The sudden fall of Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad has rattled Moscow, warn Russian analysts, particularly psychologically. The Kremlin’s 2015 military intervention in Syria was Moscow’s first such post-Soviet operation outside its own region. Its perceived success drove a lot of Russia’s subsequent diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Now it has come crashing down. The Kremlin will need to absorb the likely loss of two military bases in Syria, and accept the devastating setback it means for another ally, Iran. But this is far from the first time Moscow has faced a debacle in its Mideast relations. Soviet-sponsored Syria lost two wars with Israel in 1967 and 1973, necessitating replacement of its military arsenal. Egypt canceled a treaty of friendship with the USSR in 1971, and kicked all Soviet advisers out of the country. Moscow’s disastrous war in Afghanistan in the 1980s poisoned its relations with the Muslim world. “We’ve got a long history of dealing with these countries, and we’re quite accustomed to seeing them defeated militarily,” says Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser. “So, the mood in Moscow [over the loss of Syria] is calm enough. It’s a bad setback, but we can get past this.” The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, which Moscow had helped to prop up for almost a decade, has dealt a serious setback to Russia’s global ambitions. But Russian foreign policy specialists insist it’s not a ruinous one. As they grapple with the rapid demise of Mr. Assad’s rule, Russian analysts say that the Kremlin will need to adjust to the shifting balance of power in the Middle East. That includes absorbing the likely loss of Russia’s two military bases in Syria, and accepting what analysts call the crushing defeat of Kremlin ally Iran. The psychological blow to Russia is also serious, they warn. The Kremlin’s 2015 military intervention in Syria was Moscow’s first such post-Soviet operation outside its own region. Its perceived success drove a lot of Russia’s subsequent diplomatic efforts in the Mideast, as well as its recent inroads into Africa . Igor Korotchenko, editor of National Defense, a Moscow-based security journal, says he’s still cautiously optimistic that Russian global influence can survive the loss of Syria, and perhaps the Kremlin can even forge a practical relationship with any new Syrian regime that emerges. “Let’s wait and see how things play out,” he says. “Russia is still a player in the region, maintaining good relations with countries like the UAE, Egypt, and Qatar. We never put our stakes on one person, and we have sufficient resources to pursue our goals” without a foothold in Syria. For now, the victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces have not touched the Russian Embassy or military installations – Iran’s Embassy in Damascus was trashed on the first day – even though Mr. Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Moscow was in contact with the new Syrian authorities in an effort to safeguard Russian assets. “We need to base our actions on the realities that exist at this moment on the ground,” he said. Russia reached out to the Taliban after the United States’ failure in Afghanistan, canceling its “terrorist” designation and discussing a broader normalization of relations; experts say Moscow may wish to make a similar outreach to HTS. But it will be much harder given Russia’s staunch backing of Mr. Assad and its armed efforts to suppress the Syrian opposition over the past decade. Whatever may happen, the blame game is already in full swing in the Russian media. Some are pointing at Turkey, which allegedly sidestepped the Astana peace process and went behind Russia’s back to sponsor the HTS rebel offensive that overran Damascus last weekend. Others say Israel’s successful war against major backers like Iran and Hezbollah made Mr. Assad’s fall inevitable, even though Moscow kept providing air support to the bitter end. Some accuse Mr. Assad himself of self-isolating and refusing all attempts to find a broader social compromise. “Assad didn’t take Russian advice,” says Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser. “He was told many times that he needed to initiate some real political reforms, include members of the opposition in government, reconcile with Turkey, and curb the excesses of his security forces. He didn’t listen. “So, Assad was already distanced from Russia. At the end, he was taking advice from Iran and his own family, not from us,” he says. Despite the Putin-era aura of success, this is far from the first time Moscow has faced a debacle in its Middle East relations. Soviet-sponsored Syria lost two wars with Israel in 1967 and 1973, necessitating replacement of its military arsenal. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat canceled a treaty of friendship with the USSR in 1971, and kicked all Soviet advisers out of the country. Moscow’s disastrous war in Afghanistan in the 1980s poisoned its relations with the Muslim world, and even contributed to the collapse of the Soviet state. “We’ve got a long history of dealing with these countries, and we’re quite accustomed to seeing them defeated militarily,” says Mr. Markov. “So, the mood in Moscow [over the loss of Syria] is calm enough. It’s a bad setback, but we can get past this.” Unlike the former Soviet Union, which based its foreign policy on ideological calculations, Vladimir Putin’s Russia tends to take a pragmatic and transactional approach, seeking advantage where it can, says Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of Russia in Global Affairs, a Moscow-based foreign policy journal. “The Middle East is a region where you can’t expect any lasting success,” he says. “The big loser in this turn of events is Iran, and the winners are Israel and Turkey.” As for Russian relations with Ankara, he says, “Of course Moscow is angry, because the Turks knew about the HTS offensive and didn’t say a word to us about it. But that’s how Russian-Turkish relations work in general: A very low level of trust, but we try to find common ground and work together where we can.” Moscow’s formerly good relations with Israel will grow even worse with the implosion of Russian military power in Syria. “Israel is becoming much stronger as a regional power,” says Mr. Markov. “Russia needs to think about how to deal with Israel in these new conditions, where it is a clear winner.” Mr. Lukyanov argues that the fall of Mr. Assad illustrates a completely new trend in world affairs, in which regional players take the lead and the influence of their great-power sponsors diminishes. The main actors in the Syrian drama are relatively independent ones, including Israel, Turkey, Iran, and even HTS. The U.S. and Russia are still on the stage, but are not driving events and, Mr. Lukyanov says, are increasingly irrelevant. “It’s a seismic shift, in which outside powers are steadily losing influence and local actors are taking the lead,” he says. “Russian capacities are shrinking, but so are American ones. In future, regional powers will be the most important players, formulating their priorities in a regional way.” Russia already made the choice to put its own local interests first, declining to divert any resources from its war in Ukraine to help Mr. Assad. “Moscow needs to think about the implications of this,” Mr. Lukyanov says. “Maybe the race for global influence is obsolete, and Russia needs to reformulate its ambitions in terms of being an effective regional power.”
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A rush to heal exposed banking woundsNEW YORK , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global pulp market size is estimated to grow by USD 38.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 3.53% during the forecast period. increased consumption of chemical wood pulp is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising use of fluff pulp due to increased absorbency. However, high costs involved in production of pulp poses a challenge.Key market players include Arctic Paper SA, Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolic Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Sinar Mas , Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Application (Printing and writing paper, Tissue paper, Specialty paper, Packaging paper, and Others), Grade Type (Chemical pulp, Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp, and Non-wood pulp), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Arctic Paper SA, Billerud AB, Canny Tissue Paper Industry, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Paper Co., Koch Industries Inc., Mercer International Inc., Metropolic Paper Industries, Metsa Board Oyj, Nath Industries Ltd., Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Oji Holdings Corp., Sappi Ltd., Shanying International Holding Co. Ltd., Sinar Mas, Stora Enso Oyj, UPM Kymmene Corp., and WestRock Co. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The pulp market is witnessing significant trends in various industries like food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. Eco-friendliness is a major focus with the demand for green packaging increasing. Leading paper producers like International Paper and Stora Enso are investing in renewable energy operations and producing eco-friendly packaging products. The food and beverage industry is shifting towards paper-based packaging solutions due to consumer inclination and anti-plastic sentiments. Paper packaging materials such as white paper, recycled paper, and specialty papers are in high demand. FMCG companies like Unilever are partnering with the Pulpex Consortium to develop laundry detergent solutions using recycled paper pulp. The personal care industry is also embracing green packaging, with an emphasis on recyclability and sustainability. Toilet papers and antimicrobial tissue products are popular choices. The retail sector is also adopting paper packaging for its lightweight and recyclable properties, reducing plastic use and logistics costs. The paper industry is the largest forest-based industry, using wood, bamboo, rice husk, and wheat straw as raw materials. The production line includes chemical pulping and the conversion of paper into various forms such as wrapping paper, writing paper, printing paper, tissue paper, rolls, and specialty papers. The rapid penetration of the internet, smartphones, and online retailing has led to an increase in paper packaging demand for e-commerce. The paper industry is essential for socio-economic development, providing employment opportunities in developing countries. However, it's crucial to address deforestation concerns and focus on sustainable forest management. The water-consuming industries, including paper and pulp, are under pressure to reduce water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The wrapping paper segment is also gaining popularity, especially during festive seasons. The paper industry is continually innovating to meet the needs of modern consumers while minimizing its environmental impact. The diaper and hygiene sanitary pad market holds significant importance in the global business landscape. This sector's growth is driven by the increasing awareness of safety and health practices. The primary raw material for these products is fluff pulp, derived from softwood, which enhances absorbency and prevents leaks. With rising birth rates in Latin America and Asia , the diaper industry is projected to expand by around 50% by 2023. Additionally, the convenience of disposable diapers caters to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers. Fluff pulp's long fibers effectively absorb liquids and semi-solids, ensuring user comfort and reliability. This market trend is expected to continue as health and hygiene remain top priorities for consumers worldwide. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The pulp market faces significant challenges in various industries like food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. Eco-friendly packaging products are in high demand due to anti-plastic sentiments and consumer inclination towards green packaging. Renewable energy operations and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are essential for forest-based mills like International Paper and Stora Enso. The food and beverage industry requires paper-based packaging solutions for their products, while the personal care industry relies on tissue paper for hygiene products. Recycling infrastructure is crucial for the recycling of paper packaging materials, including white paper, printing paper, and specialty papers. FMCG companies like Unilever are collaborating with the Pulpex Consortium to develop laundry detergent solutions using paper-based packaging instead of plastic. The retail sector's rapid penetration by e-commerce and online shoppers necessitates lightweight and recyclable packaging like corrugated boxes and paper bags. The paper industry's largest competitors, including International Paper and Stora Enso, are investing in mills that use renewable energy and produce recycled paper pulp from wood fibers, bamboo, rice husk, wheat straw, and other sustainable sources. Socio-economic development in developing countries presents opportunities for the paper industry's growth, particularly in the production of paper-based packaging materials for kitchens, toilets, and households. However, challenges like deforestation and the use of chemical pulp remain concerns. The paper industry's sustainability is crucial in addressing plastic packaging waste, particularly in the wrapping paper segment. Leading paper producers are focusing on commercial printing papers, converting papers, digital papers, and office papers to cater to various industries' demands. The paper industry's future lies in its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, reduce water consumption, and address the challenges of plastic use and recyclability in various segments, including tissue paper products, newsprint, and packaging. The pulp market is characterized by significant investments from existing vendors in technological advancements to boost pulp production. This strategy primarily involves acquiring smaller pulp vendors or assets, leading to increased production capacity but high costs. Integration with established vendors facilitates access to raw materials. The pulp industry's engineering is sophisticated and productive. However, the energy consumption in pulp and paper production is substantial. Capital-intensive machinery requires large amounts of energy and water to process forest materials and extract fibers, as well as to remove water during the papermaking process. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This pulp market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 Printing and writing paper 1.2 Tissue paper 1.3 Specialty paper 1.4 Packaging paper 1.5 Others Grade Type 2.1 Chemical pulp 2.2 Mechanical and semi-chemical pulp 2.3 Non-wood pulp Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Printing and writing paper- The printing and writing paper market is experiencing growth due to the increased demand for dyes and pigments in developing countries. China , India , and Indonesia are major consumers of printing and writing paper, driven by rising literacy rates and population growth. This segment includes various types of paper used for books, office applications, and personal use. Uncoated freesheet paper is the largest category, accounting for office reprographics, business applications, and envelope paper. Uncoated mechanical paper is an alternative, used for newspaper inserts, paperback books, and directories. Coated freesheet paper, with an added clay or additive coating, is suitable for highly illustrated books, advertising materials, and magazines. Coated mechanical paper, made of mechanical fibers with an added coating, is used for catalogs and coupons. The pulp market will grow as a result of the increased production of these types of printing and writing paper. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The pulp market encompasses a vast array of industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. This sector is currently the largest industry globally, with a significant focus on eco-friendly packaging products due to growing anti-plastic sentiments and consumer inclination towards sustainability. Forest-based materials like wood and bamboo, as well as agricultural waste such as rice husk and wheat straw, are increasingly used to produce paper packaging materials. These materials offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pulp and reduce deforestation. The paper packaging industry includes various products like wrapping paper, writing paper, and more. The personal care industry also relies heavily on pulp for products like kitchen and bathroom paper for households and personal hygiene, contributing significantly to the market's growth. Recycling infrastructure plays a crucial role in the circular economy of pulp and paper products. Market Research Overview The pulp market encompasses various industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and paper packaging. With growing anti-plastic sentiments and consumer inclination towards eco-friendly products, the demand for green packaging solutions is surging. Paper packaging materials, such as white paper, recycled paper, and specialty papers, are gaining popularity. Leading paper producers like International Paper and Stora Enso are investing in renewable energy operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Forest-based raw materials, including wood, bamboo, rice husk, and wheat straw, are the primary sources of pulp. The paper industry is the largest consumer of water, making water conservation a critical concern. The rapid penetration of the internet, smartphones, and online retailing has led to an increase in demand for lightweight and recyclable packaging, particularly corrugated boxes and paper bags. The paper packaging market is expected to grow significantly due to its sustainability advantages over plastic packaging waste. FMCG companies are also exploring paper-based packaging solutions for their laundry detergent and toilet paper products. The market for writing and printing papers, newsprint, and converting papers is also expanding. Socio-economic development in developing countries is driving the demand for paper-based packaging solutions. However, concerns over deforestation and the use of chemical pulp remain challenges for the industry. The kitchen and household sectors, including personal hygiene and sanitation, are major consumers of paper products. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Printing And Writing Paper Tissue Paper Specialty Paper Packaging Paper Others Grade Type Chemical Pulp Mechanical And Semi-chemical Pulp Non-wood Pulp Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pulp-market-to-expand-by-usd-38-1-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-chemical-wood-pulp-consumption-ai-impacting-market-trends---technavio-302311617.html SOURCE Technavio © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
NoneNEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) - U.S. bankers struck a cautious tone on cryptocurrencies at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York this week, despite expectations that friendlier rules under President-elect Donald Trump will pave the way for lenders to expand into digital assets. Trump courted crypto campaign dollars with promises to be a "crypto president " and end the Biden administration's crackdown on the sector, but banks are nevertheless unlikely to rush head-first into the volatile asset, bankers said. "The regulatory framework has to evolve ... and everyone's speculating as to how that regulatory framework will evolve, but it's still unclear," said Goldman Sachs (GS.N) , opens new tab Chief Executive David Solomon. If the rules change, the Wall Street giant would "evaluate" dealing in top cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum, he said. "But for the moment ... our ability to act in these markets is extremely limited," he added, noting cryptocurrencies were speculative assets. BNY (BK.N) , opens new tab recently began offering custody of cryptocurrencies held by exchange-traded products, and the bank is also investing in a range of digital asset services, its CEO, Robin Vince, said. But anything new needs to be done with appropriate guard rails and be "battle-tested" through a few macroeconomic cycles, he said. "We've seen a couple of cycles already in crypto. We'll have to see how some of these assets evolve," he added. Under President Joe Biden , bank regulators made it more difficult for big lenders to hold crypto tokens and issued accounting guidance which made it extremely costly for banks to offer crypto custody services. With Trump in the White House, that is expected to change and the crypto industry is pushing for an ambitious raft of policies that would promote the widespread adoption of digital assets, including rescinding the SEC accounting guidance and asking bank regulators to ease up on scrutiny of the crypto sector. In key steps toward that policy overhaul, Trump last week announced he would make former top PayPal (PYPL.O) , opens new tab executive and crypto evangelist David Sacks the White House "Crypto Czar " and would nominate pro-crypto Washington attorney Paul Atkins as SEC chair. The latter announcement pushed bitcoin past the $100,000 milestone for the first time. But Trump has not yet announced his banking regulators, while the Federal Reserve's top Wall Street cop, Michael Barr, who has struck a skeptical tone on crypto, has said he will serve out his term through 2026. That creates uncertainty over how fast bank regulators may ease up on crypto lending and dealing, especially after turmoil in the crypto sector contributed to the collapse of lenders Silvergate and Signature Bank last year. That turmoil included the implosion of top crypto exchange FTX , a crisis that policymakers are in danger of forgetting all too quickly, Kristin Johnson, a Democratic commissioner at markets watchdog the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, told the Reuters NEXT audience. "One of my biggest fears for any administration is that they forget the lessons that we were meant to have learned from many previous crises," Johnson said. Even with regulatory easing, any expansion into crypto will be driven by client demand, which remains limited, bankers said. Bank of America (BAC.N) , opens new tab offers some clients exposure to cryptocurrencies via exchange-traded funds, but there was "not an overwhelmingly large amount of interest," said Matt Gellene, the bank's head of Consumer Investments and Employee Banking & Investments. Affluent young professionals were more likely to shop around for investment options that might include digital assets, said US Bank (USB.N) , opens new tab Senior Vice President and Director of Inclusive Growth Strategy Akita Somani, but US Bank was likewise not seeing "significant demand." Sign up here. Writing by Michelle Price; Reporting by Nupur Anand, Tatiana Bautzer, Lananh Nguyen, Davide Barbuscia, Laura Matthews, Isla Binnie and Shashwat Awasthi in New York, and Manya Saini in Bangalore; Editing by Matthew Lewis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read ProPhase Labs’s 8K filing here . About ProPhase Labs ( Get Free Report ) ProPhase Labs, Inc develops and commercializes novel drugs, dietary supplements, and compounds in the United States. It operates through two segments: Diagnostic Services and Consumer Products. The company provides a range of TK supplements, including Legendz XL for male sexual health; and Triple Edge XL, an energy and stamina booster. Featured ArticlesIt turns out that the slang "brain rot" may not be an inaccurate description of what's actually going on in our domes while we endlessly scroll TikTok. As Spanish newspaper El País reports , a growing body of scientific evidence over the past decade suggests that consuming mind-numbing content, from sources ranging from algorithmically driven social media junk to sensationalist news, can literally reduce the physical gray matter in our brains . That's along with wreaking other pernicious effects like shortened attention spans and weakened memory. The nefarious thing? These symptoms are often by design. The most infamous example is the implementation of infinite scrolling in apps, which is intended to feed our compulsive desire to endlessly consume content, or "doomscroll." "This can significantly impair attention and executive functions by overwhelming our focus and altering the way we perceive and respond to the world," Michoel Moshel, lead author of a 2023 meta-analysis documenting the neuropsychological impacts of disordered screen use, told El País . According to Moshel, who is a researcher at Macquarie University, doomscrolling is a consequence "of our brain's natural tendency to seek out new things, especially when it comes to potentially harmful or alarming information, a trait that once helped us survive." Some research has suggested that this mindless digital consumption induces a dissociative state , which explains why we often lose track of time while glued to our phones. One 2023 study which surveyed around 1,100 people found that compulsive digital content consumption could lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes, especially high levels of stress. The US Surgeon General has even warned against letting anyone younger than 13-year-old use social media sites. These sites and apps constantly bombard us with rapidly changing and variable stimuli, explained Eduaordo Fernández Jiménez, a clinical psychologist at Hospital La Paz Madrid, forcing us to constantly change our focus, too. In the long run, this degrades our ability to concentrate on one task for long periods of time, he told El País . "It is the one that is linked to academic learning processes." The physical effects on the brain are perhaps the most alarming. In brain regions involved with decision-making, reward processing, and impulse control, Moshel's meta-analysis indicated that excessive internet use was linked with decreased gray matter volume. "These changes reflect patterns observed in substance addictions," Moshel told El País , likening them to the toll of methamphetamines or alcohol. So it may be time to put the phone down. If the rot hasn't fully taken hold yet, that is. More on neuroscience: You'll Laugh When You Hear How Many Bits Per Second the Human Brain Processes... Once Your Sluggish Human Brain Finally Comprehends It, That Is Share This ArticleThis article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read CorVel’s 8K filing here . About CorVel ( Get Free Report ) CorVel Corporation provides workers’ compensation, auto, liability, and health solutions. It applies technology, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to enhance the managing of episodes of care and the related health care costs. The company also offers network solutions services, including automated medical fee auditing, preferred provider management and reimbursement, retrospective utilization review, facility claim review, professional review, pharmacy, directed care, clearinghouse, independent medical examination, and inpatient medical bill review services, as well as Medicare solutions. Featured Articles
Several times following New England’s 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said he wanted to review the game film before making a final assessment of his team’s performance. He did, and on Monday he said the overarching feeling he was left with was one of pride. Going toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the NFL is commendable. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week