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NEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global metallurgical coal market size is estimated to grow by USD 95.27 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.77% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for steel is driving market growth, with a trend towards increase in number of smart city projects. However, volatility in prices of metallurgical coal poses a challenge. Key market players include Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc., Anglo American plc, Arch Resources Inc., ARLP, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd., BHP Group plc, China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Coal India Ltd., CONSOL Energy Inc., Coronado Resources Inc., EVRAZ Plc, Glencore Plc, Harman Fuels LLC, Peabody Energy Corp., Prairie State Energy Campus, Shanxi Coking Coal Xishan Coal and Electricity Co Ltd., Teck Resources Ltd., Warrior Met Coal Inc., and Whitehaven Coal Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The global smart city market is experiencing significant growth, with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 22% according to Technavio analysis. Smart cities utilize digital technology to optimize resource usage and enhance productivity and well-being. Infrastructure development, including roads, residential areas, and community facilities, is a key focus. Steel is essential for constructing these structures, making it a vital component in the growth of smart cities. As metallurgical coal is a primary input in steel production, the expansion of smart cities is expected to boost metallurgical coal consumption for steelmaking. The European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities, backed by the European Commission, is a significant market driver, aiming to create a European smart city market and improve livability. These developments underscore the importance of metallurgical coal in the global infrastructure sector, positioning it for continued growth in the forecast period. Metallurgical coal, a crucial component in steelmaking, is currently in focus due to its petrographic properties and carbonization process. Coal's thermal maturity, carbon content, and fossil carbon structure impact its utilization as an energy source or household fuel. Coal properties, such as coking properties, mesophase, pyrolysis, thermosolvolysis, and fluidity, influence coal macerals and chemical composition, determining coal rank. Coal extraction and blending techniques are essential for industrial processes, including coal-fired boilers and coke formation in blast furnaces. Metallurgical and thermal coal reserves are essential for power generation, but ESG risks, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and respiratory illnesses are growing concerns. Understanding coal deposits and their reserves is vital for the industry's sustainable growth. Carbon content, anthracite, and coal rank are significant factors in evaluating coal's suitability for various applications. The coal industry must address these challenges through innovative industrial processes and ESG initiatives to meet the evolving market demands. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Metallurgical coal is an essential resource in steel production, as it is used to create coke. The cost of metallurgical coal is influenced by global demand for iron and steel, making it more expensive than thermal coal. Prices for metallurgical coal are volatile due to macroeconomic factors, including global steel demand and trading policies of major consumers like China . For instance, India , the world's second-largest crude steel producer and a significant importer of coking coal, experienced a 49% increase in coking coal prices between May and November 2023 . These fluctuations make the market unreliable, with prices reaching as high as USD365 per ton in October 2023 . Despite predictions of falling prices, the value of Australia's metallurgical coal exports is expected to decrease due to these price fluctuations. The volatility of metallurgical coal prices acts as a barrier to market growth. Metallurgical coal, including bituminous, sub-bituminous, lignite, and coking coal, plays a crucial role in industries like steelmaking and electricity generation. Coking coal's primary use is in steel production, where it transforms into carbon-rich coke during the coking process, essential for iron ore to produce pig iron in the steelmaking process. However, challenges persist. Coal quality factors like caking ability, ash content, volatile matter, sulfur, and phosphorus impact coke production efficiency and steel quality. In electricity generation, non-coking coal is used, but its heating process requires careful consideration due to its lower heating value and higher ash content. Coal classification, based on vitrinite content, helps determine coal's suitability for various uses. Coking coals have high vitrinite content, while non-coking coals have low vitrinity. Metallurgical coke production relies on coal's caking property and plasticity. The steel industry and thermal power plants face a demand-supply gap due to depleting coal reserves and increasing environmental concerns. Coal blending and characterization, including coal washing and coking index determination, are essential to optimize coal usage and improve product quality. Additionally, metallurgical coal is used in producing ferro-chromium, ferro-manganese, carbon electrodes, pesticides, chemical products, carbon fibers, and medicines. The challenges in the metallurgical coal market include ensuring consistent coal quality, managing the supply chain, and addressing environmental concerns. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This metallurgical coal market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Steel making 1.2 Non-steel making 2.1 Hard coking coals 2.2 Semi-soft coking coals 2.3 Pulverized coal injection 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Steel making- Metallurgical coal plays a crucial role in the steelmaking industry, primarily used for coke production in the Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) processes. While BF-BOF requires larger volumes of metallurgical coal, EAF uses lower amounts. In 2020, the BF-BOF process was the dominant steel production method, with world crude steel output reaching 145.5 million tons (Mt) in November 2023 , a 3.3% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by the rising global demand for steel, particularly in emerging economies like China and India , which are among the largest steel producers. Urbanization, infrastructure development, and the construction of new smart city projects further fuel this demand. Additionally, the coking process produces byproducts such as coal tar and benzol, which have stable demand in various industries. New steel plants are being established globally to meet this rising demand, further increasing the need for metallurgical coal. According to the International Energy Agency, global coal demand reached a record 8.3 billion tons in 2022, driven by its availability and affordability compared to other energy sources. These factors collectively contribute to the growth of the metallurgical coal market during the forecast period. 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) Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a type of coal with high carbon content and caking ability essential for steelmaking. The world's largest metallurgical coal reserves are found in countries like Australia , China , India , and the United States . Metallurgical coal is primarily used in the production of coke for blast furnaces in the steelmaking process. Coke is produced by heating metallurgical coal in the absence of air to drive off volatile impurities, leaving behind a solid carbon-rich material. Metallurgical coal's high carbon footprint and air pollution make it a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and respiratory illnesses. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks associated with metallurgical coal mining and usage are increasingly becoming a concern. Metallurgical coal is used extensively in power generation, but its use is being phased out in favor of cleaner alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy sources. Thermal coal, on the other hand, is used primarily for electricity generation and household heating. The carbon content of thermal coal is lower than that of metallurgical coal, making it less suitable for steelmaking. Coal types include anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, and lignite. Iron ore, pig iron, and various alloys like ferro-chromium and ferro-manganese are produced using metallurgical coal in the steelmaking process. Metallurgical coal, also known as met coal, is a type of coal with high coking properties used primarily in steelmaking. It contains a higher carbon content than thermal coal, which is used for power generation and household heating. The world's largest coal reserves include metallurgical coal deposits in countries like China , Australia , India , and the United States . Metallurgical coal's primary use is in the steel industry, where it is transformed into coke in blast furnaces. Coke is essential for iron ore reduction in the steelmaking process, producing pig iron, which is then converted into steel. Metallurgical coal's carbon content, caking ability, and other properties are crucial for the successful production of coke. ESG risks, including carbon footprint and air pollution, are significant concerns for the metallurgical coal market. Greenhouse gas emissions from coal combustion contribute to climate change, while air pollution from coal mining and processing can lead to respiratory illnesses. The metallurgical coal market is also influenced by factors like coal quality, coal classification, and coal utilization. Coal quality is determined by properties like carbon content, ash content, volatile matter, sulfur, and phosphorus. Coal classification systems like the ASTM and the International Coal and Coke Classification System help standardize the assessment of coal quality. Coal utilization includes various applications, such as electricity generation, household heating, anaerobic heating, and the production of carbon fibers, medicines, and chemical products. The steel industry and thermal power plants are significant consumers of metallurgical coal. The metallurgical coal market is influenced by various processes like carbonization, thermal maturity, and coal characterization. Carbonization is the process of heating coal in the absence of air to produce coke and coal tar. Thermal maturity refers to the degree of coal's transformation from a plant to a solid fuel due to heat and pressure. Coal characterization involves analyzing the coal's chemical composition, coal macerals, and coal rank to determine its suitability for specific applications. Coal extraction techniques include coal washing, which separates coal from impurities like rock, clay, and other minerals. Coal blending techniques involve mixing different types of coal to improve the overall quality and reduce impurities. The metallurgical coal market's demand-supply gap can impact prices and availability. Factors like coal reserves, coal production, and coal washing capacity can influence the supply side, while demand from the steel industry and thermal power plants can impact the demand side. The metallurgical coal market's future outlook is influenced by various factors, including technological advancements, environmental regulations, and geopolitical risks. Technological advancements like the Corex process, which uses natural gas instead of coal to produce direct-reduced iron (DRI), could reduce the demand for metallurgical coal in the steel industry. Environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution could increase the cost of producing and using metallurgical coal. Geopolitical risks, such as supply disruptions from major coal-producing countries, could impact the availability and price of metallurgical coal. The metallurgical coal market's future also depends on the development and adoption of alternative energy sources and technologies. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with coal-fired power generation. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies could help reduce the carbon footprint of the steel industry and thermal power plants. In conclusion, the metallurgical coal market is a complex and dynamic system influenced by various factors, including coal reserves, coal quality, steel industry demand, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders in the metallurgical coal market to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges and opportunities of this industry. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Steel Making Non-steel Making Type Hard Coking Coals Semi-soft Coking Coals Pulverized Coal Injection Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix 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. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

I'M A Celebrity fans have shared the same complaint about GK Barry - having spotted an issue with Bushtucker Trials. Each year, famous faces in the ITV show do gruelling challenges to win food for camp. Advertisement 4 I'm A Celebrity viewers have shared the same complaint about GK Barry Credit: Eroteme 4 The social media star is in the latter stages of this year's series Credit: Eroteme 4 Viewers have branded GK as "lazy" - after pointing out a Bushtucker Trial issue Credit: Eroteme One of this year's stars is GK Barry - real name Grace Keeling - although fans aren't currently impressed with her. In the latter stages, campmates can volunteer to do the daily trials to win food. Viewers have branded GK Barry as "lazy" for not putting herself forward. Friday's episode saw Reverend Richard Coles and Coleen Rooney volunteer for the trial -- named Dreaded Dregs. Advertisement Read more on I'm A Celeb bad timing IAC's GK Barry accidentally announces Richard Coles' partner has 'passed on' lovebirds I’m a Celeb’s GK Barry sends sweet message to girlfriend Ella Rutherford One wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "GK is getting lazy tbh she has never volunteered for a trial. "She's hilarious with Richard but other than that she's just camp shef and not a great one." Another added: "Why hasn't GK offered to do a trial?" A third penned: "Seems GK hasn't done a trial in ages?? Surely they should take it in turns." Advertisement Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 GAGGING WAG Watch I'm A Celeb's Coleen almost VOMIT as she drinks crocodile anus Exclusive PRICE-LESS We had I’m A Celeb’s only REAL romance...I'm sad we don’t speak, says Katie Price ROONEY SWEET Wayne Rooney's sweet tribute to wife Coleen as he battles to save football job Exclusive roo-union Coleen Rooney set for emotional I'm A Celeb reunion with youngest sons TONIGHT While a fourth chimed in: "Reverend Richard always offers to do a trial even though he's the oldest while Alan has put himself forward for ONE and GK Barry doesn't put herself forward.... "They're not showing enough effort to make the top 4 right now." Yet another remarked: "Please god why is GK Barry still in there? I'm A Celeb's GK Barry reveals she bought a Porsche after getting rich overnight "She's as funny as politics & hasn't done a trial since her zero stars debacle." Advertisement Early in the series, GK teamed up with Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough in a trial called Drown in the Dumps. I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." Upon their arrival, Ant and Dec explained how one of them needed to go into a tank at the bottom with the other at the top. Unfortunately, they didn't manage to get a single star - returning to camp empty-handed as a result. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun DARR-ARGH! Weather maps reveal exact date Storm Darragh to hit Scots with rain, wind & SNOW 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' Other than GK, Reverend Richard Coles , Coleen Rooney, Alan Halsall, Oti Mabuse and Danny Jones also remain in camp. I'm A Celeb continues on ITV1 and ITVX. 4 GK with campmates Barry McGuigan, Reverend Richard Coles and Alan Halsall Credit: Eroteme

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The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing support for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, although they reflect world opinion. Israel has faced growing international criticism over its conduct in Gaza as it fights Hamas militants, especially when it comes to humanitarian aid for desperate people in the besieged and heavily destroyed territory. Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza killed at least 33 people overnight and into Wednesday, Palestinian medical officials said. Hospital records show one Israeli strike in northern Gaza killed 19 people in a home, including a family of eight — four children, their parents and two grandparents. The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas militant in the vicinity of the hospital, part of a blistering offensive in Gaza’s isolated and heavily destroyed north . The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people, including children and older adults. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials. They say women and children make up more than half the dead but do not distinguish between fighters and civilians in their count. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the latest: JERUSALEM — Israeli hospital officials say a young boy is fighting for his life after a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli bus came under fire from a suspected Palestinian attacker late Wednesday, the military said, and Israeli forces are searching for the shooter. Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem says at least three people were wounded in the shooting, which took place just outside the city in an area near major Israeli settlements. The hospital says the boy, who is about 10, is in grave condition. It says two other people, ages 24 and 55, were also hurt. UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban . The votes in the 193-nation world body were 158-9 with 13 abstentions to demand a ceasefire now and 159-9 with 11 abstentions to support the agency known as UNRWA. The votes culminated two days of speeches overwhelmingly calling for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group . General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they reflect world opinion. There are no vetoes in the assembly. Israel and its close ally, the United States, were in a tiny minority speaking and voting against the resolutions. BEIRUT — Israeli forces withdrew from a strategic town in southern Lebanon and handed it back to the Lebanese army in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, the two militaries said Wednesday, marking an important test of the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants. It appeared to be Israel's first pullout from a Lebanese border town captured during this fall’s ground invasion, and comes as part of the initial phase of the ceasefire. The Lebanese army said Wednesday it has deployed units to five positions around the town of Khiam coinciding with the Israeli army’s withdrawal. Israel's military confirmed this was the first town it has turned over to the Lebanese army under the truce, which — if it endures — would end nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has said the truce deal gives it the right to use military force against perceived ceasefire violations. Israel has launched near-daily strikes, mostly in southern Lebanon, that have killed at least 28 people and wounded 25 others since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27. Still, the shaky truce appears to be holding. Five people were killed Wednesday by at least three Israeli strikes in different towns in the southern municipality of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said. The Lebanese army warned civilians to stay out of Khiam until it can clear the area of any unexploded munitions. The strategic hilltop town, located less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the border with Israel, saw some of the most intense fighting during the war. Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war returned home two weeks ago after a ceasefire took hold , driving cars stacked with personal belongings and defying warnings from Lebanese and Israeli troops to avoid some areas. WASHINGTON — All Russian naval ships that were docked at the Syrian port of Tartus have left and it appears Moscow is now looking for a new base along the coast now that its key ally, Bashar Assad, has been ousted a ruler of Syria, a U.S. official said. It’s not clear where the ships will go, but Russia may seek a new port on the Mediterranean Sea along the African shoreline, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss U.S. assessments. The official did not say how many vessels Russia had in Syria at the time Assad was overthrown. Moscow has dedicated the bulk of its military assets to the war in Ukraine. Asked about Tartus on Wednesday, Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said that the U.S. is seeing some Russian forces and naval vessels leaving Syria. “They just had one of their key political allies, ousted,” said Singh. “We’re seeing Russia consolidate assets.” — By Lolita C. Baldor UNITED NATIONS – The Palestinians are urging United Nations member countries to vote in favor of resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supporting the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, which Israel has moved to ban in Palestinian territories. The Palestinian mission to the United Nations issued the urgent appeal to the 193 U.N. member nations ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s votes on the resolutions in the General Assembly, whose members have has been listening to two days of speeches overwhelmingly supporting the measures. Israel and close ally the United States have spoken against the resolutions. The Palestinians and their supporters went to the General Assembly after the U.S. vetoed a Security Council resolution last month demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza. It was supported by the 14 other Security Councilmember nations, but the U.S. objected because the resolution did not include a link to an immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The General Assembly resolution being voted on Wednesday mirrors the Security Council language: It “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” Unlike the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly. But while council resolutions are legally binding, assembly resolutions are not, though they do reflect world opinion. The second resolution being voted on supports the mandate of the U.N. agency caring for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA which was established by the General Assembly in 1949. It “deplores” legislation adopted by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Oct. 28 banning UNRWA’s activities in the Palestinian territories, which takes effect in 90 days. It calls on the Israeli government “to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and uphold its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip.” JERUSALEM — Israel has lifted restrictions on public gatherings and outdoor activities in areas near the Lebanese border in the northern Golan Heights, two weeks after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The army’s Home Front Command said it was changing its public safety guidelines to “full activity” from “partial activity.” Israel had tightened restrictions on Nov. 25, reflecting concerns that fighting could intensify ahead of any possible cease-fire between Israel and Lebanese militants. The truce went into effect on Nov. 27. In recent days, Israeli tanks and troops have advanced out of Israeli-held territory in the Golan Heights and pushed into a buffer zone inside Syria — a move Israel said it took to prevent attacks on its citizens. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. BEIRUT - Syria-based Palestinian factions have formed a unified delegation to meet with the country's new rebel-led authorities. The factions said in a statement after their meeting Wednesday at the Palestinian Embassy that they stand by the side of the Syrian people. The factions condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Syria over the past few days that have destroyed much of the assets of the Syrian army. The factions decided to form a joint committee to run the affairs of Palestinians in Syria as well as to be in contact with the new insurgent-led transitional government, following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live in Syria, many of them refugees, and the factions that have been based in Damascus were close to Assad’s government. Hamas was based in Syria until it left in 2012 a year after the county's civil war began. PRETORIA, South Africa — The United Nations chief says the fall of Syria’s authoritarian government has brought hope to the troubled Middle East, and pledged the global body’s support to the country's new leaders to ensure a smooth transition. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the U.N. wants to see “an inclusive political process in which the rights of all minorities will be fully respected, and paving the way towards a united sovereign Syria, with its territorial integrity fully re-established.” The jihadi-led Syrian rebels took control of the capital Damascus after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving many areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. A Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed force also controls large parts of northeastern Syria. Guterres said he fully trusts the people of Syria to be able “to choose their own destiny”. “I think it is our duty to do everything to support the different Syrian leaders in order to make sure that they come together and are able to guarantee a smooth transition, an inclusive transition in which all Syrians can feel that they belong," Guterres said. “The alternative does not make any sense.” Guterres is in South Africa to discuss the country’s role as it takes over the G20 presidency, among other issues. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike in central Gaza Strip killed four people and injured 16 others Wednesday, health officials said. Those killed and injured were taken to Awda Hospital after the strike hit a house in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the press center at the hospital. Since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October last year, at least 44,805 people have been killed and 106,257 others have been injured, according to the latest update by the Gaza Health ministry. BEIRUT — The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East was in Lebanon on Wednesday meeting with the head of the Lebanese army. In the wake of shocking overthrow of the government in neighboring Syria, the two military leaders discussed the security situation in Lebanon, a statement from the country's army said. U.S. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, who leads U.S. Central Command, met with the head of the Lebanese army Gen. Joseph Aoun to discuss ongoing American support for the implementation of the U.S.-and French-brokered ceasefire agreement, which ended more than a year of war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel has said the truce deal gives it the right to use military force against perceived ceasefire violations. Israel has launched near-daily strikes, mostly in southern Lebanon, that have killed at least 28 people and wounded 25 others since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27. Still, the shaky truce appears to be holding. Five people were killed Wednesday by at least three Israeli strikes in different towns in the southern municipality of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said. On Tuesday, Kurilla was in eastern Syria visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with members of a Kurdish-led Syrian force that is backed by the U.S. He was assessing what CENTCOM described as efforts to counter a resurgence of the Islamic State group. He also visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials on regional security and counter-IS operations. DAMASCUS — With the fall of Damascus, security forces of the deposed Bashar Assad government and staff withdrew from the Damascus International airport, grounding flights and stranding passengers. The airport has not been functional since. Now, security members of the rebel alliance in control of Syria have taken control of the airport, hoping to restore security, a sense of confidence, and the legitimacy needed to restart flights out of the capital, and from one of the country’s three international airports. “Damascus international airport is the heart of the city because it is the gateway for international delegations and missions,” Omar al-Shami, a security official with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the shock offensive that led to the fall of Assad, told The Associated Press, calling it "the passage for Syria to breathe.” Al-Shami said security was restored at the international airport nearly 12 hours after the fall of Damascus. The factions entered the capital before dawn, and security members of the rebel alliance took charge before sunset on Sunday. He said he hoped the airport would be operational in less than a week. On Wednesday, a handful of engineers were inspecting four planes that were on the tarmac. Cleaning staff were removing broken furniture, glass windows, and trash from ransacking by looters following the fall of Damascus. The attack, reportedly by mobs and looters from the neighboring areas, left parts of the airport halls destroyed, with smashed furniture and merchandise. “There was a lot damage in the airport’s equipment and facilities in 90% of the sections,” Anis Fallouh, the head of the airport, told the AP. Fallouh said the operations to clean up the airport aim to convince international airlines to resume their flights to Damascus. “Soon in the coming days, flights will resume when we reopen air traffic to Syria and inform countries that Damascus airport is operational. We may start with domestic or test flights to ensure that everything in the airport is operational and avoid any mistakes. Then we can resume international flights.” Engineers were inspecting the four planes on the tarmac, from two Syrian airlines. Some administrative staff were visiting the airport as the new administrators of Damascus work to convince state officials to return to their posts. “We are on the Airbus 320, the technical team. Because of the security vacuum that happened on Sunday, some ill-intentioned people tried to cause damage but thank God the plane is fine — the body, the engines and its systems. Some things are missing and we are trying to fix that,” said Bassam Radi, the engineer in charge of maintenance, said. BERLIN — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday addressed Berlin's reservations but also willingness to work the Syrian militant group in control of Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. “Nobody overlooks the origins of HTS in the al-Qaeda ideology. It is therefore clear that we will measure HTS by its actions,” Baerbock told reporters in Berlin. “Any cooperation presupposes that ethnic and religious minorities are protected, women’s rights are respected and acts of revenge are prevented.” She said that “whether we like it or not, the HTS militia ... is one of the decisive actors for the future of Syria.” “Together with our partners, we are therefore looking for an adequate way of dealing with HTS, with whom many have had no direct contact for good reasons,” she added. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the insurgent leader also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicted himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike near the southern Lebanese town of Bin Jbeil killed one person and wounded another, the state news agency reported. National News Agency said Wednesday’s airstrike hit a home. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israeli military. More than a dozen people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since a ceasefire went into effect on Nov. 27, ending the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war. WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to the Middle East this week on his 12th visit since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad . Assad's departure has sparked new fears of instability in the region now wracked by three conflicts despite a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Blinken will travel to Jordan and Turkey on Thursday and Friday for talks expected to focus largely on Syria but also touch on long-elusive hopes for a deal to end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the territory since October 2023. The State Department said Blinken would meet Jordanian officials, including King Abdullah II, in the port of Aqaba on Thursday before flying to Ankara for meetings with Turkish officials Friday. Other stops in the region are also possible, officials said. Blinken “will reiterate the United States’ support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government,” department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. BEIRUT — Insurgents have set on fire the tomb of Syria’s former President Hafez Assad in his hometown in the northwest, a war monitor and a local journalist said Wednesday. Hafez Assad had ruled Syria for 30 years until his death in 2000, when his son, Bashar, succeeded him. Both ruled Syria with an iron fist and were blamed for crackdowns that left tens of thousands dead, mainly in the central city of Hama in 1982, and in much of the country since the civil war in 2011. Bashar Assad was ousted over the weekend and fled to Russia where he was given political asylum. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syrian journalist Qusay Noor told The Associated Press that the tomb was set on fire Wednesday in the town of Qardaha in Latakia province. JERUSALEM — The United Nations is asking donors for over $4 billion to fund humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories, most of it earmarked for war-ravaged Gaza. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also called for the “lifting all impediments to the entry of aid” in its appeal issued Wednesday. U.N. agencies say aid operations in Gaza are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames the U.N. for not distributing it within the territory. The appeal for 2025 includes $3.6 billion for Gaza and about $450 million for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has destroyed vast areas of the besieged territory and displaced around 90% of its population of 2.3 million. Many have been displaced multiple times and are now crammed into squalid tent camps with little in the way of food or other essentials. Most of the population relies on international aid. JERUSALEM — The president of Paraguay addressed the Israeli parliament Wednesday ahead of the reopening of the country’s embassy in Jerusalem. The decision to reopen the embassy in Jerusalem and recognize the city as the capital of Israel is a diplomatic win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and puts Paraguay in a small group of countries that have taken the move. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in 1967 but it wasn't recognized by the international community, and most countries run their embassies out of Tel Aviv. “Without Jerusalem, the land of Israel is a body without a soul,” President Santiago Peña said in a speech to the Knesset. “So I say here today that without an embassy in Jerusalem, diplomatic relations with Israel do not have a real heart.” He said he hoped the move would inspire other countries to do the same. The embassy is set to open Thursday. Pena’s move was welcomed by Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, along with other Israeli leaders. “Tomorrow we will inaugurate together the embassy of Paraguay in our eternal capital, and that will happen not for the first time, but for the second time,” Netanyahu said. Paraguay had an embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, under Former President Horacio Cartes. That embassy was moved back to Tel Aviv by Cartes’ successor, Mario Abdo Benitez, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Asuncion. Israel reopened its embassy in September. MOSCOW — Russia said Wednesday it has maintained contacts with the new authorities in Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “we are monitoring most closely what is happening in Syria.” “We, of course, maintain contacts with those who are currently controlling the situation in Syria,” Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. “This is necessary because our bases are located there, our diplomatic mission is located there and, of course, the issue related to ensuring the security of these facilities is extremely important and of primary significance.” Peskov wouldn’t give details of those contacts, saying only that Russia has contacted “those who are controlling the situation on the ground.” He wouldn’t give the number of Russian troops in Syria. Asked to comment about Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone on the border with Syria, Peskov called them destabilizing. “The strikes and actions in the Golan Heights area, in the buffer zone area, are unlikely to help stabilize the situation in an already destabilized Syria,” he said. Russia has granted political asylum to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad and his family after they fled rebels who seized Damascus over the weekend. TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the recent events in Syria, including the fall of its government, were part of a joint plan by the United States and Israel. “There should be no doubt that what has happened in Syria is the result of a joint American and Zionist plan," Khamenei said in a speech in Tehran on Wednesday that was broadcast on state TV. “We have evidence, and this evidence leaves no room for doubt.” The Supreme leader added: “A neighboring state of Syria has played a clear role in this matter, and it continues to do so. Everyone can see this.” Khamenei also rejected speculation by analysts who have said that Iran will be weakened by the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. “Those ignorant analysts are unaware of the meaning of resistance. They think that if resistance weakens, Islamic Iran will also weaken. But I say, with the help and power of God — by the will of Almighty Allah — Iran is powerful and it will become even more powerful," he said.Tech billionaire Elon Musk spent at least $270 million to help Donald Trump win the US presidency, according to new federal filings, making him the country's biggest political donor. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk, the world's richest person, was an ardent supporter of Trump's White House campaign -- funneling money into door knocking operations and speaking at his rallies. His financial backing, which has earned him a cost-cutting advisory role in Trump's incoming government, surpassed spending by any single political donor since at least 2010, according to data from nonprofit OpenSecrets. The Washington Post reported that Musk spent more this election cycle than Trump backer Tim Mellon, who gave nearly $200 million and was previously the Republican's top donor. Musk donated $238 million to America PAC, a political action committee that he founded to support Trump, filings late Thursday with the Federal Election Commission showed. An additional $20 million went to the RBG PAC, a group that used advertising to soften Trump's hardline reputation on the key voter issue of abortion. Musk has been an ever-present sidekick for Trump since his election victory in November, inviting him to watch a rocket launch in Texas by his SpaceX company. Trump has selected the South African-born tycoon and fellow ally Vivek Ramaswamy to head the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, through which the pair have promised to deliver billions of dollars of cuts in federal spending. However, with Musk's businesses all having varying degrees of interactions with US and foreign governments, his new position also raises concerns about conflict of interest. The president-elect has nominated several people close to Musk for roles in his administration, including investor David Sacks as the so-called AI and crypto czar. Meanwhile, billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman, who has collaborated with Musk's SpaceX, was named the head of US space agency NASA. pgf-bjt/acbSeyond Announces Plan to Go Public via De-SPAC Transaction on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Shailene Woodley didn’t want to say much about Aaron Rodgers in a new interview, because, she said, reflecting on her relationship with the controversial NFL quarterback “always makes me cry.” During an overnight camping trip in Malibu with a reporter for Outside magazine , the 33-year-old actor and environmentalist also said that her relationship with Rodgers, which reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic and ended in February 2022, “was not right.” “But it was beautiful,” she added in the interview published Tuesday. Later in the conversation, Woodley also alluded to how difficult the relationship became and how devastated she was when it ended. She and Rodgers reportedly began dating during the pandemic lockdown in July 2020, around the time he ended his two-year relationship with race car driver Danica Patrick. The revealed their engagement in 2021. “I had a really awful, traumatic thing happen in early 2022,” Woodley told Outside later in the conversation. Yes, the “Divergent” star wasn’t being specific here about the “awful, traumatic thing,” but Outside noted that her engagement to the former Green Bay Packers quarterback was called off that February. “I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy,” Woodley said. “I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment.” Woodley also said she chose to remain in a “toxic situation” because she was empathizing with “someone else.” “Empathy,” she says, “kind of kept me in this loop of feeling everything for everyone.” For Outside magazine, the “Big Little Lies” actor was being profiled as the publication’s Outsider of the Year. In a previous interview, Woodley opened up about “the darkest, hardest time in my life,” taking place in the fall of 2021, a time that coincided with the final months of her relationship with Rodgers and when he sparked national controversy by ranting critically about the COVID-19 vaccine. In a 2023 interview with Net-A-Porter’s Porter magazine, Woodley talked about dating “somebody in America who was very, very famous,” without naming Rodgers. In the fall of 2021, she also was filming the series, “Three Women.” But she talked about how it was difficult to focus on her work. “It was winter in New York, and my personal life was (expletive), so it felt like a big pain bubble for eight months,” Woodley said to Porter magazine. “I was so grateful that at least I could go to work and cry and process my emotions through my character,” Woodley said. In early November 2021, Rodgers did serious damage to his public image as a popular NFL star by going on an angry anti-COVID vaccination rant on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The reigning Most Valuable Player was then accused of being an arrogant, narcissistic crackpot with a persecution complex after he claimed he was a victim of “the woke mob” and that the media had launched “a witch hunt” to pin him down on whether he had been vaccinated. Unfortunately for Woodley, she was caught up in Rodgers’ controversy, mainly by coming to his defense in ways that were seen as tone-deaf, given that public health officials had raised serious concerns about the potential harm caused by Rodgers’ anti-vaccination statements in the midst of a global pandemic. Woodley took to social media to post snarky, expletive-laced and even sexually suggestive Instagram defenses of Rodgers. Over the next month, one source close to Woodley and Rodgers told People that they were trying to make their relationship work, while another insider said that they “disagreed on a lot of things,” including politics, but that they tried to keep the peace by not debating those topics. But the likelihood of a split became apparent when the Chico-reared Rodgers failed to thank Woodley or even mention her name when he won his third NFL MVP award in early February 2022. Reports soon followed that they had ended their engagement. Rodgers then appeared again on “The Pat McAfee Show,” during which he said he didn’t regret speaking his mind about the COVID-19 vaccine, but said he regretted how those comments impacted his loved ones. Rodgers, now the embattled quarterback for the losing New York Jets , then apologized directly to Woodley — or “Shai” — and others, saying he was “very sorry” for the blowback they encountered. A year later, Woodley acknowledged to Porter that being in “a quote-unquote ‘famous’ relationship” became difficult. “It honestly never really hit me that millions of people around the world were actually watching these things and paid attention to them,” she said. “I watched (the) scrutiny, opinions, the desire for people to know my life and his life and our life — it just felt violating in a way that, before, it was fun. I’m a very private person, and so I found that any time I posted anything, I instantly felt like I was sharing too much of who I am with people I didn’t necessarily trust.”Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker, who is overseeing Luigi Mangione’s pre-trial hearings, is facing criticism for her financial ties to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Reports indicate that Parker is wed to Bret Parker, a past executive at Pfizer, who departed from the company in 2010. Parker, who has managed the proceedings in Mangione’s case, possesses substantial investments in various healthcare and technology companies. Records show she possesses Pfizer stock worth between $50,000 and $100,000. Her portfolio comprises stocks in Abbott Laboratories, Viatris, and CRISPR Therapeutics. Further disclosures emphasized Parker's investments in leading technology firms, such as Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple. Her spouse still obtains a pension from his time at Pfizer. Journalist Ken Klippenstein, who covered Parker's financial assets, mentioned that she possesses assets valued in the hundreds of thousands. These holdings have raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest in cases linked to the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. Mangione is alleged to have murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a crime that has garnered national attention. His purported manifesto, sections of which are still vague, reportedly referred to UnitedHealthcare’s substantial market presence. Luigi Mangione, charged with the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, showed up in court on Monday dressed in an outfit that coordinated with his lawyer’s. Mangione pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges, which comprise first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. Speaking into the courtroom microphone, he assertively declared, "Not guilty." The claims stem from the shooting of Thompson on December 4 near a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The occurrence happened during an investor conference held by UnitedHealth Group. Prosecutors allege that the murder was premeditated and associated with terrorism. If convicted, Mangione might receive a life sentence in prison with no possibility of parole. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the extraordinary circumstances of his impending return to the White House. “Wrongly continuing proceedings in this failed lawfare case disrupts President Trump’s transition efforts,” the attorneys continued, before citing the “overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5, 2024.” Trump’s lawyers also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse the conviction, which involved efforts to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to disrupt his 2016 campaign. He has denied any wrongdoing. Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Merchan hasn’t set a timetable for a decision. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. A dismissal would erase Trump’s historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, just before the 2016 presidential election, to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has pledged to appeal the verdict if the case is not dismissed. He and his lawyers said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!35 Magic Potions Disguised As Beauty Products, No Big Deal

Chased and cornered: Teenage boy assaulted and stabbed in backyard by gang

American and European stock markets mostly rose on Wednesday after inflation data cemented expectations that the US Federal Reserve will trim interest rates next month. While the Dow fell slightly, the other two major US indices advanced, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq, which piled on almost two percent to close above 20,000 points for the first time. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the USSeyond Announces Plan to Go Public via De-SPAC Transaction on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Still have Christmas presents to buy? Before you dash to the nearest commercial strip, fight other customers for the last janky item on the shelf or spend precious time at the check-out, why not coast through the shopping flurry by supporting these 10 Latino-owned, California-based online businesses? Order a quality-crafted handbag from Cuyana for your college-bound niece, fuel your java-obsessed cousin with a monthly coffee subscription from Coffee del Mundo , or add Mexican sazón to your sibling’s camping experience with Itacate meals. Not only will you be gifting a meaningful and unique item fit for their personalities, but you will also be supporting Latino entrepreneurs. For the foodie: ‘The SalviSoul Cookbook’ Perfect for anyone that loves to try new recipes, the “Salvisoul Cookbook” ($21.10) is a great addition to any kitchen. L.A.-based chef Karla Tatiana Vasquez crafts a collection of 80 recipes, along with familial anecdotes and stories that honor her Salvadoran heritage. From rellenos de papa to flor de izote con huevos revueltos, salpicón de res and variations of Salvadoran pupusas, Chef Vasquez celebrates Salvadoran culture in Los Angeles and beyond. The cookbook is available at major retailers. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, inquire online about private classes hosted in the L.A. area. For the CBD-enthusiasts: XiCali products Provide relief with XiCali Products , an L.A.-based CBD business on a mission to alleviate pain. Founder Chelly XiCali turned to homemade CBD remedies to help her mom manage her debilitating diabetic neuropathy. Although her mother was initially skeptical, she eventually embraced the natural remedy for her pain relief, prompting Chelly to start her business. Their top seller is the Canna Canela Rub ($25-$75) , a blend of CBD oil and warming Sri Lankan cinnamon bark and ginger — great for anyone with aches and pains. The Corona Polisher Headache Roll-On ($25-$40) , made with hemp liniment, frankincense, peppermint and magnesium, soothes severe headaches and makes an ideal stocking stuffer. And if the holiday gift-shopping stress has got you worried, the Mellow Out tincture (25-$75) is a nonaddictive and natural remedy to temper that tension. For the scent aficionados: L’Aromatica Gift a scent that tells a story. L’Aromatica is a Latina-owned fragrance company based in Northern California that offers small-batch, vegan, cruelty-free and gender-neutral scents made with pure botanical ingredients. Shoppers can choose from their three in-house brands: L’Aromatic, the original Mixed-Media line; Laro, the luxury line; and Marin Fragrance Co., their local and casual collection. Don’t know how to shop for scents online? L’Aromatica provides fragrance profiles with detailed information on what is included in each bottle. Whether it’s their Pacifica scent ($60) , which pays homage to California’s seaside with notes of eucalyptus and aquatic musk, or their rich and creamy Kulfi scent ($45-60) featuring saffron botanicals, they’ve got you covered. Before buying a full-size fragrance, sample it first as all ingredients react differently to individual body chemistries. Individual samples for some fragrances start at $3.50 . Can’t decide which scent to go with? The Laro Discovery Set ($55) comes with 11 samples and a detailed sheet describing each fragrance’s notes. For the candle-obsessed: Soy Latina Candles Elevate your candle maven’s space this holiday season with Soy Latina Candles , a handmade brand that offers nontoxic home and body products. Founder Krystal Flores, based in L.A., initially picked up candle-making as a hobby while caring for her son during his open-heart surgery recovery. Her best-selling candle, Flor de Luna ($26) features delicate notes of amber, agave, pear, musk and rose. Another customer favorite is the Reina candle ($26) , which boasts a sweet floral aroma with hints of jasmine, amber and black currant. Soy Latina Candles also offers room sprays, including the Chapina Room spray ($22) , a collaboration with content creator Jessica Sosa. This spray features zen-like aromas of beachy coconut and tranquil aloe reminiscent of coastal Guatemala. To top it off, a portion of each purchase supports families with children in hospitals through donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, as well as those suffering from visual snow syndrome through the Eye and Vision Foundation. For the happy camper: Itacate meals Gift the taste of Mexican flavor to campsite meals with Itacate . Founder Martha Y. Diaz, based in the Bay Area, created the company as an avid outdoor adventurer who sought the comfort of Mexican food during her excursions. Her professional background in sustainability and product safety led her to create Itacate, a company that specializes in rehydrated Mexican meals for outdoor camping. Her best-sellers include the Charge-Up Chilaquiles ($12.49) , a vegetarian and protein-rich traditional dish, and the Sunset Caldo ($12.49) , which consists of a spicy chipotle-based broth. Itacate also features sweet treats like the Arroz con leche ($6.95) and the Coconut Brittle Bugitos snack ($6.99) , toasted mealworms (yep!) with dry coconut. Items are available on the Itacate website or at REI. For the jewelry fan: GRL Collective Fill your loved-one’s stockings with trinkets from GRL Collective . The Latina lifestyle brand was created by southern Californian Kristine Rodriguez in 2017 and was born out of a passion for empowering women and girls. The Latina stud earrings ($60) are subtle yet perfect everyday statement pieces. The Earminder Studs ($48-$68) make the ideal gift for yourself or someone you admire, as each stone represents a daily positive reminder. The Chingona/Badass Charm Hoops ($60-92) features a dainty, twinkling affirmation while the Breastfeeding trophy necklace ($85-$100) is a tribute to mothers. GRL Collective also features mixed pattern, cruelty-free leather handbags and coin purses that are sure to glam up any outfit. Items are available for purchase online. For the coffeehead: Coffee del Mundo Looking to fuel the Java lovers in your life? Coffee del Mundo, founded by Jonathan Kinnard in South L.A., offers a range of experiences that all caffeine enthusiasts can enjoy. With their Frequent Flyers Club ($35 per month) , available year-round, coffee-obsessed individuals can transport their taste buds to the volcanic landscapes of Guatemala or the tropical forest of El Salvador. The monthly subscription allows individuals to curate their own coffee-tasting experience, with options for light, medium and dark roasted beans and five different taste profiles. The South L.A. coffee shop also offers a limited edition eco-friendly Mundo sampler ($35) , which includes three 3-ounce handpicked roasted coffee bags and a tasting guide. You can order items online or visit their storefront (7414 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles), which offers a dairy-free menu. For the chocoholic: Cru Chocolate Give the gift of Cru Chocolate this season while simultaneously supporting a brand that is redefining the chocolate world through its ethical practices. Cru Chocolate is all-natural, culturally authentic and sustainably produced. Based in Roseville, Calif., founder Karla McNeil Rueda, an engineer with expertise in cacao technology, works closely with talented farmers in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras to ensure that only the finest ingredients are ethically sourced. The award-winning chocolate comes in powder form, perfect for a cozy cup of hot cocoa this holiday season. Their 4.4 lb bulk bag ($98) is the ideal holiday treat for chocolate enthusiasts. Want to test it out first? The wheel set , containing 2 rounded cacao disks, is $10 . For the fashionista: Amor Prohibido There is no better way to start a new year than with a fresh look! Gift your fashionista a staple piece from Amor Prohibido , a streetwear brand that tells a story through specially crafted clothing. Designer Bryan Escareño incorporates his upbringing in southwest L.A into each design, often evoking memories of the ’90s. His latest collection, “Dance in the Rain,” features earth-toned greens and blues. Artist DannyLux showcased the collection in his music video “ Soltera ,” wearing the Moss Green Denim Love Button-Up ($278.00) and Big Stepper Split Denim ($372.00) . The collection “Diosito” incorporates subtle elements of religion with a single-stiched cross. The Mi Diosito White Thermal ($75.00) is a nice addition to any wardrobe, as is the Mi Diosito Baby Tee ($85.00) . For the goal-oriented hustlers: Cuyana Organize your items with style. Cuyana specializes in crafting timeless handbags for everyday use. Founded by Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah, and based in the Bay Area, Cuyana partners with expert leather suppliers from Ecuador, Vietnam, Italy, Argentina and beyond. They’ve curated a gift guide with their most beloved and new items, as well as luxury splurges. Check out their Travel Case Set ($168) made with 100% Argentinian leather. You can also customize the System Tote 13-inch bag ($328) by adding a laptop sleeve ($98) or pouch ($178) , making it the perfect gift for people attached to their computers.

 

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2025-01-16
Game-breaking Black Ops 6 Zombies bug lets you stack unlimited PerksNEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi . Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on the social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.77 jili casino

NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi . Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on the social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. The United States offered its condolences, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying that Singh was “one of the greatest champions of the U.S.-India strategic partnership.” “We mourn Dr. Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” Blinken said. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.



(The Center Square) – The question before the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday was whether a Tennessee law banning gender dysphoria treatment for minors is unconstitutional. Twenty-three other states have similar bans, but the Tennessee case is the first one to have made it to the nation's highest court. Behind the legal questions debated are medical questions that are in dispute. A transgender girl identified as "L Williams" is at the center of the case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and later supported by the Biden administration. In an article posted on the ACLU's website, L said she was emotionally distressed as she began puberty. “You're at a point where not only are you going through puberty, but you're also going through nightmare puberty,” L said. “I mean, obviously, nobody's 100% comfortable with [the changes,] but you're immensely uncomfortable with them.” L's parents sought puberty and hormone blockers in another state when Tennessee lawmakers passed its ban in 2023. They were on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court when the case was argued. Also on the steps was Dr. Jared Ross, a member of Do No Harm, a group of medical professionals who say their mission is to keep identity politics out of medical education, research, and clinical practice. Ross has a story, too, about a blue-haired girl who came into an emergency room one night. She described herself as "gender-confused," Ross said in an interview with The Center Square. "She was cutting herself with a razor blade because voices were telling her to," Ross said. "Can you imagine if I had affirmed these voices, affirming what she was hearing? That would have been malpractice, that would have been criminal. I didn't affirm those voices. I also didn't affirm her gender confusion." Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! Do No Harm filed an amicus brief challenging the medical evidence presented by the ACLU and the Biden administration. It points to a study called the "Cass Review," a multi-year project from the United Kingdom that said studies of the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones were uncontrolled observational studies subject to bias." The ACLU says it also has medical evidence on its side. The American Medical Association and the American College of Pediatrics are among the groups that support gender dysphoria treatment for minors. At least one medical organization is taking a second look at the treatments. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons said in April that it is reviewing the practice. "ASPS currently understands that there is considerable uncertainty as to the long-term efficacy for the use of chest and genital surgical interventions for the treatment of adolescents with gender dysphoria, and the existing evidence base is viewed as low quality/low certainty. This patient population requires specific considerations," the organization said in a statement. Doctors who don't support treatments for gender dysphoria for minors are accused of discrimination and not caring about the patients. But that's not the case, Ross said. "The other side often plays this as we're neglecting these kids or we're minimizing their suffering that they're going through," Ross said. "I don't doubt that they're suffering. They're suffering tremendously. They need love and compassion and good evidence-based mental health care." Until the Supreme Court rules in 2025, the Tennessee law and others like it will stay on the books.Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Rebels in Syria are making rapid advances against the government forces of President Bashar al-Assad. Assad has managed to stay in power throughout the civil war that has engulfed his country for more than a decade. But he again finds himself in a precarious position. We weigh the chances of his political survival. And in Lebanon, residents are watching as Syrian rebels get closer and closer to their border. There is concern that the fighting will spill over, threatening a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and perhaps becoming a regional war.

It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not." Get local news delivered to your inbox!The latest from Call the Midwife HQ is that season 14 has officially wrapped filming, fans will be pleased to know. Announcing the news on its official social media accounts with the above picture of Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) and Natalie Quarry (Nurse Clifford) holding the clapperboard, the caption of the post reads: "LATEST! It's a wrap on Call the Midwife Series 14 filming!! "We have just received this traditional 'end slate' clapperboard shot from the set of Call the midwife, where the very final scene of Series 14 has just been filmed!!! This year it was the turn of Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) and Natalie Quarry (Nurse Clifford) to bring the filming to a close with a VERY emotional story ... "We CAN'T WAIT to show you what we've been working on. Now the countdown begins to...THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!! Over the next few weeks we'll be bringing you all the festive insights, chat and behind scenes exclusives as we approach the return of our drama. So stay tuned... the midwives are on their way!!" Keep up to date with all the dramas - from period to crime to comedy By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You can unsubscribe at any time. Quarry was one of the recent cast additions that joined the beloved drama earlier this year in season 13 as new character Rosalind. Quarry told Radio Times magazine at the time that her character is "honest, loyal, open and kind, emotionally invested in other people – perhaps too much". As for whether or not Rosalind will be caught up in the teased "very emotional story", we'll just have to wait and see. We do know, though, that the official Call the Midwife account previously teased more about some of the tear-jerking scenes that are set to unfold in the season finale. Last week, a behind-the-scenes picture (below) showed Zephryn Taitte (who plays Cyril) in the midst of an "important scene" , which could very well make viewers emotional. As for the details about this upcoming plotline, we'll just have to wait and see. Of course, Cyril has recently had to get used to living life in London without wife Lucille (Leonie Elliott), who moved back to Jamaica after experiencing some mental health issues. With filming on season 14 having now wrapped, we can anticipate new episodes in the near future, as well as the anticipated two-parter Christmas 2024 special . Speaking about the upcoming Christmas special, executive producer Dame Pippa Harris added: "For the first time, viewers can luxuriate in a two-part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans." Call the Midwife returns to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast .

Calhoun County E911 Becomes First to Launch Ryzyliant's Solution with INdigital NGCS Support

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100Ricky Ponting in shock as Australia’s final day mystery is solvedSignificant milestones in life and career of Jimmy CarterJulia Child's France, Pig Slaughter In Portugal And A Culinary Detective: 5 Delicious Food Writing Classics

WOLF INVESTOR DEADLINE: Wolfspeed, Inc. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Securities Class Action Lawsuit

Revolutionary Transparent Antenna with Ultra-Thin Copper Circuit Technology SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CIT Co. Ltd., a leading startup in advanced materials, has been awarded the CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility category for its revolutionary transparent antenna, "Dolphin." Inspired by a dolphin's ability to detect a wide range of frequencies, Dolphin represents a groundbreaking innovation in the field, supporting the broadest range of frequencies among transparent antennas. Meeting the Needs of Next-Generation Vehicles The automotive industry is rapidly transforming with autonomous driving technologies and the rise of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), often described as "smartphones on wheels." These advancements demand fast and reliable data transmission, yet existing transparent antennas are limited in frequency range and application. CIT's Dolphin addresses these challenges with a design that combines unparalleled performance and flexibility. Dolphin operates across six frequency bands, from L-band to K-band, and supports frequencies up to 20 GHz, making it uniquely suited for 5G communication. Its exceptional frequency coverage significantly surpasses that of conventional antennas, meeting the needs of modern connected vehicles. Transparency and Sustainability at Its Core Dolphin achieves an extraordinary 90% transparency using ultra-thin copper circuits less than 10 nanometers thick—1,000 times thinner than a human hair. This innovative design ensures the antenna is virtually invisible when integrated into car windows or other glass surfaces. In contrast, traditional antennas rely on copper circuits 5 to 10 micrometers thick, which cannot match Dolphin's sleek and flexible design. In line with CIT's commitment to sustainability, Dolphin is manufactured using recycled copper wires, reducing its carbon footprint to just 1/1000th of that of traditional antennas. This eco-friendly approach supports CIT's goal of environmentally responsible production. Expanding Applications Beyond Vehicles Dolphin's potential extends far beyond automotive applications. It can be utilized in smart building windows, streetlights, and bus stop glass panels, enabling innovative solutions for urban infrastructure. Additionally, CIT's advanced material technology has been applied to create transparent displays. These displays use ultra-thin copper circuits that are invisible to the human eye, delivering a clear and seamless viewing experience. Transparent displays are increasingly popular in digital signage, exhibition halls, commercial spaces, and transportation systems such as cars, buses, and trains. Showcasing Innovation at CES 2025 CIT will present its award-winning transparent antenna, Dolphin, alongside its transparent display technology at CES 2025 in Las Vegas . Visitors can experience these innovations firsthand at the Venetian Expo, Halls A-D, Booth #50769. For additional details about CIT's CES 2025 Innovation Award-winning transparent antenna, Dolphin, visit CIT's Innovation Award Site. To learn more about Dolphin's groundbreaking technology and applications, watch the product introduction video: Discover Dolphin. About CIT CIT is a leading advanced materials startup founded in 2023. Since its foundation, the company has been growing quickly and steadily, specializing in innovative materials like low-dielectric FCCL (Flexible Copper Clad Laminate), transparent antennas, and transparent displays. These advanced products are used in industries such as automotive, smart buildings, and AR/VR technology. CIT has earned recognition for its innovative technology by winning major awards, including the CES 2025 Innovation Award, the FLY ASIA Advanced Manufacturing Award (2024), and the Public Technology Commercialization Innovation Award (2024). The company also focuses on sustainability by using recycled copper wires to manufacture its products, reducing carbon emissions to 1/1000 of traditional methods. By collaborating with global companies, CIT is working to bring its groundbreaking products to market and striving to become a global leader in advanced materials for next-generation technologies. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cit-wins-ces-2025-innovation-award-for-transparent-antenna-302339322.html SOURCE CIT Co. Ltd.

 

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2025-01-16
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jili cc login Many Australians say they dread Christmas parties because of the pressure to drink, with those choosing not to drink feeling judged and excluded for not throwing back beers with their colleagues. or signup to continue reading Research from Indeed found a third of Australians feel there is too much emphasis on alcohol at work Christmas parties, and one in four are afraid of doing something embarrassing due to alcohol. Ruth Limkin, who hasn't been drinking alcohol for several years, said Australians often don't know how to react to those who don't drink. "People are really confused when they offer you something to drink and you ask for something alcohol-free," she said. "That's one of the reasons actually that I often take something because you don't want people to feel uncomfortable." Psychologist at an Australian rehab clinic Gavin Brown said people are more likely to rely on alcohol during the holiday season as they try to navigate workloads and pressures to attend Christmas events. "The social pressure of drinking alcohol can make people feel judged or excluded if they decline to drink, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy," he said. "This then trickles into professional life because people believe that they are perceived differently by their co-workers, or even their bosses, for not participating. "For people in recovery from alcohol dependencies, work Christmas parties can be particularly daunting because they almost always centre on behaviour they are working hard to avoid." Researchers from an Australian health group suggested senior workforce commonly use alcohol as a coping mechanism or to increase confidence in social settings. More than one in three Australian managers choose to have a drink at the end of the day with many saying they're more comfortable at social events after a beer, according to the study. Ms Limkin said taking a sober approach means remembering everything the day after. The next day when you're waking up, you're able to fully embrace the day and not worry about whether or not you've got a hangover. "Also means you can eat more actual dessert because you're not drinking your calories." Dr Brown recommended framing Christmas parties around an activity like sport, spa treatments or escape rooms to reduce pressure on alcohol consumption. People are likely to drink less if involved in an activity, he said. Ms Limkin said at social events. "Sometimes I don't even say, I don't drink at all," she said. "I just say I'm not drinking today." For , Ms Limkin recommended taking things one step at a time. "When you get to an event, if someone's like, 'oh, you're not drinking' or 'what can I offer you', I just say I'm gonna start with something alcohol-free," she said. "I actually don't intend to then go on to anything with alcohol, but it just makes people feel more comfortable for whatever reason." She also advised bringing good alcohol-free options that are more than soft drinks and mineral water. Lucy is a reporter for the Canberra Times. Originally from the Central West, she has a passion for local and rural news. Email her at lucy.arundell@austcommunitymedia.com.au. Lucy is a reporter for the Canberra Times. Originally from the Central West, she has a passion for local and rural news. Email her at lucy.arundell@austcommunitymedia.com.au. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. The bank said it was suspending financial targets for earnings, return on equity and positive leverage as it works through a wide-ranging strategic review ahead of leadership change next year. "In my role as incoming CEO, we are undertaking a broad and detailed review of the bank strategies and investment priorities," said chief operating officer Raymond Chun, who is set to replace Bharat Masrani in the top job in April. "It's my opportunity to dive deep and make sure that we're putting TD in the best position possible," Chun said on an earnings call Thursday. The review comes as TD continues to grapple with the fallout from anti-money laundering deficiencies that saw it agree in October to pay fines totalling more than $4.23 billion to U.S. regulators, who also imposed an asset growth cap on its U.S. retail banking operations. The bank said it will be challenging to generate earnings growth as it navigates its transition. For TD's peers, the tone was more upbeat but still cautious as CIBC, RBC and National Bank reported profits that beat analyst expectations and said there was more growth ahead as interest rates are expected to drop further. Even BMO, which has been struggling with a pool of shaky loans, said it expects its provisions for credit losses to have peaked in the fourth quarter with improvements ahead. Shares of BMO opened down more than four per cent as its earnings came in well below analyst expectations because of the spike in provisions, but shares gained after an earnings call where the bank said it was turning a corner. The bank's share price was also boosted by an announced share buyback of up to 20 million shares, and a four-cent dividend increase from the previous quarter to $1.59 per share. "We're net confident in the U.S. and otherwise, and that's underpinned by the decisions we've made with respect to the dividend increase and normal course issuer bid," said chief executive Darryl White. CIBC showed even more faith in growth ahead as it reported results that were well ahead of expectations. The bank, which saw its provisions fall 23 per cent from last year, said it was boosting its dividend by eight per cent. "This increase reinforces the confidence we have to deliver earnings growth," said chief executive Victor Dodig on an earnings call. While bank leaders all generally saw better days ahead as interest rates fall and credit risks ease, their outlook on the timing is less confident. RBC chief executive Dave McKay said he was cautious but optimistic on the credit picture but still not sure on when it may normalize. "We're just a little uncertain as to how we're going to land this thing, whether it's in the first half or second half of the year, or early into '26." The bank shrugged off the effects of a softening Canadian economy to report a profit of $4.22 billion in the fourth quarter and $16.2 billion for the year. It increased its quarterly dividend by six cents, or four per cent, to $1.48. Scotiabank results fell short of analyst expectations as its results were hit by higher-than-expected taxes and a writedown of its holding in a Chinese bank, while its Canadian operations were affected by the softening economy, said chief executive Scott Thomson. "The realities of a slowing economy and the impact of peak interest rates made for a challenging operating environment," he said on a conference call with analysts. But he too is looking for a turnaround ahead as interest rates fall. "We anticipate additional easing through the first half of the year, which we expect will be stimulative to activity in the domestic housing and mortgage markets and buoy consumer and business confidence," Thomson said. While analysts welcomed the outlooks from banks, they expressed disappointment in TD's silence on its financial expectations for next year. "We would have hoped that TD would have been able to provide a little more concrete guidance to investors here right now," said Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman in a note. "Waiting another half a year or more for management to tell us what the longer-run implications of its U.S. consent order are leaves the stock without a proper anchor." Jeffries analyst John Aiken said the bank was "throwing in the towel for 2025," and that investors will need to be patient for a catalyst to release pent-up value. Chun said he is optimistic on the road ahead, but it will take time to get there. "I really do believe there are opportunities to get even stronger, more competitive. And so I look forward to sharing more with you in the second half of 2025." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TD, TSX:BMO, TSX:RY, TSX:BNS, TSX:CM) Ian Bickis, The Canadian PressWATERTOWN, Mass. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D BioLabs LLC ("3D BioLabs" or "3DB"), has reached a pivotal milestone in the field of regenerative medicine as recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . 3DB's study has demonstrated a new approach to creating large organs to solve the organ transplant shortage. Using 3D printing, computational fluid dynamics, and organ specific cells, their study demonstrated effective blood flow and cell viability and function within the model device, marking a significant advance toward a bioengineered liver replacement. The study was led by 3D BioLabs Scientific Founder Dr. Joseph P. Vacanti , the Distinguished John Homans Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Hospital. 3D BioLabs 3D printed device (3DPD) has been engineered to mimic native liver tissue structure by using fractal architecture to support both vascular anastomosis and hepatocyte function. The device features embedded portal-venous (PV) channels that enable continuous blood flow when implanted and hepatobiliary (HB) channels that support the viability of liver cells. Active perfusion of tissue scaffolds allows for improved oxygen and nutrient availability to increase cell density, further supporting the feasibility of the device as a functional liver tissue substitute. Dr. Vacanti said: "We are extremely pleased to reach this pivotal milestone in the development of functioning 3D printed organs, which furthers our mission of solving the long-standing issue of organ transplant shortages. With our recent study, we are one step closer to achieving an engineered alternative to liver transplantation, addressing critical organ shortages and helping patients in need." 3DB's proprietary technology builds upon decades of work in tissue engineering, beginning with the first patent in tissue engineering granted to Dr. Vacanti in 1988 and the Vacanti ear mouse in 1997. This milestone is supported by recent work implanting large and complex devices into pigs for as long as one week. For further details, visit 3DBioLabs.com . About 3D BioLabs: 3D BioLabs is comprised of scientists, engineers and visionary clinical scientists that aim to improve world health by providing man made organs for individuals suffering from organ failure and other complex problems of tissue loss. Our mission is the development of a platform technology that will result in sophisticated designs that allow for precise mimicry of what happens inside humans more closely than other systems, where decades of research have reached barriers based on organ size and complexity. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3dbiolabs-achieves-pivotal-milestone-in-development-of-3d-printed-liver-implant-302324302.html SOURCE 3D BioLabs

Forecasting The Future: 12 Analyst Projections For Academy SportsArmy-Navy game has added buzzIn a comprehensive interview with Time magazine, President-elect Donald Trump shared his views on several pivotal issues. He strongly criticized Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied missiles in Russian territories, asserting that this action could aggravate the ongoing conflict. Despite his criticism, Trump said he would not abandon Ukraine. On domestic policies, Trump expressed his willingness to end certain childhood vaccinations if they prove dangerous, potentially guided by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary. He suggested using military resources to deport migrants and indicated plans to build more detention camps if necessary, but within legal boundaries. Addressing Middle Eastern conflicts, Trump voiced his belief that resolving tensions in this region is feasible. He emphasized his pursuit of long-lasting peace. Additionally, he touched on controversial topics, such as pardoning Jan. 6 defendants and advocating for state-managed education, hinting at a virtual closure of the Department of Education. (With inputs from agencies.)

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Voting closed Saturday evening in most polling centers throughout Ghana, bringing to an end the presidential and legislative elections poised to be a litmus test for democracy in a region shaken by extremist violence and coups . The capital, Accra, was almost a ghost town for much of the day. Even vibrant Oxford Street, one of the city's commercial hubs, saw little activity on the day that Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a new president and 276 legislators. Some 18.7 million people are registered to vote in the West African country hit by one of the worst economic crises in a generation. However, the two main candidates offer little hope for change for the nation. Early results were expected late on Saturday. The first official results will be released by Tuesday. Ghana used to be a poster child for democracy in the region. At a time when coups threatened democracy in West Africa, Ghana has emerged as a beacon of democratic stability with a history of peaceful elections. It had also been an economic powerhouse, priding itself on its economic development. But in recent years, it has struggled with a profound economic crisis, including surging inflation and a lack of jobs. According to an opinion poll released earlier this year by Afrobarometer, a research group, 82% of Ghanaians feel their country is headed in the wrong direction Although 12 candidates are running to become Ghana’s next president, Saturday’s election — like previous ones since the return of multiparty politics in 1992 — has emerged as a two-horse race. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, or NPP, which has struggled to resolve the economic crisis. He faces off against former President John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the main opposition party National Democratic Congress, or NDC. He was voted out in 2016 after failing to deliver on promises for the economy. Opinion polls point at a potential comeback for Mahama. A local research company, Global InfoAnalytics says he is projected to get 52.2% of the vote, followed by Bawumia, with 41.4%. After voting in the town of Bole in northern Ghana, Mahama praised the smooth election process and expressed confidence in his own victory. “In other elections, it had not been clear," he told reporters. “But (during) this election everyone sees where it is heading.” The NDC prides itself as a social democratic party, while the ruling NPP tags itself as leaning to the right. But in fact, analysts and voters said, the programs of their presidential candidates do not differ in a significant way. Members of parliament will also be elected Saturday. The ruling NPP party and the main opposition NDC each have 137 members in the 275-member legislature, with one independent member who has been voting mostly along with the ruling party. One more constituency will be added in this election, bringing the number of deputies to 276. In their final campaign rallies Thursday, both candidates made a last push to pitch their political parties as the answer to Ghana’s economic woes. Bawumia, 61, an Oxford-educated economist and former deputy governor of the country’s central bank, promised to build on the outgoing administration’s efforts and stabilize the economy. Mahama, 65, on the other hand, restated his promise to “reset” the country on various fronts. “We need to reset our democracy, governance, economy, finances, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, health sector, and all that we hold dear as a people,” the former president said. Across the the capital, Accra, the mood for the election has been upbeat in posters and billboards with bikers displaying stunts, political rallies on the streets, election jingles and songs blasting from public speakers. But the concern for many is also palpable for the key thing at stake: The country’s ailing economy, which has been challenged on various fronts in recent years. The country defaulted on most of its foreign debt last year as it faced a worsening economic crisis that spiked the price of fuel, food and other essential items. The inflation rate had hit 54% by the end of last year and though it’s been coming down since then, not many Ghanaians can still tell the difference when they go to the market. Ebenezer Kotey Dsane, a 69-year-old driver said he voted for Mahama because “he is a good man” who “set up much infrastructure when he was in office.” “The current regime hasn't done much,” he said, pointing to the La General Hospital in Accra, one of the capital's main medical facilities, pulled down in July 2020 by the current government with a pledge to reconstruct it. “Until today, nothing has happened.” Some chose not to vote at all. Ruth Mensah, 42, an unemployed resident of Nima, a working-class suburb in Accra, said she decided not to cast a ballot. “I don’t see how voting will bring about a change to my life,” she said. Patricia Seyram Hagbevor, 20, a first-time voter and student at Accra Technical University said she wished for a change. She didn't disclose whom she voted for, but said she “hoped for a change for the better that will help develop our future.” The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining — known locally as galamsey — has also been a major issue in the campaign and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest, but the commodity has been increasingly mined illegally as people become more desperate to find jobs in an economy that has been crumbling. The mining has polluted rivers and other parts of the environment despite government actions to clamp down on the practice. Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal.

TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mink Ventures Corporation (TSXV:MINK) (" MINK ” or the " Company ") today announced that the Board of Directors has approved the grant of an aggregate number of 500,000 incentive stock options to its officers and directors. The exercise price of the stock options granted is $0.10 per common share. Subject to the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange and the Company's Stock Option Plan, the options have a term of ten years and will expire on November 22, 2034. About Mink Ventures Corporation: Mink Ventures Corporation (TSXV:MINK) is a Canadian mineral exploration company exploring for critical minerals in Ontario, Canada. It has a highly prospective, nickel copper cobalt exploration portfolio, with its Montcalm project, which now covers ~100 km 2 adjacent to Glencore's former Montcalm Mine with historical production of 3.93 million tonnes of ore grading 1.25% Ni, 0.67% Cu and 0.051% Co (Ontario Geological Survey, Atkinson, 2010), as well as its expanded Warren Project. These complementary nickel copper cobalt projects have excellent access and infrastructure and are in close proximity to the Timmins Mining Camp. The Company has 22,456,488 common shares outstanding. For further information about Mink Ventures Corporation please contact: Natasha Dixon, President & CEO, T: 250-882-5620 E: [email protected] or Kevin Filo, Director, T: 705-266-6818 or visit www.sedar.com . Forward Looking Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking information", including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the prospectivity of the Company's projects. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MINK to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of exploration work; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the Montcalm Project; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, or delays in obtaining governmental and stock exchange approvals. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to MINK's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and MINK disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or ac curacy of this release.South Korean President Yoon's impeachment fails as his ruling party boycotts vote

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Close Brothers given right to appeal against motor finance scandal court ruling By DAILY MAIL CITY & FINANCE REPORTER Updated: 22:00, 11 December 2024 e-mail View comments Close Brothers received a boost yesterday after it won permission to appeal against a court ruling on motor finance that has stunned the industry. The decision provides hope to it and other lenders caught up in the scandal over the way car dealers were paid commissions for selling loans to customers, which could leave lenders with a bill for billions of pounds. The Financial Conduct Authority this year looked at whether some motorists who took out loans would be entitled to compensation. But a separate ruling by the Court of Appeal widened the scope of the scandal to take in more types of commission. Fees scandal: Close Brothers has won permission to appeal against a court ruling on motor finance that has stunned the industry RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Sir Clive Cowdery set for bumper windfall on £8.3bn sale of... UK in slow lane to rate cuts: Bank of England's caution is... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account That has raised fears that it could reach the same scale as the payment protection insurance debacle, which cost the industry £50billion. Shares in Close Brothers have been hammered and fell by as much as 50 per cent following the October court ruling but, after it yesterday said it had permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, rose 3.5 per cent, or 8.2p, to 246.2p. Lloyds, which faces exposure to the scandal through its Black Horse motor finance arm, rose 2.4 per cent, or 1.28p, to 54.22p. 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That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top storiesWATERTOWN, Mass. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 3D BioLabs LLC ("3D BioLabs" or "3DB"), has reached a pivotal milestone in the field of regenerative medicine as recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . 3DB's study has demonstrated a new approach to creating large organs to solve the organ transplant shortage. Using 3D printing, computational fluid dynamics, and organ specific cells, their study demonstrated effective blood flow and cell viability and function within the model device, marking a significant advance toward a bioengineered liver replacement. The study was led by 3D BioLabs Scientific Founder Dr. Joseph P. Vacanti , the Distinguished John Homans Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Hospital. 3D BioLabs 3D printed device (3DPD) has been engineered to mimic native liver tissue structure by using fractal architecture to support both vascular anastomosis and hepatocyte function. The device features embedded portal-venous (PV) channels that enable continuous blood flow when implanted and hepatobiliary (HB) channels that support the viability of liver cells. Active perfusion of tissue scaffolds allows for improved oxygen and nutrient availability to increase cell density, further supporting the feasibility of the device as a functional liver tissue substitute. Dr. Vacanti said: "We are extremely pleased to reach this pivotal milestone in the development of functioning 3D printed organs, which furthers our mission of solving the long-standing issue of organ transplant shortages. With our recent study, we are one step closer to achieving an engineered alternative to liver transplantation, addressing critical organ shortages and helping patients in need." 3DB's proprietary technology builds upon decades of work in tissue engineering, beginning with the first patent in tissue engineering granted to Dr. Vacanti in 1988 and the Vacanti ear mouse in 1997. This milestone is supported by recent work implanting large and complex devices into pigs for as long as one week. For further details, visit 3DBioLabs.com . About 3D BioLabs: 3D BioLabs is comprised of scientists, engineers and visionary clinical scientists that aim to improve world health by providing man made organs for individuals suffering from organ failure and other complex problems of tissue loss. Our mission is the development of a platform technology that will result in sophisticated designs that allow for precise mimicry of what happens inside humans more closely than other systems, where decades of research have reached barriers based on organ size and complexity. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3dbiolabs-achieves-pivotal-milestone-in-development-of-3d-printed-liver-implant-302324302.html SOURCE 3D BioLabs

If you’re an iPhone user, you might not realize that you already have access to Apple Cash. It’s a digital cash card that’s built into Apple devices and can be found in the default Wallet app. (Note: You must link an eligible debit card to use this service.) The main function of Apple Cash is to make it easier for Apple device users to send money to one another, including sending money through the iMessage app. But Apple Cash is more than just a service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases. Apple Cash is a convenient way to transfer money between friends and family. Once it’s set up, a user can simply open the iMessage app and send money to a contact through their chat. It’s also useful for those who use Apple Pay, a separate service that allows Apple device users to make with any linked card, including an Apple Cash card. Here are some important things to know about setting up and using Apple Cash. Apple Cash is a digital cash card that’s stored in the Wallet app of Apple devices, and it can be used for making P2P payments, as well as purchases through Apple Pay. When you receive money from another Apple Cash user, that money appears in your Apple Cash balance. The balance can then be spent or transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. with Apple Cash can be done either directly from the digital Apple Cash card (in the Wallet app) or through the iMessage app. You can send or receive anywhere between $1 and $10,000 per message. The money shows up on the recipient’s Apple Cash card instantly, but it may take from one to three days for the balance to be transferred to a bank account. Instant transfers to a bank account are possible, but it comes with a 1.5% fee. There’s also an option to set up Apple Cash Family for children who are under 18 years old. This option limits the amount a child can send to $2,000 per message. Those younger than 18 also cannot add money to their Apple Cash card from a bank account; rather, their balance only grows when they receive money from another Apple Cash user. Apple Cash is a digital card within your Wallet that allows you to spend your Apple Cash online, in stores and in apps as well send and receive money. Apple Pay, however, allows you to make purchases using any credit card or debit card you have stored in your Wallet — including Apple Cash. With Apple Pay, you add credit and debit cards to your Wallet and then have the ability to pay right with your phone (or other Apple product). To set up Apple Cash, you’ll need three things: —A compatible Apple device. —Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID (this can be done in Settings). —An eligible debit card to load funds onto the Apple Cash card. In the Settings app, you can turn on Apple Cash in the Wallet and Apple Pay section. Tap on the Apple Cash card icon and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, after which your device will set up Apple Cash for you. The Apple Cash card, once set up, can be found in your device’s Wallet app. If you want to set up Apple Cash Family, you’ll first need to have Family Sharing turned on, which can be done in Settings. The family organizer can add children to Apple Cash in the Family Sharing section of Settings. You’ll need to have a linked to your digital Wallet to add money to an Apple Cash card. You can add a debit card to Wallet in the same place where you set up Apple Cash — the Wallet and Apple Pay section of Settings. Once a debit card is linked to your Wallet, open Wallet and tap on the Apple Cash card. Then, tap the More button (an icon with three dots). This will open a page where you can see your Apple Cash balance, add money and transfer funds to a bank account. Tap Add Money and enter the amount you’d like to add (the minimum is $10). You’ll be asked to confirm which debit card you want to use to fund the Apple Cash balance, and then the money is added to the Apple Cash card. There are two ways to send a payment to someone using Apple Cash: directly from your Wallet or in the iMessage app. Both the sender and recipient need Apple Cash to send or receive money. To send money from Wallet, simply tap the Apple Cash card in Wallet and then tap Send. Type in the contact name or phone number of the recipient. Enter the amount you’d like to send (between $1 and $10,000), then review the payment and confirm it with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In iMessage, open the conversation with who you’d like to send money to, or start a new one. Tap on the app button, which appears next to the type bar, and then tap on the Apple Cash icon. You’ll be prompted to enter an amount (between $1 and $10,000). Once you’ve reviewed the amount, tap Send and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. The first time money is sent to someone, the recipient will need to accept the payment within seven days for it to go through. After the first instance, payments are automatically accepted. If you’re using Apple Cash to make a purchase either online or in a store, you’ll need to pay using Apple Pay. To request money from your iPhone, open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the plus icon, followed by Apple Cash. Then, tap Request. Tap the send button to send your payment request. Once the request is sent, the person you sent it to can confirm or change the amount they send to you. You can also request money from your Apple watch. Open your messages app, choose a conversation, tap the plus icon and then choose Apple Cash. Once you enter the amount you are requesting, swipe left on the Send button. Tap Request. As you start to accumulate money on the Apple Cash card, you may want to move it to a debit card or a . This can be done by going to the same place where you added funds to the card, by clicking the icon with three dots next to your digital card. Enter an amount to be transferred, then tap Next. You’ll be asked whether you want to do an instant transfer (for a 1.5% fee) or a transfer in one to three business days for free. After making a selection, the screen will instruct you to set up a bank account if you don’t already have one set up. You’ll confirm the payment, and the transfer is initiated. Instant transfers can only be made to an eligible debit card, not a bank account. Money is sent within 30 minutes when you select instant transfer. —Zelle: If your bank is offers Zelle, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the P2P payment service. Zelle can be accessed directly from your bank’s mobile app, and it allows you to send instant transfers at no extra cost. —Venmo: Anyone can use Venmo, as long as they’ve downloaded the app. Unlike Apple Cash or Zelle, it’s a standalone P2P payment app. Venmo comes with a social element — users can follow each other and add fun emojis to their payments, although they can also keep their account activity private. —PayPal: This P2P payment service is a good option if you want to send money internationally. It also offers a PayPal Debit card, which, like the Apple Cash card, can be used to make purchases online or in stores. —Samsung Pay Cash: Samsung device users can use this option instead of Apple Cash. Similar to Apple Cash, it is a digital wallet that you can access from a Samsung mobile device. However, to take full advantage of Samsung Pay Cash, users will need to undergo an extra registration process to upgrade to a Full Card Account. Apple Cash makes it easy for Apple device users to send money to each other. Users can simply tap the Apple Cash icon in their text messages to send money through iMessage. It can also be used as an extra repository for spending money and can be used for purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. With that said, only Apple device users can send and receive money using Apple Cash, so those looking for a more universal payment service may want to consider . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Credit: Adobe Stock/ onephoto A study found schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD) increase the risk of constipation , but the association with schizophrenia may only have limited clinical implications. 1 “Similar to previous studies, the risk of constipation was higher in participants with severe depression than in participants with mild depression,” wrote investigators, led by Jiali Liu, from the department of anorectal surgery at Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, in People’s Republic of China. Constipation, although common, is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose and treat. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, 16% of adults face constipation. This gastrointestinal disorder has a greater prevalence in older adults, females, certain medications, and mental diseases. Observational studies have shown the link between constipation and psychiatric disorders, namely anxiety and depression, but these studies did not examine the causal effects between the conditions. 2 Thus, investigators completed a Mendelian randomization analysis to assess whether constipation and psychiatric disorders—in this case, schizophrenia and MDD—had a causal relationship. 1 The study’s exposures were schizophrenia and MDD, and constipation was the outcome. The team recruited patients with schizophrenia (30,490 cases and 312,009 controls) and MDD (170,756 cases and 329,443 controls) from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium datasets of European ancestry. Constipation genetic data (17,246 cases and 201,546 controls) was obtained from The FinnGen summary statistics. Investigators used the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method to assess the causal relationship between schizophrenia and MDD with constipation. The LD score regression showed constipation was genetically correlated with schizophrenia and MDD (both P < .05). The Mendelian randomization analysis further demonstrated that schizophrenia (IVW odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 – 1.07; P < .01) and MDD (IVW OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.10 – 1.33; P < .01) were statistically significantly causally associated with the risk of constipation. Evidence of the causal relationship between constipation and psychiatric disorders was also shown with the MR Egger ratio (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93 – 1.16; P = .548 for schizophrenia; OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.48 – 1.76; P = .794 for MDD) and the weighted median odds ratio (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 – 1.09; P < .01 for schizophrenia; OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03 – 1.38; P = .02). “Bidirectional MR analysis revealed an obviously causal effect of depression on constipation, but no causal effect of constipation on depression,” investigators wrote. However, investigators noted that constipation could aggravate psychotic disorders, as patients with constipation were significantly more likely to experience depression, anxiety, somatization, and psychotic disorders. The Cohran’s Q report did not show heterogeneity among these inverse variances for both schizophrenia ( P = .11 > .05) and MDD ( P = .09 > .05). Investigators also observed no horizontal pleiotropy in the Egger intercept test for schizophrenia ( P = .81) and MDD ( P = .39). Despite schizophrenia having a statistically significant confidence interval of 1.02 – 1.07 ( P < .01), it fell within the Region of Bayesian analysis and the Practical Equivalence (ROPE), which defines an odds ratio range of 0.83 – 1.19 as a lack of clinical significance. “This suggested that the hypothesized pathophysiological links between [schizophrenia] and constipation conditions were not substantiated by our data, prompting a reevaluation of their clinical implications,” investigators wrote. Liu and colleagues said the study was limited by only examining the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and FinnGen populations. Moreover, they added that they only examined schizophrenia and MDD due to the unavailable data on other psychiatric disorders and future studies should include other mental conditions. “In conclusion, we performed MR analysis concluding that there is suggestive evidence that [schizophrenia] and MDD potentially cause constipation,” investigators wrote. “However, [schizophrenia] and constipation, largely falling within the ROPE range, underscore a lack of clinical significance, and further confirmation is needed in conjunction with clinical studies.” References Liu J, Huang Y, Fu X, Wei J, Wei P. Associations of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder with Constipation: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2024 Nov 26;17:349-357. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S485504. PMID: 39618883; PMCID: PMC11608058. Nellesen D, Chawla A, Oh DL, et al. Comorbidities in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation: a review of the literature from the past decade. Postgrad Med. 2013;125:40–50. doi:10.3810/pgm.2013.03.2640The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! 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RICHMOND, Va. – December 12, 2024 – Bowlero Corporation, a household name in the world of location-based entertainment, is rolling into a new era. The company has officially rebranded to Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation , marking a transformative step in its journey. Alongside the new name comes a fresh ticker symbol—NYSE: LUCK—a fitting nod to its ambition to become a premier entertainment powerhouse. The rebrand signals more than just a name change. According to Thomas Shannon, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, this is about "redefining what location-based entertainment can be." For young retail investors, this pivot presents a unique opportunity to watch a legacy business innovate and evolve for modern audiences. Lucky Strike Entertainment isn’t just about bowling anymore. With over 360 locations across North America, the company is diversifying its offerings to include amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. By broadening its scope, Lucky Strike taps into growing consumer demand for experiential activities that blend fun, nostalgia, and modern flair—a trend especially popular with Millennials and Gen Z. The Lucky Strike brand has long been associated with premium bowling and social experiences. This rebrand amplifies that ethos, aiming to position the company as a destination for memorable experiences, whether it’s a family day out, date night, or group hangout. The rebrand also sets the stage for Lucky Strike to leverage its strong brand equity to introduce new offerings and partnerships that align with evolving consumer preferences. Lucky Strike owns the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), a growing media property with millions of global fans. With sports betting, livestreaming, and niche sports all on the rise, the PBA represents a significant growth opportunity. As Lucky Strike expands its entertainment empire, the PBA could serve as a critical pillar for audience engagement and revenue diversification. The move to rebrand as Lucky Strike Entertainment comes at a time when experiential entertainment is seeing a resurgence. From arcades to axe-throwing bars, consumers are seeking out unique social experiences. Lucky Strike’s rebrand positions it as a leader in this space, with its scale and resources giving it a competitive edge. The name change to Lucky Strike Entertainment and the ticker symbol LUCK underscore the company’s renewed focus on its core mission: creating exceptional entertainment experiences. For retail investors, this rebrand could signal a turning point for the stock as the company broadens its appeal, diversifies revenue streams, and attracts new audiences. If Lucky Strike Entertainment succeeds in delivering on its bold vision, it could unlock new growth opportunities and position itself as a market leader in the booming location-based entertainment industry. For young investors, this is a story worth watching—LUCK might just live up to its name. Stay tuned on Stocktwits for more updates on Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE: LUCK) and join the conversation with fellow investors.TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. The bank said it was suspending financial targets for earnings, return on equity and positive leverage as it works through a wide-ranging strategic review ahead of leadership change next year. "In my role as incoming CEO, we are undertaking a broad and detailed review of the bank strategies and investment priorities," said chief operating officer Raymond Chun, who is set to replace Bharat Masrani in the top job in April. "It's my opportunity to dive deep and make sure that we're putting TD in the best position possible," Chun said on an earnings call Thursday. The review comes as TD continues to grapple with the fallout from anti-money laundering deficiencies that saw it agree in October to pay fines totalling more than $4.23 billion to U.S. regulators, who also imposed an asset growth cap on its U.S. retail banking operations. The bank said it will be challenging to generate earnings growth as it navigates its transition. For TD's peers, the tone was more upbeat but still cautious as CIBC, RBC and National Bank reported profits that beat analyst expectations and said there was more growth ahead as interest rates are expected to drop further. Even BMO, which has been struggling with a pool of shaky loans, said it expects its provisions for credit losses to have peaked in the fourth quarter with improvements ahead. Shares of BMO opened down more than four per cent as its earnings came in well below analyst expectations because of the spike in provisions, but shares gained after an earnings call where the bank said it was turning a corner. The bank's share price was also boosted by an announced share buyback of up to 20 million shares, and a four-cent dividend increase from the previous quarter to $1.59 per share. "We're net confident in the U.S. and otherwise, and that's underpinned by the decisions we've made with respect to the dividend increase and normal course issuer bid," said chief executive Darryl White. CIBC showed even more faith in growth ahead as it reported results that were well ahead of expectations. The bank, which saw its provisions fall 23 per cent from last year, said it was boosting its dividend by eight per cent. "This increase reinforces the confidence we have to deliver earnings growth," said chief executive Victor Dodig on an earnings call. While bank leaders all generally saw better days ahead as interest rates fall and credit risks ease, their outlook on the timing is less confident. RBC chief executive Dave McKay said he was cautious but optimistic on the credit picture but still not sure on when it may normalize. "We're just a little uncertain as to how we're going to land this thing, whether it's in the first half or second half of the year, or early into '26." The bank shrugged off the effects of a softening Canadian economy to report a profit of $4.22 billion in the fourth quarter and $16.2 billion for the year. It increased its quarterly dividend by six cents, or four per cent, to $1.48. Scotiabank results fell short of analyst expectations as its results were hit by higher-than-expected taxes and a writedown of its holding in a Chinese bank, while its Canadian operations were affected by the softening economy, said chief executive Scott Thomson. "The realities of a slowing economy and the impact of peak interest rates made for a challenging operating environment," he said on a conference call with analysts. But he too is looking for a turnaround ahead as interest rates fall. "We anticipate additional easing through the first half of the year, which we expect will be stimulative to activity in the domestic housing and mortgage markets and buoy consumer and business confidence," Thomson said. While analysts welcomed the outlooks from banks, they expressed disappointment in TD's silence on its financial expectations for next year. "We would have hoped that TD would have been able to provide a little more concrete guidance to investors here right now," said Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman in a note. "Waiting another half a year or more for management to tell us what the longer-run implications of its U.S. consent order are leaves the stock without a proper anchor." Jeffries analyst John Aiken said the bank was "throwing in the towel for 2025," and that investors will need to be patient for a catalyst to release pent-up value. Chun said he is optimistic on the road ahead, but it will take time to get there. "I really do believe there are opportunities to get even stronger, more competitive. And so I look forward to sharing more with you in the second half of 2025." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TD, TSX:BMO, TSX:RY, TSX:BNS, TSX:CM) Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press

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Will the stock markets check Trump’s power?MrBeast reveals first thing Elon Musk said to him when they metLatur: More than 100 farmers in Maharashtra’s Latur district on Saturday claimed the Waqf Board has sought to take their land that they have been cultivating for generations. The claim has been filed in the Maharashtra State Waqf Tribunal in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and notices have been issued to 103 farmers having total land measuring 300 acres, they said. “These lands have been passed down to us through generations. These are not Waqf property. We want the Maharashtra government to give us justice. Two hearings on the matter have taken place in court and the next hearing is on December 20,” one of the farmers, Tukaram Kanwate, told PTI. Incidentally, the Union government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8 this year to streamline the working of the Waqf Board and ensure efficient management of its properties. The Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Waqf refers to properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.

 

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After President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, South Koreans of all ages have poured into the streets to send a message: There is no going back to the military rule and repression of the 1980s. A noodle vendor calls the incident embarrassing. A taxi driver says he regrets voting for Mr. Yoon. An IT professional says the president’s apology on Saturday was too little, too late. Even Mr. Yoon’s backers – less than 20% of South Koreans now, polls show – stress he must protect democratic institutions. “These incidents tell us that people are internalizing democratic norms,” says Myunghee Lee, a political scientist focused on East Asia. But South Koreans are also expressing frustration over the political gridlock that preceded the martial law attempt. And the crisis of legitimacy unleashed by Mr. Yoon must still be resolved, with the president surviving an impeachment vote this weekend after members of his party walked out. Park Jung Min, a shipping company worker from the southern city of Geoje, traveled five hours to attend a rally Saturday calling for the president’s removal – her first political protest. She says she’ll make the trip to Seoul again this week. “Our national character is we never give up,” she says. At Seoul’s traditional Namdaemun market, vendor Jang Chang Suk closely guards her knife-cut noodle recipe – but freely dishes out her views on South Korea’s current political crisis. “It’s embarrassing,” she says of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived imposition of martial law Dec. 3, which has plunged the country into turmoil. But Ms. Jang’s dismay is matched by confidence that her fellow citizens will uphold South Korea’s democracy. “South Koreans are good people. They have it together – they’re on it,” she says, slicing fresh wheat dough with quick strokes of a cleaver and wiping her hands on her flower-print apron. In contrast, she says, “the government is lagging behind.” Indeed, across South Korea, people of all ages have poured into the streets in massive numbers in recent days to send the message that there is no going back to military rule and its dark legacy of repression from the 1980s. Even Mr. Yoon’s backers – less than 20% of South Koreans now, polls show – stress he must protect democratic institutions. “These incidents tell us that people are internalizing democratic norms,” says Myunghee Lee, an assistant professor at James Madison College of Michigan State University. “The absolute red line is using the military to suppress the opposition. That is not acceptable.” Still, Dr. Lee, a political scientist focused on East Asia, says the country’s democratic system has a long way to go. While buoyed by their success in drawing that line, many South Koreans are also expressing frustration over political gridlock that preceded the martial law attempt. And the crisis of legitimacy unleashed by Mr. Yoon must still be resolved, with the embattled president surviving an impeachment vote this weekend. “South Korean democracy is at a ceiling,” she says. So far, “it’s not breaking that ceiling.” In a bustling, concrete-and-glass coffee shop in downtown Seoul, IT professional Je Min Hwang pauses when asked who he’d favor to lead South Korea. He backs the opposition center-left Democratic Party, but its leader, Lee Jae-myung, is “not 100% clean” either, Mr. Hwang says. Mr. Lee was convicted last month by a Seoul court for violating election laws, a ruling he says he’ll appeal. An even bigger concern for Mr. Hwang is the polarizing, acrimonious campaign led by Mr. Lee since his party expanded its parliamentary majority in April to discredit Mr. Yoon and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). “They are butting heads,” Mr. Hwang says of South Korea’s two leading political parties. “There should be compromise.” The desire for less contentious politics is widespread among South Koreans. An Jung Min, a clothing importer, says he dislikes both Mr. Lee and Mr. Yoon, and voted for neither of them in the 2022 presidential election, which Mr. Yoon won by a razor-thin margin. “The current president doesn’t know how to negotiate or collaborate – he’s very stubborn,” says Mr. Min. As both sides dug in, Mr. Yoon drastically escalated the showdown on Dec. 3 by declaring martial law – banning all political activities and threatening violators with arrest, putting all media under military control, and prohibiting rallies. Mr. Lee immediately rushed to the National Assembly building – climbing a wall to get in as troops tried to seal off the parliament – and led a vote to oppose military rule. A few hours later, Mr. Yoon backed down and lifted the order. The public backlash and political fallout have been swift and catastrophic for Mr. Yoon. Last Thursday, then-Defense Minister Kim Jong-Hyun resigned, only to be arrested on Sunday for his role in the martial law decision. Military commanders distanced themselves from Mr. Yoon, testifying that the martial law attempt was rushed and disorganized, and military veterans – many of whom had supported the president – turned out to condemn him. South Korea’s stock market hit a one-year low, and its currency slid to a 15-year low against the dollar on Monday, matching the political fortunes of Mr. Yoon, whose popularity rating sank into the teens. “I voted for the wrong person,” says Seoul taxi driver Mr. Shin, withholding his first name to protect his privacy. Mr. Yoon’s martial law fiasco shocked him. “This is not the 1980s – it’s 2024!” he says, referring to the 1980-to-1987 dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan, who imposed martial law and ordered the brutal crushing of a democratic uprising in May 1980. “In the old days, you could block the media and the roads. But these days, every citizen is a reporter. These days, if a soldier was ordered to shoot civilians, he would disobey.” On Saturday, facing an impeachment vote by parliament, Mr. Yoon offered a televised apology, followed by a deep bow. But many South Koreans rejected the mea culpa as too little, too late. “It lacked sincerity,” says Mr. Hwang. Ki-Soo Lee, a Seoul kindergarten staff person, was putting her 10-year-old son to bed last Tuesday when the phone rang. A friend frantically told her the president had declared martial law. “We were all asking, ‘What should we do?’” Ms. Lee recalls. Thoughts raced through her head. Her husband was in the hospital – should she leave her son at home? Overhearing, her son chimed in. “Umma,” he told her, “under the bed is the best place to hide!” Ms. Lee says she’s grateful the decree was overturned so quickly, amid large-scale protests. “I believe in the strength of the South Korean people,” she says, clasping her hands together in a sign of solidarity. Now, she says, Mr. Yoon should resign. “I want the president to realize what he did and step down. If that is not possible, the citizens of South Korea will help him step down,” she says. The next day, Ms. Lee joined more than 100,000 people from all over South Korea who thronged to the National Assembly to call for impeachment. Chanting and singing, they huddled together, lighting candles as dark descended and it grew bitterly cold. A few hundred Yoon supporters rallied nearby. As the vote neared, however, Mr. Yoon’s ruling PPP members stood up and filed out – their boycott making the vote impossible. “Go back,” the protesters chanted, calling the boycotting PPP members by name. Later, in what experts called a highly unorthodox arrangement, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said the party, together with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, were taking over responsibility for “state affairs.” Mr. Yoon would no longer be involved in governance or foreign affairs, essentially losing legitimacy while remaining president. On Monday, South Korea’s justice ministry reportedly barred Mr. Yoon from leaving the country. “The party should not be ruling, because that’s not what the Constitution says,” Dr. Lee says. “This is not great for South Korean democracy.” Many South Koreans like Park Jung Min believe Mr. Yoon must go. “Our national character is we never give up,” says Ms. Park, a shipping company worker from the southern city of Geoje who traveled by bus for five hours to come to Saturday’s rally – her first political protest. “It’s in our instinct and our blood,” she says. “I will come back [to protest] next week.”49ers at Packers, Week 12 predictions: Fans favoring Green Bay with Purdy sidelined

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200 jili cc The fall of the regime, when it finally came, came remarkably quickly. On Nov. 29, a full 13 years after the onset of a devastating civil war that challenged the rule of longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad – and more than four years into a stalemate under which Assad’s dominance seemed all but implacable – thousands of rebel fights launched a shock offensive into Aleppo, the country’s second largest city, where they found minimal resistance from Assad’s military or its Russian allies. Within a week, the insurgents had taken several nearby towns and the strategic city of Hama, where they began releasing hundreds of government prisoners. On Saturday, they took Homs, another strategic city, and began closing in on Damascus, the capital and seat of Assad’s power. By early Sunday, Assad had fled to Moscow, and the rebels who ousted him were recording Instagram videos of themselves as they roamed and looted the ruling family’s palace. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” leaders of the group, called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, wrote on WhatsApp. “To the displaced people around the world, Free Syria awaits you.” READ: Inside Syria, the sudden overthrow of Assad prompted a wave of both jubilation and existential uncertainty, leaving millions of residents to wonder what lay ahead for a country shattered by decades of war and oppression even as HTS leaders worked furiously to win international legitimacy and assemble a government. Yet it was also immediately clear that the regime change would have a history-altering impact that extends far beyond the country’s contested borders, even if the full scope and shape of its consequences are likely to unfold only over a period of years or decades. “I tend to see what’s happened in Syria in the past, you know, 10, 12 days as potentially representing the biggest shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East maybe since the Iranian Revolution of 1979,” says Steven Heydemann, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and chair of the Middle East Studies program at Smith College. “I think it’s going to – or could potentially lead to – significant strategic realignments in the region, and it isn’t entirely clear in these early days how that might shake out.” The ouster amounts to a highly symbolic changing of the international guard: Bashar Assad’s father, Haffez Assad, an air force pilot and member of the country’s Alawite Shia religious minority, assumed Syria’s presidency in 1971 after leading a coup, then consolidated power over three decades by brutally cracking down on dissent – his security forces killed 20,000 people to quell an uprising in Hama – establishing lucrative patronage networks and shrewdly navigating everything from the fall of the Soviet Union to the Gulf War, during which he cooperated with the George H.W. Bush administration. The younger Assad, a London-trained ophthalmologist who took power as a mild-mannered 34-year-old following his father’s death, successfully navigated his own geopolitical alliances, including with Russia and Iran, and proved to be equally ruthless at home. “You’re talking about five decades of rule by a family,” says Osamah Khalil, a Middle East expert and chair of the international relations program at Syracuse University. “There’s a reason they stayed in power for so long.” Now the family’s fall, analysts say, can be thought of as a kind of delayed consequence of the seismic 2011 Arab Spring protests, which also claimed several other long-standing regimes and established autocrats like Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi. “In some respects, it represents what is likely an end of an era in Middle Eastern politics,” says Eric Fleury, an associate professor of government and international relations at Connecticut College. “For generations you had these kind of secular, Arab nationalist political parties that were sort of representing the vanguard of Arab politics, and Assad was the last one left.” Assad’s downfall, of course, also comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Middle East, which for months has been teetering on the edge of full-blown regional war. This week – 14 months after Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack and Israel’s subsequent bloody Gaza invasion – long-stalled ceasefire talks between the two sides reportedly quietly resumed . A truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has put a tenuous, weeks-long pause on the two enemies’ deadliest war in decades. Iran, facing economic ruin, is once again sparking international anxieties by accelerating uranium enrichment. Sefa Secen Dec. 9, 2024 Especially because so much is unknown about the imminent governance and staying power of HTS – a Sunni Islamist group with previous ties to al-Qaida whose leader now promises tolerance and pluralism – whether Syria’s leadership change might ultimately serve to help or hinder a broader regional peace remains very much an open question, experts say. But it does inject a powerful new element of uncertainty. “Assad’s fall has basically thrown the strategic calculus of quite a few governments in the region into a Cuisinart and pushed pulse,” says Heydemann. “And what emerges from that – it isn’t clear yet.” There are, however, major immediate geopolitical takeaways. Assad’s defeat also doubles as a defeat for Iran, a Shia nation that has recently been struggling with domestic crises and weakened by its war with Israel. For decades an Assad-run Syria had been the Iranian regime’s closest ally, with Iran serving as the Assad government’s principal sponsor. Iran has also depended on Assad’s cooperation to move weapons across Syrian territory to arm Hezbollah in Lebanon. Now the Assad government’s collapse might actually provide Iran some financial benefit – because Iran will no longer be on the hook to subsidize it – but it also presents Iran with a new potential threat and further diminishes its influence. “What you’ve seen is a real weakening of Hamas. You’ve seen Hezbollah has been downgraded,” says Khalil. “And now you have kind of this key geographic link between Iran, Iraq and Lebanon [that’s also] gone. So from that perspective it’s a big blow to Iran. It’s a big blow to the quote, unquote ‘resistance axis.’” It’s also a blow to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, another longtime Assad backer, whose decision in 2015 to carry out airstrikes on behalf of a then-struggling Syrian regime ended up both turning the tide of the war and emboldening the Russian leader. Turkey, on the other hand, emerges as a clear winner: For more than a decade, as millions of Syrian refugees poured across their country’s northern border and reshaped daily life across Turkey, Recep Erdogan, Turkey’s hard-line Islamist leader – who has long sought to expand his country’s influence in the Muslim world – served as a key backer of Syrian opposition groups, including with military arms and training. Assad’s fall positions him as Syria’s most important foreign leader. “This is their moment,” says Fleury. “Whether or not they capitalize on it is different, but this is the best opportunity they’ve had to expand their influence in a very long time.” Israel is already taking action. Beginning on Sunday, the day Assad fled, the country’s air force began a series of hundreds of strikes on the military infrastructure the regime left behind. By Tuesday, Israel, which says it’s worried about the resources falling into the hands of Islamist extremists, had destroyed the entire Syrian navy and most of its weapons stockpiles. It’s a strategy that some analysts say could backfire, by effectively guaranteeing hostile relations with Syria’s new government even as Israel benefits from Iran’s diminished capabilities. Another possibility is that the Syrian regime change sparks a new conflict with Israel in the contested Golan Heights, the birthplace of Syria’s new leader, or that it gives rise to new internal Syrian violence that escalates into conflicts involving Iran or Iraq. “This could get very messy very quick,” says Khalil. It also could get messy for the next American president. Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that “Syria is a mess” and the U.S. “SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.” But some 900 American troops are already stationed in Syria on counterterrorism missions, and new chaos in the country could also bring another refugee crisis, threats to Israel or strategic openings for Iran. Staying out of it may not be an option for long.

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Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Ex-MLA chronicles protest in new bookOpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed confidence Wednesday that Elon Musk would not use his proximity to Donald Trump to harm business rivals, calling such actions "profoundly un-American." Speaking at the New York Times DealBook conference, Altman addressed concerns about Musk's announced role heading a new Department of Government Efficiency in the incoming Donald Trump administration, and whether he might use it to favor his own companies. "I may turn out to be wrong, but I believe pretty strongly that Elon will do the right thing," Altman said. "It would be profoundly un-American to use political power to hurt your competitors and advantage your own businesses." Even if there are "lots of things not to like about him... it would go so deeply against the values I believe he holds very dear to himself that I'm not that worried about it." Musk, an OpenAI co-founder who later departed the company, is currently suing Altman's firm and Microsoft, claiming they shifted from the project's original nonprofit mission. He has since launched xAI, reportedly valued at $50 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable startups. Altman said that the court battle was "tremendously sad" and that he once saw Musk as "a mega hero." Musk became a close ally of Trump during his campaign, spending over $100 million to boost his presidential bid and joining him at rallies. Since the election victory, he has been a frequent presence in the Trump transition and was reportedly on the line when Google CEO Sundar Pichai called the president-elect to congratulate him on winning the election. The tycoon's businesses have deep connections with governments -- both in the United States and elsewhere -- and his new position has raised concerns about conflict of interest. During the interview, Altman also lowered expectations for the importance of OpenAI's models achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), a benchmark of human-level intelligence the company has long set as the goal for its technology. "My guess is we will hit AGI sooner than most people in the world think, and it will matter much less," he said. "A lot of the safety concerns that we and others expressed actually don't come at the AGI moment... AGI can get built. The world goes on mostly the same way," he said. arp/aha

The Fine Gael leader was asked about the controversy in the first question posed during the second and final TV leaders’ debate of Ireland’s General Election campaign. Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Charlotte Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening. The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns that Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange filmed by RTE in a supermarket. Mr Harris rang Ms Fallon on Saturday and said he unreservedly apologised for the way he treated her, however focus has since shifted to Fine Gael’s interactions with the national broadcaster about the social media video. At the outset of Tuesday’s TV debate, co-host Miriam O’Callaghan directly asked the Fine Gael leader whether a member of his party contacted RTE to ask for the clip to be taken down. “I have no knowledge of that whatsoever, because this clip was entirely appropriate,” said Mr Harris. “It was a very important moment on the campaign. “And RTE and indeed many media outlets have been with me throughout the campaign, covering many interactions that I’ve had with many, many people right across this country.” The Taoiseach said the approach by his team member was part of the “normal contact that happens between party politics and broadcasters on a daily basis”. Mr Harris’s partner-in-government in the last coalition, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, said he was not aware of the approach to RTE by Fine Gael. “I didn’t realise this had happened,” he said. “I think Simon has given his explanation to it. I’m not sure it’s as normal or as usual. I just get on with it every day. But, again, I think, you know, I’m not au fait with the details behind all of this, or the background to it. “The video didn’t come down, and it was seen by many, many people. “And I think it illustrates that out there, there are a lot of people suffering in our society. “Notwithstanding the progress we’ve made as a country, a lot of people are facing a lot of individual challenges, and our job as public representatives and as leaders in travelling the country is to listen to people, hear their cases, to understand the challenges that they are going through in their lives. “And when we go about in election campaigns, we have to open up ourselves to criticism and to people calling us to account.” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had earlier in the day described reports of the Fine Gael approach to RTE as “chilling”. However, at the start of the debate, she was asked about a media-focused issue related to her own party, namely the controversial manifesto proposal for an independent expert review of RTE’s objectivity in its coverage of the war in Gaza and other international conflicts. Mr Harris previously branded the proposal a “dog whistle to conspiracy theorists” while Mr Martin said it was a “dangerous departure”. Ms McDonald defended the idea during the RTE Prime Time debate on Tuesday. “Politics and politicians should not try to influence editorial decisions or try and have clips taken down because they are inconvenient to them,” she said. “There has to be distance, there has to be objectivity. But I would say I am struck by the very defensive reaction from some to this (the review proposal). “The BBC, for example, a peer review looked at their coverage on migration. Politicians didn’t put their hands on it, and rightly so. “I think in a world where we have to rely on quality information, especially from the national broadcaster, which is in receipt of very substantial public funding, that has to be the gold standard of reliability. I think peer reviews like that are healthy.”Lebanese-American Artist George Dfouni Writes and Composes A New Dance Hit in Egyptian Dialect 11-26-2024 11:42 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/c477bce1bcda5eb537c85c2c4ba3d294.jpeg Hobbak Fil Alb - November 26, 2024 - Renowned Lebanese-American artist George Dfouni is back with an exciting new dance track set to captivate audiences across the Middle East and beyond. The upcoming single, written and composed by Dfouni himself, showcases his versatility and passion for creating music that resonates across cultures. This electrifying track, performed entirely in the Egyptian dialect, has been arranged by the talented Mohamed Teaima and recorded in Egypt, adding an authentic touch to its vibrant sound. Dfouni's collaboration with Teaima brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the genre, blending traditional influences with modern beats to create a song perfect for the dance floor. "I wanted to create something that connects deeply with fans in the region while bringing joy and energy through music," said George Dfouni. "The Egyptian dialect is so expressive, and it allowed me to experiment and bring a unique vibe to the song." The single will be available on all music streaming platforms in the coming days, ensuring fans worldwide can groove to Dfouni's latest creation. For more information, media inquiries, or interview requests, please contact: gd@georgedfouni.com Stay tuned for updates on George Dfouni's social media channels and be among the first to experience the magic of his latest release. About George Dfouni: George Dfouni [ http://www.georgedfouni.com ] is a Lebanese-American Hotelier and Artist celebrated for his genre-defying approach to music. With a career spanning multiple continents and languages, Dfouni continues to inspire audiences with his heartfelt compositions and dynamic performances. Media Contact Company Name: Independent Hospitality Contact Person: George Dfouni Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=lebaneseamerican-artist-george-dfouni-writes-and-composes-a-new-dance-hit-in-egyptian-dialect ] Phone: 212 2471000 Country: United States Website: http://www.georgedfouni.com This release was published on openPR.Trump tariffs threaten to crack open North American economies

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Mark Few liked what he saw unfold at San Diego State's Viejas Arena when his No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs made their first foray outside of Spokane, Washington, this season. A double-digit victory in a packed, loud arena. Toughness from a deep, experienced lineup that once again is driven to win an elusive national championship. And, peeking a few seasons ahead, he saw an SDSU team that he views more as a future Pac-12 partner than rival. Behind big man Graham Ike and guard Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga displayed its size, speed and strength in beating Brian Dutcher's young, hobbled squad 80-67 on Monday night. The Bulldogs returned the favor after SDSU won 84-74 last December at The Kennel in Spokane, which ended their 59-game nonconference winning streak. Both teams reached the Sweet Sixteen last season. Gonzaga is the only team in the nation to reach the Sweet Sixteen the last nine seasons as the Bulldogs extended their streak of NCAA Tournament appearances to 25 straight. Back in Spokane on Wednesday night, the Zags improved to 5-0 by routing Long Beach State 84-41, no doubt firing up expectations in the Lilac City and beyond. In a college sports climate dominated by NIL and the transfer portal, the Zags are stacked. Of the 12 possible players who could return from last year, 10 did, including all four starters. They returned 81% of last season's scoring and 71% of their rebounding. Six of its top seven scorers are back, along with 81.4% of minutes played. “We're tougher,” Few said. “We're physically tougher, we're mentally tougher, at least so far in the season. A lot of the same guys from last year. That's what happens when you stick around a couple of years. “You've got to have both to be able to go on the road in a place like this and dig out wins," Few added. "That's one thing San Diego State is going to bring. They're going to bring physicality, they're going to bring great athleticism, they're going to challenge you in every facet of the game.” Hoops powerhouse Gonzaga announced on Oct. 1 that it will move from the West Coast Conference, where it has dominated for most of the last quarter-century, into a Pac-12 conference being rebuilt around football. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Gonzaga will become the eighth member along with holdovers Washington State and Oregon State, and fellow newcomers Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State and Colorado State from the Mountain West. While not as dominant as the Zags, the Aztecs have been one of the West Coast's best programs for several years, first under Steve Fisher and then Dutcher, his longtime assistant who is in his eighth season as head coach. “They're just going to be such a great partner, because they value basketball and they support basketball,” said Few, who's in his 26th season as head coach. “They understand, when you have a national program like we both have, it pays unbelievable dividends to the university, to the community, to the city and the state, like the Northwest and down here. They get that. We're looking for other like-minded places to partner with us.” Few said he would often chat with Fisher about the possibility of the Zags and Aztecs playing in the same conference. Fisher watches Aztecs games with his wife, Angie, from the second row above Steve Fisher Court. “We talked about it forever,” Few said. “I'm happy for Dutch. He's doing a great job." San Diego State reached its first Final Four in 2023, when Lamont Butler's thrilling buzzer-beater against Florida Atlantic lifted the Aztecs into the national championship game, where they lost 76-59 to UConn. SDSU was routed again by UConn, 82-52, in last season's Sweet Sixteen, while Gonzaga lost to Purdue. Gonzaga opened this season with a 101-63 win against then-No. 8 Baylor at the Spokane Arena. It was Gonzaga’s biggest victory margin over a top-10 opponent, over a team it lost to in the 2021 national title game in Indianapolis. Nembhard, who had 19 points and 10 assists against the Aztecs, said the Zags “did a really good job, actually,” of handling the pressure of playing at Viejas Arena. "Every time they went on a little run and the crowd got loud, we did a good job staying composed and trusting our offensive sets.” Nembhard will be gone when the Bulldogs and Aztecs are in the Pac-12 together, but thinks "the rivalry will be great. This is a great program. I played them a couple of times at Creighton, and they always gave us a tough game. They have a great fan base, a great coach over there, and they play really hard. I think it’ll be a great rivalry to come.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Cerity Partners LLC Purchases 36,543 Shares of HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE:HSBC)By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.

 

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Dr. Shaibu Hussieni, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, praised the Nollywood Creative Minds Forum (NCMF) for its role in fostering collaboration and strengthening networks within the Nollywood community. In his keynote address at the 6th Annual Gathering of NCMF, themed “In Pursuit of Better,” held in Lekki, Lagos, Shaibu highlighted the critical need for a focus on quality storytelling. He emphasized the importance of crafting authentic and engaging narratives that genuinely reflect African experiences while adhering to industry standards and ethical guidelines. He also encouraged the NCMF to embrace innovative technologies, techniques, and ideas as essential components for achieving excellence in filmmaking. To support this vision, Shaibu assured the Forum of the NFVCB’s commitment to providing valuable resources for filmmakers. This includes capacity-building programs, workshops, as well as plans to establish a Producers, Exhibitors, and Distribution Lab. He also mentioned initiatives to enhance access to funding, investment opportunities, and promote international collaborations. “I commend the leadership of the forum and encourage them to continue facilitating meaningful discussions on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, all focused on shaping a bright future for Nollywood,” he stated.jilicc download

The end of the year is always a good time to reassess your portfolio and look to make moves for the new year and beyond. One company that should be on your radar for 2025 is (NASDAQ:HUT). Hut 8 is a Bitcoin mining stock, but it recently , utilizing its massive computing power to capitalize on the growth of data centers. Hut 8 is also one of the largest corporate owners of Bitcoin. The stock is up some 81% year to date, trading at around $24 per share and it looks like it still has room to run. is one of the largest Bitcoin miners in North America, but its stock price shot up in July when it announced it had received a $150 million investment from Coatue Management to, in part, build out its AI infrastructure. “Commercialization efforts for our new AI vertical are also progressing nicely, including the assembly of our first GPU cluster and fit-out of our data center suite,” Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8, said back in July. “More than half of our 1,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs have been configured and are now undergoing testing at the manufacturer’s facility. We are on track to go live in H2 and begin generating revenue at a forecasted annual rate of approximately $20 million.” Also this year, the firm launched a GPU-as-a-service business through its Highrise AI subsidiary. The delivery of its first GPU cluster, hosted at a data center in Chicago, went to an AI cloud services provider. The cluster is made up of multiple Hewlett Packard Enterprise Cray supercomputers powered by 1,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs. Hut 8 has a five-year agreement with the provider. In addition, the firm announced a partnership with Bitmain, which produces Bitcoin mining chips and hardware. The hosting agreement is expected to generate up to $135 million in annualized revenue for Hut 8. Also, it is building a facility in the Texas panhandle to support the operation. In the most recent quarter, Hut 8 doubled its revenue to $43.7 million and generated $0.9 million in net income, up from a net loss of $4.4 million, or 10 cents per share, in the same quarter a year earlier. It also improved its financials by converting an outstanding loan balance to common stock at 51%, thus reducing its interest payments by $17.6 million across three years. And earlier this week, Hut 8 purchased approximately 990 Bitcoin at a cost of around $100 million. It now owns 10,096 Bitcoin in its strategic Bitcoin reserve, which has a market value of more than $1 billion. The company believes it is one of the ten largest corporate owners of Bitcoin in the world. Of the nine Wall Street analysts that cover Hut 8, all of them recommend the stock as a buy. It has a median price target of about $32 per share, which is roughly 48% higher than the current price. Even the low end of the range, $28 per share, shows 15% upside for Hut 8. The high end, $36 per share, would suggest a 66% increase over the current price of $24 per share. Last week, Piper Sandler set a price target of $33 per share for Hut 8. According to , Piper Sandler analysts expects the price of Bitcoin to rise, which will create more profit and larger Bitcoin treasuries for Bitcoin miners. The firm also cited Hut 8’s vast assets and ability to profitably scale operations. While Hut 8 did not offer guidance for 2025, analysts anticipate roughly 72% revenue growth in 2025 to $291 million. With its growth in both Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing AI data centers, Hut 8 is well-positioned in two high-growth industries to continue its surge into 2025.ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Zionsville boys basketball is led by senior Maguire Mitchell. Mitchell is leading the team in scoring at over 17 points per game. His coach J.R. Howell said what makes him such a good player is his ability to score at all three levels. Mitchell started as a sophomore on the varsity team and was immediately their best defender. Now, he’s their go-to scorer. Mitchell is born and raised in Zionsville and cares a lot about the basketball program and the community. “It means the world to me,” Mitchell said. “I’ve lived here my whole life. When I was younger, I looked up to the varsity team here.” Mitchell wants to have the same effect on the younger kids now and continue to be a good role model for them. Mitchell also just committed to play at IU Indy in college. “It truly is special,” he said. “I have a big family, so they’re going to be at all of my home games there too and they’re really excited for me.” Howell is also happy that he stayed close so that he can go to games. Howell also said that Mitchell is a great kid and a great representation for the type of players and people they want in the program. He added that Mitchell has a lot of school spirit and would paint his chest and get the student section riled up for football games. Mitchell and Zionsville (1-3) get back in action on Friday when they host Lawrence Central. For more on Maguire Mitchell, watch the video above.

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Gautam Adani (PTI file photo) MUMBAI: Following US securities and wire fraud allegations , Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, led by Gautam Adani , has withdrawn from a financing arrangement with a US agency for a Sri Lankan port terminal project, opting instead to utilise its own resources. In light of the US indictment, securing loans from American institutions has become challenging. In Nov 2023, US agency International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) had agreed to provide a $553 million loan for developing the Colombo West International Terminal - a deep-water container facility at Sri Lanka's Port of Colombo. Adani Ports said the project will now be funded through internal resources and its capital management plan. It added that it has withdrawn its financing request from IDFC. The project, initially scheduled to begin operations this month, is "progressing well and is on track for commissioning by early 2025", Adani Ports said. Following the US indictment in Nov, IDFC had said that it had not disbursed the $553 million loan and was conducting additional due diligence. The financing withdrawal indicates potential funding limitations from the US for Adani Group following the US charges. Despite these challenges, Gautam Adani maintained that "every attack makes us stronger" while consistently denying any misconduct. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers

Algorhythm Sending Singing Machine To Early Year Trade ShowsCHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma State beat Miami 80-74 on Friday in the consolation bracket of the Charleston Classic. Oklahoma State (4-1) will play in the fifth-place game on Sunday, while Miami (3-2) will try to avoid going winless in the tournament. Oklahoma State led 43-27 at halftime after making 8 of 15 from 3-point range, while Miami was just 8 of 27 overall. Four different Cowboys made a 3-pointer in the first half, with Brandon Newman making three. Thompson banked in a shot early in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 20-point lead at 49-29. Miami, which opened the game by missing 7 of 8 shots, went 1 for 8 from the field to begin the second half. Miami trailed by double figures the entire second half until Matthew Cleveland made a difficult shot in the lane while being fouled. He made the free throw to pull the Hurricanes within 75-67 with 49 seconds left. Arturo Dean restored a double-digit lead by making two free throws at 43.8. Thompson reached the 1,000 career points with the Cowboys on a shot in the lane with 13:01 left in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 55-38 lead. Nijel Pack scored 20 points and Brandon Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Cleveland finished with 11 points, and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet each had 10. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballPeacock’s ‘Hysteria!’ set in Michigan during 1980s satanic panic

Steve Millar’s top 10 boys basketball teams and 25 players to watch in the Southland for the 2024-25 seasonWASHINGTON (AP) — Deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in northern Gaza as soon as next month owing to Israel’s “near-total blockade” of food and other aid, the U.S.-created global food-crisis monitor said on Tuesday. The finding by the Famine Early Warning System Network appeared to expose a rift within the Biden administration over the extent of starvation in northern Gaza, with the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, disputing part of the data used in reaching the conclusion and calling the stepped-up famine warning “irresponsible.” Northern Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its 14-month war with Hamas militants. Israel at one point increased the number of aid deliveries it permitted into northern Gaza under pressure from President Joe Biden. But the U.N. and aid groups say Israel recently has blocked almost all aid again. Only nine U.N. trucks have been able to bring in food and water over the past 2 1/2 months, Oxfam says. Israel says it has been operating in recent months against Hamas militants still active in northern Gaza. It says the vast majority of the area’s residents have fled and relocated to Gaza City, where most aid destined for the north is delivered. But some critics, including a former defense minister, have accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Gaza’s far north, near the Israeli border. FEWS Net said unless Israel changes its policy, it expects the number of people dying of starvation and related ailments in northern Gaza to reach between two and 15 per day sometime between next month and March. The internationally recognized mortality threshold for famine is Cindy McCain, the American head of the U.N. World Food Program, in a Dec. 15 appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” called for political pressure to get food flowing to Palestinians trapped in north Gaza. “We need unfettered access. We need a ceasefire and we need it now,” she said. “We can’t ... sit by and just allow these people to starve to death.” FEWS Net was created by the U.S. Agency for International Development in the mid-1980s to warn of global food crises. The United States, Israel’s main backer, provided a record amount of military support in the first year of the war. At the same time, the Biden administration repeatedly urged Israel to allow more access to aid deliveries in Gaza overall, and warned that failing to do so could trigger U.S. restrictions on military support. The administration recently said Israel was making improvements and declined to carry out its threat of restrictions. Military support for Israel’s war in Gaza is politically charged in the United States. Republicans and some Democrats have staunchly opposed any effort to limit U.S. support over the suffering of Palestinian civilians trapped in the conflict. The Biden administration’s reluctance to do more to press Israel for improved treatment of civilians undercut support for Democrats in last month’s elections. Lew, the U.S. ambassador, challenged the famine warning in a posting on social media, saying it was based on “outdated and inaccurate” data. He pointed to uncertainty over how many of the 65,000 people remaining in northern Gaza had fled in recent weeks, saying that skewed the findings. FEWS said its famine assessment holds even if as few as 10,000 remain there. “We work day and night with the U.N. and our Israeli partners to meet humanitarian needs — which are great — and relying on inaccurate data is irresponsible.,” Lew wrote. ___ AP writers Matthew Lee in Washington and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Ellen Knickmeyer, The Associated Press

Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks slipped in afternoon trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 was up by less than 0.1% and is on track for a loss for the week after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 58 points, or 0.1% to 43,856 as of 3 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq rose 0.1% and is hovering around its record. Broadcom surged 24.9% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Even so, some big tech stocks were in the red Friday. Nvidia slid 2.6%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Netflix was down 0.7%. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 14.2% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year . The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.

Benazir Bhutto: A real champion of democracyAntioch Baptist Church 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley. 412-741-7688. antiochfwbaptist sewickley.org. Morning worship and praise service is at 10:45 a.m. First Sunday Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. First Friday virtual bible study is at 7 p.m. A link is available via Pastor Dean’s Facebook page. Beth Samuel Jewish Center 810 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge . 412-266-5238. bethsamuel.org. Beth Samuel Jewish Center offers weekly Shabbat services, family services once a month and Kabbalat Shabbat services online once per month. There is also Religious School every Sunday. Additional events are as follows: First Friday: Family Service at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by an Oneg in the social hall. Shabbat Morning Services: Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a Kiddush in the social hall. Kabbalat Shabbat Services: Usually on the third Friday of the month, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Contact the office for the link. This get-together frequently includes a visiting musician, cantor, rabbi or other noteworthy guest. Religious School: From preschool through bar-bat mitzvah, every Sunday morning on campus. To learn more, call, go online or email bethsamueloffice@comcast.net. Divine Redeemer Parish 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. 412-741-6650. divine-redeemer.com. Divine Redeemer Parish celebrates weekend Masses at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays at St. James Church and 5 p.m. at St. Mary Church in Aleppo. Sunday Masses are celebrated at 8 and 11 a.m. at St. James and 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary. Weekday Masses and Adoration are celebrated as well. Check the website for Mass times and other information and events. First Church of Christ, Scientist 222 Beaver St., Sewickley. 412-741-4552. christiansciencepgh.org. Sunday morning services are held at 10:30 a.m. Join us for inspiration, peace and healing. Services include music, hymns and readings from The Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy. Thanksgiving service is 10:30 a.m. Nov. 28. On Sunday, Dec. 1, join the church for Christmas carols and refreshments after the service. For weekly Bible lessons, call 412-532-2222. Grace Anglican Church 325 Church Lane, Edgeworth. 412-724-1676. edgeworthanglican.com. Join the church Sunday morning for a traditional service of Holy Communion at 10:15 a.m. and on First Saturdays at 4 p.m. for a quiet contemplative service of prayer and Holy Communion. Morning Prayer services are every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 a.m. Little Hill United Methodist Church 2350 Magee Road Ext., Franklin Park. 412-741-4920. Morning worship is at 10 a.m. Adult Sunday School takes place at 9 a.m. Holy Communion is every first Sunday of the month. On Nov. 26 at 5 p.m., join us at Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church, 1828 Roosevelt Road in Ohio Township, for a combined Thanksgiving service. Sewickley Presbyterian Church 414 Grant St., Sewickley. 412-741-4550. sewickleypresby.org. Sunday worship services are held at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services are livestreamed. Discipleship hour is at 10 a.m. on Sundays. For a complete list of weekly groups and studies, visit the website. Sewickley United Methodist Church 337 Broad St., Sewickley. 412- 741-9430. sewickleyumc.org. The Sewickley United Methodist Church has two services each Sunday: 9 a.m. contemporary, featuring our praise band Leap of Faith; and 11 a.m. traditional, with nursery care and children’s ministries during both services. The church is a reconciling congregation and openly welcomes all people. The church will host its Annual Cookie Walk on Nov. 23 from 9-11 a.m. There will be thousands of cookies to choose from. Cookies are $28 to fill a pie box. Enter through door #11 on Thorn St. St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church Corner of Rochester and McAleer roads, Franklin Park. 412-364-5974. stbrendans.org. St. Brendan’s is an open, welcoming and active church that holds in-person worship with Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Nursery coverage is available for children at the Sunday 10 o’clock service, which is live-streamed on YouTube. The church holds a monthly Children’s Service at 10 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month, inviting young members to take part by reading and serving during the liturgy. The next Children’s Service will be on Nov. 24. St. Brendan’s annual Holiday Happenings fundraiser will take place on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dozens of vendors will offer quality crafts such as home decor, jewelry, pottery, clothing and specialty foods. The Cookie Walk will feature more than 1,000 dozens of festive, home-baked treats, and five varieties of homemade soups will be sold as well. Gift card baskets worth more than $1,000 will be raffled. Entertainment will be provided by the Avonworth Chamber Choir, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Theatre and Keely Singer’s vocal students. In November, St. Brendan’s is seeking donations of stuffing mix, canned yams and other vegetables, cranberry sauce and biscuit mix. The food will be distributed by the North Hills Food Bank. The Justice Ministry is collecting gently used winter coats for the men and women helped through the Neighborhood Resilience Project in Pittsburgh. Gloves, mittens, hats and scarves are welcome as well. Donations may be brought to the church lobby. The Book Club will meet on Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. in the library to discuss by “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett. The novel is a story of quiet reflection about family life and the development of mature love. Sticks and Strings, the parish crafts group for those who knit, crochet or embroider, continues to meet on the first Friday and third Wednesday of every month, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the church library. Morning Prayer is offered at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday via Zoom. Bible Study is held at 11 a.m. Tuesdays via Zoom. Contact the office for links. St. Luke the Evangelist Parish 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park. saintluke.net. Single adults over the age of 21 are invited to join ASPIRE (Adult Single People: Inspiring, Relating, Evolving) Ministry for a light meal on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Spiritual director Karen Lehman, ME, will offer a presentation entitled “Gratitude.” Lehman is a former Pittsburgh diocesan educator and previously a Sister of Divine Providence. This event will provide time for discussion and fellowship. Please register at saintluke.net/aspire-events. Every month, Saint Luke the Evangelist hosts a sensory-friendly Mass for those who may find it challenging to attend a typical Sunday Liturgy. This Mass is intentionally designed to lessen environmental stimulus to provide a prayerful, welcoming and non-judgmental worship experience for everyone in the parish. Families with small children, individuals with Autism, asthma, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, Down’s Syndrome, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s can worship in an environment that respects their individuality and lovingly incorporates them as accepted and celebrated members of the parish community. While it is geared toward people with sensory issues, all people are welcome to attend this Mass. St. Matthews AME Zion Church Corner of Walnut and Thorn streets, Sewickley. 412-742-4239. Services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Visit the YouTube channel, @StmatthewsAmez1862, where services are streamed. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 616 Washington St., Sewickley. 412-741-8484. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m.; Sunday school at 9 a.m. Weekly Bible study is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the Edgeworth Eat’n Park. The Kids’ Community Closet is a “free-cycle” community space to share kids’ clothes (birth through size 14/16). All clothing is free and in good, very gently used condition — some items still have tags on. There are no applications, income requirements, or donations necessary. The Kids’ Community Closet is located at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, and noon to 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday. St. Stephen’s Anglican Church 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley. 412-741-1790. ststephenschurch.net. Regular weekend services are held Sundays at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Groups, classes and events for all ages including Bible Studies, single mom’s groups, memory loss support group, GriefShare, and men’s and women’s service groups. Sunday morning children’s programming is available for birth through fifth grade. Visit ststephenschurc.net/weekend-children to learn more about our events and resources for parents. Gray Matter Roundtable is a fellowship opportunity for those who are retired (or nearing retirement) to strengthen community with each other and with our broader St. Stephen’s family. The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month (1:30 – 3 p.m.) with the specific intent to connect with, learn from and serve one another. Call the church to register. Triumph Church 1293 Mt. Nebo Road, Ohio Twp. 412-630-8204. triumph1293.org. Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday evening online Bible study takes place at 6:30 p.m. (contact the church for Zoom information). The angel tree provides gifts for teenagers up to age 18 and serves the children of Crisis Center North. The last day to submit a gift is Dec. 8. “The Forge” will be shown immediately following the Sunday service on Nov. 24. Refreshments will be provided. Youth night is every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. An online bible study takes place on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. with Pastor Craig Giles. Visit the website for the Zoom link and password. A senior ministry bible study is held in person and online on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed for the fourth Friday of every month for Triumph’s food distribution. From 2-4 p.m. volunteers will set up and package food and from 5-7 p.m., volunteers will distribute and breakdown the set up. Visit the website to sign up. To have your church or place of worship’s upcoming events listed in the Sewickley Herald, email information to Katie Green, kgreen@triblive.com.None19 games and counting: Mike London cherishes role in 126-year William & Mary-Richmond rivalry

Elon Musk calls Trudeau an ‘insufferable tool’ on his social media platform

1 2 Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 25 electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the city, where EV city buses, autorickshaws and personal cars and motorcycles can be charged. At least 10 charging facilities are expected to be ready before Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, scheduled to be held from Jan 8 to 10, with the remaining to be completed in phases. "After including 25 EV charging points in Bhubaneswar, there will be altogether 100 charging stations across the state. The charging stations will be meant to promote EV travel," said transport commissioner Amitav Thakur. Capital Region Urban Transport (Crut) provides service in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar and shuttles between the pilgrim town of Puri and Bhubaneswar as well. It has 50 electric buses apart from battery autorickshaws to ensure last-mile connectivity. Officials said Crut will procure more EV buses and will also facilitate the plying of e-rickshaws for multiple purposes. At present, e-rickshaws are also being used to transport municipal solid waste. "Before Pravasi Divas, we want to present the city in its best terms with all modern amenities," an officer said. In 2016, Bhubaneswar was adjudged the number one smart city in the country. Since then, a lot of transformation has taken place in public transport, open space development, traffic management, slum development and social upliftment of slum youths, children, and disabled-friendly parks. Measures to reduce pollution, increase green cover and lay underground cables to clear a cluttered skyline, as well as public, mobile, community, and e-toilets, have also been implemented. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes .

Las Vegas Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins fourth F1 title in a row – as it happenedBus crash in eastern Brazil leaves 23 dead

Athletics at Northern Arizona University experienced many successes and broken records throughout the year. For the first time since 2017, the football team had a winning record at home and even played in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. The Northern Arizona women's cross country team huddles around coach Mike Smith during the Big Sky Conference championship meet on Oct. 27, 2023, in Missoula, Montana. Northern Arizona distance runner Nico Young stands on the podium after his second-place finish in the 5,000-meter event at the NCAA championship meet at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Young competed in the 2024 Paris Games. Northern Arizona women's basketball coach Loree Payne talks to players, from left, Saniyah Neverson (33), Olivia Moran (22) and Taylor Feldman (5) before they sub into a game against Weber State on March 2, 2024, at the Walkup Skydome.Bryce Thompson scores 17 points and Oklahoma State beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston Classic

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Ethan Taylor's 21 points helped Air Force defeat Mercyhurst 82-48 on Sunday night. Taylor added 10 rebounds for the Falcons (2-4). Wesley Celichowski scored 14 points, going 6 of 11 and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Luke Kearney had 12 points and shot 4 for 5 from beyond the arc. The Lakers (4-3) were led by Aidan Reichert, who posted 11 points. Jeff Planutis added 10 points for Mercyhurst. Mykolas Ivanauskas also had seven points, six rebounds and three blocks. Air Force took the lead with 15:21 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 31-24 at halftime, with Taylor racking up nine points. Air Force extended its lead to 45-26 during the second half, fueled by a 14-0 scoring run. Taylor scored a team-high 12 points in the second half as Air Force closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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A WALMART shopper has boycotted the retail giant for years, calling out the chain on social media for its inefficient checkout operations. The customer begged the store to hire more cashiers after past issues with frozen products had them frustrated. The first self-checkout machine was installed at a Kroger grocery store in 1986. Since then, major retailers have adopted the technology and slowly come to rely on it over traditional cashiers. The kiosks were invented to lighten the load of employees and speed up the checkout process, although many shoppers have taken issue with them. From long lines to scanning issues to a greater workload for the customer, many consumers have come to hate self-checkout. Read More on Walmart One Walmart shopper expressed their disdain for the machines in an X post last month. "Honestly I stopped shopping at Walmart long before Covid even. Because it's ALL self-checkout registers," they fumed. The customer complained that the self-checkout process was long and arduous, resulting in ruined groceries . "After getting groceries, scanning and bagging, loading and unloading. EVERYTHING FROZEN IS NO LONGER FROZEN!" complained the shopper. "BRING CASHIERS BACK! AND I WILL GO BACK." Most read in Money Another Walmart customer threatened to boycott the store for the same reason. "Your self-checkout sucks," blasted the customer, complaining about a 30-minute wait to check out. "All my frozen food was about thawed. I'll probably bring it back and go elsewhere from now on," they wrote. DELIVERY DISS Not only is Walmart under fire for its in-store operations but also for its services outside the store, such as delivery. One shopper vowed to never use the chain's delivery services again after they repeatedly found items missing from their orders. The Walmart+ shopper was hoping to take advantage of their membership perk but was disappointed to find over 20 items from their delivery order missing. "Just got my delivery from Walmart+ and I ordered 28 items. Guess how many I got in my delivery??? Six!" blasted the customer. Walmart+ is the retail giant's subscription service, which costs $98 per year or $12.95 per month. It offers a variety of benefits, including: Free delivery Free shipping Free pharmacy delivery In-home returns pickup Early access to deals Free online pet care Fuel discounts Auto care "The driver dropped off two bags of six items. They forgot 22 freaking items!!!! No more Walmart delivery." Another shopper in the comment section shared they no longer shopped at Walmart due to a drop in the retailer's customer service, blaming self-checkout. "Sadly, going to the stores who close their registers and only have self-service has completely ruined their stores," they wrote. "They don’t put paper in the self-serve registers too. I gave up on Walmart. Hope you have better luck via shipping." The original user agreed about the decline in Walmart's service, calling its delivery ordering "so bad." "I paid almost $100 for the year. Insane," they wrote. "This has happened three times now." Walmart is not the only grocery giant being called out for its poor service. Read More on The US Sun A Kroger shopper begged the chain to "do better," slamming a manager’s "reply" after a "5-minute checkout turns into 20-minute saga." Plus, Target apologized after a "rude" worker "refused to help" with a missing order.Donald Trump has threatened to seize the Panama Canal, revived calls to buy Greenland and joked about annexing Canada -- leaving the world guessing once again whether he is serious or not. By challenging the sovereignty of some of Washington's closest allies four weeks before he even returns to the Oval Office, the U.S.-president elect has underscored his credentials as global disruptor-in-chief. His comments have renewed fears from his first term that Trump will end up being harsher on U.S. friends than he is on adversaries like Russia and China. But there are also suspicions that billionaire tycoon Trump is looking for leverage as part of the "art of the deal" -- and that the former reality television star is grabbing headlines to look strong at home and abroad. "It's hard to tell how much of this he really wants, and how much is the latest soundbite that will be heard around the world," said Frank Sesno, a professor at George Washington University and former White House correspondent. "He puts other leaders in position of having to figure out what is literal and what is not," he told AFP. The idea of buying Greenland is not a new one for Trump. He also raised the prospect of purchasing the vast strategic island, a Danish territory, during his first term in office. He revived his push over the weekend when naming his ambassador to Copenhagen, saying the "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for U.S. national security. But he received the same answer this time as he did then, with Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede saying on Monday that the resource-rich island was "not for sale." Yet his most headline-grabbing remarks have been on Panama, as he slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through and threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington. Trump said on Sunday that if Panama did not agree "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America -- in full, quickly and without question." He also hinted at China's growing influence around the canal, which was built by the United States in 1914 to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was returned to Panama under a 1977 deal. Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed Trump's threats, saying that "every square meter" of the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. Trump responded on TruthSocial: "We'll see about that!" Trump also teased neighboring Canada last week that it would be a "great idea" to become the 51st US state -- but against a dark backdrop of threatened tariffs. Sesno said it was hard for other countries to know how to deal with Trump's comments. "Well, it's clearly a joke. Or is it? said Sesno. "Imagine if you're the president of Panama, how do you react to something like that? You can't ignore it and your country will not let you. So the ripple effect of these comments is extraordinary." Trump's harsh treatment of U.S. allies also stands in stark contrast to his repeated praise for the leaders of U.S. foes -- including Russia's Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in 2022 in a bid for a land-grab. But there is still likely to be method behind Trump's rhetoric. "Maybe the message is for China" when Trump talks about buying Greenland, said Stephanie Pezard, senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation. Just as Trump expressed concern about Beijing's influence in Panama, China's growing presence in the Arctic and its ties with Russia were "something that the U.S. is really worried about," Pezard told AFP. But there could also be a signal to Denmark that 'If you're too friendly with China, you'll find us in your way" -- even though Denmark and Greenland had been "very good NATO allies." And perhaps Trump knows the reality. Any U.S. plan to "buy" Greenland would be unfeasible "not just in international law but more broadly in the global order that the U.S. has been trying to uphold," she said.

Riles, Pierre give Titans two more college football playersMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola denied he has a “personal problem” with Kevin De Bruyne and insisted Tuesday the playmaker's absence from the team in recent weeks was down to his fitness issues. City has not won in seven games in all competitions — its worst run under Guardiola — and De Bruyne has featured only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury. The Belgium midfielder was injured during City’s Champions League match with Inter Milan on Sept. 18 and hasn't started since. A number of prominent pundits, including former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards, have questioned why De Bruyne has not been starting games amid the champions’ dramatic slump. Richards said on “The Rest is Football” podcast that it appeared “there’s some sort of rift going on” between De Bruyne and Guardiola. Guardiola responded in his news conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, saying: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play? “The guy who has the most talent in the final third — I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year). He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.” Both De Bruyne and Guardiola have spoken since of the pain De Bruyne was in after his injury against Inter and the need to ease him back into action. De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract. “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it too — but he is not 26 or 27 anymore," Guardiola said. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. You think I’m complaining? It’s normal, it’s nature. He’s played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games and I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have." AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

(The Center Square) – The latest federal numbers show the U.S. deficit is soaring as President Joe Biden heads out of office. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office released its monthly budget review on Monday, which showed that in the first two months of this fiscal year, the federal government has run up a deficit of $622 billion. “That amount is $242 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year,” CBO said in its report . That figure means the deficit is nearly 40% higher than this time last year. “The most alarming turkey in November was the federal government’s inability to live within its means,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement. “We are only two months into the fiscal year, and we have already borrowed a staggering $622 billion, with $365 billion in the month of November alone." Deficits never surpassed one trillion dollars before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, they remain well above one trillion and for this next fiscal year are well beyond the pace to surpass $1 trillion. The deficit last fiscal year was about $1.8 trillion. Billionaire Elon Musk, now an advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, lamented the debt, which is about $36 trillion, on X Monday. “If we don’t fix the deficit, everything will suffer, including essential spending like DoD, Medicare & Social Security,” Musk said. “It’s not optional.” CBO did explain that some of the increase is from accounting changes. From CBO: The change in the deficit was influenced by the timing of outlays and revenues alike. Outlays in October 2023 were reduced by shifts in the timing of certain federal payments that otherwise would have been due on October 1, 2023, which fell on a Sunday. (Those payments were made in September 2023.) Outlays in November 2024 were boosted by the shift to that month of payments due December 1, 2024, a Saturday. If not for those shifts, the deficit thus far in fiscal year 2025 would have been $541 billion, or $88 billion more than the shortfall at this point last year, and outlays would have been $38 billion more.”Continuously optimize user experience, Baijiayun's live and on-demand products complete autumn upgrade

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp. , and he's pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker. Trump had vowed early in the presidential campaign that he would “instantaneously” block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday night. “I am totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company” and will use tax incentives and tariffs to make U.S. Steel “Strong and Great Again, and it will happen FAST!” he wrote. “As President," he continued, "I will block this deal from happening. Buyer Beware!!!” President Joe Biden , like Trump, also opposes Nippon Steel's purchase of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. Biden’s White House in September said that it had yet to see a report from the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States , which was reviewing the transaction for national security concerns. The committee, which is chaired by the treasury secretary and includes other Cabinet members, can recommend that the president block a transaction, and federal law gives the president that power. Ahead of the November election, the proposed merger carried political importance in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state that Trump eventually won. Biden publicly sided with the United Steelworkers, the labor union, in seeking to reject the deal. When he announced his opposition in a March statement, Biden said: “U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.” Nippon Steel has said it is the only company that can make the necessary investment in U.S. Steel's factories and strengthen the American steel industry. Both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel on Tuesday released statements in support of the acquisition. "This transaction should be approved on its merits. The benefits are overwhelmingly clear. Our communities, customers, investors, and employees strongly support this transaction, and we will continue to advocate for them and adherence to the rule of law," U.S. Steel said. The deal follows a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel, including U.S. Steel. U.S. Steel's shareholders have approved the deal, but the United Steelworkers oppose it. In a statement Tuesday, the union said the deal carries “serious long-term implications for U.S. economic and national security.” “It’s clear that President Trump understands the vital role a strong domestic steel industry plays in our national security, as well as the importance of the jobs and communities the industry supports," the union said. The deal has drawn bipartisan opposition in the U.S. Senate, including from the incoming vice president, Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, although the federal government's objections to the deal have drawn criticism that the opposition is political. Some U.S. Steel workers would prefer Nippon Steel acquire the company, given that it appears to have a better financial balance sheet than another potential buyer, Cleveland-Cliffs. U.S. Steel “provided a very, very good life for our families for a lot of years,” said Jack Maskil, a vice president at the Steelworkers local branch in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. “And we feel that with the Nippon deal that a lot more families for futures to come will be able to share the same.” West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly said he met with Nippon Steel executives and found himself satisfied by their commitments. Located southeast of Pittsburgh, West Mifflin is home to U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant. “There’s no question in my mind that it’s the best deal moving forward,” Kelly said at a panel hosted on Tuesday by the conservative think tank Hudson Institute, where Maskil was also speaking. The Biden administration committee vetting the merger is scheduled later this month to decide on the acquisition or possibly extend the ongoing review. William Chou, a deputy director at the Hudson Institute specializing in relations with Japan, said that "President-elect Trump's view on the deal are important." But given the upcoming deadline, “It's up to President Biden to recognize how this deal will advance the interests of future generations of U.S. Steel union steelworkers.” Trump’s statement came two weeks after Nippon Steel’s vice chairman, Takahiro Mori, visited Pittsburgh and Washington to meet with lawmakers, local officials and workers in an ongoing persuasion campaign. That campaign has included Nippon Steel's promises to boost its capital commitments beyond the original deal and, more recently, a pledge that it won’t import steel slabs that would compete with U.S. Steel’s blast furnaces. As part of its proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel also pledged to invest at least $1.4 billion in USW-represented facilities, not to conduct layoffs or plant closings during the term of the basic labor agreement, and to protect the best interests of U.S. Steel in trade matters. Boak reported from Washington.

Canadians warned to use caution in South Korea after martial law declared then liftedBathinda: Punjab’s area under cotton cultivation has declined sharply over the last decade, driven by erratic rainfall, extreme temperatures during the growing season, pest infestations, and a shift to more lucrative crops. Union minister of state for textiles Pabitra Margherita highlighted these challenges in a written response to Punjab MP Raghav Chadha in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. To address these issues, the agriculture and farmers’ welfare department has been implementing the Cotton Development Programme under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) since the financial year 2014-15. This is to enhance the production and productivity of cotton across its 15 major growing states, including Punjab. Increasing minimum support price (MSP) is the first measure, followed by timely water supply from canals, financial support during the pink bollworm infestations, and subsidies on seeds. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducted training, field visits, and demonstrations to disseminate best practices for managing pests and diseases. Under the Crop Diversification Programme for the year 2024-25, it conducted 6,000 demonstrations to promote sustainable farming practices . The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) plays a key role in stabilizing cotton prices by procuring crops at MSP when market prices fall below the threshold. However, the volume of procurement has declined significantly in recent years, from 3.56 lakh bales procured in 2019-20 to only 38,000 bales procured in 2023-24. Chadha attributed the decade-long decline in Punjab’s cotton crop to climatic challenges, pest infestations, and soil degradation. He asked the central govt about its plans to provide targeted technological and financial support to address these challenges and promote sustainable cotton farming in the region. Minister Margherita acknowledged the drop and outlined initiatives to aid farmers, including higher MSP and financial relief. We also published the following articles recently Cotton farmers awaiting higher prices amid hopes from new govt Maharashtra's cotton farmers are holding onto their harvest, anticipating a bonus payout from the newly elected government, mirroring hopes raised by pre-election promises for soybean MSP hikes. Despite current private market rates slightly below the MSP of 7,521 per quintal, farmers expect prices to reach 8,000. Lower national yield and rising global rates further fuel this optimism. ICAR nod for 2 cotton research centres in T, ops begins next FY Telangana's cotton research gets a boost with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) approving two new All India Coordinated Research Project Centres. Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) successfully advocated for these centers after a decade of limited national research involvement. Modi government to purchase all farm produce at MSP, assures agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Rajya Sabha Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured Parliament that the Modi government is committed to procuring all farm produce at minimum support prices (MSP). He emphasized the government's policy of calculating MSP with a 50% profit margin over production costs, contrasting it with previous administrations. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .LAS VEGAS, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (" Hyperscale Data ” or the " Company ”), announced that it was notified today by the NYSE American that due to the Company's disclosure in its Form 10-Q filed for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2024, which reported stockholders' equity of approximately $2.2 million, it no longer meets the requirement that it must have no less than $6 million or more in stockholders' equity pursuant to the listing standard set forth under Section 1003(a)(ii) and (iii) of the NYSE American Company Guide (the " Listing Standards ”) because the Company has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in five of its most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2023. Under the applicable NYSE American listing rules, the Company must by January 17, 2025 submit a compliance plan that demonstrates how it intends to regain compliance with the Listing Standards within 18 months of the receipt of the notice, or June 18, 2026. The Company intends to develop and submit to the NYSE American such a plan. If the NYSE American does not accept the plan, or if the Company does not make progress consistent with the plan during the plan period, the NYSE American will initiate delisting procedures. If the NYSE American accepts the plan the Company will be subject to periodic reviews including quarterly monitoring for compliance with the plan. During this period, the Company's common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE American and trade as usual subject to compliance with other NYSE American listing requirements. The Company is confident that it will be able to submit a plan acceptable to the NYSE American within the requisite period and further that it will promptly be able to demonstrate that it has regained compliance with the Listing Standards. For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data's public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov. About Hyperscale Data, Inc. Hyperscale Data is transitioning from a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact to becoming solely an owner and operator of data centers to support high performance computing services. Through its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence ecosystems and other industries. It also provides, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc., mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an artificial intelligence software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, Hyperscale Data is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data's headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes,” "plans,” "anticipates,” "projects,” "estimates,” "expects,” "intends,” "strategy,” "future,” "opportunity,” "may,” "will,” "should,” "could,” "potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at www.hyperscaledata.com . Hyperscale Data Investor Contact: [email protected] or 1-888-753-2235

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada , then the Panama Canal . Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland . The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20. In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity." Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn't done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He's also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Trump tweaking friendly countries harkens back to an aggressive style he used during his days in business. “You ask something unreasonable and it’s more likely you can get something less unreasonable,” said Farnsworth, who is also author of the book “Presidential Communication and Character.” Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by an ice sheet and is home to a large U.S. military base. It gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, suggested that Trump’s latest calls for U.S. control would be as meaningless as those made in his first term. “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” he said in a statement. “We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom.” The Danish Prime Minister’s Office said in its own statement that the government is “looking forward to welcoming the new American ambassador. And the Government is looking forward to working with the new administration.” “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial,” the statement said. It noted that it had no comment on Greenland except for it “not being for sale, but open for cooperation.” Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, and ultimately came to nothing . He also suggested Sunday that the U.S. is getting “ripped off” at the Panama Canal. “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question,” he said. Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded in a video that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to,” but Trump fired back on his social media site, “We’ll see about that!” The president-elect also posted a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone under the phrase, “Welcome to the United States Canal!” The United States built the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter . The canal depends on reservoirs that were hit by 2023 droughts that forced it to substantially reduce the number of daily slots for crossing ships. With fewer ships, administrators also increased the fees that shippers are charged to reserve slots to use the canal. The Greenland and Panama flareups followed Trump recently posting that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State" and offering an image of himself superimposed on a mountaintop surveying surrounding territory next to a Canadian flag. Trudeau suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump's threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. “Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by putting Canada off balance, particularly given the precarious current political environment in Canada,” Farnsworth said. “Maybe claim a win on trade concessions, a tighter border or other things.” He said the situation is similar with Greenland. “What Trump wants is a win," Farnsworth said. "And even if the American flag doesn’t raise over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to say yes to something else because of the pressure.” Associated Press writers Gary Fields in Washington and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.Qualcomm vs. Taiwan Semiconductor: Which Is the Better Chip Stock to Buy?

NoneThe 'super warm' winter boots that delivery drivers love are down to $42In some good news for Gophers football fans worried about other programs poaching Minnesota players, two of the team’s most dynamic underclassmen posted Friday on their social media accounts that they’re “not going anywhere.” Freshman safety Koi Perich and sophomore running back Darius Taylor have partnered with Minneapolis-based Roy Inc., which has developed a mobile app, Roy — an acronym for “return on you” — in which fans can make direct name, image and likeness contributions to specific athletes. Similar to what Gophers players did last year when they committed to Dinkytown Athletes, the NIL collective that is officially endorsed by the athletic department, both Perich and Taylor posted on X: “Gopher Fans, I’m not going anywhere, and if you love this team as much as I do, here’s your chance to make an impact!” Perich, a true freshman from Esko, Minn., earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after leading the conference and ranking third nationally with five interceptions. He also had 34 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Perich also earned second-team all-conference honors as a return man, averaging 10.2 yards per punt return and 19.9 per kickoff return. Taylor, a sophomore from Detroit, led the Gophers with 873 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 185 carries. He led the Big Ten in receptions by a running back and ranked third on the team with 50 receptions for 333 yards and two scores. Taylor’s 109.6 yards from scrimmage per game ranked fifth in the Big Ten. Cale Johnston, the founder of Roy Inc., was looking for a direct way for fans to support players using NIL. The app provides that connection. “Fans are more likely to get involved if they know exactly where their contributions are going,” Johnston said. “We’re hoping small deposits start to add up in a meaningful way.” Those using the Roy app can designate how much and to whom they want to contribute; the entire amount would go to the athlete, and Roy Inc. would make money off a service fee that’s tacked onto the donation. In turn, the player produces exclusive content that donors can access via the app. Should an athlete change his or her mind and leave the program, those contributing would have their money refunded. “We like to see the Gophers succeed, and we like to keep the talent here,” Johnston said.

The Nigerian Bar Association has called on Nigerians and members of the legal profession to take affirmative steps towards eradicating corruption. NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, made this appeal on Monday in Abuja while joining the global community to commemorate the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting with Youths Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” He emphasised that Nigeria’s survival as a nation depends on its ability to rid itself of corruption. Describing corruption as a complex phenomenon involving fraud, embezzlement, illicit financial flows, administrative malpractice, mismanagement of public resources, lack of transparency, and impunity in public service, Osigwe asserted that a corruption-free society is achievable if all stakeholders work collectively. He stated, “Corruption is undoubtedly the most potent threat to governance and development. It undermines democracy, creates unstable governments, sets countries back economically, and disproportionately affects the poorest and most marginalised people. “Notably, our nation has been plagued by corrupt practices such as budget padding, rampant kidnapping, and the illicit enrichment of public officials.” Osigwe highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, stating that the fight against corruption is not the sole responsibility of policymakers, activists, and enforcement agencies but also rests heavily on today’s youth. Related News NBA returns to China after six years NBA demands justice as Yobe police deny disrupting court proceedings Rivers crisis: Stop giving biased judgments, NBA tells judges He remarked, “The digital revolution has amplified the reach of corruption while simultaneously providing powerful tools to combat it. Digital natives are uniquely positioned to harness technology for accountability. Their expertise in social media, data analysis, and online platforms can expose corrupt practices, monitor government spending, and promote ethical leadership.” Osigwe urged young people to actively join the campaign against corruption, noting that their role goes beyond technological skills. He described youths as invaluable assets in the fight and challenged Nigerians to speak out against corruption instead of remaining silent. He said, “The global observance of International Anti-Corruption Day reaffirms that a corruption-free society is possible if we work together. It encourages courage to speak up against corruption rather than succumb to its effects. “As a body mandated to uphold the rule of law, we must actively engage young people in combating corruption by empowering them with knowledge through comprehensive education on its impact and mechanisms for reporting it. “As lawyers and stakeholders in Nigeria, we all encounter some form of corruption in our dealings. However, we often overlook its consequences to get things done. “Bar associations should explore ways to guide and support young lawyers in taking affirmative action against corruption. “We therefore urge and encourage all Nigerians, as well as our partner bar associations worldwide, to take decisive steps to support the legal profession and unite with young people in fighting corruption,” Osigwe stated.Apple Market to grow by USD 14.71 Billion from 2024-2028, driven by demand for superfoods, Report on how AI is impacting market trends - Technavio

It’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. ADVERTISEMENT Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” ADVERTISEMENT What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” ADVERTISEMENT It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” ADVERTISEMENT Briefly The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .None

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Bill Belichick is returning to coaching, but in a surprising fashion. The longtime Patriots head coach is headed to North Carolina to take over the Tar Heels football program, which would be his first time coaching college football in his coaching career. He takes over for veteran head coach Mack Brown, who was fired after winning 44 games for the Tar Heels in between 2018 and 2024. Belichick's decision brings up a lot of questions, as it appeared that he initially preferred to return to the NFL as a coach. However, instead, the veteran coach is going to the college game to return to coaching. The Sporting News examines why Belichick opted to join the Tar Heels football program. MORE BILL BELICHICK NEWS: What we know about Bill Belichick's UNC contract Bill Walsh's Stanford swan song could offer Belichick-UNC hints Revisiting Bill Belichick's playing career at Wesleyan University Why is Bill Belichick going to UNC? Belichick has a connection to North Carolina, as his father coached in Chapel Hill for three years from 1953 to 1955 as an assistant coach. While Belichick has never coached in college himself, his father worked primarily as a college coach during Belichick's childhood. Belichick said on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday that he planned to run an "NFL program at a college level" if he got the North Carolina job, indicating he wanted to utilize his vast NFL experience for a new challenge. Bill Belichick contract details Belichick has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal to become North Carolina's next head football coach, The Athletic confirmed Wednesday. Sources with @BrendanRMarks : UNC's deal with Bill Belichick is for 3 years, $30 million. The full contract has not yet been disclosed, but it will be publicly available when official due to North Carolina's status as a public school. How old is Bill Belichick? Belichick is 72 years old, but he will be 73 by the time he coaches his first game with the Tar Heels. He instantly becomes the oldest coach in college football, replacing former North Carolina head coach Mack Brown in that spot. Who is Bill Belichick's son? Steve Belichick is currently the defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies, but he started his coaching career with his father in the NFL. From 2012 to 2023, Belichick worked for his father in a variety of defensive coaching roles, including as safeties coach, defensive backs coach and outside linebackers coach. He also served as the Patriots defensive play-caller in his last few seasons with New England. Bill Belichick coaching record Coach NFL Wins Don Shula 328 George Halas 318 Bill Belichick 303 Andy Reid 270 Tom Landry 250 Belichick is 26 wins away from breaking Shula's all-time NFL wins record, and the assumption was that he would want to take an NFL job to try and break that record. However, by going the college route, Belichick will probably not get another NFL opportunity, meaning his wins total may be set at 303 total. MORE BILL BELICHICK NEWS: Explaining old photo of Bill Belichick at Kenan Stadium Meet Bill Belichick's coaching sons and dad Why did Bill Belichick leave the Patriots? Belichick and the Patriots agreed to part ways after the 2023 season , which saw New England go 4-13 their worst record since 1992. New England missed the playoffs in three of Belichick's last four seasons, and hasn't one a playoff game since winning the Super Bowl in the 2018 season. Belichick ended his time in New England with a 266-121 record, which included the second-most wins by any coach for a single team. However, both Belichick and the Patriots felt it was time to move on, as New England promoted Jerod Mayo as Belichick's replacement.