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Xylem Inc. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading dayLockheed Martin Names New General CounselA Chinatown resident took the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department to court over a surveillance truck parked near her apartment. Karina Papenbrock-Ryan alleged the VPD violated her privacy and charter rights when it left its surveillance trailer on East Pender Street four years ago. The force calls the machine its . It consists of cameras and other equipment mounted on wheels. Police placed it outside the Chinese Cultural Centre in April 2020 in response to racist graffiti referencing COVID-19, the holocaust, and threatening violence against Asian people. The trailer was about one and a half blocks from Papenbrock-Ryan’s condominium. She estimated she walked through its field of view about 10 times without knowing what it was. When she saw a social media post explaining that it had cameras, she decided to modify her route so she wouldn’t walk past it anymore. “Ms. Papenbrock-Ryan describes this action as a test case dealing with the rights of the public to be free from mass surveillance by means of video cameras deployed in a public place or, put differently, general video surveillance without a specific investigative purpose,” judge Bruce Elwood wrote in his . Elwood dismissed Papenbrock-Elwood’s action but thanked her for bringing it forward. The case focused on whether her privacy was breached. Elwood explained there are already laws governing continually recorded police surveillance of public spaces, facial recognition technology, collection of personal information by the VPD, targeted surveillance during a criminal investigation, and the admissibility of video evidence during a criminal trial. The surveillance trailer records its video locally on a hard drive that’s wiped clean every four days unless an officer tries to access it. Though the judge accepted that Papenbrock-Elwood would have walked through its field of view, there’s nothing to suggest that a VPD officer accessed, reviewed, or distributed any images of her. Given the totality of circumstances, the judge didn’t think her privacy was violated. “At most, the footage of Ms. Papenbrock-Ryan would have disclosed her gender, her general appearance, her direction of travel, her mode of travel, and the date and time when she passed by,” the judge wrote. “It would not have revealed where she lives, where she works, where she was going, her religious or political beliefs, with whom she associates or any other biographical information about her.” Pepenbrock-Elwood’s privacy concerns also had to be balanced against community concerns following the hateful graffiti. “Provided it was working at the time, the [trailer] may have recorded a criminal act in progress, an image of a suspect, their direction and mode of travel, etc.” the judge wrote. “However, its primary purposes were to serve as a physical and psychological deterrent, and to reassure the community.” The judge looked at screenshots from the trailer and estimated its field of view at about 40 square metres. Its cameras were aimed at the Chinese Cultural Centre. The surveillance trailer ended up being removed in June 2020. It suffered technical difficulties that led to it not recording for several days. During that time, the trailer itself was tagged with graffiti.
Oklahoma State's 3-point accuracy sends Miami to defeatNEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The global travel market size is estimated to grow by USD 5.50 trillion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18.52% during the forecast period. Growing popularity of experiential travel is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing international tourist footfall. However, threat from growing terrorism poses a challenge. Key market players include Accor S.A., American Express Global Business Travel GBT, Balkan Holidays Ltd., BCD Travel Services BV, Booking Holdings Inc., Carlson Inc., Corporate Travel Management Ltd., Expedia Group Inc., Fareportal Inc., Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd., G Adventures, JPMorgan Chase and Co., JTB Corp., MakeMyTrip Ltd., Marriott International Inc., Omega World Travel Inc., PT Global Digital Niaga, Traveloka, The Scott Travel Group Ltd., Travel Leaders Group Holdings LLC, World Travel Holdings, and World Travel Inc., Airbnb, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Inbound tourism has experienced significant growth worldwide, leading to an increase in the number of tourists and demand for travel activities. Business travel, both international and domestic, is a significant contributor to this trend. The presence of numerous multinational corporations drives corporate visits, boosting the travel industry. Online travel platforms cater to the rising demand for travel activities from an increasing number of international tourists, primarily from North America , Europe , and the Pacific region. Government initiatives, such as improved connectivity through new airports, further fuel tourism growth. Overall, these factors are expected to expand the global travel market during the forecast period. The travel industry is experiencing significant shifts driven by trends such as the growing middle class population, heightened security and health concerns, and the increasing role of foreign tour operators and online platforms. Digital transformation is at the forefront, with tourists relying on online resources for trip planning, booking flight tickets and hotels, and even renting cars. Economic stability and leisure activities continue to be key motivators for vacations and holiday packages. The pandemic has created an acquisition opportunity for online travel agents, with promotional activities and new year holidays driving bookings. Mobile apps and holiday packages for international cities cater to elite travelers seeking new experiences in unexplored destinations. The luxury travel market remains strong, with a focus on security and personalized services. Overall, the online travel market is thriving, offering tourists convenience, affordability, and access to a world of new opportunities. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Terrorist activities have grown globally since 2016, with the primary goal being to instill fear and alter people's behavior. An example is the bombing on January 1, 2023 , at a Kabul checkpoint near the commercial airport, resulting in injuries and fatalities. This incident directly affects industries like hotels and travel, as border clearances experience delays and stricter inspections. Furthermore, heightened security around oil and gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines leads to increased costs. Travel insurance and reinsurance also become more expensive. Consequently, the rise in terrorist activities may impede the expansion of the global travel market during the forecast period. The travel market faces various challenges in both the tourism sector and beyond. Micro trips are popular, but providing personalized services, reliable transport, and professional interaction remains crucial for customer satisfaction. Political stability is essential for business growth, especially for customized tours and private tours. Technological advancements, such as the adoption of IoT, impact airlines, cruise liners, hotels, and resorts. Natural disasters and stringent immigration policies pose risks. Business, sports, and cultural events drive domestic and overseas travel. Governmental support and infrastructural development are vital for addressing challenges like public transportation and accommodation facilities. Rapid globalization and the interconnected world increase competition, requiring technical integration and online booking platforms. Social media networks and influencer marketing influence travel decisions. Country revenue depends on addressing challenges like political instability, natural disasters, and stringent immigration policies. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This travel market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Transportation 1.2 Hotel 1.3 Travel activities 2.1 Leisure 2.2 Business 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Transportation- The Travel Market is a thriving industry that connects service providers with customers seeking unique travel experiences. It offers various opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and increase sales. By utilizing effective marketing strategies and providing exceptional customer service, companies can attract and retain customers. The Travel Market also encourages innovation and collaboration, allowing businesses to offer competitive prices and diverse offerings. Overall, it is a dynamic and profitable sector that continues to grow and evolve. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The online travel market has experienced significant shifts in the wake of the pandemic, with a growth in domestic tourism and an increase in bookings for New Year holidays. Mobile apps have become essential tools for travelers, allowing them to easily compare holiday packages, book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. The adoption of IoT technology in the tourism sector offers new experiences and personalized services, creating opportunities for innovation. However, political instability, natural disasters, and stringent immigration policies pose challenges. The acquisition of smaller players in the online travel market presents opportunities for growth, particularly in the luxury travel market catering to elite travelers. Unexplored destinations and micro trips are also gaining popularity as travelers seek new experiences. Business and sports travel are expected to rebound as restrictions ease. Despite these trends, the tourism sector continues to face uncertainty and must adapt to changing consumer preferences and external factors. Market Research Overview The online travel market has seen a significant growth during the pandemic as people look for acquisition opportunities in the tourism sector. Domestic tourism has become a popular choice for travelers, leading to an increase in bookings for new year holidays. Mobile apps and online travel agents offer convenience for holiday packages, car rentals, and international city explorations. The luxury travel market caters to elite travelers seeking new experiences in unexplored destinations. Micro trips and personalized services are also in demand, as is reliable transport and professional interaction. Political stability, customized tours, and private tours are essential for some travelers, while others prioritize baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials' preferences. Technological advancements, such as the adoption of IoT, have transformed the industry, with online booking platforms, travel websites, and rapid globalization playing key roles. However, challenges such as political instability, natural disasters, and stringent immigration policies persist. Business, sports, and leisure activities continue to drive travel, with economic stability and infrastructure development crucial for the tourist industry's digital transformation. Online resources, flight tickets, hotels, and trip planning remain essential, with health and security concerns also influencing travel decisions. Foreign tour operators and online platforms cater to various tourist destinations, while influencer marketing, travel blogs, and user-generated content shape travel trends. Country revenue depends on public transportation, accommodation facilities, and the middle class population's growing demand for travel. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Sector Transportation Hotel Travel Activities Type Leisure Business Booking Type Mode of Travel Geography APAC Europe North America South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
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NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that anything short of immediate dismissal would undermine the transition of power, as well as the “overwhelming national mandate" granted to Trump by voters last month. They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” Merchan hasn’t yet set a timetable for a decision. He could decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. An outright dismissal of the New York case would further lift a legal cloud that at one point carried the prospect of derailing Trump’s political future. Last week, special counsel Jack Smith told courts that he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump — one charging him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate, the other with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost — citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office.
An American graduate degree continues to be highly sought after by Indian students despite worries about a rising number of them returning home after failing to secure decent jobs and the costly fees, this trend is likely to continue in 2025 as well, according to experts. Economic uncertainties in the US are weighing on job opportunities. However, consultants say the allure of an American degree persists among Indian students, largely due to US policies that provide clarity on the return on investment of a graduation degree, American universities casting a wider net by offering best-in-class scholarships, and alternative destinations tackling their own issues of tighter immigration policy and geopolitical tensions. With tuition fees ranging between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, US graduation school education comes with a hefty price tag. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Although 65-70% of graduating students secured jobs in 2022, the figure declined to 60% in 2023, with projections for 2024 even more sombre at 55%, notes Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, a study abroad company. 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He however believes that the scenario is unlikely to change despite Donald Trump's victory in the US Presidential poll. Trump has made known his anti-immigrant stance during the poll campaign, giving rise to fears about visa rule changes and post-study job opportunities for graduates. But most study abroad consultants are optimistic of little impact on Indian students heading to the US. "They may stagnate due to stricter visa policies, limited optional practical training extensions and slower economic recovery," said Khandelwal. Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, a study abroad platform, highlighted how American policies introduced under the Biden administration such as the Gainful Employment Rule and Financial Value Transparency Framework aimed at establishing safeguards against unaffordable debt or insufficient earnings for postsecondary students will help reshape decisions for those seeking to study in the US. "Now, universities will have to be transparent about their graduates' outcomes-what kind of jobs they're getting, what salaries they're commanding. This helps students make much more informed decisions about their investments," he explained. For Indian students, the US remains the top destination for postgraduate education, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Highlighting the role of the OPT visa, Khandelwal said it gives students with up to three years of work authorisation in STEM fields, easing their transition into the workforce. "Graduates from US universities often secure roles in cutting-edge industries like AI, healthcare, and fintech, with starting salaries exceeding $90,000 annually," he said. Technology-driven fields dominate Indian students' choices. "Over 70% of Indian applicants are opting for technology-based courses like AI, data science, and information systems," says Jain at ForeignAdmits. Computer science alone attracted 108,438 Indian students in 2023. Business and management courses also remain popular, offering steady career opportunities in areas like fintech and consulting. The prestige of a US degree also accelerates career growth globally.
In the hours after her daughter was born, Andrea Ippolito already felt like she was falling short as a mother. “Here I was, just like many women, trying to recover after this insane medical procedure of giving birth, and I just felt like a failure,” she told CNN. Ippolito was struggling to breastfeed because of her low milk supply. Even now, about six years later, the memory makes her emotional. “My daughter was dropping weight,” she recalled. “It was just incredibly stressful.” Ippolito ended up feeding her daughter a combination of breast milk and baby formula until she was three months old, when Ippolito weaned her off breast milk altogether. “It was a struggle the entire time,” she said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants consume only breast milk — no formula — until they are about 6 months old. But at that age, just 56% of US babies consume any breast milk, according the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . And only a quarter of 6-month-olds are exclusively breast fed. But for some women or birthing parents, exclusive breastfeeding or chestfeeding is simply not possible because of inadequate supply. Many stop because they lack much-needed structural and emotional support and wean before they had planned to. Ippolito thinks that more help in those early days would have improved her experience, both practically and emotionally. So in 2019 she started SimpliFed, a virtual platform that partners with health plans and doctors to get patients insurance-covered breastfeeding support from International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants, or IBCLCs, among other things. “Our posture as an organization is whatever your goals are, we’ll support you,” she said. Hers is one of a number of young tech companies connecting new parents to a network of support. It’s a growing area: In 2024 postpartum services, including lactation consulting, amounted to a $13.74 billion industry, according to the market research company Mordor Intelligence . The postpartum services market, which may include apps, virtual platforms and other technological solutions, will hit $22.6 billion by 2029, Mordor predicts. “Over the last decade, there’s finally been this recognition ... that women’s health has been dramatically underserved,” said Ippolito, noting that there remains room for improvement. Investors are “looking at what’s next and where there’s going to be continued market opportunity. And that’s where they’re looking at postpartum care services like ours.” Still, it’s an uphill battle. Why breastfeeding is so hard Even when everything goes well, breastfeeding is taxing. In the very beginning, newborns typically get hungry every one to three hours . That means multiple feedings a day, including overnight. In the months that follow, babies often nurse 8 to 12 times a day — a slower pace, but not by much. Then there are the potential problems, like oversupply , undersupply and a nasty infection called mastitis , which can exacerbate the normal difficulties. Parents who are still breastfeeding when they return to work need regular breaks and a clean, suitable place to pump and store breast milk during the day. So it’s not surprising that breastfeeding rates fall off, especially when parents can’t access help. But breastfeeding offers great benefits to both children and parents, according to experts. Breast milk is “like the baby’s first vaccine and protection against infection” because mothers pass antibodies to children through their milk, explained Ann Kellams, a pediatrician who is the founder and director of the University of Virginia’s Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine program. It’s also a dynamic substance. “The content of the breast milk changes with the environment, with the time of year in which infections are going around, and also with each developmental stage of the baby,” she said. “It is personalized.” Studies suggest that breastfed babies have lower risks of illness and chronic health problems, and that breastfeeding parents have lower risks of maternal diabetes and hypertension . And it’s not all or nothing, noted Kellams. “Any breastfeeding, any drop, is important and meaningful.” To help increase rates of breastfeeding in the US, the 2010 Affordable Care Act required some employers to give nursing parents a private space and enough time to pump breast milk during the day. It also stated that health insurance plans must cover lactation support services and products, like pumps. The mandate, however, didn’t do much at first. So entrepreneurs stepped in. The business of breastfeeding support When it came to lactation care “the ACA was kind of shouting into the void,” said Sarah Kellogg Neff, CEO of the Lactation Network. Lactation consultants hadn’t at that point worked with insurance, she said. And many parents didn’t even know what lactation consultants were. In 2016, “we were among the first people anywhere to get reimbursed at all for this care, and that was four years into ACA implementation,” said Neff. The Lactation Network, which has its roots as a breast pump seller, now has the largest network of IBCLCs in the United States, according to the company. While SimpliFed and the Lactation Network focus on connecting parents with insurance-covered lactation consultations and other healthcare, Pumpspotting is mostly about helping parents find each other. For Amy VanHaren, who founded the app in 2015 and serves as its CEO, breastfeeding was an isolating experience. “Every day I was either nursing or pumping, or thinking about the next nursing and pumping session, and just constantly feeling inadequate and alone and really uncertain,” she said. For VanHaren, community was crucial. “I was missing the connection point to other women who were in this phase of life, who were dealing with the same emotional struggles.” In the Pumpspotting app, users share stories, ask questions and raise concerns. People respond to each other, and lactation consultants jump in to weigh in on specific queries. This year Pumpspotting also sent out Barb, its Breast Express Bus, on a national tour. The brightly-painted vehicle opened its doors to curious parents across the country, giving them a cheery place to nurse and browse through breastfeeding accessories. A breastfeeding seal of approval Pumpspotting has a few revenue streams. There is a premium version of the app for $9.99 a month that VanHaren hopes will be covered by employers. And Pumpspotting has brand partners whose ads might appear in the app. It also serves as a consultant for companies that need help complying with legislation like the recent PUMP Act , which builds on the ACA’s requirement of lactation rooms at work. Consulting could be big business for the company, said Matt Douglas, founder and CEO of Sincere Corporation, which includes virtual brands like the photo app Timehop and ecard platform Punchbowl. Sincere announced an investment in Pumpspotting last year. “Every single company in this country should have a Pumpspotting seal of approval,” Douglas said. “Not only is it the right thing to do as an employer, but it’s also a risk mitigation,” he added. “I think it’s a huge opportunity.” Not everyone sees it that way. “Being a solo female founder of a breastfeeding technology company ... it’s always been a complex journey to get the funds,” said VanHaren. “We have a long way to go.” The Lactation Network is privately held and doesn’t have external investment, Neff said. But she pays attention to how investors are approaching women’s health — and some are all talk. “There’s a lot of conversation, but there’s not a whole lot of skin in the game yet.” Some healthcare professionals have their own concerns. Gayle Shipp, an assistant professor at Michigan State University’s public health department and a board member of the Michigan Breastfeeding Network, said it’s important to consider the mission of groups providing lactation care. “Who’s on the board... and then beyond that, is there diversity?” There are racial and socioeconomic disparities in breastfeeding rates , she noted, so “how are those companies considering that?” Ultimately, she said “transparency is probably key for all of them.” Kellams fears that for-profit companies could end up with conflicts of interest and said she would prefer that solutions stay in the public sector. But she acknowledges that “there’s a gap in what the traditional care is providing,” and that something has to change. “As a society we put so much pressure on new families to do everything perfectly, and we don’t talk about what it’s really like to be postpartum and how much that really stinks and how hard it is,” Kellams said. “There’s just so many things that we can help with. But it’s going to take changing the way we give care.”