
There's a BBC documentary about loaded magazine on TV tonight. It’s called, imaginatively enough, Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem. It’s supposed to be about loaded magazine. Not the loaded magazine you might have seen on newsagents’ shelves from the early 2000s onwards – airbrushed picture of a half-dressed woman you’ve never heard of, unfunny coverlines and no soul. Not that one. No, this is about the original Loaded magazine that launched in May 1994, the one that had Harry Hill riding a badger, Kathy Burke smoking a fag, and Vic and Bob wearing hats made of meat on the covers. The one with lines like ‘Go Straight To Ale – drinking around the Monopoly board’, ‘Room Servicing – why hotel sex is best’ and this endorsement taken from an interview inside with Sir Michael Caine: “I’ve just been reading Loaded. I was laughing my bollocks off”. The one that used to send writers to impersonate Magnum P.I. in Hawaii, search for Jesus in Jerusalem and get in a ring with Prince Naz whilst also giving the world Platinum Rogues – the league table of celebrity bad behaviour– and the Crisps World Cup. You remember. The Loaded magazine that shut down the London Stock Exchange as traders downed tools to read the December 1994 Kathy Lloyd issue and would soon go on to sell over half a million copies a month and define the last truly great decade. The Loaded magazine that should have been humanely destroyed at the turn of the millennium. That one. Not because, as this missed opportunity of a documentary seems keen to suggest, it promoted some kind of generalised mass misogyny that eventually produced creatures like social media scumbag Andrew Tate – it didn’t – but so that its legacy would not be tainted by the lowest common denominator lads mag flotsam that subsequently appeared in its name and beneath the same iconic logo. The makers of Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem talk to several key members of the original team who patiently try to explain what the magazine was all about. Not easy three decades hence, after years of hedonistic excess and when you never had a clue in the first place. “You can look back now and try and reverse engineer a genius publishing masterplan but there wasn’t one,” says loaded co- founder Tim Southwell . “We just knew that was a market because we were the market and we knew there were millions like us out there. “Up to that point all men had were these faux American po-faced advertising vehicles busy selling a contrived version of alpha male bullshit to desperate wannabes in London and the South-East of England. If you want to talk about toxic masculinity you might start there. “We were just a gang of working-class berks from all over the country who ended up in this insane office producing something for ourselves and our mates that we wanted to read. We’d all had our own fanzines and this was just a bigger version – a national fanzine.” Southwell appears in the documentary and has just updated and republished his book, Getting Away With It to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the launch of the magazine. “This is the inside story,” he continues. “When I was updating it I was even more amazed that we got the thing in the shops every month than I was at the time and I found it hard to believe then.” He’s right. I was there. First as a writer (that was me being embarrassed in the ring by Naseem Hamed) and then as Editor-at-Large where one brief was “Go to America and don’t come back until you’ve got into trouble.” Seeking out the godfather of gonzo journalism and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas author Hunter S. Thompson in Colorado, becoming involved in a bar brawl and being chased across the state line by angry gun-toting cowboys and police before taking refuge at his attorney’s place probably qualified. And this was for a magazine that very nearly didn’t happen at all. A chance phone call in early April 1994 alerted the team to the fact that Kurt Cobain had died. Obviously a tragedy in its own right but of more immediate concern was the fact that issue 1 was at the printers and contained an article pointing out that the Nirvana lead singer wasn’t a proper rock star because, after a recent suicide attempt had failed, he couldn’t even kill himself. Hmmm. A frantic call just in time prevented the debut issue from being pulped. Five years later, a print run of 800,000 copies was about to be destroyed after someone pointed out that the actress Cameron Diaz ’s right nipple was clearly visible on the cover of the February 1999 issue. A big legal no-no only averted when someone came up with the idea of placing a sticker over the “offending” body part with the words, “Free Sticker” on it. This kind of thing happened all the time in a work environment before health and safety even existed but space and certain legal considerations prevent me from describing it in full. Kept away from main building in the kind of low-slung bunker with a shed built on an adjoining roof (planning permission? Er no), panics concerning imminent police busts were frequent while it was not uncommon to find annoying staff members sellotaped to chairs and, having been spun round until their faces turned purple, on the brink of passing out. They would be in good company. There were often unconscious people lying around, some of them even worked there. Perhaps this charming tableau from Southwell’s book best captures the essence of the Loaded office: [A heated exchange has just taken place between a writer and a designer] “When Phil went to the toilet Jon sat down at Phil’s computer and set fire to it. There were flames and black smoke everywhere, fumes and everything. Phil put the fire out with his T-shirt and then carried on working at the computer.” Thefts from the fashion dept became so out of control a secure room had to be constructed (subsequently used to store more exotic contraband) and as the magazine’s success and notoriety spread it became a de facto drop-in centre for a lot of the people associated with the 1990s in Britain or just passing through. Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh was a columnist as was convicted drug dealer/ author Howard ‘Mr Nice’ Marks. Robbie Williams , then in his post Take That wilderness period, would occasionally walk-in off the street looking for someone to go for a drink with. Loaded did not report on the swinging 1990s, it was the swinging 1990s - the in-house bible for that glorious moment in time like Rolling Stone in 60s America. Everybody wanted to be in it – although Noel Gallagher was proving hard to get. We did get him eventually (cover had a roll with it because well... you know) but we should have had him earlier. Southwell had left his dictaphone in a hotel room commandeered by Loaded at a festival. Gallagher was one of many who passed through, found the recording device, interviewed himself and sent someone to deliver it to Southwell... who, to his absolute horror, discovered that in something resembling professionalism had made him switch the batteries round in order to prevent recording over an interview with Mr C from the Shamen. “I only did that once,” he remembers now. “Behave like a professional that is.” By the time of the inaugural Loaded awards in 1999 , Gallagher had been interviewed again by Irvine Welsh and they were both in attendance at West End night club Talk of the Town. It was the hottest ticket in London. As Southwell and I watched from the balcony we could see Noel pouring wine into the glass of Richard Whiteley from Countdown while Welsh was playing I-Spy with Charlatans front man Tim Burgess and page 3 model/ loaded cover girl Jo Guest. Across the way TV presenter Johnny Vaughan and girl band All Saints were deep in conversation with Wolf from Gladiators . Next to them, the actor Robert Carlyle, Paul Weller and George Best were laughing their heads off about something while Southwell’s dad was busy flirting with Kathy Burke. Vic and Bob (“enjoy your lunch and watch out for that lunchtime semi”), Prince Naz, Ali G, The Dice Man novelist Luke Rhinehart, Beastie Boys and Paul Whitehouse all recorded cheeky video messages. As had Jean Reno, star of Leon, with the “Best Assassin” award. I presented it to him in Chicago having been thankfully diverted there (and saving my job, probably) after turning up in LA to interview Bridget Fonda for the cover, failing to do so after falling into the right/ wrong company and disappearing for three days. If this all reads like a rollercoaster of misbehaviour, mayhem and joyous escapism, it should do. It all came to a shuddering halt a few months later on a winter evening in Milan in January 2000. Beth Summers, our “big sister” and brilliant Fashion Editor suffered a major brain injury in a horrific motorbike accident during fashion week. She now receives 24/7 care. As Southwell puts it, “My book is called Getting Away With it... that’s when we stopped getting away with it. The original team were gone in a matter of months. Out of there.” You won’t know this if you watch BBC documentary Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem tonight because it’s not mentioned. In fact, despite being a visionary who did more than anyone else that decade to democratise the business of dressing young British men across every demographic, Beth Summers isn’t mentioned at all. At just about 5ft2in tall, she was The Don nonpareil in the wildest, most dysfunctional, creative and dangerous office in magazine history. One look was all it took to get things done her way. As she said before her accident: “The type of men I was working with at Loaded were so different to those I’d worked with [elsewhere]. I can just remember everyone jumping around all the time, just so over-excited. That was so brilliant. The portrayal of women didn’t bother me. Everyone in the office had a certain respect for me. Also I’ve been there, seen it and done it so you couldn’t actually say anything to me that I was going to be shocked by. Apart from that, I was worse [behaved] than they were.” Despite being concerned enough about Loaded’s legacy and how women felt at about it at the time to talk to several people who had nothing to do with the magazine or appeared in it once or twice, here were the filmmakers with the most positive female and defiantly feminist role model and her incredible story staring them right in the face and they bottled it. They knew the facts. They even filmed Beth’s beautiful 32-year-old daughter Eden, now a successful music PR, and spoke to Southwell and others about what happened in Milan but it’s sadly not in the final cut. Perhaps it didn’t serve a narrative they appeared to have – that Loaded was some kind of touchpaper to an explosion of anti-female sentiment and could be bagged up with all the lads mags that came subsequently. That’s not real Loaded, not the one we worked on that was adored by millions of young men and women who subsequently deserted the title as it morphed into something else . If you want a rush of 90s nostalgia you could watch the documentary tonight – there are still some laugh aloud moments provided by the original team members – but if you manage to get to the end you will find yourself profoundly depressed. Without hope. The very opposite of what it felt like to read the magazine in the 1990s. ‘Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem’ airs on BBC Two on Friday November 22 at 9pm and will also be available on iPlayer . ‘Getting Away With It: The Real Inside Story of Loaded’ is available hereNoneThe Manufacturers Life Insurance Company Acquires 1,248 Shares of DocuSign, Inc. (NASDAQ:DOCU)
The White House has identified a ninth U.S. telecom network that Chinese state hackers have compromised, a senior official said on Dec. 27. Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, revealed the new information in a press briefing as officials continue to assess the scope of the cybersecurity breach from China’s state-backed Salt Typhoon hacking group, which has carried out a wide-ranging espionage campaign since 2022. “Our understanding is that a large number of individuals were geolocated in the Washington DC, Virginia area,” she said. Only a fraction of them had their communications affected, Neuberger said, as the hackers are more interested in eavesdropping on U.S. government officials. “The scale we’re talking about is far larger on the geolocation, probably less than 100 on the actual individuals,” she said. Shortly after the briefing, the Justice Department issued a final rule naming China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela as countries of concern over their ambitions to exploit sensitive U.S. personal and government-related data by bulk. Under the rule, certain individuals and groups whom authorities deemed as threat actors are barred from transactions involving six types of U.S. data, including certain personal identifiers such as social security numbers or government identification numbers, precise geolocation data, biometric identifiers, human genetic or molecular data, personal health data, and personal financial data. The regulation applies to entities over which China has an ownership of 50 percent or more, those that principally conduct business in China or are organized under Chinese law, their contractors and employees, and foreign individuals who primarily reside in China. The Department of Health and Human Services on Dec. 27 also proposed a rule to protect the U.S. health care system from cyberattacks. The proposed measure would modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, making the first change to the act’s security rule in 11 years, according to a statement. It would mandate stepped-up protection for personal health information by health plans and health care clearinghouses, as well as most health care providers and their business associates. The department’s Office for Civil Rights said the number of individuals impacted by large health care breaches soared more than tenfold between 2018 and 2023, and is likely to grow. The hacking group has targeted now-Vice President-elect JD Vance and now-president-elect Donald Trump, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. To deter Chinese hacking attempts, Neuberger said, the first step is to build a “defensible infrastructure.” “We wouldn’t leave our homes, our offices unlocked, and yet our critical infrastructure, the private companies owning and operating our critical infrastructure often do not have the basic cybersecurity practices in place,” she said in the press call. Authorities are also scrutinizing government contracts to enforce stricter cybersecurity practices, Neuberger said. In doing so, she said, the United States is following in the footsteps of Australia and the UK. “The nation’s secrets, the nation’s economy, lies on our telecommunications sector,” she said. “When I talked with our UK colleagues and I asked, ‘Do you believe your regulations would have prevented the Salt Typhoon attack?’ their comment to me was, we would have found it faster, we would have contained it faster.” Neuberger said it was a “powerful message.” “Those networks are not as defensible as they need to be to defend against a well resourced, capable offensive cyber actor like China,” Neuberger said. In assessing the Salt Typhoon breach, she said, authorities have found one administrator account that had access to more than 100,000 routers. “So when the Chinese compromised that account, they gained that kind of broad access across the network,” she said. Neuberger said officials are looking to segment the telecom networks so that in the event of a cyber attack, the potential damage could be contained. The Federal Communications Commission on Dec. 5 proposed cybersecurity rules requiring communications service providers to certify annually that they have a plan to protect against cyberattacks. The rule is waiting for a vote by Jan. 15, Neuberger said, noting that they are eager to see bipartisan support across the commission to see it through. The Chinese were “very careful about their techniques. They erased logs,” she said. And as “we will never know regarding the scope and scale of this,” she said, the United States is “looking forward.” Neuberger said more actions will be coming out in the next few months. “Let’s lock down this infrastructure. And frankly, let’s hold the Chinese accountable for this,” she said.
From strength to strength: Simpfendorfer's lifelong commitment to serving othersFlorida and Tulane will face off in the Gasparilla Bowl this college football postseason, in what should be one of the more entertaining bowl games on the docket. To nobody's surprise, tickets have already been selling fast for this matchup of big-named college football programs. Freshman QB DJ Lagway has led a resurgence for the Gators (7-5), who recovered from a terrible start to the season to win their last three games, including road upsets of then-No. 21 LSU and then-No. 9 Ole Miss. They fought their way to their first winning season since 2020, and ultimately landed in the Gasparilla Bowl. BUY NOW: Get tickets to the Gasparilla Bowl Florida's opponent, fellow blue-blood Tulane (9-4), finished as the American Athletic Conference runner-up. Tulane fell to Army 35-14 in the American title game, despite a strong game by leading wideout Mario Williams. Want to witness this fantastic bowl-game matchup in person? Here's everything you need to know about Florida vs. Tulane in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl, including links to the best and most affordable tickets. Florida bowl game tickets vs. Tulane 2024 Tickets : StubHub Tickets for the Gasparilla Bowl are available on StubHub . As of Dec. 8, a bunch of tickets could be found as cheap as $88-$110 each. Tickets have already been selling fast, though, so don't expect those cheaper tickets to last. Click the link below to view more bowl game ticket prices. BUY NOW: Cheapest tickets for college football bowl games on StubHub When is the Gasparilla Bowl in 2024? Date: Friday, Dec. 20 Time: 3:30 p.m. ET The Gasparilla Bowl between Florida and Tulane will kick off on Friday, Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET. It will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. College football bowl game schedule 2024 Date Game City Time (ET) Sat., Dec. 14 Celebration Bowl : Jackson State vs. S.C. State Atlanta, GA Noon Sat., Dec.14 Salute to Veterans Bowl : Western Michigan vs. South Alabama Montgomery, AL 9 p.m. Tue., Dec. 17 Frisco Bowl : West Virginia vs. Memphis Frisco, TX 9 p.m. Wed., Dec. 18 Boca Raton Bowl : Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Boca Raton, FL 5:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 19 LA Bowl : Cal vs. UNLV Inglewood, CA 9 p.m. Thu., Dec. 19 New Orleans Bowl : Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston New Orleans, LA 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20 Cure Bowl : Jacksonville State vs. Ohio Orlando, FL Noon Fri., Dec. 20 Gasparilla Bowl : Florida vs. Tulane Tampa, FL 3:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20 CFP First Round : Notre Dame vs. Indiana South Bend, IN 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21 CFP First Round : Penn State vs. SMU State College, PA Noon Sat., Dec. 21 CFP First Round : Texas vs. Clemson Austin, TX 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21 CFP First Round : Ohio State vs. Tennessee Columbus, OH 8 p.m. Mon., Dec. 23 Myrtle Beach Bowl : Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA Conway, SC 11 a.m. Mon., Dec. 23 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl : Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State Boise, ID 2:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl : South Florida vs. San Jose State Honolulu, HI 8 p.m. Thu., Dec. 26 GameAbove Sports Bowl : Pitt vs. Toledo Detroit, MI 2 p.m. Thu., Dec. 26 Rate Bowl : Rutgers vs. Kansas State Phoenix, AZ 5:30 p.m. Thu., Dec. 26 68 Ventures Bowl : Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green Mobile, AL 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Armed Forces Bowl : Navy vs. Oklahoma Fort Worth, TX Noon Fri., Dec. 27 Birmingham Bowl : Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt Birmingham, AL 3:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Liberty Bowl : Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Memphis, TN 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl : Washington State vs. Syracuse San Diego, CA 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 27 Las Vegas Bowl : USC vs. Texas A&M Las Vegas, NV 10:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Fenway Bowl : UConn vs. North Carolina Boston, MA 11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl : Boston College vs. Nebraska Bronx, NY Noon Sat., Dec. 28 New Mexico Bowl : TCU vs. Louisiana Albuquerque, NM 2:15 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Pop-Tarts Bowl : Miami (Fla.) vs. Iowa State Orlando, FL 3:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Arizona Bowl : Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio) Tucson, AZ 4:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Military Bowl : East Carolina vs. NC State Annapolis, MD 5:45 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl : Colorado vs. BYU San Antonio, TX 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28 Independence Bowl : Army vs. Marshall Shreveport, LA 9:15 p.m. Mon., Dec. 30 Music City Bowl : Iowa vs. Missouri Nashville, TN 2:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 ReliaQuest Bowl : Alabama vs. Michigan Tampa, FL Noon Tue., Dec. 31 Sun Bowl : Louisville vs. Washington El Paso, TX 2 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl : South Carolina vs. Illinois Orlando, FL 3 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 Texas Bowl : LSU vs. Baylor Houston, TX 3:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Boise State vs. Penn St./SMU Glendale, AZ 7:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 1 Peach Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson Atlanta, GA 1 p.m. Wed., Jan. 1 Rose Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Oregon vs. Ohio St./Tennessee Pasadena, CA 5 p.m. Wed., Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl (CFP quarterfinal) : Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana New Orleans, LA 8:45 p.m. Thu., Jan. 2 Gator Bowl : Duke vs. Ole Miss Jacksonville, FL 7:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 3 First Responder Bowl : North Texas vs. Texas State Dallas, TX 4 p.m. Fri., Jan. 3 Duke’s Mayo Bowl : Virginia Tech vs. Minnesota Charlotte, NC 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 4 Bahamas Bowl : Buffalo vs. Liberty Nassau, Bahamas 11 a.m. Thu., Jan. 9 Orange Bowl (CFP semifinal) Miami, FL 7:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 10 Cotton Bowl (CFP semifinal) Arlington, TX 7:30 p.m. Mon., Jan. 20 College Football Playoff national championship Atlanta, GA 7:30 p.m. Related Links SN's College Football Playoff bracket predictions Full College Football Bowl schedule 2024 Big Ten football news and rumors SEC football news and rumors Big 12 football news and rumors If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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The Buffalo Bills (10-2) will attempt to extend a seven-game winning streak when they visit the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at SoFi Stadium. What channel is Bills vs. Rams on? What time is Bills vs. Rams? The Bills and the Rams play at 4:25 p.m. ET. NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more. Bills vs. Rams betting odds, lines, spread Bills vs. Rams recent matchups Bills schedule Rams schedule NFL week 14 schedule This content was created for Gannett using technology provided by Data Skrive.CBI arrests senior official of central PSU, 2 others in Rs 10 lakh bribery case
JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) announced that Saia LTL Freight has partnered with Tesla to introduce two of the company’s first Tesla Semi trucks to its fleet. As Saia celebrates its 100th anniversary, this collaboration signifies not just a milestone in the carrier’s history but also a bold commitment to the future, exploring the latest technology to better serve its customers. The partnership represents another step forward in sustainable transportation as Saia becomes one of the early testers of Tesla’s state-of-the-art electric semi-trucks. The Tesla Semi brings unparalleled innovation to the logistics industry, reinforcing Saia’s role as a trailblazer for the future of freight transportation. “Our partnership with Tesla underscores our dedication to evolution while staying true to the values that have guided us for the past century,” said Executive Vice President of Operations Patrick Sugar. “As we celebrate 100 years of Saia, we’re focused on building a sustainable and innovative foundation for the next century.” Since its founding in 1924, Saia has been at the forefront of delivering excellence in transportation. The introduction of the Tesla Semi into Saia’s fleet reflects not only the company’s forward-thinking strategy but also its dedication to sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of customers. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission to provide top-tier service while minimizing its environmental footprint. “This collaboration enhances our operational capabilities and exemplifies how Saia is positioning itself for a future where innovation and sustainability drive success,” added Sugar. During a demonstration period held earlier this year, Saia rigorously tested the Tesla Semi in its operations with the tractor evaluated on its range, payload capacity, grade performance, and driver comfort. “We were very impressed with the Tesla Semi as it demonstrated an ability to handle both local and longer haul applications while still delivering notable power and efficiency. During a demonstration earlier this year, we achieved 1.73 kWh per mile,” said Sugar. “Our drivers were equally impressed, noting the smooth acceleration, comfortable design, and its ability to maintain speeds on steep inclines, even while hauling heavy payloads. This feedback underscores the enormous potential of the Tesla Semi.” As Saia celebrates its centennial year, the partnership is another tangible example of how the carrier is working to reduce its carbon footprint by reducing emissions and improving tractor mileage as it seeks to be a good steward of the environment and conduct its operations in a responsible manner. By embracing innovative technology, Saia is setting a new standard for sustainability in logistics and reaffirming its role as a leader in the industry. About Saia, Inc. Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) offers customers a wide range of less-than-truckload, non-asset truckload, expedited, and logistics services. With headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia, Saia LTL Freight operates over 214 terminals across the country and employs more than 15,000 people. Recognized by the American Trucking Associations Safety Management Council for its outstanding safety record and by the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, Saia is also a multi-year recipient of Women In Trucking’s “Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation.” For more information on Saia Inc., visit saia.com . For more information, contact: Jeannie S. Jump Senior Marketing and Corporate Affairs Specialist Phone: 770-232-4069 Email: jjump@saia.com
Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise prices, won't rule out revenge prosecutions
Kings fire HC Mike Brown after disappointing startTrump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office
Recently published research insights from global firm Info-Tech Research Group are providing IT leaders in the education sector with a strategic framework to implement AI use. The resource outlines use cases and advisory on how institutions can adopt AI technologies responsibly to enhance operational efficiency, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes. The firm explains that by evaluating key factors such as technology, feasibility, and industry relevance, institutions can create impactful AI roadmaps that align with their goals and drive meaningful improvements in schools. TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, its adoption in education presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges. From aligning AI initiatives with institutional goals to addressing budgetary constraints and managing the complexities of emerging technologies, the integration process demands careful planning and execution. To support institutions in overcoming these obstacles, Info-Tech Research Group has published an industry blueprint, Prioritize AI Use Cases for Education . The resource contains the global research and advisory firm's research insights and recommendations for IT leaders to identify and prioritize AI use cases tailored to their institutions' needs. Info-Tech's blueprint provides a framework for adopting AI responsibly, which will support institutions in enhancing operational efficiency, improving student engagement, and making informed, data-driven decisions. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.ATLANTA — To improve Georgia’s troubled prison system, the General Assembly should hike correctional officer salaries, consider more private-public partnerships to expand capacity, increase mental health services and move to single-person cells to improve safety. Those are among a slate of recommendations that a state Senate study committee approved Friday, following hours of testimony at a series of meetings that began in August. Other recommendations that won approval include asking for an audit of contracts to identify any excessive vendor costs, ordering a compensation study, prioritizing new technology to improve security at current and new facilities, and taking action to make sure wardens adhere to consistent policies to prevent culture differences among facilities. The committee also recommended that the state seek federal approval to jam cellphone signals at prisons. Prisoners have used cellphones to run criminal enterprises from inside the prisons, including directing drug trafficking networks and operating various fraud schemes. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Electrolyzers Market Share Expected to Reach $78.01 billion by 2030 12-18-2024 09:18 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The global electrolyzers market share is expected to grow from estimated $3.75 billion in 2024 to $78.01 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 65.9% during the forecast period. The global Electrolyzers Market Share [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electrolyzers-market-23889518.html?utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral ] is expected to grow from estimated USD 3.75 billion in 2024 to USD 78.01 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 65.9% during the forecast period. This growth mainly comes in response to supportive government initiatives that encourage renewable energy technologies as well as advancements in the electrolysis process. Electrolyzers play a crucial role in the production of hydrogen since they split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity that can be generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind energies. As nations accelerate efforts to decarbonize and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, electrolyzers are increasingly important in diverse applications involving power generation, transportation, or industrial processes. The recent interest in hydrogen fuel cells and green ammonia production further underlines the potential of the electrolyser market as the basis of global energy transition towards sustainable solutions. Regional Analysis Europe is the leading region for the Electrolyzer Market primarily due to its strengthened commitment to decarbonization and a more developed framework for adopting renewable energy. Most European countries have launched ambitious hydrogen strategies and policies, such as the European Green Deal and the "Fit for 55" package, which give priority to the production of green hydrogen to reach net-zero emission goals. The region sees considerable investment in renewable energy infrastructure, especially solar and wind power with seamless integration with technologies such as electrolyzers. Furthermore, Europe has an impressive industrial base and proactive collaborations between governments, private enterprises, and research institutions: a confluence that helps establish innovation and the scaling of electrolyzer production. This strategic focus puts Europe at the helm of the race toward a global hydrogen economy. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=23889518 Anion exchange membrane, by Technology Anion exchange membrane (AEM) is now becoming the most rapidly growing technology in the Electrolyzers Market, owing to its unique combination of cost-effectiveness and performance efficiency. While PEM systems are rather expensively made using precious metal catalysts, non-precious metal catalysts are used in AEM, making them much cheaper. Besides this, the possibility of low-energy operation and compatibility with renewable sources makes it even more attractive during transition into green hydrogen. Membrane technology and scalability in the manufacturing processes further increase the efficiency of and robustness of AEM-based electrolyzers faster and make them favourites for those industries that look for low-cost, environmentally friendly hydrogen production. The Key Players Some of the major players in the Electrolyzers Market as Siemens Energy (Germany), Nel ASA (Norway), thyssenkrupp nucera (Germany), John Cockerill (Belgium), Plug Power Inc. (US), among others. The major strategies adopted by these players include new product launches, acquisitions, joint ventures, and expansions. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=23889518 Thyssenkrupp nucera Thyssenkrupp nucera is a cleantech company and a leading provider of hydrogen and chlorine technologies. thyssenkrupp nucera, formerly known as Uhde Chlorine Engineers, was established as a joint venture between Industrie De Nora and thyssenkrupp AG. The company primarily deals in the supply of clean energy with green hydrogen at an industrial scale. thyssenkrupp nucera offers chlor-alkali and alkaline water electrolysis procedures for producing sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, chlorine, and others. The net hydrogen produced through its electrolyzers can cater to a very wide scope of applications: ranging from energy-notably, mobility-and various other industries. In addition, the company provides solutions for integrating grid-scale renewable energy and industrial-scale hydrogen use. thyssenkrupp nucera is also engaged in engineering, procurement, and construction of electrochemical plants. In 2022, the company signed an engineering and supply contract with Shell plc to set up a 200 MW green hydrogen facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The company enjoys a good presence in Japan and Germany. John Cockerill John Cockerill, formerly known as CMI Group, designs, integrates, upgrades, and maintains equipment across energy, defense, steelmaking, environmental, and general industrial sectors. It also serves energy, environment, transport, hydrogen, solar, cooling, wind, nuclear, innovation, mobility, maintenance, water treatment, air & gas treatment, and waste to energy sector. The company has a solid presence in metals, heat treatment, surface treatment, and industrial project services, providing a wide array of solutions designed to meet diverse industrial needs. Through its hydrogen division, the company supplies alkaline electrolyzers for various applications, including energy, industry, and mobility.for various applications, such as energy, industrial, and mobility. The company also offers electrolyzers through its joint venture Cockerill Jingli Hydrogen (CJH). John Cockerill provides the most robust electrolyzers in the market, with the capacity to generate up to 1,300 Nm per hour, equating to 6.5 MW.The company has a presence in 24 countries across 5 continents. In December 2023, John Cockerill has entered the North American market with the groundbreaking of its first alkaline electrolyzer gigafactory in Baytown, Texas. Nel ASA Nel ASA is a hydrogen company specializing in electrolysers, hydrogen generation plants, hydrogen refueling stations, distributed energy systems, and energy storage. It designs solutions to produce and distribute hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources. The company also focuses on providing turnkey solutions for hydrogen energy storage. Various industries and energy & gas companies are major end users of its hydrogen technology. Nel ASA operates through two business segments: FUELING and Electrolyzer. It serves Electrolyzer Market through its Electrolyzer business segment. Under this, the company offers hydrogen production equipment and plants based on electrolyzer technology and power-to-gas systems. Nel ASA specializes in alkaline and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. It produces green hydrogen by harnessing energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind. The electrolyzers offered by the company have applications in various industries, such as chemicals, refining, metals, electronics, and others. The company has operations worldwide and a presence in approximately 20 countries. It has manufacturing facilities in Notodden, Norway; Wallingford, UK; and Connecticut, US. Its production facilities in Norway and Connecticut are utilized to manufacture electrolyzers. Since its establishment, the company has delivered approximately 2,700 proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and 800 alkaline electrolyzers in more than 80 countries worldwide. For more information, Inquire Now [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=23889518&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr]! About MarketsandMarkets Trademark : MarketsandMarkets Trademark has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets Trademark is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore Trademark (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets Trademark .com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets Trademark INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: newsletter@marketsandmarkets.com [mailto:newsletter@marketsandmarkets.com] Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=electrolyzers-market-share-expected-to-reach-7801-billion-by-2030 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electrolyzers-market-23889518.html This release was published on openPR.How fighter frustrations brought back the old UFC glovesIndian Railways continued its transformative journey in the year 2024, paving the way for a new era of modernization and progress. With a strong focus on meeting world-class travel experience, boosting freight efficiency, and adopting advanced technologies, the Railways has solidified its role as a catalyst for national growth. 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 As of December 26, a total of 136 flagship Made in India Vande Bharat trains are running across the Indian Railways network. During the Calendar year 2024 itself, as many as 62 Vande Bharat services were introduced, the Ministry of Railways said in a year-end statement. The semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat trains have become a symbol of India's aspirations for modern, efficient, and comfortable rail travel. These trains are equipped with top-tier amenities and advanced safety features, such as Kavach technology, 360-degree rotating seats, accessible toilets for Divyangjan, and integrated Braille signages, among many others. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program You Might Also Like: Ahmedabad Railway Division to begin 34 train services as part of Mahakumbh preparations Besides, Indian railways have electrified 3,210 kms of rail track during the calendar year 2024. The broad gauge network of railway electrification has been extended to 97 per cent. As part of the modernisation of railway stations, the ' Amrit Bharat Station Scheme ', as many as 1,337 stations have been identified for redevelopment. Out of 1,337 stations, tenders have been awarded and work has commenced in 1,198 railway stations. Other railway stations are at different stages of tendering and planning. Indian Railways, which has set a target of becoming a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030, has as of November commissioned approximately 487 MW of solar plants (both rooftop and ground-mounted) and about 103 MW of wind power plants. Total Capex for the Indian Railways in 2024-25 is Rs 2,65,200 cr, which is the highest amount allocated in the budget. You Might Also Like: Railways looks to lay PPP track for new projects E-ticketing has touched 86 per cent in the reserved sector. E-ticketing in the unreserved sector has gone up from 28 per cent at the beginning of the current financial year to around 33 per cent in October 2024. In order to boost investment from industry in setting up of cargo terminals, 'Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (GCT) are being developed across the country. So far, 354 locations (327 on non-railway land and 27 on railway land) have been identified across the country. Till October, 91 such terminals have been commissioned. Three Economic Corridors were also sanctioned in 2024: Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridors; High Traffic Density Routes; and Rail Sagar corridors. A total of 434 projects have been planned for implementation under these three corridors. In the calendar year 2024, a total of 58 projects out of total of 434 projects were sanctioned across three economic corridors, with a combined completion cost of about Rs 88,875 crore and a total track length of about 4,107 kilometres. The Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridors accounted for 51 projects, spanning 2,911 kilometres with a completion cost of Rs 57,313 crore. The High Traffic Density Routes included 5 projects, covering about 830 kilometres and costing about Rs. 11,280 crore. The Rail Sagar corridor had 2 projects, with a total track length of about 366 kilometres and a completion cost of about Rs. 20,282 crore. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78
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Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” World leaders have paid tribute to Mr Carter, including US President Joe Biden, who was one of the first politicians to endorse Mr Carter for president in 1976 and said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.” Irish President Michael D Higgins said Mr Carter was “a principled man who dedicated his life to seeking to advance the cause of peace across the world”. He added: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my sympathies to President Carter’s children and extended family, to President Joe Biden, to the people of the United States, and to his wide circle of colleagues and friends across the globe.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally, the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center managed to virtually eliminate Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.Japanese monkeys living in Launceston will be prevented from reproducing due to concerns of disease and inbreeding within the group. For more than 40 years, visitors to Launceston’s City Park have been able to view the macaques frolicking about in an enclosure. But by 20250 it is expected there will be no monkeys left in the park. In 2000, it was revealed the herpes B virus had spread through the monkeys, although previous discussions of euthanising the troop were politically unpopular. Now there are increasing concerns about a lack of genetic diversity within the group. The City of Launceston has decided to desex the male members of the macaque troop to prevent the animals from breeding. It is expected that the desexing of the troop will take two years to complete. The council said while it was grateful to receive the monkeys, by today’s standards they would not keep these animals in an enclosure. They also said it was important to take into consideration the needs of the monkeys and the greater community. On Thursday afternoon, a council meeting voted 10-1 in favour of sterilisation, after hearing there were signs of miscarriages and stillbirths in the troop. “We know the Launceston community cares very much about the welfare of the City Park monkeys,” Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said. “That’s a sentiment that’s also very much shared by both councillors and staff. “The inability to introduce new genetic stock and the serious impacts on their health and wellbeing means we need to begin to consider the future of the troop. “[The] decision was a difficult one, but it prioritises the welfare of the monkey troop so we can keep them as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible. A trip to the zoo took a shocking turn for one family after a troop of monkeys hijacked a pram. Mr Garwood said he would write to the mayor of Ikeda following the decision. Councillor Andrea Dawkins said if the city was offered this same opportunity today the city would be unlikely take it. “There is a lot of interest in these monkeys as there should be because there is so much interest in the way humans react with animals and we take it for granted they are a part of our lives,” she said. “Communities have changed and animals in captivity for the enjoyment of humans is some; thing we’ve moved through.”Texas' abortion pill lawsuit against New York doctor marks new challenge to interstate telemedicine Texas has sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine. It appears to be the first challenge in the U.S. to a state shield law that's intended to protect prescribers in Democratic-controlled states from being punished by states with abortion bans. Prescriptions like these, made online and over the phone, are a key reason that the number of abortions has increased across the U.S. even after state bans started taking effect. Most abortions in the U.S. involve pills rather than procedures. Anti-abortion groups are increasingly focusing on the rise of pills. Syrians cheer end of 50 years of Assad rule at first Friday prayers since government fell DAMASCUS (AP) — Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital’s historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule. The newly installed interim prime minister delivered the sermon at the Umayyad Mosque, declaring that a new era of “freedom, dignity and justice” was dawning for Syria. The gatherings illustrated the dramatic changes that have swept over Syria less than a week after insurgents marched into Damascus and toppled Assad. Amid the jubilation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region and called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan, officials say WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has brought an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to two U.S. officials, who said Friday that Travis Timmerman has been flown to Jordan on a U.S. military helicopter. The 29-year-old Timmerman told The Associated Press earlier Friday he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it 'absurd' NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers are again urging a judge to throw out his hush money conviction. In a court filing Friday, they balked at the prosecution’s “absurd” idea for preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies before sentencing. The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge. The development comes as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk was an early OpenAI investor and board member. But he sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. He has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI filed its response in court Friday. Paula Abdul settles lawsuit alleging sexual assault by 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paula Abdul and former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit in which she alleged he sexually assaulted her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the show. Abdul filed a notice of settlement in a Los Angeles court Thursday. The lawsuit filed nearly a year ago had also accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting Abdul after she left “American Idol” and became a judge on Lythgoe’s other show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Lythgoe said at the time that the allegations were “an appalling smear.” Both sides said in statements Friday that they were glad to put the case behind them.
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja Former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) have defended the ongoing overhaul of the Port Harcourt Refinery, dismissing criticisms as misguided. During an inspection of the refinery as part of the Former NNPC GCEOs Forum in Port Harcourt, the former leaders praised the efforts of the current management team, led by Mr. Mele Kyari, calling the rehabilitation a “magical” achievement. Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, who served as GMD from 1999 to 2003, spoke on behalf of the group, explaining that many critics failed to grasp the scope of the work undertaken. He clarified that the overhaul was not a routine Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) but a comprehensive rehabilitation, modernising the 1965-built facility into a state-of-the-art plant by 2024 standards. The former GMDs noted that the refinery’s modernisation was a monumental task that involved significant technological upgrades and infrastructure improvements. They also addressed concerns over petrol pricing, reiterating that pump prices are largely influenced by fluctuating crude oil prices and urging the public to better understand the complexities of the oil market. “Some of those who criticise do not understand the extent of the work carried out. They mistake it for the usual Turnaround Maintenance. This is a complete rehabilitation—transforming a plant built in 1965 into a modern one in 2024. We appreciate the effort,” Dr. Obaseki stated. On petroleum pricing, he emphasised that petrol pump prices are influenced by crude oil prices and called for public understanding. He hailed the achievement as a testament to courage and dedication, urging the GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, to remain focused on delivering value to Nigerians. Other former GMDs present at the meeting included Chamberlain Oyibo, Funsho Kupolokun, and Andrew Yakubu, who collectively lauded the success of the project.Final farewell