Home > 

 

casino slots

2025-01-13
joy slots
joy slots TORONTO — Canada's main stock index moved lower Monday, weighed down by energy stocks as the price of oil fell, while U.S. stock markets rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 33.93 points at 25,410.35, while the Dow Jones led the way with an almost one-per-cent gain. “The themes of the last couple of weeks are familiar again today,” said Steve Locke, chief investment officer for fixed income and multi-asset strategies at Mackenzie Investments. Specific sectors that investors think could benefit from president-elect Trump’s promised policies have been leading the way, said Locke, such as financials, industrials and health care. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 440.06 points at 44,736.57. The S&P 500 index was up 18.03 points at 5,987.37, while the Nasdaq composite was up 51.19 points at 19,054.84. Amid the transition period before Trump becomes president, Locke said investors are eyeing pieces of information that could help illuminate what’s to come, in the form of nominations. The latest announcement was Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, for Treasury Secretary. “The markets reacted positively to his announcement,” said Locke. “I think the candidate here ... is someone that the market feels a little bit more comfortable with in the context of gradual imposition of tariffs and things like that.” U.S. Treasury yields eased on Monday, after climbing post-election. Yields were on the rise after the election as markets priced in fewer rate cuts in the coming year, said Locke, in anticipation of Trump’s pro-growth policies. However, though the election has been top of mind for investors, the U.S. Federal Reserve has a lot of economic data coming down the pipeline before its last interest rate decision this year, said Locke, including data this week on the housing market, consumer confidence, and manufacturing. “It’ll be a little bit of a mixture this week, we think, but nothing that probably changes the direction of the Fed here too much as we think about the expectations for policy rate changes in the upcoming meeting in December,” he said. Markets are currently split on whether the central bank will hold steady or announce another quarter-percentage-point cut, said Locke. Oil prices fell Monday, which Locke said was likely tied to talk of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.53 cents US compared with 71.54 cents US on Friday. The January crude oil contract was down US$2.30 at US$68.94 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up 16 cents at US$3.44 per mmBTU. The December gold contract was down US$93.70 at US$2,618.50 an ounce and the March copper contract was up three cents at US$4.16 a pound. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press



Former Towson men’s lacrosse coach Carl Runk dies at 88TORONTO — Canada's main stock index moved lower Monday, weighed down by energy stocks as the price of oil fell, while U.S. stock markets rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 33.93 points at 25,410.35. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 440.06 points at 44,736.57. The S&P 500 index was up 18.03 points at 5,987.37, while the Nasdaq composite was up 51.19 points at 19,054.84. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.53 cents US compared with 71.54 cents US on Friday. The January crude oil contract was down US$2.30 at US$68.94 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up 16 cents at US$3.44 per mmBTU. The December gold contract was down US$93.70 at US$2,618.50 an ounce and the March copper contract was up three cents at US$4.16 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) The Canadian Press

The Minnesota Vikings are sitting at 10-2 on the season. It's a pretty impressive feat for the Vikings when you consider their preseason win total was set at 6.5 wins. Already being 3.5 wins ahead of that mark with five games to go is a mark that should earn head coach Kevin O'Connell plenty of Coach of the Year votes. Being that much better than their win total brings a lot of questions about how they have accomplished that. Some are bringing up the 2022 season with their 11-0 record in one-score games to try and discredit the 10-2 Vikings. However, things are certainly different now than they were two years ago. Even though the Vikings have the underlying metrics to back up their record much better than they did in 2022, there are still areas that aren't sustainable. Let's take a look at a few that resonated from the Cardinals' game. Penalties Going into the game, the Cardinals were the least penalized team in the National Football League. They were called for just 51 penalties in their first 11 games with a league-high 10 games where they had five or fewer penalties. Against the Vikings, they had a whopping 10 penalties for 96 yards. It was a season-high for the Cardinals, but it also follows a trend for the Vikings. This season, the Vikings have been called for 85 penalties (11 declined) for 607 penalty yards. Their opponents have been called for a whopping 108 penalties (14 declined) for 788 yards. The majority of those penalties have been false starts, where the Vikings' opponents have been called an astounding 24 times. That is something the Vikings can't count on in every game, but the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd is very impactful Red Zone possessions The Vikings have been great in preventing teams from getting to the red zone. Going into Sunday's game, they were second in the NFL with just 26 red zone possessions allowed and eighth in total touchdowns allowed with 17. After Sunday's game where they held the Cardinals to one touchdown on six attempts, they are tied for third in red zone possessions allowed with 32 and seventh in touchdowns allowed with 18. Most importantly here, the Vikings went from 27th in the league in red zone touchdown percentage allowed to 18th in the league. It's quite the jump, but a 1-6 performance will do that. Holding teams to that little of success won't be the norm for the Vikings all season, but the lack of red zone possessions allowed is relatively sustainable. They will be facing some lethal offenses down the stretch, meaning it will be paramount that their success continues. Fumbles Fumbles just cannot happen if you are the Vikings. Far too often, they turn the ball over. After Sunday's game, the Vikings are 27th in the NFL in drives that result in a turnover at 13.3%. Just the last three weeks, the Vikings have had four first quarter fumbles, all of which were by Aaron Jones . He has developed a fumbling problem with five total fumbles across 219 touches whereas he had just 15 across 1,499 touches with the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings rank tied for 16th in fumbles with 15 on the season but those turnovers have been their own worst enemy this season. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Jets' Ulbrich says Rodgers 'absolutely' remains the team's starting quarterback

"At Coles, our commitment to delivering seamless and reliable shopping experiences for our customers is paramount," said Anthony Corboy , Head of Commercial Technology at Coles Group. "Being on this journey with Stibo Systems has allowed us to tackle a range of inefficiencies in our data management processes, helping streamline product information and drive a consistent brand experience across our channels. We're now better equipped to innovate in our digital and in-store offerings, benefitting both our customers and suppliers." Various challenges to overcome Before adopting Stibo System's STEP solution, Coles faced a range of challenges including data inconsistency, outdated manual workflow processes, fragmented product maintenance, limited online product detail, inconsistent cross-channel sales, and disjointed distributed digital assets. These challenges presented an opportunity for Coles to enhance its operational efficiency and deliver more consistent product experiences across its various digital channels by implementing a robust data management system. Project goals Coles' primary goals for this project were to: With the Stibo Systems solution now in place, Coles is positioned to address the challenges and unlock opportunities in the following areas: About Coles Group Coles Group is a leading Australian retailer with over 1,800 retail outlets across the country. Known for its commitment to innovation, Coles Group is focused on enhancing its digital and in-store experiences to meet evolving customer needs. About Stibo Systems Stibo Systems is a leading enabler of trustworthy data through AI-powered master data management. Built on a robust and flexible platform, our SaaS solutions empower enterprises around the globe to deliver superior customer and product experiences. Our trusted data foundation enhances operational efficiency, drives growth and transformation, supports sustainability initiatives and bolsters AI success. Headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark , Stibo Systems is a privately held subsidiary of Stibo Software Group, which guarantees the long-term perspective of the business through foundational ownership. More at https://www.stibosystems.com . For more information, please contact: Katherine Hahn Public Relations Manager [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2376823/Stibo_Systems_Skagerrak_RGB_Logo.jpg?p=medium600

Texans trying to get 'locked in' with Jags up nextBOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Zach Kittley ran one of the nation’s best offenses at Texas Tech. Florida Atlantic has given him a bigger challenge. Kittley — the Texas Tech offensive coordinator for the last three seasons — is the new head coach at FAU, with the deal getting announced on Monday night. Kittley met the Owls’ players at a team meeting not long after his agreement with FAU was finalized. “He is a man of high integrity and character, with an incredible reputation in the profession for player development,” FAU athletic director Brian White said. “Zach is one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game, and I am confident in his ability to build a championship program with an exciting brand of football that can be a source of pride for our fans, our alumni, and the FAU community.” The 33-year-old Kittley will be formally introduced at a news conference Friday, the school said. “I know we can win here, and we have tremendous leadership from the top down to create a championship program,” Kittley said. “I am excited to get to know the student-athletes, build a staff, and get out in the community, and engage our tremendous supporters.” Kittley is replacing Tom Herman, with two games left in his second year at the school. Kittley had stints as offensive coordinator at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky before returning to Texas Tech — his alma mater — in 2022 in the same role. The Red Raiders have averaged 435 yards per game over the last three seasons under Kittley, 22nd best among all FBS teams. This season saw the Red Raiders rank among the nation’s best offenses: They were eighth in yards per play, eighth in points per game, 10th in yards per game and did all that at a pace nearly unmatched nationally. Texas Tech averaged 78.25 plays per game this season, just behind Syracuse’s 78.33 for the national lead. As a student assistant, then graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech, Kittley helped coach Patrick Mahomes — the Kansas City Chiefs star, NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion — during his collegiate career. FAU President Stacy Volnick called Kittley “an ideal fit.” “What was clearly evident to me was Zach’s passion and excitement for the potential at Florida Atlantic,” Volnick said. “He is an incredibly impressive person. I am excited about his authenticity, his energy, and his family-oriented approach.” The Owls went 3-9 this season, their fourth consecutive losing record. Lane Kiffin went 27-13 with two bowl wins in his three seasons at FAU; the Owls are 22-35 in five seasons since Kiffin left for Ole Miss after the 2019 campaign. Kittley becomes the ninth coach in program history, after program founder Howard Schnellenberger, Carl Pelini, Brian Wright, Charlie Partridge, Kiffin, Willie Taggart, Herman and Chad Lunsford — the interim coach for the final two games this season. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and

Closure order for Northfleet property after crime and drugs complaintsPresident-elect Donald Trump has made a new round of selections for his administration while also changing up some staff he already named. In a series of Dec. 4 Truth Social posts, the incoming leader of the United States named many of the men and women on pace to serve on his team. Many names are familiar from the first administration, including Peter Navarro. Gary Gensler, the current chair of the SEC, has clamped down on cryptocurrency during his stint at the head of the agency, drawing the ire of many developers and investors in the sector. Atkins was an SEC commissioner under President George W. Bush. In addition, he belonged to Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum during his first term. Trump also named Michael Faulkender as deputy treasury secretary. That follows the president-elect’s decision to nominate financier Scott Bessent as secretary of the Treasury. Trump also picked Gail Slater to serve in a key antitrust role, as assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Slater served in multiple roles during the first Trump administration and is an ally of Vice President-elect JD Vance. The incoming administration has pledged to crack down on Big Tech. Navarro led the National Trade Council and the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy during Trump’s first term. Navarro, who has a doctorate in economics from Harvard University, served four months in prison earlier this year. He was convicted of contempt of Congress because he declined to appear before a congressional body investigating the events of Jan. 6, 2021. Podcaster and Trump ally Steve Bannon served a four-month sentence under similar circumstances. In addition, Trump selected Adam Boehler as a special envoy for hostage affairs. Boehler led the United States International Development Finance Corporation during the president-elect’s first term. Trump’s other Dec. 4 picks included Jared Isaacman, CEO of the defense aerospace firm Draken, to lead NASA. He announced that McGinley would instead be counsel to the Department of Government Efficiency, the time-limited presidential advisory commission that will be led by Ramaswamy and Elon Musk.

 

www free slots

2025-01-12
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as his nominee to l e ad the Labor Department . The Oregon House member who narrowly lost her reelection bid earlier this month received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce and its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health, safety and ability to unionize, and employers' rights to fire employees, among other responsibilities. “Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success - Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger and more Prosperous than ever before!” Trump said in a statement. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.lotsa slots

2,400 special buses to run from Hyderabad to Andhra during SankranthiWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has less than a month to go until his one-term presidency ends, and he is feeling reflective. He is voicing regrets about his decision not to sign his name to COVID-19 relief checks and about his longtime reputation — once considered a virtue — of being the poorest lawmaker in Congress. And now, with a planned visit to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican next month, the president is signaling that he may have additional issues on his mind. The visit, White House officials said as they issued a readout on Biden’s call with the pope last week, is officially to discuss world peace. But according to a person familiar with his plans for the trip, Biden is also going to the Holy See to seek solace and “relief” as he exits the world stage. Francis, that person said, has become an ally and sounding board, trading occasional phone calls with Biden. Some of those conversations have been casual check-ins of the “Hey, how you doing?” variety. Throughout his long career, Biden’s penchant for narrating his life experiences has shaped how the public understands him. We know the stories: Childhood struggles with a stutter created a scrappy, bully-fighting neighborhood crusader. Mistakes and bad timing upended earlier attempts at the nation’s highest office. And the devastating losses of his first wife and two children created a wellspring of resilience. But the regrets he has let slip in the lame-duck portion of his presidency are different from the traditional Biden lore he spun on his way up the ladder. As he makes his way down, his recent comments and actions reveal more about Biden’s thoughts on the current political landscape, one that is drastically different from the one he entered after winning his first Senate election in 1972. Despite being described by his allies as in a pensive, sometimes angry, mood as the end of his term approaches, the president has not made himself available to answer many questions about his recent actions, including his decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden. Still, in public appearances, the president has offered a few glimpses into what has weighed on him. Earlier this month, in remarks at the Brookings Institution in Washington, Biden spoke about his long-held belief that the key to strengthening the U.S. economy is through bolstering the middle class. But he paused just long enough to touch on a story that he has shared countless times as a candidate and officeholder. “For 36 years, I was listed as the poorest man in Congress,” he told the crowd with a laugh, before adding, “What a foolish man.” Given the current atmosphere, the joke carried the sting of bitter truth. The billionaires are at the White House gates, ushered in by voters who were again siding with a wealthy man whose politics are antithetical to Biden’s. In a month, Washington will be led again by Donald Trump, a man who has made no secret of his wealth or his appreciation for the wealth of others. One of his top advisers, Elon Musk, is by some counts the richest man in the world, and his first act of (unelected) political business this month was to try to goad congressional Republicans into a government shutdown. Aside from joking about his wealth, Biden has openly stewed over one of Trump’s flashier — and apparently effective — stunts as president. During the same speech at Brookings, Biden said he had been “stupid” not to sign his name to COVID stimulus checks that were distributed to Americans early in his term. Trump emblazoned his signature on checks distributed after a relief bill was passed in the spring of 2020. Biden and his advisers learned a little something from Trump’s tendency to scrawl his name on things. By 2023, signs touting infrastructure projects “funded by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” began popping up around the country. But those had little political impact compared with a signed check. Already, misleading stories are circulating on social media about Trump possibly bringing stimulus checks back in 2025, despite the fact that the president-elect has not detailed plans to issue more money. Perhaps more revealing about Biden’s list of regrets are the items that do not appear on it. The president does not regret debating Trump in June, an appearance that created a slow bleed in his support among Democrats and ended with his ouster as the party’s presidential nominee. Biden has privately told allies that he only regrets not changing the timing because he had a cold, and believes he would have performed better if he had been in better health. Biden has also not voiced much public regret for deciding to call his economic plan “Bidenomics,” though he has privately groused to allies about his dislike of the name. And while his administration has acknowledged mistakes during the chaotic and deadly troop pullout in Afghanistan in 2021, Biden does not regret pushing forward with the withdrawal.

JASPER, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- Kimball Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KE) was honored for achieving the Highest Overall Customer Ratings in seven categories of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY’S 2024 Service Excellence Awards: Dependability/Timely Delivery, Manufacturing Quality, Responsiveness, Technology, Value for the Price, Flexibility, and Overall Satisfaction. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121252822/en/ CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY, a leading industry publication covering the mixed-technology electronics assembly marketplace, recognized companies that received the highest customer service ratings, as judged by their own customers. The awards were recently presented during a ceremony at the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) International Conference. The awards are presented to outstanding Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers, as well as to suppliers of electronics assembly equipment, materials, and software. The results, based solely on direct customer input, are an indication of outstanding achievement in service excellence. Customers of the participants rated EMS providers in seven service categories: Dependability/Timely Delivery, Manufacturing Quality, Responsiveness, Technology, Value for the Price, Flexibility, and Overall Satisfaction. Kimball Electronics was honored for achieving the highest customer ratings in all seven service categories for EMS companies with annual sales over $500 million. Ric Phillips, the CEO of Kimball Electronics, expressed his pride in the team’s unwavering commitment to fostering long-term relationships with all customers, whether they are new or have been partners for many years. Phillips emphasized, “Receiving Service Excellence Awards in all seven categories is incredibly rewarding. Customers appreciate collaborating with a dedicated team that shares common goals and values.” He credited the hard work and commitment of the global Kimball Electronics team for enabling continuous improvement and providing service excellence to their customers. “We appreciate our customers for selecting Kimball Electronics as their preferred partner. Our dedication to exceptional customer service has been key in fostering enduring relationships. A big congratulations to our global team for embodying our guiding principles and consistently meeting or surpassing our customers’ expectations,” stated Kathy Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer of Kimball Electronics. Kimball Electronics has participated in the Service Excellence Awards for the past eleven consecutive years, winning awards for excellence in multiple categories in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. Kimball Electronics won the award for Highest Overall Customer Rating in 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2021. In 2022, Kimball Electronics received awards in all seven award categories, including two newly added categories. In 2023, Kimball Electronics received Highest Overall Customer Ratings in four of the seven categories. And now for 2024, Kimball Electronics received awards in all seven award categories. This is the 32nd year CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY has sponsored the awards program. About Kimball Electronics, Inc. Kimball Electronics is a global, multifaceted manufacturing solutions provider of electronics and diversified contract manufacturing services to customers around the world. From our operations in the United States, China, Mexico, Poland, Romania, and Thailand, our teams are proud to provide manufacturing services for a variety of industries. Recognized for a reputation of excellence, we are committed to a high-performance culture that values personal and organizational commitment to quality, reliability, value, speed, and ethical behavior. Kimball Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KE) is headquartered in Jasper, Indiana. To learn more about Kimball Electronics, visit: www.kimballelectronics.com . Lasting relationships. Global success. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121252822/en/ CONTACT: Mary Leah Siegel Senior Director, Brand Marketing 812.634.4000 kemarketing@kimballelectronics.com KEYWORD: INDIANA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING CHEMICALS/PLASTICS HEALTH AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL DEVICES HARDWARE OTHER MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES SOURCE: Kimball Electronics, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121252822/enLA Auto Show offers a look at classics and EV advancements all in one place

JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave,” he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in the cities of Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military didn't immediately respond to questions about Tedros' post but issued a statement saying it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel’s territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively.” The strikes came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad’s regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Iran-backed Houthis' media outlet confirmed the strikes in a Telegram post but gave no immediate details. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in Yemen in recent days. The United Nations has noted that the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014 . Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv . Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that the council condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying weapons to the rebels. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight , the territory's Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said that all were militants posing as reporters. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists were working for the local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, which ignited the war. The Israeli military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, had confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups operate political, media and charitable operations in addition to their armed wings. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. Sobbing young men attended the funeral outside the hospital. The bodies were wrapped in shrouds, with blue press vests draped over them. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel has banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accused six of its Gaza reporters of being militants . The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Separately, Israel's military said that a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza early Thursday. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation more than a year ago. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border in an attack on nearby army bases and farming communities. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities have been women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said that it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the name of the local news outlet is Al-Quds Today, not the Quds News Network. Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-warPTI founder not seeking relief for himself, clarifies Shibli Faraz Second part of our struggle is “peaceful protest”, says PTI senator Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Senator Shibli Faraz (left) and Omar Ayub Khan address a joint press conference in Islamabad on December 28, 2024. — GeoNews/Screengrab PTI leader and Leader of the Opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz on Saturday categorically rejected the “false perception” that incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan was seeking relief for himself in negotiations with the PML-N-led coalition government. Addressing a joint press confrere flanked by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Omar Ayub Khan and former speaker of the lower house Asad Qaiser, Faraz said: “PTI founder stands firm on its principled stance and serving jail terms for the sake of people.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August last year after he was sentenced in Toshakhana case-I — one of the dozens cases registered against the former premier since his ouster from power in April 2022. The coalition government and the embattled PTI finally came to the table earlier this week to defuse political tensions in the country. Negotiating committees, formed by the government and the PTI, conducted their much-hyped meeting in a conducive environment and resolved to continue the dialogue process. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who presided over the meeting, had said that the next session will be held on January 2 and PTI’s team would present a charter of their demands in the huddle. During the fresh interaction with journalist, Faraz accused the ruling coalition of spreading false propaganda that PTI founder was seeking relief for himself. He clarified that negations would be held on the point that “all the political prisoners” should be released. Contrary to Faraz’s claim, Qaiser on Tuesday disclosed that three key points were presented during negotiations with the government: an end to lawlessness in the country, the release of PTI’s founder Imran Khan and other political prisoners, and a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26. Responding to a question Faraz said that the PTI is a “peaceful” political party, adding that they were struggling for their rights within the ambit of the Constitution and the law. Referring to dozens of cases against PTI leadership, he said that they were fighting a legal battle in the court despite difficulties. The PTI leader said that the second part of their struggle was a “peaceful protest”. He alleged that the incumbent government was working as per the dictation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), adding that they don’t care about the people. The international lender in September approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan and under the deal, the government has to meet certain financial targets. Faraz said: “We reject fascist ideas and undemocratic thinking.” He said the coalition government would be responsible if the negation between the ruling alliance and PTI fails. For his part, PTI leader Omar said the incumbent government was toeing the line of IMF and treating the masses with cruelty. Expressing concerns over prevailing uncertainty in the country, he said that economic recovery and political stability were interlinked. The PTI leader also raised question over smuggling of petrol and diesel in the country.

UAE Tops Global Mobile Internet Speeds; India Ranks 25th Worldwide

Smart Money Is Betting Big In LRCX OptionsRemy Ma and Papoose furiously accuse each other of cheating as Claressa Shields is dragged into feud Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By SAMEER SURI FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:10 EST, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 15:39 EST, 12 December 2024 e-mail 32 shares 2 View comments Remy Ma and her husband Papoose waged an explosive war of words on Instagram this Thursday, furiously accusing each other of infidelity. The hip-hop power couple tied the knot in 2008, and a decade later they welcomed a daughter called Reminisce, who turns six on Saturday. Rumors have been swirling about the state of their marriage for a year, and now, they have plunged into a fiery social media feud. Over multiple Instagram posts, Remy, 44, accused Papoose, 46, of conducting an affair with professional boxer Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields, 29 . She shared screen-grabs of what she claimed were text conversations between Papoose and Claressa, purportedly backing up her claims. Papoose shot back, accusing Remy of 'repeatedly' cheating on him and alleging that he once 'knocked' her supposed lover 'out.' Remy Ma and her husband Papoose explosively confirmed their separation on Instagram this Thursday, furiously accusing each other of infidelity; pictured 2019 Early Thursday morning, Remy wrote on Instagram that 'papoose dum a** fell asleep on the phone with' Claressa as he lay 'in my house he refuses to leave.' She turned her attention to Claressa, sneering: 'This b**** supposed to be a world champion boxer and get scary a** hung up soon as she heard my voice,' and declaring: 'Nowwww I’m telling everything ohhhh and babygirl u not the only one.' The message was posted alongside an alleged screen-grab of a suggestive text conversation between Claressa and Papoose. One text, supposedly from Claressa, read in part: 'you are the one who is married! If you can't at least sleep on the phone with me or be with me in person... it shouldn't be a big deal to let me know you made it home safe.' Remy then wrote on her Insta Stories that Claressa and her 'sorry a** publicity team' had been 'putting out fake stories on me EVERYDAY to make me look bad and him look like gods gift for too long.' She alleged that she 'BEGGED' Papoose to 'put out something to stop the narrative,' but he advised her to 'stay quiet' as that was 'the best thing to do.' Remy then rounded on Claressa, taunting her by claiming that Papoose 'said he would never f*** your cuz you ugly but don't worry I saw EVERYTHING now the world gonna see it since u so tough boo.' Papoose retaliated by posting - then deleting - an Instagram rant in which he accused Remy of infidelity and said he confronted her supposed lover last year. Over multiple Instagram posts, Remy, 44, accused Papoose, 46, of conducting an affair with professional boxer Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields, 29 (pictured last week) Remy and Papoose tied the knot in 2008, and a decade later they welcomed a daughter called Reminisce, who turns six on Saturday; Remy is pictured in 2021 Remy has shared screen-grabs of what she claimed were text conversations between Papoose and Claressa, purportedly backing up her claims; Claressa is pictured in 2022 Read More BET Awards 2024: Remy Ma goes nearly naked in bejeweled dress as she makes first public appearance since her son was arrested for execution-style murder 'I knocked him out because he shook my hand. And then slept with my wife,' he asserted, alleging further that Remy then spent four days with her purported lover over Christmas 2023 while Papoose looked after Reminisce. In a follow-up post, Papoose denounced Remy as a 'narcissist' who allegedly 'chose to cheat repeatedly' and began 'playing the victim' once he 'moved on' from her. 'I have requested a divorce numerous times,' he wrote. 'She rather clout chase on social media. Than handle this like civilized adults.' Remy responded with another broadside on her Instagram page, posting what she claimed was a screen-grab of Claressa's texts to Papoose. In the grab, the boxer allegedly urged Papoose to 'do something today' about Remy's public statements because Claressa's movie The Fire Inside will be released Christmas Day and her PR team would 'freak out' over the unfolding drama. 'Papoose u f*ckin Dummy!' Remy wrote in the caption accompanying the supposed screen-grab. 'Hey Ms Shields, he took your advice but not before I screenshot yall convo . Oh , he was getting me arrested, the woman that NEVER f***ed off on him in 17 years! While plotting with ONE OF his chicks to try to destroy me.' Remy told her Instagram followers that 'if anything sexual leaks about me it was him,' claiming that Papoose 'threatened' just such a leak. Not long after, Remy posted another supposed text message screen-grab - this one allegedly showing Claressa confessing she was 'not happy' with Papoose. Early Thursday , Remy wrote on Instagram that 'papoose dum a** fell asleep on the phone with' Claressa, and posted an alleged screen-grab of Claressa and Papoose texting Remy then wrote on her Insta Stories that Claressa and her 'sorry a** publicity team' had been 'putting out fake stories on me EVERYDAY' In a follow-up post, Papoose denounced Remy as a 'narcissist' who allegedly 'chose to cheat repeatedly' and began 'playing the victim' once he 'moved on' from her Remy responded with another broadside on her Instagram page, posting what she claimed was a screen-grab of Claressa's texts to Papoose Not long after, Remy posted another supposed text message screen-grab - this one allegedly showing Claressa confessing she was 'not happy' with Papoose Papoose issued a retort on his own Insta Stories, specifically addressing Remy's allegation that he had gotten her arrested 'Play with police?' Remy shot back on her own Insta Stories, accusing Papoose of 'attacking me in the garage' 'I ask for gifts I'm trippin, I express I'd like flowers im trippin, I want time set aside dedicated to me im trippin, I don't know how to feel..... I'm just laying here feeling... stupid,' read a text claimed to be from Claressa. 'Hey Ms. Shields,' Remy wrote in her caption: 'I am a ONE boyfriend woman, the same way I was a ONE husband woman. And I’m a good woman at that.Hence why mfs won’t just go. Oh & He’s never gonna buy you anything cuz he thinks HE’S the prize he’s a taker not a giver. Plus I’m the one with the bag lol.' She dismissed Papoose's claims, writing: '#HeNEVERknockedNobodyOut,' and jeering at Claressa: '#AndNeitherWillYouSoRelax.' Papoose issued a retort on his own Insta Stories, specifically addressing Remy's allegation that he had gotten her arrested. 'I will never get anyone arrested. Once again you are lying!! That can be easily verified. You are the one who play with police,' he wrote. He added: 'Falsifying text messages that you claim are from over a decade ago. Just to create a false narrative, and justify cheating is narcissistic behavior.' 'Play with police?' Remy shot back on her own Insta Stories, accusing Papoose of 'attacking me in the garage' to the point that the workers remodeling their swimming pool allegedly 'called the cops to get you off me'. Instagram Claressa Shields Share or comment on this article: Remy Ma and Papoose furiously accuse each other of cheating as Claressa Shields is dragged into feud e-mail 32 shares Add comment

None

The City of Whiting said in a social media post that the leak location was identified and isolated, and vacuum trucks were dispatched to clean up the leak. "The City of Whiting has received information that BP is aware of odors coming from one of their underground small supply lines located in Whiting, Indiana and has activated crews to respond," it said in the post. BP said it is doing additional air monitoring as a precautionary measure. "BP is monitoring air emissions for elevated levels of contaminants that could pose a risk to public health," the company said in a statement. "No elevated readings have been detected. The safety of BP responders, the community and the environment remain BP's highest priority." Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts BP recently reached a settlement with regulators to install more air monitors, including one air monitor within the refinery fence line, three new monitors along the fence line and 10 new monitors outside the fence line. It's supposed to publish the data online for the public review. It's the second straight winter the BP Whiting Refinery has had operational issues. In January, the former Standard Oil Refinery on the shores of Lake Michigan suffered a valve leak and release of liquified petroleum gas from a second tank during subzero temperatures. In February, a power outage shut down the refinery, resulting in an evacuation, Indianapolis Boulevard being closed off, flaring that resulted in soaring columns of flame, thick black smoke and a stench that could reportedly be smelled as far away as Chicago's far South Side and the south suburbs. The incident resulted in public outcry among environmentalists and neighbors who felt they were not being communicated to adequately about potential threats to their health, including the risk of an explosion when surplus gases were being burned off in protracted flaring during the shutdown. The sprawling refinery stretches along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Whiting, Hammond and East Chicago. It supplies gas to seven Midwestern states, jet fuel to Chicago's airports and 7% of the nation's asphalt. Founded in 1889, the BP Whiting Refinery produces more than 400,000 barrels a day. It employs 1,300 workers and around 1,400 contractors, having spent more than $1 billion on vendors last year.Disney influencer Dominique Brown dies after medical emergency at event

 

vip slots

2025-01-12
online slots free
online slots free

US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer saysAP News Summary at 3:02 p.m. EST



NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in remarks at Mar-a-Lago . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have now poured millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to publish a blog post outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company’s president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to ease up on antitrust enforcement and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting a breakup of the company isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine an illegal monopoly . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to $13.7 billion in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was eventually vindicated after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump recounted in a podcast in October. Trump hosted Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Neither Apple nor the Trump transition team has commented on the nature of their discussions. Altman , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win.British Columbia business owner Joe Chaput will spend $5,500 a month on security guards during the holiday season and plans on upgrading his store’s video camera system for around $5,000 more. He’s not selling luxury brands or expensive jewels. Chaput sells cheese, and at Christmas, cheese is a hot commodity. He is the co-owner of specialty cheese store les amis du Fromage, with two locations in Vancouver. While cheeselifting is rare in their Kitsilano store, the outlet in East Vancouver is hit in waves, with nothing happening for a month, then three of four people trying to steal their inventory within a week. “Sometimes, you miss it. Sometimes, you catch it. The way shoplifters behave ... they tend to gravitate toward expensive things,” said Chaput. Expensive cheese is on shoplifters’ Christmas list, he said. “They tend to do the classic examples of staying away from customer service and trying to go to a different part of the store so they can be left alone to steal.” Chaput isn’t alone. Police say food-related crimes on are the rise in Canada and as prices climb for items such as cheese and butter, they become lucrative on the black market for organized crime groups, not to mention theft for local resale. Sylvain Charlebois, the director of Dalhousie University’s Agri-food Analytics Lab, said a black market tends to emerge as soon as food prices surge. “Organized crime will steal anything (if) they know they can sell it and so, they probably would have known who their clients are before even stealing anything at all, and that’s how a black market is organized,” said Charlebois. He said he believes there are two categories of people shoplifting — those who do so out of desperation because they can’t afford the food, or organized criminals, profiting from sales on the black market. Mounties in North Vancouver made cheesy headlines when they ran into a man with a cart of stolen cheese in the middle of the night in September. The cheese, valued at $12,800, was from a nearby Whole Foods Store. While the cheese was recovered, it had to be disposed of because it hadn’t been refrigerated. Const. Mansoor Sahak, with the North Vancouver RCMP, said officers believe cheese is targeted because it’s “profitable to resell.” “If they are drug addicts, they will commit further crimes with that or feed their drug habits. It’s a vicious cycle,” said Sahak. Sahak said meat is also a top target for grocery thieves, with store losses sometimes in the thousands. “So, we’re not surprised that this happened,” said Sahak. Police in Ontario have been chasing down slippery shoplifters going after butter. Scott Tracey, a spokesman with Guelph Police Service, said there have been eight or nine butter thefts over the last year, including one theft last December worth $1,000. In October, two men walked into a local grocer and filled their carts with cases of butter valued at $936, and four days later a Guelph grocer lost four cases valued at $958. Tracey said he has looked at online marketplaces and found listings by people selling 20 or 30 pounds of butter at a time. “Clearly, somebody didn’t accidentally buy 30 extra pounds of butter. So, they must have come from somewhere,” said Tracey, “I think at this point it appears to be the black market is where it’s headed.” He said the thefts seem to be organized, with two or three people working together in each case. Police in Brantford, Ont., are also investigating the theft of about $1,200 worth of butter from a store on Nov. 4. Charlebois said retailers could invest in prevention technologies like electronic tags, but putting them on butter or cheese is rare. He said up until recently grocery store theft has been a “taboo subject for many years.” Stores didn’t wanted to talk about thefts because they didn’t want to alarm people but now they feel they need to build awareness about what is “becoming a huge problem,” said Charlebois. Chaput, the cheese store owner, said he had been running the East Vancouver store for 15 years while managing the store in Kitsilano for 30 years, and he loves his customers. “It’s really one of the best parts of our businesses, seeing familiar faces and making new customers. It’s why we come to work, really. Partly it’s the cheese, and partly it’s the people,” said Chaput. He said his strategy to combat would-be thieves is to give them extra customer service to make it harder for them to steal. He admits, however, that the shoplifting causes him stress. “It’s challenging. You’re busy trying to run your business day to day and take care of customers and take care of employees. Having to deal with criminals, just kind of scratches away. It can be a bit exhausting,” said Chaput.Holiday catalogs getting smaller( MENAFN - GetNews) The top online retailer of high-quality nicotine pouches is thrilled to inform its customers about its enlarged assortment of five-star tobacco-free products for particular customers worldwide. Nicoprof, a quality, affordable, and effective delivery-focused company, offers a broad range of European nicotine pouch brands, giving Americans flawless access to even the most popular ones. Nicoprof 's wide range of products includes well-liked brands such as ZYN, Killa, Iceberg, Pablo, Velo, and many others, so everyone has a choice, from the light user to the one who prefers very strong stuff. Through competitive pricing and a great online shopping experience, the platform intends to make buying nicotine pouches as convenient and affordable as possible. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are products that do not cause smoke, stay away from the“'tar,” and do not involve combustion. They are placed under the lip inconspicuously, thus providing a modern solution for those who want a cleaner alternative to smoking while still experiencing the same level of satisfaction. Nicoprof's collection of fresh, fruity, and extra-strong flavors gives a different taste experience with different nicotine strengths for smokers. Client favorites, such as CAMO Ice Mint (50 mg), Iceberg Sour Berries (150mg), and ZYN Cucumber Lime Slim (8mg), which have quickly appeared to be the top-selling products, serve consumers with both variety and potency. Nicoprof, specializing in handpicked premium European brands now in the U.S. at reasonable prices, is a case in point of such an eclectic mix. The company is an intermediary between Europe and the United States in unveiling new technologies. In the process, they cater to the American market by sending top-grade items to the customers through the delivery service, ranging from one to five days. This accessibility and efficiency that Nicoprof is giving to their clients are creating and sustaining positive feedback from the clients, adding to their remarkable reputation worldwide. Buyers can explore a wide range of catalogs containing both common and niche brands that are perfectly competitive in their prices. Items like Killa, Pablo, and Iceberg, which intensify the sensations, are habitual users' favorites. On the other hand, ZYN and Velo are the ones most people say are the best, and they go for much gentler ones. The platform is equipped with campaigns and discounted items such as CAMO Ice Citrus (50mg) and CAMO Mango Mint (50mg), products that give access to top-quality nicotine pouches at affordable rates. Even though nicotine is still addictive, without tobacco or smoke, nicotine pouches have become a way for consumers to get a cleaner and less obvious experience. At Nicoprof, customers can choose from a wide range of strengths and flavors, such as mild ones like ZYN's Cucumber Lime or Iceberg's Double Mint, which give up to 150mg of nicotine for a more solid experience. Products from brands like Pablo, which are known for high nicotine levels, are targeted at veterans. CAMO and KLINT products with mint and fruit flavors are a unique slowdown for the die-hard crowd and sweet lovers. Items like Calm Green Apple and Calm Spearmint, which come with levels of 19.9mg, are the ideal balance between flavor and intensity, thus covering a wide spectrum of consumer preferences. Shipping remains a cornerstone of Nicoprof's operations, with affordable and timely delivery to customers worldwide. Orders are processed efficiently, ensuring that products reach their destinations within the promised timeframe of one to five days. Additionally, the platform's 14-day return policy demonstrates its commitment to customer care, offering users peace of mind with every purchase. As more consumers seek alternatives to traditional smoking, the appeal of nicotine pouches lies in their convenience, discretion, and variety. Brands like Iceberg and Siberia are renowned for their strength, delivering a powerful experience for users seeking high nicotine content . In contrast, brands like KLINT and Kelly White provide milder options with refreshing flavors. This diversity ensures that Nicoprof remains the go-to destination for customers buying nicotine pouches online. Nicoprof has achieved excellence by focusing on quality and customer happiness. Thus, the platform caters to a wide range of nicotine pouch users who demand flavorsome, innovative, and strong products through its portfolio. Its vast array of products, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service make it different from others and allow it to be a reliable source of nicotine-free options. Nicoprof offers a facile shopping experience from top brands such as ZYN and Killa to special products like Cuba and FIX among customers who prefer premium European products. Furthermore, besides its myriad products, Nicoprof also has a blog that acts as a customer reference. The blog articles highlight product storage, brand comparisons, and discount options. Recent articles, such as "Top 5 Cuba Pouches To Be Perfectly Buzzed" and "ZYN Discount Codes: Where To Find?" clearly show the site's commitment to helping and interacting with its customers. Such sources supply users with highly valuable knowledge, which not only improves their skills but also facilitates them to make competent choices while buying nicotine pouches. MENAFN17122024003238003268ID1109004799 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of US economy's health WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, a solid increase and higher than October’s 0.5% gain. The boost in spending underscores that the economy is still growing at a healthy pace even with higher interest rates, a trend that could cause the Federal Reserve to lower borrowing costs more slowly next year than they have previously signaled. Tuesday’s report arrives just a day before the Fed is set to announce its latest rate decision Wednesday. Americans end 2024 with grim economic outlook, but Republicans are optimistic for 2025: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that Democrats are feeling more pessimistic about the U.S. economy after Donald Trump's victory. Republicans, meanwhile, are still dour about the current state of the economy but hopeful that growth will be stronger next year when Trump returns to the White House as president. The latest survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggests that some Americans are evaluating the economy more by who holds political power than on what the underlying trends suggest. This was a persistent challenge for President Joe Biden and raises the possibility that Trump might also struggle to translate his economic ideas into political wins. Biden calls for ban on congressional stock trading WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has endorsed a ban on congressional stock trading in an interview that’s being released this week. It's the first time he's publicly backed the idea. He made the comments to Faiz Shakir, a political adviser for Sen. Bernie Sanders. Shakir interviewed the Democratic president for A More Perfect Union, a pro-labor advocacy and journalism organization. The Associated Press reviewed a video of the interview before its release. A bipartisan proposal to ban trading by members of Congress and their families has dozens of sponsors, but it has not received a vote. What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump? NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. The tech list includes Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Meanwhile, the list of what the executives may be hoping for includes an open path toward developing artificial intelligence, easier access to energy for data centers and an easing of antitrust enforcement. Federal Reserve is likely to slow its rate cuts with inflation pressures still elevated WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping for lower borrowing costs for homes, credit cards and cars may be disappointed after this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. The Fed’s policymakers are likely to signal fewer interest rate cuts next year than were previously expected. The officials are set to reduce their benchmark rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, by a quarter-point to about 4.3% when their meeting ends Wednesday. The problem is that while inflation has dropped far below its peak of 9.1% in mid-2022, it remains stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target. Why is tech giant SoftBank investing over $100 billion in the US? BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son has joined President-elect Donald Trump in announcing plans by technology and telecoms giant SoftBank Group to invest $100 billion in projects in the United States. Trump said the investments would create 100,000 jobs over four years, twice what Son promised when he pledged $50 billion in U.S. investments in 2016. Son is known for making bold choices, sometimes paying big and sometimes not. SoftBank has investments in dozens of Silicon Valley startups, big companies like semiconductor maker Arm and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. The stock market rally and craze for AI has boosted the value of its assets, but some question if its investments will create that many jobs. Business owners should not forget anti-money laundering rule currently in legal limbo Small business owners should not forget about a rule that requires them to register with an agency called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1. The registration is part of the Corporate Transparency Act passed in 2021. Registering isn’t difficult, but if a small business owner is unaware of the requirement, they could be slapped with penalties of up to $10,000. For now, the rule is in legal limbo. On Dec. 3 a federal court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting enforcement of the rule. Stellantis pledges invest $2.1 million in Italian production in 2025 during talks with government MILAN (AP) — The Stellantis automaker has pledged to invest 2 billion euros or $2.1 billion in Italian production next year and spend another 6 billion euros or $6.3 billion in the supply chain. The head of European operations for the world's fifth-largest carmaker made the pledge during a meeting with Italian ministers, regional officials and unions following the forced resignation of former CEO Carlos Tavares earlier this month. The Italian government was seeking reassurances of Stellantis' commitment to Italy. Billion-dollar donation from Netflix's Reed Hastings leads 2024's list of biggest gifts Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg made the largest contributions in 2024, and financial aid, especially for medical students, got most of the money. The Chronicle’s annual list of the biggest charitable donations from individuals or their foundations totaled nearly $6 billion in 2024, with half of that coming from three contributions of $1 billion or more each. Two of those three gifts went to medical schools to provide financial aid. Altogether, four of the top donations on the list, totaling $2.3 billion, went to support financial aid. Stock market today: Wall Street trims its stellar gains as Nvidia's star dims again NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are trimming some of their stellar gains for the year. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% in Tuesday afternoon trading, though it’s still near its all-time high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 343 points, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.4% from its record set the day before. Nvidia, the superstar stock that’s been a big reason for Wall Street’s run to records this year, fell toward its eighth loss in the last nine days. Treasury yields held relatively steady after sales at U.S. retailers strengthened by more than expected. Bitcoin set another record.What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?Valve's innovative handheld, the Deck, was hugely popular at launch - and it's no surprise. The bridges the gap between PC and handheld gaming, allowing you to play your Steam library on the go. The Steam Deck isn't perfect, however, so it was welcome news when Valve released the , an upgraded version of the handheld that adds an screen and promises better battery life and performance. But is the Steam Deck OLED worth buying over the original model? We've put the Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED through their paces, and we're here to tell you the key similarities and differences between them so you can decide which is worth your hard-earned cash. Once you decide which to get, make sure you fill your Steam library with the and . You can buy the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED directly from the Valve via the . Fortunately, while stock was hard to get when both first launched, it's now much easier, with Valve estimating delivery in three to five days. At the time of writing, there's only one Steam Deck model available: the 256GB LCD version. This model costs $399 / £349 / AU$649 and comes with a carry bundle and a Steam profile bundle. Unsurprisingly, the Steam Deck OLED is more expensive, but there are two models available. The 512GB Steam Deck OLED is priced at $549 / £479.00 / AU$899 and comes with a carry case and Steam profile bundle, like the LCD model. If you want more storage and don't mind spending a bit more, you can get the 1TB Steam Deck OLED for $649 / £569 / AU$1049, which comes with a Steam profile bundle, exclusive startup movie, keyboard theme, and a carry case with a removable liner. The 512GB OLED model is just over $100 more than the LCD model but offers twice the storage and several other improvements highlighted below. As such, it's worth considering spending that extra cash to get the latest model if you can afford it, especially if you have a chunky Steam library. In my opinion, if you plan to pick up an OLED, the 512GB model is the best option unless you plan to make use of that 1TB of space. While these handhelds are still pricey, they're good value when you consider gaming PCs are easily over $1000 - and you can't take them on the go. Here is the full list of specs for the Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED. There aren't many major differences between the design of the Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED. The biggest is, of course, that the OLED has a 7-inch OLED screen, while the Steam Deck has a 7-inch LCD screen. This means the OLED offers more vivid visuals with brighter contrast and richer color than the Steam Deck. During testing, we found the difference between the two to be noticeable. This screen doesn't make the Steam Deck OLED larger than the Steam Deck, though. The two have the same dimensions, and the OLED is actually slightly lighter than the Steam Deck. It's worth noting, however, that the size of both models means they aren't as portable as the , for example. The two models also have the same overall form factor and sleek black colorway, though there are some minor differences in the OLED's design, such as an orange power button instead of a black one. Regardless of which model you go for, both boast a high-quality build and great design. This is where the differences between the Steam Deck OLED and the Steam Deck become more apparent. Firstly, there's the storage capacity. The Steam Deck LCD currently only comes in a 256GB model, while the OLED is available in 512GB or 1TB. This means the OLED can store more than two to three times more games than the Steam Deck, and you can fit several sizeable games on your handheld before you need to make room. In addition, the slight improvement in memory means the OLED should run a bit faster than its predecessor, while improved WiFi and Bluetooth make connectivity more efficient. Then there's the screen itself. In addition to more vivid visuals, the OLED's screen refresh rate is up to 90Hz, as opposed to the 60Hz of the Steam Deck. This means your games are more likely to perform well and your frame rate to remain steady, but don't expect flawless performance with either device. During testing, we found several "Deck Verified" titles still struggled on the Steam Deck OLED. Perhaps the most welcome difference between the Steam Deck OLED and the Steam Deck, though, is the increased battery life of the OLED. The Steam Deck's battery life has always been contentious, as it only allows for two to eight hours of play. The Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, allows for three to 12 hours. If performance and battery life are important factors for you when choosing a handheld, the Steam Deck OLED is definitely the better machine. While the Steam Deck is reliable, the OLED addresses some of its issues - just don't expect perfection. The Steam Deck OLED is the definitive Steam Deck model, offering improved visuals and performance alongside a longer-life battery. While the Steam Deck is a solid handheld if you're on a tighter budget, the OLED is better for future-proofing, especially as games become increasingly demanding on hardware. Just be aware that both models can struggle with certain games and aren't the easiest to take with you on the go. If these are deal-breaking factors for you, you can find great alternatives on our list of the .New 3D printing technique traps CO2 in concrete, boosts strength by 45%

COLLEGE PARK — Off to its best start in six years, the Maryland women’s basketball team took the court Sunday against No. 19 Michigan State looking to prove its unbeaten record was more than the result of a relatively soft early-season schedule. In their first major test in more than a month, the No. 8 Terps built a large early lead, took the Spartans’ best counterpunch and pulled it out in the end, getting key plays down the stretch — including a layup by Christina Dalce with 36 seconds left — to help secure a hard-earned 72-66 win before an announced 9,200 at Xfinity Center. “Every league game is going to be like this. It’s going to be every possession matters,” Maryland coach Brenda Frese said. “I thought we were really resilient when you talk about staying the course for 40 minutes.” “Confidence can’t be shaken when you have so much trust and love for each other, and I think we proved that tonight,” guard Shyanne Sellers said. “I think we put our best foot forward today. It’s huge ... It’s a great win for us, but we’re not done yet.” With the win, the Terps (2-0 in the Big Ten) are off to a 12-0 start for the first time since 2018, despite a roster that includes 10 newcomers and seven transfers. To match the school-record 18-0 start of 2006, however, they still have plenty of work ahead of them, with tough matchups against No. 4 Southern California and No. 5 Texas on tap over the next three weeks. “It’s one of the most competitive groups I’ve ever coached,” Frese said. “It’s not really about being undefeated. Of course, we love it. ... I think it shows the work that they’re putting in. But for us, as long as we just continue to keep our head down and work hard through this process, I think that’s where you’re seeing the results pay off. This group hates to lose, and that’s where you want to be as a coaching staff.” Maryland forward Christina Dalce celebrates with Saylor Poffenbarger against Michigan State on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Xfinity Center in College Park. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Maryland guard Kaylene Smikle drives against Michigan State on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Xfinity Center in College Park. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Maryland guard Bri McDaniel puts up a shot against Michigan State on Sunday. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers drives against Michigan State on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Xfinity Center in College Park. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Maryland guard Kaylene Smikle celebrates a basket against Michigan State on Sunday at Xfinity Center in College Park. Smikle scored a team-high 19 points. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Maryland coach Brenda Frese waves during a game against Michigan State on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Xfinity Center in College Park. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Maryland forward Christina Dalce celebrates with Saylor Poffenbarger against Michigan State on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Xfinity Center in College Park. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics) Kaylene Smikle scored 19 points to lead four players in double figures for the Terps, who built a 37-20 lead after a pair of free throws by Bri McDaniel (12 pounds) midway through the second quarter. But Michigan State (11-2, 1-1) clawed back into it with intense half-court defense, forcing 15 second-half turnovers and scoring nine straight points to open the fourth quarter. When Spartans guard Theryn Hallock (20 points) drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 6:06 to play, Michigan State had tied it at 57. In desperate need of a score, the Terps turned to guard Saylor Poffenbarger, who answered with a 3-pointer of her own to break a 4:54 scoreless streak to start the fourth quarter and give her team the lead for good. “Ironically, we had a whole lesson about momentum yesterday,” Poffenbarger said. “They obviously were going on a run, and I think just getting the momentum back on our side was really important for us. I think that shot did that for us.” Almost. The Spartans still one more run in them, getting the lead to two when Jadden Simmons sank a 3-pointer with 51 seconds left. The Terps, however, were then able to close it out, with Dalce first scoring a key layup, then stealing the ball from Hallock in the paint at the other end. Teammates Sarah Te-Biasu and Sellers each hit one of two free throws to seal the win, as the Terps closed out the game with 15 of the final 24 points. All told, Michigan State shot 32% from the field, including 6 of 24 from 3-point range. “It was probably one of our better defensive efforts,” Frese said. “You could tell the will to really get stops at the defensive end.” The schedule only becomes more difficult from here, with six more opponents currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25. There are now six other Big Ten teams in the poll. “It will be the hardest conference slate we’ve ever faced, [and] I love to be facing it with this team,” Frese said. “With 18 conference games [and] only one team is a double, every gamer matters. Now you have head-to-head if it comes down to a tiebreaker with Michigan State. ... Our players love to be in these games, in these big moments. Fortunately for us, there’s a lot more to go.” Thursday, 7 p.m. Big Ten PlusBob Lee verdict: Cash App creator’s killer found guilty of second-degree murderTo minimize our rice importation, we must spend our irrigation money wisely. But first, let us understand our rice import situation today. The reason why the Philippines is the world’s top rice importer was given by Paul John Caña. He quotes from the book “Why Does the Philippine Import Rice,” which states: “Several answers have been given to this question, many of which injure national pride by alluding to bad politicians, corruption, incompetence or laziness. But the real answer is not so bad: In a word, it is geography. ” We import rice because we are composed of islands with no major deltas like Thailand and Vietnam. The major rice exporters are all in the Southeast Asian mainland (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar). The importers are all archipelagos or narrow peninsulas (the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea and Malaysia). READ: Marcos: New dams, river projects to lessen flooding in Cagayan Valley The book continues: “The fact that countries remain in one club or the other for long periods of time suggests that some deep force is at work. That deep force is endowments of land and water. Thailand has four times the arable land per person versus the Philippines.” Given this difficult situation, it is necessary that we choose the best ways to use our irrigation money to produce the most rice per peso spent. But in the past, Congress has chosen to spend too much of the available money on new irrigation when other alternatives are more cost-efficient. This is because new irrigation is perceived to get more votes than these other alternatives. Last Nov. 19, we talked to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) head Eduardo Guillen and National Confederation of Irrigators Association president Remy Albano. They recommended three more cost-efficient options compared to new irrigation, which averages P1.3 million a hectare. The first is to spend it on repairs and restoration. This would cost P500,000 per hectare, or 38 percent of the cost of new irrigation. With the same amount of money, we can produce 2.6 times the volume of new irrigation. READ: NIA’s solar irrigation project a game-changer for farmers, food security The second alternative is even more attractive. When irrigation does not work because of no energy, solar-powered systems can be used at only P250,000 per hectare. This means more than five times the benefit of new irrigation. Despite this, it is often shelved in favor of new irrigation. The third is to have solar-powered irrigation in traditionally nonirrigable areas. Irrigation is usually done only on land with a slope grade of 3 percent. But irrigation is not just for rice. Solar-powered irrigation can be used for high-value crops grown in mountainous areas, with the land sloping at up to 31 percent. This costs P750,000 per hectare. It yields a very high rate of return from these crops that sell for much higher prices than rice. In addition to choosing the optimal mode of irrigation, other factors should be considered to optimize its use. A new rice road map group, with Hazel Tanchuling as chair and Raul Montemayor as cochair, discusses the importance of considering climate change forecasts when deciding when to plant. Guiller, the NIA administrator, added that planting should no longer be done the traditional way in irrigated areas. Instead, planting should be timed to avoid the dangerous typhoons that cause havoc to rice production. But since this is against farmers’ culture and tradition, a system should be put in place to motivate this new behavior. An example will be to time the provision of inputs such as water, seeds and fertilizers so that the planting is done at the optimal time. Another key factor is clustering. Irrigation done in clustered areas will result in economies of scale. This will be seen in the different areas of production, credit, marketing and technology transfer. In addition, irrigation must be part of a holistic agriculture development plan. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Because of geography, we may have no choice but to import rice. However, we should be replacing these imports through wise water use. Choosing the right way of spending irrigation money based on the expected return on investment, instead of perceived political benefit, must now be done by Congress. This must be supplemented by good management using factors like timing, clustering and the other components necessary for a complete approach. We can then move closer to true food security.

Srinagar, Nov 22: In a remarkable achievement for the region, a 22-month-old girl successfully underwent cochlear implant surgery today at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. This milestone marks only the second time in north India that the advanced “SmartNav” electrode insertion monitoring software was utilized during the procedure, heralding a new era in patient care and precision surgery. The surgery was performed by Dr Rohan Gupta, ENT Consultant at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. Alongside that surgery, another cochlear implant procedure was successfully carried out on a two-year-old child. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has been a pioneer in this field, having initiated cochlear implant surgeries in 2017 and successfully treating close to 100 patients, including bilateral implants and cases as young as 14 months old. Dr Rohan Gupta described the SmartNav software as a “game changer,” emphasising its role in enhancing surgical precision, reducing radiation exposure, and improving patient safety. He explained the software’s findings to parents post-surgery, who were overjoyed to see real-time data confirming the successful placement and functionality of the electrodes. Dr M M Mathavan, Facility Director, highlighted that adopting cutting-edge technologies like SmartNav reflects the hospital’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class healthcare, setting a benchmark in cochlear implant procedures in the region. Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, expressed pride in the hospital’s achievements and emphasized the Shrine Board’s role in making such advanced treatments available locally. He stated, “Thanks to the Shrine Board’s commitment, families no longer need to leave the state to seek specialized care for their children with hearing loss. Our focus has always been on enabling comprehensive, high-quality care here at home, allowing families to receive the best medical attention without the financial and emotional strain of traveling out of state.” Dr Yashpal Sharma commended the hospital team for their dedication, saying, “With a skilled team and cutting-edge technology, the Cochlear Implant Program at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has become a pillar of hope for families in the region. Our mission is not only to treat hearing loss but also to build a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We will continue to set new benchmarks in ENT and cochlear implant surgeries ensuring families have access to the best possible care Dr Rohan Gupta expressed his deep gratitude to Dr Yashpal Sharma, acknowledging his guidance and support. “Dr Yashpal Sharma’s leadership has been crucial in the growth and success of our Cochlear Implant Program. His vision inspires us to keep advancing and to make a difference in the lives of children with hearing loss.” This achievement reinforces Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital’s position as a leader in cochlear implant surgeries, transforming lives and helping families access world-class healthcare right here in the region.AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:07 p.m. ESTMy Experience With Miracle Smile Magic Flosser – Trusted Review 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? Clearing the way for AI development A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company’s president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Easier energy for data centers Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. Changing the antitrust discussion “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Fending off the EU Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to 13 billion euros ($13.7 billion) in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump in October. Trump hosted Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Neither Apple nor the Trump transition team has commented on the nature of their discussions. Making amends? , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. The Associated Press

What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?We Recovered N10.9 Billion in VAT, Tracked Projects Worth N610 Billion in One Year, Says ICPC Chair

Impact Of Growing Online Shopping Adoption: A Key Driver Transforming The Photo Printing And Merchandise Market 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in remarks at Mar-a-Lago . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have now poured millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to publish a blog post outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company’s president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to ease up on antitrust enforcement and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting a breakup of the company isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine an illegal monopoly . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to $13.7 billion in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was eventually vindicated after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump recounted in a podcast in October. Trump hosted Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Neither Apple nor the Trump transition team has commented on the nature of their discussions. Altman , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.

 

xmas delivery slots 2023

2025-01-13
pragmatic play slots
pragmatic play slots

Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed their overweight rating on shares of Symbotic ( NASDAQ:SYM – Free Report ) in a report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $60.00 price objective on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Vertical Research began coverage on shares of Symbotic in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They issued a “hold” rating and a $45.00 price objective on the stock. Needham & Company LLC upped their price objective on shares of Symbotic from $40.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday. KeyCorp upped their price objective on shares of Symbotic from $40.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday. Robert W. Baird cut their price objective on shares of Symbotic from $53.00 to $41.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Craig Hallum cut their price target on shares of Symbotic from $54.00 to $45.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $44.31. Read Our Latest Analysis on Symbotic Symbotic Trading Up 6.9 % Symbotic ( NASDAQ:SYM – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 18th. The company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.05. Symbotic had a negative net margin of 0.32% and a positive return on equity of 6.54%. The firm had revenue of $576.77 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $470.24 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.08) earnings per share. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 47.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Symbotic will post 0.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, Director Todd Krasnow sold 2,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.75, for a total value of $37,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 214,036 shares in the company, valued at $4,013,175. The trade was a 0.93 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, CFO Carol J. Hibbard sold 22,821 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.96, for a total transaction of $660,896.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 34,188 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $990,084.48. This represents a 40.03 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 49,878 shares of company stock valued at $1,378,056 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 38.30% of the company’s stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Symbotic Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Castleview Partners LLC raised its position in Symbotic by 50.0% during the third quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 1,500 shares of the company’s stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI acquired a new position in Symbotic during the third quarter worth $49,000. RiverPark Advisors LLC raised its position in Symbotic by 147.1% during the third quarter. RiverPark Advisors LLC now owns 2,034 shares of the company’s stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 1,211 shares during the period. RFP Financial Group LLC raised its position in Symbotic by 22.4% during the second quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC now owns 1,692 shares of the company’s stock worth $59,000 after acquiring an additional 310 shares during the period. Finally, Quest Partners LLC raised its position in Symbotic by 19,307.7% during the third quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 2,523 shares of the company’s stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 2,510 shares during the period. Symbotic Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Symbotic Inc, an automation technology company, engages in developing technologies to improve operating efficiencies in modern warehouses. The company automates the processing of pallets and cases in large warehouses or distribution centers for retail companies. Its systems enhance operations at the front end of the supply chain. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Symbotic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Symbotic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Laser Peening System Market Forecasted for Strong Growth from 2024 to 2032As Melton talks U.S. Steel deal, local environmental groups question if Nippon is best

Rarely does a college basketball game provide such stark contrast between the sport's haves and have-nots as when Jackson State faces No. 9 Kentucky on Friday in Lexington, Ky. While Kentucky claims eight NCAA Tournament crowns and the most wins in college basketball history, Jackson State has never won an NCAA Tournament game and enters the matchup looking for its first win of the season. Impressive tradition and current record aside, Kentucky (4-0) returned no scholarship players from last season's team that was knocked off by Oakland in the NCAA Tournament. New coach Mark Pope and his essentially all-new Wildcats are off to a promising start. Through four games, Kentucky is averaging 94.3 points per game, and with 11.5 3-pointers made per game, the team is on pace to set a school record from long distance. The Wildcats boast six double-figure scorers with transfer guards Otega Oweh (from Oklahoma, 15.0 ppg) and Koby Brea (from Dayton, 14.5 ppg) leading the team. The Wildcats defeated Duke 77-72 on Nov. 12 but showed few signs of an emotional letdown in Tuesday's 97-68 win over a Lipscomb team picked to win the Atlantic Sun Conference in the preseason. Kentucky drained a dozen 3-pointers while outrebounding their visitors 43-28. Guard Jaxson Robinson, held to a single point by Duke, dropped 20 points to lead the Kentucky attack. Afterward, Pope praised his team's focus, saying, "The last game was over and it was kind of on to, ‘How do we get better?' That's the only thing we talk about." Lipscomb coach Lennie Acuff also delivered a ringing endorsement, calling Kentucky "the best offensive Power Four team we've played in my six years at Lipscomb." Jackson State (0-5) and third-year coach Mo Williams are looking for something positive to build upon. Not only are the Tigers winless, but they have lost each game by nine or more points. Sophomore guard Jayme Mitchell Jr. (13.8 ppg) is the leading scorer, but the team shoots just 35.8 percent while allowing opponents to shoot 52.3 percent. The Tigers played on Wednesday at Western Kentucky, where they lost 79-62. Reserve Tamarion Hoover had a breakout game with 18 points to lead Jackson State, but the host Hilltoppers canned 14 3-point shots and outrebounded the Tigers 42-35 to grab the win. Earlier, Williams, who played against Kentucky while a student at Alabama, admitted the difficulties of a challenging nonconference schedule for his team. "Our goal is not to win 13 nonconference games," Williams said. "We're already at a disadvantage in that regard. We use these games to get us ready for conference play and for March Madness." Jackson State has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2007. The Tigers had a perfect regular-season record (11-0) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 2020-21 but lost in the league tournament. Kentucky has never played Jackson State before, but the game is being billed as part of a Unity Series of matchups in which Kentucky hosts members of the SWAC to raise awareness of Historical Black Colleges and Universities and provide funds for those schools. Past Unity Series opponents have been Southern in December 2021 and Florida A&M in December 2022. --Field Level MediaMap Shows Best States to Find a Job

A war monitor said late Saturday that Islamist-led rebels had entered the strategic city of Homs, on the way towards Damascus where Syria's embattled government said it was setting up an impenetrable security cordon. The capture of Homs, Syria's third-largest city, would cut the seat of power in the capital Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a key bastion of the Assad clan which has ruled Syria for the past five decades. Homs would be the third major city seized by the rebels who began their advance 10 days ago, reigniting a years-long war that had become largely dormant. "Rebel factions entered the city of Homs and took control of some neighborhoods after the withdrawal of security forces and the army from their last positions in the city," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, of the rebel alliance that launched the offensive, said on Telegram that "our forces have begun advancing into the city of Homs." Aron Lund, a fellow of the Century International think tank, has said that should the government of President Bashar al-Assad lose Homs, it wouldn't mean the end of his rule, but "with no secure route from Damascus to the coast, I'd say it's over as a credible state entity." In Damascus, about 140 kilometers (85 miles) south of Homs, Interior Minister Mohammed al-Rahmoun told state television that "a very strong security and military cordon" was being established around the capital "and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building." Earlier, Assad's government denied the army had withdrawn from areas around Damascus. - 'Scared' - Rebel commander Ghani had said his forces had "begun the final phase of encircling the capital." The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group which heads the assault, told fighters to prepare to take the capital. "Damascus awaits you," he said on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Residents of the capital described to AFP a state of panic as traffic jams clogged the city center, people sought supplies and queued to withdraw money from ATMs. "The situation was not like this when I left my house this morning... suddenly everyone was scared," said one woman, Rania. A few kilometrers away, the mood was starkly different. In a Damascus suburb, witnesses said protesters toppled a statue of Assad's father, the late president Hafez al-Assad. AFPTV images from Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, showed abandoned tanks and other armored vehicles, one of them on fire. Hama resident Kharfan Mansour said he was "happy with the liberation of Hama and the liberation of Syria from the Assad regime." The president's office denied reports Assad had left Damascus, saying he was "following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital." - Soldiers 'fled' - As government forces fall back, a war monitor and Abdel Ghani said rebels were within 20 kilometers of Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had ceded more key ground, losing control of all southern Daraa province, cradle of the 2011 uprising. The army said it was "redeploying and repositioning" in Daraa and another southern province, Sweida. The Britain-based Observatory said troops were also evacuating posts in Quneitra, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Jordan has urged its citizens to leave neighboring Syria "as soon as possible," as have Assad ally Russia and the United States, which both keep troops in Syria. An AFP correspondent in Daraa saw local fighters guarding public property and civil institutions. In Sweida, a local fighter told AFP that after government forces withdrew "from their positions and headquarters, we are now securing and protecting vital facilities." An Iraqi security source told AFP that Baghdad has allowed in hundreds of Syrian soldiers, who "fled the front lines," through the Al-Qaim border crossing. A second source put the figure at 2,000 troops, including officers. - 'Tired of war' - HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of al-Qaida. Proscribed as a terrorist organization by Western governments, it has sought to soften its image in recent years, and told minority groups living in areas they now control not to worry. Since the offensive began, at least 826 people, mostly combatants but also including 111 civilians, have been killed, the Observatory said. The United Nations said the violence has displaced 370,000 people. U.N. special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for "urgent political talks" to implement Security Council Resolution 2254 of 2015, which set out a roadmap for a negotiated settlement. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the United States should "not get involved", after outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Friday for a "political solution to the conflict", in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. After Fidan and his Iranian and Russian counterparts discussed Syria in Qatar on Saturday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said they agreed on the initiation of "political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups." Russia's Sergei Lavrov said it was "inadmissible" to allow a "terrorist group to take control" of Syrian territory. Moscow and Tehran have supported Assad's government and army during the war, as has Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. A source close to Hezbollah said it had sent 2,000 fighters into Syria, to an area near the Lebanese border, "to defend its positions." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs some armed groups in northern Syria, said Saturday that Syria "is tired of war, blood and tears."Geographic Atrophy Therapeutics Market Size in the 7MM is expected to grow by 2034, estimates DelveInsight 12-13-2024 07:48 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: ABNewswire DelveInsight's "Geographic Atrophy Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast-2034" report delivers an in-depth understanding of the Geographic Atrophy, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Geographic Atrophy market trends in the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom) and Japan. Discover Key Insights into the Geographic Atrophy Market with DelveInsight's In-Depth Report @ Geographic Atrophy Market Size [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/geographic-atrophy-ga-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Key Takeaways from the Geographic Atrophy Market Report * The total prevalent cases of AMD in the 7MM was nearly 68,347,900 in 2023. * Among the 7MM, the US accounted for the highest prevalent cases of Geographic Atrophy in 2023 while Japan accounted for the least number of prevalent cases. * Amongst EU4 and the UK, the highest number of cases comprised from France and Germany, with France having slightly more cases than Germany. * In 2023, the geographical atrophy accounted for nearly 955,900 cases in EU4 and the UK. * According to the estimates, in Japan, it is observed that age-specific cases of Geographic Atrophy were most prevalent in the 85+ years age group, accounting for over 40% of total cases in 2023. * The leading Geographic Atrophy Companies such as Aviceda Therapeutics, Iveric Bio, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Allegro Ophthalmics, Stealth BioTherapeutics, Novartis, Perceive Biotherapeutics, Inc., Genentech, Inc., NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, Annexon, Inc., Regenerative Patch Technologies, LLC, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc, Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, and others. * Promising Geographic Atrophy Pipeline Therapies such as AVD-104, Zimura (avacincaptad pegol), ALK-001, Risuteganib, Elamipretide, PPY988, VOY-101, OpRegen, NGM621, ANX007, CPCB-RPE1, APL-2, IONIS-FB-LRx, ASP7317, GT005, and others. Stay ahead in the Geographic Atrophy Therapeutics Market with DelveInsight's Strategic Report @ Geographic Atrophy Market Outlook [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/geographic-atrophy-ga-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Geographic Atrophy Epidemiology Segmentation in the 7MM * Total Geographic Atrophy Prevalent Cases * Geographic Atrophy Late Stage-specific Prevalent Cases * Total Geographic Atrophy Diagnosed Prevalent Cases * Geographic Atrophy Age-specific Cases * Geographic Atrophy Cases by Visual Impairment Download the report to understand which factors are driving Geographic Atrophy Epidemiology trends @ Geographic Atrophy Prevalence [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/geographic-atrophy-ga-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Marketed Geographic Atrophy Drugs * IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol): Astellas Pharma/Iveric Bio IZERVAY, also known as avacincaptad pegol is designed to target and inhibit complement factor C5. Complement factor C5 is a central component of the complement cascade and is believed to be involved in the development and progression of dry AMD. IZERVAY binds to C5 and inhibits its cleavage into the terminal fragments C5a and C5b. By inhibiting the formation of complement system terminal fragments, IZERVAY may decrease the activation of inflammasomes and the formation of membrane attack complexes (MAC), which occur at the end of the complement cascade. In August 2023, the US FDA approved IZERVAY for the treatment of Geographic Atrophy secondary to AMD. Concurrently, Astellas Pharma announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted Iveric Bio's MAA for avacincaptad pegol for the treatment of Geographic Atrophy secondary to AMD. * SYFOVRE (pegcetacoplan): Apellis Pharmaceuticals SYFOVRE is a targeted C3 inhibitor designed to regulate excessive complement activation, which can lead to the onset and progression of many serious diseases. Pegcetacoplan is a type of synthetic cyclic peptide conjugated to a polyethylene glycol polymer that binds specifically to C3 and C3b. The company is evaluating pegcetacoplan in several clinical studies, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), Geographic Atrophy (GA), cold agglutinin disease (CAD), warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA), complement-dependent nephropathies (CDN). SYFOVRE is the first and only approved therapy for Geographic Atrophy secondary to AMD. In January 2024, the CHMP of the EMA adopted a negative opinion on the MAA of intravitreal pegcetacoplan for the treatment of Geographic Atrophy secondary to AMD. Emerging Geographic Atrophy Drugs * Tinlarebant (LBS-008): Belite Bio Tinlarebant is a novel oral therapy that is intended to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the eye that cause STGD1 and contribute to GA, or advanced dry AMD. These toxins are by-products of the visual cycle, which is dependent on the supply of vitamin A (retinol) to the eye. A 2-year global Phase III PHOENIX trial is ongoing. PHOENIX is a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tinlarebant in Geographic Atrophy subjects. In November 2023, Belite Bio announced the approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom (UK) for the Phase III clinical trial of Tinlarebant in Geographic Atrophy or the PHOENIX study. * Gildeuretinol (ALK-001): Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Allegro Ophthalmics is developing risuteganib (also known as ALG-1001), a breakthrough integrin-regulating therapy for ocular health that reduces mitochondrial dysfunction involved in intermediate dry AMD. By targeting multiple pathways, risuteganib helps reduce the cellular burden of oxidative stress and restores retinal homeostasis. Research suggests that risuteganib interferes with integrin functions that have been implicated in retinal diseases, giving it the potential for a broad-spectrum effect on different pathways of oxidative stress. Currently, the company has received the US FDA agreement under Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) for Phase IIb/III clinical trial of risuteganib for the treatment of intermediate, non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). Moreover, the overall protocol design of Phase IIb/III dry AMD clinical trial was finalized by the US FDA. According to the company's recent presentation, a Phase III study of gildeuretinol in 200 patients with Geographic Atrophy secondary to AMD has recently been completed and is expected to read out topline data in 2024. Geographic Atrophy Market Outlook Geographic Atrophy, the advanced stage of dry AMD, has emerged as a prominent focus of research. Current investigations predominantly center on therapies targeting complement inhibitors of C3 and C5, pivotal factors in triggering inflammation and subsequent cell death within the eye. Extensive studies led by the National Eye Institute and esteemed researchers globally have unveiled the likelihood of an overactive complement system as a central player in the genesis of dry AMD and its evolution toward Geographic Atrophy. To know more about Geographic Atrophy treatment guidelines, visit @ Geographic Atrophy Treatment Market Landscape [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/geographic-atrophy-ga-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Geographic Atrophy Drugs Uptake * IZERVAY , developed by Astellas Pharma/Iveric Bio is designed to target and inhibit complement factor C5. IZERVAY binds to C5 and inhibits its cleavage into the terminal fragments C5a and C5b. In August 2023, the US FDA approved IZERVAY for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to AMD. * SYFOVRE , developed by Apellis Pharmaceuticals is a targeted C3 inhibitor designed to regulate excessive complement activation, which can lead to the onset and progression of many serious diseases. Pegcetacoplan is a type of synthetic cyclic peptide conjugated to a polyethylene glycol polymer that binds specifically to C3 and C3b. In February 2023, the US FDA approved SYFOVRE for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to AMD. Geographic Atrophy Market Dynamics The Geographic Atrophy market dynamics are expected to change in the coming years. Payers' willingness to pay is assumed to be strong since the unavailability of approved medicines creates a high unmet demand and the possibility of avoiding progression to wet AMD, which is associated with high treatment costs. Moreover, due to the existing absence of competitive therapies, clinical outcome requirements may be minimal; hence, sham or placebo-controlled clinical trials may suffice for initial entrants. Furthermore, the anticipated introduction of emerging therapies with improved efficacy and a further improvement in the diagnosis rate are expected to drive the growth of the geographic atrophy market in the 7MM. Major Geographic Atrophy Companies Aviceda Therapeutics, Iveric Bio, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Allegro Ophthalmics, Stealth BioTherapeutics, Novartis, Perceive Biotherapeutics, Inc., Genentech, Inc., NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, Annexon, Inc., Regenerative Patch Technologies, LLC, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc, Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, and others. Learn more about the FDA-approved drugs for Geographic Atrophy @ Drugs for Geographic Atrophy Treatment [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/geographic-atrophy-ga-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Scope of the Geographic Atrophy Market Report * Coverage- 7MM * Geographic Atrophy Companies- Aviceda Therapeutics, Iveric Bio, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Allegro Ophthalmics, Stealth BioTherapeutics, Novartis, Perceive Biotherapeutics, Inc., Genentech, Inc., NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, Annexon, Inc., Regenerative Patch Technologies, LLC, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc, Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, and others. * Geographic Atrophy Therapies- AVD-104, Zimura (avacincaptad pegol), ALK-001, Risuteganib, Elamipretide, PPY988, VOY-101, OpRegen, NGM621, ANX007, CPCB-RPE1, APL-2, IONIS-FB-LRx, ASP7317, GT005, and others. * Geographic Atrophy Market Dynamics: Geographic Atrophy Market Drivers and Barriers * Geographic Atrophy Market Access and Reimbursement, Unmet Needs and Future Perspectives Table of Content 1. Key Insights 2. Geographic Atrophy Executive Summary 3. Competitive Intelligence Analysis for Geographic Atrophy 4. Geographic Atrophy: Market Overview at a Glance 5. Geographic Atrophy: Disease Background and Overview 6. Geographic Atrophy Patient Journey 7. Geographic Atrophy Epidemiology and Patient Population 8. Geographic Atrophy Treatment Algorithm, Current Treatment, and Medical Practices 9. Geographic Atrophy Unmet Needs 10. Key Endpoints of Geographic Atrophy Treatment 11. Geographic Atrophy Marketed Products 12. Geographic Atrophy Emerging Therapies 13. Geographic Atrophy: Seven Major Market Analysis 14. Attribute analysis 15. 7MM: Geographic Atrophy Market Outlook 16. Geographic Atrophy Market Access and Reimbursement Overview 17. Geographic Atrophy KOL Views 18. Geographic Atrophy Market Drivers 19. Geographic Atrophy Market Barriers 20. Appendix 21. DelveInsight Capabilities 22. Disclaimer 23. About DelveInsight About Us DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Yash Bhardwaj Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=geographic-atrophy-therapeutics-market-size-in-the-7mm-is-expected-to-grow-by-2034-estimates-delveinsight ] Phone: 09650213330 Address:304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: NV Country: United States Website: https://www.delveinsight.com/case-study/respiratory-domain-conference-coverage This release was published on openPR.

 

zynga wizard of oz slots

2025-01-13
slots 777 legit
slots 777 legit None

In fact, even before the Premier League referee corporation investigated Koot, UEFA had already taken action by removing him from UEFA's list of referees.Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay on social media after being outed

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government on Monday survived a third vote of no confidence in as many months, brought by his main Tory rival. The minority Liberal government got the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP), a small leftist faction once aligned with the ruling Liberals, to defeat the motion 180-152. The text of the proposition echoed NDP leader Jagmeet Singh's own past criticisms of Trudeau since breaking off their partnership in late August, calling him "too weak, too selfish." Neither Singh nor Trudeau were present for the vote. The House of Commons has been deadlocked most of this fall session by an unprecedented two-month filibuster by the Conservatives. But Speaker Greg Fergus, in a rare move, ordered a short break in the deadlock to allow for this and other possible confidence votes, and for lawmakers to vote on a key spending measure. MPs are scheduled to vote Tuesday on the spending package, which includes funds for social services, disaster relief and support for Ukraine. With a 20-point lead in polls, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been itching for an election call since the NDP tore up its coalition agreement with the Liberals. But the NDP and other opposition parties, whose support is needed to bring down the Liberals, have so far refused to side with the Conservatives. Two no-confidence votes brought by the Tories in September and October failed when the NDP and the separatist Bloc Quebecois backed the Liberals. In Canada's Westminster parliamentary system, a ruling party must hold the confidence of the House of Commons, which means maintaining support from a majority of members. The Liberals currently have 153 seats, versus 119 for the Conservatives, 33 for the Bloc Quebecois, and the NDP's 25. Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and has managed to hold on through two elections in 2019 and 2021. amc/bs/bjtCardinals' sudden 3-game tailspin has turned their once solid playoff hopes into a long shotSources close to the club have revealed that intense negotiations are already underway with potential suitors for the star player. Manchester United are said to be exploring various options in order to secure the best deal possible, with a number of top clubs reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the player's services.

For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Five9, Inc. (FIVN) Misled Investors Regarding its Sales Execution and Efficiency Issues According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Five9's net new business was not“strong irrespective of the macro” and was, in fact, hampered by macroeconomic issues such as constrained and scrutinized customer budgets; (ii) Five9 was in the midst of a challenging bookings quarter due, in part, to sales execution and efficiency issues, and the Company was not“seeing very strong bookings momentum”; and (iii) Defendants did not have“enough information in terms of [their] existing customers that are going live” such that the statements that Five9 would see a positive inflection in its dollar-based retention rate lacked a reasonable basis. Plaintiff alleges that on August 8, 2024, Five9 released its second quarter 2024 financial results in which the Company reduced its annual revenue guidance due to“recent bookings trends and the uncertain economic conditions.” During the earnings call held that same day, the Company revealed it“had a challenging bookings quarter” due to“constrained and scrutinized” customer budgets and sales execution issues. Defendants announced remedial changes to address Five9's sales execution and efficiency issues. It was further revealed that“Q2 new logo bookings came in softer than expected” and that the Company was“no longer assuming” a dollar-based retention rate inflection in the second half of the year because of a“more muted seasonality in our service bookings[.]” On this news, Five9's common stock price dropped over 26%, from $42.47 per share on August 8, 2024 to $31.22 per share on August 9, 2024. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Five9, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by February 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LL have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Five9, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at MENAFN24122024004107003653ID1109028393 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

 

how to win at slots

2025-01-12
After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.slots casino games

After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Professional Audio Visual (AV) Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 16, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! Will the Professional Audio Visual AV Market Continue Its Rapid Growth? The professional audio visual AV market size has expanded dramatically in recent years, with a projection to escalate from $334.45 billion in 2023 to $376.39 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 12.5%. Factors such as corporate sector expansion, a spike in digital signage, rising demand for home theaters, e-commerce growth, and healthcare sector expansion have contributed to the historic period's growth. Here is an exclusive sample of the full report: What Factors Are Propelling Growth In The Professional Audio Visual AV Market? The professional audio visual AV market size looks set for continued rapid growth. It is expected to grow to $607.22 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 12.7%. The expected growth during the forecast period is due to the development of AI-driven AV solutions, increased investment in smart cities and IoT infrastructure, rising adoption of virtual and augmented reality, expansion of the live events and concert industry, and increased demand for high-quality streaming services. Major trends during the forecast period include 5G integration, AI-powered analytics, cloud-based AV solutions, and technological advancements such as interactive touchscreen displays. A central driver of growth for the professional audio visual AV market is the expanding entertainment industry. Businesses within this industry that produce and distribute media, including film, television, music, gaming, and live performances, for public enjoyment have seen significant growth due to rising digital consumption, technological advancements, increasing demand for diverse content, expanding global access to streaming services, and the proliferation of mobile devices. Greater investments in original productions and the influence of social media in driving content discovery and engagement have further spurred on industry growth. Professional audio-visual AV technology plays a pivotal role in the entertainment industry, enhancing audience experiences through high-quality sound, visuals, and immersive environments. For your comprehensive analysis, the full report can be accessed here: Which Companies Are Dominating the Professional Audio Visual AV Market Space? Major companies leading the professional audio visual AV market include Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Wesco International Inc., InFocus Corporation, Seiko Epson Corporation, Anixter Inc., Arista Networks Inc., New Era Technology Inc, AVI-SPL LLC, Semtech Corporation, Sharp NEC Display Solutions, AVI Systems Inc., Avidex Industries LLC, Datapath Ltd., proAV Limited, Solutionz Inc., Biamp Systems LLC, Vistacom Inc., Applied Electronics Limited, Audinate Group Limited, PRO AV Systems, CCS Presentation Systems Inc., Spinitar, Prysm Systems, Ford Audio-Video LLC, and Synergy Audio Visual. Emerging Trends: Major companies operating in the professional audio visual AV market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as a program management suite, to provide enterprise customers with real-time insights, consistency, efficiency, and transparency in managing their global audiovisual collaboration projects. A significant development in this field was made in April 2023 when the US-based audiovisual company, AVI Systems, Inc., launched AVI Vision, a real-time program management dashboard. This gives clients comprehensive visibility into their global audiovisual and unified collaboration projects, enabling efficient collaboration and informed decision-making. How Is The Professional Audio Visual AV Market Structured? Segments: The professional audio visual AV market covered in this report is categorically segmented into: 1 By Types: Services, Products, Software, Infrastructure, Environment 2 By Distribution Channels: Distributor, Direct Sales 3 By Applications: Television TV Shows, Movies 4 By End Users: Government, Hospitality, Education, Home Use, Commercial, Private, Public, Corporate, Retail, Other End Users What Does The Regional Landscape of the Professional Audio Visual AV Market Look Like? Regional Insights: In 2023, Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the professional AV market. The report covers several regions, including Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Browse Through More Similar Reports By The Business Research Company: Wireless Audio Device Global Market Report 2024 Audio Communication Monitoring Global Market Report 2024 Digital Audio Workstation Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. Contact us at: The Business Research Company: . Americas +1 3156230293 Asia +44 2071930708 Europe +44 2071930708 Email us at ... Follow us on: LinkedIn: YouTube: Global Market Model: global-market-model Oliver Guirdham The Business Research Company +44 20 7193 0708 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN15122024003118003196ID1108995419 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Sydneysiders who want to live in a suburb along the Metro line for the convenient commute will have to pay top dollar to either rent or buy. The fast-rail system stretches from Sydenham to the CBD, lower north shore, Hills district and Tallawong, with a journey from North Sydney to Barangaroo in just three minutes. Castle Hill residents can get to Martin Place in 35 minutes. But convenience comes at a premium. Bella Vista residents can get to the CBD in 41 minutes, but face a median house price of $2,477,500, while a house will set renters back around $975 per week. Waterloo’s median unit price is $925,500, and median unit rent $935, for a commute of just six minutes to Martin Place. Rents are also high at $780 for a unit in Chatswood (11 minutes to Martin Place) and $720 for Castle Hill (35 minutes). Castle Hill house buyers would pay a median of $2,312,500. Ray White agent Peter Iann said the Metro had driven greater demand for Bella Vista and that he could not limit the buyer pool to one specific region of Sydney. “We are now seeing interest from all over Sydney,” he said. “There is not enough stock for the demand and sellers now have higher price expectations.” Geoffrey Clinton, senior lecturer in transport and logistics management at the University of Sydney Business School, said that while the Metro had a significant impact on social cohesion, it was just one piece of the puzzle. “Just building train lines alone is not going to create nirvana for Sydneysiders,” he said. “In the next five to ten years we will see mini CBDs pop up. People will be living in fairly small apartments, and they’ll be more likely to dine and go out, similar to what happens in other high-density areas like Singapore.” Sydneysiders who want to live along the Metro line in suburbs such as Bella Vista, pictured, will need to pay top dollar. Credit: Nick Moir Clinton said that while people wanted to live near public transport, pricing came down to the timing of developments. “If apartments are built ahead of demand, prices may be softer. But if they’re slow to be built, then prices will be higher.” He suggested the Metro and its surrounding high-rises are part of the solution to the housing crisis, but that we also need standalone houses and townhouses. “By opening up transport opportunities, it makes it easier to develop density around these areas.” Professor of civil engineering at the University of Technology Sydney, Buddhima Indraratna, said that while he would like to see young professionals living closer to the Metro, there was a lot of wishful thinking about how much the train line could improve housing affordability. “With the high cost of living, people are living further away from the CBD because they can’t afford it. Even a two-bedroom [CBD] apartment can cost up to $3 million,” he said. “Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world. We might not see the advantages of the Metro yet, but they will be there for the next generation.” Marriott Lane Crows Nest agent Stephen O’Sullivan said that while the Metro has enhanced the appeal of the suburb, it hasn’t changed the buyer pool. “There’s more appetite, but the buyers tend to be locals or downsizers from the upper north shore that are seeking convenience to the CBD,” he said. O’Sullivan said buyers are limited by price. However, the Metro allows for more choice when priced out of Crows Nest, as residents of nearby St Leonards and Wollstonecraft can walk to the station. O’Sullivan said we are yet to see an uptick in prices for Crows Nest since the introduction of the Metro, as there are few homes for sale and prices are high. An extension from Sydenham to Marrickville, Lakemba and Bankstown, will open in 2025, further connecting Sydney’s suburbs. BresicWhitney Lower North Shore agent Louise Barton said buyers from the eastern suburbs have moved to North Sydney in the past few months, but not because they’re priced out. “They’re just interested to explore North Sydney, and it makes a lot of sense as you’re just over the other side of the bridge,” she said. Barton said sellers are not driving up their prices due to the Metro. “Sellers remain realistic about the market. But given how the Metro has impacted other suburbs such as North Ryde, we’ve seen prices increase over time. Sellers are excited about what it means for them.” North Ryde’s median house price rose 10.9 per cent to $2,495,000 in the year to September on Domain data.

Daily Horoscope for 24 November 2024: Uncover how the Virgo Moon and Venus in Capricorn align to influence Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and all zodiac signs today. Mumbai : The universe is abuzz with vibrant energy today as the Moon settles into meticulous Virgo, casting its discerning light overall zodiac signs. This placement encourages practicality, organisation, and a focus on details, making it an ideal time to refine your routines and attend to the smaller things in life that often go unnoticed. Virgo’s energy is all about analysing and finding efficiency, so expect a day of introspection and clarity. Adding a touch of magic to this lunar influence, the Moon forms a harmonious trine with Venus in steadfast Capricorn. This celestial dance blends Virgo’s meticulousness with Capricorn’s ambition and Venus’s charm, fostering harmonious relationships, disciplined creativity, and a grounded sense of beauty. Whether it’s in love, career, or personal growth, today offers a golden opportunity to blend practicality with grace. Let’s dive into what this cosmic alignment means for each zodiac sign! Aries Horoscope Today Aries, with the Moon in your sixth house, today is perfect for decluttering your life—physically and emotionally. You might feel a strong urge to streamline your daily routines or sort through lingering issues. This Virgo influence sharpens your focus and inspires you to tackle tasks with precision, making it an ideal day to check off that to-do list. Health takes centre stage too; perhaps it’s time to start that fitness routine or focus on nourishing your body. With Venus in Capricorn gracing your tenth house, professional matters are highlighted. You’re radiating charm in the workplace, making collaboration a breeze. This is a fantastic day to showcase your leadership skills or initiate projects requiring creativity and discipline. Balance is the key—find joy in the structure, and let your natural fire blend seamlessly with Venusian harmony. Taurus Horoscope Today Taurus, the Moon in Virgo lights up your fifth house of joy, creativity, and romance. You may find yourself drawn to creative pursuits or spending quality time with loved ones. Virgo’s analytical nature encourages you to refine your hobbies or even discover new ones. If you’re single, today’s energy is ripe for meaningful conversations with potential romantic partners. Venus, your ruling planet, in Capricorn forms a powerful trine, blessing your ninth house of adventure and higher learning. It’s a great day to explore new philosophies or plan future travels. Combine your love for comfort with Capricorn’s adventurous streak—perhaps a spontaneous trip to a favourite café or researching an educational opportunity will satisfy this cosmic calling. Gemini Horoscope Today Gemini, the Moon’s presence in Virgo activates your fourth house of home and family. Today, your focus turns inward, urging you to nurture your emotional foundation. It’s an ideal time to tidy up your living space or spend meaningful moments with loved ones. This grounding energy might inspire introspection—journal your thoughts or engage in heart-to-heart conversations. Small acts of care at home can bring immense satisfaction. Meanwhile, Venus in Capricorn casts its influence on your eighth house of shared resources and transformation. Financial partnerships may benefit from a touch of charm and diplomacy. If you’re navigating emotional depths, this alignment helps you bring balance and grace to the process. Trust your intuition—it’s sharp, and it will guide you toward meaningful breakthroughs. Cancer Horoscope Today Cancer, with the Moon in Virgo energising your third house of communication, today is all about expressing yourself with clarity and intention. You might find yourself engrossed in stimulating conversations or tackling a writing project. This is a wonderful day to reconnect with siblings or neighbours, as the Virgo Moon fosters meaningful exchanges and practical solutions. Venus in Capricorn illuminates your seventh house of partnerships, adding a dose of sweetness to your relationships. Whether in romance or business, you’ll notice harmony and mutual respect blooming. Use this supportive energy to strengthen bonds or resolve lingering tensions. A kind word or gesture will go a long way in nurturing trust and affection. Leo Horoscope Today Leo, the Moon in Virgo shines a spotlight on your second house of finances and self-worth. Today is perfect for taking stock of your resources and planning your budget. Virgo’s energy lends itself to careful analysis, so you may find yourself inspired to organise your expenses or explore new income opportunities. It’s also a great day to reflect on what truly adds value to your life—materially and emotionally. Venus in Capricorn graces your sixth house of work and wellness, bringing a touch of harmony to your daily routines. At work, your charm and efficiency are likely to impress colleagues or superiors. When it comes to health, this is an excellent time to refine your habits—think meal prep, yoga, or a calming walk. Embrace the blend of beauty and discipline to achieve lasting balance. Virgo Horoscope Today Virgo, the Moon in your sign enhances your natural strengths, making you feel confident, productive, and attuned to your surroundings. It’s a day to prioritise yourself—focus on your goals, appearance, or well-being. This lunar energy sharpens your analytical skills and helps you shine in tasks requiring attention to detail. Don’t shy away from the spotlight; let your inner light guide you. Venus in Capricorn brings charm to your fifth house of creativity and romance. This is a fantastic time to indulge in artistic endeavours, rekindle passion in relationships, or enjoy playful activities. The Moon’s trine with Venus encourages you to balance diligence with joy, so embrace moments of fun and love—they will rejuvenate your soul. Libra Horoscope Today Libra, the Moon in Virgo nestles into your twelfth house of introspection, encouraging you to slow down and reflect. Today is about recharging your spiritual batteries. Meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying solitude can help you find peace and clarity. Let go of what no longer serves you; this is an opportunity for inner healing and renewal. With Venus in Capricorn lighting up your fourth house of home, there’s a comforting emphasis on family and domestic harmony. You might feel inspired to redecorate or create a warm atmosphere at home. This alignment also enhances emotional connections with loved ones—reach out and nurture these bonds. Your diplomatic nature shines in bringing peace to your environment. Scorpio Horoscope Today Scorpio, the Moon in Virgo activates your eleventh house of social networks and aspirations. Today is ideal for connecting with friends or collaborating on group projects. Your sharp insights and analytical approach can guide collective efforts, making you a valuable team player. This is also a good time to revisit your long-term goals and ensure they align with your current desires. Venus in Capricorn influences your third house of communication, making your words magnetic and persuasive. This is a great day for negotiations, writing, or any activity where clear expression is vital. You may also find charm in casual conversations or discover new opportunities through networking. Trust your intuition—it’s working overtime for your benefit. Sagittarius Horoscope Today Sagittarius, the Moon in Virgo lights up your tenth house of career and public image, making today a productive day for professional pursuits. Your methodical approach will impress higher-ups, and you may find opportunities to showcase your expertise. This is a great time to strategise your next career move or polish your online presence. Venus in Capricorn enhances your second house of finances, bringing a touch of luxury and stability. You might feel inspired to invest in something long-term or indulge in a well-deserved treat. Use this energy wisely to enhance your resources while maintaining a balance between practicality and pleasure. Capricorn Horoscope Today Capricorn, with the Moon in Virgo energising your ninth house of higher learning and adventure, you’re feeling curious and inspired. Today is perfect for exploring new philosophies, signing up for a course, or planning your next big trip. The practical Virgo Moon helps ground your ideas into actionable steps, making this an excellent time for intellectual pursuits. Venus in your sign amplifies your charm and magnetism, drawing admiration wherever you go. This is a day to focus on self-care and personal goals. Whether it’s your professional image or romantic aspirations, you’re radiating confidence and grace. Use this energy to set intentions and let your inner light shine. Aquarius Horoscope Today Aquarius, the Moon in Virgo activates your eighth house of transformation and shared resources. You may find yourself drawn to deep introspection or meaningful conversations. Financial matters, particularly those involving partnerships, are also in focus. This is a good time to revisit joint investments or address unresolved issues with grace and practicality. Venus in Capricorn influences your twelfth house of retreat and spirituality, urging you to find beauty in solitude. Artistic pursuits, meditation, or quiet reflection can bring a sense of fulfilment. Embrace this opportunity to recharge and reconnect with your inner self—it will prepare you for the demands ahead. Pisces Horoscope Today Pisces, the Moon in Virgo lights up your seventh house of partnerships, encouraging harmony and cooperation. Whether in personal or professional relationships, today is about collaboration and mutual respect. Virgo’s energy brings a practical touch to your interactions, helping you resolve conflicts or strengthen bonds with thoughtful gestures. Venus in Capricorn highlights your eleventh house of friendships and aspirations, making it a great day to connect with like-minded individuals. Social engagements or collaborative projects are likely to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. Lean into this supportive energy to turn your dreams into reality with the help of your network. ( Disclaimer : The horoscope predictions provided are for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice. News9 Live does not take responsibility for any decisions made based on these predictions. ) Click for more latest Astrology news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. AK Singh, an astrologer with over 5 years of experience, offers Vastu tips, daily horoscope predictions, Lal Kitab remedies, tarot card readings, and numerology services. For inquiries, contact him at frolicstars99@gmail.com.

Hyundai Autoever, Mapmyindia Establish Navigation Map Joint Venture

Dylan Hernández: MLS deal with Apple TV could be hurting league's efforts to grow its fan baseUS agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says

A look at how some of Trump’s picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy’s overhaulTemple secures 60-42 win against HofstraAirTag 2 could match the latest iPhones with huge upgrade on new chip

Lopsided loss to SMU leaves UVA with one last shot at bowl eligibilityDemocrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest

World News | Edinburgh Airport Shut Down by IT Issue Just as Holiday Travel Season Gets Under Way

 

slotxo88

2025-01-12
slots go apk
slots go apk ALBANY — A new law aims to end harassment of domestic violence survivors in their motor vehicles through remote manipulation of global positioning satellite devices, automatic starters, temperature controls and more. The bill passed by the Legislature earlier this year said domestic abusers are "weaponizing" the growing remote control technology to harass, stalk and threaten survivors of domestic violence. The technology can be a small device hidden inside a vehicle or installed in the vehicle by the manufacturer or dealer to help locate the vehicle when it’s lost or stolen. The technology can then be operated through a computer or smartphone application and control several operations in a vehicle as well as identify where the car is parked or traveling, according to the legislation. Assemb. Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), the bill’s Assembly sponsor, said that before this law survivors who were harassed by the remote technology would have to go through a lengthy process and cost of securing a court order of protection. "Abusers were trying to continue to harass their victims in this newish way," Rosenthal told Newsday Friday. "The way they were doing it was by tracking them to see where they were going in their car." Get the latest political news stories, from local elections and legislation to reaction to national events. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . "This gives them a tool to escape continued harassment," Rosenthal said. At least 26 states including California and the District of Columbia have adopted similar measures in recent years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Senate sponsor said abuse by the remote control devices took away what is supposed to be a safe space for survivors. "Domestic violence survivors already have more than enough to deal with," said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn), on Friday. "They need and deserve places where they can feel safe and secure. The last thing they should have to worry about is the frankly terrifying idea that even their own vehicle might become a tool for their abuser to stalk and harass them." The new law is also intended to help law enforcement clear a hurdle in trying to make a case against an abuser who uses the technology to harass, stalk or threaten, according to the law. Cases were hard to prove because car dealers or manufacturers — not abusers — controlled who had access to the remote control technology. `The new law, however, will require car manufacturers and auto dealers to remove an abuser’s access to remote vehicle technology when a survivor makes a request. The survivor must show proof of ownership and the abuser’s access to the remote technology must be done at no cost to the survivor. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law. It’s effective immediately. The New York Times and CBS New York have reported several cases in which women felt threatened by use of the remote technology. "For all of the positive uses of GPS, the expanded use of GPS-enabled devices has also increased the inappropriate use of technology to monitor or track a person’s location," states WomensLaw.org, a Brooklyn-based group of lawyers, teachers and advocates for survivors of domestic violence. "As GPS technology has become cheaper and more advanced, small and easily hidden devices can include GPS technology and make it harder to know which devices have tracking capabilities, enabling abusers to misuse the technology to track your location," the group stated. Under New York’s law, vehicle manufacturers and dealers in New York state must also provide information on websites and in cellphone applications on how to terminate an abuser’s access to a vehicle’s remote technology. Any manufacturer or dealer who fails to comply with the law could face a $500 civil penalty, according to the legislation. "My bill takes a simple, common sense step to ensure abusers can’t use this tech to harm people," Gounardes said in announcing the bill signing Friday. Much of the concern involves the use of GPS devices to stalk or confront survivors, according to NCSL. GPS devices can be installed in or attached to a car and data can be transmitted to a domestic abuser. The devices had gained popularity as a market for parents to keep track of their teenagers behind the wheel. Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.

It’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. ADVERTISEMENT Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” ADVERTISEMENT What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” ADVERTISEMENT It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” ADVERTISEMENT The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. (FinaMill via AP) This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. (QelviQ via AP) This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax’s Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. (FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo via AP) This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. (FeatherSnap via AP) This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. (Nama via AP) This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling.(Pull Start Fire via AP) This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. (Uncommon Goods via AP) This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. (easyplant via AP) This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. (Ashley Cuoco via AP) This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. (FinaMill via AP) By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.Macy’s faces accounting scandal: How did an employee hide $154 million in expenses?Bears' next opponent: Lions beat Colts 24-6 for 9th straight win

Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates. In their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period. Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool , having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham. Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety. Mikel Arteta ’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months. Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening. The Ipswich defence failed to deal with Martinelli’s cross, with the ball falling to Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the area. Trossard fought his way to the byline before fizzing his cross into the box for Havertz to convert from a matter of yards. It was Havertz’s third goal in four matches, his 12th of the season, and no less than the hosts, who at that stage of the match had enjoyed a staggering 91.4 per cent of the possession, deserved. Heading into Friday’s fixture, Arsenal had lost only one of their last 75 Premier League games when they had opened the scoring, and their triumph here rarely looked in doubt following Havertz’s strike. Havertz thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead with 34 minutes gone when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross. But Jesus – handed his third successive start for the first time in a year – strayed into an offside position in the build-up. When referee Darren England blew for half-time, Ipswich had failed to touch the ball in Arsenal’s box, becoming just the second side to do so in the Premier League this season. Nottingham Forest were the other, away at Liverpool, before they went on to inflict Arne Slot’s sole defeat of his tenure so far. And for all of Arsenal’s possession, while they held just a one-goal advantage, Ipswich knew they were still in the game. An encouraging start to the second half for the Tractor Boys ensued, albeit without testing David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Shortly after the hour mark, Gabriel should have settled any growing Emirates nerves when he arrived unmarked to Declan Rice’s corner, but the defender headed wide of Arijanet Muric’s post when it looked easier to score. Martin Odegaard then forced a fine fingertip save from Muric at his near post after a mazy run and shot from the Arsenal skipper. Rice’s stinging goal-bound volley from the following corner was blocked by Dara O’Shea as Arsenal pushed for a game-killing second. Havertz should have tapped home Trossard’s header but he fluffed his lines. And moments later, substitute Mikel Merino’s effort was diverted from danger by a diving Muric. Ipswich looked to catch Arsenal on the counter, but the match ended without them registering a single effort on Raya’s goal. Ipswich fans goaded their opponents with chants of “boring, boring Arsenal”, but it was the Gunners who enjoyed the last laugh as they saw out 2024 with a win which keeps the pressure on Liverpool. PADA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump's hush money case while upholding conviction

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to his “wonderful” brother Nick, who has died aged 60 after suffering from cancer. The Prime Minister said his younger brother, who had learning difficulties because of complications at birth, had met “all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour”. He died peacefully on Boxing Day, according to the Prime Minister’s spokesman. The Prime Minister had been due to go on holiday with his family on Friday, but it is understood that he will now remain at home, and hopes to join them later. Sir Keir said in a statement: “My brother Nick was a wonderful man. “He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much. “I would like to thank all those who treated and took care of Nick. Their skill and compassion is very much appreciated.” Sir Keir spoke candidly about his brother in a recent biography written by journalist and former Labour Party adviser Tom Baldwin. While growing up in Surrey, the brothers shared a bunk bed in a room with an airing cupboard, and “just enough space for a couple of small desks where we’d do our homework”. The biography recorded how each child of the Starmer family was given a dog for their 10th birthday, and Nick and his twin sister Katy received Jack Russell terriers called Greg and Ben. The book also described how their mother, Jo, had taught Nick to read, but Sir Keir remembered how the school described his brother as “remedial”. Sir Keir, the middle child of four siblings, said: “They had no expectation of him or anything and I’m not sure he even sat exams, so he had nothing to show for coming out of education. “We were a family of six, so it didn’t feel lonely and I shared a room with him, but Nick didn’t have many friends and got called ‘thick’ or ‘stupid’ by other kids.” He added: “Even now I try to avoid using words like that to describe anyone.” Nick worked on scrap cars and scaffolding, earning enough money to rent a home near where he had grown up, according to the book. It said Sir Keir was best man at Nick’s wedding, and the now Prime Minister recalled borrowing a car so his brother was not “driving his bride from the church in his beaten-up minivan, which had all his clothes in the back”. The marriage ended and Nick lived for some time in Yorkshire. In 2022, Sir Keir stepped away from local election campaigning to make several hospital visits to see his brother, who was seriously ill at the time. The Prime Minister also spoke about Nick in his speech at this year’s Labour Party conference in Liverpool. As he described his early encounters with art and culture, and the need to remove social barriers, Sir Keir told delegates: “My brother, who had difficulties learning, he didn’t get those opportunities. “Every time I achieved something in my life, my dad used to say, ‘Your brother has achieved just as much as you, Keir’. “And he was right. I still believe that.” Mr Baldwin, writing for The Times on Friday, recalled the moment in 2023 that he learned from Sir Keir that his brother was dying of lung cancer. He wrote: “This has been a huge part of his life over the past couple of years, during which he made regular trips to Leeds where his brother was in hospital. “Even during the election campaign and since he entered Downing Street, Starmer has continued to visit without a camera crew in sight. “He got to know the staff treating his brother so well that he could recite all their names and they would let him into the hospital through a back door so that there would be no publicity.” Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was among those in the world of politics to offer their condolences. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “This is such awful news. Particularly devastating at Christmas time. “My sincere condolences to Keir Starmer and all his family.” Irish premier Simon Harris wrote: “My sincere sympathy to Keir Starmer and his family on such sad news. “They are in my thoughts at this difficult time.”Commerce Department to reduce Intel's funding on semiconductorsNone

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Biden administration plans on reducing part of Intel's $8.5 billion in federal funding for computer chip plants around the country, according to three people familiar with the grant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. The reduction is largely a byproduct of the $3 billion that Intel is also receiving to provide computer chips to the military. President announced the agreement to provide with up to $8.5 billion in direct funding and $11 billion in loans in March. The changes to Intel’s funding are not related to the company’s financial record or milestones, the people familiar with the grant told The Associated Press. In August, the chipmaker announced that it would cut 15% of its workforce — about 15,000 jobs — in an attempt to turn its business around to compete with more successful rivals like Nvidia and AMD. Unlike some of its rivals, Intel manufactures chips in addition to designing them. Two years ago, President Biden hailed Intel as a job creator with its plans to open a new plant near Columbus, Ohio. The president praised the company for plans to “build a workforce of the future” for the $20 billion project, which he said would generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 full-time jobs set to pay an average of $135,000 a year. The California-based tech giant's funding is tied to that President has celebrated and which is designed to revive U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Known as the , the $280 billion package is aimed at sharpening the U.S. edge in military technology and manufacturing while minimizing the kinds of supply disruptions that occurred in 2021, after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, when stalled factory assembly lines and . The Biden administration helped shepherd the legislation following pandemic-era concerns that the loss of access to chips made in Asia could plunge the U.S. economy into recession. When pushing for the investment, lawmakers expressed concern about efforts by China to control Taiwan, which accounts for of advanced computer chip production. In August, the administration pledged to provide up to $6.6 billion so that a Taiwanese semiconductor giant could expand the facilities it is and better ensure that the most advanced microchips are produced domestically for the first time. The Commerce Department said the funding for meant the company could expand on its existing plans for two facilities in Phoenix and add a third, newly announced production hub. The administration has promised to support foundries and reduce reliance on Asian suppliers, which Washington sees as a security weakness. Boak reported from Washington.Is ‘Glicked’ the new ‘Barbenheimer’? ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ collide in theaters

In fantasy football, nothing's worse than a player going out and being a liability in your lineup. There's not a whole lot you can do when a superstar underperforms, but it's infuriating when one of your fringe starters is one of the reasons you lost a matchup. Fantasy managers should look to avoid these disappointments at all costs. Last week, we gave you names like Deebo Samuel, Isiah Pacheco, and Evan Engram as players to consider benching. If you started any of these three, chances are that you were left wishing you had made a different decision. Thankfully, Week 15 is a clean slate with new matchups to analyze. It may be a new week, but the goal remains the same - avoid the lineup landmines. We'll be using a roundtable style article for our Week 15 fantasy football busts. Three of our fantasy football analysts will be taking a look at the slate and covering one player who they will be shying away from at each position. Fantasy managers could be in line for a frustrating Sunday afternoon if they choose to start any of these players. WEEK 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers Fantasy QB Busts Week 15 Michael O'Hara: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions — We saw the Bills get lit up by the Rams last week, but outside of this matchup, Buffalo has largely been successful in defending the pass this season. Last week was their first time surrendering more than 240 passing yards since Week 6. The best way to attack the Bills is on the ground, where they rank 26th in yards allowed per carry. Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson should just be fine leaning on David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in this one. Goff will likely need at least three touchdowns through the air to deliver a top-12 performance, something you'd rather not rely on. Ed Williams: Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers — So apparently Russ can still cook as he's enjoyed a renaissance season with the Steelers thus far. Even without George Pickens last week, he was still able to toss a couple touchdowns against the Browns. He should have a much tougher challenge this week traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. Wilson will likely be without Pickens once again who is already doubtful with his hamstring injury, and the Eagles are giving up the 5th-fewest points to the WR position. After Chuba Hubbard had some success last week, the Steelers may focus more on running the ball. Vinnie Iyer: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans — Aaron Rodgers did come through against the Dolphins, but overall this is a tough passing game matchup for Houston with a much better option through Joe Mixon and the running game. He should be held below 250 passing yards and should be looking at one or fewer TDs. MORE FANTASY: Complete Waiver Wire recommendations and FAAB advice Fantasy RB Busts Week 15 O'Hara: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints — Alvin Kamara's fantasy success this season has largely been driven by him seeing the largest workload of his career. With the Saints outside of the playoff bubble and Derek Carr likely out for the year, Kamara's workload will likely steadily decline in the coming weeks. Just last week, Kamara ceded 11 opportunities to second-year back Kendre Miller. With Jake Haener at quarterback, Kamara will be provided with very few scoring opportunities and will almost exclusively rely on receiving work to get there in fantasy. All signs point to Kamara disappointing fantasy managers more often than not down the stretch this season. Williams: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns — While it's been great to see Nick Chubb come back healthy this year and not miss any additional time once he returned, his performance on the field has been predictably sub-par. Averaging just 3.1 yards per carry this season, Chubb also has only three rushing touchdowns in seven games. And this week Cleveland gets the Chiefs who are giving up the fewest points to running backs in the entire league. On top of that, Jerome Ford is basically in a full-blown timeshare with Chubb right now. This is a backfield to stay away from. Iyer: Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — With Bucky Irving hurting, White should take a bigger lead role over Sean Tucker against the Chargers, but the matchup is brutal, as the Chargers shut down KC's running game last week. Expect to be disappointed with the workload and the likelihood of White not scoring. Fantasy WR Busts Week 15 O'Hara: Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders — Across the last six weeks, Jakobi Meyers ranks 7th among wide receivers in targets per game. This sort of volume is enough to make any receiver intriguing in fantasy, but when the quarterback delivering those passes is set to be Desmond Ridder, the intrigue quickly fades. Ridder entered the game for Aidan O'Connell last week and didn't look great, averaging just 5.6 yards per attempt. Hitching your wagon to Ridder during the fantasy playoffs isn't the best idea. Williams: Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts — It's been a bit of a struggle all season for Michael Pittman, and facing a tough Denver secondary this week won't change his fortunes. Pittman has only one 100+ yard receiving game, and that was all the way back in Week 4. He did secure five catches last week, but they only went for 42 yards. Given Anthony Richardson's accuracy issues, this isn't a good matchup for Colts pass-catchers. Iyer: DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks — There's been something off in his chemistry with Geno Smith, who is feeding Jaxon Smith-Njigba a ton and also taking more shots to Tyler Lockett. Metcalf runs into a tough secondary matchup with the Packers, who have remained stingy since letting A.J. Brown get loose in Week 1. Fantasy TE Busts Week 15 O'Hara: Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — For much of his career, Cade Otton has been a Cardio King. He runs plenty of routes without drawing many targets. He briefly shed that reputation but has since reclaimed it following the return of Mike Evans. Otton has drawn more than four targets in just one of three games with Evans back on the field. At this point, Otton seems to be falling back into the touchdown-or-bust tier of tight ends. Williams: Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins — This is definitely a risky fade as Jonnu Smith has been one of the game's best tight ends over the last several weeks. Until the last couple of weeks, it looked like Smith may have surpassed Jaylen Waddle in the Dolphins' target tree. But Waddle has come on of late, and Smith finished with three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown, but all of that production came in overtime as he was held scoreless in regulation. On top of that, they face the Texans this week, and Houston gives up the 4th-fewest points to tight ends. Iyer: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers — He's been hot in fine matchups, but the Eagles are tougher on the tight end position, so this week it's more of a touchdown or bust game for him with limited yardage and catches in store. Fantasy Defense Busts Week 15 O'Hara: Houston Texans — Tua Tagovailoa has the Miami offense back to their 2023 form in recent weeks. In required overtime against the Jets, but the Dolphins have scored 30-plus points in three of their last four games. They'll play the Texans (indoors) this week and should pull out all the stops in a crucial AFC matchup. Think twice before starting the Texans this week. Williams: Pittsburgh Steelers — The Eagles beat the Panthers last week 22-16, but you'd never know it from all of the headlines about A.J. Brown beefing with Jalen Hurts over the shortcomings of the passing game. Typically when A.J. Brown is unhappy, he gets fed. He also has had 12 catches for 309 yards and four touchdowns in two games versus the Steelers in his career. Prior to this week, the team was looking much closer to the team that went to the Super Bowl in '22 than the team that collapsed in '23. Pittsburgh could be in for a long day at The Linc. Iyer: Philadelphia Eagles — They have been fantastic at times for Vic Fangio but showed some key cracks against the Panthers, and the Steelers have been one of the cleanest, most effective offenses with Russell Wilson.None

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state's product liability law prohibits counties from bringing public nuisance claims against national pharmaceutical chains as they did as part of national opioid litigation, a decision that could overturn a $650 million judgment against the pharmacies. An attorney for the counties called the decision “devastating.” Justices were largely unanimous in their interpretation of an arcane disagreement over the state law, which had emerged in a lawsuit brought by Lake and Trumbull counties outside Cleveland against CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. The counties won their initial lawsuit — and were awarded $650 million in damages by a federal judge in 2022 — but the pharmacies had disputed the court's reading of the Ohio Product Liability Act, which they said protected them from such sanctions. In an opinion written by Justice Joseph Deters, the court found that Ohio state lawmakers intended the law to prevent “all common law product liability causes of action" — even if they don't seek compensatory damages but merely “equitable relief” for the communities. “The plain language of the OPLA abrogates product-liability claims, including product-related public-nuisance claims seeking equitable relief,” he wrote. “We are constrained to interpret the statute as written, not according to our own personal policy preferences.” Two of the Republican-dominated court's Democratic justices disagreed on that one point, while concurring on the rest of the judgment. “Any award to abate a public nuisance like the opioid epidemic would certainly be substantial in size and scope, given that the claimed nuisance is both long-lasting and widespread,” Justice Melody Stewart wrote in an opinion joined by Justice Michael Donnelly. “But just because an abatement award is of substantial size and scope does not mean it transforms it into a compensatory-damages award.” In a statement, the plaintiffs' co-liaison counsel in the national opioid litigation, Peter Weinberger, of the Cleveland-based law firm Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, lamented the decision. “This ruling will have a devastating impact on communities and their ability to police corporate misconduct," he said. “We have used public nuisance claims across the country to obtain nearly $60 billion in opioid settlements, including nearly $1 billion in Ohio alone, and the Ohio Supreme Court’s ruling undermines the very legal basis that drove this result.” But Weinberger said Tuesday's ruling would not be the end, and that communities would continue to fight “through other legal avenues.” "We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding all responsible parties to account as this litigation continues nationwide,” he said. In his 2022 ruling, U.S. District Judge Dan Polster said that the money awarded to Lake and Trump counties would be used to the fight the opioid crisis. Attorneys at the time put the total price tag at $3.3 billion for the damage done. Lake County was to receive $306 million over 15 years. Trumbull County was to receive $344 million over the same period. Nearly $87 million was to be paid immediately to cover the first two years of payments. A jury returned a verdict in favor of the counties in November 2021, after a six-week trial. It was then left to the judge to decide how much the counties should receive. He heard testimony the next May to determine damages. The counties convinced the jury that the pharmacies played an outsized role in creating a public nuisance in the way they dispensed pain medication. It was the first time pharmacy companies completed a trial to defend themselves in a drug crisis that has killed a half-million Americans since 1999. Julie Carr Smyth, The Associated Press

The win for the Congress in the Channapatna Assembly constituency byelection is being seen as revenge extracted by Deputy Chief Minister and Vokkaliga leader D.K. Shivakumar months after facing a humiliating defeat in Vokkaliga-dominated areas in the parliamentary election. Not only did he manage to settle a personal score with his archrival in Vokkaliga politics, but the win is being seen as restoring the prestige of the party in the Old Mysore region. It is likely to provide a personal boost within the party to the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president who is believed to be waiting in the wings to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the future. At a personal level, he has managed to defeat Nikhil Kumaraswamy , the son of his archrival and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, to avenge the electoral loss of his brother D.K. Suresh in the Bengaluru Rural parliamentary seat earlier this year. Congress sources said that though the drubbing of the party suffered in the Old Mysore region in the Lok Sabha election cannot be salvaged, the Channapatna byelection results have provided him a boost within the party and increased his stake in the community. “He brought C.P. Yogeshwar from the BJP to the Congress, though the latter had worked to defeat his brother, with the sole intention of winning the seat for the party and defeating his rival,” said a source close to Mr. Shivakumar. The source also pointed out the “loyalty” of Mr. Shivakumar towards the party despite being hounded by investigative agencies besides the threats and offers made to him to join the BJP since 2017. It has been a full circle for the decades-old rivalry between the families of Mr. Shivakumar and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, considered to be a towering Vokkaliga leader. Mr. Shivakumar — setting aside his personal animosity — was also seen as among the Congress leaders favouring an alliance with the JD(S) in 2018 to keep the BJP at bay, despite the post-poll alliance opposed by many in his party, including Mr. Siddaramaiah. Though Mr. Shivakumar claims credit for trying to save the 14-month-old JD(S)-Congress alliance government led by Mr. Kumaraswamy, the latter, however, has been sceptical of such claims and believes the JD(S) weakened in Ramanagara district at the cost of the Congress. This time, however, the Channapatna result has struck both Mr. Gowda and Mr. Kumaraswamy hard. In Vokkaliga politics, defeating the JD(S) in a community-dominated seat is being seen as the end of another battle over the community turf after Mr. Shivakumar took over as the KPCC president in 2020. The community, which is believed to have favoured the Congress in the 2023 Assembly election, is learnt to have tilted to favour the JD(S)-BJP alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. “The pendulum seems to be swinging both ways. Mr. Shivakumar is the latest winner,” a Congress source said, suggesting that the situation in this political hotbed remains dynamic. Published - November 24, 2024 08:20 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Bypoll mandate an endorsement of Congress government’s guarantee schemes in Karnataka Channapatna defeat casts shadow on JD(S) and career of Nikhil Karnataka / Indian National Congress / Janata Dal - Secular

Dick's Sporting Goods shares rise on analyst optimism ahead of resultsI'm a beauty writer and Shark's Flex-styler dries my hair rapidly, leaves it salon-worthy

(The Center Square) – House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has opened an investigation into the Federal Emergency Management Agency over reports that it discriminated against supporters of Donald Trump. Comer said whistleblower reports suggest anti-Trump discrimination is rampant and has been going on for years. “[O]n the condition of anonymity, a FEMA official stated that the practice avoiding ‘white or conservative-dominated’ areas is an ‘open secret at the agency that has been going on for years,’” Comer said in a letter to FEMA. The investigation comes after FEMA fired one of its hurricane response supervisors after news went viral that she told her workers to avoid “Trump houses.” However, that employee has publicly said she was only following orders and acting according to the culture at FEMA. Comer and more than two dozen Republican lawmakers sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell demanding documentation, from internal policies to spending figures to incident reports. Lawmakers have pointed toward more anonymous sources backing up the fired employee’s claims. “Additionally, another whistleblower contacted the Committee during the hearing," the letter said. "This individual informed the Committee that a FEMA contractor warned a disabled veteran’s family in Georgia to remove Trump campaign materials from their home because FEMA supervisors viewed Trump supporters as domestic terrorists. At a hearing this week, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., pointed to 35 of his constituents who shared similar stories with him. More from this section Lawmakers grilled Criswell over the discrimination reports at the hearing as well as FEMA’s recent focus on Diversity Equity and Inclusion efforts, something FEMA named as its number one goal in its latest strategic report. Lawmakers also raised concerns about the agency spending hundreds of millions of dollars on helping migrants. Defenders of FEMA have said the migrant funds do not take directly from disaster relief, while critics insist it shows missplaced priorities for the emergency relief agency. “In the fiscal year of 2023, FEMA spent nearly a billion dollars, $789 million, to shelter illegals in the United States,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., said at the hearing, as The Center Square previously reported . “This past year it was $641 million, and this money is largely distributed through NGOs...and this was to house illegal aliens," she added. "Not Americans, who by the way all that money, that comes from Americans bank accounts when they write their checks to pay their taxes." At the hearing this week, Criswell also said she will request the Inspector General investigate the question of political discrimination at FEMA. She also said she does not think this fired employee is indicative of a broader problem in the agency but is looking into it. Criswell said FEMA workers went back to the homes that were skipped over by the fired employee and promised to ensure it doesn't happen again. “The Committee is in the process of investigating these claims,” the Oversight letter said. “If they are true, they would corroborate concerns that political discrimination extends beyond [the fired FEMA employee]. Furthermore, they suggest an apparent culture, whether sanctioned or not, within FEMA to politically discriminate against disaster survivors, specifically those who support President-elect Donald Trump.”

“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, “Saw Patrol” ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic “Gladiator II.” Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of “Gladiator II” this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. “Barbenheimer” shattered its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, they brought in a combined $244 million in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” is a “Part One.” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, Chu told The Associated Press that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the Nicole Kidman kink pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Associated Press journalist John Carucci and Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed reporting. Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

 

slots used 1 of 2 meaning

2025-01-13
slots login
slots login AI generates accurate images of streets by listening to their soundtrackIsrael said Tuesday it had bombed more than 350 military sites in Syria during the previous 48 hours, targeting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of airstrikes in neighboring Syria was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s stunning collapse . Israel also acknowledged its troops were pushing into a border buffer zone inside Syria, which was established after the 1973 Mideast war. However, Israel denied its forces were advancing Tuesday toward the Syrian capital of Damascus. Life in the capital was slowly returning to normal after jihadi-led Syrian insurgents ousted President Bashar Assad over the weekend. People celebrated for a third day in a main square, and shops and banks reopened. The United States said Tuesday it would recognize and support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons stocks and protects the rights of minorities and women. Syria's nearly 14-year civil war killed nearly half a million people and displaced half of the country’s prewar population of 23 million, becoming a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers. Here's the Latest: SAYDNAYA, Syria — Tens of thousands came to Saydnaya Prison from all over Syria after the fall of former President Bashar Assad to search for their loved ones. The place so notorious for its horrors was long known as “the slaughterhouse.” For the past two days, all have been looking for signs of loved ones who disappeared years or even decades ago into the secretive, sprawling prison just outside Damascus. But hope gave way to despair Monday. People opened the heavy iron doors lining the hallways to find cells inside empty. With sledgehammers, shovels and drills, men pounded holes in floors and walls, looking for what they believed were secret dungeons, or chasing sounds they thought they heard from underground. They found nothing. Insurgents freed dozens of people from the Saydnaya military prison on Sunday when Damascus fell. Since then, almost no one has been found. “Where is everyone? Where are everyone’s children? Where are they?” said Ghada Assad, breaking down in tears. An estimated 150,000 people were detained or went missing in Syria since 2011 — and tens of thousands of them are believed to have gone through Saydnaya. WASHINGTON — The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East was on the ground in Syria on Tuesday, meeting with a Kurish-led, U.S.-allied force at several bases in the country's east, U.S. Central Command said. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla visited with U.S. military commanders and troops as well as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. It wasn’t clear if he met with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, and U.S. Central Command did not respond to a request for details about his visit or with whom he met. U.S. officials said they did not know what his message to the SDF was. The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. In a press release, Central Command said Kurilla received an “assessment of force protection measures, the rapidly evolving situation, and ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from exploiting the current situation.” Kurilla then went on to Iraq where he met with leaders in Baghdad. UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations says it still getting reports about the looting of warehouses with humanitarian aid in a number of areas in Syria, including around the capital Damascus. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Tuesday that U.N. agencies and their partners are working to identify the extent of looting at the warehouses, including those of U.N. agencies and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Dujarric said U.N. aid officials report that “the humanitarian situation remains volatile across Syria, with reports of people continuing to be displaced.” Humanitarian officials reported that 25 trucks carrying U.N. aid crossed from Turkey to northwest Syria, which the situation is now relatively calm, the U.N. spokesman said. All 11 receptions opened in Idlib in the northwest to host newly displaced families were empty as of Monday, Dujarric said. In the northeast, he said, authorities report that as of Tuesday 100,000 people have been displaced due to fighting in Tal Rifaat and other parts of Aleppo governorate. Dujarric said the U.N.’s partners report that “reception centers in Tabqa and Raqqa have reached full capacity, and more than 200 sites – including municipal buildings, schools, mosques, and stadiums – are being used to accommodate newly displaced people.” BEIRUT — The Lebanese army said Tuesday that “unidentified gunmen” crossed the border from Syria into eastern Lebanon's Bekaa province and approached a Lebanese border post. In a statement, the army said the gunmen fired into the air and seized equipment from an evacuated Syrian army post in the outskirts of Kfar Fouq, near Rashaya al-Wadi, in the western part of Bekaa province. Lebanese army personnel responded with warning shots, forcing the group to retreat back into Syrian territory. The Lebanese army did not report any injuries or provide further details about the identity of the gunmen. WASHINGTON — Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched multiple drones and a missile at three commercial ships being escorted in the Gulf of Aden by U.S. Navy ships, a U.S. official said Tuesday. There was no damage and no injuries. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations, said U.S. Navy destroyers, and Navy helicopter and a French Air Force aircraft shot down four of the drones and the missile. The three U.S. affiliated flagged ships were sailing east toward Djibouti. The Iran-backed Houthis have targeted shipping through the key waterway for more than a year, attacks they say are meant to force an end to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said it bombed more than 350 sites in Syria during the previous 48 hours, targeting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. There is concern that, with the sudden collapse of the Syrian government, weapons stockpiles could be seized by jihadi militants. Warplanes hit what Israel said were Syrian air defense systems, military airfields, missile depots, and dozens of weapons production sites in the cities of Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra, the Israeli army statement said. In naval operations overnight Monday, Israeli missile ships struck two Syrian navy facilities simultaneously — Al-Bayda port and Latakia port — where the army said 15 Syrian naval vessels were docked. Israeli did not specify how many Syrian naval vessels were hit. The private security firm Ambrey said it had seen evidence that at least six Soviet-era Syrian navy missile ships were hit. Israeli officials said earlier that Israel also targeted alleged chemical weapons sites. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Tuesday that his country’s military launched a wave of airstrikes across Syria to destroy the toppled government’s leftover “military capabilities,” and said Israel wants relations with the new government emerging Syria. Hours after Israeli warplanes pounded Syria, Netanyahu said Israeli doesn’t want to meddle in Syria’s internal affairs, but would take necessary steps to protect Israel's security and prevent jihadi militants from seizing the Syrian army assets. He warned that if the new Syrian government “allows Iran to re-establish itself in Syria or allows the transfer of Iranian weapons or any other weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks us -- we will respond forcefully and we will exact a heavy price from it.” He spoke in a video statement recorded at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, after his first day of testimony in his corruption trial. DAMASCUS, Syria — In Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syrians celebrated the fall of President Bashar Assad for the third day on Tuesday despite Israeli airstrikes across the country. Insurgents who recently took control of the capital city tried to impose a new rule banning the celebratory gunfire. There were a few violators, and much less deafening gunfire. Protesters climbed the square's central monument to wave the Syrian revolutionary flag. On the ground, crowds chanted: “Out with Bashar! Out with Bashar!” Assad fled to Russia over the weekend after a lightning rebel offensive toppled his brutal police state. Demonstrators from different provinces marched in the square in groups, celebrating Assad's fall. Men on motorcycles and horses paraded into the square. One woman from Idlib province shouted that the Israeli strikes ruined the joy of ousting Assad. “Why are you striking us? We just deposed a tyrant,” she said. “Give us peace. Leave us alone,” said Ahmed Jreida, 22, a dentist student, when asked about the Israeli airstrikes. Hamzeh Hamada, 22, said this was the first time he had gone out to a demonstration. “We want the country to get better, to live in dignity and be like other countries that respect citizens’ rights and where there are no bribes,” he said. “We have suffered a lot from bribes. ... We had to bribe people for very minor things; things that should be our right.” Abdul-Jalil Diab was taking a stroll with his brothers in another square in western Damascus. He said he came back from Jordan the day Damascus fell. He was there studying German to prepare to move to Germany and said he is now reconsidering his plans. He was ecstatic, saying words can’t describe how he feels. “We are happy to get rid of the corrupt regime that was based on bribes. The whole country feels better. Everyone is happy and celebrating,” Abdul-Jalil Diab said. QAMISHLI, Syria — Residents of northeast Syria in the area around Qamishli airport said Tuesday they heard explosions overnight after an airstrike hit trucks loaded with rockets and ammunition that were heading to a military base in Tartab. “We don’t know the story. It was only in the morning when we realized they are trucks loaded with ammunition, leftovers of the former army, the regime,” said Ibrahim al-Thalaj, who lives near the base. He said residents assumed that the strikes were Israeli. Israel has carried out a heavy wave of airstrikes across Syria targeting military infrastructure after Syrian insurgents toppled the government of Bashar Assad. However, Turkish security officials said Tuesday that the strike in Qamishli was carried out by Turkey, targeting weapons and ammunition that were abandoned by the Syrian army and seized by Syrian Kurdish militants. The explosions lasted for over 20 minutes after the strike, and many houses in the surrounding area were damaged as a result, residents of the area said. “We just felt a strike hitting. It hit the first one (truck) and we saw the other trucks retreating back, and from there rockets and shells started flying over,” said Hamid al-Asaad, an eyewitness from Qub al-Zeki village in Qamishli. “We were sitting when these explosions started to hit the house,” said Mahmoud Hamza of Tartab. “It was hitting randomly and we didn’t know where it was coming from. ... Once we got out of our house, a rocket hit the house.” There were no details released by the local Kurdish administration regarding the explosions, but members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces blocked the road to the base. BRUSSELS — The European Union’s top diplomat is concerned that Syria might violently fall apart like neighboring Iraq, or Libya and Afghanistan if its territorial integrity and the rights of minorities are not protected. “The transition will present huge challenges in Syria and in the region,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told European lawmakers on Tuesday during a special hearing. “There are legitimate concerns about the risks of sectarian violence, extremist resurgence and the governance vacuum, all of which must be averted. We must avoid a repeat of the horrific scenarios of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan,” she said. “The rights of all Syrians, including those of many minority groups, must be protected,” she said. “It is crucial to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria, and to respect its independence, its sovereignty, as well as the state institutions.” Kallas also said the collapse of the government has shown that Assad’s backers in Russia and Iran “could neither afford to do it any longer, nor had any interest of being present in the aftermath.” “They are weakened, distracted and overstretched in other theaters in the broader Middle East, but also in Ukraine,” she said. ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s intelligence agency, MIT, has attacked a convoy of trucks that was allegedly carrying missiles, heavy weapons and ammunition that were abandoned by the Syrian government and reportedly seized by Syrian Kurdish militias, Turkish security officials said Tuesday. The officials said 12 trucks, two tanks and two ammunition depots were “destroyed” in aerial strikes in the city of Qamishli, near the border with Turkey in northeast Syria. The officials provided the information on condition of anonymity in line with Turkish regulations. They did not say when the attack occurred. The officials said the intelligence agency detected that weapons left by the Syrian government forces were being moved to warehouses belonging to the Syrian Kurdish People’s Defense Units, or YPG. Turkey views the group as a terrorist organization because of its links to the banned Kurdish militants that have led a decadeslong insurgency in Turkey. According to the officials, he group was allegedly planning to use the equipment and supplies against Turkish security forces. By Suzan Fraser WASHINGTON — The White House is signaling its approval of Israel’s strikes against Syrian military and alleged chemical weapons targets and the seizure of a buffer zone in the Syrian Golan Heights after the fall of the Assad government. “These are exigent operations to eliminate what they believe are imminent threats to their national security,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday, saying the U.S. would leave it up to the Israelis to discuss details of their operations. “They have as always the right to defend themselves,” Kirby said. He declined to detail and U.S. intelligence cooperation with the Israelis that went into the strikes. Kirby said the White House was reasserting its support of the 1974 Golan Heights disengagement agreement, but didn’t criticize the Israeli seizure of the demilitarized zone. Israel has a long history of seizing territory during wars with its neighbors and occupying it indefinitely , citing security concerns. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. WASHINGTON — The Biden administration says it will recognize and support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons stocks and protects the rights of minorities and women. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Tuesday that the U.S. would work with groups in Syria and regional partners to ensure that the transition from President Bashar Assad’s deposed government runs smoothly. He was not specific about which groups the U.S. would work with. Blinken says Syrians should decide their future and that other countries should “support an inclusive and transparent process” and not interfere. “The United States will recognize and fully support a future Syria government that results from this process,” he said. “We stand prepared to lend all appropriate support to all of Syria’s diverse communities and constituencies.” DAMASCUS, Syria — Jihad Mustafa Shibani was taking his new motorcycle for a spin with a friend around the house of the deposed Syrian president in western Damascus on Tuesday. Shibani was released from prison a week before the capital Damascus fell, after he served two years on charges of buying his motorcycle using foreign currency on accusations he was dealing in dollars. He was tortured for 15 days and and given a quick trial where he was sentenced for two years, he said. He was released the day Aleppo fell to the insurgents. “Everything was banned in Syria. The (Assad loyalists) only could use it,” Shibani said. He said he has never been to this neighborhood, because it was taken over by Assad, his family and supporters. “For 50 years, my family’s house is near here, and we don’t know anything about it. ... The Syrian people had been oppressed, you can’t imagine.” Shibani said he has no fear of the rebel newcomers who have taken control of the country. “We are not afraid. There can be no one more unjust than Bashar. Impossible.” BEIRUT — Lebanon’s prime minister is in contact with security and judicial officials to follow up on reports that senior members of President Bashar Assad’s government have fled to Lebanon. Najib Mikati’s office quoted him as saying that Lebanon abides by international laws regarding people who cross its borders. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said that several top security officials have entered Lebanon over the past two days. Abdurrahman added that Syria’s former intelligence chief Ali Mamlouk, who is wanted in Lebanon over two bombings in 2012 in the northern city of Tripoli that killed dozens, was allegedly brought to Lebanon by the Hezbollah militant group and was staying in a southern suburb of Beirut where the group has deep support. Lebanon’s Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, whose ministry is in charge of border crossings, told reporters Tuesday that no person who is wanted in Lebanon entered the country through legal border crossings. There are dozens of illegal border crossings between Lebanon and Syria where people are usually smuggled in and out of Lebanon, but it was not possible to independently confirm whether Mamlouk had entered Lebanon. GENEVA — The United Nations says humanitarian operations in two major areas in northwestern Syria have resumed, deploying food, medical supplies, fuel and other needed services and supplies. Spokesman Jens Laerke of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that some health facilities were “overwhelmed” – in part due to staff shortages – and many border crossings have been closed, disrupting supply chains. OCHA said humanitarian operations in some parts of northwestern Syria were put on hold in the early days of the recent escalation, and resumed on Monday. “As of yesterday, all humanitarian organizations in Idlib and northern Aleppo have resumed operations,” Laerke told reporters at a U.N. briefing in Geneva. He said the three border crossings from Turkey used by the U.N. to deliver assistance into Syria remain open and “we are providing assistance in the northwest, including to those who have been newly displaced.” Even before the latest escalation, which led President Bashar Assad to flee the country, nearly 17 million people in Syria needed humanitarian assistance. More than 1 million have been displaced across Idlib, Aleppo, Hama and Homs since the escalation. JERUSALEM — Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel's military destroyed Syria’s fleet overnight and intends to establish a demilitarized zone “in southern Syria” to prevent attacks on Israel. He also issued a warning to Syria’s rebels, saying that “whoever follows Assad’s path will end up like Assad — we will not allow an extremist Islamic terrorist entity to act against Israel across its border while putting its citizens at risk.” Speaking at a naval base in Haifa, Katz said the Israeli navy “operated last night to destroy the Syrian fleet and with great success.” Video showing the smoking wreckage of what appeared to be small Syrian naval ships in the port at Latakia was broadcast by Saudi-owned television station Al-Hadath on Tuesday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has closely tracked the conflict since the civil war erupted in 2011, said Israel targeted Syrian warships, military warehouses and an air-defense facility on the coast. Katz added that he had instructed the army to establish a “defense zone free of weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria, without a permanent Israeli presence, in order to prevent terrorism in Syria from taking root and organizing.” It was unclear if the demilitarized zone would reach beyond the buffer zone that Israel has taken over in the border area. Israel has a long history of seizing territory during wars with its neighbors and occupying it indefinitely , citing security concerns. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. DAMASCUS, Syria — Members of the Syrian government under ousted President Bashar Assad will gradually transfer power to a new transitional cabinet headed by Mohammed al-Bashir. The departing government met with al-Bashir for the first time since Assad fled Damascus over the weekend. Al-Bashir had previously led the “salvation government” running the rebel stronghold in northwest Syria. Al-Bashir told reporters after the meeting that the ministers discussed transferring the portfolios to the interim government during the transitional period until the beginning of March. He said that in the coming days the new government will decide on each ministry. DAMASCUS, Syria — Banks and shops are reopening in Damascus after the chaos and confusion of the first two days following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Sadi Ahmad, manager of Syria Gulf Bank, said life is returning to normal. A customer who came to withdraw money from an ATM was surprised to see it functioning. At the historic Hamadiyeh market, fighters who seized power were still standing guard but shops had reopened — even an ice cream stand. Resident Maysoun Al-Qurabi said she was initially “against what happened,” referring to the insurgency, but changed her mind after seeing footage of rebels releasing inmates from the notorious Saydnaya prison. “People are at ease and secure now,” she said. “Before, people were hungry and scared.” DAMASCUS, Syria — Minority Christians in Syria have been living in a state of uneasy anticipation since insurgents headed by the Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham took control after ousting President Bashar Assad. Mazen Kalash, a resident of Bab Touma, a Christian neighborhood in Damascus, said he wants to know the plans of the new government that will be formed by the rebels. “The important thing is to feel safe, bring order, law and respect to the citizens,” he said. “We need to be able to work whatever we want and do whatever we want without any interference from anyone.” The insurgents have so far attempted to reassure minorities that they will be protected. Large numbers of Syrian Christians, who made up 10% of the population, fled after the civil war erupted in 2011. Many of those who stayed supported Assad out of fear they might be targeted by Islamist insurgents. TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at media during testimony at his corruption trial, which involves media moguls. “There has never been such a biased media in any democracy ... as there is in Israel,” Netanyahu told the court, describing his testy relationship with the press. He is accused of exchanging regulatory favors with media bosses for more positive coverage of himself and his family. He has denied wrongdoing. GENEVA — The U.N. envoy for Syria says armed groups that drove out President Bashar Assad have “been sending good messages” about national unity and inclusiveness but acknowledges that a Security Council resolution still counts the leading one as a terrorist group. With Syria’s future and stability still very much in flux since Assad’s departure over the weekend, Geir Pedersen suggested that the international community needs to help the country get through this turbulent moment. “We are still in what I would call a very fluid period. Things are not settled,” Pedersen told reporters at U.N. offices in Geneva on Tuesday. “There is a real opportunity for change, but this opportunity needs to be grasped by the Syrians themselves and supported by the U.N. and the international community.” Referring to Israeli military strikes in Syria, Pedersen said it was “extremely important that we now don’t see any action from any international country that destroys the possibility for this transformation in Syria to take place.” The insurgents are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which grew out of an al-Qaida-affiliate called the Nusra Front that the Security Council listed as a terror group in a 2015 resolution. “This is obviously a complicating factor for all of us,” Pedersen said. “But we also have to be honest, we have to look at the facts and to see what has happened during the last nine years.” “The reality so far is that the HTS and also the other armed groups have been sending good messages to the Syrian people,” he said. “They have been sending messages of unity, of inclusiveness, and frankly speaking, also, we have seen in (the captured cities of) Aleppo and in Hama ... reassuring things on the ground." Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency and the founder of both groups Nusra and HTS, cut ties with al-Qaida in 2016 and says he is committed to pluralism and religious tolerance. ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey has “strongly” condemned Israel’s advance into Syrian territory, saying it was in violation of a 1974 agreement on a buffer zone inside Syria. “We strongly condemn Israel’s violation of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, its entry into the separation zone between Israel and Syria, and its advance into Syrian territory,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry accused Israel of “displaying a mentality of an occupier” at a time when the possibility of peace and stability had emerged in Syria. The statement also reiterated Turkey’s support to Syria’s “sovereignty, political unity, and territorial integrity.” Israeli troops on Sunday entered the buffer zone that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war and the military said it would deploy in “several other places necessary for (Israel’s’) defense.” TEL AVIV, Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he works 17 to 18 hours a day and that he is engulfed in meetings, especially during the past year that Israel has been fighting wars. Netanyahu was testifying in his long-running corruption trial. He has denied charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases. “If only I could steal away five minutes to enjoy some time with my wife,” he told the court Tuesday. TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli military official says troops plan to seize a buffer zone inside Syria as well as “a few more points that have strategic meaning.” The official spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. The official dismissed reports of a larger Israeli invasion as “rumors.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces were moving to control a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) demilitarized buffer zone in Syrian territory. The buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights was created by the U.N. after the 1973 Mideast war. Following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, Israel sent troops into the buffer zone. It said the move was temporary and was aimed at preventing attacks. It said the 1974 agreement establishing the zone had collapsed and that Syrian troops had withdrawn from their positions. Israel has also carried out airstrikes across Syria in recent days targeting what it says are suspected chemical weapons and long-range rockets. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s incursion, accusing it of exploiting the disarray in Syria and violating international law. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community, except for the United States. The rest of the world views the strategic plateau as occupied Syrian territory. — By Joseph Krauss DAMASCUS, Syria — Israel’s air force has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in different parts of Syria as its ground forces move north of the Golan Heights along the border with Lebanon, according to an opposition war monitor. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday that since the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government, Israel’s air force has carried out more than 300 airstrikes against research centers, arms depots and military infrastructure across Syria, as well as a naval base along the Mediterranean coast. Associated Press journalists in Damascus witnessed intense airstrikes on the city and its suburbs overnight into Tuesday morning. Photographs posted online by activists showed destroyed missile launchers, helicopters and warplanes. Meanwhile, Israeli troops marched along the border with Lebanon and now control a long stretch on the Syrian side facing Lebanon’s Rashaya region, according to the war monitor's head, Rami Abdurrahman, and the Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV, which has reporters in Syria. Israeli troops are now about 25 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Damascus, according to the monitor. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s incursion into a buffer zone in Syria and a wave of Israeli airstrikes launched after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that “the assaults carried out by the Israeli occupation government, including the seizure of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, and the targeting of Syrian territory confirm Israel’s continued violation of the principles of international law and its determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability and territorial integrity.” Israel sent troops into a buffer zone inside Syria that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war. It said the move was temporary and was taken to prevent any cross-border attacks after Syrian troops withdrew. Israel has also carried out heavy airstrikes that it says are aimed at preventing suspected chemical weapons and long-range rockets from falling into the hands of extremists. Saudi Arabia has been in talks with the United States in recent years over normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for a U.S. defense pact, American assistance in establishing a civilian nuclear program and a pathway to the establishment of a Palestinian state. But the kingdom has also repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, where it is at war with the Hamas militant group. Last month, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and day-to-day ruler Mohammed bin Salman accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza , allegations Israel adamantly rejects.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — CNN wants a court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson that attacks its report that he made explicit posts on a pornography website’s message board. The network says Robinson presented no evidence that the network believed its story was false or aired it recklessly. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — CNN wants a court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson that attacks its report that he made explicit posts on a pornography website’s message board. The network says Robinson presented no evidence that the network believed its story was false or aired it recklessly. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — CNN wants a court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson that attacks its report that he made explicit posts on a pornography website’s message board. The network says Robinson presented no evidence that the network believed its story was false or aired it recklessly. The September report says Robinson, who ran unsuccessfully for governor this month, left statements over a decade ago on the message board in which, in part, he referred to himself as a “black NAZI” and said he enjoyed transgender pornography. The report also says he preferred Adolf Hitler to then-President Barack Obama and slammed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as “worse than a maggot.” Robinson, who was seeking to become the state’s first Black governor, said he didn’t write those posts and sued in October, just before early in-person voting was to begin. While filing a dismissal motion Thursday in Raleigh federal court, attorneys for CNN said Robinson’s arguments suggesting he was the likely victim of a computer hacking operation that created fake messages would require a series of events that is not just “implausible, it is ridiculous.” Generally speaking, a public official claiming defamation must show a defendant knew a statement it made was false or did so with reckless disregard for the truth. “Robinson did not and cannot plausibly allege facts that show that CNN published the Article with actual malice,” attorney Mark Nebrig wrote in a memo backing the dismissal motion, adding that the lawsuit “does not include a single allegation demonstrating that CNN doubted the veracity of its reporting.” For Robinson, who already had a history of inflammatory comments about topics like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, the CNN story nearly led to the collapse of his campaign. After the report’s airing, most of his top campaign staff quit, advertising from the Republican Governors Association stopped and fellow Republicans distanced themselves from him, including President-elect Donald Trump. Robinson lost to Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein by nearly 15 points and will leave office at year-end. Robinson’s lawsuit was initially filed in state court. It says, in part, that CNN chose to run its report based on data from the website NudeAfrica, which had been hacked several years ago and ran on vulnerable, outdated software. His suit claims the network did nothing to verify the posts. He’s seeking monetary damages. Thursday’s memo highlights the network’s story, including a section where the CNN journalists showed how they connected Robinson to a username on the NudeAfrica site. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. As the CNN story said previously, the memo says the network matched details of the account on the message board to other online accounts held by Robinson by comparing usernames, an email address and his full name. The details discussed by the account holder matched Robinson’s length of marriage, where he lived at the time, and that both Robinson and the account holder had mothers who worked at a historically Black university, the memo says. CNN also said it found matches of figures of speech used by both the NudeAfrica account holder and in Robinson’s social media posts. “This is hardly a case where, as Robinson alleges, CNN ‘disregarded or deliberately avoided the truth’ rather than investigate,” Nebrig said, adding later that the network “had no reason to seriously doubt that Robinson was the author” of the posts. Robinson’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to an email Friday seeking comment. The lawsuit says anyone could have used Robinson’s breached data to create accounts on the internet. His state lawsuit also sued Louis Love Money, a former porn shop worker who alleged in a music video and a media interview that for several years starting in the 1990s, Robinson frequented a porn shop where Money was working and that Robinson purchased porn videos from him. Robinson said that was untrue. Money filed his own dismissal motion in the state lawsuit. But since then, CNN moved the lawsuit to federal court, saying that it’s the proper venue for a North Carolina resident like Robinson and a Georgia-based company like CNN and that the claims against Money are unrelated. Advertisement Advertisement

(The Center Square) – More than 1,000 miles from the US-Mexico border, Nebraska is grappling with illegal border crosser crime and local communities have been impacted by a surge of foreign nationals. Immigration, both legal and illegal, is not new to the rural town of Fremont, with roughly 27,000 residents located roughly 45 minutes from Omaha. It’s home to several thousand Guatemalans who’ve arrived to primarily work in large meat processing plants. Residents were so overwhelmed by foreign nationals that in 2010 they overwhelmingly passed an ordinance, Ordinance 5165, to require all renters to sign a declaration that they were in the country legally. The ordinance has held up in court. By 2021, a fraudulent document ring had been uncovered in the town, the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Nebraska said last year. A 42-year-old foreign national was arrested and sentenced for conspiracy to produce and transfer fraudulent documents. After serving time, he was ordered to be deported. The investigation uncovered an identity theft conspiracy using a deceased person’s Social Security number that was used to make fraudulent Social Security cards, state driver’s licenses, and lawful permanent resident cards. Investigators found hundreds of counterfeit federal and state identity cards as part of their investigation. Two others involved in the scheme, one living in Nebraska, and the other in California, were sentenced to roughly two years in prison for their roles. The head of Nebraska’s Department of Motor Vehicles fraud unit said he wasn’t surprised by the fraud ring location, telling NBC News, “A good majority of our cases are usually in and around cities and towns with meatpacking plants.” Several recently announced cases by the US Attorney’s Office District of Nebraska paint a broader picture. In one recent case, a man from Sinaloa, Mexico, home to the Sinaloa Cartel, was sentenced on methamphetamine possession charges. A coconspirator was sentenced to more than 11 years. In another announcement earlier this month, a Mexican national was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison on meth-related charges. Others relate to illegal foreign national men sentenced on drug charges. Other crimes also vary. According to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announcement in March, North Platte Police Department officers arrested a Honduran fugitive wanted for homicide. He was initially arrested for driving a vehicle without a license, but the officers contacted ICE, which promptly lodged a detainer request with the Lincoln County jail. ICE then arrested, detained and placed him into removal proceedings. In July, Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger announced the arrest of an illegal foreign national in a traffic stop claiming to be from Houston, Texas. He was wanted on five felony charges in Indiana. He was arrested and jailed on the felony arrest warrant pending extradition to Indiana. In October, in Lincoln County, Nebraska State Patrol announced they arrested three Mexican men for possession of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to deliver a hazardous drug, and intentional child abuse-no injury. When they were arrested, two small children were with them. Last August, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Guatemalan man who allegedly starved and sexually abused his 17-year-old daughter. After illegally entering the country in early 2023, he “made arrangements [with human smugglers] for his daughter to be illegally brought into the United States from Guatemala and transported to him without her consent. Since arriving at the home in Lancaster County around July 16, 2023, [the man] allegedly forced the victim to work inside and outside of the home to repay the debt incurred for the transportation. The victim also reported that food had been withheld from her for five days prior to contact with Sheriff’s Deputies. The investigation also revealed that the victim was subjected to sexual contact by Gomez-Lopez,” the sheriff’s office said. These are just a few examples of hundreds. According to a legislative report released last month, 280 alleged criminal illegal border crossers are being detained in Nebraska Department of Correctional Services facilities. They all have ICE detainer requests. Most ICE detainees in NDCS custody are incarcerated for violent or drug offenses, according to the report, including 54% for sex offenses, 13.6% for homicide, 10.4% for assault, and 7.5% for drug offenses. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER ICE detainer requests are placed on removable non-citizens who’ve been arrested on criminal charges and are in the custody of state or local law enforcement agencies. They request local jurisdictions to hold the alleged offenders until ICE can apprehend them, to cooperate with ICE to transfer them to federal custody, and to notify ICE if for some reason they are released. Many Democratic-run jurisdictions have refused to cooperate with ICE, including one of the largest jurisdictions in Texas, The Center Square reported. President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation plan involves removing the most violent offenders from the country first, including those with ICE detainers, The Center Square has reported. Those that don’t comply are likely to face federal prosecution under his plan.

Secret Level exposes a side of the Armored Core series we rarely see

BEN BREAKING NEWS: Franklin Resources, Inc. Investors that Suffered Losses are Encouraged to Contact RLF About Ongoing Investigation into the Company (NYSE: BEN)Meet the 12 CFP Title Contenders: No. 12 Clemson

Nebraska portal tracker: Jimari Butler and reserve RB among Huskers entering

None

The future belongs to systems of action