winph99 Published 5:03 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 By PA News By Chris Moore Special to The News PORT NECHES — Burnt orange and Cardinal red were sprinkled into the mass of purple teachers, friends and family that showed up to Port Neches-Groves High School on Wednesday to see Jackson Christian and Mason Wuenschel sign letters of intent to play college ball. Get the latest news sent to your inbox Christian, one of the top offensive linemen in the state, signed with the University of Texas Longhorns, while Wuenschel, who plays linebacker for PNG signed to play both football and baseball for the Lamar Cardinals. Christian said he felt good to get the signing out of the way, even though he made the decision to choose Texas public back in May. “A lot of stress is gone,” he said. “I am very excited that I picked a good school. I am very excited to get there and start working.” The lineman said Texas started recruiting him early in the process, offering him his fourth scholarship. “They have great coaches, and I believe they are the best at what do,” he said. Christian said it felt good to share the moment with his teammate. “Right now, I am still a PNG Indian,” he said. “I haven’t closed that chapter of my life. I hope I get three more weeks to do that.” Wuenschel said he is grateful to be able to be able to be a dual-sport athlete at the next level. “I am just thankful for the coaches to allow me to be able to play two sports at Lamar,” he said. Wuenschel is coming off one of his most impactful games as an Indian. He forced a fumble on the first play of the game against Texas High School in the third-round playoff match up. Wuenschel also threw a TD pass and ran one in out of the team’s wildcat package. “It’s all about my teammates and them putting me in positions to make plays,” he said. PNG Head Coach Jeff Joseph said the two players’ dedication is unmatched. “They are gifted with good size,” he said. “They are athletic, but they didn’t take that for granted. They go to work every single day. Despite being bigger than most people, they put in work in the weight room and in practice. They do everything at full speed and to the best of their ability. I know they are going to get the most out of themselves in college.

Four members of Congress unveiled a bipartisan bill Friday that would spark changes at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, placing a time limit on resolving cases that can sometimes take years and improving communication between the center and abuse survivors. The Safer Sports for Athletes Act looks to address some of the bigger concerns that have opened the center to criticism since it was established in 2017 to handle sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports and their grassroots cousins. The bill has potential for a fivefold increase of an existing grant to the center, bringing it to $10 million a year. But even if the full amount were approved, it wouldn't solve all of the problems. As before, that grant can only be used for training and education , not investigations and enforcement, which are the focus of complaints about the center , and also of the reforms the lawmakers are seeking. “We’re hoping the combination of appropriations for other activities will free up money for investigations, as well as the streamlining,” said one of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Deborah Ross, D-North Carolina. The center estimates the reforms in the bill could cost more than $4.5 million. It currently operates on a budget of around $21 million a year, most of which comes from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and its sports affiliates, known as national governing bodies, or NGBs. “It's really unclear, and I don't think that some parts of the bill jibe with other parts of the bill," SafeSport CEO Ju'Riese Colon said. "We're going to need some more conversation to suss out some of this stuff. Right now, it just doesn't really add up for us.” The center's critics, meanwhile, have long been skeptical about giving more resources to an agency they feel is missing the mark. The bill would also mandate that investigations be concluded within 180 days after a report is made, with possibilities to extend them. Some of the most egregious complaints about the center have come from people who say it has taken years for their cases to be resolved. The center currently receives about 155 reports a week, which comes to more than 8,000 a year. When fully staffed, it has 77 people on its response and resolution team. “Too many other survivors have also been left waiting for years for SafeSport to investigate or have their cases closed without action,” said soccer player Mana Shim, who helped lawmakers draft the bill. Shim's own case, involving sexual harassment and coercion by her coach, took more than two years for the center to resolve and led to investigations and reforms across American soccer. Other reforms include a requirement for the center to provide victim advocates at no cost for those needing them — a move already underway as part of a menu of changes the center announced earlier this year — and to assign case managers who can give timely updates to victims and the accused. “I have questions around, if the center were to hire and staff the advocates, there might be some conflict of interest with us doing this internally," Colon said. The center was also concerned with one provision that would redefine how arbitration works and another that would change the dynamics of information sharing between the center and the USOPC and NGBs. The other bill sponsors were Reps. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio; Don Bacon, R-Nebraska; and Kathy Castor, D-Florida. The lawmakers positioned the bill as one that will help the Denver-based center, while making clear they are not satisfied with the results so far. “We're going to make sure the center has the resources it needs to effectively respond to thousands of reports it handles annually,” Castor said. “It has unfortunately fallen short." Ross conceded this bill will probably get pushed to the next Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, “but we needed to set the stage as soon as possible.” ___ AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games Eddie Pells, The Associated Press

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on treatments for transgender minors

CHICAGO (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks placed running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve prior to their game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday because of an ankle injury. Walker hurt his ankle in last week’s loss to Minnesota and left that game after sitting out the previous two because of a calf problem. He also missed two weeks in September with an oblique issue. Walker has run for 573 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries. A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2022, he has 2,528 yards rushing and 24 TDs in his career. Walker could, in theory, return if the Seahawks win two playoff games, though their postseason hopes were slim entering the game against Chicago. Seattle (8-7) trailed the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams (9-6) by one game with two to play. The Seahawks’ best path to the postseason was to win the final two regular-season games and have Los Angeles lose to Arizona on Saturday. Seattle visits the Rams to close the regular season. With Walker out, Seattle signed rookie running back George Holani off the practice squad. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

HOUSTON, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freight Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRGT, "Fr8Tech” or the "Company”), a logistics management innovation company, offering a diverse portfolio of technology-driven solutions that address distinct challenges within the supply chain ecosystem, today announced updates to its public filing procedures. On December 4, 2024, Freight Technologies, Inc. (the "Company”) determined that it no longer satisfied the definition of "foreign private issuer” under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”). As a result, the Company has begun filing Current Reports on Form 8-K with the SEC as if it were a fully domestic U.S. company, and will commence filing Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (beginning with the period ending March 31, 2024) and Annual Reports on Form 10-K (beginning with the annual report for fiscal year 2024), as well as proxy statements with respect to meetings of shareholders. About Freight Technologies Inc. Freight Technologies (Nasdaq: FRGT) ("Fr8Tech") is a technology company offering a diverse portfolio of proprietary platform solutions powered by AI and machine learning to optimize and automate the supply chain process. Focused on addressing the distinct challenges within the supply chain ecosystem, the Company's portfolio of solutions includes the Fr8App platform for seamless OTR B2B cross-border shipping across the USMCA region; Fr8Now , a specialized service for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping; Fr8Fleet , a dedicated capacity service for enterprise clients in Mexico; and Waavely , a digital platform for efficient ocean freight booking and management of container shipments between North America and ports worldwide. Together, each product is interconnected within a unified platform to connect carriers and shippers and significantly improve matching and operation efficiency via innovative technologies such as live pricing and real-time tracking, digital freight marketplace, brokerage support, transportation management, fleet management, and committed capacity solutions. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit fr8technologies.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the "safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Fr8Tech's and Fr8App Inc.'s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and, consequently, readers should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect,” "estimate,” "project,” "budget,” "forecast,” "anticipate,” "intend,” "plan,” "may,” "will,” "could,” "should,” "believes,” "predicts,” "potential,” "continue” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Fr8Tech's and Fr8App Inc.'s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of Fr8Tech's ordinary shares on Nasdaq; (2) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (3) the possibility that Fr8Tech or Fr8App Inc. may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (4) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Fr8App Inc.; (5) risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of Fr8App Inc.'s business and the timing of expected business milestones; and (6) other risks and uncertainties identified, including those under "Risk Factors,” to be filed in Fr8Tech other filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. Fr8Tech cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Fr8Tech and Fr8App Inc. caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Fr8Tech and Fr8App Inc. do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. CONTACT: Fr8Tech Contact: Jason Finkelstein IGNITION Investor Relations [email protected]

Many people forget that the Department of Defense conceived the internet as a secure and dynamic communication tool. Still, it took the private sector to turn it into an economic powerhouse that has revolutionized commerce and political discussion and transformed how people connect, work, and share information globally. Many argue that artificial intelligence’s impact on our society and economy will be greater than that of the internet, both economically and in national security. This public-private partnership can unlock AI’s potential, allowing the nation to protect itself while enriching itself. That’s why the Department of Defense, which has said that AI “will change society and, ultimately, the character of war,” wants to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This venture will advance America’s defense and ensure the United States remains the world leader in technological modernization. However, while the Defense Department desperately seeks to develop and expand AI, the Department of Justice has declared war on it. It is taking legal actions that threaten to smother the industry, which is still in its infancy. AI technology is already touching every facet of modern life. For national defense, AI has the potential to analyze vast amounts of intelligence in real-time, assist in decision-making, and help with battlefield strategy. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for nuclear matters recently noted that AI’s adoption will be a “considerable advancement in our ability to safeguard critical assets." The Defense Department’s investment in AI is also about maintaining parity — or ideally, superiority — against adversaries like China and Russia, who aggressively pursue their AI initiatives. Beijing has made no secret of its ambition to become the global leader in AI and is funneling billions into various military and civilian applications. It aims to lead the world in AI by 2030 so it can obtain “intelligence supremacy,” allowing it to leapfrog the technological capabilities of the United States. If the U.S. fails to match or surpass these efforts, it risks falling behind in the arms race of the 21st century. AI is not just about military applications. The technology underpins advancements in healthcare, finance, transportation, and countless other industries and has been called the “most important technology of any lifetime.” Leading in AI ensures that American companies drive innovation, which creates jobs and fosters economic growth. Just as the internet was initially incubated by research and development for military applications, the same holds for AI. We need a robust partnership between government initiatives and private sector innovation to secure America’s AI development and application leadership. Many industries, such as tourism, travel, and hospitality, have adopted AI and are already implementing it. Hotels and airlines employ AI algorithms for dynamic pricing, which adapts rates based on up-to-the-minute supply and demand analysis. When demand is low, AI suggests lower pricing to help fill the capacity of hotels and airline flights. Yet, despite already being in everyday use, AI has come under fire from government regulators and bureaucrats. A federal court case in Nevada has become ground zero in this fight as hotels that use AI to offer pricing options are being sued with the wholesale support of the Department of Justice. Similarly, the DOJ has targeted RealPage, accusing the company’s software, which assists homeowners and landlords in determining what price to offer customers, as being illegal. These actions by the DOJ are incredibly short-sighted. Any business model that suggests both price reductions and price increases tied to supply and demand are the signs of a healthy, competitive marketplace is all about, not an antitrust violation. If the DOJ’s continued actions against algorithmic AI are successful, their actions risk setting a dangerous precedent by discouraging industries from leveraging AI’s full potential. Who will invest in technology when it risks potential litigation by the federal government? The stakes are too high for the United States to fail. If China dominates AI development, U.S. companies can become sidelined in global markets, and American workers could lose jobs in cutting-edge industries, not to mention watch ethical standards get shaped by regimes that prioritize state control over personal freedoms. AI is a foundational piece of our future vitality. It makes no sense for one government agency, the Department of Defense, to invest heavily in technology while another, the Department of Justice, threatens to smother it in the crib. Our security and prosperity depend on AI's growth, adoption, and use. A cohesive national strategy is essential, where innovation is nurtured, not stifled, ensuring that AI can flourish to secure America’s future economically and militarily. ( is an adjunct professor of economics and political science at Georgia Military College.)Video claiming to show Rachel Maddow getting emotional while reporting on Elon Musk meme is fakeNoneRedefining motion capture with innovative flying action cameras and the award-winning HOVERAir Beacon LAS VEGAS , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently , Zero Zero Robotics , a pioneering tech company in intelligent devices, announced their participation at CES 2025, where the company will showcase its HOVERAir X1 series of self-flying cameras at booth # 56045 , Venetian, Level 2, Halls A-D. Designed to simplify aerial cinematography, the HOVERAir lineup includes the pocket-sized HOVERAir X1, the action-focused HOVERAir X1 PRO, and the Professional grade HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. Zero Zero will also celebrate its 2025 CES Innovation Awards Honoree title in Audio/Video Components & Accessories for the HOVERAir Beacon, an intelligent modular controller that redefines precision tracking and control. Take Flight with HOVERAir at CES 2025 Building on the success of the X1, Zero Zero introduced the HOVERAir X1 PRO and HOVERAir X1 PROMAX in August 2024 to meet the demands of action enthusiasts and professional creators. The X1 PRO offers 4K/60fps video with a 104° field of view for versatile shooting conditions. The X1 PROMAX delivers stunning 8K /30fps video with 4K /120fps slow-motion capabilities, a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor, and 14 stops of dynamic range for cinematic footage. Both models feature advanced AI tracking, Level 5 wind resistance, and a lightweight, durable HEMTM frame. "Our vision has always been to create flying cameras that are effortless, intelligent, and fun to use," said MQ Wang, Founder & CEO of Zero Zero Robotics. "The HOVERAir series puts professional-grade aerial cinematography in the palm of your hand, whether you're capturing casual moments or pushing creative boundaries." Adding to these innovations, the HOVERAir Beacon enhances control and precision for the series. The Beacon features a patented Tri-state modular design with two detachable joysticks, enabling one-handed and full-featured two-handed controls. It activates HoverLinkTM for precise tracking with up to a 1 km transmission range, while the 1.78" OLED display allows real-time footage monitoring. Equipped with AI-powered noise cancellation, the Beacon sets a new standard for audio and video recording during aerial shoots. "We're excited to bring the HOVERAir X1 series and Beacon to CES 2025, where we're redefining how motion is captured, tracked, and controlled," continued Wang. "These tools empower creators and adventurers to document their journeys with breathtaking precision and ease." Zero Zero Robotics invites attendees to stop by Booth #56045 to experience the HOVERAir X1 series in action and witness its unparalleled performance. Media wishing to interview Zero Zero Robotics personnel should contact Borjana Slipicevic. About Zero Zero Robotics Zero Zero Robotics was co-founded in 2014 by Stanford PhDs MQ Wang and Tony Zhang , specializing in embedded AI technology for intelligent devices. Known for its innovative machine vision and high-precision control systems, ZeroZero has team members who are dreamers, engineers, inventors, and builders hailing from top universities and research institutions around the world. Zero Zero Robotics holds more than 140 core patents and has pioneered technologies like fully enclosed portable propeller designs and bi-copter designs, cementing its place as a leader in intelligent device development.

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on treatments for transgender minors

winph 777 Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death rowNov 25 (Reuters) - England wicketkeeper Jordan Cox has been ruled out of the three-test series against New Zealand after fracturing his thumb in a net session during a tour match in Queenstown. Cox was set to make his test debut in the series opener in Christchurch, which starts on Thursday, as cover for regular gloveman Jamie Smith, who is skipping the tour for the birth of his first child. "I'm gutted for Jordan. He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand," coach Brendon McCullum said in a team statement on Monday. "That's sport, and unfortunately, these things happen. We will get around him and look after him. He is resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future." Ollie Pope took the gloves for Sunday's second and final day of the tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister's XI and a replacement for Cox will be announced "in due course", the team said. Sign up here. Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Toby Davis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Celebrities can spark change when they speak up about their healthJustin Baldoni Sued by Former Publicist Over Breach of Contract By Amidst an ongoing complaint levied , has been sued by his former publicist, who alleges he breached his contract earlier this year. What is Justin Baldoni being sued for? Steph Jones, who owns the public relations firm Jonesworks, accused Baldoni of breaching their contract earlier this year. The contract, which says Baldoni must pay her $25,000 a month, was allegedly breached after Baldoni dropped the firm in August, and joined a firm started by Jennifer Abel, who also worked at Jonesworks and left to start her own firm. Alongside the lawsuit against Baldoni, Jones is also suing Abel and Baldoni’s publicist Melissa Nathan, joining Blake Lively in accusing the pair of coordinating a . Jones’ lawsuit alleges that the pair are attempting to blame her for the campaign. “To this day, Abel and Nathan continue to point the finger falsely at Jones now that their own misconduct is coming to light, and to defame and attack Jones in the industry,” the lawsuit states (via ). In the case of Lively and Baldoni, this past week, Lively alleging him of sexual harassment and of coordinating an effort to destroy her reputation. In Lively’s claims, she states that things got so bad during filming that an all-hands-on-deck meeting was called due to her claims of a hostile work environment. During the meeting, Lively asked that Baldoni stop showing her nude videos or images of women, that he stop mentioning his pornography addiction to her, that Baldoni stop discussing sexual experiences in front of her, and that he also stop mentioning Lively’s weight. The complaint also claims that an agreement was made between production company Wayfarer Studios and the cast, in which the promotion of the movie would focus “more on [Lively’s character’s] strength and resilience as opposed to describing the film as a story about domestic violence.” However, Lively claims that Baldoni would renege on that and instead spoke in interviews about the film’s serious story. Lively also claimed that Baldoni and his PR manager, Melissa Nathan, discussed ways in which to start a social media campaign to harm her reputation. The filing by Lively includes 22 pages of texts between Baldoni’s publicist and Nathan, in which they discuss wanting to have Lively “buried.” Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he’s not writing about games, he’s usually playing them. You can find him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash. Share articleSANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Persistent high surf and flooding threats along California’s coast had residents on high alert a day after was blamed for one man’s death and , which propelled three people into the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service on Christmas Eve warned of dangerous, large-breaking waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters). Its latest high surf warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday. “Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches,” the weather service said in a Christmas Eve bulletin. In Santa Cruz, where a municipal wharf under construction partially collapsed on Monday, most beaches were cordoned off as they were inundated with high surf and debris. Residents received an alert on their phones Tuesday morning notifying them to “avoid all beaches including coastal overlook areas such as rocks, jetties or cliffs.” It warned powerful waves could sweep entire beaches unexpectedly. Local officials said there could be further damage to the wharf, but no more pieces broke off overnight. The wharf collapsed and fell into the ocean midday Monday, taking three people with it. Two people were rescued by lifeguards and a third swam to safety. No one was seriously injured. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said in the weeks and months ahead officials will have to assess long-term solutions for protecting the coastal city from the . “Hallelujah that no one was hurt in this, which could have been orders of magnitude worse in terms of any injuries to human beings and damage to property onshore and offshore,” he said at a media briefing Tuesday. “But I think we have somewhat of a question mark as we move through time,” he added. “And I don't think we're by ourselves. I think this is what coastal communities around the world are probably dealing with.” The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “It’s a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf,” said David Johnston, who was allowed onto the pier on Monday to check on his business, Venture Quest Kayaking. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Building inspectors were looking at the rest of the pier’s structural integrity. Some California cities ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon as forecasters warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. In Watsonville along the Monterey Bay, first responders were called to Sunset State Beach, a state park, around 11:30 a.m. Monday for a report of a man trapped under debris. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office believes a large wave pinned him there. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. The storm’s high surf also likely pulled another man into the Pacific Ocean around noon Monday at Marina State Beach, nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville, authorities said. Strong currents and high waves forced searchers to abandon their efforts roughly two hours later as conditions worsened. The man remained missing Monday evening. Further south in Carmel Bay, a man remained missing as of Tuesday afternoon after reports that someone was swept off the rocks into the ocean at Pebble Beach on Monday, local emergency responders said. The U.S. Coast Guard will "transition to a recovery search as ocean conditions improve in the coming days,” officials said in a statement. In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said, “It will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.” Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Sacramento and Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed.

Seven announces Matt Doran's replacement on Weekend Sunrise: 'Beyond excited'

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s opposition-controlled National Assembly voted Friday to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite vehement protests by governing party lawmakers, further deepening the country’s political crisis set off by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning imposition of martial law and ensuing impeachment. Han’s impeachment means he will be stripped of the powers and duties of the president until the Constitutional Court decides whether to dismiss or reinstate him. The court is already reviewing whether to uphold Yoon’s earlier impeachment. The impeachments of the country’s top two officials worsened its political turmoil, deepened economic uncertainties and hurt its international image. The single-chamber National Assembly passed Han’s impeachment motion with a 192-0 vote. Lawmakers with the governing People Power Party boycotted the vote and surrounded the podium where assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik was seated, shouting that the vote was invalid and demanding Woo’s resignation. No violence or injuries were reported. The PPP lawmakers protested after Woo called for a vote on Han’s impeachment motion after announcing its passage required a simple majority in the 300-member assembly, not a two-thirds majority as claimed by the PPP. In a statement, Han said his impeachment was regrettable but added that he respects the assembly’s decision and will suspend his duties to “not add to additional confusion and uncertainty.” He said he will wait for “a swift, wise decision” by the Constitutional Court. The deputy prime minister and finance minister, Choi Sang-mok, took over. Later Friday, Choi’s office said he instructed the military to boost its readiness to help prevent North Korea from miscalculating the situation and launching provocations. He also told the foreign ministry to inform the United States, Japan and other major partners that South Korea’s foreign policies remain unchanged. Han, who was appointed prime minister by Yoon, became acting president after the National Assembly impeached Yoon, a conservative, about two weeks ago over his short-lived Dec. 3 imposition of martial law. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

By Michael Liedtke San Francisco, Dec 12 (AP) Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season with a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customised emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone's upgraded operating system, iOS 18.2, extends Apple's expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary technology on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October to usher in the AI era for Apple and the iPhone, as well as for the iPad and Mac. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple's description for emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. Apple says it is placing some limits its AI's emoji artistry to prevent the distribution of violent or hateful imagery. Other features include an “Image Playground” for a variety of AI-styled illustrations, writing tools and options for summarizing emails. The technology won't work on iPhones that Apple made before 2023 because it requires a special processor that isn't in older models. The AI will work on the iPhone 16 line-up that came out in September and the premium iPhone 15 models released last year. That exclusivity is expected to propel a cycle of iPhone upgrades during the current holiday shopping season into next year, driving up Apple's profit even higher from the USD94 billion that the Cupertino, California, company pocketed in its last fiscal year ending in September. That expectation is the main reason Apple's stock price has climbed by about 30 per cent so far this year to push the company's market value closer to the USD4 trillion threshold for the first time. Apple is broadening the AI suite's appeal by including English versions tailored for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK that are included in the latest software update. Although the iPhone's AI is similar to many of the features that have already been available from other companies, Apple is taking a slightly different approach to the technology in an effort to stand out from the rest of pack. It is emphasizing its ongoing commitment to protecting iPhone users' privacy by processing most of its AI on the device itself or corralling it in a secured data center. Users seeking more AI wizardry than the device or the special data centre can handle will have the option to reach out to the popular ChatGPT technology made by OpenAI, which has forged a partnership with Apple. (AP) IJT IJT (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. THE WORLD NUMBER ONE KICKS ON! Luke Humphries comfortably books his spot in the Last 16 with a 4-0 whitewash victory over Nick Kenny, averaging 98.59! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XAADalXD4Q — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.” Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥 UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯 Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. There were several other titanic battles, none better than Gerwyn Price’s sudden-death leg victory over Joe Cullen. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. PRICE WINS A THRILLER! That might just be the game of the tournament so far! 💥 Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.

Canadian foreign, finance ministers meet Trump's team on tariffsHC restrains Taher Fakhruddin from presenting himself as 54th SyednaSeibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the CowboysThe Inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was the highest-profile new sporting event in the world last year. The collision of luxury and high-octane adrenaline left spectators in awe, showcasing the extravagant lifestyle and hospitality synonymous with Las Vegas. Stretching over 3.8 miles, the custom-designed street circuit features 17 high-speed turns and two DRS zones against the dazzling Las Vegas backdrop. Last year’s event garnered 315,000 fans to witness drivers racing down the strip at 215 mph. The last time Las Vegas hosted a Grand Prix was in 1982 when Formula One drivers competed on a track set up in a parking lot next to Caesars Palace. The success of Netflix reality show Drive to Survive has boosted Formula One’s stateside popularity in the United States in recent years. But the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix isn’t just about what happens on the track; Sin City also offers high-end hospitality options for attendees. VIP packages include exclusive lounges, gourmet dining experiences, and up-close views of the action from private suites. Bellagio Is Where It’s At The ultimate ticket to this year’s Grand Prix race is the Bellagio Fountain Club , which sits mere feet from the 1.2-mile high-speed straight. This exclusive package constructed next to the city’s famous fountains is a powerhouse trifecta of indulgence, hospitality, and exhilaration. “Bellagio Fountain Club’s debut at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix event surpassed all expectations,” said Andrew Lanzino, MGM Resorts’ Vice President of Citywide Events Strategy. The private indoor and rooftop deck gives guests unobstructed trackside viewing. Celebrity chefs like Mario Carbone, David Chang, Alain Ducasse, Masaharu Morimoto, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten serve exquisite culinary offerings. At the same time, drinks flow at the open bar from master sommeliers and mixologists. The Bellagio Fountain Club is a highly sought-after ticket for race weekend, yet the hotel offers numerous activities everyone can enjoy. The Shoey Bar is back! Drink from a newly designed white shoe at the wildly popular tribute to one of racing’s most iconic celebrations (thanks to Daniel Ricciardo). The Bellagio’s Ferrari pop-up boutique returns for the second consecutive year, exclusively housing men’s and women’s collections, luxury leather accessories, one-of-a-kind items, and signed collectibles. Exclusive Balmain Racing menswear capsule and the French house’s iconic ready-to-wear, handbags, and shoes will be available at a temporary boutique at the Bellagio through January 5. Papi Steak Garage Isn’t Just Dinner The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a luxurious new addition to the Vegas Strip. A long-anticipated sister property to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, this Las Vegas counterpart brings high-end design and world-class dining. As the official event partner for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, Fontainebleau will host the international elite at Papi Steak Garage, fusing high-energy dining and trackside action. Hosted by Papi Steak, a renowned David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality hotspot, this package places guests within the pulse of the race, the Pit Lane. Known for its signature “Papi Steak,” a richly seasoned and expertly cooked Tomahawk, the restaurant blends vintage glamour with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. For racing enthusiasts looking to pair fine dining with Formula 1 excitement, the VIP ultra-luxe package experience includes: F1 Paddock Pass Trackside Dining by Papi Steak Paddock Club Rooftop Access LIV on the Grid Pit Lane Walk Guided Track Tours F1 Podium Celebration Access Paddock Club Transportation Beyond the Racetrack No matter what team you cheer for, Sin City comes alive during race weekend. For those looking to get a taste of the action off-track, F1-themed activations throughout the city keep the energy high. The lobby at ARIA is the epicenter of excitement for Mercedes-AMG Petronas fans. A fully decked-out installation features race simulators, team merchandise, and photo opportunities with a show car, among other specialized experiences. The Cosmopolitan elevates race weekend with The Boulevard Experience, a souped-up watch party atop the Boulevard Pool. New for this year’s race is a closed-circuit viewing of the live Las Vegas Grand Prix TV feed. The Brooklyn Bridge will transform into a motorsport fan’s dream with Williams Racing team-curated interactive experiences. The free event offers fans an inside look at what it means to be on the team. Guests wandering The Cosmopolitan will find a variety of complimentary race weekend experiences, including MoneyGram Haas F1 Team memorabilia and photo opportunities with a team show car. Aston Martin at Fontainebleau As an official partner of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, the resort is a high-energy destination for sports, entertainment, and exclusive experiences. More than 20 displayed Aston Martin models give fans unprecedented opportunities to experience the exquisite craftsmanship and advanced technology defining this prestigious brand. Aston Martin’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, Marco Mattiacci, says, “It’s an opportunity to connect with our community of owners and bring our brand to enthusiasts from across North America during a landmark moment in the F1 calendar.” The exclusive Aston Martin British Bloodline experience presents a curated selection of current and rare vintage performance cars. Among them is the return of an icon, the Vanquish, Aston Martin’s V12 flagship. This collection also features the newly launched Vantage sports car, the groundbreaking DB12 Super Tourer, and the DBX707, hailed as the supercar of SUVs. “As the excitement builds toward Race Week, we are thrilled to offer our guests an intimate look at the history and evolution of Aston Martin, a brand that symbolizes both excellence and sophistication,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas President Maurice Wooden. “As a resort, we pride ourselves on bringing top-tier experiences to our guests, creating once-in-a-lifetime memories. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is extremely proud to be the exclusive partner of Aston Martin, and we are honored to bring this iconic luxury brand for the ultimate Race Week experience.” The hotel invites guests to experience Race Week in VIP style with the Aston Martin Million Dollar Package . This epitome of luxury allows guests to tailor their own Race Week adventure. It offers the extraordinary opportunity to take home an Aston Martin Vanquish, the stunning new flagship model from the prestigious British performance car brand. The Aston Martin Million Dollar Package also includes: Private roundtrip domestic flight for up to six guests Roundtrip ground transportation A five-night stay in the luxurious Fleur de Lis Chateau three-bedroom suite Six tickets to Fontainebleau Race Club suite One VIP table in the DJ booth at LIV Las Vegas Four memberships to the Poodle Room A private buyout of Lapis Spa & Wellness, redeemable at a later date A private dinner for six at ITO Complimentary upgrade to Fontainebleau Rewards Royal Tier status A $20,000 food and beverage credit A $20,000 resort credit Crockfords Is Vegas’ Best Kept Secret Experience the Grand Prix without the craziness of The Strip with a retreat to Crockfords Las Vegas , an ultra-luxe property located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard just outside the high-energy zone. Recharge at this exclusive hotel within Resorts World after an action-fueled day at the track. The Chairman’s Villa is an exclusive four-bedroom suite with direct views of the strip and race track from its private balcony on the 65th floor. This opulent suite includes a private lobby experience, a personal butler, and access to all of Crockford’s amenities. A large media room, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen, and billiards table bar mean guests can relax in the expansive living room while enjoying cocktails from a private bar or watching the drivers speed down the straight from the strip-facing balcony. The Chairman’s Villa is also supreme for hosting exclusive events or parties during race weekend. It is truly a one-of-a-kind accommodation that embodies the glamour and extravagance of Las Vegas and Formula 1. Smooth Operator Inspired by his nickname “Smooth Operator,” Carlos Sainz will bring the vibes to Las Vegas with the ‘Smooth Operator’ Dance Lounge at ARIA Resort & Casino. Sainz famously earned his moniker by singing the song while overtaking competitors during global Grand Prix events. The charismatic Grand Prix driver will take over ARIA’s ALIBI Ultra Lounge before racing around the Las Vegas streets. “Collaborating with Carlos Sainz on this exclusive party further strengthens the way we’re delivering the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix experience to fans unlike any other race of the year,” continues Lanzino. “Whether it’s one-of-a-kind dining experiences with world-famous chefs, virtual reality Grand Prix moments with championship teams, or dancing with the Smooth Operator himself, we are creating a variety of ways for visitors and locals to have the time of their lives.” This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks .

Remember Y2K? It was 1999 and many were sure civilization was about to end

Mark Zuckerberg apologized to me, once. I was surrounded by other bereaved parents in a Senate hearing room on Jan. 31 when the CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, turned around to face us and said he was sorry . Our children took their lives after being victimized by harms unleashed by unregulated social media platforms. In that surreal moment, we came face-to-face with a man who became a billionaire from one of the Big Tech companies that we fear puts profits above our kids’ safety. I lost my beautiful, goofy son Riley Basford when he was just 15 because he got connected on Facebook with a criminal posing as a teenage girl, who tricked him into sending private photos and then tried to blackmail him. Riley went into his room that day by all indications a happy boy. But within hours of the predator’s first contact with him through social media, Riley believed suicide was his only way out. Tragically, your child could be targeted too. Roughly 1 of every 17 American children are victims of sextortion , according to an analysis of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children data by Thorn , a nonprofit that combats child sexual abuse. Helen Lee Bouygues March 20, 2023 A majority of American teens use social media for nearly five hours a day , according to Gallup polling – more time than on anything other than school or sleep. All that time on unregulated social media platforms exposes kids to threats from criminals, sexual predators, bullies and unhealthy pressures that promote suicide, eating disorders, poor body image, drugs and alcohol, anxiety and depression. At first, I thought that if Meta knew what happened on their platform, the company would do something to stop it. I reached out – but nothing changed. So I joined ParentsTogether Action , a national advocacy group campaigning for a safer internet. For more than a year, my fellow parent advocates and I have been begging Facebook to meet with us to hear and respond to our stories – and to demonstrate how they are working to protect other children. We’ve been met with silence – aside from the single apology Zuckerberg gave when testifying before Congress under a national spotlight.Then in September, Zuckerberg told the hosts of a tech podcast and an audience in San Francisco that he had made a “political miscalculation” by taking too much ownership for problems that he said were out of Facebook’s control. Adding insult to injury, Zuckerberg said he’s done apologizing for bad actors on his platforms. We bereaved parents will never have the luxury of being done mourning our children. The best thing we can do now is to help save other children. As a nation, we must accept that social media companies won’t fix this themselves. The government must step in and hold Big Tech accountable for online harms. We need regulation to catch up with reality. The last law adopted to protect kids online was The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 . That was before widespread adoption of the internet, the invention of smartphones or social media or the vast technological advances of the last quarter-century. The Kids Online Safety Act , now before the U.S. House of Representatives, would require companies to take reasonable steps to “prevent and mitigate” online harms to children, including bullying and violence, the promotion of suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation and illegal products such as drugs. KOSA would require social media platforms to allow minors to protect their personal information and disable addictive product features, and to limit adult users from communicating with children, defaulting to the safest possible settings for minors’ accounts. Chris Coons Oct. 9, 2024 KOSA passed the Senate in July by an overwhelming vote of 91-3. Some 100,000 parents from across the country signed a ParentsTogether Action petition supporting the bill that we delivered to the U.S. House in September. Last month, 32 state attorneys general from both parties and from across the country added their voices to the call for immediate action. Just this past weekend, Elon Musk and the CEO of his platform X echoed the call for Congress to pass KOSA. Yet with just days remaining in this current Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson has failed to schedule a vote – despite significant support from both Republicans and Democrats in that chamber. Why the delay? New lobbying disclosures show that Google and Meta have spent nearly $90 million lobbying against the bill over the past three years. That’s money that they could have used to make their platforms less dangerous for our kids, but instead spent on deceptive, bullying efforts to block any attempts at real change. By including KOSA in a year-end legislative package, Congress has a historic opportunity to save lives caused by online harms while also protecting the rights to free speech and free expression. The time for excuses is over. Congress must pass this bill now. Waiting another year – and risking more kids’ lives – is a cost too high to bear. Mary Rodee is a Canton, New York-based mother, teacher and advocate with ParentsTogether Action , which uses research to inform advocacy and works with families who have lost children to social media harms.Dutch fall 24-14 to North Polk in 4A title game

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has no doubt about where his surging, 16th-ranked Gamecocks belong in the postseason — chasing a national championship. “It's hard for me to say we're not one of the 12 best teams in the country,” a giddy Beamer said Saturday after watching his team pull off another late miracle, courtesy of quarterback LaNorris Sellers, to defeat No. 12 Clemson 17-14. Sellers scored his second touchdown , this one from 20 yards out with 1:08 to play, for South Carolina's sixth straight victory, four of them in that run coming over ranked opponents. Are you paying attention, College Football Playoff selectors? “If the committee's job is to pick the 12 best teams, you tell me,” Beamer said. It would be hard to pick against the Gamecocks (9-3, 5-3 SEC; No. 15 CFP) with Sellers, a confident, poised freshman, playing as well as he is. He finished with 166 yards rushing and 164 yards passing. Two games ago, he set career bests with 353 yards passing and five TD throws in twice rallying the Gamecocks from fourth-quarter deficits to defeat Missouri 34-30. This time, Sellers shrugged off his interception near Clemson's goal with less than 11 minutes left to lead his team to a field goal and then his game winner. Sellers spun away from defender Peter Woods in the backfield, broke through the line and cut left to reach the end zone. Sellers hears defenders get angry when they get their hands on but can't bring down the speedy, 6-foot-3 passer in his first year since taking over for Spencer Rattler. How does he do it? “I don't really know,” Sellers said. Beamer had an answer to that one, too. “He's a competitor, he's a warrior,” Beamer said. “He doesn't get too high or too low. He's out there having fun.” The Gamecocks hope to have more fun in a week so, confident they'll hear their name called among the expanded field of 12 that will play for a national crown. They know, too, they'll have Sellers leading the way. “He's a magician, man,” Gamecocks linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. said. “LeMagic, LeComeback, whatever you want to call him.” Clemson (9-3, 7-1 ACC, No. 12) had a final chance and drove to the South Carolina 18 with 16 seconds left — well within reach of a tying field goal — when Cade Klubnik was intercepted by Knight to end things. The Gamecocks were 3-3 after losing at Alabama in mid-October and then pulled off their longest winning streak since 2012. The Tigers also were hoping to play their way into the CFP's 12-team field. But their offense had too many costly mistakes and their defense could not corral Sellers. “He's a great player and made great players,” Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter said. Still, there could be postseason hope for Clemson, which will cross its fingers and pray Syracuse can pull off an upset over No. 8 Miami later Saturday that would get the Tigers into the Atlantic Coast Conference title game next week against SMU. Both teams came in on highs, the Tigers having won three straight and the Gamecocks five in a row, including three consecutive over ranked opponents Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Missouri. But neither team found its offensive rhythm in the opening half. Sellers was sacked by T.J. Parker and turned the ball over as Parker recovered with South Carolina inside the Clemson 20. The Tigers drove to the South Carolina 11 and turned down a chip-shot field goal to go for it on fourth-and-1. But Mafah was stopped way short by Jalon Kilgore and Knight. Klubnik had scoring runs of 13 and 18 yards for the Tigers. South Carolina: What a run by the Gamecocks, who before the season were picked 13th in the SEC and now may find themselves part of the national championship playoff field. Clemson: The Tigers lost to both ranked SEC opponents they faced this season, first to No. 1 Georgia to start the year and then to rival South Carolina. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney was proud of his team's regular season but knew the loss might leave it short of getting back to the playoff. “We could've had a great year,” he said. "We got better this season, a lot of positives to build on. “But this one is tough. It's tough. It hurts,” he continued. Shane Beamer knew what a big week it was when he got a voicemail from his old boss, former South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier. “Beamer, you're doing great,” said Spurrier, who coached the Gamecocks from 2005-2014. “This might be the biggest game in the history of South Carolina.” South Carolina and Clemson both await their postseason games. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballNonespinph99 。

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Culture Shift: How Stand-Up Comedy Helped Reelect Trump

Super Micro and Nvidia Expand in Taiwan with Green Energy and AI ProjectsSiliguri holds its sixth Pride WalkLANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels connected with Zach Ertz in overtime for his third touchdown pass of the game to get the Washington Commanders into the playoffs by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on Sunday night in a back-and-forth prime-time showdown between highly drafted rookie quarterbacks. Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards and completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards and had two TD passes to Ertz and another to Olamide Zaccheaus to make the playoffs in his rookie year. In his latest comeback performance in a season full of them , the No. 2 overall pick in the draft in April shook off an interception and a 10-point halftime deficit and led the winning drive in overtime that was capped with the 2-yard pass to Ertz. The Commanders (11-5) could move up to the sixth seed in the NFC and set up a wild-card round game at Tampa Bay or the Los Angeles Rams if they win their regular-season finale at Dallas next weekend. They otherwise would be seventh and visit division-rival Philadelphia unless Green Bay loses to Chicago. The Falcons (8-8) lost control of their chances of winning the NFC South and ensuring a home playoff game. They now need to beat Carolina and for the Buccaneers to lose to New Orleans to qualify altogether. Atlanta was in control for the first half of the game, gashing Washington’s defense with the running game until abandoning it. Bijan Robinson had 82 yards and two touchdown runs on 13 carries until a minute was left in the second quarter — but had just 8 yards the rest of the way. Penix did his best to try to carry the Falcons back after they fell behind 24-17 late. The eighth pick in the draft made his second professional start and finished a 12-play, 68-yard drive with a touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts to tie it with 1:19 left. A throw from Penix to Drake London drew a pass interference penalty with 2 seconds left in regulation and gave Riley Patterson a chance at a go-ahead field goal. But Patterson’s 56-yard attempt fell short as time expired and Atlanta never got the ball back. Penix finished 19 of 35 for 223 yards. Milestones Daniels has 30 combined touchdowns and tied Russell Wilson for the third most by a rookie QB and passed Robert Griffin III for the most yards rushing with 864. ... Ertz became the ninth tight end in league history to eclipse 8,000 yards receiving. ... London had seven catches for 106 yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. Injuries Washington lost starting center Tyler Biadasz to a left ankle injury when he was rolled up on during a running play late in the second quarter that was negated by a holding penalty on left tackle Brandon Coleman. ... Right tackle Cornelius Lucas, filling in for injured starter Andrew Wylie — inactive because of a groin injury — also left with a groin injury. Up next Falcons: Host the Panthers while scoreboard-watching the Saints’ game at the Buccaneers. Commanders: Visit the Cowboys with the chance to improve their playoff seeding. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Don McHenry scored seven of his 29 points in overtime to lead Western Kentucky over Murray State 81-76 on Saturday. McHenry hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 39 seconds left and two free throws with 15 remaining to rally the Hilltoppers (7-3). He added five rebounds. Babacar Faye scored 17 and grabbed nine rebounds. Khristian Lander had 12 points. Jacobi Wood led the way for the Racers (6-3) with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Nick Ellington totaled 15 points and seven rebounds. AJ Ferguson pitched in with 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Faye put up eight points in the first half for Western Kentucky, which trailed 39-33. McHenry led the Hilltoppers with 15 second-half points and he hit the game-tying layup with 35 seconds left to send the game to overtime tied at 67. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .A DEFIANT Mary Lou McDonald has claimed that Sinn Fein have broken the mould of Irish politics as she declared: “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history.” Mary Lou McDonald today laid out her plan for after the election as she revealed that Sinn Fein will be “actively pursing entrance to government.” Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ruled out entering coalition with Sinn Fein in the run up to the election. Mary Lou McDonald – who topped the poll in Dublin Central – today revealed that she plans to reach out to the leaders of left wing parties such as the Social Democrats and the Labour Party to discuss trying to form a government. However, pressed on whether Sinn Fein and the left will have the numbers to form a government, Ms McDonald said: “I think it’s fair to say that we have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould her in this state. “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history and that in itself is very significant. “The question now arises for us – what do we do with that? And we are clear that we want to change people’s lives and make things better. “The housing crisis – we can not tolerate or sustain another five years. "The cost of living crisis is baring down on people and for our young people in particular we have to get it right here and give them their opportunity at home. That is currently not happening. “We as a political leadership will do everything that we can. We will move heaven, we will move earth to make people’s lives better.” Asked if she believes the numbers are there to form a coalition of the left to lead government, the Sinn Fein leader said: “I am looking to bring about a government of change and I am going to go and look at all formulations. “The bottom line if you want my bottom line – the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years in our strong opinion is not a good outcome for Irish society. MARY Lou McDonald has reacted to Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch’s vote haul in the general election and claimed: “Nothing in politics surprises me, I’m around far too long.” Gang boss Hutch ran as an independent in the Sinn Fein leader’s Dublin Central constituency and is in the fight for the final seat. Ms McDonald topped the poll in the constituency with Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe and Social Democrat Gary Gannon also set to be re-elected. However, the final seat – which is currently held by Neasa Hourigan of the Greens – is still to play for with The Monk and Labour’s Marie Sherlock in the race. Transfers of several candidates will be key to where the final seat goes with The Monk likely to benefit from independent Malachy Steenson’s second preferences. However, Labour’s Marie Sherlock should receive a boost from other left leaning candidates that are still in the race. Asked about her Dublin Central constituency today, Mary Lou McDonald said: “If this doesn’t sound like bragging...actually now I’m going to brag – it’s a hatrick for me in topping the poll in the constituency and I’m really, really proud of that achievement. “The last seat is in the balance. I think it’s going to be a battle royal. I imagine it will go late into the night and into tomorrow before we see where it lands.” Pressed on whether she was surprised by Gerry The Monk Hutch’s 3,000 first preference votes, the Sinn Fein leader said: “Nothing in politics surprises me, I’m around far too long.” “Obviously I want to talk to other parties of the left and those we share significant policy objective with and I’m going to do that first and hear their mind and thinking. “Be very clear – we will be very actively pursing entrance into Government. “It was clear to me when we were going around on the campaign that people want us to take a place in government and they want to see us deliver. “I’m going to do everything I can to establish whether and how that might be possible. That will involve the counting to finish, for us to assess the result in its totality and then obviously conversation and dialogue with others.”BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Don McHenry scored seven of his 29 points in overtime to lead Western Kentucky over Murray State 81-76 on Saturday. McHenry hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 39 seconds left and two free throws with 15 remaining to rally the Hilltoppers (7-3). He added five rebounds. Babacar Faye scored 17 and grabbed nine rebounds. Khristian Lander had 12 points. Jacobi Wood led the way for the Racers (6-3) with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Nick Ellington totaled 15 points and seven rebounds. AJ Ferguson pitched in with 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Faye put up eight points in the first half for Western Kentucky, which trailed 39-33. McHenry led the Hilltoppers with 15 second-half points and he hit the game-tying layup with 35 seconds left to send the game to overtime tied at 67. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold will enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. A five-star recruit in 2023 out of Denton, Texas, Arnold began this season as the starter, lost his spot and later regained it as the Sooners went 6-6. Monday is the first day that underclassmen can transfer during the winter portal window. Arnold completed 154 of 246 passes (62.6 percent) for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games. He also ran the ball 150 times for 444 yards and three TDs, including 25 attempts for 131 yards in the Sooners' 24-3 win over Alabama on Nov. 23. As a freshman last season playing behind Dillon Gabriel, Arnold appeared in seven games and was 44 of 69 (63.8 percent) for 563 yards, four TDs and three picks. A former Gatorade Texas Player of the Year, Arnold started for Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl last December, when the Sooners lost 38-24 to Arizona. He was QB1 for the 2024 campaign, but three early turnovers caused him to be pulled in a 25-15 defeat to Tennessee on Sept. 21 and replaced by true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold came off the bench to replace Hawkins in a 35-9 loss to South Carolina on Oct. 19, and head coach Brent Venables afterward fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley became the interim play-caller. Venables filled the position permanently on Monday by hiring Washington State OC Ben Arbuckle, who could bring Cougars QB John Mateer with him to Norman, Okla. --Field Level Media

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New Delhi: US President-elect Donald Trump has backed tech titan Elon Musk on H-1B visas and emphasised that he always liked them, in what would be music to ears of thousands of Indians who get employed in America via this visa. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for "I've always liked the (H-1B) visas, I have always been in favour of the visas, that's why we have them" at Trump-owned facilities, the president-elect told the New York Post in his first public comments on the matter that has divided the Republican Party. "I have many H-1B visas at my properties. I've been a believer in the programme. I've used it numerous times. It's a great programme," Trump said. Musk has faced backlash from Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters, who argue that the H-1B programme has been abused and needs significant cuts. Both Musk and Indian American and Trump confidant Vivek Ramaswamy contend that America's tech industry relies heavily on engineers and professionals from countries like India. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "If you want your team to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be," Musk posted on X, pointing to a "permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent" in Silicon Valley . 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View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Tesla , Musk's electric vehicle startup, received 724 H-1B visas this year. Musk is a naturalised US citizen who was born in South Africa. Although they can be extended or used to apply for green cards, H-1B visas are normally valid for three years. Ramaswamy, drawing from his Indian immigrant background, echoed Musk's perspective, stating: "A culture that celebrates mediocrity over excellence... will not produce the best engineers." The debate gained momentum after the appointment of Sriram Krishnan , an Indian-origin venture capitalist, to lead AI policy in the Trump administration. Krishnan's advocacy for easing green card restrictions for skilled workers has sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of pushing an "India First" agenda. More than 70% of H-1B visa holders hail from India, underscoring the critical role Indian professionals play in powering America's tech economy. Yet, this reliance has triggered backlash from Trump's populist base. Far-right Trump supporter Laura Loomer described the push for skilled immigration as "not America First", while accusing Musk and Ramaswamy of prioritising foreign workers over American jobs. Loomer took to X to denounce Musk's influence on Trump and label his 'Department of Government Efficiency' with Ramaswamy as a "vanity project". Loomer's tirade didn't stop there. She predicted a falling-out between Musk and Trump soon. Loomer's opposition to Musk appears to be driven by her anti-immigration views, which are rooted in her racist and Islamophobic beliefs. Her attacks on Musk also targeted his perceived ties to China and immigrants from India.

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'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-OlympianWinston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrumCHARLESTON, S.C. — AJ Hoggard had 18 points and seven assists, Jason Edwards added 16 points and Vanderbilt held off Nevada 73-71 on Thursday night on the opening day of the Shriners Children's Charleston Classic. The Commodores (5-0) will play Seton Hall, a 69-66 overtime winner over VCU, in the semifinals on Friday. The Wolf Pack (4-1) will play the Rams. MJ Collins Jr. added 15 points and Devin McGlockton and Jaylen Carey each had nine points and eight rebounds for Vanderbilt. Kobe Sanders and Tyler Rolison scored 13 points each and Brandon Love added 11 while Nick Davidson had nine points and nine rebounds for Nevada, which shot 54% to Vanderbilt's 47%. Vanderbilt led by 12 points midway through the second half when Nevada rallied to get within a point, 67-66, with two minutes to go. It was 72-71 when McGlockton missed the second of a one-and-one with four seconds remaining before a final Nevada shot from the arc was late and off-target. An 8-0 run early in the second half gave Nevada a lead but the Commodores turned it around quickly with a 12-0 run for the game's first double-digit lead at 53-43 with 13 minutes to go. Vanderbilt led 37-35 at halftime.

Data Warehouse Market Size, Regional Outlook, Valuable Growth Factors, Business Strategies and Future Demand 2031 12-21-2024 01:25 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: Coherent Market Insights Pvt Ltd Data Warehouse The latest report titled ""Data Warehouse Market: Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunities, and Forecast 2024-2031"" by Coherent Market Insights delivers a thorough analysis of the industry, encompassing market insights. It also covers competitor and regional analysis, along with recent advancements in the market. The report includes a detailed table of contents, figures, tables, and charts, offering in-depth analysis. The Data Warehouse market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by factors such as rising product demand, a growing customer base, and technological progress. 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About Authors : Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States Phone: US +12524771362 / UK +442039578553 Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com About Coherent Market Insights Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. 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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night's games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven't won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaBirdsong project unlocks secret to managing biodiversity

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has declared his opposition to legalising assisted dying, which will soon be debated by MPs. The former Labour PM said the death of his newborn daughter in 2002 did “not convince me of the case for assisted dying; it convinced me of the value and imperative of good end-of-life care”. In a rare intervention ahead of the Commons debate on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, November 29, Mr Brown shared a glimpse of the time he and his wife Sarah spent with their baby, Jennifer, who died when she was only 11 days old. Writing in the Guardian newspaper, Mr Brown said: “We could only sit with her, hold her tiny hand and be there for her as life ebbed away. She died in our arms. “But those days we spent with her remain among the most precious days of my and Sarah’s lives.” While he acknowledged that at the heart of the assisted dying debate is a “desire to prevent suffering”, the former Labour MP called for a commission on end-of-life care to be set up, instead of the law change which MPs will consider. This commission, he said, should work to create a “fully-funded, 10-year strategy for improved and comprehensive palliative care”. “When only a small fraction of the population are expected to choose assisted dying, would it not be better to focus all our energies on improving all-round hospice care to reach everyone in need of end of life support?” he said. Mr Brown added: “Medical advances that can transform end-of-life care and the horror of people dying alone, as with Covid, have taught us a great deal. “This generation have it in our power to ensure no-one should have to face death alone, uncared for, or subject to avoidable pain.” Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP sponsoring the assisted dying Bill through the Commons, said she was “deeply touched” by Mr Brown’s decision to share his story. The Spen Valley MP said she agreed completely with his calls for better end-of-life care. But Ms Leadbeater added: “He and I agree on very many things but we don’t agree on this. “Only legislation by Parliament can put right what Sir Keir Starmer calls the ‘injustice that we have trapped within our current arrangement’. “The need to address the inability of the current law to provide people with safeguards against coercion and the choice of a better death, and to protect their loved ones from possible prosecution, cannot wait. “So for me it isn’t a case of one or the other. My Bill already includes the need for the Government to report back to Parliament on the availability and quality of palliative care, and I strongly support further detailed examination of its provision. We need to do both.” Though Ms Leadbeater made reference to the Prime Minister as she set out her difference from Mr Brown’s position, Sir Keir has opted not to say whether he will support the Bill. MPs will be given a free vote on the legislation, meaning their political parties will not require them to vote for or against it, and it will be a matter for their personal consideration. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is the latest senior minister to disclose her position on assisted dying, signalling to broadcasters on Friday that she may support the Bill. “I continue to support the principle of needing change but also to ensure that we’ve got the proper safeguards and systems in place,” she told ITV’s Good Morning Britain. Asked if that meant a “yes” when the Bill comes to the Commons, she replied: “I think I last voted on this about 20 years ago and so I have supported the principle in the past and continue to believe that change is needed but we do need to have that debate on the detail and I’ll continue to follow that debate next Friday.”AP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:39 p.m. ESTNoneBut rather than run away from the impending blaze, some 3,000 students at Pepperdine University headed toward two buildings at the heart of the 830-acre (336 hectare) campus in coastal Malibu, California, to shelter in place. The protocol at the Christian university with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean may seem to defy logic to those accustomed to scenes elsewhere in wildfire-prone California of thousands of residents evacuating fire zones in lengthy caravans of cars. For years, the university nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains has had a special protocol due to its unique terrain and design that calls for students to be brought to a library and campus center where they can get food and water and have their basic needs met, said Michael Friel, a Pepperdine spokesperson. The school began preparing students and community members on what to do in case of a wildfire during new student orientation at the beginning of the academic year. When the fire broke out Monday night, school officials started communicating with students around 11 p.m. and activated the shelter-in-place protocol about two hours later, spreading the word through text messages, email, social media and by going door to door. “A lot of our students were woken up by a knock on the door, and we made sure they were aware of the conditions and we were able to get them out of harm’s way,” Friel said. The Franklin Fire quickly moved south, jumping over the famous Pacific Coast Highway and stretching to the coast, where large homes line the beach. Thousands of Southern California residents were under evacuation orders and warnings Tuesday with more than 8,100 homes and other structures under threat. County fire officials estimated that more than 3.5 square miles (9 square kilometers) of trees and dry brush had burned amid dangerous conditions fanned by dry, gusty Santa Ana winds that were expected to last into Wednesday. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Ryan Song, a resident assistant at Pepperdine University, said he noticed the power went out at his dorm late Monday. When he looked out the window, he saw a huge pink glow. “I thought, ‘This is too bright,’ and it got bigger and bigger,” the 20-year-old junior said. “I immediately went outside and saw that it was a real fire.” Song and the other assistants went door to door to get students out. Most were calm and followed instructions, he said; a few who were scared rushed to their cars to get off campus. Song said he spent the next few hours racing back and forth in the dark between his dorm and the main campus to ensure no one was left behind. Pepperdine University officials said the campus was designed in the 1960s with fire safety in mind due to the region's experience with wildfires. Buildings were clustered together and covered in stucco while roadways were constructed to make it easy for firefighters to get in, said Phil Phillips, the school's executive vice president. During the 1990s, campus officials worked with Los Angeles County fire authorities to develop a safety plan, and authorities said the safest option for students would be to remain on campus. The school is diligent about brush clearance and has a plan to reduce smoke in shelter-in-place locations by taping shut doors and using air filters, he said. The nearby stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway can also become congested during an emergency, Phillips said, such as during the deadly Woolsey Fire in 2018. “What you don't want is to be stuck,” said Phillips, who has been at the campus for three decades — including as a student — and said he has been through seven fires. “Protecting our students, providing for their safety is a moral obligation for us, so we take it really, really seriously.” On Tuesday, heavy smoke from the Franklin Fire, burning northeast of the school, billowed over the campus 29 miles (47 kilometers) west of Los Angeles, and classes were cancelled and final exams postponed. Firefighters had not contained any part of the blaze as of Tuesday afternoon. The campus was singed but no injuries were reported, and only one structure possibly was minimally damaged thanks to firefighters' hard work and collaboration from students, faculty and others on campus, Friel said. Jim Gash, the college's president, said the campus was no longer threatened on Tuesday afternoon. “I am grateful that through prayer, preparation, and cooperation, our Pepperdine community safely navigated the challenges encountered over the last 12 hours," Gash said in a statement. “Our prayers continue to go out to the Malibu community.” Taxin reported from Santa Ana, Calif. Associated Press writer Julie Watson in San Diego contributed to this report.

Isaiah Jacobsen, 20, a University of Nebraska at Omaha junior from Hickman, Nebraska, is one of the first UNO students to dual major in artificial intelligence and computer science. This computer lab at the UNO's Peter Kiewit Institute is available to students in the College of Information Science & Technology. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD “Computer science already had so many great job outlooks,” he said. “You add AI on top of it, a field that’s just getting started, that has the potential to grow and create so many different industries within it, for me, at least, the possibilities are endless.” At UNO, which recently launched Nebraska's first Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence, professors say AI may spook some people, but it's here to stay, and young Nebraskans should learn how to use it. The degree program is designed to produce graduates who can design, implement and manage AI systems across a range of sectors. Graduates could expect to earn as much as $100,000 a year, the university said. Students began enrolling this fall, and courses will begin in the Spring 2025 semester. The technology is transformational, its applications virtually limitless, and students competent in AI will have a competitive edge in the future, professors say. Job opportunities in AI extend beyond the tech sector, said Prashanti Manda, associate professor of who will teach some of the courses. “Everybody has the need for AI,” she said. If Amtrak wants to build an AI bot to help people find the best route or book tickets, an AI engineer could build that bot, Manda said. If Berkshire Hathaway wants to build an AI tool for people to find real estate listings that match what they’re looking for, without sifting through hundreds of listings, an AI engineer could build it. Nebraska farmers could benefit from AI as well, she said. A hot topic in agriculture is targeting pesticides where they’re needed instead of “carpet bombing” the whole field. AI could use image recognition to identify the portions of a field that need chemicals. Another use would be “intelligent watering” to optimize irrigation. AI has been around since the 1980s and 1990s, but applications like ChatGPT have given the general public a taste of what it can do. Manda said any new technology can cause job disruptions, but people who understand it will have the edge. “Your job is probably not going to be taken away by AI, but it might be taken away by somebody else who knows how to use AI,” she said. Students will use this high-powered Lambda computer at the University of Nebraska at Omaha as part of the new artificial intelligence degree program. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Victor Winter, a UNO professor who will be teaching some of the classes, said AI is developing with astonishing speed. “The technology is evolving so quickly, it’s beyond anything that people have ever seen before,” Winter said. “And that makes it, in and of itself, very, very unique.” The consequences for foot-dragging are significant. A two-year delay can put a person or company a technological generation behind, he said. “Everything else pales in comparison to how fast this stuff is advancing,” Winter said. He will be teaching students about generative AI, which enables machines to learn patterns from existing data. They will use the data to create new content, such as videos, text, images or audio. Young people are more open to the possibilities of AI, he said. Raised with computers, they're open-minded and fearlessly explore new technologies, and many have ChatGPT or other AI apps on their phones. Winter dismisses the idea that AI is a fad that will fade, though it does present ethical challenges. In recent years, the country has witnessed how bad actors can create fake content that misrepresents political candidates. There are practical concerns over biases, privacy and security. And there is a philosophical debate over whether AI can ever surpass human intelligence or become sentient — though Hollywood needs no convincing. Scientists are debating the question of whether guard rails should be set for generative AI. For instance, Winter said, should AI answer when someone asks how to make a bomb or to cook a horse? “There is not universal agreement on what is acceptable,” he said. “Horse meat is a delicacy in France and in Canada.” The Peter Kiewit Institute at UNO is home to College of Information Science & Technology and its new AI bachelor's degree program. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Martha Garcia-Murillo, dean of the UNO College of Information Science and Technology, said AI will affect everything people do, from education to entertainment, business and government operations. Everyone should have some level of competence in it, she said. “Not being engaged is at our own peril," she said. "The less familiar we are, we are not capable of recognizing the good and the bad. We might be shutting ourselves out of the opportunity to really leverage this technology and be more competent and confident using it.” She sees the rise of AI as similar to the introduction of computers in homes and businesses almost 50 years ago. Although there was some reluctance at first, people now use computers every day for everything. “This technology is going to have that type of effect, and the more competent you are, the better for you to therefore keep and make your job better.” Other Nebraska universities have recognized the value in AI and offered courses to students. Creighton University recently received a $250,000 grant from Google's philanthropic arm to support efforts to integrate AI into students' learning and research. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln launched its first AI course in 1995, with teaching and research focused in its College of Engineering. That expertise is helping support the launch of UNO's AI degree program, a spokesperson said. AI specializations are embedded in UNL engineering programs, designed to provide students with a foundation in AI. For instance, the Bachelor of Science degree in has an AI specialization. A new Bachelor of Science degree in data science includes an AI track. Jacobsen, the UNO junior, said AI provides a technological leap forward comparable with the launch of the internet. But he said he thinks the leap will be even more revolutionary. While some people are alarmed about doomsday predictions involving sentient computers and robot takeovers, Jacobsen said AI risks can be mitigated. “AI is really only the data you feed it,” he said. “As long as you’re feeding it good, clean data, in theory, there’s nothing that could go wrong, unless it makes inferences and connections between the good data and it ends up doing something bad.” 8,000 bottles of wine on the wall? National chain Total Wine opens first Nebraska store A few snowflakes rest on a hand rail at the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Watie White prepares to hang the portraits he drew for an exhibit inside the carriage house at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Watie White poses for a portrait holding some potraits he drew that will hang in an exhibit inside the carriage house at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Creighton's Pop Isaacs (2) goes up for a 3-pointer s head coach Greg McDermott motions in the background during the second half of a men's college basketball game against Kansas at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Creighton players react as they are unveiled on the NCAA Volleyball Tournament bracket during a watch party at DJ's Dugout in Omaha on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Creighton's Jackson McAndrew (23) and Fedor Žugić (7) take a selfie with fans after defeating Kansas, 76-63, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Damany Rahn, CEO of the Heart Ministry Center, poses for a portrait at FRESH Floral in Omaha on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. FRESH Floral helps support the Heart Ministry Center, a nonprofit that aims to provide food, healthcare and a way forward for people affected by poverty. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD The Omaha World-Herald 2024 All-Nebraska Volleyball Team, from left, Lincoln Lutheran's Keri Leimbach, Norris' Anna Jelinek, Papillion-La Vista South's Charlee Solomon, Omaha Skutt's Addison West, Fremont's Mattie Dalton, Omaha Westside's Ashlyn Paymal and Grand Island's Tia Traudt photographed at Steelhouse Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Siblings Aria, 9, and Apollo Taylor, 6, hold out alfalfa for a Camille, a camel from Scatter Joy Acres during the annual Christmas in the Village in Omaha on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD Asma Abdikadir, right, zips up the coat of her cousin Mohamed Ali, 1, as they wait for bags at baggage claim at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Asma and other extended family members waited at the airport to greet Mohamed and his family upon their arrival from a refugee camp in Kenya. Mohamed’s father, Ali Mohamed Lujendo, fled Somalia and spent 19 years living in refugee camps. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Maka Ali Mgang, Somalia, makes food at her family’s home in Omaha on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Mgang arrived in Omaha with her family on Wednesday from a refugee camp in Kenya. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Miriam Grant and Levi Grant, 9, screw legs on to a kitchen table while volunteering to help set up an apartment for an incoming refugee family in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Nebraska's Juwan Gary (4) celebrates during the first half of a men's college basketball game against Indiana at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD Nebraska's Andrew Morgan (23) and Indiana's Myles Rice (1) dive for the ball during the second half of a men's college basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALDEver since the American Dialect Society first selected a Word of the Year at its 1990 conference, more than half a dozen English dictionaries have made it an annual ritual to anoint a word or phrase that encapsulates the zeitgeist of the year. In 2003, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary bestowed the crown on the word “democracy.” In what may be a nod to what’s happened in politics in the 21 years since then, Webster yesterday selected “ polarization ” as its word for 2024. It joins popular words and phrases of the moment highlighted by other dictionaries, including “ brat ,” “ manifest, ” “ demure ” and “ brain rot .” The winners are selected in various ways. This year, the editors of the Oxford dictionaries selected their top word in part based on votes cast by the public from a short list of candidates . The winner – “ brain rot ” – encapsulates the mind-numbing effects of excessive social media use. Oxford University Press said the frequency of the phrase increased 230% from the previous year. Amazingly, the term isn’t a new concept. In the concluding section of the American classic “ Walden ,” published in 1854, Henry David Thoreau complained that “brain rot” prevailed “ widely and fatally .” Debby Waldman Nov. 25, 2024 Given the steep decline in the sale of printed reference works 170 years later, announcements of “words of the year” raise the visibility of the publishers’ wares. But their choices also offer a window into the spirit of the times. As a cognitive scientist who studies language and communication , I saw, in this year’s batch of winners, the myriad ways digital life is influencing English language and culture. This isn’t the only year in which nearly all the winners fell under a single thematic umbrella. In 2020, epidemic-related terminology – COVID , lockdown , pandemic and quarantine – surged to the fore. Usually, however, there’s more of a mix, with some selections more prescient and useful than others. In 2005, for example, the New Oxford American Dictionary chose “ podcast ” – right before the programming format exploded in popularity. More commonly, the celebrated neologisms don’t age well. In 2008, the New Oxford American Dictionary selected hypermiling , or driving to maximize fuel efficiency. Permacrisis – an ongoing emergency – got the nod from the Collins Dictionary editors in 2022. Few people use those terms today. Paula M. Carbone Nov. 19, 2024 I already anticipate one of this year’s selections – “brat” – made popular by pop star Charli XCX falling by the wayside. Chosen just before the 2024 U.S. election by Collins Dictionary , the publisher defined it as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” It was the name of Charli XCX’s chart-topping album released in June 2024; the next month, the singer tweeted that “kamala IS brat,” signaling her support for the Democratic presidential candidate. Of course, with Harris’ loss, brat has lost some of its luster. Other 2024 words of the year also have social media to thank for their popularity. In late November, Cambridge Dictionary settled on manifest as its word of the year, defining it as “to use methods such as visualization and affirmation to help you imagine achieving something you want.” The term took off when singer Dua Lipa used it in an interview. She seems to have picked up on the concept from self-help communities on TikTok . Another word that clearly benefited from social media was “ demure ,” chosen in late November by Dictionary.com. Although the word dates to the 15th century, it went viral in a TikTok video posted by content creator and influencer Jools Lebron in early August. In it, she described appropriate workplace behavior as “very demure, very mindful.” The Macquarie Dictionary of Australian English settled on “ enshittification ” as its word in early December. Coined by Canadian-British writer Cory Doctorow in 2022, it refers to the gradual decline in functionality or usability of a specific platform or service – something that Google , TikTok , X and dating app users can attest to. Judy Ho Oct. 29, 2024 Merriam-Webster landed on “ polarization ,” which it defined as “division into two sharply distinct opposites; especially, a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes.” In the U.S., political polarization has a number of causes, ranging from gerrymandering to in-group biases . But social media undoubtedly plays a big role. A 2021 review by the Brookings Institution pointed to “the relationship between tech platforms and the kind of extreme polarization that can lead to the erosion of democratic values and partisan violence.” And journalist Max Fisher has reported on the ways in which the algorithms deployed by these social media platforms “steer users toward outrage” – an observation that experimental studies of the phenomenon have supported. Despite the polarization of political and social life, the dictionaries, at the very least, have arrived at a consensus: The tech giants are shaping our lives and our language, for better or for worse. Roger J. Kreuz is associate dean and professor of psychology at the University of Memphis. This commentary is published in partnership with The Conversation , a nonprofit, independent news organization dedicated to bringing the knowledge of academic experts to the public.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs income and corporate tax cuts passed by GOP-dominated legislatureAnthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesiaWishing you a great Thanksgiving

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is accused of plotting a coup to overturn his election defeat in 2022. A Federal Police report implicates Bolsonaro and 36 others in the alleged scheme, suggesting his active participation and knowledge of efforts to undermine Brazil's democratic process. The 884-page document accuses Bolsonaro of planning to suspend the country's electoral court's powers. Key military leaders reportedly opposed the plan, thwarting its execution. Bolsonaro, however, denied the claims, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. Despite Bolsonaro's denial, allegations of misconduct persist, including possible involvement in a January 2022 riot and other controversies. The Supreme Court has forwarded the report to the Prosecutor-General to decide whether to charge Bolsonaro. (With inputs from agencies.)Mets’ free agent pitcher jumps at franchise-record deal from AL team

NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday inaugurated India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This stretch has been developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CSIR - Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental. The use of lignin as a sustainable binder marks a significant breakthrough in flexible pavement technology, addressing the challenge of bitumen scarcity and reducing India's dependency on imports, which currently constitute 50 per cent of the total supply. This innovation contributes to global sustainability goals by generating revenue for bio-refineries, mitigating stubble burning, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70 per cent compared to fossil-based bitumen. Leveraging India's abundant lignocellulosic biomass, this development aligns with the nation's vision for sustainable industrial growth. Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari emphasised that fostering advancements in green technologies and promoting industrial sustainability aligns with Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted that this initiative paves the way for large-scale domestic production and a self-reliant, sustainable future for India. Speaking to the media after the event, Gadkari said, "There are 400 projects in the country to make CNG from biomass...CNG is much cheaper than petrol, and the pollution caused by CNG is also less than petrol... CNG saves a lot of money...farmers will benefit a lot from this." Earlier, the Union Minister, speaking in Jaipur informed that currently, 400 projects are in process, and 40 of them are already completed. CNG is being produced from parali in these projects and this has resulted in the use of a total of 60 lakh tonnes of parali, which has helped reduce pollution, he stated. He further added that due to the burning of stubble in Punjab and Haryana, there is a problem of pollution in Delhi. "Now we are making CNG from the rice straw...Now the farmers, who are the 'annadata' and 'urjadata,' will become 'bitumendata'... This will help in creating value from waste and benefit the farmers also," he added.

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NoneA growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, over concerns that he might impose travel bans like he did during his first administration. Related video above: Can birthright citizenship be repealed? Breaking down Trump’s proposal More than a dozen schools have issued advisories, even though Trump's plans remain uncertain. At some schools, the spring semester begins before Trump will take office, so students may have to be back in class anyway. But for anyone whose ability to stay in the United States depends on an academic visa, they say it's best to reduce their risks and get back to campus before Jan. 20. Here's a look at what Trump has said and done and how schools and students are preparing for his second term: Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as business people, tourists and visitors to friends and family. Trump later removed some countries and added others to the list — 15 nations were affected at some point during his presidency. More than 40,000 people were ultimately refused visas because of the ban, according to the U.S. State Department. President Joe Biden rescinded the orders when he took office in 2021. More than 1.1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-24 school year, according to Open Doors, a data project partially funded by the U.S. State Department. Students from India and China have accounted for more than half of all international students in the U.S., and about 43,800 come from the 15 countries affected by Trump's travel restrictions. Jacky Li, a third-year environmental studies major at the University of California, Berkeley, will be traveling home to China on Dec. 21 and returning Jan. 16. Though he made his plans months before Berkeley officials sent the advisory, he said worry is growing among international students. "There's a fear that this kind of restriction will enlarge into a wider community, considering the geopolitical tensions nowadays around the world, so the fear is definitely there," said Li, who urged Trump to support, rather than thwart, important academic research. "If the U.S. is really a champion of academic freedom, what you should do is not restrict this kind of communications between different countries of the world," he said. Trump's transition team did not respond to questions on the topic this week, but in the past, he has said he'll revive the travel ban and expand it, pledging new "ideological screening" for non-U.S. citizens to bar "dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots and maniacs." "We aren't bringing in anyone from Gaza, Syria, Somalia, Yemen or Libya or anywhere else that threatens our security," Trump said at an October 2023 campaign event in Iowa. Trump also vowed to "revoke the student visas of radical anti-American and anti-Semitic foreigners at our colleges and universities" in response to campus protests. School officials have advised international students heading home for winter break to return before Inauguration Day and to prepare for possible delays at immigration control. The list includes Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Brown, Boston schools such as Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other schools around the country, from Johns Hopkins University to the University of Southern California. Some offer classes that begin the day after Inauguration Day. Cornell University told its students that a travel ban involving the 13 nations Trump previously targeted "is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration" and that new countries could be added to the list, particularly China and India. It advised students, faculty and staff from those countries to return to campus before the semester starts Jan. 21. Other schools didn't go so far as to say a ban is likely but instead advised students to plan ahead and prepare for delays.

Hague Special Court Hits Former Kosovar President With Witness Tampering Charges

‘World at dawn of third nuclear age’, armed forces chief warnsNEW YORK (AP) — Walmart's sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world's biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump's incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches -- the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President -- are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI," Glasgow said. "The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America's top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart's announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart's need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer's ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart." Walmart's announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” He said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have “record participation” of more than 1,400 companies in 2025." Alexandra Olson And Cathy Bussewitz, The Associated Presswinph99 com login 。

Moving forward, regulatory authorities may need to step in to address these issues and protect consumers from potential price gouging and unfair practices in the travel industry. Increased transparency and oversight of flight butler services and other third-party booking platforms may be necessary to ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of and that they are able to make informed decisions about their travel arrangements.TikTok files legal challenge of federal government’s shutdown order

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Subscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - Huawei officially announced its departure from the Android operating system, starting a new era for the Chinese technology giant with the introduction of HarmonyOS Next, an entirely self-developed operating system set to establish Huawei as a rival in the smartphone OS market. Also Read Huawei unveils $2800 world’s first “Trifold” phone, Mate XT As Huawei continues to strive for technical sovereignty in the aftermath of US sanctions, It unveiled on Tuesday the Mate 70 series of smartphones that are equipped with the company's latest independent operating system, CNBC reports. Check this!!! Yess Check this!!!! Huawei Mate 70's feature is insane 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xSpoKMsvlj — ctrlnews (@disctrlnews) November 26, 2024 This next-generation operating system is completely devoid of Android code, in contrast to the previous HarmonyOS, which was built on an Android foundation. While this brings autonomy to Huawei, it means that Android apps will not function on the new OS, marking a challenge for Huawei in attracting developers to port their apps to a new system. Huawei asserts to be making significant investments in developer engagement to address this, as reported by Android Authority. According to the company, more than 10,000 applications are now compatible with the new OS, and in a few months, the total number will rise to 100,000. Huawei's Mate 70 series, Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, and Mate 70 Pro+, is the first to support HarmonyOS Next, launching with Android-like. HarmonyOS 4.3. HarmonyOS Next will be released in a later update, enabling users to switch when ready, with plans to deploy all smartphones on HarmonyOS Next by 2025. Starting at ¥5,499 ($759), the Mate 70 series has a relatively reasonable price tag, while the premium Mate X6 foldable costs ¥12,999 ($1,798). With more than 3 million pre-orders on Chinese e-commerce sites, the first demand seems to be promising for the challenged tech giant. A passionate about the Gaming Industry with a career of over 5 years in the field, I write about current trends and news in the Game Development business and how it impact the industry and players. Laith has recently started a new position at Al Bawaba as a freelance business writer. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe

Why Tesla Stock Ended the Week on a High Note

Witnesses of Cai Guoqiang's Fireworks Drone Falling Into the Sea Express Regret for No Casualties4. Consider Alternatives: If the ticket-buying process for the "Wu Bai Rock Opera: Nanjing Station" concert seems too risky or contentious, consider exploring other live music events or performances as alternatives. There are plenty of opportunities to experience the magic of live music without the associated uncertainties.

No. 24 Arizona is coming off consecutive defeats for the first time in the Tommy Lloyd era when it faces undefeated Davidson on Wednesday to begin the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Arizona (2-2) lost at Wisconsin 103-88 on Nov. 15 and followed that with a home loss against Duke 69-55 on Friday. The Wildcats have dropped 15 spots in the Associated Press Top 25 poll in two weeks. Arizona's record is .500 this early in a season for the first time since it was 3-3 to start the 2017-18 schedule. "I've got work to do, so let's get to work," said Lloyd, in his fourth year as Arizona's head coach. "Let's see where we're at in a month, and if we're still struggling, you know what I'll do? I still got work to do, but I'm gonna get to it." Arizona shot 39.6 percent from the field against Duke, and just 26.1 percent (6 of 23) from 3-point range. The Wildcats were outrebounded by 43-30 and their 15 turnovers led to 19 points. Jaden Bradley led Arizona with 18 points and KJ Lewis added 12. Preseason All-American Caleb Love had eight points on 3-of-13 shooting from the field, including 1-of-9 from 3-point range. Arizona made only one field goal in the last 5:39 as Duke pulled away after its lead was trimmed to six points. "We didn't play great," Lloyd said. "Now we need to take a step back and figure out why. Are there some schematic problems? Are there some problems with how our personnel is kind of put together? "We got to figure out what our certainties are, and the things we have to have, and then over the course of the next couple of days, if there's adjustments we need to make, we need to figure out what those are." Davidson is 4-0 after a 15-17 record last season, in which it lost its last six games to put an end to postseason hopes. A 93-66 win over visiting VMI on Friday followed a 91-85 win at Bowling Green and 76-70 victory over visiting East Tennessee State. The two wins by 10 points or fewer are important because Davidson was 6-12 in such games last season. It was 4-11 in games decided by five points or fewer. "The goal (is) to get better," Davidson head coach Matt McKillop said after the season opener. "We talk about fighting to win every possession. I think we had to figure out what that really felt like with the lights on." Davidson made 13 shots from 3-point range in the win over VMI. Reed Bailey had 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Bobby Durkin added 19 points, including 17 of them and a career-best five 3-pointers in the first half. Bailey leads Davidson in scoring (19 points per game) and rebounding (7.8). Durkin is shooting 57.9 percent (22 of 38) from the field and 54.2 percent (13 of 24) from 3-point range. By contrast, Arizona's Love is shooting 32 percent (16 of 50) from the field and 21.4 percent (6 of 28) from beyond the arc. Bradley leads Arizona with 15.5 points per game. He is shooting 50 percent (24 of 48) from the field and is 35.7 percent (5 of 14) from 3-point range. --Field Level MediaTitle: Major Progress in the Construction of a New Highway in Jiangxi Province

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Javohn Garcia scored 16 points as McNeese beat Illinois State 76-68 on Friday. Garcia also contributed seven rebounds for the Cowboys (3-2). Brandon Murray shot 4 of 10 from the field and 5 for 7 from the line to add 13 points. Sincere Parker shot 4 for 8 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. Ty Pence led the way for the Redbirds (3-2) with 14 points and six rebounds. Malachi Poindexter added 13 points for Illinois State. Logan Wolf had 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .On a rare two-game skid, No. 24 Arizona faces Davidson

4. Juice Cleanses: Juice cleanses have become a go-to method for weight loss and detoxification, with promises of clearer skin, improved digestion, and increased energy levels. However, most juice cleanses are high in sugar and lack essential nutrients like fiber and protein, which are crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. Prolonged juice cleanses can lead to blood sugar imbalances, muscle loss, and nutrient deficiencies, putting your overall health at risk.Looking ahead, it is clear that the EU-China relationship will continue to shape the global geopolitical landscape in the years to come. By recognizing the importance of cooperation and addressing the challenges that lie ahead, both sides can strengthen their partnership and contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world for all.

In Beverly's absence, backup guards Terance Mann and Luke Kennard are expected to see increased minutes and responsibilities. Both players have shown flashes of potential throughout the season and will be called upon to step up in Beverly's absence, providing defensive energy and shooting prowess off the bench.The End of Lithium? Proton Batteries Offer Hope for Clean Energy

Title: Woman Suffers from Mild Botulism Poisoning After Receiving Botox Injections at Beauty Salon but Recovers with TreatmentAs we eagerly await the release of Update 2.2, it's worth reflecting on the journey that Cyberpunk 2077 has taken since its troubled launch. Despite its rocky start, the game has continued to evolve and improve over time, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the development team. With each update, CD Projekt Red has demonstrated a commitment to listening to player feedback and delivering a better experience for fans of the game.Inter Milan's pursuit of both Serie A glory and a strong showing in the Champions League has hit a potential roadblock in the form of their fierce rivals, Lazio. The Nerazzurri, under the management of Simone Inzaghi, have set their sights on clinching the Serie A title and making a deep run in Europe's premier club competition. However, Lazio's recent resurgence threatens to derail Inter Milan's ambitions and plunge them into a challenging situation.

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96Massive EU-South American free trade pact would reduce tariffs, but some farmers are opposed

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Larson Financial Group LLC Increases Position in Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI)SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election , according to a Federal Police report unsealed Tuesday. Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-President Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organization aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country's electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation's electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Lula’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Bolsonaro told journalists in Brazil’s capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Ahead of the 2022 election, Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible for office until 2030 . Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal Police have accused him of smuggling diamond jewelry into Brazil without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses . Authorities are also investigating whether he incited the Jan. 8, 2022 riot in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Lula from power. Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Lula’s inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023 and stayed there three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later. Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro

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The decision by Tesco, Musgrave and the BWG Group came after a woman who said Mr McGregor raped her won a civil claim for damages against him. Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case at the High Court in the Irish capital. In a statement, a spokesman for Musgrave said: “Musgrave can confirm these products are no longer available to our store network.” The network includes SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and Mace. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are removing Proper No Twelve Whiskey from sale in Tesco stores and online.” A spokesperson for BWG Group said: “The products are no longer listed for distribution across our network of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores, including Appleby Westward which operates over 300 Spar stores in the south west of England.” It is understood that other retail outlets including Costcutter and Carry Out will also stop stocking products linked to Mr McGregor. He and some of his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey brand. He was reported to have been paid more than £103 million from the sale to Proximo Spirits in 2021. On Monday, a popular video game developer decided to pull content featuring the MMA fighter. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Last Friday, the High Court jury awarded damages amounting to 248,603.60 euros (around £206,000) to Ms Hand. Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intended to appeal against the decision.

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Over the last couple of months, there have been recalls of millions of pounds of meat for listeria concerns and of carrots for potential E. coli contamination . Searches for “recalled ground beef” are trending on Google while some on social media are claiming that hundreds of thousands of pounds of ground beef have been recalled. THE QUESTION Is there a ground beef recall for potential E. coli contamination? THE SOURCES U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Minnesota Department of Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) THE ANSWER Yes, there is a ground beef recall for potential E. coli contamination, but the recalled meat was not sold in grocery stores. WHAT WE FOUND Wolverine Packing Co. is recalling about 167,277 pounds of ground beef products due to potential E. coli contamination, according to a Nov. 20 announcement from the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) . The recalled beef is not sold in stores. The FSIS says the beef was shipped to restaurant locations nationwide. The FSIS did not name the restaurants where the beef was distributed. Restaurants can identify the recalled beef by looking for establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024, and frozen products have a production date of 10 22 24. The FSIS has shared a list of product labels for the recalled beef. The FSIS says the problem was discovered after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture notified them of a group of people who reported eating ground beef before becoming sick. On Nov. 15, the Minnesota Department of Health urged people to contact their healthcare provider if they ate a hamburger at a table-service restaurant anytime after Oct. 31 and developed diarrhea, particularly bloody diarrhea. At the time, the Minnesota Department of Health reported that infected people ate the contaminated meat between Oct. 31 and Nov. 7. The FSIS said all 15 reported infections so far have been in Minnesota. E. coli is a kind of bacteria that can be found in many places, including the intestines of people and animals. Most kinds of E. coli are harmless and part of a healthy intestinal tract, but some E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . The kind of E. coli found in the contaminated beef can cause dehydration, stomach cramps that last two to eight days and diarrhea that is often bloody, according to the FSIS, although the Minnesota Department of Health also notes that patients usually have no fever or a low-grade fever. Most people recover in five to 10 days, but about 5% of infections lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that involves acute kidney failure, the Minnesota Department of Health says. HUS can occur to people of any age, but is most common in older adults and children under 5 years old, the FSIS says. Symptoms include easy bruising, pale skin and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care.Jeopardy! champ Laura Faddah blows fans away with ‘improbable’ winning streak after ‘getting lucky’ with game advantages