive fan of the show and has a framed photo of Lisa Simpson — who she said is a personal hero and icon — as part of her backdrop when she makes appearances on ESPN NFL shows from her home in Los Angeles. “I didn’t have any input, and I didn’t see anything beforehand, so I wasn’t sure if it would look like me, but it kind of does, which is very funny,” said Kimes, who drew Simpsons characters when she was a kid. “To see the actual staff turn me into one was a dream.” Even though the Bengals (4-8) and Cowboys (5-7) have struggled this season, Selman thinks both teams have personalities that appeal to “The Simpsons” universe. “We were just so lucky also that the Cowboys are sort of like a Homer Simpson-type team, American team, and Mike McCarthy might be a Homer-type guy, one might imagine,” he said. ”And then you have Joe Burrow on the other side who is a cool young, spiky-haired, blonde bad boy -- he’s like Bart. And that fits our character archetypes so perfectly. “If Homer is mad at Bart and has a hot dog dream while watching ’Monday Night Football’, and then it’s basically McCarthy versus Burrow, Homer versus Bart, and that’s the simple father versus son strangling — Homer strangling Bart dynamic that has been part of the show for 35 years. I don’t know if that would have worked as well if it was like Titans versus Jacksonville. We would have found something. We would have made it work.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflNone

But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”CU Buffs AD Rick George: ‘I believe (Coach Prime) wants to be here for the long haul’

In conclusion, the seminar "Exploring the Top 100 Companies: A Deep Dive into Renji" provided valuable insights into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of business. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, it is evident that embracing AI technology is not just an option, but a strategic imperative for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve.Bereavement leave is a vital component of any employee benefits package, recognizing the need for individuals to mourn the passing of a loved one without added stress or pressure from work. Companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees understand that offering compassionate and flexible policies, such as bereavement leave, not only enhances employee morale and loyalty but also fosters a positive organizational culture.Beyond her fashion sense and physical appearance, Elly's photos also offer a glimpse into her dynamic lifestyle and vibrant personality. From the background of the photos, one can see glimpses of a stylish and chic living space, with modern decor and trendy furnishings that reflect Elly's sophisticated taste. The photos also capture moments of Elly enjoying leisure activities such as reading, painting, and spending time with friends, showcasing her diverse interests and social life.

Introducing the Exciting Deep Blue S09: A Glimpse into the Future of Large SUVs"Swearing Oath" sets a new standard for NPC interactions, with companions that are not only intelligent but also considerate of the player's experience. Gone are the days of mindless chatter and incessant ramblings; instead, players are treated to meaningful and engaging conversations that enhance their immersion in the game world.

Zelensky's claim of over 40,000 Ukrainian military personnel killed in the conflict is a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The Ukrainian armed forces have been engaged in a protracted conflict with Russian-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk since 2014, resulting in a devastating toll on both sides. The sheer magnitude of this number underscores the brutal nature of the conflict and the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers in their fight for territorial integrity and sovereignty.Taxes CANNOT rise again, Keir Starmer – the cost and size of the State must be slashed

Moroccan fintech firm Talaty has garnered support from prominent investors such as Witamax and Renew Capital, along with angel investors. Although the total funding amount remains undisclosed, these investors are known champions of innovation and growth in Africa. AI-Powered Financial Solutions Talaty is breaking new ground in the world of finance for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through its AI-driven platform. By merging cutting-edge technologies such as computer vision and text analysis with behavioral finance, Talaty is revolutionizing conventional financial processes. This transformative approach aims to enhance SMBs’ access to much-needed working capital. The platform not only streamlines lending processes for financial institutions but also cuts down on default rates while slashing operational costs by a remarkable 90%. Through its strategic use of AI, Talaty provides lenders with more efficient, reliable, and inclusive credit decision-making tools, catering primarily to the underserved SMB sector. Securing financing often poses a hefty challenge for SMBs, with a significant percentage of bankruptcies resulting from payment defaults. Talaty aims to simplify this process, ensuring that financial partners can deliver timely support. Witamax’s Strategic Investment Witamax, Morocco’s first privately-backed VC fund, through its Funds II and III, sees this investment as aligning with their mission to support startups addressing critical societal challenges across Africa. They recognize Talaty’s innovative approach as a crucial tool for empowering millions of SMEs across the continent. Future Ambitions Armed with fresh investment, Talaty is poised to expand its AI-powered credit solutions, with plans to enter Francophone Africa. This move promises to further their mission of enhancing financial inclusion for SMBs throughout the region. Revolutionizing Finance: How Talaty is Transforming SMB Lending with AI Innovations In the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, Moroccan firm Talaty is setting a new standard for financial solutions targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With impressive backing from renowned investors such as Witamax and Renew Capital, Talaty is focused on leveraging AI to tackle longstanding challenges in the SMB sector. The Power of AI in Financial Solutions Talaty’s innovative use of AI technologies, which integrates computer vision and text analysis with behavioral finance, is reshaping traditional banking processes. By doing so, the firm is making it easier for SMBs to secure the working capital necessary for sustained growth and stability. One of the most significant impacts of their platform is the dramatic reduction in operational costs for lenders, down by an impressive 90%. This efficiency comes with enhanced decision-making capabilities, allowing lenders to minimize default rates with more precise risk assessments. Addressing SMB Challenges For SMBs, access to financing remains a critical hurdle, often leading to business failures due to cash flow shortages. Talaty’s user-centric platform not only ensures smoother access to loans but also facilitates a quick and accurate credit decisioning process, thereby reducing the time spent by financial institutions on each application. Strategic Investments and Market Influence Witamax, Morocco’s pioneering privately-backed venture capital fund, views their investment in Talaty as a strategic move to support startups solving vital societal issues across Africa. Their endorsement underscores the potential of Talaty’s platform to empower millions of SMEs by addressing their financial inclusion needs effectively. Witamax sees Talaty as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in underbanked regions. Expanding Horizons in Francophone Africa With the recent infusion of investments, Talaty is set to expand its groundbreaking financial solutions to Francophone Africa. This expansion is poised to reinforce their dedication to enhancing financial inclusivity across diverse markets. It is a significant step that will potentially open doors for SMBs in these regions to access more reliable and inclusive financial services. Predictions and the Future of Fintech Solutions As fintech continues to disrupt conventional banking, Talaty represents the innovative potential within the sector. Predictions for the future suggest an increasing reliance on AI-driven platforms to close the financial inclusion gap worldwide. Talaty’s approach is likely to inspire similar ventures, fostering a landscape where technology seamlessly integrates with financial needs, thus empowering smaller businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.genie in tagalog 。

WINNIPEG - Mike O’Shea stood in front of reporters Friday and kept his cool while answering questions about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts last weekend. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WINNIPEG - Mike O’Shea stood in front of reporters Friday and kept his cool while answering questions about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts last weekend. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WINNIPEG – Mike O’Shea stood in front of reporters Friday and kept his cool while answering questions about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts last weekend. The head coach was asked if he made a mistake keeping injured quarterback Zach Collaros in the game, why star running back Brady Oliveira didn’t get the ball more and whether a flawed game plan led to Winnipeg’s third consecutive championship loss. “As an entire team, we didn’t have our best game,” O’Shea said in his end-of-the-season press conference. “We didn’t lack effort. We didn’t lack desire. “We didn’t have our best game as an entire team. Three phases. Coaches — everybody. Me especially.” O’Shea admitted he missed calling a timeout in the fourth quarter when there were only 11 Blue Bombers on the field instead of 12. “I don’t get the count over the headset as quickly as I probably need to, we can’t count. As I’m seeing a guy come off, that’s the right time for that timeout that I should have used,” O’Shea said. He also said he should have used a challenge flag earlier on a play he didn’t identify, and checked on his players more during the game. But hindsight wouldn’t change his decision to put Collaros back in the game after the index finger on his throwing hand was cut deep when it hit a defender’s helmet. “He absolutely deserves every opportunity to lead this team,” O’Shea said. “From what I saw and from chatting with him very briefly, I felt really comfortable with that. I didn’t think it was going to be easy, but I thought it’s Zach, so...” The injury to Collaros’s finger happened late in the third quarter when the Blue Bombers were trailing the Argonauts 17-10. The veteran left the game and returned with a bandaged finger that needed five stitches and a numbing agent. He wore a glove on the hand and told reporters earlier this week it was difficult to grip the ball. Collaros said he warned receivers in the huddle his throws might not have the usual zip and they should be prepared to come back for the ball. “(I) saw him delivering the ball on the sidelines. Then you see him deliver a couple balls out there and some of them are pretty damn good, right?” O’Shea said. “The awareness of Zach to say to the receivers, ‘hey, work a little harder for me,’ I think it’s natural and what should be said. I think they already know that.” When Collaros re-entered the game, he threw interceptions in back-to-back series. “On one of them he got rid of the ball and I thought it was a good ball and the defensive player made a good play,” O’Shea said of the picks. “One slipped right out of his hand or I don’t know if it got tipped or not. You’ve got to give him that opportunity.” Oliveira was questioning his lack of opportunities in the game when he spoke to reporters earlier in the week. The CFL’s newly minted most outstanding player and top Canadian only had 11 carries for 84 yards and one late touchdown. About 17 or 18 run plays were called, O’Shea said. “One starts off with a procedure penalty in the first and then six of those get pulled because there’s X number of guys in the box or the read says this is not a run play anymore, this is now a pass play,” he said. “You call that many runs and then a pile of them get pulled because of the structure of the defence. That’s OK with me at that point.” O’Shea said Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce has been granted permission to talk to CFL teams with head-coaching job openings. The B.C. Lions are reportedly interested in Pierce. The Edmonton Elks also have a vacant head coach spot. If Pierce doesn’t become a head coach, O’Shea said he wants him to stay in Winnipeg. He believes Pierce had the offence “extremely well-prepared” for the Grey Cup. “I’m never going to question the play-calling, and I think what’s going on here is we’re questioning,” O’Shea said. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “We’re trying to find blame and fault when that’s nowhere in our DNA of how we built this eight, nine, 10 years ago. We’re starting to try and find all these answers and question all these people that were 0-4 and 2-6 and then 10-1, and we just didn’t play our best game.” The Bombers finished 11-7 and claimed the West Division title that earned them a fifth consecutive trip to the Grey Cup. They won the championship in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2023. “We’re the same group that got there, that went on a phenomenal run after a bad start, and a bad start for a lot of reasons that we overcame,” O’Shea said. “I just, I don’t question any of it. I look for answers, too. I watch the film over and over and over again. And look to already make notes on how we’re going to be better, how we’re going to get back there again.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Advertisement AdvertisementLOS ANGELES (AP) — Eric Bieniemy's return to UCLA lasted only one season. The Bruins let go of Bieniemy on Thursday after fielding one of the nation's worst offenses this season. It didn't take head coach DeShaun Foster long to find a replacement. Indiana quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri will become the new Bruins offensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Bruins had not yet announced the decision. Sunseri spent one season at Indiana after following Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison. Cignetti and Sunseri worked together for four seasons, the first three with the Dukes, who made the most successful transition from FCS to FBS in history. Bieniemy was hired as associate head coach and offensive coordinator shortly after Foster was hired as head coach in February. Bieniemy was also on the Bruins staff from 2003-05 as running backs coach. Jason Fletcher, Bieniemy's agent, said in a statement that Bieniemy planned to stay only one season in Westwood and termed it a “mutual parting of the ways.” However, Bieniemy signed a two-year contract at UCLA and did have a retention bonus if he was on staff for the 2025 season. "After interviewing for head coaching jobs last year, he wanted to stay active and busy," Fletcher said. “So, he decided to go help out Deshaun Foster, who is like his little brother, at UCLA as opposed to sitting out a year.” Out of 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, UCLA was 117th in total offense (328.8 yards per game), 126th in scoring (18.4 points per game) and had the nation's fifth-worst rushing attack (86.6 yards per game). The Bruins — 5-7 in their first season in the Big Ten after qualifying for a bowl the last three years — were the sixth Power Five team since 2000 that didn't score at least 20 points in their first six games. Players also said early in the season that Bieniemy's scheme was difficult to grasp and that play calls could be too wordy. Bieniemy was a two-time Super Bowl champion offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs but his last two stops have not gone well. He was Washington's offensive coordinator in 2023 but was not retained after Ron Rivera was fired. Bieniemy said in an email to ESPN earlier this year that he was not fired by Washington and that he received NFL offers to coach running backs or be a passing game coordinator. However, when asked during UCLA's spring practice to explain those remarks or what his other job prospects were, he refused to do so. “What I’m going say is this: I’m here coaching at UCLA. All that other stuff, you could go talk to the Commanders. I’ll leave it just like that,” he said. Bieniemy wasn’t retained by new Commanders coach Dan Quinn, who replaced Rivera. Despite his success in Kansas City, Bieniemy hasn’t landed a heading coach job, even though he’s interviewed with more than half of the NFL’s 32 teams. Fletcher said: "The plan was always to return to the NFL in 2025, and he’s looking forward to the opportunities ahead.” Sunseri's immediate priority will be to stem any further losses to the transfer portal. Quarterback Justyn Martin — who was on track to compete for the starting job following the graduation of Ethan Garbers — and running back T.J. Harden have already entered the portal. At Indiana, Sunseri worked closely with Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Mid-American Conference school Ohio. Rourke went on to have one of the best seasons in Hoosiers history as No. 9 Indiana (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, No. 9 CFP) broke single-season school records for victories and conference wins and appears set to make its CFP debut in two weeks. Sunseri, like Cignetti, also coached previously at Alabama. Sunseri served as a graduate assistant for the Crimson Tide in 2019 and 2020 after previous stints at Florida State and Tennessee. The 35-year-old Sunseri also spent three seasons with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, winning a Grey Cup title as a rookie in 2013 following his college career at Pittsburgh. Marot reported from Indianapolis. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football21.0 EH/s and 967 MW 1,2 under management in mining with path to ~35 EH/s MIAMI, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), a leading, vertically integrated operator of large-scale energy infrastructure and one of North America’s largest Bitcoin miners, today released its operations update for November 2024. “We achieved net increases in deployed self-mining hashrate and efficiency in November by bringing inefficient miners offline in preparation for our initial fleet upgrade and completing the development of our R&D facility at Salt Creek,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “These measures partially offset the impact of rising network difficulty on Bitcoin production, and we expect further performance gains in Q1 2025 as our initial fleet upgrade is expected to drive an improvement in average fleet efficiency to 19.9 joules per terahash.” “We remain intently focused on growing our proprietary operations and have advanced the buildout of our Vega site on schedule for energization in Q2 2025. Accounting for our fleet upgrade and assuming we fully exercise our purchase option for the miners we expect to host at the Vega site, we have a path to approximately 24 exahash per second of self-mining hashrate with an average fleet efficiency of 15.7 joules per terahash as early as Q2 2025. In parallel, we continue to progress AI data center development opportunities across our development pipeline.” Highlights Construction at Vega advancing on track for energization in Q2 2025 (image to left) Completed development of R&D facility at Salt Creek to support the Company’s ongoing focus on innovation in data center design and technology Progressed AI data center development opportunities across development pipeline Operating Metrics Energy Infrastructure Platform 3 Upcoming Conferences & Events: December 11–12, 2024: Informa Tech: The AI Summit New York, New York City December 12, 2024: Northland Capital Markets Growth Conference, Virtual January 9–17, 2025: 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference, New York City January 19–22, 2025: Pacific Telecommunications Council PTC’25, Honolulu Notes : About Hut 8 Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure operator and Bitcoin miner with self-mining, hosting, managed services, and traditional data center operations across North America. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Hut 8 Corp. has a portfolio comprising twenty sites: ten Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Hut8Corp. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as future business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of the business, operations, plans and other such matters is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “allow”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “can”, “might”, “potential”, “predict”, “is designed to”, “likely” or similar expressions. Specifically, such forward-looking information included in this press release includes statements relating to the Company’s planned initial fleet upgrade and the expected resulting performance gains, including expected improvement in average fleet efficiency, its focus on growing its proprietary operations, its buildout and energization of the Vega site, including the expected timing and resulting performance gains, its continuing progress with respect to AI data center development opportunities across its development pipeline and the impact of Ionic’s termination of the managed services agreement. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to, security and cybersecurity threats and hacks; malicious actors or botnet obtaining control of processing power on the Bitcoin network; further development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; changes to Bitcoin mining difficulty; loss or destruction of private keys; increases in fees for recording transactions in the Blockchain; erroneous transactions; reliance on a limited number of key employees; reliance on third party mining pool service providers; regulatory changes; classification and tax changes; momentum pricing risk; fraud and failure related to digital asset exchanges; difficulty in obtaining banking services and financing; difficulty in obtaining insurance, permits and licenses; internet and power disruptions; geopolitical events; uncertainty in the development of cryptographic and algorithmic protocols; uncertainty about the acceptance or widespread use of digital assets; failure to anticipate technology innovations; the COVID19 pandemic, climate change; currency risk; lending risk and recovery of potential losses; litigation risk; business integration risk; changes in market demand; changes in network and infrastructure; system interruption; changes in leasing arrangements; failure to achieve intended benefits of power purchase agreements; potential for interrupted delivery, or suspension of the delivery, of energy to mining sites and other risks related to the digital asset mining and data center business. For a complete list of the factors that could affect Hut 8, please see the “Risk Factors” section of Hut 8’s Transition Report on Form 10-K, available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov , and Hut 8’s other continuous disclosure documents which are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov . Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations Sue Ennis ir@hut8.com Hut 8 Corp. Media Relations media@hut8.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9236ca1-6918-4b97-b9aa-530c73b90a67

An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting by visiting sports teams. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he’s introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Similar flag-planting scuffles broke out across college football on that rivalry weekend. Williams is calling it the O.H.I.O Sportsmanship Act. “Behavior that incites violent brawls and puts our law enforcement officers in danger has no place on the football field,” Williams said. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Mayfield, who now plays for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he doesn’t think flag planting is a big deal. “I’ll say this: OU-Texas does it every time they play,” Mayfield said on Dec. 1. “It’s not anything special. You take your ‘L’ and you move on. I’ll leave it at that.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks.

Mercury retrograde in 2025 presents unique challenges for Aquarius, from communication breakdowns to relationship tensions. Learn how to prepare for each retrograde phase and turn disruptions into opportunities for growth. Mumbai: Mercury retrograde is a time when the seemingly backward motion of this celestial body stirs up disruptions in communication, technology, and travel. For Aquarians, a sign ruled by intellect and forward-thinking innovation, this phenomenon can feel particularly frustrating. Mercury typically lends its support to Aquarius, aiding clarity and connection. However, during its retrograde, you may find yourself navigating misunderstandings, delays, and a heightened potential for misplaced trust. This calls for heightened awareness and patience to turn potential mishaps into opportunities for introspection and recalibration. The retrograde periods in 2025 present distinct challenges for Aquarius, with effects rippling through communication, relationships, and social networks. Whether it’s a sudden miscommunication with colleagues, unresolved issues in partnerships, or disruptions in group projects, the key to navigating these phases lies in preparation and flexibility. Let’s delve into the retrograde periods, their specific impacts, and actionable precautions for each. Understanding Mercury Retrograde Mercury retrograde is more than just an astrological buzzword; it’s a celestial event that can upend everyday life. During this time, Mercury’s usual influence over communication, learning, and travel is disrupted, leading to delays, misunderstandings, and technical glitches. For Aquarius, known for their logical and progressive nature, this can feel like swimming against the tide. Mercury retrograde is a time to slow down, reassess, and revisit unfinished business rather than forge ahead. 1st Mercury Retrograde: March 14 to April 7 — Aries and Pisces In this period, Mercury retrogrades in your 3rd house, governing communication, siblings, and short travel. Be prepared for potential mix-ups in daily exchanges and disruptions in your travel plans. Emails, texts, and social media posts are more prone to misunderstandings, and interactions with siblings or coworkers may feel strained. Precautions: 2nd Mercury Retrograde: July 17 to August 11 — Leo This retrograde hits your 7th house, bringing tension to partnerships and close relationships. Old issues may resurface, requiring delicate handling. Avoid making new commitments or signing partnership agreements, as details may be unclear. Instead, focus on honest dialogue and revisiting unresolved matters. Precautions: 3rd Mercury Retrograde: November 9 to November 29 — Sagittarius and Scorpio Mercury retrogrades in your 11th house of social networks and aspirations, disrupting group activities and networking opportunities. Plans with friends or community projects may face sudden changes, while social dynamics might feel tense. This is a time to reflect on your long-term goals rather than embark on new ventures. Precautions: Key Takeaway for Aquarius in 2025 While Mercury retrogrades in 2025 may bring moments of confusion, delays, and challenges, they also offer valuable opportunities for growth. For Aquarius, these periods will encourage a reevaluation of communication strategies, partnerships, and long-term goals. By staying flexible, double-checking details, and embracing patience, you can transform potential obstacles into moments of clarity and insight. Approach these retrogrades as a time for reflection, and you’ll emerge stronger and more aligned with your true aspirations. ( Disclaimer: The predictions provided are for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice. News9 Live does not take responsibility for any decisions made based on these predictions. ) Click for more latest Astrology news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. AK Singh, an astrologer with over 5 years of experience, offers Vastu tips, daily horoscope predictions, Lal Kitab remedies, tarot card readings, and numerology services. For inquiries, contact him at frolicstars99@gmail.com. Latest NewsIt won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting, waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Check the forecast Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. Set a budget National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Find a buyer’s agent Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Shop and negotiate Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. Should you buy a house in 2025? If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.”

AKM is concerned with helping build assistive technologies for senior citizens. Last month, semiconductor company Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) put out a press release in which it announced it will show off a “suite of sensor technologies” at the Consumer Electronics Show next month in Las Vegas, which includes millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar and contactless monitoring, that are purported to be “more reliable and accessible while minimizing intrusion into users’ lives.” AKM added by combining artificial intelligence with high quality data, the company’s primary goal is to “transform how we support and care for seniors, making the expectation of aging in place a safer reality for millions.” “These technologies are designed to be less intrusive and are significantly more accurate than current industry standards,” Gregg Rouse, president of AKM’s United States business unit, said a statement for the announcement. “What sets these components apart is a focus on privacy thanks to our mmWave radar, which presents a new way of monitoring through electromagnetic waves instead of cameras. Our sensors don’t know what you look like, just how you’re doing. AKM’s technology captures essential health indicators as anonymous data points. This allows AI systems to enhance care and safety without infringing on personal privacy and allows users to feel independent.” In a recent interview, Rouse explained AKM is the electronic components business group of Asahi Kasei Corporation . As such, he told me AKM offers “a variety of advanced sensing devices based on compound semiconductor technology and sophisticated [integrated circuit] products featuring analog/digital mixed-signal technology.” He described the semiconductors from AKM as “essential” to everyday life, as the technology appears in products such as car audio systems, CO2 sensors for in-home environmental monitoring devices, amongst others. One such other is hearing aids. Rouse said AKM has observed “a significant trend” whereby numerous health-oriented technologies are being integrated into consumer electronics such as wearables. Apple Watch and AirPods are two high-profile examples of this trajectory; indeed, all the buzz in recent weeks has been around the new hearing aid capability Apple added to AirPods Pro with the iOS 18.1 update the company pushed out in late October. “Adding our contactless temperature sensor to a hearing aid makes it much more than just an assistive listening device; now it’s a health monitoring tool as well, without the user having to carry around an additional gadget,” Rouse said of AKM’s technology. “This integration reduces the inconvenience of frequent health checks and seamlessly integrates care into daily routines. This advancement can serve as a transformative step in improving patients’ lives by empowering them with accessible, continuous, and unobtrusive healthcare solutions.” FBI Warns iPhone, Android Users—Change WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal Apps What We Know About Luigi Mangione: Alleged UnitedHealthcare Shooter’s Gun Matches Shell Casings From Scene, NYPD Says Facebook And Instagram Down: Here’s What We Know About Widespread Outages Rouse said health tech “aligns” with AKM’s institutional values system,” adding it motivates the company to push harder in completing its mission to "enhance daily life through innovative solutions.” He reiterated the tech industry’s ever-burgeoning interest in health monitoring, telling me the desire to do so is becoming “increasingly prevalent” particularly as AI-powered algorithms become evermore capable. This software, Rouse said to me, is dependent upon high quality data—which AKM’s sensors are ready and willing to provide devices. “Companies are looking for this type of technology,” Rouse said. “Many companies want to add sensors to their designs, but challenges exist. Many devices are too big to fit into a wearable without making it so large it is uncomfortable to the user, or would require a large battery due to high power consumption. We don’t have those issues.” Rouse described AKM’s quantum temperature sensor as being contactless, which is of crucial import because “it allows wearable devices to move with the body while still providing accurate measurements.” Besides being tiny, he also said AKM’s device is both accurate and, arguably most importantly, extremely power-efficient. When asked who benefits from this technology, Rouse said AKM’s tech being “small, unobtrusive, and very accurate” enables a person—who may wear a hearing aid—to go about their days without needing to concern themselves with comfort or range of motion. A person can live their life without altering their daily routine so as to fit the device. “Anyone who wants to keep an eye on health markers without devoting additional time and effort to the cause should find this approach very appealing,” Rouse said. “This technology can serve caregivers who are balancing many duties and patients at once. It reduces the labor required of caregivers and provides patients independence.” When asked about feedback on AKM’s technology, Rouse said it has been “positive.” As to AKM’s prospects for the future, he noted AKM is looking beyond sensors by developing millimeter-wave radar technology so as to “monitor the well-being of elderly individuals in a non-intrusive, camera-free way.” This method preserves user privacy while also ensuring their safety. Additionally, Rouse said AKM is working on a “smart diaper” concept which, in another nod to accessibility for disabled parents, is capable of detecting moisture levels and can send alerts accordingly. The diaper product in particular, Rouse told me, “exemplifies our dedication to providing essential care solutions.” All told, Rouse said both of these innovations are shining examples of AKM’s steadfast commitment to “leveraging sensor technology to improve health, safety, and independence for people of all ages.”

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Official Story TrailerPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown’s troubles connecting on the field have yet to blow into a family feud inside the locker room — honest, both Philadelphia Eagles stars said. Between Hurts and Brown, it’s all good in Philly. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week

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Kuwait City [Kuwait], December 22 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Kuwait, underscored the growing importance of trade and commerce in strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Kuwait. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the Gulf nation of Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Gets Kuwait's Highest Honour Civilian Award 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer', 20th International Award by a Country (Watch Video). In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, he highlighted the significant rise in two-way trade, emphasising their energy partnership and the increasing presence of "Made in India" products across various sectors in Kuwait. "Trade and commerce have been important pillars of our bilateral relationship. Our bilateral trade has been on an upswing. Our energy partnership adds a unique value to our bilateral trade," PM Modi said. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: IDF Strikes Across Gaza Kill 20 as Death Toll Reaches 45,000, Says Palestinian Health Ministry. "We are happy to see 'Made in India' products, particularly in automobile, electrical and mechanical machinery, and telecom segments making new inroads in Kuwait. India today is manufacturing world-class products at the most affordable cost. Diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade," the Prime Minister said. He further spoke about deepening the potential for collaboration in diverse fields such as health, technology, digital, innovation and textiles. PM Modi further said that India and Kuwait share a deep and historic bond and the relationship between both countries has always been one of warmth and friendship and the crosscurrents of history and exchanges through ideas and commerce have brought people close and together, KUNA reported. "We have traded with each other since times immemorial. The discoveries in Failaka Island speak of our shared past. The Indian Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait for over a century till 1961. This shows how closely our economies were integrated," PM Modi told KUNA. He further said, "Overall, the bilateral ties are progressing well and if I could say, scaling new heights. I eagerly look forward to my talks with His Highness the Emir to elevate our ties in various areas including defence, trade, investment, and energy. The strong roots of our historical ties must be matched by the fruits of our 21st-century partnership - dynamic, robust and multifaceted. There is a lot we have achieved together, but possibilities are limitless for our partnership. I am sure this visit will give new wings to it." Earlier today on Sunday received a rousing ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour in Kuwait during his state trip to the Gulf country. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, Kuwait. The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah also present during the ceremony. The details of the meeting were also shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs on X. "A special welcome on historic visit! PM @narendramodi arrives at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait to a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. Warmly received by HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, PM of Kuwait. Extensive talks with HH the Amir, Crown Prince and PM of Kuwait lie ahead," Randhir Jaiswal wrote. On Saturday, he visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp in Kuwait, where he interacted with Indian workers and highlighted their contribution to the country's development. PM Modi spoke about the aspirations of Indian workers, linking them to his vision for a "Viksit Bharat 2047." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)UNT early signing class review: Biggest win, toughest loss, the bottom lineDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke coach Manny Diaz says quarterback Maalik Murphy will face discipline “internally” after extending both of his middle fingers skyward in celebration after throwing a long touchdown pass early in the weekend win against Virginia Tech . Diaz said Monday that Murphy's exuberant gesture, caught on the ACC Network national broadcast, was directed at offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer in the booth after a bit of practice “banter” from a few days earlier. Diaz said the Texas transfer just let his excitement get away from him but still called it “unacceptable in our program." “There was a practice in the middle of last week when we throwing post after post after post, and we weren't completing them,” Diaz said. “And it was again and again and again and again. And at the end of that, there was a remark made in jest that, ‘If you throw a post for a touchdown in the game, then you can flick me off,’ from Coach Brewer.” Murphy's gesture came after he uncorked a deep ball from deep in Duke's own end and caught Eli Pancol perfectly in stride across midfield, with Pancol racing untouched for an 86-yard score barely 2 minutes into the game. As he began skipping downfield to celebrate, Murphy chest-bumped teammate Star Thomas and then extended both arms in the air with his middle fingers raised. Brewer said Monday he missed the gesture in real time, but then saw it on a replay moments later. “Some things you say on the field when you're coaching obviously isn't meant to be taken literally when you're trying to get after somebody in that world,” Brewer said. Murphy threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions in the 31-28 win for the Blue Devils (8-3, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference), who close the regular season at Wake Forest. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday passed a $895 billion measure that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed the House by a vote of 281-140 and will next move to the Senate, where lawmakers had sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay has failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. “No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. “This bill goes a long way to fixing that.” The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation’s borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a “tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. “We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it,” Wicker said. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. “These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives,” Smith said. “And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar servicemembers' children from having access to that.” Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted upon the ban and said the provision “taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation.” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, “I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates.” Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, “and yet, here it is in this bill.” Branden Marty, a Navy veteran who served for 13 years, said the loss of health coverage for transgender medical treatments could prompt some with valuable experience to leave the military, affecting national security because “we already struggle from a recruiting and retention standpoint.” He also said the bill could regularly force service members into difficult choices financially. “It will be tough for a lot of them because of out-of-pocket expenses, especially enlisted members who we know already struggle with food insecurity,” said Marty, the father of a transgender teenager. “They don’t get paid very much, so they’re going to be making a lot of choices on a day-to-day, tactical level.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team was not telling Democrats how to vote on the bill. “There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well,” Jeffries said. Overall, 81 Democrats ended up voting for the bill and 124 against it. On the Republican side, 200 voted for the bill and 16 against. “It’s disappointing to see 124 of my Democrat colleagues vote against our brave men and women in uniform over policies that have nothing to do with their intended mission,” Johnson said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration had requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January.Oppn slams Election Rules amendment; Kharge says ‘another assault’ by Modi govt

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Median sale prices for single and multifamily homes remain at or near historic levels in Colorado — and 2024 is likely to be no exception. Despite some relief from what is expected to be an ongoing series of cuts to the federal interest rate , which affect mortgage payments, housing costs could be as high as ever for new homebuyers next year. A November report from the National Association of Realtors shows that, nationally, first-time homebuyers make up just 24% of the buying demographic — a historic low . At the same time, homebuyers have never been older. “The U.S. housing market is split into two groups: first-time buyers struggling to enter the market and current homeowners buying with cash,” said Jessica Lautz, the association’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research, in a statement. “First-time buyers face high home prices, high mortgage interest rates and limited inventory, making them a decade older with significantly higher incomes than previous generations of buyers,” Lautz continued. “Meanwhile, current homeowners can more easily make housing trades using built-up housing equity for cash purchases or large down payments on dream homes.” In Colorado, mountain towns remain some of the most expensive markets in the state with median home prices reaching into the multimillions. Compared to 2023, median sale prices in Eagle, Summit, Grand, Pitkin, Routt and Garfield counties are all up so far this year, according to the most recent data from the Colorado Association of Realtors . While price points range across different regions, all have seen costs driven up in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent explosion in property values. But before that, home prices had risen at a much more gradual rate. Longtime Vail-area Realtor Mike Budd remembers a time when roughly two-thirds of all homes in his region sold for under $1 million. “That began to erode as we were coming through and out of COVID so that, effectively in 2024, it was getting to represent about 30% of the transactions,” Budd said. But while the pandemic exacerbated high costs, housing in resort areas has long been less attainable than in the state’s more urban markets. Industry experts say it’s difficult to pin down the last time when housing in mountain communities was truly “affordable,” a term they also say is subjective. Within the last 15 years, home affordability peaked statewide in 2012, according to a housing affordability index study by the Colorado Association of Realtors . The index measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home — nationally and regionally — based on recent price and income data. Median for-sale prices were also at the lowest level in 2012, hovering at around $200,000 for a single-family property and below $150,000 for a multifamily unit, such as a townhouse or condo. Industry experts attribute the trend to two main factors: a bump in housing supply and the 2007-08 Great Recession. In the years leading up to the recession, the High Country was home to several construction companies building market-rate starter homes, leading to enough inventory to keep prices moderate for working residents. “There was a building boom going on back then. ... It was a very, very vibrant time,” said Colorado Association of Realtors President Dana Cottrell. “That kind of competition was there, and it’s so different from what we have now.” Budd said the state and its mountain communities were seeing years of extremely robust economic growth, “and houses were selling like popcorn.” Budd added, “We ran into a lot of people, particularly at the lower pricing spectrum, who’d been able to procure mortgages with low interest rates and low down payments.” But those low-cost homes also meant low equity. Amid the economic tumult of the Great Recession, many of those homeowners were left unable to afford their mortgages and were ultimately foreclosed on. It led to an influx of depreciated properties on the market — and buyers with the means to do so quickly capitalized. “We were seeing dramatic price reductions ... so people were able to procure homes, and that drove the pricing up quickly,” Budd said. “That was not a traditional economic reaction, it was just a window of time where we had all this product.” After a gradual decrease from 2010 to 2012, median home prices began to rise again statewide, according to Colorado Association of Realtors data. At the same time, new construction slowed dramatically and housing inventory failed to keep up with demand . As of last year, the United States was projected to be in a housing deficit of between 4 million to 7 million homes, according to a Pew study . Part of the decline is attributed to the recession, which decimated construction jobs. In mountain areas particularly, the cost of labor and materials has only risen while available land continues to shrink . “So the cost of land has also skyrocketed, so that makes creating true affordable housing a much more difficult task,” Budd said. The pandemic further changed the landscape when a deluge of remote workers left urban centers and flocked to mountain towns with cash on hand to buy. Prices quickly soared . From 2022 to 2023, residential property valuations in mountain resort counties increased anywhere from 63% to 92%, according to state data . Typical economics of supply and demand were flipped upside down. Even with a recent increase in homes on the market, prices continue to climb due to demand for vacation homes from affluent buyers. In some resort areas, around half of all transactions are in cash. “I think the resort communities have differentiated themselves more than ever from what’s going on in the state as a whole,” Budd said. Should another catastrophe like the Great Recession hit, it’s unlikely it would have the same impacts on the housing market as before. The reason, according to Budd, is that current resort area homeowners have banked far more equity in their high-valued homes compared to the average homeowner in 2008-09 — meaning they’d likely be able to weather the economic storm. Without foreclosures, those homes wouldn’t suddenly emerge on the market for a bargain price. The demographic of buyers who are struggling to become homeowners would also be the ones most affected by a recession. “Jobs are so important to real estate, and when an economic situation happens where it affects jobs ... then it’s not affordable because people don’t have jobs that are paying enough to afford the lower prices,” Cottrell said. Market-rate home prices in mountain towns are all but certain to remain high relative to the rest of the state, driven in part by the sheer demand from cash buyers. Still, Cottrell believes the single greatest factor that could soften market-rate prices remains increased supply, a challenge when the cost of construction remains high and available land low. While inventory has risen in several resort markets over the past year, housing stock is still historically low. Nationally, transactions slowed last year to the lowest point since 1995, and buyers are seeking more concessions from sellers to help offset the escalating costs of mortgage payments, insurance and homeowners association fees . “Yes we have more homes, but we still don’t have a ton of homes,” Cottrell said. “So until that inventory-buyer ratio changes, we’re going to see prices stay steady or even rise a bit.”Everything you need to know about California government in two stories

Editorial: For Jimmy Carter, the presidency was prologueEEPC India proposes faceless GST audit system

. Many people in the Apple ecosystem love to stay on the latest and great iPhones, iPads, and Macs. If you’re trading in an old iPhone to one of your carriers, have you ever wondered what happens to them? Especially in recent years, old iPhones continue to offer a ton of value to new people, so I recently talked with the team at to learn more about their new facilities. When you trade in a device, it’s easy to think the story ends there, but that’s just the beginning. Behind the scenes, companies like Assurant play a critical role in breathing new life into your old tech. Their latest facility, a 259,000-square-foot Innovation and Device Care Center in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, shows the scale and sophistication of today’s device lifecycle process. Assurant’s new Nashville-area center, which doubles the size of their previous site in La Vergne, is set to process and repurpose millions of devices yearly. At this facility, about 800 people test, refurbish and prepare devices for new users or responsibily recycle if they’re beyond repair. In 2023 alone, their efforts kept 1.16M metric tons of carbon emissions out of the atmosphere. It’s a massive impact from the devices users once thought were bound for the trash. Once a device reaches Assurant’s “Device Care Center”, it goes through a series of carefully calibrated processes, many powered by AI and automation. A team of engineers works on-site to constantly improve these systems, using robotics and machine learning to enhance efficiency and quality. From diagnostics to software wipes, to component replacement and beyond, each step is part of a streamlined process designed to give devices a new purpose, often extending their lives by years. While others may outsource, this new facility demonstrates our investments in innovative technologies and our people, allowing us to continuously improve our customer and employee experiences by owning every step in the process, said Biju Nair, EVP and president, Global Connected Living and International. These investments, along with our talented team, contribute to greater sustainability in the connected device ecosystem by efficiently supplying the global secondary device market. Centrally located and in close proximity to our state’s capital, Mt. Juliet is primed to support Assurant and the opening of its new Innovation and Device Care Center,” said Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Assurant will benefit from Nashville’s thriving tech talent pool and access to top-tier research institutions while also having the local support and resources needed for continued growth in Wilson County. I thank Assurant for its decision to stay in Tennessee, and we look forward to seeing the success that follows today’s grand opening. But Assurant isn’t just focused on refurbishing; it’s also making a significant investment in the future of the Tennessee region. The company’s $100,000 grant to Middle Tennessee State University will help fund the Assurant Engineering Innovation Lab, which will support the training of future engineers in mechatronics and automation. This investment underlines the ongoing shift toward a circular economy in tech, where keeping devices in circulation as long as possible is both a business model and an environmental mission. So, the next time you trade in an iPhone or iPad, remember that it likely ends up in a place like Assurant’s’s repair center, where it’s given a chance to power another person’s work—or at least help spare the planet a few more grams of waste . . Many people in the Apple ecosystem love to stay on the latest and great iPhones, iPads, and Macs. If you’re trading in an old iPhone to one of your carriers, have you ever wondered what happens to them? Especially in recent years, old iPhones continue to offer a ton of value to new people, so I recently talked with the team at to learn more about their new facilities. When you trade in a device, it’s easy to think the story ends there, but that’s just the beginning. Behind the scenes, companies like Assurant play a critical role in breathing new life into your old tech. Their latest facility, a 259,000-square-foot Innovation and Device Care Center in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, shows the scale and sophistication of today’s device lifecycle process. Assurant’s new Nashville-area center, which doubles the size of their previous site in La Vergne, is set to process and repurpose millions of devices yearly. At this facility, about 800 people test, refurbish and prepare devices for new users or responsibily recycle if they’re beyond repair. In 2023 alone, their efforts kept 1.16M metric tons of carbon emissions out of the atmosphere. It’s a massive impact from the devices users once thought were bound for the trash. Once a device reaches Assurant’s “Device Care Center”, it goes through a series of carefully calibrated processes, many powered by AI and automation. A team of engineers works on-site to constantly improve these systems, using robotics and machine learning to enhance efficiency and quality. From diagnostics to software wipes, to component replacement and beyond, each step is part of a streamlined process designed to give devices a new purpose, often extending their lives by years. While others may outsource, this new facility demonstrates our investments in innovative technologies and our people, allowing us to continuously improve our customer and employee experiences by owning every step in the process, said Biju Nair, EVP and president, Global Connected Living and International. These investments, along with our talented team, contribute to greater sustainability in the connected device ecosystem by efficiently supplying the global secondary device market. Centrally located and in close proximity to our state’s capital, Mt. Juliet is primed to support Assurant and the opening of its new Innovation and Device Care Center,” said Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Assurant will benefit from Nashville’s thriving tech talent pool and access to top-tier research institutions while also having the local support and resources needed for continued growth in Wilson County. I thank Assurant for its decision to stay in Tennessee, and we look forward to seeing the success that follows today’s grand opening. But Assurant isn’t just focused on refurbishing; it’s also making a significant investment in the future of the Tennessee region. The company’s $100,000 grant to Middle Tennessee State University will help fund the Assurant Engineering Innovation Lab, which will support the training of future engineers in mechatronics and automation. This investment underlines the ongoing shift toward a circular economy in tech, where keeping devices in circulation as long as possible is both a business model and an environmental mission. So, the next time you trade in an iPhone or iPad, remember that it likely ends up in a place like Assurant’s’s repair center, where it’s given a chance to power another person’s work—or at least help spare the planet a few more grams of waste .maths genie 。

SE Louisiana earns 76-60 win over North Dakota

Bob Geldof has said his Band Aid charity single has “kept millions of people alive” after a new 40th anniversary version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? faced criticism. To mark the song’s milestone, a remix has been created which blends the voices of artists who have featured on previous editions including Harry Styles , George Michael and Bono . Ed Sheeran said last week that they did not ask for permission to re-use his vocals from when he sang on Band Aid 30 in 2014, and that he would have “respectfully” declined the request. The singer-songwriter said in a social media post that “a decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed”, citing a post by British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG that criticised foreign aid in Africa. Responding to the comments in an interview with The Sunday Times, Geldof said: “This little pop song has kept millions of people alive. Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal?” He added: “Why not keep doing that? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy? No abstract theory regardless of how sincerely held should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real-world reality. “There are 600 million hungry people in the world – 300 million are in Africa. We wish it were other but it is not. We can help some of them. That’s what we will continue to do.” Fuse ODG said in an Instagram Story post that he had turned down the chance to take part in Band Aid 30 alongside Sheeran a decade prior. “I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa,” he wrote. “While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.” He added: “By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement. “My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism. Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.” In another post, he said they welcomed anyone “genuinely trying to support the continent” but it needs to be “a spirit of collaboration not patronisation, solidarity not charity”. Band Aid’s latest track blends voices from Band Aid (1984), Band Aid 20 (2004) and Band Aid 30 (2014), and has been produced by Trevor Horn, who has worked with the likes of Grace Jones and Sir Rod Stewart. The compilation is backed by the Band Aid house band of Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, John Taylor (bass), Phil Collins, Roger Taylor, Danny Goffey (drums), Thom Yorke (piano), Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Midge Ure, Johnny Greenwood, Gary Kemp and Justin Hawkins (guitar). The original Band Aid single saw artists join forces in 1984, led by Boomtown Rats frontman Geldof and Ultravox’s Midge Ure to help charities working with starving children in Ethiopia. Do They Know It’s Christmas? went straight to number one that year and became the fastest-selling single of all time in the UK, selling a million copies in the first week alone. It remained at number one for five weeks, going on to sell more than three million copies. Reflecting on the original singles success, Geldof told the newspaper: “For us to top the charts we sold 620,000 copies. Will this new version make anything like that one? No, because there are no f****** record shops. If we have 620,000 hits on Spotify, what will that make? Literally a quid?” Despite feeling like it is now a “febrile world”, he does not feel defeated in his pursuit to help. “I can guarantee your personal action here will result in a kid sleeping warmer, fed that night”, he said. “This is one issue in which you have power. You get to tilt the world a fraction – and I know: ‘Here is f****** Geldof banging on.’ But the instrument of this control, as corny as it may sound, is this thing – this OK tune.” Do They Know It’s Christmas? – 2024 Ultimate Mix will premiere on UK breakfast radio and streaming on November 25, and will be released physically on CD and vinyl on November 29. Stay up to date about London's hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!Hong Kong’s Annual Design Festival deTour 2024New Mexico man awarded $412 million medical malpractice payout for botched injections

McDonald believes support for Sinn Féin higher than what polls show

Panthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders carted off field for neck injuryLAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Cavan Reilly's 18 points helped Delaware defeat Rider 72-66 on Saturday. Reilly went 6 of 12 from the field (4 for 10 from 3-point range) for the Fightin' Blue Hens (4-3). Izaiah Pasha added 15 points while finishing 7 of 10 from the floor and also had six rebounds. Erik Timko shot 5 for 9, including 3 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with 15 points. Jay Alvarez led the Broncs (4-4) in scoring, finishing with 17 points and six rebounds. TJ Weeks Jr. added 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals for Rider. Tariq Ingraham also put up 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

The Central Bank of Nigeria fined 29 banks a total of N15 billion for violating anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The CBN governor underlined the gravity of these violations and the need for the affected banks to address the fundamental issues It further stated that adherence to regulations is a top priority for the CBN in order to promote stability and national development CHECK OUT: Learn at Your Own Pace! Our Flexible Online Course allows you to fit copywriting skills development around your busy schedule. Enroll Now! Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market . A total of N15 billion in fines was levied against 29 banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for breaking anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws. At the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) 2024 Bankers' Night in Lagos, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso made this announcement. Cardoso emphasized in his remarks the seriousness of these infractions and the necessity for the impacted banks to fix the structural flaws that permitted these failures to happen, BusinessDay reported. Read also CBN gives simple solution as cash dries up in ATMs, sends message to UBA, GTB, others PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! “In addition to these penalties, the banks are required to address the root causes of the lapses, which is crucial for improving regulatory effectiveness. Historically, the industry has struggled with recurring issues, but we are confident that this approach will help change that narrative,” Cardoso stated. The Broader Implications of Compliance The governor of the CBN emphasized the wider effects of compliance on the financial system, pointing out that organizations that place a high priority on following regulations support stability and national progress. “A bank that prioritises compliance does more than protect itself -it strengthens the entire financial ecosystem. It directs financial resources toward growth, innovation, and prosperity rather than crime and corruption. Together, we must exceed standards, demonstrating to the public and the world that we are stewards of integrity and trust,” he added. Cardoso added that non-compliance has repercussions that go beyond fines imposed by the government. He asserts that problems like fraud, corruption, and money laundering threaten the core of the financial system. Read also FIRS Boss Zacch Adedeji calls for public support for govt policies “The cost of inaction is profound—fraud undermines confidence, corruption erodes trust, and money laundering perpetuates organized crime,” he remarked. A Vision for a Culture of Compliance The governor outlined a goal for Nigeria's banking sector to have a strong compliance culture. He emphasized that financial institutions need to be proactive in identifying and reducing risks in addition to adhering to legal requirements. According to Cardoso, boards and CEOs need to set an example by prioritizing compliance strategically and advocating for zero tolerance for violations, both in terms of policy and in actuality. He advised financial institutions to aggressively handle risks in high-risk locations and foresee vulnerabilities. CBN gives simple solution as cash dries up in ATMs Legit.ng reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to penalize negligent financial firms for the ongoing cash shortage at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). CBN Governor Dr. Olayemi Cardoso made this known on Friday at the annual Bankers' Dinner hosted by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Read also Fraudsters attack Nigerian banks, steal money, Access bank, others react The declaration was made in response to reports of cash shortages in banks in recent days, both at ATMs and over the counter. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ngWINSTON-SALEM — It wasn’t how Duke drew up the final play, but it worked out perfect for the Blue Devils in Saturday’s 23-17 victory over Wake Forest. Maalik Murphy threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Moore as time expired, allowing Duke to end the regular season with three consecutive victories. Murphy said he realized he took too long to make a decision after the last snap. “I knew at that point I had to make a play,” he said. “The damage was already done, time was ticking.” With the score tied at 17, the Blue Devils (9-3, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) moved 76 yards in 1:22 after forcing a Wake Forest punt. It appeared that Duke might run out of time in the slow-developing play, but Moore improvised and broke free along the right side, caught the ball at the 10-yard line and spun into the end zone to complete a comeback from 14 points down in the second half. “The play that Maalik and Jordan put together was magical,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “Nobody thought a 5-yard route would turn into a (long) touchdown.” So instead of a long field-goal attempt, Duke had something better. “I just decided to take it down the field,” Moore said. “I think that’s a testament to our chemistry. ... Maalik had the confidence in himself to make that kind of play.” It resulted in Duke’s sixth victory by seven points or less. “It’s like a perfect exclamation point to our season,” Diaz said. “An unbelievable way to finish our season.” Murphy racked up with 235 yards on 26-for-34 passing. Moore, who was down with an injury after a reception earlier in the second half, made five catches for 98 yards. Hank Bachmeier threw for 207 yards and a touchdown as Wake Forest (4-8, 2-6) ended its second straight four-win season with a four-game losing streak. “A heartbreaking loss,” Demon Deacons coach Dave Clawson said. “It’s a tough way to lose a game and a tough way to end the season.” Tate Carey’s 8-yard run, Matthew Dennis’ 37-yard field goal and Horatio Fields’ 9-yard reception across 11 minutes of game time gave Wake Forest a 17-3 lead with nine minutes left in the third quarter. Duke took advantage of a short field following a punt, moving 42 yards in four plays to score on Star Thomas’ 3-yard run. The Blue Devils recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and converted on Murphy’s 2-yard run with 12:57 left to pull even. “What has been proven is that we’re mentally tough,” Diaz said. “We’re not going to do everything perfect.” Taylor Morin became Wake Forest’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 2,974. He picked up 47 yards on eight catches on Saturday. Morin, in his fifth season, passed former NFL player Ricky Proehl, who had 2,929 yards in the late 1980s. Duke: The Blue Devils have secured at least a nine-win season for the second time in three seasons, this one coming in Diaz’s first season. They racked up a 4-0 record against in-state opponents, including comebacks to top North Carolina and Wake Forest. “Every quest that we have for championships starts in our own state,” Diaz said. Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons punted on their final three possessions of the season. They finished with a 1-6 record in home games. “It’s been a tough year, a long year, and I’m proud of our team and how hard they fought,” Clawson said. Duke: Awaits a bowl invitation Wake Forest: Enters the offseason with a losing record for the third time in five seasons. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

concrete genie OTTAWA — The dismissal of a class-action lawsuit over rules governing the cross-border live bee trade is casting a spotlight on political division within Canada’s beekeeping community. A federal judge has ruled against awarding commercial beekeepers damages from a decades-old partial ban on shipping live honeybees across the Canada-U.S. border, which is in place out of concerns that could bring in aggressive pests and diseases. Beekeepers from Western Canada involved in the suit claim the government’s risk assessments that inform the tight restrictions are hurting their businesses and are blown out of proportion. Michael Paradis of Paradis Honey Ltd., a seven-generation family beekeeping business based in Girouxville, Alta., and one of the representative plaintiffs in the case, said he’s disappointed with the ruling, saying it puts beekeepers in a “dangerous position” since the industry is already in crisis mode. “Canada does not have enough bees and cannot replenish its own stock at all,” he said. “It’s going to mean a lot more hardship for the industry if we cannot get access to the U.S. bees.” Beekeepers were slammed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fewer airline flights made it harder to import bees and they suffered a nightmare year of winter losses in 2022. Manitoba commercial beekeeper Brent Ash, one of the witnesses in the case, said the ruling will hamper the industry, and makes it especially tough for apiaries in colder parts of the country like the Prairies, where most of Canada’s beekeepers are located. “Climate makes the regional divide difficult to keep those bugs alive over the course of the winter,” he said, noting honeybees are not native to North America. But Steve Moore, president of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association, said his group worries about the risks of accidentally bringing in antibiotic resistant mites, the import of Africanized honeybees commonly known as killer bees, and a small hive beetle that’s capable of damaging colonies. “In Ontario here, we feel quite strongly that we don’t want to take the risk of it becoming even more challenging if some of these new and emerging threats come into the country in packages,” he said. But he empathizes with the plaintiffs. “When we go into our apiaries, we get stung by our bees. When we come home, we might be stung by a low honey price, stung by rising cost of production or stung by high overwintering losses, with the threat of new and emerging pathogens. So, we’re all facing the same challenges and it’s a challenging time to be a beekeeper,” he said. Even though a ban on U.S. live bee imports expired in 2006, Ottawa has not issued permits for the live worker bee boxes to be brought over the border since. The plaintiffs argued Ottawa owes them duty of care — and hundreds of millions in damages. The judge disagreed. “There is no duty of care owed and no negligence,” Justice Cecily Strickland wrote in a lengthy ruling, adding the plaintiffs failed to establish that Ottawa hurt their businesses. The case has a long history, dating back to a court filing from 2012, and was only certified as a class action in 2017. The problem is even older. Headlines from the 1980s screamed about fears that deadly infectious mites from U.S. states could level Canadian bee populations. Risks to bee health have only compounded since then. A 2003 risk assessment by the regulator found that importing queen bees was less risky, since they are easier to inspect. So, Canada allows imports of queen bees and their worker-bee attendants from the U.S., Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy and Malta. “Bee packages carry a higher risk of disease introduction because they are shipped with the contents of their hive, which may include mites, parasites and bacteria,” said a statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that welcomed the judge’s ruling. Canada does, however, also allow imports of worker bee packages from Italy, Chile, Australia and New Zealand, which sent Canada some 69,364 kgs of packaged bees in 2023, according to statistics from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. But importing from these countries also dramatically drives up import costs due to transportation. One of the plaintiffs, John Gibeau, wrote to CFIA a decade ago complaining that importing more than 1,200 packages for $170,000 would have cost half that if he could have purchased them from California instead. Gibeau said he wasn’t ready to comment since he hasn’t yet digested the ruling. Paradis said the larger issue for him than cost, though, is the quality of the bee stock and the timing of when shipments arrive. “We are looking at bees in the U.S. that are spring bees — young, invigorated bees,” he said, adding that gives them longer lifespans in Canada. While he was disappointed, Paradis said one of the main reasons for the lawsuit was to “bring CFIA to the table and to actually have some discussions” on the import ban, something he said has only happened recently. Canada’s honeybee pollination is estimated to contribute $3.18 billion directly to the economy, but that rises to $7 billion a year when canola pollination is factored in. Canada has some 794,341 beehives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 7, 2024. Kyle Duggan and Maura Forrest, The Canadian Press

Avalanche Acquire Center Juuso Parssinen From Nashville

7.0 earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning

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credit genie Kobayashi’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, who had been in the search party, was found dead Sunday in a parking lot near LA International Airport by apparent suicide, police and her family said. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Underground fire still burning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; officials advise caution Underground fire still burning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; officials advise caution 7 people in custody after barricade situation in Norfolk 7 people in custody after barricade situation in Norfolk Underground fire causes partial parking lot collapse at Williamsburg Premium Outlets Underground fire causes partial parking lot collapse at Williamsburg Premium Outlets One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ‘Love Connection’ and ‘Scrabble,’ dies at 83 Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ‘Love Connection’ and ‘Scrabble,’ dies at 83 Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege Corey Hairston retires as Warwick football coach; defensive coordinator Thomas Sykes is named successor Corey Hairston retires as Warwick football coach; defensive coordinator Thomas Sykes is named successor Virginia live election results Virginia live election results Special counsel moves to abandon election interference, classified documents cases against Trump Special counsel moves to abandon election interference, classified documents cases against Trump Newport News man dies, 1 seriously injured in Isle of Wight crash Newport News man dies, 1 seriously injured in Isle of Wight crash Trending Nationally Holiday homecoming for 1,300 Camp Pendleton Marines brings smiles One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? Lizzo shows off dramatic weight loss in new photos Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Florida. Here’s why After bankruptcy court, Spirit sees future as a higher value airline ‘for years to come’49ers QB Brock Purdy, DE Nick Bosa out, Brandon Allen to start at Green Bay

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are dragging down the market Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.3%, with more than 90% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. The benchmark index was managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 418 points, or 1%, to 42,878 as of 1:43 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.8%. Technology stocks were the biggest weight on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.7%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 2% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.9% and Best Buy slipped 1.8%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of just 0.1% as crude oil prices rose 1.4%. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. “There's just some uncertainty over this relief rally we've witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though Inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns he combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.61% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.31% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.

China launched its first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, in Shanghai on Friday. Named after southwest China's Sichuan Province, the independently-developed new vessel was put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony. It was given the hull number 51. The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tonnes and features a dual-island superstructure along with a full-length flight deck. It incorporates innovative electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technologies, enabling it to carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious equipment. As the new-generation amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, it plays a key role in advancing the Navy's transformation and enhancing its combat capabilities in the far seas, according to Navy officials. Following its launch, the ship will undergo a series of planned tests, including equipment commissioning, mooring tests, and sea trials. The Navy has continuously enhanced its capabilities in conducting amphibious combat and multi-dimensional landing operations. It unveiled its inaugural 075-class amphibious assault ship, the Hainan, in Shanghai back in 2019. The Hainan officially entered service in April 2021. Two more Type 075 amphibious assault ships, the Guangxi and the Anhui, have also commissioned. (Edited by Liu Yinghan)

IREN Unusual Options ActivityWalker has 22 as Binghamton knocks off Lancaster Bible 85-60NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are drifting lower Tuesday in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped by 0.2% in late trading, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . The index is on track for its first back-to-back losses in more than three weeks, as momentum slows following a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down by 7 points, or less than 0.1%, with roughly an hour remaining in trading, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 7.8% after reporting growth for the latest quarter that fell just short of analysts’ expectations. It was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500, even though CEO Safra Catz said the company saw record demand related to artificial-intelligence technology for its cloud infrastructure business, which trains generative AI models. AI has been a big source of growth that’s helped many companies’ stock prices skyrocket. Oracle’s stock had already leaped nearly 81% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. C3.ai fell 2.1% despite reporting a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The AI software company increased its forecast for how big a loss it expects to take this fiscal year from its operations. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of Wednesday’s report on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Economists expect it to show roughly similar increases as the month before. That and a report on Thursday about inflation at the wholesale level will be the final big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week, where many investors expect the year’s third cut to interest rates . The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to lift the slowing jobs market, after bringing inflation nearly down to its 2% target. Lower rates would help give support to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.22% from 4.20% late Monday. Even though the Fed has been cutting its main interest rate, mortgage rates have been more stubborn and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 5.2% even though it beat analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. CEO Douglas Yearley Jr. said the luxury builder has been seeing strong demand since the start of its fiscal year six weeks ago, an encouraging signal as it approaches the beginning of the spring selling season in mid-January Elsewhere on Wall Street, Alaska Air Group soared 13.6% after raising its forecast for profit in the current quarter. The airline said demand for flying around the holidays has been stronger than expected. It also approved a plan to buy back up to $1 billion of its stock, along with new service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul . Boeing climbed 5.2% after saying it's resuming production of its bestselling plane , the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. Vail Resorts rose 2.7% after the ski resort operator reported a narrower first-quarter loss than expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in China after the world’s second-largest economy said its exports rose by less than expected in November. Stocks rose 0.6% in Shanghai but fell 0.5% in Hong Kong. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

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For decades, spacefaring nations have launched thousands of satellites and other objects into orbit, which have become vital to modern life. However, when these satellites age and stop functioning, ever wondered what happens to them? According to NASA , many fragments or objects of these satellites remain in the ever-expanding space junkyard. These objects continue to float in the low-Earth orbit as they are too expensive to be removed. However, these pose severe threats to future satellites and crewed space missions. Recently, in November, the International Space Station took precautionary action to avoid a piece of space junk. A Russian cargo ship docked at the station fired its thrusters for over five minutes to create extra distance between the ISS and the incoming debris, which came from a defunct meteorological satellite. While the object wasn’t on a direct collision course with the station, NASA deemed the manoeuvre necessary to ensure additional safety as it passed by. All this junk floating around in space can lead to a theoretical scenario which is known as the Kessler Syndrome. Also Read: Bill Gates requested a meeting with Trump in private message to Elon Musk What is Space Junk and its related problems? Space Junk is the debris comprised of old non-functional satellites and other man-made objects that continue to float in the Earth’s orbit. This space debris includes spacecraft, spent rocket boosters and even astronaut’s tool bags they lost during the mission. Since the space age began in the 1950s, around 50,000 tons of material have been launched into orbit, with over 13,000 tons of space objects currently in space as of September 2024. Of the 19,590 satellites launched since 1957, 13,230 remain in orbit, with 10,200 still operational, according to the European Space Agency which cited the data from the U.S Space Surveillance Network. As of December 2022, the International Space Station had performed 32 manoeuvres to avoid space junk since 1999, according to NASA’s 2022 quarterly report. By October 2023, this number had risen to 37, including two in August of that year. The ISS conducted its 39th Pre-Determined Avoidance Manoeuvre in November of this year. The scientists also revealed that it is not a big deal for the space debris crash on Earth’s surface. A family in Naples, Florida filed a complaint against NASA and demanded $80,000 in damages after a piece of space debris from the International Space Station crashed through their house roof, earlier this year, as reported by USA Today. Also Read: Stowaway caught on Delta flight during holiday rush, ignites safety concerns What is Kessler Syndrome? ESA warned that the increasing space debris could lead to a theoretical scenario turned into reality i.e. the Kessler Syndrome that if left unchecked, the growing accumulation of space debris could lead to a dangerous cascade of collisions. As debris multiplies, it could eventually render Earth's orbit unusable for space travel. Last year, Holger Krag, ESA's head of Space Safety said, “We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space, but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow,” in a statement.

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female genie Croatia’s incumbent president wins most votes at polls but still faces runoffPython continues to dominate the programming world, having a considerable market share of 28%. Its simplicity, flexibility, and powerful capabilities make it no wonder that Python has become the go-to language for developers across the globe. From building complex web applications to creating scalable APIs, Python's frameworks have made it easier than ever to build robust systems in less time. In 2025, lightweight Python frameworks would be just the start and how developers would approach application development would be much lighter, and streamlined for less functionality. A Python framework is a base for software development, offering pre-built components and tools that make it easier to create applications. Developers do not need to begin from scratch. They can use these frameworks to manage common tasks like database management, routing, and authentication. This does not only speed up the development process but also guarantees consistency, security, and scalability. Using frameworks reduces code errors, and redundant coding, and increases overall efficiency, which are essential in today's fast-paced development environment. Time-Consumption: Frameworks hasten development as they handle repetitive tasks and give developers more space to focus on the integral components. Organized Structure: They enhance code organization and manageability making it easier for teams and teams to collaborate and maintain it. Enhanced Security: Good frameworks come with basic security features that protect the most common vulnerabilities. Community Support: Open-source Python frameworks have big communities that provide access to resources, troubleshooting, and best practices. The Best Lightweight Python Frameworks for 2025 Lightweight frameworks are the best for those who want a minimalist approach in the ever-changing Python ecosystem. They are best suited for developers who want to create simple, fast, and efficient applications without bloat. Here are some of the most popular lightweight Python frameworks to watch in 2025: Flask is one of the most popular microframeworks in the Python world. It is really simple and also has the flexibility to build web applications with very minimal overhead on it. It has the bare essentials but lets developers make it ideal for small-scale applications or API development or when total control over components is necessary. Minimalistic: Offers only the bare essentials, leaving everything else up to the developer. Flexible: It plays well with other libraries and tools. Extensible: There are a lot of community-built extensions that can add new functionality as needed. Flask is one of the best choices for web developers when the project requires flexibility and scalability. FastAPI is another star in the Python landscape. This is built with performance as its primary focus to build APIs efficiently. It utilizes Python-type hints to offer automatic data validation. Its asynchronous capabilities make it highly proficient in handling a great amount of requests, hence being ideal for modern web applications. Fast Performance: It is built for speed and supports asynchronous programming for handling multiple requests at once. Automatic Documentation: It automatically generates interactive documentation for APIs, saving much time spent on doing the manual documentation. Type Hints: Type hints of Python make the code much clearer and aids debugging. FastAPI is specially chosen to develop high-performance applications, APIs, and services that require environments of speed and scalability. Dash is one of the most powerful frameworks for creating analytical web applications, particularly in the areas of data science and engineering. Developers can build interactive dashboards and visualize complex data sets using Dash. This framework makes it extremely easy to build applications integrating real-time data. Interactive Dashboards: Best suited for real-time data visualizations. Data Science Libraries Integration: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Pandas and Plotly. Customization: Enables developers to develop application-based products based on individual needs. Dash is among the favorite options of data scientists, analysts, and engineers in the area of building interactive applications around the data, minimizing the overheads. Bottle is a micro framework perfect for small web applications or rapid prototyping. Bottle is a one-file framework, which does not require external libraries, therefore making it very efficient on small projects. Though Bottle is minimal, it's full of many features like templating and routing with support for many databases. Single-File: everything in one file; thus, easy setup and management. Routing and Templating: Extremely simple yet powerful features to develop small applications. WSGI-Compatible: Works easily with standard web servers. Bottle is a perfect option for developing lightweight web apps that do not rely heavily on lots of external dependencies. CherryPy is a minimalist Python framework that allows building web applications as simple as possible. It is fast and efficient, with a clean and easy-to-understand API. It is, therefore, ideal for developers looking for no-frills, straightforward approaches to building web applications. Simple API: The product is built to be as simple and easy to use as possible. Fast: Known for its speed, it is efficient in its handling of requests. Extensible: This can be extended with the use of plugins for even more functionalities. CherryPy is ideal for developers who are looking forward to the execution of programs without as much complexity as possible with their projects. Starlette is a light ASGI web application building framework. In the performance aspects, this can serve very well for high-performance applications. All components required in developing an API and general web application can be supplied, leaving space for all customized implementations as needed. ASGI-Based: Supports asynchronous programming to handle multiple tasks concurrently. Fast: Optimized for speed and performance. Low weight: Provides only that which is needed without much overhead. Starlette has been highly recommended to developers, mainly focusing on speed and scale. Tornado is one of the non-blocking, multithreaded web servers and it is a framework designed basically for real-time applications and is built for handling long-lived connections, especially for real-time applications, which require constant communication between clients and servers. Non-Blocking I/O: Handles many connections simultaneously without delays. Real-Time Communication: Ideal for real-time web applications. WebSocket Support: Enables two-way communication between client and server. Tornado is a reliable framework for developers looking to build applications that require real-time features. Lightweight frameworks reduce overhead while keeping functionality. They are good for developers who want to produce clean, efficient, and scalable applications. Focusing on core essentials, such frameworks allow flexibility in design and implementation. It still continues to lead in the programming world, having its ease of use and flexibility. Industry reports suggest that it occupies 28% market share and is favored by 51% of developers for it. Its frameworks also simplify the integration of technologies such as AI and IoT. This makes Python the number one technology in the world of software development. Choosing the right lightweight Python framework in 2025 will depend on the needs of your project. It might be Flask for flexibility, FastAPI for speed, Dash for data-driven applications, or Tornado for real-time functionality. Each of these frameworks offers a different option that caters to a wide range of development requirements. These frameworks help developers in their workflow, creating high-quality applications, and increasing productivity. Python still attracts many modern-day developers in its simplicity with a powerful toolset that assures continued popularity and growth into the future. For a small-scale project, both Bottle and Flask are easy to use. Dash for data-centric applications, FastAPI for API, and CherryPy for varied applications as a middle ground between speed and simplicity. Lightweight Python frameworks make an excellent base for the building of robust applications in 2025. The right choice can save time and improve performance while creating innovative solutions to answer modern demands.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jimmy Carter was honored with a moment of silence before the Atlanta Falcons’ game at the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, hours after the 39th president of the United States died at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. Beyond being a Georgia native who led the country from the White House less than 8 miles (12 kilometers) away during his time in office from 1977-81, Carter was the first president to host the NFL's Super Bowl champions there when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980. Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement released by the team before kickoff said he was deeply saddened by the loss of his dear friend and mentor, calling Carter “a great American, a proud Georgian and an inspirational global humanitarian.” “He lived his life with great civic responsibility and took it upon himself to be the change he wished to see amongst other,” Blank said, recalling meeting Carter at The Home Depot. “President Carter’s kind and uniting spirit touched so many lives. He was a man of deep faith, and did everything with principal and grace, doing things the right way for the right reasons." AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThe Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence, AI, Academy with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the AI Academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme was set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation. While emphasising that the online programme was free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation. “The AI Academy is free and the registration is open from today and will run until Jan. 30, 2025. “I encourage you to visit our website at https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and seize this chance to acquire cutting-edge AI skills. “The AI Academy is not just a training platform but a transformative opportunity for Nigerians–students, youths and civil servants–to acquire critical skills in AI. “In a world where AI is reshaping industries, solving complex problems and creating new economic frontiers, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace, but leads the charge.” The minister said that the programme would provide participants with access to self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools and real-world applications. He said that beyond learning the AI Technology, it offered opportunities to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation as well as ensuring hands-on global experience. Mr Nnaji said that the role of AI in nation-building could not be over emphasised as AI was no longer a distant concept. He said that it was a transformative tool that could drive progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, security and many other sectors. “By equipping Nigerians with these skills, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs but creating a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape Nigeria’s technological and economic destiny. “Most importantly, AI will go a long way to help us develop innovative solutions for the unique challenges we face as a nation.’’ Mr Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation for their unwavering support in bringing the vision to life. He said that the collaboration reflected the power of international partnerships in driving innovation and sustainable development. “Together, we are showcasing the power of collaboration between government, industry and international organisations. “As we unveil the AI Academy, we are laying the foundation for a new era of innovation; one where Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leader in the global digital economy,” he said. NAN

Sabrina Ionescu made her first WNBA championship season even more memorable with a special reveal. She debuted the Nike Sabrina 2 “Lily” during Game 5 in Brooklyn, a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Liliana. The sneaker combines a clean white base with bold pink accents on the Swoosh and heel tab, delivering a striking contrast. Silver overlays on the heel not only enhance the look but also improve durability. Its lightweight mesh upper prioritizes breathability, ensuring comfort and speed for intense gameplay. This design seamlessly blends personal significance with top-tier performance, making it both meaningful and functional. Transitioning to the midsole, the Nike Sabrina 2 “Lily” incorporates responsive Air Zoom technology . This feature provides excellent energy return, keeping players agile on the court. The outsole delivers solid traction, ensuring stability during quick movements. Moreover, the shoe’s padded collar offers extra comfort for long hours of play. Beyond performance, this edition celebrates family and legacy. The name “Lily” pays tribute to Sabrina’s mother, blending sentimentality with style. For fans of basketball and meaningful design, this release is a must-have. The Nike Sabrina 2 “Lily” showcases Ionescu’s commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Read More: N ike Dunk Low “Platinum Violet/Cave Stone” Officially Revealed Image via Nike The sneakers feature a grey rubber sole paired with a matching midsole equipped with Nike React technology. Also, the uppers are crafted from grey and white mesh, highlighted by more matching overlays and details. One side displays a vibrant pink Nike Swoosh, while the other side boasts a vertical dark Swoosh. Additionally, Sabrina's personal logo is prominently showcased in black on the tongue. Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Sabrina 2 “Lily” will be released on January 10th, 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $130 when they drop. Additionally, the release honors Sabrina’s connection to her family, making it a meaningful purchase. Moreover, fans can expect a blend of style and performance in this special edition. Lastly, this drop is set to resonate with both basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike. Image via Nike Image via Nike Read More: Nike GT Cut 3 “Punch” Combines Performance And ColorReport: Kentucky QB Brock Vandagriff retires from football

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Senate Republicans recommended on Friday that the state write laws banning transgender girls and women from participating in high school and college sports, setting the stage for action in the 2025 legislative session. The vote by a committee that was studying the issue is hardly a surprise. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — a possible Republican contender for governor in 2026 — announced almost identical goals at the panel's first meeting in August . It’s an issue that’s already been addressed in Georgia. Legislators in 2022 empowered the Georgia High School Association to regulate transgender students' participation in sports. The association, which regulates sports and activities for all public schools and some private schools, then banned transgender boys and girls from playing on the school sports teams matching their gender identity. Jones and others argue that doesn't go far enough and that lawmakers themselves need to act. It's a sign Republicans believe there is more political gain in fears about transgender women playing women’s sports or using women’s bathrooms. At least 26 mostly Republican states have passed laws or rules to restrict transgender girls from participating high school sports and, in some cases, transgender women from college sports , according to the Movement Advancement Project, a gay rights group. In Georgia, additional action appears more likely now after House Speaker Jon Burns and Gov. Brian Kemp, both Republicans, have voiced support for further legislation. Jeff Graham, executive director of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Georgia Equality, said his group is playing defense, concerned about the possibility of other bills that could further restrict gender-affirming care or ban transgender people from using public bathrooms that match their gender identity. “We’re expecting that it’ll be at least what we saw in 2023 and 2024, with the number of bills and more than likely laws,” Graham told reporters Friday. But Burns, from Newington, has said he's not interested in other bills dealing with transgender people besides those dealing with girls' and women's sports. Republican State Sen. Greg Dolezal, of Cumming, who led the Senate study committee, said Friday that he, too, is not interested in a broader bill regulating bathroom usage, although his committee recommended that schools that host sporting events require athletes to use locker rooms based on their assigned sex at birth. Dolezal said senators would seek to write legislation that regulated public schools and colleges, as well as private institutions that compete against public schools and colleges. The committee also recommends that people be able to sue or file grievances if schools break the rules, and that state money be withheld from schools that break the rules. Supporters of more action have focused on the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championships at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, swam for the University of Pennsylvania and won the 500-meter freestyle . The NCAA has since revised its policy on transgender women’s participation, saying it will follow the rules of respective athletics federations. World Aquatics, the swimming governing body, banned transgender women who have been through male puberty from competing in women’s races. That means Thomas wouldn’t be allowed to swim in NCAA events today. “My basic contention that this is a solution in search of a problem remains,” Graham said. He said he fears that many people who oppose laws that seek to restrict transgender people will be afraid to testify and lobby at the Georgia Capitol, citing assault charges against a man accused of shaking U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in a Capitol office building in Washington, D.C. Dolezal repeatedly tried to turn down the emotional temperature of the issue on Friday. “I think that there’s a group of people that wants to be respected and I think that they deserve respect,” Dolezal told reporters. “But I also think that you can be respectful, but also recognize that in the sporting arena, fairness and competition is important.”Croatia’s incumbent president wins most votes at polls but still faces runoff

Cruz Beckham is not letting online trolls get to him as he promotes his music. The youngest son of David and Victoria Beckham shared a teaser for his new track For Ya Love on his social media platforms over Christmas, which sparked all sorts of reactions—including nepotism taunts. The 19-year-old Cruz hit back timely with his two cents on nepotism, saying, "Jesus is also a nepo baby." This didn't end there as Cruz responded to another comment that said "Bet he had mega money and training," to which the aspiring musician replied, "Not at all. Just a guitar." It's reported that Cruz deleted his controversial comment about Jesus 12 hours later on Boxing Day, per Mirror . A post shared by CRUZ (@cruzbeckham) Besides Cruz, his older brother Brooklyn has also been at the centre of criticism for fluctuating career aspirations and lack of a steady full-time job. Brooklyn is now apparently a wine buff after ditching football and photography. The 25-year-old Brooklyn was also dubbed "Nepo Spice" in January 2023 when he chatted about his passion for fashion in a Vogue feature with his wife, Nicola Peltz, where the lovebirds gave fans a glimpse into their closet. Vogue captioned the footage: "You could say that @brooklynbeckham loves @nicolapeltzbeckham's style. Like, really loves it. As seen on the latest episode of #vogue7days7looks." Critics took charge immediately, "Is this Brooklyn Beckham... the Brooklyn Beckham, chef, photographer, stylist extraordinaire," one TikTok user teased. "Dude is cosplaying a different career every other week," another commented, while a third joked, "He's doing a free trial of everything." Spencer Pratt, the reality TV star known from The Hills and Celebrity Big Brother , threw some shade with a sarcastic quip, "Not just a chef and photographer he also celeb stylist." Another critic chimed in with a dig at Brooklyn's indecisiveness, "Another career choice, make up your mind Nepo Spice," while a TikTok user cheekily suggested: "I hope the next episode will be Brooklyn cosplaying as plumber or surgeon!" Brooklyn, despite his various career attempts, hasn't quite found his niche yet. The eldest child of football legend David Beckham once dropped out from Arsenal's youth team in 2015 for not securing a scholarship to stay on at the academy. He then tried his luck with modelling and appeared in a music video for The Vamps in 2015, and bagged an incredible gig working under fashion photographer Rankin. His stint at Parsons School of Design ended prematurely when he dropped out. His foray into the world of photography with the 2017 book What I See lacked stellar reviews, leading to disappointing sales. Brooklyn has now turned his attention to the kitchen.

Oct. 1, 1924: Born James Earl Carter Jr. in Plains, Ga., eldest of Lillian and James Earl Carter’s four children. 1928: The family moves to a farm in Archery, a largely Black community a few miles from Plains. The shotgun-style house had no running water or electricity when they moved in. June 1941: Jimmy, 16, graduates from Plains High School and briefly attends Georgia Southwestern College and then Georgia Tech, preparing to fulfill his dream of entering the U.S. Naval Academy. June 5, 1946: Graduates from Naval Academy and enters service until 1953. July 7, 1946: Marries Rosalynn Smith. 1953: Returns home to take over the family farming businesses. 1955: First political election victory: chairman of Sumter County Board of Education. 1962: Wins a seat in the state Senate and holds it through 1966. Nov. 3, 1970: Wins Georgia gubernatorial election. Dec. 12, 1974: Announces presidential bid, prompting the response, “Jimmy Who?” Nov. 2, 1976: Defeats Gerald Ford for presidency. Jan. 20, 1977: Sets the tone of his administration by walking from the Capitol to the White House after swearing-in. June 16, 1978: Signs Panama Canal treaties to transfer control of the canal to Panama. Aug. 15, 1978: Signs legislation designating the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Sept. 17, 1978: Brings Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat together to sign the Camp David Accords. Nov. 4, 1979: Iranians take 66 Americans hostage at U.S. Embassy in Tehran. January 1980: Following the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in late December 1979, Carter decides U.S. athletes will not attend the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. April 17, 1980: Carter announces that an economic recession has begun. April 25, 1980: Helicopter mission to rescue Iranian hostages fails. Nov. 4, 1980: Loses presidential election to Ronald Reagan. Jan. 20, 1981: Minutes after Reagan becomes president, hostages are released from Iranian soil. September 1984: The Carters donate a week of their time to build Habitat for Humanity houses. It turns into the annual Jimmy Carter Work Project. October 1984: Groundbreaking for the Carter Center in Atlanta. It opens two years later. 1987: Carter Center’s Global 2000 project joins the fight against Guinea worm disease, a parasitic affliction attacking millions of people a year in developing countries. May 7, 1989: Carter through the Carter Center monitors fairness of Panama’s elections, a role he would repeat in Nicaragua (February 1990), Haiti (December 1990), Guyana (1992, 2001), Paraguay (1993), Venezuela (1998), Peru (2001) and more than 100 other countries. Oct. 25, 1991: Announces the Atlanta Project to tackle inner-city problems. June 1994: Plays key role in nuclear disarmament talks in North Korea. Sept. 17, 1994: Heads delegation to Haiti that arranges terms to avoid U.S. invasion and return President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power. Oct. 1, 1996: National Park Service opens Carter museum in the former Plains High School on his 72nd birthday. April 3, 1998: At the seventh and final African Conference on Guinea Worm Eradication, Carter is knighted by Mali for his successful efforts to drastically reduce the number of cases worldwide. August 1999: The Carter Center turns the Atlanta Project program over to Georgia State University’s Neighborhood Partnership Resource Collaborative. Aug. 9, 1999: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom along with Rosalynn. Oct. 19, 2000: Announces that he and Rosalynn no longer will be members of the Southern Baptist Convention, which he believes has grown too “rigid.” May 12-17, 2002: Visits Cuba with Rosalynn and Carter Center members. Makes a speech on Cuban television in which he calls for democratic reforms in Cuba and an end to the U.S. trade embargo. Oct. 11, 2002: Wins the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. He later donates $370,000 of his $1 million award to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development at Georgia Southwestern State University. May 2003: Works behind the scenes on the Georgia state flag change to stave off a statewide referendum on the Rebel battle emblem. Jan. 25, 2004: Travels to Venezuela to meet with President Hugo Chavez, opposition leaders and others in the politically divided nation of 24 million. June 5, 2004: Christens the USS Jimmy Carter, the Navy’s latest nuclear vessel, a $3.3 billion submarine. July 26, 2004: Delivers a stinging condemnation of the Bush administration addressing the Democratic National Convention, saying the “nation’s soul” is at stake in the November election. August 2004: Leads the team monitoring the vote to recall Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Sept. 7, 2004: Blasts fellow Georgian and former Gov. Zell Miller in a 2-page letter for his “rabid and mean-spirited speech” to the Republican National Convention in New York. Sept. 27, 2004: Harshly accuses Florida officials of not doing enough to fix their election system following the 2000 presidential election. October 2004: Along with 2,000 volunteers, travels to Puebla, Mexico, as part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project to build 75 houses in one week through Habitat for Humanity. January 2005: Along with the National Democratic Institute, observes election of the new president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. June 6, 2005: Declares that the United States should close its prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and that the Bush administration was wrong to say parts of the Geneva Conventions do not apply to at least 520 “enemy combatants” from about 40 countries held there. Oct. 10, 2005: Heads a team of election observers from his center and the National Democratic Institute, another U.S. group, to monitor Liberia’s first presidential election since a 14-year civil war ended. November 2005: His book “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” becomes the quickest-selling of his 20 books to date. In it, he takes aim at fundamentalism, environmental decay, the Iraq war and the Bush administration’s record on human rights. March 22, 2006: Along with co-leader of a bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, announces that states should require voters to show photo IDs and to let them see paper ballots at electronic polling places. May 24, 2006: Praises the Bush administration’s immigration policies but remains sharply critical of its human rights record in the war on terror. June 1, 2006: Toasts Jane Fonda at her celebrity roast at the Georgia Aquarium. November 2006: His book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” draws criticism upon its release. Critics contend he unfairly compared Israeli treatment of Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza to legalized racial oppression that once existed in South Africa. January 2007: 14 Carter Center advisers resign because of the book. August 2007: Jonathan Demme’s documentary “Jimmy Carter Man From Plains” premieres, chronicling Carter’s book tour and the controversy. 2007: Carter joins The Elders, a group of former world political leaders such as Nelson Mandela, who work on promoting peace and human rights. April 18, 2008: Defies U.S. and Israeli warnings to meet with the exiled leader of Hamas and his deputy, two men the U.S. government had labeled terrorists. U.S. officials were critical. Carter said he failed to convince the top Hamas boss to stop rocket attacks on Israel, adding, “I did the best I could.” Oct. 10, 2008: During a stop in Brussels, Carter blames the “atrocious” economic policies of President Bush for the beginning of the Great Recession. Jan. 7, 2009: Joins President-elect Barack Obama, President George W. Bush and former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush at the White House for a historic meeting. Some said the body language during photo ops suggested chilly relations between Carter and the others. June 2009: Carter and a team of observers monitor parliamentary elections in Lebanon, the 76th election monitored by the Carter Center. June 13, 2009: The Palestinian government honors Carter during his visit to the region, and he pledges his “assistance, as long as I live, to win your freedom, your independence, your sovereignty and a good life.” Sept. 14, 2009: Jody Powell dies, a year after Hamilton Jordan succumbed to cancer. The two Georgians were Carter’s closest political advisers. “Jody Powell knows me better than anyone except my wife,” Carter once said. Oct. 1, 2009: Carter Center reopens after an extensive, $10 million renovation. August 2010: Travels to North Korea to secure release of Aijalon Gomes, an American who was accused of crossing the border the previous winter. September 2010: His latest book, “White House Diary,” is based on edited journal entries from his time in the White House. While promoting the book, Carter stirs controversy by saying his post-presidential career was “probably superior” to that of other ex-presidents. He later said he only meant he has had more opportunities to do good works. Jan. 14, 2013: Carter visits Colombia at the request of the country’s president to brief on the peace talks with rebels and other issues. 2013: The Carters’ grandson, Atlanta attorney Jason Carter, decides to leave his state Senate seat to run unsuccessfully for governor in 2014. Jimmy Carter helps campaign. July 31, 2013: Carter visits Colombia, the first Western country to be certified as free from river blindness, for which the Carter Center provided support. August 2014: Carter was joined by another “Elder,” Mary Robinson, during the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, with the pair pressing for the inclusion of Hamas as an actor in peace talks with Israel, recognition of the group as a legitimate political entity and the lifting of the siege of Gaza. May 15, 2015: Carter visits Guyana for election monitoring. Aug. 12, 2015: Carter undergoes surgery to remove a mass from his liver and discovers he had cancer. It had spread to his brain. December 2015: Carter announces he is cancer free. July 13, 2017: Carter is admitted to a hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after becoming dehydrated while working outdoors for Habitat for Humanity. He is released the following day. June 2019: Carter calls President Donald Trump “a disaster,” during one of his public addresses in Atlanta, and in Virginia he questioned the legitimacy of Trump’s election because of Russian interference. August 2020: The Carter Center launches a program to strengthen and build confidence in the U.S. election system prior to the presidential election. February 2023: Jimmy Carter enters home hospice care in Plains. Nov. 19, 2023: Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, dies in Plains. She was 96 years old. Oct. 1, 2024: Jimmy Carter turns 100. Dec. 29, 2024: Carter dies at age 100.Alpha Modus and Insight Acquisition Corp Close Business Combination and Alpha Modus will Begin Trading Under "AMOD” Ticker

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the board of directors of Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.80 per share on the Company's common stock. The dividend is payable on Jan. 21, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 2, 2025. About the Company Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in nearly 120 countries. With 2023 annual net sales of approximately $8 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs ® innovation centers located around the world and more than 12,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfills its purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature, and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com for more information and the latest Company news.World Series vision that got Nathan Eovaldi to the Rangers is the same one that got him to re-sign

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Indian benchmark indices experienced a choppy session on Friday, giving up most of their intraday gains but still ending slightly higher, signaling a cautious start to the January series. The S&P BSE Sensex settled at 78,699, up by 226.6 points or 0.29%, while the broader Nifty 50 index closed at 23,813.40, higher by 63.20 points or 0.27%. Analyst Rahul Ghose, Founder of Hedged.in, interacted with ET Markets regarding the outlook on Nifty and Bank Nifty along with the key levels on the index. Following are the edited excerpts from his chat: With the Nifty ending the week near the 23,800 level, what are the immediate support and resistance zones for the coming week? The weekly December closing formed a neutral candle, signaling indecisiveness between buyers and sellers. This is typical for the end of December, as market activity tends to slow down due to the holiday season. For the short term, the market's support is seen around the 23,200–23,300 range. There is a small pro-gap in this area, where a decent bounce was seen in November 2024. However, given that prices did not make a significant upward move from this support level, the bounce is expected to be short-lived, with a high likelihood of further declines towards the next support levels of 22,900–22,600. On the upside, the 24,500–25,000 range is identified as a strong resistance zone. The 25,000 level is particularly important due to the large open interest (OI) built up in call options, suggesting that the index is unlikely to breach this level in the near term. What is your view on the index's struggle with the 200-day moving average in determining its near-term trend? It’s clearly a negative sign. In recent instances, whenever the indices have approached the 200 DMA, they have staged a strong bounce back. This is what is expected from a healthy market. However, the price action surrounding the 200 DMA recently has been characterized by neutral to indecisive candles. 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Note that Reliance Industries (RIL), which has the highest weightage in the Nifty index, is well below the 200 DMA. The majority of Nifty 50 constituents are also trading below the 200 DMA. HDFC Bank and select IT stocks have helped keep the index afloat in the last few trading sessions. The index cannot sustain a rally based on just a few names. Broad participation is essential. Is Bank Nifty a better bet, being placed above the 200 DEMA? What trend do you foresee? Bank Nifty is afloat primarily due to the outperformance of HDFC Bank. The rest of the banks, such as SBI, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, and many others, are in a strong downtrend and are also trading well below the 200 DMA. Sooner or later, even Bank Nifty might give way. Technically, a break below the 49,600 level is likely to trigger a sharp downfall for Bank Nifty. FIIs have shown consistent selling pressure recently, even amidst thin volumes. How might this trend influence market sentiment, and which sectors are likely to bear the brunt of this selling? FIIs have heavily sold in three major sectors: Oil & Gas (close to Rs 5,300 crore), Auto (close to Rs 1,800 crore), and FMCG (around Rs 1,600 crore). These three sectors are likely to remain under pressure. FMCG may see some support at lower levels, given the quality of companies in this sector and the fact that many stocks are already down 30–40% from their highs. This sector is also likely to be the fastest to recover when conditions improve. However, Auto and Oil & Gas sectors might experience further selling before things return to normalcy. For example, in the Oil & Gas sector, ONGC and Oil are forming strong bearish patterns on both monthly and quarterly charts. What does the December-to-January series rollover data suggest about traders' expectations? Are higher short positions being carried forward? Rollover data from December to January indicates cautious optimism, with marginally higher short positions being carried forward. This suggests that traders are hedging their positions against potential downside risks, reflecting uncertainty in the near-term outlook. A pickup in rollovers at higher open interest levels would signal renewed confidence, but that has yet to be observed. Are there any sectors or stocks that are well-suited for taking positions based on the rollover data? The rollover data suggests strength in sectors like pharmaceuticals, where positions are being carried forward with a positive bias. Stocks such as Sun Pharma and Lupin appear well-placed technically, offering opportunities for traders and investors alike. Some banking stocks, particularly private banks, are also seeing healthy rollovers, indicating potential for further upside. In the banking sector, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank look strong. What is the sentiment for the January series, considering the technical and derivative indicators? The sentiment for the January series appears cautiously optimistic. Key derivative indicators like the put-call ratio (PCR) and the volatility index (VIX) suggest that the markets are unlikely to experience extreme volatility. However, the upside is likely to be capped unless there is a meaningful recovery in FII inflows and global cues turn favorable. The January series might lean towards a consolidation phase, with stock-specific action dominating. Additionally, traders and investors will be watching for Trump's immediate actions when he takes charge on January 20th. Are we likely to see a recovery or further consolidation in the early weeks of 2025? The early weeks of 2025 may witness further consolidation as markets digest global macroeconomic developments and Q3 earnings . A recovery is likely if there is clarity on global uncertainties, such as U.S. Fed policy or China’s growth trajectory. Domestic factors, such as budget expectations and consistent DII inflows, could provide additional support. If we look at history, it becomes clear that markets tend to move in cycles. We saw a strong rally in Nifty from 2012-2016, followed by consolidation for one year (2016-2020) before COVID struck. From 2020-2021, Nifty moved from 7,500 to 18,000, followed by another year of consolidation. In a similar pattern, a move from 15,500 in September 2022 to 26,000 in September 2024 is likely to be followed by a year of consolidation. After all, if one has to go far, they need to catch their breath to travel the distance. 2025 might very well be that year of catching the breath. Do you see any global uncertainties still weighing heavily on the Indian markets? What are your expectations from the Q3 earnings? Global uncertainties, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory, geopolitical tensions, and China's economic recovery, Trump policies continue to weigh on Indian markets. As far as Q3 earnings are concerned analysts expect sequential revenue growth for India Inc in the December quarter, led by improved rural demand and an uptick in government spending, additionally supported by the festival season. However, headwinds such as uneven urban demand and evolving global uncertainties could weigh on growth in the second half of the fiscal year. On balance, it is expected that the operating profit margin (OPM) for India Inc will improve in the coming quarters. Do you recommend any stocks and sectors that are well poised for the upcoming year? 2025 will be a year of selective stock picking, unlike previous years where almost everything rallied. Specifically in 2025, we expect the pharma as a sector to do well & one can keep a close watch on Lupin, Cipla, Dr. Reddy and IT stocks like major IT bellwether companies ( TCS, Wipro, HCL Tech, Infy) & select midcap IT stocks. The entire IT pack is likely to benefit positively from the AI boom which will only get stronger with the new leadership in the US. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )

Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic will face conservative rival Dragan Primorac in an election run-off in two weeks' time after the incumbent narrowly missed out an outright victory on Sunday, official results showed. The results came after an exit poll, released immediately after the polling stations closed, showed that Milanovic, backed by the opposition left-wing Social Democrats, had scooped more than 50 percent of the first round vote and would thus avoid the January 12 run-off. Milanovic won 49.1 percent of the first round vote and Primorac, backed by the ruling conservative HDZ party, took 19.35 percent, according to results released by the state electoral commission from nearly all of the polling stations. On Sunday evening, Milanovic pledged to his supporters who gathered in Zagreb to "fight for Croatia with a clear stance, one that takes care of its interests". Such a strong lead for Milanovic, whom surveys labelled a favourite ahead of the vote, raises serious concerns for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's HDZ. Late on Sunday, Primorac labelled the big difference between him and Milanovic a "challenge". "In the first round there were... a lot of candidates, it was not easy to present the programme fully. Now it's a great opportunity that Milanovic and I be one on one... to see who represents what," Primorac told his supporters in Zagreb. The election came as the European Union and NATO member country of 3.8 million people struggles with biting inflation, widespread corruption and a labour shortage. Among the eight contenders, centre-right MP Marija Selak Raspudic and green-left MP Ivana Kekin followed the two main rivals, the exit poll showed. The two women each won around nine percent of the vote. The president commands the Balkan country's armed forces and has a say in foreign policy. But despite limited powers, many believe the office is key for the political balance of power in a country mainly governed by the HDZ since independence in 1991. "All the eggs should not be in one basket," Nenad Horvat, a salesman in his 40s, told AFP. He sees Milanovic, a former leftist prime minister, as the "last barrier to all levers of power falling into the hands of HDZ", echoing the view of many that was reflected in Sunday's vote results. The 58-year-old Milanovic has been one of Croatia's leading and most colourful political figures for nearly two decades. Sharp and eloquent, he won the presidency for the Social Democrats (SDP) in 2020 with pledges to advocate tolerance and liberalism. But he used the office to attack political opponents and EU officials, often with offensive and populist rhetoric. Milanovic, who condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, has nonetheless criticised the West's military aid to Kyiv. That prompted the prime minister to label him a pro-Russian who is "destroying Croatia's credibility in NATO and the EU". Milanovic countered that he wanted to protect Croatia from being "dragged into war". Milanovic regularly pans Plenkovic and his HDZ party over systemic corruption, calling the premier a "serious threat to Croatia's democracy". Speaking on Sunday, Milanovic said that in the current global situation, all political stakeholders in the country should be "on the same side as much as possible, at least when it comes to fundamental issues such as the national security or borders". For many, the election is a continuation of the longstanding feud between two powerful politicians. "This is still about the conflict between the prime minister and president," political analyst Zarko Puhovski told AFP. "All the rest are just incidental topics." Primorac, a 59-year-old physician and scientist returning to politics after 15 years, campaigned as a "unifier" promoting family values and patriotism. ljv/bcGeorgia Republicans recommend further law to restrict transgender women's participation in sports

A butterfly collector in Africa with more than 4.2 million seeks to share them for the futureA routine cab ride in Mumbai led to an extraordinary revelation for entrepreneur Aaryan Singh Kushwah, who discovered that his Ola driver, Parag Patil, is a former Olympian. Patil, who has represented India in international athletics, boasts an impressive record of two gold, 11 silver, and three bronze medals, primarily in Triple Jump and Long Jump events. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for Kushwah shared the encounter in a LinkedIn post that quickly went viral. “My Ola driver is an Olympian. Meet Parag Patil, Senior Olympian: 2nd in Asia in the Triple Jump. 3rd in Asia in the Long Jump. Every time he represented India internationally, he returned with a medal—2 golds, 11 silvers, 3 bronze. Yet, he has no sponsors and barely enough funds to support his family, let alone pursue his athletic career. This post is a call to action for anyone who can help sponsor Parag to represent and win for India internationally,” Kushwah wrote. The post, accompanied by a photo of Kushwah and Patil, struck a chord with netizens, drawing attention to the financial struggles faced by many Indian athletes after their active sports careers. Social Media Reacts Social media users were quick to respond, with many expressing admiration for Patil’s resilience and frustration over the lack of support for retired athletes. “This is both inspiring and heartbreaking. What a story of resilience!” one user commented. Another wrote, “Our sports legends deserve better than this. We need to step up as a nation.” Several users suggested practical solutions, including crowdfunding and corporate sponsorships. “Why aren’t there sustainable programs for athletes after retirement? This needs urgent attention!” a commenter noted. Another user encouraged action, saying, “Let’s crowdfund this. Parag deserves another chance to shine.” Patil’s story sheds light on a systemic issue: the lack of post-retirement support for athletes in India. Despite bringing glory to the nation, many athletes struggle to make ends meet once their competitive careers end. While some countries provide structured pathways and financial backing for retired sports professionals, Indian athletes often have to turn to unrelated jobs for survival.

BABA: Disappointing Stimulus, Slower Growth, And Geopolitical Tensions Making The Stock CheapJimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 1005 things to do in the garden this week: Fruit trees. Although all parts of the pomegranate are medicinal, extract from pomegranate peel is 10 times as rich in beneficial biochemicals as the rest of the fruit. Some advocate making a pomegranate peel powder for tea. It should be noted that the peel is the most nutritional part of any fruit. One tablespoon of shredded citrus peel, known in the culinary world as zest, contains four times the dietary fiber and three times the quantity of Vitamin C as one tablespoon of citrus pulp. Even the fleshy outer covering or jacket of almonds is highly nutritious. With avocadoes, where the peel is not eaten, the outside pulp that touches the peel is more nutritious than the inside pulp Vegetables. Beets grow with ease when planted now and are ready to harvest 60 days or less after planting. Beets originated in the Mediterranean where they were grown for their nutritious leaves more than 2,000 years ago. For centuries, their roots were used for medicinal purposes alone. It was only in the 1500s when a large bulbous root developed on a beet grown in Germany that this part of the plant was first consumed for its gustatory appeal. (For this reason, beets are sometimes referred to as “beetroots” to distinguish them from beets that are still grown for their foliage.) Beet seeds are unusual among vegetables since, like its close relative, Swiss chard, seeds are actually formed in multi-germ capsules or clusters. Thus, when you plant beets or chard, you are dealing with clusters from which 2-6 seeds sprout. Thin the sprouts so the most robust of them remains, although some gardeners allow two or three sprouts to develop and thin them when small beets have developed for a final thinning. Herbs . Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a highly attractive evergreen subshrub with delicately lobed blue-green foliage and yellow flowers that grow two feet tall. It may be used as a stand-alone member of your herb garden or trained into a low hedge. It is a strewing herb, meaning it was strewn on the floor of dwellings in the Middle Ages. Due to its strong malodorous scent, strewing it could repel insect pests, especially fleas that carried the Black Plague. It was also thought to have divine power as both Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo said they were heavenly inspired upon imbibing an infusion made from its leaves. You should be able to find rue in the herb section of any well-stocked nursery or garden center. Flowering woody perennials. Winter cassia, or Christmas bush (Cassia/Senna bicapsularis), is an anomaly as it blooms when all other shrubs and trees have stopped flowering. The display of butter-yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers is seen from November through the first of the year. Each leaf consists of a series of small oval leaflets set opposite each other. This is an airy specimen that you will never need to prune and, grown in half-day sun, won’t need to water either. I obtained mine years ago and it is one of the most gratifying plants in my garden. You can find it online readily enough. Plants and seeds are available from vendors on Etsy.com. Ornamentals. Winter is the season for geranium appreciation, although what we commonly refer to as geraniums are mostly pelargoniums. The most commonly seen geraniums are known as zonals (Pelargonium x hortorum). They are upright plants with lobed leaves – sometimes colorfully patterned – and always with a distinctive odor on account of which they are sometimes referred to as fish geraniums. Ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are easily identified due to their trailing growth habit. Martha Washingtons (Pelargonium x domesticum) have flowers in many fetching colors, including salmon, creamy pink, and lavender-purple, along with sharply toothed leaf margins. And then we come to scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), of which there are probably a hundred different kinds or more. Their flowers in pale pink or white are an afterthought to the plethora of scents – peppermint, lemon, chocolate, nutmeg, apple, ginger, apricot, attar of roses, and cinnamon, among others – that their leaves transmit upon being rubbed or crushed. The chemical compounds that create these scents also impart a significant measure of drought tolerance. All pelargoniums are easily propagated from four to six-inch shoot tip cuttings Related Articles

Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory. The Vikings are 14-2. They set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the division title and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs in the NFC. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left to pull the Packers within two points. Darnold responded with two completions for first downs to seal the game. Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing and moves within 100 of Dickerson's record PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to top 2,000 yards rushing in a season, reaching the milestone with a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. That rush gave Barkley 2,005 yards with one game left and left him exactly 100 yards from Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley could potentially top the record in next week’s finale against the New York Giants. However, that game will be mostly meaningless for the Eagles, who could opt to rest Barkley to protect him from injury ahead of the playoffs. Moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders game LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — A moment of silence was held for former President Jimmy Carter before the Atlanta Falcons' game at the Washington Commanders. The Georgia native served as the 39th president of the United States at the White House less than 10 miles away from 1977-81. Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement called Carter an inspirational global humanitarian. Carter died earlier Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. He also has a connection to the NFL as the first president to host the Super Bowl champions at the White House when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers there in 1980. NFC's No. 1 seed comes down to Vikings-Lions showdown at Detroit in Week 18 The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final week when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser gets the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Vikings held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions visit the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Win, lose or tie, they have to beat the Vikings for a second time this season. Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the New York Jets. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills improved to 13-3 to match a franchise single-season record. Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing as Eagles beat Cowboys 41-7 to clinch NFC East PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Penn State coach James Franklin says Nick Saban should be college football's commissioner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State coach James Franklin believes college football needs a commissioner and he even has a candidate in mind: former Alabama coach Nick Saban. Franklin made the suggestion Sunday at Penn State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions are preparing for their game against No. 3 seed Boise State on Tuesday. The veteran coach was responding to a question about Penn State’s backup quarterback situation after Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri before the playoff. Pribula’s decision highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of a new college football world in the Name, Image and Likeness era and the transfer portal, forcing players to make tough decisions at inopportune times. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Rising Sun Devils: Arizona State looks to pull off another big surprise at the Peach Bowl ATLANTA (AP) — As they prepare for Arizona State’s biggest game in nearly three decades, the guys who made it happen aren’t the least bit surprised to be rated a nearly two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. That’s a familiar position for the Sun Devils. They've been an underdog most of the season. Of the eight teams still vying for a national championship, there’s no bigger surprise than 11-2 Arizona State. The Sun Devils went 3-9 a year ago and were picked to finish dead last in their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Now, they're getting ready to face Texas in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day. Lakers send D'Angelo Russell to Nets in trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn. Russell averaged a career-low 12.4 points per game for the Lakers this season in a diminished role under new coach JJ Redick. Finney-Smith is a steady 3-and-D wing who fills an obvious need for the Lakers. Russell is being traded by the Lakers to the Nets for the second time in his career. He also made the move in 2017.By MIKE CATALINI CHATHAM, N.J. (AP) — That buzzing coming out of New Jersey? It’s unclear if it’s drones or something else, but for sure the nighttime sightings are producing tons of talk, a raft of conspiracy theories and craned necks looking skyward. Cropping up on local news and social media sites around Thanksgiving, the saga of the drones reported over New Jersey has reached incredible heights. This week seems to have begun a new, higher-profile chapter: Lawmakers are demanding (but so far not getting) explanations from federal and state authorities about what’s behind them. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to President Joe Biden asking for answers. New Jersey’s new senator, Andy Kim, spent Thursday night on a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey, and posted about it on X. But perhaps the most fantastic development is the dizzying proliferation of conspiracies — none of which has been confirmed or suggested by federal and state officials who say they’re looking into what’s happening. It has become shorthand to refer to the flying machines as drones, but there are questions about whether what people are seeing are unmanned aircraft or something else. Some theorize the drones came from an Iranian mothership. Others think they are the Secret Service making sure President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property is secure. Others worry about China. The deep state. And on. In the face of uncertainty, people have done what they do in 2024: Create a social media group. The Facebook page, New Jersey Mystery Drones — let’s solve it , has nearly 44,000 members, up from 39,000 late Thursday. People are posting their photo and video sightings, and the online commenters take it from there. One video shows a whitish light flying in a darkened sky, and one commenter concludes it’s otherworldly. “Straight up orbs,” the person says. Others weigh in to say it’s a plane or maybe a satellite. Another group called for hunting the drones literally, shooting them down like turkeys. (Do not shoot at anything in the sky, experts warn.) Trisha Bushey, 48, of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, lives near Round Valley Reservoir where there have been numerous sightings. She said she first posted photos online last month wondering what the objects were and became convinced they were drones when she saw how they moved and when her son showed her on a flight tracking site that no planes were around. Now she’s glued to the Mystery Drones page, she said. “I find myself — instead of Christmas shopping or cleaning my house — checking it,” she said. She doesn’t buy what the governor said, that the drones aren’t a risk to public safety. Murphy told Biden on Friday that residents need answers. The federal Homeland Security Department and FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” “How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is?” she said. “I think that’s why so many people are uneasy.” Then there’s the notion that people could misunderstand what they’re seeing. William Austin is the president of Warren County Community College, which has a drone technology degree program, and is coincidentally located in one of the sighting hotspots. Austin says he has looked at videos of purported drones and that airplanes are being misidentified as drones. He cited an optical effect called parallax, which is the apparent shift of an object when viewed from different perspectives. Austin encouraged people to download flight and drone tracker apps so they can better understand what they’re looking at. Nonetheless, people continue to come up with their own theories. “It represents the United States of America in 2024,” Austin said. “We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it.” Federal officials echo Austin’s view that many of the sightings are piloted aircraft such as planes and helicopters being mistaken for drones, according to lawmakers and Murphy. That’s not really convincing for many, though, who are homing in on the sightings beyond just New Jersey and the East Coast, where others have reported seeing the objects. For Seph Divine, 34, another member of the drone hunting group who lives in Eugene, Oregon, it feels as if it’s up to citizen sleuths to solve the mystery. He said he tries to be a voice of reason, encouraging people to fact check their information, while also asking probing questions. “My main goal is I don’t want people to be caught up in the hysteria and I also want people to not just ignore it at the same time,” he said. “Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming that this is happening so suddenly and so consistently for hours at a time,” he added. Associated Press reporter Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

Hughes injury seems worse than first reported for Vancouver CanucksMoment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders gameReport: Kentucky QB Brock Vandagriff retires from football

College Basketball Picks Against the Spread: CUSA Games Today, December 30Friday the 13th might be unlucky for many people, but Mega Millions players could be lucky in tonight’s $695 million jackpot. As the countdown begins to tonight’s drawing, if someone wins the $695 million jackpot, they can take home $322.0 million after taxes, according to the lottery. The lottery said in its news release on Wednesday that a jackpot has been won seven times on the infamous day. The previous Friday the 13th Mega Millions winner was just last year, the lottery said. The lottery said the Maine winner won the $1.348 billion prize on Jan. 13, 2023. The month of December and the number 13 have history, too, with 13 jackpots won in December since Mega Millions began in 2002, the lottery said in a news release . "A $648 million jackpot was shared by winners in California and Georgia on Dec. 17, 2013." Here is what you need to know ahead of the Friday, Dec. 13 drawing and the Mega Millions. Holiday deals: Shop this season’s top products and sales curated by our editors. Lottery Winner: Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says When is the next Mega Millions drawing? The next Mega Millions drawing is on Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 p.m. ET. What jackpots were won in 2024? There have been three jackpot wins so far in 2024, the lottery said. Here are the dates that the jackpots have been won: What are the top Mega Millions jackpots? According to the lottery, the following jackpots are the top 10 jackpots that have been won as of Dec. 13: How to play the Mega Millions In order to buy a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online. To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25. If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you. Players can add the "Megaplier" for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday. There are 15 Megapiler balls in all: Where can you buy lottery tickets? Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network , in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms .

genie anime Pep Guardiola denies rumours of a rift with Kevin De BruyneManchester City boss Pep Guardiola has rubbished suggestions of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne, insisting he is “desperate” to have the playmaker back at his best. A number of prominent pundits, including former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards, have questioned why the Belgium international has not been starting games amid the champions’ dramatic slump. City have not won in seven outings in all competitions – their worst run since 2008 – with De Bruyne featuring only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury. The latest came with a 12-minute run-out in Sunday’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool, a result which left City 11 points off the pace and fifth in the table. Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast it appeared “there’s some sort of rift going on” between De Bruyne and Guardiola while former England striker Gary Lineker added: “It seems like all’s not well.” Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said he felt “something isn’t right” and fellow Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville, the ex-Manchester United right-back, described the situation as “unusual, bizarre, strange”. Guardiola, speaking at a press conference to preview his side’s clash with Nottingham Forest, responded on Tuesday. The Spaniard said: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play? “The guy who has the most talent in the final third, I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? “He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year). “He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.” De Bruyne has not started since being forced off at half-time of City’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan on September 18, having picked up an injury in the previous game. Both the player and manager have spoken since of the pain he was in and the need to ease back into action, but his spell on the bench has been unexpectedly long. The resulting speculation has then been exacerbated because De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract but Guardiola maintains nothing untoward has occurred. He said: “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it to – but he is not 26 or 27 any more. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. You think I’m complaining? It’s normal, it’s nature. “He’s played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games and I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. “But, always I said, he himself will not solve our problems, like Erling (Haaland) won’t solve it himself. We attack and defend together. “We want the best players back. Hopefully step by step the confidence will come back and we’ll get the best of all of us.”

Teen sensation Sam Konstas says he is up for the challenge of playing Test cricket this summer, believing he is in the right headspace to debut for Australia. Konstas catapulted back into the public spotlight on Sunday when he smashed a 90-ball century against a Test-level Indian attack for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. The runs showed the 19-year-old is clearly a step above, with only one other batsman in the PM’s XI top or middle order passing five runs. He is also a keen meditator before games, and moves quickly to the wicket in a statement of intent at the start of his innings. “I don’t get too fazed about (the hype),” Konstas said. “It’s about being in the present and being the best version of myself, and then hopefully let the result take care of itself.” Likewise, Konstas said he had not been too down about missing out on Test selection for the start of the summer. “I feel like it’s all part of the journey,” he said. “Unfortunately I didn’t get the runs that I would have liked. “But I’ve been reflecting on how I could have done better and challenging how they got me out and tactics they used.”

DraftKings Inc. Cl A stock rises Monday, still underperforms marketOnline vs. In-Store: Where to Score the Best Black Friday DealsAlberta’s government said it will invest up to $50 million to support the creation of a first-in-Canada drilling test site to support technology development in the oil, gas, geothermal and lithium industries. The Alberta Drilling Accelerator is intended to be an open-access, industry-led site where companies can test drilling technologies at deep depths, high temperatures and varying rock types. A location for the hub site has yet to be determined. While no binding contracts have been signed, the province said several companies have expressed strong interest in serving as anchor tenants, including Calgary-based geothermal company Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp. and international oilfield service supermajor Halliburton. The money the province is providing will come from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, which Alberta’s heavy emitters are required to pay into as part of the province’s industrial carbon pricing system. The provincial government said the Alberta Drilling Accelerator could start operating in 2026.Julen Lopetegui says West Ham were worthy winners at Newcastle

NonePOET Technologies Completes US$25 Million Registered Direct OfferingFACT FOCUS: Vermont ruling does not say schools can vaccinate children without parental consent

exp World Holdings CEO Glenn Sanford sells $691,794 in stock

Indiana aims to run its winning streak to five games Friday night when Nebraska welcomes the Hoosiers to Lincoln, Neb. Indiana (8-2, 1-0 Big Ten) has lost the past three meetings with Nebraska after winning seven straight. The Hoosiers are led by center Oumar Ballo, a transfer from Arizona who averages 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, and forward Malik Reneau (team-best 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds). Reneau, according to Indiana, is one of five major-conference players to average at least 10 points per game with a field goal percentage of at least 60 and 80 percent from the free-throw line. Off Indiana's 82-67 home win over Minnesota on Monday, head coach Mike Woodson said there are things to work on going forward. "When you get a team down 15, 20 points, you got to remember how you got them down and continue to do the same things that got you the lead," said Woodson, "and I don't think we did that coming down the stretch." Nebraska's best win this season was over then-No. 14 Creighton in an in-state battle last month. But the Cornhuskers (6-2, 0-1) haven't played a very difficult schedule, and were blown out 89-52 by current No. 21 Michigan State on the road last weekend. The Spartans became the first team in 25 games to make more than 50 percent of their shots against Nebraska, so improved defense will be key for the Huskers. Nebraska was also outrebounded 48-19. "That hadn't been us all year, and that was the disappointing thing," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "The physicality of the game in this league ... we're going to see it every night. I've been pleased with how they've responded, but we'll see how they step up to the challenge Friday night." If Nebraska can turn things around on offense, it is 38-2 under Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 4-0 this season. Brice Williams is Nebraska's leading scorer at 17.5 points per game. Connor Essegian adds 13.0 ppg and shoots 42.6 percent from 3-point range. --Field Level MediaProvides 2000 A15 Hydro Bitcoin mining machines in initial order Continues global expansion with addition of new customer SINGAPORE , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canaan Inc. CAN ("Canaan" or the "Company"), a leading high-performance computing solutions provider, today announced that Canaan Creative Global Pte. Ltd. ("CCG"), a wholly owned Singapore subsidiary of the Company, has entered into a purchase agreement with AGM Group Holdings Inc. ("AGMH"), an integrated technology company specializing in fintech software services and production of high-performance hardware and computing equipment, for its Avalon A15 HydU 370T ("A15 Hydro") mining machines. As part of the agreement, Canaan will initially provide 2,000 Bitcoin mining machines to AGMH. The Company has also agreed to provide its customer with an option to acquire approximately 30,000 additional BTC mining units, potentially providing AGMH with a combined power capacity not exceeding 300 megawatts. The Avalon Miner A15 Hydro enhances the miner's performance and lifespan while reducing energy consumption and noise pollution, aligning with Canaan's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy. About Canaan Inc. Established in 2013, Canaan Inc. CAN , is a technology company focusing on ASIC high-performance computing chip design, chip research and development, computing equipment production, and software services. Canaan has extensive experience in chip design and streamlined production in the ASIC field. In 2013, Canaan's founding team shipped to its customers the world's first batch of mining machines incorporating ASIC technology in bitcoin 's history under the brand name Avalon. In 2019, Canaan completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market. To learn more about Canaan, please visit https://www.canaan.io/ . Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward−looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward−looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Canaan Inc.'s strategic and operational plans, contain forward−looking statements. Canaan Inc. may also make written or oral forward−looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Canaan Inc.'s beliefs and expectations, are forward−looking statements. Forward−looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward−looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the bitcoin industry and the price of bitcoin ; the Company's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products, especially its bitcoin mining machines; the Company's expectations regarding maintaining and strengthening its relationships with production partners and customers; the Company's investment plans and strategies, fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company and cryptocurrency . Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Canaan Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward−looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contacts Canaan Inc. Xi Zhang Email: IR@canaan-creative.com ICR, LLC. Robin Yang Tel: +1 (347) 396-3281 Email: canaan.ir@icrinc.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canaan-inc-signs-agreement-with-agm-group-holdings-inc-302330362.html SOURCE Canaan Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Their ages vary. But a conspicuous handful of filmmaking lions in winter, or let’s say late autumn, have given us new reasons to be grateful for their work over the decades — even for the work that didn’t quite work. Which, yes, sounds like ingratitude. But do we even want more conventional or better-behaved work from talents such as Francis Ford Coppola? Even if we’re talking about “Megalopolis” ? If Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2” gave audiences a less morally complicated courtroom drama, would that have mattered, given Warner Bros.’ butt-headed decision to plop it in less than three dozen movie theaters in the U.S.? Coppola is 85. Eastwood is 94. Paul Schrader, whose latest film “Oh, Canada” arrives this week and is well worth seeking out, is a mere 78. Based on the 2021 Russell Banks novel “Foregone,” “Oh, Canada” is the story of a documentary filmmaker, played by Richard Gere, being interviewed near the end of his cancer-shrouded final days. In the Montreal home he shares with his wife and creative partner, played by Uma Thurman, he consents to the interview by two former students of his. Gere’s character, Leonard Fife, has no little contempt for these two, whom he calls “Mr. and Mrs. Ken Burns of Canada” with subtle disdain. As we learn over the artful dodges and layers of past and present, events imagined and/or real, Fife treats the interview as a final confession from a guarded and deceptive soul. He’s also a hero to everyone in the room, famous for his anti-Vietnam war political activism, and for the Frederick Wiseman-like inflection of his own films’ interview techniques. The real-life filmmaker name-checked in “Oh, Canada” is documentarian Errol Morris, whose straight-to-the-lens framing of interview subjects was made possible by his Interrotron device. In Schrader’s adaptation, Fife doesn’t want the nominal director (Michael Imperioli, a nicely finessed embodiment of a second-rate talent with first-rate airs) in his eyeline. Rather, as he struggles with hazy, self-incriminating memories of affairs, marriages, one-offs with a friend’s wife and a tense, brief reunion with the son he never knew, Fife wants only his wife, Emma — his former Goddard College student — in this metaphoric confessional. Schrader and his editor Benjamin Rodriguez Jr. treat the memories as on-screen flashbacks spanning from 1968 to 2023. At times, Gere and Thurman appear as their decades-young selves, without any attempt to de-age them, digitally or otherwise. (Thank god, I kind of hate that stuff in any circumstance.) In other sequences from Fife’s past, Jacob Elordi portrays Fife, with sly and convincing behavioral details linking his performance to Gere’s persona. We hear frequent voiceovers spoken by Gere about having ruined his life by age 24, at least spiritually or morally. Banks’ novel is no less devoted to a dying man’s addled but ardent attempt to come clean and own up to what has terrified him the most in the mess and joy of living: Honesty. Love. Commitment. There are elements of “Oh, Canada” that soften Banks’ conception of Fife, from the parentage of Fife’s abandoned son to the specific qualities of Gere’s performance. It has been 44 years since Gere teamed with Schrader on “American Gigolo,” a movie made by a very different filmmaker with very different preoccupations of hetero male hollowness. It’s also clearly the same director at work, I think. And Gere remains a unique camera object, with a stunning mastery of filling a close-up with an unblinking stillness conveying feelings easier left behind. The musical score is pretty watery, and with Schrader you always get a few lines of tortured rhetoric interrupting the good stuff. In the end, “Oh, Canada” has an extraordinarily simple idea at its core: That of a man with a movie camera, most of his life, now on the other side of the lens. Not easy. “I can’t tell the truth unless that camera’s on!” he barks at one point. I don’t think the line from the novel made it into Schrader’s script, but it too sums up this lion-in-winter feeling of truth without triumphal Hollywood catharsis. The interview, Banks wrote, is one’s man’s “last chance to stop lying.” It’s also a “final prayer,” dramatized by the Calvinist-to-the-bone filmmaker who made sure to include that phrase in his latest devotion to final prayers and missions of redemption. “Oh, Canada” — 3 stars (out of 4) No MPA rating (some language and sexual material) Running time: 1:34 How to watch: Opens in theaters Dec. 13, running 1in Chicago Dec. 13-19 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; siskelfilmcenter.org Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

The King is scheduled to attend the show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday which will see Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish present a musical number from their new show The Devil Wears Prada – based on the 2006 Oscar-nominated film. Cast members Vanessa Williams, who plays Miranda Priestly, and Matt Henry, who stars as art director Nigel, were among those posing on the red carpet ahead of the performance which showcases an original score by Sir Elton. The variety show will also see debuts from British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor with her hit track Murder On The Dancefloor while Eurovision winner Nemo is also featured on the bill. Also posing on the carpet were US magicians and comedy duo Penn and Teller, whose performance marks their 50th anniversary. Comedy will come from Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor, writer and comic Scott Bennett, Scottish comedian Larry Dean and political comic Matt Forde – who posed on the red carpet with a crutch after undergoing surgery for cancer on his spine. Among the arrivals was TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who will make an appearance in this year’s show with her Change And Check Choir led by Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow. The choir, made up of women from across the UK who detected their breast cancer through Kelly’s campaign, will perform Love Is All Around, which is being re-released to raise awareness of breast cancer early detection. It comes hours after Camilla insisted the “show must go on” after pulling out of attending the performance on Friday evening as doctors advised that she should prioritise rest. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest. “With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.” A royal source said the Queen was “naturally disappointed to miss the evening’s entertainments and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that ‘the show must go on'”. “She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon,” the source added. The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December. Money raised from the show will go to help people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative to help those with mental health issues this year.Robbins LLP Urges XRX Stockholders with Large Losses to Contact the Firm for information About ...Cardinals are average through 12 games and the frustration is it feels as if they could be better

NEW CANAAN, Conn., Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (OTCQX: NLCP) (the "Company” or "NewLake”), a leading provider of real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators, today announced the appointment of Dina Rollman to its Board of Directors (the "Board”), effective immediately, and announced its fourth quarter dividend. Appointment of Dina Rollman to the Board The expansion of the Board to eight members is part of a planned transition for the anticipated retirement of Mr. Peter Kadens, who has served on the Board since 2019, and informed the Company he will not stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in June of 2025. Ms. Rollman is recognized for her leadership and involvement in legal and regulatory affairs in the cannabis industry and will be an important member of the Board as the Company navigates the evolving regulatory landscape for the cannabis industry. "It has been an incredible five years since the inception of NewLake, and I'm immensely proud of the company we have built,” said Peter Kadens, Board Member of NewLake. "My decision to step down from the Board is rooted in my belief that board positions should not be held indefinitely; it is essential to create space for new perspectives and ideas. I have had the privilege of knowing Dina for over 10 years, she is an exceptional leader, and I have full confidence in her abilities to contribute meaningfully to NewLake's continued success.” "We are grateful for the positive impact Peter has had on shaping NewLake in its formative years,” said Gordon DuGan, Chairman of the Board. "His knowledge of the cannabis industry has been indispensable, and he will be missed. We wish Peter all the best as he focuses more time on his philanthropic endeavors. We look forward to Dina joining our Board. She has significant cannabis industry experience from one of the leading operators in the sector, with the regulatory knowledge and insight that is so critical to navigating this dynamic industry.” "I am honored to join NewLake's Board and to be able to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of this incredible organization during such an exciting time for the cannabis industry. With meaningful growth opportunities in an evolving landscape, I am eager to contribute my experience and insights to help shape the future of NewLake,” said Dina Rollman. Ms. Rollman is currently the CEO and a Board member of Powr Plant Inc., which owns StrainBrain, an AI-powered software technology used in the regulated cannabis industry. She is also the co-founder of KND Group, LLC, a law and consulting firm specializing in highly regulated industries, including cannabis. Before joining Powr Plant Inc., Ms. Rollman spent nine years at Green Thumb Industries ("GTI"), serving first as in-house regulatory compliance and legal counsel and then transitioning to Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. She played an instrumental role in GTI's rapid license expansion and its IPO in 2018. Dividend In addition, NewLake's Board of Directors has declared a fourth quarter 2024 cash dividend of $0.43 per share of common stock. The dividend is equivalent to an annualized dividend of $1.72 per common share and is payable on January 15, 2025, to common stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. About NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. is an internally managed real estate investment trust that provides real estate capital to state-licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases and funding for build-to-suit projects. NewLake owns a portfolio of 32 cultivation facilities and dispensaries that are leased to single tenants on a triple-net basis. For more information, please visit www.newlake.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by words like "may,” "will,” "likely,” "should,” "expect,” "anticipate,” "future,” "plan,” "believe,” "intend,” "goal,” "project,” "continue,” "on-going” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions regarding capital market conditions, the Company's business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements, except as required by law. Contact Information: Lisa Meyer Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. [email protected] Investor Contact: Valter Pinto, Managing Director KCSA Strategic Communications [email protected] PH: (212) 896-1254 Media Contact: Ellen Mellody KCSA Strategic Communications [email protected] PH: (570) 209-29474 Compelling Singapore Stocks That Could Ride the AI Wave to Greater Prosperity

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