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NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming “border czar” on Thursday, with the Democratic mayor expressing an enthusiasm to work with the incoming administration to pursue violent criminals in the city while Trump promises mass deportations. The mayor's meeting with Tom Homan, who will oversee the southern and northern borders and be responsible for deportation efforts in the Trump administration, came as Adams has welcomed parts of the president-elect's hardline immigration platform. Adams told reporters at a brief news conference that he and Homan agreed on pursuing people who commit violent crimes in the city but did not disclose additional details or future plans. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and longstanding New Yorkers," he said. “That was my conversation today with the border czar, to figure out how to go after those individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes in our city.” The meeting marked Adams' latest and most definitive step toward collaborating with the Trump administration, a development that has startled critics in one of the country's most liberal cities. In the weeks since Trump’s election win, Adams has mused about potentially scaling back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies and coordinating with the incoming Trump administration on immigration. He has also said migrants accused of crimes shouldn’t have due process rights under the Constitution, though he eventually walked back those comments. The mayor further stunned Democrats when he sidestepped questions last week on whether he would consider changing parties to become a Republican, telling journalists that he was part of the “American party.” Adams later clarified that he would remain a Democrat. For Adams, a centrist Democrat known for quarreling with the city's progressive left, the recent comments on immigration follow frustration with the Biden Administration over its immigration policies and a surge of international migrants in the city. He has maintained that his positions have not changed and argues he is trying to protect New Yorkers, pointing to the law-and-order platform he has staked out throughout his political career and during his successful campaign for mayor. At his news conference Thursday, Adams reiterated his commitment to New York’s generous social safety net. “We’re going to tell those who are here, who are law-abiding, to continue to utilize the services that are open to the city, the services that they have a right to utilize, educating their children, health care, public protection,” he said. “But we will not be the safe haven for those who commit violent acts.” While the education of all children present in the U.S. is already guaranteed by a Supreme Court ruling, New York also offers social services like healthcare and emergency shelter to low-income residents, including those in the country illegally. City and state grants also provide significant access to lawyers, which is not guaranteed in the immigration court as they are in the criminal court. Still, Adams’ recent rhetoric has been seen by some critics as an attempt to cozy up to Trump, who could potentially offer a presidential pardon in his federal corruption case. Adams has been charged with accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence. He has pleaded not guilty. Homan, who was Trump’s former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, also met this week with Republicans in Illinois, where he called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, to start negotiations over how Trump's mass deportation plans, according to local media. Separately, New York City officials this week announced continued efforts to shrink a huge emergency shelter system for migrants because of a steady decline in new arrivals. Among the planned shelter closures is a massive tent complex built on a federally owned former airport in Brooklyn, which advocates have warned could be a prime target for Trump's mass deportation plan. Elsewhere, Republican governors and lawmakers in some states are already rolling out proposals that could help him carry out his pledge to deport millions of people living in the U.S. illegally. Izaguirre reported from Albany, N.Y.None
The Green Party is set to suffer significant losses in the Irish General Election, with its leader expecting just a handful of parliamentarians to be returned. Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the party could not buck the trend in Ireland of junior coalition partners in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail governments losing support in subsequent elections. He said they expected to retain two to three seats out of the 12 they had won in the 2020 election on the back of a worldwide “Green wave”. “Undoubtedly it’s a disappointing result for our party today,” Mr O’Gorman told reporters in Ongar, Dublin. “It’s hard for a smaller party in government, that’s long been the tradition, the history in Ireland. We hoped going into the election to buck that but we haven’t been able to buck that today.” Mr O’Gorman, a candidate in Dublin West, is among the outgoing Green Party TDs in a battle to retain their seats. Culture Minister Catherine Martin, who is fighting to remain a Green Party TD for Dublin Rathdown, said it was a “very tight” race in her four-seat constituency. “We go in (to government) not afraid of that because the issue of the climate and biodiversity crisis is (greater) than our survival,” she said on RTE Radio. “I stand over and am proud of our track record of delivery.” Green candidate in Waterford Marc O Cathasaigh said he would not be “in the shake-up” to retain his seat in that constituency, while junior minister Ossian Smyth looks at risk of losing his seat in Dun Laoghaire. Junior minister Joe O’Brien is expected to lose his seat in Dublin Fingal, Neasa Hourigan is at risk in Dublin Central, while Wicklow’s Steven Matthews garnered just 4% of first preferences. Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who announced his retirement from frontline politics in June, said his party had not had a good day. Arriving at the count centre at the RDS in Dublin, the outgoing environment minister told reporters: “If you don’t get elected you accept that, but you come back stronger and you learn lessons, and we’ve done that in the past and we will do that again.” He added: “No matter what the results today there will be a strong Green Party in Ireland, we have deep roots in the community and it’s a very distinct political philosophy and I think there is still space for that in Irish politics, for sure.” Mr Ryan said he did not believe his decision to retire, and the timing of his announcement, had affected the party’s showing. “Unfortunately – and this is just one of those days – we didn’t get the number of votes,” he said. He added: “We’ll look back and see what are the lessons, and what can we learn and what can we do differently. “It’s just one of those days when we didn’t have a good day.
Thanksgiving week high school football scheduleWhen you’re a Russian retiree living on a limited income, it’s bad enough trying to contend with skyrocketing prices for staples like eggs, potatoes, or butter. Now add to the list of worries: a swooning ruble hitting lows not seen in years. “I see these prices, my eyes get wide,” said one retired history teacher who lives in St. Petersburg and tries to get by on a 19,100-ruble ($187) monthly pension. “What's going on? Prices are rising for absolutely everything.” “Polite words fail me, of course” the 72-year-old woman told RFE/RL’s Russian Service. She asked for her name not to be used to avoid police harassment. “I have to joke about it to cool down my anger,” she added. Nearly three years into the Kremlin’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s economy has defied expectations and the experts who predicted that it would be crippled by sweeping Western sanctions imposed in response to Moscow’ military aggression. Fueled by the flood of government spending that’s prioritizing the war above all else, is expected to clock in at 3.6 percent growth this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But the torrid pace of spending is overheating the economy. Grappling with inflation hovering above 8 percent, the Central Bank has already hiked rates and could raise them even further in the coming weeks. That in turn has pushed up residential mortgages, not to mention business loans, prompting vocal complaints from business leaders. Now comes another symptom of an increasingly unhealthy economy: the plunging Russian currency, hitting levels not seen since March 2022, weeks after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. As of December 5, the ruble stood at 103 to the U.S. dollar. That’s down from 85 in September, but up from its lowest recent level -- 113 -- which it hit in the final days of November. The main -- though not only -- reason for the drop? A new set of sanctions that the United States announced on November 21, targeting dozens of Russian banks, including the largest bank to avoid sanctioning to date. The state-owned Gazprombank had dodged that bullet mainly due to its role as a conduit for transactions related to oil and gas exports. Washington had previously feared that sanctioning it would disrupt global oil markets and send oil prices skyrocketing. Russians -- individuals, banks, and businesses -- were rushing to make transactions ahead of December 20, when the restrictions take effect, Sergei Aleksashenko, a former top official in the Central Bank, said, and that has flooded the market with rubles. “It seems to me that the sharp jump in the ruble (or dollar) is explained by the fact that the rules of the game will be changed, and no one knows what the new rules will be,” . Officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have tried to calm jittery nerves for both average consumers and business leaders. “As often happens in such situations, there is currently an excessive emotional component on the currency market,” Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov on November 27. “Experience shows that, after a period of increased volatility, the rate always stabilizes.” The economic crosswinds are causing headaches for policymakers, both big and small. Regular Russians -- particularly those in poorer regions far from urban centers like St. Petersburg -- have benefited from the torrent of cash in government spending. Dizzyingly high wages paid to men who volunteer to fight in Ukraine -- not to mention the bonuses and benefits paid to war widows – have spurred consumers to spend -- or even splurge. High war wages, however, have forced civilian factories, particularly military industrial enterprises, to hike wages to compete, and fill vacancies. Putin himself has publicly lamented that labor shortages have been a problem. Elevated salaries have , driving up the cost of everyday goods, including butter, potatoes, and eggs. Several regions have reported a rash of thefts of butter and other dairy products, as prices climb. Some retailers have taken to putting dairy products under lock-and-key to prevent theft. Rates on residential , in conjunction with the Central Bank’s interest hikes, which has in turn choked off home and apartment sales in a growing number of regions. The ruble’s drop, meanwhile, will make imported goods more expensive -- at a time when Russian consumers are ramping up spending for the long New Year’s and Christmas holidays. It’s also pinching migrant workers, many of whom hail from Central Asia and send much of their Russian wages back home to support families. The current drop means less money to send. “If you have to live in Russia, then it makes no difference,” one Uzbek man who works as a taxi driver told RFE/RL. “But if you have to work here and send money back to Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan, then there’s no point in working here. Better just to go home.” Few experts are predicting outright economic collapse anytime soon. More likely the flashing warning lights are pointing to a cooling off, which is what the Central Bank director Elvira Nabiullina has said is the goal of the recent rate hikes. The IMF predicts that the economy will slow to around 1.3 percent growth next year. “Economic growth has to slow down,” Laura Solanko, an expert on the Russian economy at the Bank of Finland’s Institute for Economies in Transition, told RFE/RL. “But cooling growth is no sign of economic collapse. Russia can sustain broadly [the] current level of household consumption and of warfare with broadly [the] current level of economic activity.” “It’s becoming [all too clear] that there are no good remedies for the Russian economy’s malaise apart from ending the war; the mother of Russia’s problems,” Alexander Kolyandr, a researcher with the Center for European Policy Analysis, last month. By RFE/RL
New York Emerging Technology Advisory Board Publishes First Report Outlining Vision to Elevate Leadership in AIOlivia Olson scored 18 points, including eight straight to open the fourth quarter, as the No. 23 Michigan Wolverines survived a 60-54 scare from the Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten opener for each team in Ann Arbor, Mich. Northwestern (4-4, 0-1 Big Ten) led throughout the third quarter and took a four-point lead into the fourth, but Olson capped her 8-0 burst with a 3-pointer, and Syla Swords also nailed a trey to put the Wolverines (8-1, 1-0) ahead 50-44. Michigan has won eight straight games since opening the season with a six-point loss to then-No. 1 South Carolina. Caileigh Walsh's 3-pointer put the Wildcats back in front 53-52 with 3:36 to go. Michigan responded by scoring eight of the game's last nine points, six by Jordan Hobbs. Hobbs finished with 16 points and teammate Mila Holloway had 10. Kyla Jones led Northwestern with 14 points and Walsh notched 10 before fouling out. No. 4 Texas 93, James Madison 62 Madison Booker, Jordan Lee and Rori Harmon dominated the first half as the Longhorns clobbered the host Dukes in Harrisonburg, Va. Booker scored 21 points, Lee added 20 and Harmon 19 by combining on 25-of-33 shooting. They had 49 of their points in the first half as Texas (7-1) piled up a 58-29 halftime lead. The Longhorns, who entered seventh in the nation in scoring at 90 points per game, shot 54 percent for the game to 40 percent for the Dukes. Roshala Scott led James Madison (7-3) with 22 points and Peyton McDaniel and Ashanti Barnes had 12 apiece. McDaniel added eight rebounds for the Dukes, who had 24 turnovers. No. 10 Notre Dame 93, Syracuse 62 The Fighting Irish pulled away from a seven-point halftime lead to demolish the host Orange in the ACC opener for both schools. The trio of Sonia Citron, Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles led Notre Dame's win with double-doubles. Citron had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Hidalgo racked up 24 and 10, respectively, and Miles shone with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Hidalgo, third in Division I in scoring (24.6 ppg), netted nine points and Citron had eight in the third quarter, as Notre Dame (7-2, 1-0 ACC) outscored Syracuse (4-6, 0-1) 29-13 to pull away. Keira Scott posted 16 points and Sophie Burrows tacked on 13 for the Orange, who shot only 32.5 percent. The Irish shot 50 percent and thrived despite 20 turnovers. No. 16 North Carolina 72, Coppin State 46 The Tar Heels built a comfortable halftime lead and used its bench players freely in devouring the Eagles in Chapel Hill, N.C. North Carolina (9-1) entered second-best in the nation in scoring defense at 49.1 points per game and excelled again, holding Coppin State to 27.3 percent shooting. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels shot 44.4 percent while having 12 players enter the scoring column, led by Maria Gakdeng's 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Reniya Kelly scored six of her eight points in the first quarter as North Carolina took a 23-13 lead. The Tar Heels grew the lead to 46-27 by intermission. Tiffany Hammond and Angel Jones scored 12 points apiece for Coppin State (6-5), and Laila Lawrence added 10 points with 10 rebounds. No. 18 Ole Miss 85, Tennessee State 38 The Rebels had more points by halftime than the Lady Tigers scored in the game after jumping out to a 14-2 lead in the first quarter and 44-19 by intermission. Kennedy Todd-Williams led Ole Miss (6-3) with 15 points and seven rebounds, and Sira Thienou added 12 and six, respectively. The Rebels shot 46 percent for the game. Ole Miss began the day seventh in the nation in scoring defense at 49.8 points allowed per game, and it punished Tennessee State to the tune of 23.6 percent shooting and 22 forced turnovers. XaiOnna Whitfield led the Lady Tigers (4-6) with 10 points. No. 20 Iowa State 82, Central Michigan 56 Audi Crooks scored 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting and added 10 rebounds as the Cyclones slammed the Chippewas in Ames, Iowa. Emily Ryan netted 10 of her 12 points in the first quarter and Crooks scored nine in the period as Iowa State (8-2) jumped out to a 31-13 lead and enjoyed a cushion of at least 18 points the rest of the way. Addy Brown added 18 points for the Cyclones, who shot 52.5 percent and rolled despite having 20 turnovers. Jayda Mosley led Central Michigan (3-6) with 11 points and Madi Morson and Ayanna-Sarai Darrington added 10 apiece. The Chippewas shot only 33.3 percent from the floor and had 26 turnovers. No. 24 Michigan State 89, DePaul 61 The unbeaten Spartans put four scorers in double figures as they systematically disposed of the Blue Demons in East Lansing, Mich. Jaddan Simmons finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Julia Ayrault stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals for Michigan State (9-0). Emma Shumate and Jocelyn Tate had 12 and 10 points, respectively. Jorie Allen put up 15 points, 11 boards, seven assists and three steals and Grace Carstensen also notched 15 points for DePaul (3-7), which shot just 28.8 percent despite hitting 9 of 18 of its 3-point attempts. The Spartans led by seven after one quarter and 17 at halftime before coasting through the second half. No. 25 Nebraska 84, Minnesota 65 Strong first quarters by Callin Hake and Amiah Hargrove sent the Cornhuskers on their way to pinning the first loss on the Golden Gophers in the Big Ten Conference opener for each team. Hake scored eight of her 11 points in the first period and Hargrove eight of her 10 as Nebraska (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten) seized a 27-11 lead and never looked back. Hargrove scored eight of the Cornhuskers' 10 straight points to end the quarter. Alberte Rimdal led the winners with 12 points and Alexis Markowski added 11 with nine rebounds. Mallory Heyer collected 12 points and eight rebounds for Minnesota (10-1, 0-1). Tori McKinney scored 11 points and Grace Crocholski and Alexsia Rose 10 apiece, but the Golden Gophers hit just 35.2 percent of their shots. --Field Level MediaNone
World's Leading Specialty Battery Franchise Achieves Historic Success with Unprecedented Commercial Sales Throughout 2024 Batteries Plus achieved a 23.7% year-over-year increase in total systemwide commercial sales for October 2024 . Franchise commercial sales grew by 24.4% in October, setting a new all-time monthly record. October's systemwide commercial sales marked nearly 20% growth year-over-year for Batteries Plus. HARTLAND, Wis. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus , the world's leading specialty battery franchise, has marked a historic milestone in October 2024 , setting all-time commercial sales records across its franchise and systemwide channels. Total systemwide commercial sales grew by 23.7% year-over-year, with franchise commercial sales increasing by 24.4%, marking the highest monthly performance in the company's history. The record-breaking success in October was not an isolated achievement, but rather a continuation of a historic 2024. Batteries Plus has experienced more than 20% year-over-year growth in systemwide commercial sales for five of the first 10 months of the year. Year-to-date, total commercial sales have grown by 16.1% through October. "Achieving this record-breaking October is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our franchisees and the ongoing strength of our commercial growth strategy," said Scott O'Farrell , Chief Commercial Officer of Batteries Plus . "Our commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions for our commercial partners continues to position us as a leader in the industry." This October milestone also capped off a flawless 10-for-10 streak in exceeding commercial sales targets for 2024, driven by Batteries Plus's commitment to exceptional service, in-stock availability, and a diversified approach across consumer and commercial channels. The company has exceeded its sales plan for every month, currently 2.6% ahead of plan through October. Remarkably, the top eight commercial sales months in franchise history have all occurred this year, demonstrating the strength and scalability of the franchise system. "October's success is just the beginning of an exciting period for Batteries Plus," said Joe Malmuth , Chief Development Officer . "We're witnessing substantial growth across all facets of the business. This record-breaking performance is a direct result of our team's tireless efforts to drive meaningful results for our franchise owners and customers alike." Building on this momentum, Batteries Plus is looking ahead to close the year strong, with plans to enhance its market presence, introduce new business partnerships, and continue the expansion of its franchise network that has reached over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide. In 2024, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times' Top 400 list at #128 and named to Entrepreneur Magazine 's Franchise 500 ® Hall of Fame, alongside placements on Entrepreneur 's Franchise 500 ® and the Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners lists. For more information on Batteries Plus, including franchise opportunities and a virtual store tour, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com . ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI , is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli , a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City . To learn more about one of Forbes ® ' Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Danny Stewart , Fishman Public Relations, dstewart@fishmanpr.com or 847-945-1300 ext. 266 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/batteries-plus-celebrates-record-breaking-commercial-sales-month-surpassing-major-milestones-in-franchise-and-systemwide-commercial-growth-302315675.html SOURCE Batteries Plus © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.By Justin Ebert, PA-C Cards to send, gifts to give, meals to prepare for family and friends — tasks like these often dominate our thoughts this time of year. As the winter holiday season approaches, many of us start to wonder (often with some dread) whether we can take good care of ourselves while enjoying all that comes with this time of year. I understand how challenging this season can be. Many factors conspire against us: colder weather, shorter days, and more time indoors. Our meals shift toward hearty and indulgent comfort foods. At my house, it’s not just the holidays, it’s also football season — and what goes better with football than chips, dips, and drinks? Whether it’s game-day snacks, Thanksgiving pies, potlucks at work, or holiday cookie swaps, food is everywhere this time of year, and resisting temptation is hard. Winter and the holidays also bring increased stress. Between financial strain, holiday tension, and even seasonal depression, many people turn to food or alcohol to cope. Despite the challenges, small positive changes make it possible to have a healthy, active, and fun-filled holiday season. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy weight and feeling good. Consider branching out from old habits when it comes to food. Maybe that means bringing hummus and veggies as an appetizer, or offering roasted veggies instead of the sweet potato casserole no one seems to love (yet no one can resist). Having an open conversation with family members about expectations can help. Many of us face the same challenges and want to support each other. Portion control also makes a difference. Consider setting out smaller dishes and glassware — people tend to fill their plate regardless of how hungry they are. Perhaps your group size has changed and you can serve Cornish game hen instead of a turkey, or offer one starchy side dish instead of four. I don’t mean to imply we should avoid our favorite things. The truth is, when we skip the parts we don’t love as much, we tend to appreciate the best things even more. Look for fun, social ways to stay active. Physical activity can counteract excess calorie intake, help you feel better, and alleviate stress. Maybe you kick around a soccer ball during halftime of the football game, or start a new tradition by participating in a community fun run. If you traditionally drive around looking at Christmas lights while eating cookies, switch to sipping hot beverages while walking through a well-decorated neighborhood. Many of us feel the pressure to go all out for the holidays. Taking stock of how the to-dos make you feel can be enlightening. Give yourself permission to scale back, skipping the parts that feel like chores and focusing on what brings you joy. It’s common to feel depressed and anxious at this time of year. The holiday season can remind us of loved ones who have passed away or milestones we thought we would have reached by now. You are not alone. Talk with a friend or family member, or reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional for support. Giving back often gives us an emotional boost. Maybe this year you collect gifts for a family in need, or look for an organization where you and your extended friends can volunteer together. Acts like these remind us of how we contribute to our communities. We’re all familiar with the saying, “The diet starts Monday.” This time of year, it’s easy to replace “Monday” with “January 1st.” But letting go of our mental and physical health is not inevitable. A healthier season doesn’t mean eating and exercising perfectly; it’s about consistently making small healthy choices. When we do better, we feel better. Setting realistic goals helps. You are more likely to be successful if you plan a 15-minute daily walk than if you aim for running five miles a day. The children in our lives learn from us and imitate our behavior. If they see us enjoying time with others, giving generously, and enjoying our favorite treats in moderation, they are more likely to do the same. There’s a common understanding of the downward spiral — that slippery slope where one unwise decision leads to others. But there’s an upward spiral, too: one positive change can inspire another. Small habits build on one another. Start with achievable goals, don’t be hard on yourself when you fall short, and think of ways you can celebrate the holidays with your community while you take good care of yourself. Justin Ebert, PA-C is a primary care medical provider at MCHC Health Centers, which includes Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center in Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. MCHC is a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare.
AES Announces 2% Increase in Quarterly DividendDec 12 (Reuters) - Editas Medicine (EDIT.O) , opens new tab said on Thursday it would cut around 180 jobs, representing 65% of its workforce, over the next six months as part of the company's transition towards becoming a developer of therapies that edit genes within the body. Shares of Editas rose 2.12% to $1.93 in after-market trade. Editas is shifting focus to developing in-vivo treatments that edit stem cells inside the human body after recent pre-clinical data showed promise in blood-forming stem cells and the liver, and plans to share data and development timelines in the first quarter of 2025. In-vivo gene editing, which alters genetic material within the patient, could expand the potential of CRISPR-based gene editing, Editas said. The company said it aims to demonstrate proof of concept in humans in about two years. The gene editing company was earlier developing an ex-vivo treatment for sickle cell disease called reni-cel, which used a similar technology as that of Casgevy, the U.S.-approved gene therapy by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX.O) , opens new tab and partner CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP.BN) , opens new tab . Both gene therapies involved editing a patient's blood-forming stem cells outside the body using CRISPR, a promising technology that is a type of molecular scissors that can trim away unwanted pieces of genetic material and replace them with new ones. The company would be discontinuing development of reni-cel after extensive search did not yield a commercial partner. As part of the company's workforce reduction, several members of its management team will depart, including Chief Medical Officer Baisong Mei, effective Dec. 31. It expects to incur costs of $55 million to $70 million for discontinuing and winding down reni-cel's clinical development. Editas anticipates costs of $14 million to $18 million related to the workforce reduction. The cost-saving measures are expected to extend Editas' cash runway into the second quarter of 2027. Sign up here. Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabIndiana Jones and the Great Circle's Path Tracing update is out now for high-end Nvidia GPUs
'My hair takes forever to style but this reduced hairdryer has changed my routine for good'
In a race filled with drama and historic milestones, Lando Norris delivered a stunning performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leading from start to finish to clinch McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years. The Briton’s victory, his fourth of the season, capped off a stellar year for the team and ended Ferrari’s hopes of a last-minute upset. “You all deserve this. Thank you so much. It’s been a special year,” Norris said over the team radio as he crossed the line. “Next year is going to be my year too.” The 25 points from Norris’s victory, combined with teammate Oscar Piastri’s single point from a 10th-place finish, gave McLaren a 14-point lead over Ferrari in the final standings. It marked the first time since 1998 that McLaren lifted the Constructors’ trophy, cementing their resurgence as a force in Formula One. The race, however, didn’t come without challenges. Piastri’s hopes of a strong finish were dashed after a first-corner collision with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, dropping him to the back of the pack. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc secured second and third places, respectively, but their efforts fell short of toppling McLaren. Leclerc made an incredible charge through the field, starting 19th and finishing on the podium, a feat that showcased his skill and determination. “Unfortunately, we were starting too far back to do anything better than what we did,” Leclerc said. “It hurts when a season is so close until the end.” Lewis Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes was another highlight. Starting 16th, the seven-time world champion clawed his way to fourth, overtaking teammate George Russell on the final lap. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised the performance: “Lewis, that was the drive of a world champion.” Hamilton, who joins Ferrari next season, ended his Mercedes tenure with a celebratory tyre-smoking spin, saluting the crowd in Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen, already crowned a four-time Drivers’ Champion, endured a frustrating race. A collision with Piastri earned him a 10-second penalty, and his frustration was evident over the team radio: “Could we ask for 20 seconds, stupid idiots,” he quipped. The Dutch driver finished sixth, far from the dominant form he displayed throughout the season. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly claimed seventh, helping his team secure sixth in the Constructors’ standings, while Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso rounded out the top 10. For McLaren, the win marked a new chapter. CEO Zak Brown reflected on the tense race: “That was the worst two hours of my life, by far. That race, he (Norris) carried us. He drove flawlessly.” As teams begin preparations for the 2025 season, McLaren’s resurgence and Norris’s declaration of intent signal that they’ll be a team to watch. Meanwhile, Ferrari welcomes the powerhouse pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in Formula One.Asia Distillates-Thin spot activity prevails; January negotiations awaitedCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 people, including kidsTonight at 8 PM Eastern , expert oil and gas analysts will debate the future of the energy sector in a live , premium-only event only on ZeroHedge. Join us for a deep dive, featuring two highly respected strategists with contrasting views: Paul Sankey, the bear, and Josh Young, the bull. Paul Sankey is a renowned oil analyst with over three decades of experience, known for his independent and bold market calls. Sankey founded Sankey Research in 2020. His current outlet, oil price to decline for the following reasons: Global Supply Stabilization : While oil prices are currently high, there is limited price elasticity of supply, meaning higher prices have not led to increased production, especially from major oil producers like Saudi Arabia and OPEC+. Venezuela Production Resumption : The Biden administration has granted Chevron a license to resume oil production in Venezuela, which could add 200,000 barrels per day back into the market, easing supply concerns. OPEC+ : Political instability in countries like Iran and Venezuela, along with the ongoing protests in China, could have mixed effects on the oil market. However, OPEC+ may respond by adjusting their production strategies, potentially leading to a price correction. Strong U.S. Market Fundamentals : Despite bearish sentiment, the U.S. has emerged strong from mid-term elections, with global energy crises providing a backdrop for continued demand, although high oil prices may still encourage supply adjustments. Josh Young, Chief Investment Officer at Bison Interests , brings nearly two decades of expertise in oil and gas investing. Even with a Trump “drill baby drill” win , he remains as a strong advocate for the bullish potential of the oil and gas industry, particularly within the E&P space. Demand Outpaces Supply in 2024: Global oil demand has exceeded supply by 0.58 mbd (million barrels per day), leading to unexpected inventory draws and lower U.S. oil stock levels, which are at a 20-year low. Slowing Non-OPEC Production Growth: Growth in non-OPEC production is slowing, with key sources like the Permian Basin and Guyana contributing less in 2025 compared to previous years, leaving a production shortfall. Rising Demand in Developing Economies: Stronger-than-expected demand growth, particularly from India and China, is putting additional strain on global oil supply. China's record oil imports are a key factor. Market Tightness and Price Volatility: With continued demand growth and production struggles, oil supply shortages could persist, leading to significant price volatility, similar to the 2020-2022 price surge. Potential Geopolitical Risks: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, like potential disruptions in the Middle East, could further tighten oil supplies and push prices higher. The “Macro Tourist” Kevin Muir — a former RBC trading desk strategist and author of a great macro newsletter — will moderate the debate with his broad market knowledge and over three decades of trading experience. - Will the Trump Administration be bullish for oil and gas? - How will conflict in the Middle East impact prices? - Is the Green New Deal movement dying? Tune in to the live debate exclusively on ZeroHedge’s front page , available only to premium and professional subscribers. If you have not already done so, subscribe here to get unique insights on how you should be trading energy into 2025. Any strategist can talk their book. See how they perform under scrutiny only on ZeroHedge.
FRANKLIN - The holiday season has officially begun and communities are ready to give families in need the Christmas they deserve with the help of a Massachusetts non-profit. Donating to families in need The Santa Foundation in Franklin allows people to sponsor entire families, volunteer, or just donate a singular gift. Communities across Massachusetts show up for the families in need who may struggle to make ends meet during the holiday season. They believe that on Christmas day "these families should be like every other family." "We get so many gifts from the community. So we have giving trees out in the community as well as some of the police departments and fire departments will support us and then we can help direct those gifts to the kids who aren't going to get anything otherwise," one of the directors of the Santa Foundation Joe Formosa said. The non-profit was founded in a basement 39 years ago by Robert Sullivan Jr. In 2004 the non-profit decided to help families year-round with rent, school supplies, and whatever else they may need. "And it has grown into this. And it's really this is such a joyful thing to do at this time of year for sure. Yep it's grown into a very large organization," said retired Treasurer Cindy Timmons, whose parents founded the foundation. Helping over 800 families a year They were able to help around 800 families in 2023 alone. Now they have moved into a larger space which allows them to help more families and keep the holiday spirit alive. "We actually call every recipient's family and talk to the mom and or dad and get their wishlist. So we have 10-minute conversations with every family," one of the directors of the Santa Foundation Pam Formosa said. Kids receive a bag full of toys, and now they get a hand-sewn stocking from someone in the community. It's the thoughtfulness, care, and love that is the cherry on top for most families. "I think the most important part is a handwritten message to the recipient to let them know their stocking was handcrafted with care and to enjoy it for years to come," Director of Meme's Stocking and Board Member Karla Boudreau said. "Giving is a lot better than receiving and we enjoy it. Every year we look back and say what a wonderful experience it's been and we've got to do it again," President of the Santa Foundation Richard Timmons said. For more information about the Santa Foundation and their work click here. Levan Reid is a reporter for WBZ This Morning. He is also a veteran sports reporter for WBZ-TV.SINGAPORE: The surprise firing of two Hong Kong ministers on Thursday (Dec 6) was a “strategic” and “administrative” decision long in the making, sources and experts told CNA. The move could ultimately help the city bolster its lucrative tourism sector’s recovery, though challenges remain, they add. Hong Kong, once a leading tourism hub, has been trying to lure visitors back after gradually reopening its borders in 2022. Chief Executive John Lee may not have addressed specific mistakes that might have led to the dismissals of Mr Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Mr Lam Chi-ting but it is timely to note several missteps and controversies that had been allowed to happen under their watch, sources and industry watchers told CNA. A long-time bureaucrat who joined Hong Kong’s civil service back in 1992, Mr Yeung Yun-hung’s two-and-a-half-year tenure was marred by controversies, notably earlier this year when Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi failed to appear in a much-anticipated and advertised match between Inter Miami and a city select team. The Messi aftermath played out in Hong Kong for days , sparking a public uproar and raising questions about the government’s ability to handle major sporting events. Experts said the mishap served to highlight Mr Yeung’s “incompetence” in the eyes of Mr Lee and was likely to have played a part in his dismissal. He had also been criticised for delays in submitting a major development blueprint for Hong Kong’s creative industries, a fumbling that was singled out by Mr Lee during a keynote policy address in October. As Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam, also a trained civil engineer, had been criticised harshly for poorly overseeing a HK$141.5 billion (US$18.2 billion) third-runway project at Hong Kong International Airport. “Lam doesn’t understand transport and Yeung has been incapable since day one,” said an insider from the tourism sector, speaking to CNA on the condition of anonymity. Associate Professor Alfred Wu from Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said Mr Lee openly criticised Mr Yeung’s delays in submitting the creative industries blueprint, which was a “very clear signal” of discontent. But at the same time, Assoc Prof Wu also cautioned reading too much into the potentially political nature of the recent dismissals, highlighting the “increasingly opaque” nature of Hong Kong’s political landscape. “Sometimes it's very difficult (to read),” Assoc Prof Wu said, also suggesting that political trajectories in Hong Kong were known to shift. Dismissing and replacing cabinet members is not a new phenomenon in Hong Kong, he added. “Replacement is not a strange thing or something that suddenly happens,” Assoc Prof Wu said, also noting that former Chief Executive Carrie Lam “did the same thing” and that these were changes that could be expected to “occur in the midterm”. During Ms Lam’s tenure, six ministers were either removed or resigned in a major reshuffle with Ms Lam describing herself as the “chief executive who replaced the most officials”. The Political Appointments System, introduced by former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa in 2002, marked a shift toward greater political accountability, as appointees were expected to shoulder responsibility for policy outcomes. Since its inception, 14 ministers, have resigned or been dismissed. Mr Yeung and Mr Lam are the first sackings since Mr Lee was appointed in 2022. Assoc Prof Wu believes that their dismissals were more of a strategic and “administrative” decision. “Fundamentally, Hong Kong is not a city-state where one person makes the final decision. There are quite a lot of actors,” he said, adding that he thought Mr Lee was being “smart in how he navigated this”. PRIORITISING TOURISM Hong Kong’s once-lucrative tourism sector has struggled to recover from losing visitors due to fallback from pro-democracy protests and later, the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers reached 34 million last year, only 52 per cent of its total in 2018. However, the city did recently manage to reclaim its spot as Asia’s top financial centre and climbed to fifth in the Global Financial Centres Index. It also reached another significant milestone in its tourism recovery: Welcoming one million Filipino visitors for 2024. "Tourism models have changed post-pandemic," Mr Lam Chi-ting, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions’ travel committee, told CNA. "Attracting visitors now requires new strategies, creating immense stress for those in charge." A telling sign of this was also made by Mr Lee during his press conference on Dec 5, in which he highlighted Hong Kong’s evolving position on the global stage which necessitated strong leadership. “I want to recover the time. I want to chase back the results and time and I see the strengths of the two newly appointed secretaries,” Mr Lee said of newly appointed cabinet faces, Ms Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, former permanent secretary for housing and Ms Mable Chan, who served as the permanent secretary for transport and logistics. “They will be assisting me more to realise my goal of ensuring results and also doing as much work as possible in the coming years,” Mr Lee said. “Two and a half years is a long time and I do think that we can make the best use of this period to create the best result... for the people of Hong Kong so we can all reap the benefits of our economic development and also other policy measures.” CHALLENGES REMAIN But while the reshuffle might have been very likely driven by the need for Hong Kong’s government to cultivate a more effective tourism strategy, challenges like interdepartmental coordination still remain unresolved. Despite the optimism of some, experts remain sceptical about whether the reshuffle could really address the root issues in holding back Hong Kong tourist arrival figures and ultimately, economic recovery. “Coordination is the root problem in Hong Kong’s government,” said the industry insider. “Policies often clash, such as safety regulations leading to the demolition of tourist-attracting neon signage. This bureaucratic rigidity hampers progress.” Newly appointed Ms Law, often praised for her pragmatic approach, has over three decades of government service and takes charge amid renewed efforts to enhance the image of Hong Kong’s reputation as a tourist destination. “She understands the industry and is straightforward, not one for vague statements,” Mr Lam said, adding that her experience in the Tourism Bureau would prove valuable. But industry experts emphasised the need for Hong Kong’s new leaders to look beyond visitor numbers. As efforts like a multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme for Shenzhen permanent residents are launched, the question remains whether Mr Lee’s revamped line-up can successfully harmonise efforts across departments to create a seamless experience for visitors. The tourism insider who declined to be named highlighted the potential for Hong Kong’s tourism to thrive if data could be analysed separately from mainland visitors. Visitors from the Chinese mainland have been the driving force behind Hong Kong’s tourist arrivals, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of yearly visitor numbers since the Individual Visit Scheme launched in 2003, according to statistics by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. “There should be good KPIs to measure performance, such as the impact of mega events or the number of overseas visitors—not mainland visitors, as they belong to the same country,” said the insider.
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