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phlebotomist hiring manila On the night of November 27, 2024, President Lazarus Chakwera took to the podium in the capital, delivering a sweeping national address that laid bare the struggles Malawi faces while outlining bold measures to combat fuel shortages, political violence, food insecurity, and voter registration challenges. With a mix of humility and resolve, the President presented a roadmap designed to guide the country through these turbulent times. Tackling Fuel Shortages: A New Direction For weeks, Malawi has endured crippling fuel shortages that brought the nation’s economy and daily life to a standstill. The President acknowledged the frustration of citizens who queued for hours at petrol stations, attributing the crisis to a stark reality: the nation’s monthly fuel demand of $50 million exceeds its capacity to generate foreign exchange. To address this, Chakwera announced the imminent transition from the Open Tender System—a market-driven mechanism for importing fuel—to Government-to-Government (G-to-G) agreements. This strategic pivot aims to secure stable and affordable fuel supplies under more favorable payment terms. Chakwera has already constituted a high-level Coordinating Committee, comprising key ministers and technocrats, to expedite this transition. “We need a system that guarantees reliable access to fuel,” the President declared, underscoring the urgency of the issue. As a first step, he will travel to Abu Dhabi next week to negotiate agreements with the United Arab Emirates, marking what could be a turning point in Malawi’s energy security. A United Front Against Political Violence The President also addressed a concerning rise in political violence. From the tragic killing of a party member in Blantyre to reports of intimidation in Lilongwe, these incidents threaten to tarnish Malawi’s reputation as a bastion of democracy in Africa. “Political violence has no place in our society,” Chakwera declared, aligning himself with former Presidents Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda, and Arthur Peter Mutharika in condemning the attacks. The Malawi Police Service has been directed to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward those seeking to destabilize the nation. Confronting the Shadow of Hunger The specter of hunger looms large over Malawi, with 5.7 million citizens facing food insecurity due to a devastating drought that has crippled maize production. Chakwera detailed a herculean response effort: the development of a National El-Nino Response Plan, international lobbying efforts, and coordination with global partners to secure food aid. Thanks to these efforts, significant support has been mobilized, including $92.6 million from the World Bank, $23 million from the African Development Bank, and food supplies from countries like Ukraine and India. Yet, a shortfall of 89 billion Kwacha persists, leaving 1.2 million Malawians still waiting for relief. Chakwera acknowledged the gaps in distribution and promised better coordination among the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture, and Local Government. “Help is on the way,” he reassured the affected families, urging patience as the government ramps up its efforts. To ensure long-term fiscal stability, the President announced upcoming austerity measures to be presented by the Finance Minister, signaling a commitment to balancing immediate humanitarian needs with economic discipline. Championing Voter Registration Amid Challenges With the 2025 elections approaching, voter registration is a pressing issue. Chakwera encouraged Malawians to exercise their constitutional right, addressing reports of low turnout in food-insecure areas and the impact of political rhetoric discouraging registration. “Voting is your right,” he said emphatically, urging citizens to register despite challenges. While acknowledging grievances about the registration process, he called for peaceful resolutions through legal channels rather than abstention. Hope and Resilience Chakwera’s address struck a balance between realism and optimism. He candidly admitted the scale of the challenges but rallied the nation to embrace hope and unity. His decisive measures—whether shifting fuel procurement strategies, mobilizing food aid, or standing firm against political violence—reflect a leader committed to steering Malawi through stormy seas. As Malawians digest the President’s words, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty. Yet, Chakwera’s bold proposals and impassioned plea for cooperation signal a leader who understands that the strength of a nation lies not just in its policies but in the resolve of its people to rise above adversity. The question now is whether these measures will be enough to ignite the change Malawi so desperately needs—or if greater challenges await. For now, the President has planted seeds of hope, leaving Malawians and the world watching closely to see them bear fruit. Sharing is caring!

Happy Valley actor James Norton announced the winner in a ceremony held at Tate Britain on Tuesday evening. The five jury members chose Kaur for “her ability to gather different voices through unexpected and playful combinations of material, from Irn-Bru to family photographs and a vintage Ford Escort, locating moments of resilience and possibility”. Kaur, who was born in Glasgow but lives and works in London, used her speech to advocate for the people in Palestine. The 38-year-old said she wanted to “echo the calls of the protesters outside” who had gathered after an open letter urged the Tate to cut ties with “organisations complicit in what the UN and ICJ are finally getting closer to saying is a genocide of the Palestinian people”. “This is not a radical demand,” Kaur said on stage. “This should not risk an artist’s career or safety. We’re trying to build consensus that the ties to these organisations are unethical, just as artists did with Sackler,” she said, referencing the family linked to the opioid epidemic. “I’ve been wondering why artists are required to dream up liberation in the gallery but when that dream meets life we are shut down. “I want the separation between the expression of politics in the gallery and the practice of politics in life to disappear. “I want the institution to understand that if you want us inside, you need to listen to us outside.” Kaur concluded her speech by calling for a ceasefire, adding: “Free Palestine.” BBC reporter Katie Razzall had to apologise to viewers after Kaur used a swear word in her speech. The artist was nominated for an exhibition that was held at the Tramway in her home city last year. The display, a series of installations exploring religious identities, politics and history, makes heavy use of different sounds, embedded into the exhibition by way of worship bells, Sufi Islamic devotional music, Indian harmonium, and pop tracks. This year the arts prize, named after British painter JMW Turner, which awards £25,000 to its winner, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Established in 1984, the prize is awarded each year to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work. Previous recipients include sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor (1991), artist Damien Hirst (1995), and filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen (1999). In 2025, the prize will be presented in Bradford at Cartwright Hall art gallery, marking the 250th anniversary of Turner’s birth. The exhibition of the four shortlisted artists – Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Delaine Le Bas, and Kaur – is at Tate Britain until February 16 2025.

Tones And I goes public with devastating loss

LOS ANGELES — President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations and tougher immigration restrictions is deepening mistrust of the health care system among California’s immigrants and clouding the future for providers serving the state’s most impoverished residents. At the same time, immigrants living illegally in Southern California told KFF Health News they thought the economy would improve and their incomes might increase under Trump, and for some that outweighed concerns about health care. Community health workers say fear of deportation is already affecting participation in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, which was regardless of residency status over the past several years. That could undercut the state’s progress in reducing the uninsured rate, which reached a record low of 6.4% last year. Immigrants lacking legal residency have long worried that participation in government programs could make them targets, and Trump’s election has compounded those concerns, community advocates say. The incoming Trump administration is also expected to target Medicaid with , which activists worry could threaten the Medi-Cal expansion and kneecap efforts to under Covered California to all immigrants. “The fear alone has so many consequences to the health of our communities,” said , director of policy with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. “This is, as they say, not their first rodeo. They understand how the system works. I think this machine is going to be, unfortunately, a lot more harmful to our communities.” Alongside such worries, though, is a strain of optimism that Trump might be a boon to the economy, according to interviews with immigrants in Los Angeles whom health care workers were soliciting to sign up for Medi-Cal. Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Clinics and community health workers encourage immigrants to enroll for health coverage through Medi-Cal and Covered California. But workers have noticed that fear of deportation has chilled participation. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Community health workers like Yanet Martinez encourage people to enroll for health benefits. But many California immigrants fear that using subsidized services could hurt their chances of obtaining legal residency. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Selvin, 39, who, like others interviewed for this article, asked to be identified by only his first name because he’s living here without legal permission, said that even though he believes Trump dislikes people like him, he thinks the new administration could help boost his hours at the food processing facility where he works packing noodles. “I do see how he could improve the economy. From that perspective, I think it’s good that he won.” He became eligible for Medi-Cal this year but decided not to enroll, worrying it could jeopardize his chances of changing his immigration status. “I’ve thought about it,” Selvin said, but “I feel like it could end up hurting me. I won’t deny that, obviously, I’d like to benefit — get my teeth fixed, a physical checkup.” But fear holds him back, he said, and he hasn’t seen a doctor in nine years. It’s not Trump’s mass deportation plan in particular that’s scaring him off, though. “If I’m not committing any crimes or getting a DUI, I think I won’t get deported,” Selvin said. Petrona, 55, came from El Salvador seeking asylum and enrolled in Medi-Cal last year. She said that if her health insurance benefits were cut, she wouldn’t be able to afford her visits to the dentist. A street food vendor, she hears often about Trump’s deportation plan, but she said it will be the criminals the new president pushes out. “I’ve heard people say he’s going to get rid of everyone who’s stealing.” Although she’s afraid she could be deported, she’s also hopeful about Trump. “He says he’s going to give a lot of work to Hispanics because Latinos are the ones who work the hardest,” she said. “That’s good, more work for us, the ones who came here to work.” Newly elected Republican Assembly member Jeff Gonzalez, who flipped a seat long held by Democrats in the Latino-heavy desert region in the southeastern part of the state, said his constituents were anxious to see a new economic direction. “They’re just really kind of fed up with the status quo in California,” Gonzalez said. “People on the ground are saying, ‘I’m hopeful,’ because now we have a different perspective. We have a businessperson who is looking at the very things that we are looking at, which is the price of eggs, the price of gas, the safety.” Gonzalez said he’s not going to comment about potential Medicaid cuts, because Trump has not made any official announcement. Unlike most in his party, Gonzalez said he supports the extension of health care services to . Health care providers said they are facing a twin challenge of hesitancy among those they are supposed to serve and the threat of major cuts to Medicaid, the federal program that provides over 60% of the funding for Medi-Cal. Health providers and policy researchers say a loss in federal contributions could lead the state to roll back or downsize some programs, including the expansion to cover those without legal authorization. California and Oregon are the only states that offer comprehensive health insurance to all income-eligible immigrants regardless of status. About 1.5 million people without authorization have enrolled in California, at a cost of over $6 billion a year to state taxpayers. “Everyone wants to put these types of services on the chopping block, which is really unfair,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat and chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “We will do everything we can to ensure that we prioritize this.” Sen. Gonzalez said it will be challenging to expand programs such as Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, for which immigrants lacking permanent legal status are not eligible. A big concern for immigrants and their advocates is that Trump could reinstate changes to the which can deny green cards or visas based on the use of government benefits. “President Trump’s mass deportation plan will end the financial drain posed by illegal immigrants on our healthcare system, and ensure that our country can care for American citizens who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to KFF Health News. During his first term, in 2019, Trump broadened the policy to include the use of Medicaid, as well as housing and nutrition subsidies. The Biden administration rescinded the change in 2021. KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, found than people born in the United States. And about 1 in 4 likely undocumented immigrant adults said they have avoided applying for assistance with health care, food, and housing because of immigration-related fears, according to a . Another uncertainty is the fate of the Affordable Care Act, which was opened in November to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are protected by the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program. If DACA eligibility for the act’s plans, or even the act itself, were to be reversed under Trump, that would leave roughly 40,000 California DACA recipients, and about , without access to subsidized health insurance. On Dec. 9, a federal court in North Dakota issued blocking DACA recipients from accessing Affordable Care Act health plans in that had challenged the Biden administration’s rule. Clinics and community health workers are encouraging people to continue enrolling in health benefits. But amid the push to spread the message, the chilling effects are already apparent up and down the state. community health worker Yanet Martinez said, asking residents whether they had Medi-Cal as she walked down Pico Boulevard recently in a Los Angeles neighborhood with many Salvadorans. she shouted, offering help to sign up, free of charge. said one young woman, responding with a no thanks. She shrugged her shoulders and averted her eyes under a cap that covered her from the late-morning sun. Since Election Day, Martinez said, people have been more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” she said. “They don’t want anything to do with it.”At the beginning of the year, we looked to our correspondents for tips of Among them was hope for change for millions of people who were to vote in elections in 50 countries. At least in the United States, that change turned out to be more of the same. Among the surprises, however, there was the end of a dynasty in Syria and the beginning of another in Indonesia. Here are some of the biggest stories of the past 12 months: If 1992 was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s , then it’s hard to know how she’d have ranked this year for ’s royal family. In January, her son and successor, Charles III, put out a rather benign statement that he would attend hospital the following week for a . The statement was made shortly after it was revealed his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, was expected to be in hospital for 10 to 14 days after undergoing abdominal surgery. Things would snowball from there. Weeks later, the King would announce he had been diagnosed with cancer. Catherine’s recovery was kept under wraps until the . A family photo was released, and it was a disaster. Even more questions were asked. Suddenly came an announcement: . Neither have been given the all-clear but have returned to light duties. Charles joined with Queen Camilla for a royal visit to Australia. But his relationships with son Harry and brother Andrew have continued to plague him. Our own Princess Mary, was in January after her mother-in-law, to make way for her son, Frederik. Two decades on from Mary’s fairytale wedding, she waved to the crowds in Copenhagen as the sovereign’s wife. Rumours have swirled about , and the Danish royals showed it ain’t just the Brits who have their problems. But 2024 was the year of the election. In Britain, Labor after 14 years of Conservative rule, with Keir Starmer moving into 10 Downing Street in a landslide victory. Within weeks, however, his popularity would start to tumble in a string of scandals and misjudgments. In the across the continent. ’s after beating Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD to second place in the European Parliament elections with 16 per cent. His problems at home reached a peak in December when he lost a confidence vote. In , the EU results triggered an electoral earthquake. after his party was resoundingly defeated by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. That result left the country without a clear winner but one clear loser: Macron. He continues to struggle to grasp any real power. But it was another story in France that shocked the nation and the world. Seventy-two-year-old grandmother Gisele Pelicot bravely retold , to stop rape from being swept under the carpet. In mass protests were sparked by the government’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the EU and push back on Russian influence. In the end, a pro-Russia former Manchester City footballer, . An election in , with the result annulled and voters to go back to the polls next year. In May, ’s Prime Minister attempt, during which he was shot five times. He recovered and is one of many populists slowly diluting Europe’s unity towards Ukraine and against . Another blow for that cause was ’s far-right Freedom Party, as they celebrated an , aligned himself closely with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his self-styled “illiberal democracy”. Kickl had also spoken of becoming Volkskanzler (people’s chancellor), which for some Austrians carries echoes of the term used to describe Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. War continues in after almost three years. Where and when it ends, no one knows. . President Volodymyr Zelensky has laid out a plan for peace. It’s likely many will die before that happens. s Vladimir Putin is scrambling to conquer as much territory as possible before those peace talks begin. Last month, while suffering its highest casualty rates of the war. This year, continued its re-engagement strategy with Australia, and finally agreed to trade and two beef exporters, ending the $20 billion of economic sanctions slapped on Australian industries during the Morrison government. Federal Treasurer when he went to Beijing in September. His trip tapped into ongoing concerns about China’s struggling economy and the flow-on impact on Australia. But the rapprochement has not dimmed security concerns posed by China’s increasingly aggressive tactics in the Indo-Pacific, which included confrontations with Australian naval forces and repeated clashes with Filipino vessels in the South China Sea this year that heightened fears of sparking a full-blown conflict. In the face of a drumbeat of negativity from economic analysts and investors, Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to reverse course in the second half of the year and began pursuing into his beleaguered housing sector. inaugurated drawing the ire of Beijing, which regards him as a “dangerous separatist” and responded by encircling the island. A second round of drills in October piled pressure onto Taiwan’s stretched defence systems. ’s Prime Minister as his government slid to record low approval ratings. His replacement in calling a snap election proved costly, leaving the governing Liberal Democratic Party scrambling to form a minority government. In November, on subversion charges under its Beijing-led national security crackdown, in a case that drew international condemnation for its perceived silencing of political dissent. It also reignited the . And in December, virtually imploded under President Yoon Suk Yeol who misread his electorate and fellow politicians, and only to have to . , he now awaits a court decision to confirm the parliamentary move. The year closed with the future of the Sino-American relationship, and hence global stability, facing a new era of uncertainty under the incoming second presidency of Donald Trump. Trump’s appointment of to key administration positions, and his , has set the stage for more turbulence between the two nations. After two failed attempts against Joko Widodo, Prabowo Subianto finally realised his decades-long dream of becoming president of . Widodo was constitutionally barred from running for a third term, so when his sniffing around for ways to run again went nowhere, the president and Prabowo teamed up for some win-win. Prabowo, the former son-in-law of late autocrat Suharto, enlisted Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to be his vice presidential running mate. Widodo then turned his back on his own party and threw his considerable political and popular weight behind his former enemy. Never mind his dodgy human rights track record as a military strongman, in a canter. After backroom deals with self-interested politicians and parties in the months leading up to October’s inauguration, the 73-year-old now sits atop a massive coalition, troubling democracy watchers. , too, underwent . Lee Hsien Loong stepped down in May after 20 years as prime minister, handing the reins to his deputy, Lawrence Wong. Wong inherited a middle power punching way above its weight division, a stable and wealthy nation in a region of regular upheaval. He is an erudite statesman and seems eminently capable, but he has shown little interest in loosening the government’s tight grip on free expression. leadership transition, meanwhile, was a bin fire. , which many Thais and observers consider a big-time cog in the self-serving military and royalist establishment. Pita Limjaroenrat’s Move Forward Party won the most votes in the 2023 election but was blocked from forming government by an unelected senate. Amid the chaos, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of controversial and once-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Vice President , President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, crossed into the unhinged. In October, she warned “Bong Bong” she would dig up his old man’s bones and throw them into the sea. Last month, she told the press of her if she was killed first. She really said this. The feud is unfolding amid investigations into Duterte’s alleged misuse of funds and her dad’s bloody “war on drugs”. It is not a great time for toxic politics in the Philippines, which is clashing almost weekly with China in the West Philippine Sea. In , which has its own claims to the South China Sea, To Lam inherited the job of Communist Party secretary-general after 80-year-old statesman . In his 12 years at the top (not to mention nearly three decades in the Politburo), Trong significantly reduced poverty rates, strengthened ties with the United States and implemented a fierce anti-corruption drive dubbed the “blazing furnace”. As is often the case in South-East Asia, and Communist regimes more broadly, he also preferred his dissenters in jail. Meanwhile, those who hoped leader Hun Manet’s considerable Western education might yield democratic changes . He was gifted the job by his ruthless and ageing father Hun Sen, who still pulls strings, only now as president of the Senate. If anything, the intimidation of opposition and arrests of protesters have only increased. The most high-profile arrest was journalist Mech Dara, whose reporting touched on the businesses of Ly Yong Phat, a senator, tycoon and Hun Sen adviser, . Dara was bailed several weeks after his October arrest after a coerced public apology, a typical ploy of the Huns’ regime that they think demonstrates their beneficence. , a nation with so much economic potential, continued to suffer repeated wrecking by military men. Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, still holds onto power through force despite serious losses to myriad armed opposition groups. ASEAN, a wet lettuce leaf among regional blocs, has been unable to bring the general to heel. Underscoring the complexity of this multi-front civil war, one of came at the hands of a group fighting the junta, when the Arakan Army slaughtered hundreds of innocent Rohingya Muslims near the border of Bangladesh in August. In recent weeks, however, two major armed rebel groups – Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and ally the Ta’ang National Liberation Army – signalled they were ready for peace talks. The most tragic case closer to Australia in South East Asia was the methanol poisoning of backpackers in in November, among them. , and investigations continue. The biggest election ever staged delivered a shock result in . Ahead of the national poll, concluded on June 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to romp home. But once the 642 million ballots were counted his , he needed to rely on other parties to control parliament. Modi has dominated Indian politics for the past decade, but now faces a more uncertain era of coalition government. Elsewhere on the subcontinent, 2024 was marked by political turmoil. In , Sheikh Hasina, prime minister for 20 of the past 28 years, was driven out by a vast display of people power on the streets of the capital city, Dhaka. After she made a dramatic escape to neighbouring India on August 5, her government was replaced by military-backed , an 84-year-old Nobel Laureate, economist and social entrepreneur. Yunus has the difficult task of building consensus for much-needed reforms and staging a fair election. There was political change in as well when the little-known former Marxist, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, emerged the surprise winner in a presidential election held in September. The country continues to grapple with the aftermath of a debilitating financial crisis in 2022. In the continues to roil politics and society. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), did surprisingly well in February elections and his supporters have since staged huge and sometime violent protests demanding his release. The power dynamics in the Middle East were dramatically reshaped this year, with on the ascendancy and its bitter rival, , substantially weakened. Iran’s President in May, and things only got worse from there for the hard-line rulers in Tehran. Israel and Iran traded missile fire at several points throughout the year, setting off fears of an all-out regional war. Thanks to Israel’s Iron Dome system and support from Western nations, the Iranian strikes caused minimal damage, while Iran’s missile-production capability was crippled. After the monumental intelligence failure of last year’s October 7 attacks, the Jewish state regrouped and achieved some significant strategic victories. The Israeli military assassinated the mastermind of the October 7 attacks, , in Gaza and Hezbollah leader in Beirut. After a year of tit-for-tat fighting on its border with Lebanon, Israel escalated the fight against Hezbollah. This began with the shock September against the Iranian proxy group and culminated in a ground invasion and air strikes on Lebanon. It ended on favourable terms for Israel, with Lebanese civilians paying a heavy price for a conflict many did not want to be involved in. Meanwhile, the devastating war in Gaza continues and there is still no clear vision for what will come when it is over. Almost 45,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war and over 100 Israeli hostages still remain in Gaza. In November, the against Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, reflecting widespread international horror at the war. At home, though, Netanyahu’s popularity has been creeping up. In the most surprising development of all, in a matter of days in December. Syrian rebels from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took advantage of Assad’s key allies – Russia and Iran – being distracted by fighting elsewhere and stormed into Damascus with remarkable ease. This has injected new uncertainty into the region, with Iran again the loser after losing a crucial ally in Assad. By contrast, ’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is emboldened and empowered after backing the rebel forces. This year was meant to culminate in an election rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. But after imploding on a debate stage in June, the ’ oldest president was forced to withdraw his bid for a second term, setting in motion one of the most extraordinary political comebacks in history. While Biden’s decision to upended the trajectory of the 2024 campaign and sparked fresh enthusiasm among voters, it was not enough to dent the anger millions of Americans felt over soaring cost-of-living pressures or immigration. In a victory so resounding even some Republicans were shocked, Trump not only won all seven battleground states, he also narrowly secured the popular vote and helped Republicans take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It was a remarkable turnaround for a former president who began the year facing 91 charges and four criminal trials: one in Washington for trying to subvert the 2020 election; one in Georgia for election interference in that state; another in Florida for mishandling classified documents; and one in New York for falsifying business records to cover up a . In the end, only the New York “hush money” trial would eventuate, resulting in Trump becoming the first convicted felon to run for the White House. A US Supreme Court decision to grant presidents substantial immunity for acts conducted in office helped him thwart all the other trials. Trump’s ascendancy was also fuelled by an at a rally in Pennsylvania – an event that shocked the world, reignited the debate over political violence, and created one of the most iconic images in political history. Two months later came – this time by a lone gunman hiding in the bushes of his golfing resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. In other North America news, environmental scientist Claudia Sheinbaum was elected ’s first female president; the war in Gaza sparked student uprisings at elite universities across the US; and Taylor Swift continued her global dominance, concluding her 149-show in after becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history. Interest in South America rose briefly in Australian minds last month owing to Prime Minister , for the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation annual summit, overshadowed by incoming US president Donald Trump’s economic agenda. Albanese then went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for this year’s G20. Neither , except to serve as further demonstration of in the region where it has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure. Take the new $5.6 billion port President Xi Jinping – who arrived pushing for an “orderly multipolar world” – inaugurated in Chancay, north of Lima. The intended continental logistics hub creates a direct route between Asia and South America across the Pacific Ocean. Apart from allowing Beijing to look beyond Australia and Asia for imports such as iron ore, wine and soybeans, the port could also, says the US, . China’s influence in the region could also extend to ground stations for Chinese satellites. In former president along with 36 others in a failed coup to reverse the last election and overthrow the government of President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva in a US Capitol-inspired takeover of Congress in 2022. He denies the charges, which add to his long list of legal woes. Lula, 79, had emergency brain surgery to relieve bleeding but was back to work in a few days. In the election of right-wing Trump-like disruptor and cloned-dog owner President provided some relief to the US, after to the alternative BRICS – the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa group that has evolved to admit myriad other countries, and hopes to launch an alternative trade currency to the US dollar. In new elections to power, but no one believed the results, which the opposition said were stolen and the UN human rights watchdog is investigating. The crisis-torn country was also in the headlines owing to campaign-mode In December, prominent human rights lawyer Claudio Grossman quit the International Criminal Court in The Hague over what he said was its failure to prosecute members of Maduro’s government for crimes against humanity. In early December, Argentina, Brazil, , and , under the bloc , signed a blockbuster free trade deal with the European Union. If ratified, it will create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering a market of 780 million people. But in France, the Netherlands and other countries with big dairy and beef industries, critics say it will create unfair competition. In , the year started with a large to discuss action against changes proposed by the new coalition government of Prime Minister Chris Luxon, including the watering down of policies previously designed to elevate Maori language and recognition. Tuheitia said the Treaty of Waitangi was not open for reinterpretation. , with King Charles leading the tributes, saying “a mighty tree has fallen”. His daughter, 27-year-old , was chosen by a council of 12 male elders to succeed him, over her two older brothers, although the crown is not automatically inherited. Tensions over the government’s “race-based” changes, and the introduction of a bill to reinterpret the treaty, spilt over when thousands participated in a , where that made headlines around the world. , in May after an electoral reform approved in Paris triggered protests and the . It sent hundreds of police to help stem the riots, including soldiers to secure the port and airports, which were closed, . . His government later blamed . Continuing its efforts to keep closer to Australia than to China, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese headed to PNG and along with Prime Minister James Marape, did a two-day Kokoda hike, complete with . It was all part of Anzac commemorations and soft diplomacy, which continues with the , helped along by . And a in later December, causing many deaths, hundreds of injuries and crippling the nation’s electricity, water and communications systems. – In , after the vote that ended apartheid and brought it to power. President Cyril Ramaphosa managed to retain his job after a coalition deal with the country’s second-biggest party, the Democratic Alliance. In added to evidence that two human species lived side-by-side 1.5 million years ago, in a closing reminder that humans are capable of getting along.

Brighton draws 0-0 with Brentford in lackluster Premier League encounter

Fusion, The Ultimate Energy Source As stable, reliable, cheap, and carbon-neutral energy supplies become an increasingly pressing issue, all eyes have been on nuclear solutions. This includes nuclear fission, or the splitting of heavy atoms like uranium, thorium, or plutonium. This technology is making a dramatic comeback on the back of the phasing out of coal and gas power plants, despite the need for baseload power generation, as well as the trends of electrification of transportation, heating, and industrial production. It is, however, not without problems, even for the more advanced 4th generation of nuclear power plants . Most notably, it still involves the handling of highly radioactive materials, something the public is still wary of and never going to be fully environmentally neutral. This is why scientists have been looking at the promises of nuclear fusion, which merge together atoms like hydrogen, the same phenomenon powering the Sun. Source: Nature This would use a fuel that is the most abundant element in the Universe and produce only harmless helium or lithium. It would also be powerful enough to make available essentially infinite energy, with zero risk of explosion or runaway chain reaction. The problem is that producing the required conditions is so hard to achieve that no fusion reactor has ever come close to commercialization so far. This might change in less than a decade, at least according to Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS). The company has just announced that it is moving toward building the first commercial fusion reactor in Virginia . CFS Reactor Project Commonwealth Fusion Systems is aiming for its ARC reactor to generate 400 MW for the Virginian power grid, which is enough to power 150,000 homes. This is a radical advancement for the field of nuclear fusion, as it always seemed that the first scale-up reactor was 20-30 years away. Even the massive international endeavor that is ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is not expected to be finished before 2039. In comparison, the CFS reactor is planned to be built on a site owned by the energy company Dominion ( D +0.2% ). They see it as feasible as early as the early 2030s. “Our customers’ growing needs for reliable carbon-free power benefits from as diverse a menu of power generation options as possible, and in that spirit, we are delighted to assist CFS in their efforts.” Edward H Baine – Dominion president Commonwealth Fusion Systems CFS Technology To understand how realistic this project is, we need to look at CFS history. The company was spun off MIT in 2018 and has raised $2B since, notably from Italian oil giant Eni. CFS is developing a fusion reactor based on the “classic” tokamak design, which forms a plasma in a torus (donut shape). Source: DOE (You can learn more about nuclear fusion and different reactor designs in “ Nuclear Fusion – The Ultimate Clean Energy Solution on the Horizon ” and superconductivity in “ Progress In Superconductivity Making Way For A New Technological Revolution ”) CFS uses high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets developed in collaboration with MIT. They will control and compress the deuterium-tritium plasma to create nuclear fusion. A liquid “blanket” captures that energy as heat, then transfers it to water that turns a steam turbine to generate power. Deuterium is available nearly everywhere and can be filtered from seawater, while ARC blankets will naturally produce tritium. In 2021, it developed a 20 tesla HTS magnet , an improvement of 100-1,000x in previous magnet performance and the largest ever built. These magnets are now assembled in a new, record-breaking design called the Central Solenoid Model Coil (CSMC) . In 2024, the company also published its technology for a high-current-density, high-temperature superconducting cable that feeds power to these magnets . The fuel usage will be very compact, like for all nuclear fusion technologies: “Because only small amounts are needed, 30 years of ARC fuel can be delivered by a single truck when a new plant opens, with no price change risks down the line and no linkages to globally fraught supply chains.” Upcoming Series Of Reactors The HTS magnets will be used to build SPARC , aiming to be the first net-energy fusion reactor, meaning it will produce more energy from fusion than it consumes by igniting the hydrogen plasma. SPARC is already in construction on CFS's campus in Massachusetts but has yet to produce its first plasma. Source: CFS If all goes well with the SPARC demonstrator, ARC , to be built in Virginia is the next step. Source: CFS While SPARC is there to test the technology, ARC will be there to test the economics of the design. Each ARC will be about the size of a big-box store with about the same site needs. Source: CFS The next step is to mass-produce ARC, aiming to reduce manufacturing costs and spread out R&D costs. Serious Endorsements CFS is not only endorsed by Dominion and Eni but also by the UK Atomic Energy Agency, with whom it signed a five-year collaboration deal in 2022 . The research efforts of CFS were financed by awards from two US Department of Energy efforts, Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA–E) and Fusion Energy Sciences (FES). The MIT’s experts are also closely involved with CFS: “Where the mission of the TFMC was to demonstrate a steady strength, the CSMC needed to demonstrate speed. Hundreds of hands have touched this coil, from its inception on the drafting board to its long and complicated test program. The ingenuity, perseverance, and heart shown by this close-knit team was as impressive as the coil that sprang from their labors.” Ted Golfinopoulos, one of the MIT Principal Investigators on fusion reactors. Assessment Of CFS Commonwealth Fusion Systems' achievements in magnet technology are world-class. Stable magnetic confinement, the central concept of a tokamak reactor, could prove the missing key to solving the puzzle of nuclear fusion. It is, in any case, going to be a very valuable technology, not just for fusion applications. However, it is a little early to say how optimistic the CFS goals and timeline are. Nuclear fusion is a field littered with promising prototypes that have turned out to be less stable or productive than hoped for. So, it is unclear if the extra power of CFS’ magnets will be enough to produce reliable, profitable fusion plasma. As an example of possible unsolved issues, the tritium-producing blanket inside the reactor might not be as productive or durable as expected, even if plasma generation goes smoothly. Collecting back the power and turning it into electricity without damage to the reactor for decades of operation might prove tricky as well. The confidence displayed by CFS and Dominion Energy, however, shows that nuclear fusion is making great progress. Together with AI able to develop new material or stabilize plasma in real-time , we might be just 1-2 decades away from unlimited cheap energy that would instantly allow for massively deploying desalination, space exploration, indoor farming, etc. Fusion Companies Currently, none of the companies dedicated solely to making nuclear fusion commercially viable are publicly listed. This includes Helion , General Fusion , Commonwealth Fusion , TEA Technologies , ZAP Energy , and NEO Fusion. You can find an extensive list of startups in the nuclear fusion space on the dedicated page of Dealroom . Still, one publicly-listed company has been active in the field of fusion, with a redirection of its concept from energy production to space propulsion: Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin Corporation Lockheed Martin Corporation ( LMT +0.16% ) One notable exception to privately-listed startups dominating the field is the publicly traded company Lockheed Martin Corporation , a giant of the defense industry. Lockheed used to work since the early 2010s on Compact Fusion , a nuclear fusion reactor it expected to be ready by the 2020s. However, it has since been announced that the work on the project was stopped in 2021. The company has been very discreet about this project since the initial public announcement. To this day, it is unclear what could have prompted the company to abandon the idea. At the same time, it seems that it did not fully abandon the concept, notably with investments in 2024 in Helicity, a startup developing a fusion engine . The idea is to propel spacecraft with short bursts of fusion. Helicity plans to use a plasma gun, the same approach as General Fusion. Potentially, Lockheed's internal results have shown that its design could not sustain fusion in a way that is compatible with energy production. But maybe, at the same time, are short bursts enough for the need for propulsion in space and much closer to becoming an actual product? It would also be a better fit with the company's overall aerospace and defense-focused profile. You can learn more about Lockheed, including its main activity in weapon manufacturing, in a dedicated report from November 2024 .The privatization of garbage collection services in Puerto Vallarta, under the administration of Mayor Luis Munguía, has sparked criticism due to various factors that directly affect residents and the environment. The problem arises from decisions made by the current concessionaire, as collection services were reduced to three times a week, despite daily waste generation by residents. This reduction has led to waste accumulation on the streets, causing foul odors and creating an unhealthy environment. This situation has increased the risk of infestations by rats, cockroaches, and flies, posing public health risks. Moreover, it impacts Puerto Vallarta's image as a tourist destination, as visible trash may deter visitors, undermining the city’s economic reliance on tourism. The cost of garbage collection was not negotiated adequately. While the aim was to avoid charging residents, the company agreed to operate only three days a week, implying that additional days would need to be covered by residents. In response, the municipal government has opted to pay for extra collection days during holidays and peak tourism seasons. However, what will happen once these busy periods end? Private companies typically operate for profit, potentially leading to additional charges or gradual fee increases. Many residents may find it difficult to afford higher costs for a service previously covered by public funds. Privatization also reduces direct government control over operations, leaving residents unable to demand immediate improvements from local authorities. Instead, they must navigate the private company’s bureaucracy. With the current administration granting a 15-year concession, revoking the contract in case of poor service becomes a significant challenge. Private operators often prioritize fast collection over sustainable practices like recycling. This approach can lead to waste reaching water bodies, harming biodiversity and polluting ecosystems. Privatization has also impacted municipal workers. Many were likely dismissed or rehired with lower wages and fewer benefits, a political issue that began with the previous administration, which dismissed hundreds of Puerto Vallarta city employees before leaving office. The private company may also hire workers with no ties to the community, reducing sensitivity to local needs. Puerto Vallarta’s economy heavily depends on tourism, and foul odors or trash accumulation can negatively impact visitors’ experiences. A decline in visual appeal damages the city’s reputation as a clean and safe destination, which could result in reduced tourist revenue, affecting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. The privatization of essential services like waste collection must be carefully evaluated, considering the effects on public health, the economy, and the environment. In this case, the decision has led to public discontent due to declining service quality and potential economic and tourism-related repercussions for Puerto Vallarta. Finding Solutions It is crucial for citizens to demand transparency in the concession contract and push for immediate solutions to improve service frequency and efficiency, ensuring the community's well-being remains a priority. In the meantime, residents of Puerto Vallarta can adopt strategies to manage waste and mitigate sanitation issues while waiting for collection services: Separate and compact waste to reduce volume and odor. Store trash in sealed containers to prevent pests. Organize neighborhood cleanup efforts to keep public areas tidy. While privatization has brought challenges, citizens can take immediate steps to manage waste and reduce sanitation concerns. Additionally, it is vital to demand long-term solutions from municipal authorities and the concessionaire to ensure an efficient and responsible waste collection service.

Vindication, revenge and responsibilitySan Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams. Wednesday's practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers. Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17. Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again. "I don't know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out," Shanahan said. "We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they're all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation)." The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021. Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom. Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury. "It's something I deal with every game," Warner said. "I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You're not going to be healthy. You've got to go out there, you've got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week." Shanahan wasn't interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night. He's not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey's ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023. "The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him," Shanahan said. "Christian is playing very well. He's playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world." San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear. --Field Level Media

Roborock makes history with out-of-this-world video campaign

Dow wanted to expand its Path2Zero zero-emission project from outside Fort Saskatchewan with a significant investment, but didn’t think the province’s depreciation rates were suitable. No problem: the rates were changed by the province – in seven days. The international pulp and paper behemoth, Mondi, wanted to promptly get environmental permits to move into the province. No problem: the permits came from the province in a speedy 90 days. The problem was: the province was Alberta, not British Columbia. And a bigger problem looms: Alberta is more aggressively big-game-hunting for investment now in Vancouver. It has opened an office here of the prodigious Crown corporation, Invest Alberta, and hired what it calls an “investment attraction advisor” – Brock Lalla, a former economist with PwC’s Canadian economic and policy practice. Based on its history of less than a half-decade, it would not be surprising to see some serious migration and expansion of B.C. businesses into our neighbouring province. In four years, Invest Alberta has attracted $24.9 billion in investment from around the world, counting for 33,481 jobs. Its CEO is himself a Vancouver expat appointed in 2021, Rick Christiaanse, and in keeping with the red-tape-averse culture, he reports directly to Premier Danielle Smith and not into the province’s bureaucracy. It is old news now that Alberta can put to shame most anything British Columbia might try to make for a better business and worker climate. Corporate taxes and housing prices are lower, salaries are higher, regulations are changed faster, construction permits are swifter. Little wonder an Angus Reid Institute poll earlier this year indicated more one-third of British Columbians – and half of all young people – were seriously considering leaving because of housing unaffordability. But housing costs are simply a symptom of a wider ailment, some of it tangible and some of it attitudinal. “Alberta’s claim to fame is that it can get things done,” Christiaanse told me. “We were in the wilderness for 10 years. We got desperate enough here that we had to figure out how to do this.” What it does is court investment, offering a concierge-like tailored suite of services to smooth the entry into the market – navigational assistance to streamline setup, marketing intelligence, networking leads, after-care services – in using its 17 offices worldwide to scout and secure significant investment. What it doesn’t do, though, might surprise you: It won’t write any cheques when business comes calling. It refuses to engage in the race to the bottom that many American cities and states will. “Our cheque-writing capacity is zero,” he says. “If you’re looking for a subsidy, that’s not our province.” Christiaanse, whose career includes stints as chief operating officer of the Skidmore Group and senior director of sales and marketing for Telus International, has been campaigning of late to demonstrate Alberta is not simply an oil and gas province. The province leads Canada in renewable energy growth. Amazon is building its first Canadian wind farm in southern Alberta; it already owns a solar project in the province, one of the largest in North America. Edmonton alone has four $1-billion-plus hydrogen energy plants under construction. Japanese firms Sumitomo and Itochu have extensive climate-change mitigation projects there. It is Alberta’s access to abundant energy, though, that often clinches the deal. “B.C. can’t build any more dams,” he notes. Mainly, he says though, business is saying: “I want stability.” The BC NDP government has its hands full at the moment, with a large and expanding deficit, declining per capita GDP, expensive health-care challenges, a CleanBC plan that will be costly across the province’s economy and relatively little business savvy at the helm. Even former NDP premier Glen Clark chided the Eby government to focus more on wealth creation than wealth redistribution. Christiaanse defines the challenge little differently than Clark: “We see the role as building prosperity.” What the world is saying when it takes its investment elsewhere are three things, he notes: “Bring me food security. Bring me energy security. And lately, bring me cybersecurity.” He plays down any B.C.-Alberta rivalry. “We need to be aligned,” he says. But he also notes that Alberta “had to hit rock bottom” before it initiated the changes it now offers investors as a calling card, without specifically suggesting that’s where B.C. now finds itself. “Vancouver is an incredible place to live,” he says. “But if you’re looking to take your business to a new level . . .” Kirk LaPointe is a Glacier Media columnist with an extensive background in journalism.Global Areca Plates Market Expansion Continues: Insights into USD 658.1 Mn Forecast - 2023-2031 12-27-2024 04:54 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Transparency Market Research Areca Plates Market The global Areca Plates Market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with market valuation projected to surge from USD 414.3 million in 2022 to surpass USD 658.1 million by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2031. This robust growth trajectory underscores the increasing demand for eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives to conventional disposable tableware across the globe. Market Overview: Areca plates, made from fallen areca palm leaves, offer an environmentally friendly solution for disposable tableware. They are biodegradable, compostable, and free from chemicals, making them an attractive choice for consumers and businesses seeking sustainable alternatives to plastic or paper-based products. The global Areca Plates Market is experiencing a surge in adoption, driven by the rising emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility among consumers, businesses, and governments. Furthermore, advancements in production techniques are enhancing the affordability and availability of areca plates, further fueling market expansion. Preview essential insights and takeaways from our Report in this sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=79282 Competitive Landscape The global Areca Plates Market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on product innovation, sustainability initiatives, and strategic collaborations. Prominent companies in the market include: Leef Blattwerk GmbH, Magnus Eco Concepts Private Limited, Vegware Ltd., Papstar GmbH, Deepam Ecogreen, Solia USA, Prakritii International Private Limited, Earthens, Eco Plam Leaf These companies are actively expanding their product portfolios and geographical reach to strengthen their market position. Key Market Drivers Growing Consumer Preference for Eco-Friendly Products As awareness of plastic pollution and environmental degradation rises, consumers are actively seeking sustainable products. Areca plates, with their natural composition and zero-waste production process, are becoming a preferred choice in both household and commercial settings. Government Regulations and Initiatives Governments worldwide are implementing stringent regulations to curb single-use plastics, creating a conducive environment for the growth of biodegradable tableware solutions like areca plates. Incentives and subsidies for eco-friendly product manufacturers are also contributing to the market's growth. Expanding Food Service Industry The food service industry, including catering, restaurants, and event management, is adopting areca plates to align with sustainability goals and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Market Trends •Customization: Increasing demand for personalized and aesthetically pleasing designs to cater to premium events and gatherings. •Technological Advancements: Innovations in production processes to enhance durability and reduce costs. •E-commerce Growth: Online platforms are emerging as key distribution channels, offering greater accessibility to consumers worldwide. Market Challenges and Opportunities While the Areca Plates Market presents significant growth opportunities, challenges such as the availability of raw materials and competition from other biodegradable tableware options persist. However, technological advancements in production and increasing investment in supply chain efficiency are expected to mitigate these issues. Additionally, expanding consumer awareness and growing partnerships between manufacturers and food service providers present lucrative opportunities for market players to tap into unexplored regions and demographics. Explore our report to uncover in-depth insights - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/areca-plates-market.html Regional Analysis The Areca Plates Market is witnessing robust growth across multiple regions: •Asia Pacific: The largest market for areca plates, driven by abundant availability of areca palm leaves, cost-effective manufacturing, and growing domestic and international demand. Countries such as India are key contributors due to their traditional use of areca products. •North America and Europe: Rising consumer awareness about sustainability and strict government regulations on single-use plastics are propelling market growth in these regions. •Middle East and Africa: Emerging markets with significant potential due to increasing awareness of eco-friendly alternatives. Market Segmentation Plate Size •Less than 8 inches •8 inches to 12 inches •More than 12 inches Application •Fruits & Vegetables •Processed Food •Ready-to-eat Meals •Other food products Sales Channel •Indirect Sales •Departmental & Discount Stores •Hypermarket/Supermarket •Specialty Stores •Online Sales •Direct Sales Future Outlook As global efforts toward sustainability intensify, the Areca Plates Market is expected to witness sustained growth. Increased investment in research and development, coupled with growing consumer awareness, will drive innovation and adoption. With rising demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the global Areca Plates Market is well-positioned to achieve robust expansion, offering environmentally conscious solutions for modern-day dining needs. Preview essential insights and takeaways from our Report in this sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=79282 More Trending Reports: Lamination Films Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/lamination-film-market.html Thermoformed Shallow Trays Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/thermoformed-shallow-trays-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. The firm scrutinizes factors shaping the dynamics of demand in various markets. The insights and perspectives on the markets evaluate opportunities in various segments. The opportunities in the segments based on source, application, demographics, sales channel, and end-use are analysed, which will determine growth in the markets over the next decade. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision-makers, made possible by experienced teams of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants. The proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques we use always reflect the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in all of its business reports. Contact Us: Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com This release was published on openPR.

Arne Slot explains why Real Madrid were a ‘pain in the a**’ after Liverpool win

Adcetera's creative partnership with Roborock sends the S8 MaxV Ultra into space HOUSTON , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Adcetera, a Houston -based digital marketing agency, announces the launch of a historic video campaign in partnership with Roborock , one of the world's leading robot vacuum brands. The campaign, centered around the theme "Beyond Limits," culminated in the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra being launched 120,000 feet above the Earth, making it the first robot vacuum in space. When Roborock began searching for an agency to develop a video campaign around their hashtag, #BeyondLimits, Adcetera's creatives stepped in to develop a narrative that could bring those two words to life. The resulting social media campaign features three scientists frustrated by outdated cleaning tools. Their solution? Invent the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. After putting the vacuum through a series of "Beyond Limits" tests, the scientists take it one step further and launch it into space. The collaboration included partnering with Sent into Space, a UK-based company specializing in sending objects into the upper stratosphere. On September 17, 2024 , the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra successfully launched from Sheffield, UK , reaching 120,000 feet above Earth and enduring extreme temperatures, thus proving the product's endurance and innovation. The project involved building a unique laboratory set, sourcing talent and hundreds of props, a post-production that included multiple special effects, and coordinating an international space launch — all executed with precision to ensure the project stayed on schedule, within budget, and within scope. Stella Lin , Marketing Specialist at Roborock, praised the collaboration: "It was a pleasure collaborating with Adcetera on these projects. I believe they not only demonstrate Roborock's exceptional product quality and groundbreaking achievements, but also serve as a strong testament to Adcetera's professional expertise." To date, the video series has collectively garnered tens of millions of views across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. "We're proud of how our team turned a larger-than-life idea — an idea that felt almost impossible — into reality," said Adcetera's Chief Creative Officer Rowan Gearon . "We're pushing creative boundaries just like Roborock pushes the limits of technology." About Adcetera Adcetera is a full-service, integrated digital marketing agency with an obsession to deliver innovative solutions that drive growth for brands. Headquartered in Houston, TX , with offices in Chicago, IL and The Woodlands, TX , they are a distinctively diverse team of innovators, creators, and leaders from around the world, deeply proud of the award-winning work and the ongoing value provided to brands, businesses, and communities for over 40+ years. Adcetera is a privately held, WBENC-certified, HUB-certified, woman-owned business. For more information visit adcetera.com . Follow on LinkedIn . Adcetera – Strategic. Creative. People. About Roborock Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. With a steadfast dedication to becoming a global leading smart appliance player, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in over 15 million homes across 170+ countries. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States , Japan , the Netherlands , Poland , Germany , and South Korea , Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/roborock-makes-history-with-out-of-this-world-video-campaign-302338415.html SOURCE ADCETERAIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah militants on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, starting at 4 a.m. Josef Federman, Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue, The Associated Press Nov 26, 2024 3:19 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Israeli warplanes fly over Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah militants on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, starting at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Hours before the ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. The warnings sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. ___ Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Josef Federman, Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News Nebraska judge's ruling edges the state closer to legalizing medical marijuana Nov 26, 2024 3:17 PM Nebraska judge's ruling edges the state closer to legalizing medical marijuana Nov 26, 2024 3:10 PM Brazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in a 2022 coup plot, unsealed police report alleges Nov 26, 2024 2:58 PM Featured Flyer

SEC THIS WEEKRecord monthly rainfall in Tairāwhiti was followed by dangerous high wind leaving sections of State Highway 2 impassable. Police urged motorists to avoid SH2 near the Wharerata Rd lookout if possible at 2.15pm today due to high winds knocking trees down and leaving parts of the road impassable at times. “The highway is extremely treacherous,” the local police spokesman said. “We’ve had a lot of near misses on the road today, vehicles with blown tyres and one vehicle that hit a rock that had come down,” he said. “Road crews are working hard to clear the obstructions.” More than a month’s worth of rain fell on Boxing Day in Gisborne in what was a record for the wettest December here since records were taken in 1937. A MetService spokesman told on Friday that the Thursday rainfall pushed the city’s December rainfall total to 206.9mm. The previous record was 204mm set in 1954. Gisborne had the best weather in the country on Christmas Day but a day later was enduring conditions among the worst as a wet deluge arrived from the north, followed by a dose from the south. It resulted in significant rainfall figures for Gisborne city and other areas of Tairāwhiti. Boxing Day rainfall at the airport amounted to 89.4mm. Rainfall levels in the city also forced Gisborne District Council to open the emergency sewer valves at pump stations into the Taruheru and Tūranganui rivers to prevent sewage overflowing into properties. Debris built up again on the city beaches after contractors had these looking good before Christmas after last week’s southerly blast. On Christmas Day, Gisborne’s temperature got up a national high of around 28 degrees beneath beautiful blue skies before the rain came late afternoon-early evening. Gisborne city received substantial falls that caused surface flooding in some streets. The figures from the council website show 74mm in the 24 hours to 11am yesterday and 118mm in the previous seven days in Wheatstone Rd, 75mm and 123mm in the Paraone Rd rain gauge, 65mm and 112min in Stout St. A selection of other 24-hour/7-day falls reported on the website at 11am yesterday were as follows - Mangapoike 104/142; Wharerata 142/195; Waerenga-o-Kuri 60/90; Te Arai 70/122; Mangatu 47/79; Ngatapa 43/74; Maraetaha 68/116; Hikuwai No 4 bridge 93/143; Mangaheia 116/181; Waipaoa at Kanakanaia 42/69; Wharekopae River 39/60; Waikohu River 41/74; Tokomaru Bay 87/137, Panikau Rd 107/180; Ruatōria 57/101; Te Puia 106/167; Poroporo (SH35 bridge) 44/93; Waimata (Monowai) 79/137; Karakatuwhero River 23/77; Ūawa (SH35 bridge); Caesar Road No1 bore 42/95; Puawa 97/174; Tatapouri 78/130; Waimata (Goodwins) 78/141; Matawai 24/51; Waikura Valley 24/105; Wharekahika 20/83. The council reported on Boxing Day the city’s wastewater system was flooded with intense periods of rainfall draining from residential properties. “To prevent sewage from overflowing back into homes and on to roads and causing a significant health risk, we must release the excess water,” the council said in social media. “To do this we opened the emergency sewer valve at Oak St into the Taruheru River and Gladstone Rd Bridge into the Tūranganui River at 1pm that day. “We only open the valves when it was absolutely necessary and only in the areas with issues ... the discharge is highly diluted with rain water, but still poses a health risk.” As is procedure, the council notified the Hauora Tairāwhiti Medical Officer of Health, along with water user and sports groups. Temporary health warning signs were put up. “We advise no swimming, fishing or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches until at least five days after the valves are closed and warning signs are removed.” As of Friday, the valves remained open. The river flow was strong over Boxing Day and Friday, carrying plenty of woody debris - along with an old and empty dinghy - with build-ups forming against the Gladstone Rd and railway bridges. The region’s state highway network remained open. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised caution in some areas, particularly at the various roadwork sites across the region. The weather got the better of one of the festive season trips planned for the Gisborne City Vintage Railway steam train WA165 on Friday. “GCVR had to cancel Friday’s excursion due to the weather conditions with predicted winds of up to 90km an hour,” a spokeswoman said. “That was outside safe operating - particularly on the big bridge (Waipaoa). “Anyone who has already purchased tickets from the i-Site will be able to choose from either refund, or ticket exchange for the excursion today (Saturday), or the one of January 2 (subject to availability).” The MetService forecast for Saturday was rain, easing in the afternoon, and southerlies strong at first, gusting up to 90km/h. A strong wind watch was in place. Sunday’s forecast is partly cloudy with the chance of a shower until evening; southerlies easing in the evening. More rain is forecast for Monday and New Year’s Eve. A heavy rain warning remained in place for the Wairoa district yesterday.