Anxiety about money, gun violence and hate crimes ranked high on list of American's concerns Limiting your news consumption may help ease stress and anxiety More than before, Americans surveyed say they'll make mental health resolutions for 2025 FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Should you cut back on doom scrolling in 2025? Worries about money, gun violence and hate crimes ranked high among many people's lists of worries at the end of 2024, according to a poll that is part of American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly opinion poll series. The survey included 2200 U.S. adults. Reducing news consumption may be beneficial for your mental health , experts say. "If current events seem overwhelming it may be time to limit your news consumption,” Dr. Marketa Wills , medical director of the APA, said. “While we like to stay informed, the news can also impact our mental health, and being mindful of that impact is important," Wells said in a news release. According to the APA's research, American adults have remained most anxious about the economy and gun violence throughout 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, more than 1/3 of Americans surveyed (33%) say they will make mental health-related New Year’s resolutions, which is a 5% increase from last year. In fact, the increase is the highest result the APA has collected since it began asking the question in 2021. As usual, many people report that they will pledge to be more physically active in 2025; other resolutions focus on participating in mentally healthy activities. Spend more time in nature (46%) Meditation (44%) Focus on spirituality (37%) Take a social media break (30%) Journaling (29%) “A new year brings with it new opportunities but also renewed concerns about the very important issues that impact our lives,” Wills said, adding that “any time of the year, mental health matters. Staying mindful of how we’re doing while taking active steps to care for ourselves is a terrific resolution.” More information The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has more on stress and anxiety management. SOURCE: American Psychiatric Association (APA), news release, Dec. 13, 2024; APA, press release, Dec. 18, 2024 If you make resolutions, consider starting or re-starting a practice that will nurture your mental health, such as meditating or taking a break from social media.188jili site 。

Now, Ola Electric’s CMO & CTPO QuitPop icon Madonna has found herself in the middle of a heated controversy after sharing AI-generated images of herself with Pope Francis. The provocative photos, created using artificial intelligence, show Madonna in a series of poses with the religious leader, leading to intense backlash on social media. The images have triggered widespread debate about the ethical implications of using AI to blend sacred symbols with modern art and personal branding. Fans and critics have slammed the pop star of crossing boundaries and others debating the intersection of technology, creativity, and faith. Social media reactions: Fans and followers share outrage Following Madonna’s recent social media post featuring AI-generated images of herself with Pope Francis, fans and followers have flooded the internet with sharp reactions. The provocative image has ignited widespread debate, and social media users are not holding back their opinions. Here’s what people are saying: One user remarked, "That is very creepy!" expressing how unsettling they found the image. Another added, "So inappropriate," highlighting the perceived disrespect in the post. A confused user questioned, "What the hell is this?" showing their shock at the unexpected post. One response was blunt: "Seriously? She's too old," criticizing the use of AI-generated images for attention-seeking behavior. Another plea came through: "Stop AI please," reflecting concerns about the overreach of artificial intelligence in blending sacred imagery with modern trends. A user labeled it as "a mockery," emphasizing how the image has triggered feelings of offense among many viewers. One said, "She now has to stoop to that level for attention," accusing the singer of desperation for publicity. Another comment read, "Madonna is desperate for attention," suggesting that the move was calculated and unnecessary. One viewer remarked in disbelief, "What is wrong with this old lady?" questioning her intentions behind sharing the image. Many are now grappling with the ethics of technology meeting tradition, as reflected by a comment that said, "Madonna's AI-generated images of Pope Francis are causing a stir. Are we crossing a line when tech meets tradition? Ethics in AI just got a whole lot messier." This has prompted an ongoing conversation about the ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence in social media and art.

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SAN FRANCISCO — The parents of a former OpenAI researcher known for recently blowing the whistle on the company’s business practices are questioning the circumstances of their son’s death last month. In an interview this week, Suchir Balaji’s mother and father expressed confusion and shock over his sudden passing, expressing doubt their son could have died by suicide, as determined by the county medical examiner. The family hired an expert to perform an independent autopsy but has yet to release the report’s findings. “We’re demanding a thorough investigation — that’s our call,” said Balaji’s mother, Poornima Ramarao. San Francisco police found Balaji dead in his Lower Haight apartment on Nov. 26, less than a week after his 26th birthday. The San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office later told this news agency his death was ruled a suicide, though a final autopsy report has yet to be released while the office completes toxicology tests. Earlier this month, San Francisco police officials said there is “currently, no evidence of foul play.” Balaji’s death sent shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley and the artificial intelligence industry. He garnered a national spotlight in late October when he accused his former employer, OpenAI, of breaking federal copyright law by siphoning data from across the internet to train its blockbuster chatbot, ChatGPT. His concerns backed up allegations aired in recent years by authors, screenwriters and computer programmers who say OpenAI stole their content without permission, in violation of U.S. “fair use” laws governing how people can use previously published work. Media companies have been among those to sue the company, including The Mercury News and seven of its affiliated newspapers, and, separately, The New York Times. In an interview with The New York Times published in October 2024, Balaji described his decision to leave the generative artificial intelligence company in August while suggesting that its data collection practices are “not a sustainable model for the internet ecosystem as a whole. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he told the newspaper. By Nov. 18, Balaji had been named in court filings as someone who had “unique and relevant documents” that would support the case against OpenAI. He was among at least 12 people — many of them past or present OpenAI employees — to be named by the newspaper in court filings as having material helpful to their case. His death a week later has left Balaji’s parents reeling. In an interview at their Alameda County home this week, his mother said her only child “was an amazing human being, from childhood.” “No one believes that he could do that,” Ramarao said about his taking his own life. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment but in a statement to Business Insider said it was “devastated” to learn of Balaji’s death and said they had been in touch with his parents “to offer our full support during this difficult time.” “Our priority is to continue to do everything we can to assist them,” the company’s statement read. “We first became aware of his concerns when The New York Times published his comments and we have no record of any further interaction with him. “We respect his, and others’, right to share views freely,” the statement added. “Our hearts go out to Suchir’s loved ones, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning his loss.” Related Articles National News | Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds National News | Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? National News | Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say National News | Powerful thunderstorms threaten Texas and Louisiana, delaying holiday travel National News | Today in History: December 27, Benazir Bhutto assassinated Born in Florida and raised in the Bay Area, Balaji was a prodigy from an early age, his mother told this news agency. He spoke her name at 3 months old; at 18-months he would ask “me to light a lamp to cheer me up” and could recognize words at 20 months, she said. Balaji appeared to have a knack for technology, math and computing, taking home trophies and earning renown, including in the 2016 United States of America Computing Olympiad. In 2020, he went to work for OpenAI — viewing the company’s then-commitment to operating as a nonprofit as admirable, his mother said. His opinion of the company soured in 2022 while he was assigned to gather data from the internet for the company’s GPT-4 program, the New York Times reported. The program analyzed text from nearly the entire internet to train its artificial intelligence program, the outlet reported. Ramarao said she wasn’t aware of her son’s decision to go public with his concerns about OpenAI until the paper ran his interview. While she immediately harbored anxiety about his decision — going so far as to implore him to speak with a copyright attorney — Ramarao also expressed pride in her son’s bravery. ‘He kept assuring me, ‘Mom, I’m not doing anything wrong — go see the article. I’m just saying, my opinion, there’s nothing wrong in it,” said Ramarao, herself a former employee of Microsoft who worked on its Azure cloud computing program. “I supported him. I didn’t criticize him. I told him, ‘I’m proud of you, because you have your own opinions and you know what’s right, what’s wrong.’ He was very ethical.” After leaving the company, Balaji settled on plans to create a nonprofit, one centering on the machine learning and neurosciences fields, Ramarao said. He had already spoken to at least one venture capitalist for seed funding, she said. “I’m asking, like, ”How will you manage your living?’ ” Ramarao said. She recalled how her son repeatedly tried to assuage any concerns about his finances, suggesting that “money is not important to me — I want to offer a service to humanity.” Balaji also appeared to be keeping a busy schedule. He turned 26 while on a backpacking trip in the Catalina Islands with several friends from high school. Such trips were commonplace for him — in April he went with several friends to Patagonia and South America. Balaji last spoke to his parents on Nov. 22, a 10-minute phone call that centered around his recent trip and that ended with his talking about getting dinner. “He was very happy,” Ramarao said. “He had a blast. He had one of the best times of his life.” Ramarao remembers calling her son shortly after noon on Nov. 23 but said it rang once and went to voicemail. Figuring that he was busy with friends, she didn’t try visiting his apartment until Nov. 25, when she knocked but got no answer. She said she called authorities that evening but was allegedly told by a police dispatch center that little could be done that day. She followed up Nov. 26, and San Francisco police later found Balaji’s body inside his apartment. Ramarao said she wasn’t told of her son’s death until a stretcher appeared in front of Balaji’s apartment. She was not allowed inside until the following day. “I can never forget that tragedy,” Ramarao said. “My heart broke.” Ramarao questioned authorities’ investigation of her son’s death, claiming that San Francisco police closed their case and turned it over to the county medical examiner’s office within an hour of discovering Balaji’s body. Ramarao said she and her husband have since commissioned a second autopsy of Balaji’s body. She declined to release any documents from that examination. Her attorney, Phil Kearney, declined to comment on the results of the family’s independent autopsy. Last week, San Francisco police spokesman Evan Sernoffsky referred questions about the case to the medical examiner’s office. David Serrano Sewell, executive director of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, declined to comment. Sitting on her living room couch, Ramarao shook her head and expressed frustration at authorities’ investigative efforts so far. “As grieving parents, we have the right to know what happened to our son,” Ramarao said. “He was so happy. He was so brave.” If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.

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The 54-year-old TV presenter revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and later underwent a mastectomy during which her breast plus two lymph glands were removed before reconstruction took place. Bradbury has since stopped drinking alcohol and has changed the priorities in her life, but revealed she has received some pushback on social media from sharing her approach. She told The Times Weekend magazine: “I wasn’t close to death, but death looked me in the eyes. So I am more focused on my health than I ever have been. “I don’t drink, I eat a healthy diet and exercise every day. “When I came home from my mastectomy, I promised I would spend time outside every day, and that is my mantra, however poor it might be in this shitty winter.” Bradbury, who has since been given the all-clear, said a doctor recently helped her reframe how she utilises her energy. She recalled: “He said, ‘This drive that you have – you’re running on a credit card. You can push through all sorts of things. But is that the best thing for you?’. “I realised you don’t have to win every race. You don’t have to overcome everything. I don’t want to max out the credit card.” The presenter previously discussed her experience in an ITV documentary, Julia Bradbury: Breast Cancer And Me, which followed her as she came to terms with her diagnosis and prepared to undergo her single mastectomy. She also regularly shares her wellness and fitness tips with her more than 270,000 Instagram followers. However, she revealed she has had pushback from people saying, “I was healthy, I go to the gym, I got cancer, and now its metastasised and I’ve got secondary cancer. So are you blaming me for my illness?”. Responding to the accusations, she added: “No. All I’m saying is, this is what I went through. It was a wake-up call, and it made me look at life differently. “It made me prioritise my sleep, emotional health, and give more time to my loved ones. “If I drink more than four units of alcohol a week, my risk of reoccurrence goes up by 28%. But people find me giving up drinking infuriating.” Bradbury, who has a 13-year-old son Zephyr, and nine-year-old twins Xanthe and Zena, said having children later in life has caused her to not be as “patient” as she feels she should be at times after becoming more set in her own ways. “People think that after you’ve got a cancer diagnosis, you become this beautiful angel with a halo, and a super mum and do everything right”, she added. “But no, you make the same mistakes. I lose my temper, and I can hear myself saying things that I can’t believe I’m saying. “None of us know what we’re doing, really. We’re just doing our best. I know they do have lots of love. They are told that they’re loved every day.”

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Mumbai: Russian national Pavel Prozorov is the mastermind in the fraudulent activities via OctaFx India Pvt Ltd, through unauthorized forex trading , allegedly earning over Rs 800 crore, said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the chargesheet filed before the special court against him and 53 others. The agency attached Pavel's Spanish assets valued at Rs 42 crore after collecting their details and plans to enforce the attachment order in Spain through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). The OctaFx has no office or any base in India, but is conducting business in the country, said the ED. Pavel, collaborating with Russian partners and two non-resident Indians, used OctaFx's forex trading application to mislead investors with promises of high returns. The ED's investigation showed OctaFx illegally transferred fraudulently earned profit internationally using false import documents through mule accounts (provision by shell firms-individual charging commission). According to the ED's chargesheet, OctaFx's CEO Anna Rudaia, who managed Indian operations, fled from India through illegal routes last year when investigations into her organisation began, as there was a look-out circular against her. The chargesheet lists 13 individuals and 41 companies. Many of the firms are based abroad and under the control of Pavel and an Indian-based dubious e-commerce firm and individuals who had provided mule accounts. The ED Thu issued a press release stating, "The platform gained traction through aggressive promotions, including sponsoring an IPL team, and engaged various production agencies for influencer marketing. Payments to these production agencies were made as foreign inward remittances, through two Estonia-based companies, both related entities of OctaFx and controlled by Pavel Prozorov." The inquiry showed OctaFx's primary involvement in gathering funds from Indian investors under false forex trading premises. The platform frequently changed login URLs and web addresses to hide fraudulent activities, manipulated trades causing investor losses, and diverted funds to e-wallets and fictitious accounts. The organisation utilised fintech workers to create mule accounts linked to shell companies and fake e-commerce websites for payment gateway access. Funds were partially used in online trading, whilst others provided returns to select investors and funded personal luxuries. The platform expanded through social media and referral schemes. Between July 2022 and April 2023, OctaFx generated approximately Rs 800 crore from Indian operations, deemed proceeds of crime. The ED's test account exposed the money laundering scheme, revealing multiple Indian bank accounts connected to commission-based shell companies, with Pavel Prozorov controlling operations through Indian nationals in Spain and Russia. In the chargesheet, the ED said money laundering scheme involved layering illicit funds to further obscure their origins. Once the investor funds were deposited into accounts controlled by shell companies, they were transferred to multiple bank accounts held by various shell entities, which were managed and operated by certain individuals. These mule accounts served as intermediaries, enabling the movement of funds while concealing the true identities of the account holders. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that a portion of the investors' funds was diverted into SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), lending a façade of legitimacy to the illicit funds. Mumbai: Russian national Pavel Prozorov is the mastermind in the fraudulent activities via OctaFx India Pvt Ltd, through unauthorized forex trading, allegedly earning over Rs 800 crore, said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the chargesheet filed before the special court against him and 53 others. The agency attached Pavel's Spanish assets valued at Rs 42 crore after collecting their details and plans to enforce the attachment order in Spain through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). The OctaFx has no office or any base in India, but is conducting business in the country, said the ED. Pavel, collaborating with Russian partners and two non-resident Indians, used OctaFx's forex trading application to mislead investors with promises of high returns. The ED's investigation showed OctaFx illegally transferred fraudulently earned profit internationally using false import documents through mule accounts (provision by shell firms-individual charging commission). According to the ED's chargesheet, OctaFx's CEO Anna Rudaia, who managed Indian operations, fled from India through illegal routes last year when investigations into her organisation began, as there was a look-out circular against her. The chargesheet lists 13 individuals and 41 companies. Many of the firms are based abroad and under the control of Pavel and an Indian-based dubious e-commerce firm and individuals who had provided mule accounts. The ED Thu issued a press release stating, "The platform gained traction through aggressive promotions, including sponsoring an IPL team, and engaged various production agencies for influencer marketing. Payments to these production agencies were made as foreign inward remittances, through two Estonia-based companies, both related entities of OctaFx and controlled by Pavel Prozorov." The inquiry showed OctaFx's primary involvement in gathering funds from Indian investors under false forex trading premises. The platform frequently changed login URLs and web addresses to hide fraudulent activities, manipulated trades causing investor losses, and diverted funds to e-wallets and fictitious accounts. The organisation utilised fintech workers to create mule accounts linked to shell companies and fake e-commerce websites for payment gateway access. Funds were partially used in online trading, whilst others provided returns to select investors and funded personal luxuries. The platform expanded through social media and referral schemes. Between July 2022 and April 2023, OctaFx generated approximately Rs 800 crore from Indian operations, deemed proceeds of crime. The ED's test account exposed the money laundering scheme, revealing multiple Indian bank accounts connected to commission-based shell companies, with Pavel Prozorov controlling operations through Indian nationals in Spain and Russia. In the chargesheet, the ED said money laundering scheme involved layering illicit funds to further obscure their origins. Once the investor funds were deposited into accounts controlled by shell companies, they were transferred to multiple bank accounts held by various shell entities, which were managed and operated by certain individuals. These mule accounts served as intermediaries, enabling the movement of funds while concealing the true identities of the account holders. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that a portion of the investors' funds was diverted into SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), lending a façade of legitimacy to the illicit funds. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss yearly career horoscopes 2025 for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .Tata Motors, a leading manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles, has proposed an initial investment of ₹914 crore to set up a new vehicle manufacturing project in Tamil Nadu. The company officially broke ground for the new factory on September 28 at Panapakkam in Ranipet District, located approximately 85 km from Chennai. The upcoming greenfield facility will focus on the production of high-end cars and SUVs, both under the Tata Motors brand and its luxury division, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). As per the agreement signed with the Tamil Nadu government, Tata Motors has committed to an overall investment of ₹9,000 crore for this ambitious project, which will be executed in phases over several years. In the first phase, Tata Motors plans to invest ₹914 crore to construct a manufacturing plant over a built-up area of 52,000 square meters, out of a total land space of 19,02,022.5 square meters, as per the documents filed to seek environmental clearance. The construction of the proposed factory is expected to take approximately 15 months and the new factory will employ about 1,500 employees. The company had stated that the new facility will have an annual production capacity of more than 2.5 lakh units, with production ramping up over the next 5 to 7 years to meet this target. The new facility is expected to serve as a central hub for the production of next-generation cars and SUVs, including electric and luxury vehicle models. In addition to the new plant, Tata Motors is focused on building a local supplier base in the region, aimed at creating a localised manufacturing ecosystem and improving supply chain efficiency. At a recent event organized by EEPC India in Chennai, JLR officials offered businesses the opportunity to engage directly with the company, discussing its procurement policies, technological innovations, and sustainability efforts. JLR operates globally with key facilities in the UK, the US, India, China, and other regions. The company’s prestigious brand portfolio includes Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar. Additionally, JLR produces bespoke vehicles through its Special Vehicle Operations division and preserves the legacy of its iconic cars through its Classic Vehicles programme. Tata Motors’ factory in Pune currently assembles the Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar F-PACE, and Discovery Sport models. Comments

Lautaro Martinez ends goal drought as Inter keep pressure on Serie A leadersIndia’s love for snacks is unparalleled, with a diverse array of regional flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. Over the years, Indian snacks brands have evolved to cater to changing consumer demands while preserving the authenticity of traditional recipes. By blending nostalgia with innovation, these brands have carved a niche in both domestic and international markets. Here’s a look at the top 10 best Indian snacks brands in 2025 , offering everything from spicy namkeens to gourmet treats. 1. Haldiram’s A household name in India, Haldiram’s has been a pioneer in the snacks industry for decades. Known for its extensive range of namkeens, sweets, and ready-to-eat snacks, Haldiram’s continues to dominate the market. Why It’s Popular : Authentic taste with consistent quality Global presence in over 80 countries Innovative packaging for freshness Haldiram’s is synonymous with classic Indian snacks like bhujia, kachori, and soan papdi. 2. Bikano Bikano, a brand by Bikanervala, is celebrated for its premium range of namkeens, sweets, and frozen snacks. It combines traditional flavors with modern production techniques. Key Highlights : Affordable and widely available Focus on hygienic manufacturing Ready-to-cook options Bikano is a go-to choice for quick snacks and festive gifting. 3. Balaji Wafers Hailing from Gujarat, Balaji Wafers has grown into one of India’s leading snacks brands, offering high-quality chips and namkeens. What Makes It Unique : Fresh and flavorful products Wide variety of chips, including masala, plain salted, and exotic flavors Strong regional and national presence Balaji Wafers is a favorite among young snack lovers for its affordability and taste. 4. ITC Bingo! Bingo! by ITC has redefined snacking with its quirky marketing campaigns and unique product offerings. It appeals to a younger audience looking for bold flavors. Top Features : Fun and experimental flavors like Tandoori Paneer and Masala Chaat Innovative shapes like Mad Angles and Potato Chips Strong presence in urban and rural markets Bingo! has positioned itself as a contemporary, fun brand for the adventurous snacker. 5. Kurkure A product of PepsiCo, Kurkure has become a cultural phenomenon in India, offering crunchy, masala-filled snacks that resonate with Indian taste buds. Why It Stands Out : Bold and spicy flavors Continuous innovation with new product lines Extensive advertising campaigns Kurkure’s tagline, “Tedha Hai Par Mera Hai,” perfectly encapsulates its quirky appeal. 6. Parle Famous for its biscuits like Parle-G, Parle also excels in the snacks segment with offerings such as Monaco and KrackJack. Highlights : Timeless products loved by all age groups Affordable pricing Iconic packaging Parle snacks evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining their relevance in the modern market. 7. Lay’s Lay’s, another PepsiCo brand, is renowned for its premium quality chips and wide range of flavors. Key Features : International flavors customized for Indian tastes, like Magic Masala Strong presence in both urban and rural areas Effective celebrity endorsements Lay’s remains a leader in the potato chips segment, offering consistent quality and innovative flavors. 8. Prataap Snacks (Yellow Diamond) Known for its Yellow Diamond brand, Prataap Snacks offers a variety of affordable and delicious options. Unique Selling Points : Focus on regional tastes Expanding into baked and healthier snack options Growing footprint across India Prataap Snacks caters to both traditional and contemporary snack preferences. 9. Too Yumm! Too Yumm! has disrupted the snacks industry with its focus on healthier options without compromising on taste. Backed by Virat Kohli, it targets health-conscious consumers. What Makes It Different : Baked snacks instead of fried Gluten-free and high-fiber options Youth-centric branding and marketing Too Yumm! offers guilt-free snacking with an emphasis on wellness. 10. Chitale Bandhu A legacy brand from Maharashtra, Chitale Bandhu is renowned for its traditional snacks like bhakarwadi and farsan. Why It’s Loved : Authentic Maharashtrian flavors Handcrafted products with a homely touch Perfect for festive occasions Chitale Bandhu keeps the essence of traditional Indian snacks alive while expanding to new markets. Why Indian Snacks Brands Are Thriving The success of these Indian snacks brands stems from their ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences while staying true to their roots. Key factors contributing to their growth include: Cultural Significance : Snacks play an integral role in Indian households. Innovation : Constantly introducing new flavors and healthier options. Global Reach : Indian brands are gaining popularity internationally. The Future of Indian Snacks Brands As consumers become more health-conscious, snacks brands are expected to focus on healthier alternatives, such as baked, gluten-free, and organic options. Additionally, the integration of technology for better supply chain management and e-commerce platforms will further enhance their reach. Conclusion From the iconic Haldiram’s to the innovative Too Yumm!, these top 10 best Indian snacks brands in 2025 represent the rich culinary heritage of India. They combine tradition with innovation, offering something for everyone. As the snacks industry evolves, these brands will continue to shape the future of snacking, delighting taste buds across the globe.Elections in Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has come out against Muhammad Yunus’ suggestion to reduce the minimum voting age to 17. It said it would delay the elections in the country. Earlier during his Victory Day address on December 16, Yunus hinted that the general elections might occur between late 2025 and early 2026, New Delhi: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has raised concerns over chief adviser of interim government Muhammad Yunus’ suggestion to reduce the minimum voting age to 17, arguing that such a move could delay the upcoming general elections and place undue pressure on the Election Commission. Yunus (84) who took over the leadership of the interim government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country in August after a student-led uprising, proposed the idea during a video message at an election dialogue on Friday. The Nobel laureate cited the importance of empowering youth and to have a say in shaping their future, Yunus said, “To give their opinion on their own future, I think the voting age for them should be fixed at 17 years.” A new voter list in Bangladesh? BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir while responding to Yunus’ statement said that implementing such a proposal would necessitate the creation of a new voter list, delaying the election process. Speaking at the Jatiya Press Club, Alamgir expressed concerns that the interim government might be intentionally stalling the elections. Alamgir emphasised that the current voting age of 18 is widely accepted and that any changes should be initiated by the Election Commission through consultation with political stakeholders. “You are the chief executive, and when you make such a suggestion, it becomes binding on the Election Commission,” Alamgir said, adding that the matter should have been left to the commission to decide. Elections in late 2025 and early 2026 During his Victory Day address on December 16, Yunus hinted that the general elections might occur between late 2025 and early 2026, following necessary voter list updates. He also suggested that the age limit for becoming a Member of Parliament could be reduced from 25 to 21, aligning with broader electoral reforms aimed at enhancing youth participation. Yunus defended his proposal by highlighting the significant role of young people in driving change and their strong connection to emerging technologies. He noted, “The population of young people in the country is huge, and their relation with the emerging information technology provides them the strength.” Click for more latest World news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Prabhakar Jha is currently working as Chief Copy Editor at News9 Digital. He has over eight years of experience in this field. He has a keen interest in politics and world affairs.

NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi . Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on the social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called on Syrians to resist the emerging rebel-led government after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, saying the uprising was orchestrated by the West. Speaking in an address on December 22, Khamenei said Syrians, especially the country's youth, "should stand with strong will against those who designed and those who implemented the insecurity." Assad left the country in the late hours of December 8 after the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies -- some of whom are linked with Turkey -- overran government forces in a blitz offensive. While Assad was granted political asylum in Russia by President Vladimir Putin after more than five decades of iron-fisted rule by his family, the HTS has since moved quickly to establish an interim government, and its leader, Riad al-Asaad, has said he is confident the factions that helped topple Assad will unite as one force. HTS and the transitional government have insisted the rights of all Syrians will be protected, but Khamenei said he believes a group aligned with the Islamic republic's government would end up prevailing in Syria. The toppling of Assad was seen by many as another blow to Tehran, which has seen regional groups aligned with it -- parts of the so-called axis of resistance -- suffer major setbacks in the past 14 months. Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, has been decimated by Israel, which launched a war against the group in the Gaza Strip and Hamas fighters in October 2023 crossed into Israel and killed 1,200 people while taking another 250 hostage. That conflict spread to Lebanon, home of the Tehran-backed Hezbollah, a militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the EU blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollah’s political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament. Israel has severely weakened Hezbollah -- killing its longtime leader and many of its top officials -- after the group launched attacks on Israel that it said was in support of Hamas. A U.S.-brokered deal to end hostilities in Lebanon took effect last month. Khamenei downplayed the links to Iran, saying they have fought against Israel on their own beliefs. "They keep saying that the Islamic republic lost its proxy forces in the region. This is another mistake. The Islamic republic does not have a proxy forces," he said. “If one day we plan to take action, we do not need proxy force,” he added. Despite sitting atop the world's second-largest natural gas reserves, energy shortages have become a feature of winters in Iran. Iran grapples with air pollution all year, but air quality significantly worsens during winter when power plants are forced to burn low-quality heavy fuel oil -- mazut -- to compensate for the lack of gas. A rare cold snap in recent weeks has exposed the extent of Iran's struggles to meet the rising demand for gas, with school classes forced to go online and government offices ordered shut to conserve energy. Highlighting the severity of the crisis, President Masud Pezeshkian last week appealed to the public to turn their thermostats down by 2 degrees Celsius to help address the energy deficit. Other government officials have followed suit with similar pleas, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi telling his staff to wear warmer clothes at work. Temperatures have plunged as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Iran in recent days. "The situation is bad due to very cold weather, especially in Tehran and the northern provinces, but it's exacerbated by the structural trend toward runaway consumption over the last two to three years without an accompanying increase in production," said Gregory Brew, an Iran and energy analyst at the U.S.-based Eurasia Group. Old Infrastructure, Poor Management Energy subsidies in Iran mean energy bills are generally low, which has promoted overconsumption. But making matters worse is a devastating combination of mismanagement and outdated infrastructure that has significantly contributed to Iran's inability to meet the rising demand for gas. Gas flaring -- the burning of gas that comes out of the ground when drilling for oil -- is a major problem. Iran does not have the technology to collect it, so it is wastefully burned. World Bank data shows that Iran ranked second globally in 2023 in terms of the volume of gas flaring, burning around 21 billion cubic meters. That is more than double that of the United States, which ranked fourth, and enough to supply 40 percent of the gas demand in neighboring Turkey, which has a population similar to Iran's. Iran's major gas reserves are in the south, southwest, and offshore, so an expansive and powerful grid is needed to transport gas to the north. To do that, Iran needs to invest heavily both in expanding its aging infrastructure and increasing production, said Brew. "But that's difficult to do without investment constrained by both a weak economy and international sanctions," he added. The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear and missile programs. The sanctions have crippled the Iranian economy and dented Tehran's ability to sell oil and gas, its key exports. They have also prevented Iran from accessing foreign investment and technology. The South Pars Field in the Persian Gulf is the world's largest natural gas field, and Iran shares it with Qatar, where it is referred to as the North Dome. While Qatar has signed lucrative deals with international energy companies to develop its section of the gas field, Iran has had to rely on lackluster domestic capabilities to exploit it. Iran's seemingly never-ending struggle with gas shortages in winter has led many to question the rationale behind exporting gas to neighboring Iraq and Turkey. "Given how constrained it is by sanctions, Iran has to find and exploit any means of increasing exports, which increases pressure on supply at home," Brew said. The stand-off with the West over Iran's nuclear program means the odds of sanctions being lifted are slim, and with Donald Trump returning to the White House in January, the pressure will increase even further, experts said. The U.S. State Department condemned the 10-year sentence handed down by Iranian authorities against Reza Valizadeh , a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and former journalist for RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "We strongly condemn this sentencing and call for his immediate release and the release of all political prisoners in Iran," a spokesperson told Radio Farda on December 17. "The Iranian government has repeatedly suppressed press freedom through threats, intimidation, detentions, forced confessions, and the use of violence against journalists in Iran," the spokesperson added. According to court documents sent to the journalist's lawyer on December 10 and subsequently reviewed by RFE/RL, Valizadeh was sentenced by Tehran's Revolutionary Court on charges of "collaborating with a hostile government." In addition to the prison term, Valizadeh was banned for two years from living in Tehran and adjacent provinces, from leaving the country, and from joining political or social organizations following the completion of his sentence. Valizadeh resigned from Radio Farda in November 2022 after a decade of work. He returned to Iran in early 2024 to visit his family but was arrested on September 22. His two court sessions, held on November 20 and December 7, reportedly lacked a prosecution representative, with the judge assuming that role. Sources close to the journalist claim he fell into a "security trap" despite receiving unofficial assurances from Iranian security officials that he would not face legal troubles upon returning to Iran. The State Department earlier condemned Valizadeh's detention, calling it "unjust" and inconsistent with international legal standards. Press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, urged Iranian authorities to release Valizadeh immediately. RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus also called for Valizadeh to be released, saying the charges against him, his conviction, and sentence were unjust. "Time and again, the Iranian regime has attempted to spread its malign influence around the world, trampling on human rights at every opportunity," Capus said in a statement. "Clearly, this regime feels threatened by the forces of freedom, including independent journalism." Iran is routinely accused of arresting dual nationals and Western citizens on false charges to use them to pressure Western countries. In September 2023, Iran released five Americans jailed in Iran in a prisoner swap. Valizadeh is the first U.S. citizen known to have been arrested since that deal. Iran is also among the most repressive countries in terms of freedom of the press. Reporters Without Borders ranked Iran 176th out of 180 countries in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The Paris-based media watchdog says Iran is now also one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists. Iran closed government offices and shifted school classes online on December 16 due to freezing temperatures and a severe gas shortage. Northern provinces have experienced temperatures plunging to -20°C (-4°F) in recent days, accompanied by widespread gas supply disruptions. President Masud Pezeshkian called on citizens last week to lower their thermostats by 2 degrees Celsius to conserve energy. Other government officials have made similar pleas online. Despite sitting on the world’s second-largest proven gas reserves, Iran’s aging infrastructure has struggled to meet increasing demand during winter. To read the full story by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, click here . Iranian police released singer Parastoo Ahmadi in the early hours of December 15 following a brief detention after she performed without the mandatory head scarf, her lawyer has confirmed. Ahmadi caused a stir on social media earlier this week after recording a performance with her hair uncovered and wearing a dress. The performance, recorded with a crew of male musicians, was uploaded to YouTube. The police on December 14 claimed she was released after a "briefing session" but a source close to the family told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that she remained in custody. Her lawyer Milad Panahipur also denied the police claim, writing on X that the authorities were "lying" about her release. The following day, Panahipur confirmed Ahmadi, who had been detained in her home province of Mazandaran, was released at 3 in the morning. Two of her bandmates, Soheil Faqih-Nasri and Ehsan Beyraqdar, were also detained briefly. Ahmadi’s Instagram account is no longer accessible, but her YouTube account remains active. The video of her performance, dubbed "an imaginary concert" because female performers cannot sing solo in front of an audience, has received around 1.6 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded on December 11. On December 12, the authorities said legal proceedings had been launched against Ahmadi and her bandmates for the "illegal concert." Ahmadi, who gained prominence during the 2022 nationwide protests after singing a song in support of demonstrators, has been widely praised for her performance. On social media, many have hailed her for fighting "gender apartheid" and showing "bravery, resilience, and love." A rising number of women have been flouting the mandatory hijab in public since the 2022 protests, which gave rise to the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The authorities have tried to crack down and recently passed a law enhancing the enforcement of the hijab by introducing hefty fines, restricting access to basic services, and lengthy prison sentences. The new hijab and chastity law, which has been widely criticized by even conservative figures, is scheduled to go into effect this month, but at least two lawmakers have said its implementation has been postponed by the Supreme National Security Council. An Iranian court has sentenced Reza Valizadeh , a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and former journalist for RFE/RL's Radio Farda, to 10 years in prison on charges of "collaborating with a hostile government." According to court documents sent to the journalist’s lawyer on December 10 and subsequently reviewed by RFE/RL, Valizadeh was sentenced by Judge Iman Afshari of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, Branch 26. In addition to the prison term, Valizadeh was banned for two years following the completion of his sentence from living in Tehran and adjacent provinces, from leaving the country, and from joining political or social organizations. Valizadeh resigned from Radio Farda in November 2022 after a decade of work. He returned to Iran in early 2024 to visit his family but was arrested on September 22 . His two court sessions, held on November 20 and December 7, reportedly lacked a prosecution representative, with the judge assuming that role. Sources close to the journalist claim he fell into a "security trap" despite receiving unofficial assurances from Iranian security officials that he would not face legal troubles upon returning to Iran. The U.S. State Department earlier condemned Valizadeh’s detention, calling it "unjust" and inconsistent with international legal standards. Press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, urged Iranian authorities to release Valizadeh immediately. RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus also called for Valizadeh to be released, saying the charges against him, his conviction, and sentence were unjust. "Time and again, the Iranian regime has attempted to spread its malign influence around the world, trampling on human rights at every opportunity," Capus said in a staetment. "Clearly, this regime feels threatened by the forces of freedom, including independent journalism." Valizadeh remains in Tehran’s Evin prison under severe restrictions, with limited access to legal representation and family. Iran is routinely accused of arresting dual nationals and Western citizens on false charges to use them to pressure Western countries. In September 2023, Iran released five Americans jailed in Iran in a prisoner swap. Valizadeh is the first U.S. citizen known to have been arrested since that deal. Iran is also among the most repressive countries in terms of freedom of the press. Reporters Without Borders ranked Iran 176th out of 180 countries in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The Paris-based media watchdog says Iran is now also one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists. The husband of prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been detained by security forces, according to their daughter. Mehraveh Khandan said on Instagram that her father, Reza Khandan, was arrested on December 13 at her home in Tehran. The circumstances of Khandan's arrest and the charges against him were not known. Mohammad Moghimi, a lawyer, said on X that the reason for the arrest was likely related to a six-year prison sentence in a case in which he represented Reza Khandan and activist Farhad Meysami. The sentence against Reza Khandan was handed down in February 2019 by Tehran's Revolutionary Court. Meysami also faced a similar sentence in the case. Reza Khandan had been charged with "assembly and collusion against national security," "propaganda against the state," and "spreading and promoting unveiling in society." The sentence against Reza Khandan also banned him from membership in political parties and groups, leaving the country, and using the Internet and other media and press activities. Sotoudeh, a vocal advocate for numerous activists, has been arrested several times since 2010. Her detention has included periods of solitary confinement, highlighting the challenges faced by human rights defenders in Iran. Sotoudeh was arrested last year during the funeral of 17-year-old Armita Garavand, who died of injuries suffered in an alleged confrontation with Iran's morality police in the Tehran subway over a violation of Iran’s compulsory head scarf law. Reza Khandan said at the time of his wife's arrest in October 2023 that she started a hunger and medication strike after she was severely beaten when she was taken into custody. Sotoudeh was released about two weeks later. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in his first public comments since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ousted , accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the rebel uprising that toppled the regime over the weekend. Khamenei on December 11 also implicitly blamed Turkey for the lightning push of Syrian rebels who reached Damascus from their strongholds in the northwest with little resistance. "It should not be doubted that what happened in Syria was the product of a joint American and Zionist plot," he said. "Yes, a neighboring government of Syria plays, played, and is playing a clear role...but the main conspirator, mastermind, and command center are in America and the Zionist regime," Khamenei added. The U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies -- some of whom are linked with Turkey -- ousted Assad on December 8, less than two weeks after launching their offensive. Syria under Assad served as a crucial part of a land corridor connecting Iran to the Levant, which was considered the logistical backbone of the so-called axis of resistance -- Iran's loose network of regional proxies and allies. Iran spent billions of dollars and sent military advisers to Syria to ensure Assad remained in power when civil war broke out in 2011. Russia -- where the ousted Syrian leader has been granted political asylum -- also backed Assad, while Turkey has supported rebel groups who aimed to topple the regime. A Khamenei adviser once described Syria as the "golden ring" in the chain connecting Iran to its Lebanese partner, Hezbollah. With the ring broken and Hezbollah's capabilities degraded after a devastating war with Israel, experts say the axis has become severely weak. Khamenei said only "ignorant and uninformed analysts" would assess that the axis has become weak and vowed that its reach "will expand across the region more than before." Reza Alijani, an Iranian political analyst based in France, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Khamenei's comments were more "trash talk" than anything else. "The axis may not have been defeated, but it has suffered a serious blow and the Islamic republics arms in the region have been deal major hits," he said. Alijani argued that factions within the Islamic republic's core support base may be starting to question Khamenei's policies and vision after the recent setbacks, which he said is a cause for concern among the clerical establishment's top brass. Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and I'm back after a reporting trip in Taiwan. I'm off again for the holidays but will be back here with another newsletter at the end of the year. Here's what I'm following right now. Beijing Watches Assad Fall The full effects from the swift collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria is still playing out on the ground, but his sudden fall is set to shake up the Middle East and beyond. Here's what it means for China. Finding Perspective: China has been aligned with Assad since Syria's civil war began in 2011 but largely through its close ties to Russia and Iran, which backed the Syrian leader. At the United Nations, Beijing has often voted with Moscow, blocking condemnations of Assad as well as cross-border aid. Beijing supported the Assad regime with eight vetoes at the UN, which is half the total vetoes China has ever used. Beijing significantly reduced its presence in Syria amid the conflict, though it kept building close ties with Assad, eventually culminating in his state visit to China in 2023. Chinese investment in Syria was scarce, and beyond a strategic partnership agreement and a pledge to join the Belt and Road Initiative there has been essentially no Chinese investment in Syria and no major contracts with Chinese firms in the country since 2010. So why did Beijing throw its weight behind Assad? Revisiting The Arab Spring: For Beijing, the biggest issue was the symbolism and appearance of stability that Assad represented, especially given he was first threatened by a popular uprising that then set the Syrian civil war in motion. The spread of revolutions in the Arab world in 2011 was alarming for the Chinese Communist Party. Inside China at the time, popular grumbling with corruption at various levels of government was common, and the party was concerned the protests across the Middle East could inspire its own population, especially given simmering tensions in Tibet and Xinjiang at the time. Added to that was the rise of the Islamic State in Syria. The war led to thousands of Uyghurs, the predominantly Muslim group from western China, traveling to Syria to fight against the Syrian government. Many of those fighters said they were there to learn how to use weapons and then return to China, and fears over the return of battle-hardened fighters to Xinjiang was one of the pretexts Xi expressed to top party brass to launch the crackdown and camp system in western China that targeted the Uyghur population, according to a set of leaked internal government documents obtained by the New York Times. Why It Matters: From this logic, Beijing's support for Assad makes sense, but it's a big bet that hasn't paid off. The fall of Assad is also a reflection of the weakened regional power of two of its main partners: Iran and Russia. Their inability to prop up Assad indicates they've been consumed by the wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, which may be a concern for Beijing looking ahead. The rapid collapse of the Syrian government is also an unwelcome message at home for Beijing, which was reflected in the way Chinese media covered the events for Chinese viewers. As images circulated around the world of jubilant crowds and the toppling of statues, Chinese state media's coverage on CCTV mostly centered around a fixed live shot of Damascus without a crowd in sight. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. China Flexes Its Muscles Around Taiwan Beijing said it is taking "necessary measures" to defend the country's sovereignty and will not tolerate "separatist" activities, as Taiwan reported another rise in Chinese warplanes and ships near the island. The Details: Taiwan's Defense Ministry said China was deploying its largest navy fleet in regional waters in nearly three decades, posing a threat to Taiwan that is more pronounced than previous Chinese war games. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, had been expected to launch drills to express its anger at President Lai Ching-te's tour of the Pacific that ended last week, which included stopovers in Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam. Without any announcement from China on military drills, Taiwan officials are calling the ongoing activity a training exercise and warned it could be used to further violate Taiwan's territorial boundaries. China, which views Lai as a separatist, held major military exercises around Taiwan following his inauguration in May and his National Day speech in October. It also held a major drill after Nancy Pelosi, then the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in 2022. 2. The California Connection A Chinese company that owns a California electronics distributor has sent hundreds of shipments of restricted dual-use technology to Russia since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, including to sanctioned companies with ties to the Russian military, my colleagues Mike Eckel and Mark Krutov report . What You Need To Know: The findings further highlight the difficulty Western countries have had in trying to choke off the Russian military's access to Western technology for use in its weapons and operations as its war on Ukraine continues. At least one component manufactured by the company, Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Company Limited, was found in a Russian weapons guidance system recovered from the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a public database maintained by the Ukrainian military. Yangjie Technology, located in the city of Yangzhou northwest of Shanghai, has sent more than 200 shipments of specific goods to Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to customs records obtained by C4ADS, a Washington-based, nonprofit data-analysis and global-research organization. The listed contents of those shipments -- totaling at least 238 -- included electronic components categorized as "high-priority" by the United States due to their potential use in Russian weapons systems, according to the data obtained by C4ADS and shared with RFE/RL, which independently corroborated more than 150 such shipments. 3. China And Serbia Eye New Cooperation On Extraditions Serbia has extradited five Chinese citizens in the past five years, according to data obtained by my colleague Mila Manojlovic from RFE/RL's Balkan Service. What It Means: The data shows extraditions are already taking place. That cooperation is also set to grow as Serbia's Justice Ministry prepares to submit to parliament a draft extradition law with China that, if passed, would expand the scope of cooperation between Beijing and Belgrade. That extradition deal, which would regulate the bilateral extradition of citizens charged with crimes, is seen by experts as a response to the influx of tourists and Chinese nationals to Serbia that have corresponded with high-profile Chinese investments and loans for projects through the BRI. According to data from Serbia's National Employment Service, more than 45,000 work permits have been issued to Chinese citizens since 2016, the year the ruling Serbian Progressive Party started intensifying relations with Beijing and expanding BRI projects. Serbia's Interior Ministry told RFE/RL there are currently 3,433 Chinese citizens registered in the country. Across The Supercontinent Looking at 2025: Here's my look at what's on Taiwan's agenda as we prepare to enter 2025, as part of a wider lookahead from across RFE/RL coverage region. My segment begins at 7:25. Train Links: The first train carrying goods from China to Afghanistan arrived in Mazar-e Sharif on November 23 after crossing through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Taliban said 55 containers arrived in Afghanistan after a 22-day journey, marking the inauguration of the first direct train link between China and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The New Normal: From attacks in Pakistan to new episodes in Tajikistan, my colleagues Bashir Ahmad Gwakh and Frud Bezhan look at how new violence in South and Central Asia could affect Chinese investment projects across the region. A Late Warning: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on December 2 warned her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that Beijing's support for Russia would "impact" ties with Europe. One Thing To Watch According to a draft sanctions package obtaind by RFE/RL, the European Union has proposed for the first time to target Chinese companies and individuals with visa bans and asset freezes over their dealings with Russian firms linked to Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. The draft version of the sanctions package was first shared with EU countries on November 22 and would still need to be approved before the end of the year by all 27 member states in order to come into effect. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here . It will be sent to your inbox every Wednesday. Syria's interim prime minister took power with the support of the rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad as outside powers -- including Russia, Turkey, the United States, and Israel -- maneuvered to protect their geopolitical interests in the war-torn Middle East nation. In an address on recently captured state TV, Muhammad al-Bashir said he would lead Syria's interim authority through March 1 as the new rulers, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants, looked to solidify control after deposing Assad over the weekend. Little-known Bashir, born in Idlib Province in 1982 and an engineering graduate, had once worked for Syria's state gas entity and has served as head of the rebel's so-called Salvation Government for the past year. HTS has been designated a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union. In recent years, the group severed ties with Al-Qaeda and sought to remake itself as a pragmatic alternative to the Syrian government, although Western powers and rights groups remain cautious. Meanwhile, Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, on December 10 told NBC News that Moscow is providing sanctuary to Assad after transporting him there "in the most secure way possible." He didn't provide further details. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on December 9 that President Vladimir Putin made the decision personally to grant asylum to Assad and his family. Earlier on December 10, loud explosions were heard amid reports Israel has been systematically striking Syrian military installations following the ouster of Assad’s brutal regime. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the military had struck several Syrian sites and had hit its naval vessels in overnight strikes. "The [military] has been operating in Syria in recent days to strike and destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel. The navy operated last night to destroy the Syrian fleet with great success," Katz said. Katz said Israel’s military has been ordered to create a weapons-free zone in southern Syria "to prevent the establishment and organization of terrorism] in the country. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said Israel had "destroyed the most important military sites in Syria," including “airports and their warehouses, aircraft squadrons, radars, military signal stations, and many weapons and ammunition depots in various locations in most Syrian governorates." The reports came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is "transforming the face of the Middle East" and defeating its enemies "step by step" in what he called an "existential war that has been imposed upon us." Netanyahu said Assad's regime had been a "central element of Iran's axis of evil," accusing it of facilitating a "weapons pipeline" between Iran and the Lebanon's Hezbollah militia, which has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States. Israel has launched a monthslong air campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Washington has also conducted some 75 air strikes on Islamic State (IS) militants, who still have a presence in Syria, in recent days to prevent the group from taking advantage of the turmoil that followed Assad's fall. "You can expect that kind of activity will continue. We don't want to give [IS] an opportunity to exploit what is going on," White House national-security spokesman John Kirby said on December 10. The United States has about 900 troops in Syria as part of its decade-long fight against IS. "[IS] will try to use this period to reestablish its capabilities, to create safe havens," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on December 9. "As our precision strikes over the weekend demonstrate, we are determined not to let that happen." Washington said it is seeking ways to engage with Syrian rebel groups and is reaching out to partners in the region, including Turkey, to initiate informal contacts. "We have the ability to communicate with the opposition groups, and we'll continue to do that," Kirby said in his briefing. The Syrian Observatory also said IS militants killed at least 54 government soldiers who were fleeing advancing rebels "during the collapse of the regime" in the Sukhna area of Homs Province. The report could not immediately be verified. Meanwhile, satellite imagery by Planet Labs showed Russian naval ships have left their Syrian base at Tartus, with some dropping anchor offshore. Imagery showed at least three vessels -- including two guided missile frigates -- some 13 kilometers off the coast. Russia has an estimated 7,500 troops and multiple military sites in Syria, including an air base at Hmeimim along with the strategic naval facilities at Tartus, which are also used to support the Kremlin's actions in North and sub-Saharan Africa. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government has ties to many of the rebel groups involved in the takeover, said Ankara will act against anyone seeking to compromise its Syrian territory. "From now on, we cannot allow Syria to be divided again.... Any attack on the freedom of the Syrian people, the stability of the new administration, and the integrity of its lands will find us standing against it," he said. Turkey has claimed U.S.-backed Syrian-Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria to be "terrorists" linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been designated as a terrorist group by Ankara, as well as by Washington. Tehran, which was also a long-standing backer of Assad, on December 10 said some 4,000 Iranian citizens have left Syria over the past three days. Iranian proxies are thought to have multiple military sites inside Syria, some of which have been hit by Israeli air attacks, but the government has so far been relatively muted in its response to Assad's fall. On December 9, the UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting on the situation in Syria called by Russia, which together with Iran, has been a main backer of Assad's regime. "The Council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, to ensure the protection of civilians, to ensure that humanitarian aid is coming to the population in need," said Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, in a statement released after the meeting. The HTS-led rebels announced on December 9 that they were granting amnesty to all military personnel conscripted during Assad's rule, which began in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who had seized power in 1970. Ahmad al-Sharaa, 42, previously known by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, has become the public face of HTS, which itself was formerly known as the Al Nusra Front, among other names. Several European states on December 9 announced they were suspending the granting of asylum requests from Syrians as they awaited developments. The flood of Syrian refugees during the country's 14-year civil war has often been used by far-right politicians in Europe to inflame passions and bolster their support among voters. The EU has urged a peaceful political transition in Syria, saying that "it is imperative that all stakeholders engage in an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue on all key issues." But EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said the bloc was "not currently engaging with HTS or its leaders, full stop." The Syrian civil war began after Assad's regime unleashed a brutal crackdown in March 2011 against peaceful demonstrators inspired by the wave of protests known as the Arab Spring that were sweeping the Middle East at the time. Beginning in 2015, Russia intervened in the civil war on Assad's side, unleashing a massive bombing campaign against the rebel groups, including Islamist militants, causing numerous civilian casualties and prompting tens of thousands to flee. The fall of the Assad regime marks a major geopolitical setback for the Kremlin, which, along with Iran, has propped up his government, experts say. Iran spent decades building the so-called axis of resistance, its network of regional armed proxies, Tehran-backed militant groups, and allied state actors. The network was the lynchpin of Tehran's efforts to deter Israel and the United States and exert its influence across the Middle East. But the fall of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Tehran, has done irreparable damage to the network, analysts say. For Iran, Syria provided a crucial land corridor to the Levant that was considered the logistical backbone of the axis. The corridor, also known as the Shi'ite Crescent, connected Tehran to the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, a key ally and an integral part of the axis. "There is no axis without access," said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. "The resistance is not done, but losing the ability to logistically support Hezbollah means the loss of Iran's strategic depth." Broken Corridor Underscoring Syria's importance, Iran spent billions of dollars to keep Assad in power. Tehran intervened militarily in Syria's civil war in 2013 and played a key role in shoring up Assad's forces. It deployed hundreds of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) officers to recruit and train tens of thousands of local and foreign Shi'ite fighters. After the loss of the land corridor connecting axis members from Iran to Lebanon, "we are likely to see a much-diminished resistance in the coming months and years," said Farzan Sabet, senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The axis, he said, will have "a considerably lower capacity to rebuild or conduct military operations in the future." At its height, the axis was active in the Palestinian Occupied Territories, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, and was meant to give Iran the ability to hit its enemies outside its own borders while allowing it to maintain a position of plausible deniability. But the axis has suffered a series of debilitating setbacks in recent months. Syria is now effectively ruled by the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies -- some of whom are linked with Turkey, Iran's rival. The HTS seized power in Damascus on December 8. Hezbollah has been severely weakened after a bruising, yearlong war with Israel, which killed the group's longtime leader , Hassan Nasrallah. Meanwhile, Israel's devastating war in the Gaza Strip has diminished the capabilities of U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, another axis member. Events in Syria "will certainly place significantly more restraints on Iran’s ability to maintain its regional influence," said Raz Zimmt, senior researcher at the Israeli-based Institute for National Security Studies. Iran's 'Very Bad' Options Weakened regionally, Iran now has tough decisions to make, including reconsidering its deterrence strategy and possibly developing a nuclear bomb, experts say. Zimmt says Iran has two "very bad options" -- to do nothing and recognize that its deterrence against Israel has been compromised, or weaponize its nuclear program and expose itself to the possibility of an Israeli attack. Things look equally grim for Iran’s axis of resistance, according to Sabet, who says Tehran will be under pressure to pull back its regional activities. Sabet says Iran will seek to exploit any potential chaos in the region, including in post-Assad Syria, to reassert its influence. "If the civil war in Syria is not quickly settled and a new order created, it might become precisely the type of environment where the Islamic republic has historically thrived," Sabet said. The collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime sparked nationwide celebrations, as scenes of jubilation and chaos unfolded across the country. In the early hours of December 8, videos emerged on social media showing groups of people gathering on Umayyad Square in Damascus, a key landmark in the capital. Thousands more joined them throughout the day, with some participants climbing atop a tank. Social media footage verified by RFE/RL showed people exiting the central bank building in Damascus carrying bags and boxes. Looting was reported in the capital and in other cities across the country, according to multiple eyewitness accounts. At the gates of the presidential palace in Damascus, video footage captured jubilant men cheering and firing weapons into the air. People were seen entering the palace freely throughout the day after Assad fled the country. Russian state media reported later on December 8 that he and his family had arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum. Video footage from inside the palace showed crowds milling around, as well as people carrying out furniture and valuables, leaving trashed rooms behind them. Verified video footage obtained by RFE/RL also showed the building of the Syrian Interior Ministry's immigration and passport department ablaze in Damascus. Statues of Assad's late father, Hafez al-Assad, who created the authoritarian system his son inherited, were dismantled nationwide after a lightning-fast rebel offensive. On Arwad Island, off the coast of Tartus and around 10 kilometers from a Russian naval base, jubilant crowds toppled a statue of the elder Assad, who died in 2000, and climbed onto the monument in celebration. In Latakia, a coastal town that was a stronghold of the Assad family, another statue of Hafez al-Assad was torn down and dragged through the streets behind a truck as revelers rode atop it. Images also showed the aftermath of the storming of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, which appeared to have been abandoned earlier on December 8. Iranian media reported that diplomats had already evacuated the premises. President-elect Donald Trump said Russia and Iran are in a "weakened state" and called on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. Trump made the comments in a post on Truth Social on December 8 as Syrian rebels captured Damascus , ending the half-century rule of the Russia- and Iran-backed Assad family. The incoming U.S. president said Russia and Iran couldn't come to the support of Syrian dictator Assad because they were in a "weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success." Russia has lost about 600,000 soldiers since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Trump said, adding that Ukraine has lost about 400,000 defending its territory. "There should be an immediate cease-fire and negotiations should begin," Trump said. "I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The world is waiting!" The Kremlin did not immediately respond to Trump's comment. Paris Meeting Trump said in the post that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy "would like to make a deal." Trump held talks with Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on December 7 to discuss the war. Zelenskiy called the trilateral talks "good and productive" and said the leaders discussed the potential for "a just peace." Trump and Zelenskiy were among world leaders who gathered in Paris on December 7 to mark the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. "We talked about our people, the situation on the battlefield, and a just peace for Ukraine. We all want to end this war as quickly and fairly as possible," Zelenskiy said in a December 7 post on Telegram . "President Trump, as always, is determined. We are thankful for that," he added. Macron said , "Let us continue joint efforts for peace, security." Trump , who will take office on January 20, has criticized the tens of billions of dollars the United States has poured into Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion. He has claimed he could end the war within 24 hours of retaking the White House, a statement that has been interpreted as meaning that Ukraine would have to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. Experts say it will be difficult to hammer out a peace deal quickly because there are so many aspects, including security guarantees for Ukraine and sanctions relief for Russia. In the meantime, the outgoing Biden administration has been accelerating weapons shipments to Ukraine ahead of the transfer of power to Trump to bolster its defenses. Washington said on December 7 that it is preparing a $988 million package of arms and equipment to Ukraine, funds taken from the remaining $2.21 billion available in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The funds will be used to buy precision missiles for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and for drones, the Pentagon said. European countries are also stepping up aid in case the Trump administration ends U.S. support for Kyiv. Zelenskiy announced on December 7 that Ukraine had received a second shipment of sophisticated F-16 fighter jets from Denmark. Copenhagen announced last year it would deliver a total of 19 aircraft to Ukraine. "The second batch of F-16s for Ukraine from Denmark is already in Ukraine. This is the leadership in protecting life that distinguishes Denmark," he wrote on Telegram . Syrian rebels led by Islamist militants have entered the central city of Homs as they close in on Damascus while the country’s main allies -- Russia and Iran -- scrambled to protect the regime of authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad and their own assets in the country. Abu Mohammad al-Golani, a leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, said late on December 7 that the insurgent fighters were "in the final moments of liberating" Homs, a city of 775,000 people. HTS is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union. Experts said the future of the Assad regime was hanging in the balance -- and that, if it fell, it would also represent a major geopolitical setback for the Kremlin which, along with Tehran, has supported the Syrian government through many years of civil war. Media reports said many residents of Damascus were stocking up on supplies as thousands were attempting to leave the country through the border with Lebanon -- itself a war-torn nation in the increasingly chaotic Middle East. As fighting on the ground and rebel gains intensified, the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, and Turkey held emergency talks in Doha, Qatar, on December 7 calling for an end to hostilities in the most serious challenge to Assad’s rule in years. The U.S. State Department told RFE/RL that Washington was closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Syria. A spokesperson said the United States and its partners and allies urged that civilians, including members of minority groups, be protected. The spokesperson said it was time to negotiate an end to the Syrian conflict consistent with principals established in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The spokesperson added that the refusal of the Assad regime to engage in the process has directly led to the current situation. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War ( ISW ) said that “Assad regime forces have collapsed and Assad’s backers do not appear willing to bolster the Syrian Arab Army by rapidly deploying additional forces.” Russia has multiple military sites in Syria, including an air base at Hmeimim and strategic naval facilities at Tartus, which are also used to support the Kremlin’s actions in Africa. The ISW said that Moscow had not yet begun to evacuate the base, “but it remains unclear whether Russia will keep its vessels at the port as Syrian rebels continue to advance swiftly across regime-held territory.” The American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats blog said the Assad regime “faces an existential threat given the widespread collapse of regime forces and lack of sufficient external backing to bolster these forces.” It added that “Russia will face logistic challenges that will undermine its Africa operations if it loses its footprint in Syria.” Mark Katz, a professor emeritus at George Mason University who focuses on Russia and the Middle East, told RFE/RL that the Kremlin risks losing its air assets in Syria if it can’t agree with Turkey on the use of its airspace. “In one sense, the Turkish government might be happy to grant permission as the more the Russian Air Force is out of Syria, the happier Ankara will be,” he said. "Russia would also face difficulties relocating its warships because they would need Turkey's permission to get into the Black Sea. They would have to go through NATO waters," he added. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said the United States “should have nothing to do” with the war in Syria, where a small contingent of U.S. forces remain deployed in some areas. "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT,” he wrote on the Truth Social platform. “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” Fast-moving developments on the ground were difficult to confirm, but media outlets quoted witnesses as well as rebel and Syrian army sources as saying militant fighters were continuing to make large gains on December 7 in their effort to topple Assad. Some reported signs of panic in Damascus, with shortages of critical supplies, although the government said Assad was at work as usual in the capital. Government forces and their Russian allies appear to have failed in their attempt to halt the rebel push toward Homs, which stands at an important intersection between the capital, Damascus, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus. Homs is 140 kilometers from the capital. Witnesses and army sources told Reuters and other news agencies that rebels had entered Homs amid reports that government forces had pulled out. Celebrations were reported in some areas of the city. Homs Province is Syria’s largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan. The city is also home to one of Syria’s two state-run oil refineries. The AFP news agency quoted security sources as saying hundreds of Syrian government troops, some injured, had fled across the border into Iraq. The surprising offensive was launched last week by a coalition of rebel groups led by the Islamist HTS faction. Besides HTS, the fighters include forces of an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Turkey has denied backing the offensive, though experts say insurgents would not have launched it without the country's consent. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said civilians were fleeing from Homs toward the Mediterranean coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the government and the site of the Russian air and naval bases. Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declined to comment on the fate of the Russian bases, saying he “wasn’t in the business of guessing.” The United Nations said on December 6 that almost 300,000 people in Syria had already been displaced since late November by the fighting, and that up to 1.5 million could be forced to flee as the rebels advance and inflict losses on Assad, as well as his Russian and Iranian allies. Assad has relied on Iran and Russia to remain in power since the conflict erupted in 2011. Following the foreign ministers' meeting in Doha, Lavrov said -- referring to HTS rebels -- that it was "inadmissible to allow terrorist groups" to take control of Syrian territory and that Russia would oppose them with all means possible. Since the rebels seized control of Aleppo a week ago, they have moved on to capture other major cities with Assad’s forces providing little resistance. Besides capturing Aleppo in the north, Hama in the center, and Deir al-Zor in the east, rebels rose up in southern Suweida and Deraa, saying on December 6 they had taken control of the two cities and posting videos showing insurgent celebrations there. Taking Deraa and Suweida in the south could allow a concerted assault on the capital, Damascus, the seat of Assad's power, military sources said. Video posted online showed protesters in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana chanting and tearing down a statue of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, when his son took power. Golani, the HTS leader, told CNN in an exclusive interview on December 5 from Syria that Assad’s government was bound to fall, propped up only by Russia and Iran. “The seeds of the regime’s defeat have always been within it,” he said. “But the truth remains, this regime is dead.” Iran is poised to significantly increase the production rate of highly enriched uranium, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned in a confidential report. The IAEA report said the effect of the change "would be to significantly increase the rate of production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent," according to news agencies quoting the report on December 6. This means the rate of production will jump to more than 34 kilograms of highly enriched uranium per month at its Fordow facility alone, compared to 4.7 kilograms previously, the report to the IAEA's board of governors says. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, who spoke to reporters about the report on the sidelines of an international conference in Bahrain, said the increase would represent “seven or eight times or even more," calling the development very concerning. “They were preparing, and they have all of these facilities sort of in abeyance and now they are activating that. So we are going to see,” he said, adding that it would be a “huge jump” if Iran begins increasing its enrichment. The report also said Iran must implement tougher safeguard measures such as inspections to ensure Fordow is not being "misused to produce uranium of an enrichment level higher than that declared by Iran, and that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material." Iran's decision to accelerate production of enriched uranium is in response to recent censure by the IAEA, Grossi told the AFP news agency. "This is a message. This is a clear message that they are responding to what they feel is pressure," the UN nuclear watchdog's head said. Tehran was angered by a resolution last month put forward by Britain, Germany, and France, known as the E3, and the United States that faulted Iran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. Britain, Germany, and France have adopted a tougher stance on Iran in recent months, in particular since Tehran ramped up its military support to Russia. In addition, there was little progress last week when European and Iranian officials met to determine whether they could enter serious talks on the nuclear program before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House in January. Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers and is now appointing hawks on Iran to his planned administration. While Iran maintains its program is peaceful, Iranian officials increasingly threaten to potentially seek a nuclear bomb and an intercontinental ballistic missile. But experts war that the enrichment of uranium at 60 percent is just a short step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent, and they say there is no justification for enriching uranium to such a high level under any civilian program. The news of Iran's decision to increase uranium enrichment came just hours after Tehran claimed it had conducted a successful space launch with its heaviest payload ever. Official media reported that the launch of the Simorgh rocket took place at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan Province located about 220 kilometers east of Tehran. Western governments have expressed concern that the Tehran’s ballistic missile program is coming closer to having the ability to launch a weapon against distant foes like the United States. The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an “orbital propulsion system” and two research systems to a 400-kilometer orbit above the Earth. It also carried the Fakhr-1 satellite for Iran’s military, the first time Iran’s civilian program is known to have carried a military payload. Iran has said its space program, like its nuclear activities, is for purely civilian purposes. Russian forces bombed a key bridge and highway to try and slow a lightning advance by rebels toward the Syrian city of Homs as thousands fled the area. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said civilians were fleeing from Homs towards the Mediterranean coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the government and the site of Russian air and naval bases. The United Nations said on December 6 that almost 300,000 people in Syria had already been displaced since late November by the fighting, and that up to 1.5 million could be forced to flee as the rebels advance and deal losses to the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, as well as his allies in Russia and Iran. Assad has relied on Iran and Russia to remain in power since the conflict erupted in 2011. A Syrian Army officer was quoted by Reuters as saying that Russian bombing overnight had destroyed the Rastan bridge along the key M5 highway linking Homs to Hama, another city the rebels captured a day earlier. The rebels, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made major advances over the past several days, including the capture of Aleppo, the country's largest city, as well as 14 central villages and towns, and gotten as close as 35 kilometers from the Russian-operated Khmeimim air base. HTS is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union. Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, is key to the defense of Damascus and the gateway to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, the former being home to a strategic Russian naval base. In his first media interview in several years, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the group's leader, told CNN the goal "remains to overthrow the Bashar al-Assad regime, and it is our right to use all available means to achieve this goal." Besides HTS, the rebels also include an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. The foreign ministers of Iraq, Syria, and Iran were to meet on December 6 to discuss the situation, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the top diplomats from Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara will meet in Qatar on December 7. The state news agency TASS reported on December 6 that Russia's embassy in Syria had urged Russian nationals to leave the country due to the situation. Lengthy prison terms, hefty fines, and travel bans. Those are among the punishments facing women who violate Iran's new hijab law. Approved on November 30, the Hijab And Chastity law has triggered uproar in the Islamic republic, where even senior clerics have criticized it. The 74-article law also calls on the public to report alleged violators to the police and penalizes businesses and taxi drivers who refuse to do so. "You cannot even call this a law," Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent activist and human rights lawyer based in Iran, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. Laws are meant to protect citizens, she said, but the new legislation "robs women of their security on the streets." A growing number of Iranian women have refused to wear the mandatory head scarf -- a key pillar of Iran's Islamic system. The hijab was central to the unprecedented protests that erupted across Iran in 2022. The demonstrations were triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab law. During the protests, women and girls removed and burned their head scarves. The authorities waged a brutal crackdown on protesters, killing hundreds and arresting thousands. Sotoudeh said many Iranians want those responsible for the deaths to be "punished." Instead, she said, "lawmakers passed a bill in a vengeful act against women and men." She warned that critics "will take steps" if the law is not repealed, suggesting that protests may be planned. Sotoudeh has been in and out of prison for years for her activism and taking up sensitive legal cases, including women detained for peacefully protesting the mandatory hijab. 'Unimplementable' Law In recent years, the authorities have doubled down on their enforcement of the hijab. They have reintroduced patrols by the so-called morality police that were suspended in the wake of the 2022 protests. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has also established a new unit in Tehran to enforce the hijab. Its members are called "ambassadors of kindness." In November, the Tehran Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced the creation of a "clinic" to offer "scientific and psychological treatment" to women who refuse to follow the Islamic dress code. In response, Iranian psychologists raised the alarm about the consequences of "labeling healthy people as sick." Sotoudeh and Sedigheh Vasmaghi, a rights activist and Islamic scholar, slammed the new hijab law as "shameful" and "medieval" in a joint statement issued on December 1. The new legislation has proved so controversial that President Masud Pezeshkian said on live television on December 2 that "it cannot be easily implemented." He also questioned the new penalties for convicted hijab violators. Even several senior clerics have warned against enforcing the new law. "Not only are large parts of this law unimplementable...but it defeats its purpose and will lead to the youth hating religious teachings," Ayatollah Mostafa Mohaqeq Damad wrote in an open letter to top clerics on December 2. In a joint statement on December 4, three prominent guilds representing the entertainment industry said any law that "turns your homeland into a big prison is meaningless" and urged the authorities to repeal it. Britain’s counterterrorism police say they are awaiting the extradition of two Romanian men who are suspects in the stabbing in March of a journalist working for a Persian-language media organization in London. Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on December 5 that Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, had been arrested in Romania and charged in the attack on Pouria Zeraati, a London-based TV host for the Iran International news network. Badea and Stana appeared in a Romanian court after their arrest on December 4 for the start of extradition proceedings," a CPS spokesperson was quoted by Reuters as saying. "We continue to work closely with Romanian authorities, to ensure that our extradition request is progressed through the courts." British authorities have authorized charges against both of "wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm," according to a statement issued by the London Metropolitan Police. Zeraati, a British-Iranian journalist, suffered injuries after being stabbed near his home on March 29 in southwestern London. Counterterrorism police have led the investigation into the attack over concerns he had been targeted because of his job at Iran International, which is critical of Iran's government. “We now await the extradition process to progress so that the men can face prosecution here in the U.K.,” Acting Commander Helen Flanagan of the Counter Terrorism Command said in the statement. Flanagan said the command planned no further comments on the investigation and urged others not to speculate about the case, given criminal proceedings are now pending. Officials had previously said that the Romanians were suspected of being associates of an Eastern European crime network hired to carry out an attack directed by Iran’s security services. The suspects were likely hired to carry out the attack and had arrived in Britain shortly before the incident, according to British police sources quoted by The Guardian newspaper. British police, security officials, and politicians have issued a number of warnings about what they say is Iran's growing use of criminal proxies to carry out attacks abroad. The U.S. Justice Department last month unsealed criminal charges that included details of a plot allegedly backed by Iran to kill President-elect Donald Trump before the November 5 election. FBI Director Christopher Wray said at the time that the charges exposed Iran's “continued brazen attempts to target U.S. citizens” and dissidents who criticize the Iranian regime, which has rejected accusations that it is involved. One of the targets of the alleged plot was dissident journalist Masih Alinejad, who said on X that she was shocked to have learned of the conspiracy from the FBI. Alinejad, who has criticized Iran's laws requiring women to wear a hijab, was the target of a kidnapping plot in 2021 according to U.S. prosecutors, and in 2022 a man was arrested with a rifle outside her home. Britain and the United States have imposed sanctions on Iranian officials who they say have been involved in threats to kill journalists on their soil. Iran International said the network is pleased that the police investigation has made progress. “It is reassuring for our journalists, as for others in organizations under similar threat," said Adam Baillie, a spokesman for the network, according to Reuters. Authorities initially believed three suspects were involved in the attack on Zeraati. The three men abandoned their vehicle shortly after the incident and left the country by air within hours, police said. A third person was detained in Romania on December 4, but was later released, according to individuals familiar with the case quoted by The Washington Post. The London Metropolitan Police statement did not mention the third person or specifically accuse those arrested of acting on behalf of Tehran. Zeraati did not comment directly on the developments but posted links on his X account to news stories about the arrests made in Romania. The Syrian Army said it was redeploying troops "to preserve civilians lives and prevent urban combat" after Islamist-led rebels entered the key city of Hama, another loss for the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, as well as his allies in Russia and Iran. "Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups...these groups were able to breach a number of axes in the city and entered it," a Syrian Army statement said on December 5. Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, is key to the defense of Damascus and the gateway to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, the former being home to a strategic Russian naval base. Syrian and Russian forces had shelled the rebels a day earlier and used air strikes to try and stop their advance. "With that (advance in Hama), Assad's in real trouble. Homs is next & its countryside is FAR more amenable to facilitating an opposition advance," Charles Lister, a senior fellow and the director of the Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, wrote on X. The rebels, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made major advances over the past several days, including the capture of Aleppo, the country's largest city, as well as 14 central villages and towns, and gotten as close as 35 kilometers from the Russian-operated Khmeimim air base. Syria turned over the air base to Russia in 2015 as Moscow moved in to help Damascus turn the tide of a four-year civil war in its favor. Besides HTS, the rebels also include an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. The United Nations has said tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the fighting. Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been temporarily released for at least three weeks after receiving urgent medical care, her lawyer said on December 4. "According to the medical examiner's opinion, the Tehran Prosecutor's Office suspended the execution of Ms. Narges Mohammadi's sentence for three weeks and she was released from prison. The reason for this is her physical condition after tumor removal and bone grafting, which was done 21 days ago," human rights lawyer Mostafa Nili said in a post on X. Sources confirmed to RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Mohammadi, 52, had been released. Analysts said that by suspending Mohammadi's sentence instead of granting her a medical furlough, the time she spends outside of prison will be added to her sentence. A medical furlough would have meant time spent outside of prison would be considered the same as time spent incarcerated. A United Nations spokesman told AFP it was important that Mohammadi was released temporarily for health reasons in order to receive adequate treatment. The spokesman said the UN reiterated its call for her immediate and unconditional release. Mohammadi has been campaigning for human rights in Iran for decades and has been in and out of prison for the last 20 years. She has been convicted five times since March 2021 and is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for "spreading propaganda" against the Islamic republic. Last month, her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said his wife had been moved to a Tehran hospital after suffering health issues for more than two months. "She had an operation, and the operation was on the right leg, and even moving in the prison, sitting, and doing simple things became impossible for her, and even some prisoners went on hunger strike demanding her release," Rahmani told Radio Farda. "Although prison is not a place for Narges, there is no place for human rights activists in prison at all. She should not go back to prison and all human rights activists and civil activists should be released from prison," he added. Despite being nearly continuously incarcerated since 2010, Mohammadi has often tried to raise awareness about prison conditions and alleged abuses faced by female prisoners. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023. Her teenage children accepted the award in Oslo on her behalf and read out a statement by Mohammadi in which she criticized Iran's "tyrannical" government. "Weeks of enduring excruciating pain in prison, despite tireless advocacy from human rights organizations, and international figures, highlights the persistent disregard for Narges Mohammadi’s basic human rights and the inhumane treatment she endures -- even after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize," the Narges Foundation said in a statement . "The Narges Foundation asserts that a 21-day suspension of Narges Mohammadi's sentence is inadequate. After over a decade of imprisonment, Narges requires specialized medical care in a safe, sanitary environment -- a basic human right. As doctors have emphasized, a minimum of three months' recovery is crucial for her healing." Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve the conflict in northern Syria in a phone call on December 3 to discuss the renewed fighting. A statement from Erdogan’s office after the call said Syria should not become a source of greater instability. "President Erdogan emphasized that while Turkey continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria, it also strives for a just and permanent solution in Syria," Erdogan told Putin in their conversation on December 3, according to the statement from Erdogan's office posted on X. He also said it is important to open more space for diplomacy in the region and the Syrian regime must engage in the political solution process, according to the statement. Erdogan vowed Turkey will maintain its determined stance on the fight against the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been designated as a terrorist group by Turkey and the United States, and its "extensions,” who are trying to take advantage of the recent developments in Syria, the statement said. Erdogan and Putin spoke as Syrian rebels advanced against government forces after capturing Aleppo last week. The rebels pushed close on December 3 to the major city of Hama, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the rebels said. The Syrian Observatory said on December 3 that the toll from the rebel offensive in the north had risen to 602 dead, including 104 civilians. An attack on Hama would ramp up pressure on Assad, whose Russian and Iranian allies have scrambled to support him against the revived rebellion. The city has remained in government hands since civil war erupted in 2011. A statement from Syria's army command said its forces were striking "terrorist organizations" in north Hama and Idlib provinces with Russian air support. The Kremlin said Putin stressed the need for a "speedy end to the terrorist aggression against the Syrian state by radical groups." Both leaders noted the importance of further close coordination between Russia, Turkey, and Iran on the matter, a Kremlin statement said. "The two presidents will continue to be in contact with each other in the context of seeking steps to de-escalate the crisis," the statement said. The Syrian civil war had been mostly dormant for years until a major offensive by militants in northwestern Syria revived the conflict. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies last week seized control of most of Aleppo and the surrounding countryside, marking the biggest offensive in years. HTS is a militant Islamist group that seeks to establish a state in Syria governed by Islamic law. The U.S.-designated terrorist organization has between 5,000 and 10,000 fighters, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. The conflict has pitted Moscow and Tehran against Turkey, which supports armed groups involved in the HTS-led offensive. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations late on December 3 accused Ukrainian intelligence services of aiding the HTS. Rebels fighting with HTS are "openly flaunting" that they are supported by Ukraine, Vasily Nebenzya told the UN Security Council. The envoy said there was an "identifiable trail" showing Ukraine's GUR military intelligence service was "providing weapons to fighters" and claimed Ukrainian military instructors from the GUR are training HTS fighters for combat operations, including against Russian troops in Syria. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said earlier that Russia and Iran "bear the main responsibility" for the recent escalation in fighting. It also noted Ukrainians were being targeted on a nightly basis by Iranian-designed drones. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies in Iran "continue to make every effort not to lose control over the puppet Syrian regime, which is associated by the majority of Syrians with inhuman cruelty, tyranny, and crimes," the ministry said on December 2. There are indications the conflict could escalate. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on December 3 in an interview with a Qatari news outlet that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if Damascus asked. Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani said Baghdad would not be "a mere spectator" in Syria and blamed Israeli military strikes on the Syrian government for the rebel advance, his office said. Compounding Assad's problems, fighters from a U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led coalition battled government forces in the northeast, both sides said, opening a new front along a vital supply route. Iran and Pakistan were on the brink of a full-blown conflict after they exchanged deadly cross-border attacks in January. The unprecedented flare-up reignited a long-running dispute between the neighbors over cross-border militancy. For decades, the countries have accused each other of harboring armed groups that carry out attacks on the other. Now, Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan appear to be expanding their cooperation as they attempt to curb the rising number of attacks carried out by Baluch separatists and militant groups operating along their shared 900-kilomter-long border. "The two sides have turned a corner in their relationship," said Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute. In July, Islamabad handed over to Iran an alleged member of Jaish al-Adl, a Baluch separatist militant group that is believed to be operating out of Pakistan. In return, Iran transferred a Pakistani Baluch separatist figure to Islamabad. In early November, Jaish al-Adl claimed that 12 of its fighters were killed in a joint operation by Iran and Pakistan. Tehran praised the assault but said that it was conducted by Pakistani forces alone. Source Of Instability Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan and Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province have been the scene of decades-long insurgencies. The vast and impoverished provinces are home to the Baluch, an ethnic minority in Iran and Pakistan. Baluch in both countries have long faced discrimination and violence at the hands of the authorities, which they accuse of exploiting the region’s natural resources. Jaish al-Adl and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the largest Baluch armed group in Pakistan, have become increasingly potent fighting forces in recent years. The groups have adopted more lethal tactics, including suicide bombings, and expanded their recruitment. They have also exploited growing local anger at Tehran and Islamabad, and acquired more sophisticated weapons. The BLA on November 9 claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing targeting soldiers at a train station in Balochistan that killed at least 26 people. On October 26, Jaish al-Adl attacked a police patrol in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province, killing 10 officers. Aziz Baloch, an independent Pakistani security expert, says Tehran and Islamabad are coordinating and cooperating on "security and border management for the first time." Baluch armed groups "have become a leading source of internal instability" in both countries, said Baloch, adding that Iran and Pakistan "have grasped that without turning this situation around through cooperation, they will suffer mounting losses." Imtiaz Baloch, an analyst covering Balochistan for Khorasan Diary, a website tracking militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, says the collaboration between Iran and Pakistan is deeper than publicly acknowledged. "Cooperation between the two is deepening and gathering pace," he said. Economic Incentives Experts say Pakistan and Iran -- who are both dealing with economic crises -- also have financial incentives for expanding cooperation and tackling cross-border militancy. Pakistan’s Balochistan is a resource-rich province that is home to dozens of multibillion-dollar Chinese-funded development projects. Militants have killed at least seven Chinese workers in Pakistan this year, threatening to derail the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Meanwhile, Beijing is a top importer of Iranian oil and a leading investor in its freefalling economy. The Chabahar Port in Sistan-Baluchistan is a key hub for imports and exports to neighboring Afghanistan. Sabet of the Geneva Graduate Institute said the security risks emanating from Baluch areas in Iran and Pakistan and their geo-economic importance have magnified their place in the development plans of both countries. "This has led the two governments to embark on an effort to suppress the violence there," he said. Iran said on December 2 that it plans to keep military advisers in Syria after its ally's second city, Aleppo, was overrun by rebels in a surprise offensive. The Islamic republic, which has backed President Bashar al-Assad since Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, says it only deploys military advisers in the country at the invitation of Damascus. "We entered Syria many years ago at the official invitation of the Syrian government, when the Syrian people faced the threat of terrorism," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaeil. "Our military advisers were present in Syria, and they are still present" and would remain in the country "in accordance with the wishes" of its government, he told a news conference in Tehran. Baqaeil did not specify whether or not Iran would be increasing its forces in Syria in the wake of the lightning rebel offensive. His remarks come a day after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Assad in Damascus to show support for the Syrian president.

Lautaro Martinez ended a near two-month goal drought as Inter Milan closed to within one point of Serie A leaders Atalanta by sweeping aside Cagliari 3-0. Martinez had gone eight matches since last finding the back of the net against Venezia on November 3 but after Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the 54th minute, the Argentina international struck in Sardinia. The Inter captain took his tally against Cagliari to 10 goals in as many games after 71 minutes before Hakan Calhanoglu capped an excellent night for the visitors from the penalty spot a few moments later. This moment >>> #ForzaInter #CagliariInter pic.twitter.com/aZwbAZvRVI — Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) December 28, 2024 Inter’s fifth-successive league victory led to them temporarily leapfrogging Atalanta, who reclaimed top spot but saw their lead cut to a single point following a 1-1 draw at Lazio. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were grateful for a point in the end after falling behind to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first-half strike, only drawing level with two minutes remaining thanks to Marco Brescianini. Lautaro Valenti’s last-gasp strike condemned rock-bottom Monza to a 10th defeat in 18 matches as Parma edged a 2-1 victory, while Genoa defeated Empoli by the same scoreline.Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time. "NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix" begins with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Where will the games be available? Netflix's 282.3 million subscribers in over 190 countries will be able to stream the games, marking the first time one outlet has distributed an NFL game globally. Netflix will have the games available in five languages — English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. The games will also air on CBS affiliates in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston. NFL policy dictates that games on cable or being exclusively streamed must also be on an over-the-air station in the competing teams' markets. It will also be available on mobile devices in the U.S. for those who have NFL+. Why is the NFL putting Christmas Day games on a streaming platform? The biggest reason is money. The league is getting $150 million from Netflix for the two games this season. It also continues the NFL's moves into streaming — Thursday night games are in their third season on Amazon Prime Video and the "Sunday Ticket" package moved to YouTube TV last year. But Christmas is on a Wednesday when games usually aren't played. That's true, but the league wasn't about to give up Christmas after seeing the ratings. Last year's three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million. The Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens and Texans played on Saturday, giving them the same turnaround they would have if they played on Sunday and then Thursday. What is at stake for the teams playing? All four have clinched playoff spots in the AFC, but seeding remains up for grabs. Kansas City (14-1) can clinch the top seed — which would mean a first-round bye and home field throughout the playoffs — with a win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied atop the AFC North at 10-5, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker due to a better conference record. Houston (9-6) has wrapped up the AFC South and holds the fourth seed. Has Netflix fixed its streaming problems from the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight? Netflix hopes so. Brandon Riegg, Netflix's vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said the system was stress tested, and then some, during the Nov. 14 bout, along with internet service providers reporting they were also overwhelmed by the surge that occurred before and during the fight. The bout peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, including 38 million concurrent streams in the United States. According to the website Down Detector, nearly 85,000 viewers logged problems with outages or streaming leading up to and during the fight. Could there be the same number streaming the games that there were during the fight? Possible? Yes. Likely? No. The largest audience for a streamed-exclusive NFL game was 23 million on Peacock for last season's AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs. Nielsen will measure the ratings for the Christmas Day games, with early numbers expected late afternoon on Thursday. When could there be surge in demand on Wednesday? It will probably be at kickoff for both games, but especially around 5:45 p.m. EST. That would be near halftime of the Ravens-Texans game, and when Beyoncé will be performing. What other celebrities will appear? Mariah Carey will kick off the day with a taped performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You." There is no word if Taylor Swift will make the trip to Pittsburgh to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift has been spending time in Kansas City since she wrapped up her Eras Tour two weeks ago. How many Christmas games will Netflix carry in the next two seasons? The NFL will have at least two games on Dec. 25 in 2025 and '26, with Netflix slated to have at least one each year. Amazon Prime Video will have a night game with Christmas on a Thursday next year. Does Netflix have an interest in other sports? Netflix's worldwide partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment will begin on Jan. 6 when "Monday Night Raw" moves to the streaming service. On Friday, Netflix secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Small steps in Gaza? Desalination plant muted reopening sparks hope for post-war recovery

Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” “My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara,” he said. He called the program ”false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness.” It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial. The pair have also had a rocky relationship with the Israeli media. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu, through Bleiweiss, encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organize protests against her husband's critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu's Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Bleiweiss also was instructed to organize demonstrations outside the homes of the lead prosecutor in the corruption case, Liat Ben-Ari, and then Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who had issued the indictments, and protests and social media campaigns smearing political opponents. According to the report, Bleiweiss was a loyal aid to Netanyahu for decades. But while she was ill, it said Sara Netanyahu mistreated her, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behavior toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees police and has repeatedly said the attorney general, Baharav-Miara, should be fired over a series of grievances against her, said the latest announcement was another reason for her to be dismissed. “Someone who politically persecutes government ministers and their families cannot continue to serve as the attorney general,” he said. And Justice Minister Yariv Levin, another Netanyahu ally and critic of Baharav-Miara, accused her of focusing on “television gossip.” “Selective enforcement is a crime!” he said in a statement.Former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene is transferring to Michigan with one year of eligibility remaining. Confirming earlier reports, Keene posted an image of himself in a Wolverines uniform on social media on Monday. Keene passed for 2,892 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2024. Fresno State opened the season with a 30-10 loss at Michigan on Aug. 31, with Keene throwing for 235 yards with one touchdown and two picks. Including two seasons at UCF (2021-22), Keene has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 8,245 yards with 65 TDs and 28 interceptions in 39 games. Keene's competition for the starting job at Michigan includes incoming freshman Bryce Underwood, the 247Sports Composite's No. 1 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. --Field Level MediaPrologis Declares Quarterly Dividend

As the crypto market faces turbulence, significant investments can vanish rapidly. Yet, there are cryptocurrencies that might secure a portfolio against such losses. Discover the top five digital assets poised to protect and potentially grow investments. These selections could be the key to safeguarding holdings in uncertain times. DOGEN Pumps Hard: The Strongest Meme Token Dominating Crypto Doge, Shib, and Floki will be left whimpering as the real alpha storms in. Meet DOGEN – the baddest, most bullish meme token to ever hit the market. Only the strongest, most fearless holders can tame it. Big muscles and balls of steel - that’s DOGEN. No dips, no drama - nothing but hardcore! Just moving forward to ATHs! Like it tough? Then DOGEN is the right token for you. Frogs leap away - DOGEN will show who is the boss here ! Supercharged from day one, it's primed to explode with a 700% surge expected in the coming months. This Solana-powered beast is ready to pump out insane, thousand-fold gains await! DOGEN’s got a little something special for its hardcore believers — an airdrop ! Want in? All you gotta do is flex those social muscles, grab some tokens during the presale, and start recruiting the DOGEN army with your referral link. For every recruit, you'll pocket a juicy 20% of the Golden Points from their token buys. And it doesn’t stop there. DOGEN’s referral game is fierce ! You’ll rake in 7% of every token your direct bros (1st level) buy with your code. And it gets sweeter — the more bros you bring, the more levels you unlock, stacking up profits like a boss. Altseason is on the horizon, and DOGEN holders will be the ones leading the charge . Wanna dominate the crypto market? Then join the DOGEN army! It’s a community for true winners who enjoy exclusive campaigns, killer perks, and the top deals in the game. Afford yourself a luxury life! Posh cars, stacks of money, and beautiful women - that’s all for DOGEN holders who don’t settle for less. Flex Hard, Earn Big – DOGEN is Your Next Power Play! Stellar (XLM): A Decentralized Network Enhancing Global Payments Stellar (XLM) is a decentralized payment network that uses blockchain to enable quick, low-cost fund transfers without favoring any national currency. Since 2014, it has processed billions of transactions and partnered with major companies. It allows transfers of any currency type, including digital versions of national currencies and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Unlike other cryptocurrencies aiming to replace financial systems, Stellar seeks to enhance them by providing a unified network for collaboration. Individuals can send funds globally using Stellar apps, and companies can build blockchain applications or use the network for payments and currency conversion. With ongoing development and its focus on integration, Stellar has potential in the current market cycle. Terra Classic (LUNC): A Blockchain for Stable Global Payments Terra Classic (LUNC) is a blockchain protocol that uses fiat-pegged stablecoins to power global payment systems with stable prices. It combines the stability of traditional currencies with the censorship resistance of Bitcoin, aiming to offer fast and affordable settlements. Development began in January 2018, and the mainnet launched in April 2019. In May 2022, the original Terra chain was rebranded as Terra Classic after significant changes. The native token, originally known as LUNA, became LUNA Classic (LUNC). The protocol provides stablecoins pegged to currencies like the U.S. dollar and South Korean won. The technology has potential for efficient global transactions. The attractiveness of LUNC in the current market cycle depends on various market factors. Dogecoin: The Memecoin Turned Top Cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) is a cryptocurrency that began in 2013 as a fun alternative to traditional coins, using a Shiba Inu dog as its logo. Unlike Bitcoin, which has a limited supply, Dogecoin has no maximum cap and adds 10,000 new coins every minute. Initially seen as a joke, its value soared in 2021, breaking into the top ten cryptocurrencies with a market value over $50 billion. This rise was fueled by social media and support from figures like Elon Musk. Dogecoin's strong community and broad appeal show its potential. In the current market cycle, it remains a significant player, and its active community might attract those interested in cryptocurrency. Kaspa (KAS): A High-Speed PoW Cryptocurrency Using GHOSTDAG Protocol Kaspa (KAS) is a proof-of-work cryptocurrency that uses the GHOSTDAG protocol. Unlike traditional blockchains, GHOSTDAG allows blocks created in parallel to coexist and orders them in consensus. This makes Kaspa's blockchain a blockDAG, not a simple chain. This approach enables high block rates—currently one block per second, aiming for 10 per second and dreaming of 100 per second—with very short confirmation times. Kaspa includes features like Reachability to query the DAG's topology, block data pruning, SPV proofs, and plans for future subnetwork support to ease layer 2 implementations. Given its innovative technology and goals, Kaspa may be an attractive option in the current market cycle. Conclusion XLM, LUNC, DOGE, and KAS may offer less short-term potential. DOGEN, designed for those seeking the best, embodies luxury and success. Expected 700% growth by presale end with potential for huge returns, following tokens like BONK, WIF, and Popcat. Building a community of leaders, DOGEN offers real benefits and exclusive perks for early adopters. Site: https://dogen.meme/ Twitter: https://x.com/dogenmeme Telegram: https://t.me/Dogen_Portal Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Pipeline Insights 2024: Therapies, Clinical Trials, And Key Companies Involved By Delveinsight | Insmed Inc, Astrazeneca, Zambon, CSL Behring, Chiesi FarmaceuticiOff-road vehicle seized after 'antisocial driver breaches High Court injunction'

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Announces Unlimited Sora Access for ChatGPT Plus Users Over Festive Season; Check Details

Recently, the UGC has been releasing schemes with guidelines to serve as a framework for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP), seeking input from its stakeholders. This article focuses on offering an opinion on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as a scheme designed to develop a skilled workforce through skills validation. RPL acts as a bridge between education and the workforce, ensuring a smooth transition for students into the job market and contributing to the country’s economy. This system acknowledges and validates an individual’s prior knowledge and skills, providing alternative pathways for access, admission, recognition, certification, or further learning. RPL is adaptable to various contexts, shaped by the geographical or industrial settings in which it is applied. It can be implemented using different teaching methods and assessment tools based on the required skill sets, goals, and specific contexts. While standardized practices may be used within certain sectors, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work across all disciplines or contexts. RPL as a mobility programme “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) is an assessment process designed to evaluate an individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience gained through formal, non-formal, or informal learning. It helps facilitate the transition from vocational education to mainstream education. RPL offers an effective way to formally recognize skills and competencies acquired through work-integrated learning (WIL). In any nation’s development, two key groups — ”Thinkers” and “Tinkerers”— play vital roles. Thinkers act as thought leaders, creating valuable ideas, while Tinkerers, as skilled workers, execute these ideas, turning them into tangible value. A balance between these two groups is crucial to sustaining the nation’s economy. However, automation and the lack of efforts to reskill the workforce in line with emerging technologies have resulted in a decline in the skilled labour force, as reflected in the Human Development Report. The need for skill-, apprentice-based education Reportedly, over three million first-degree holders graduate annually in India, but fewer than 20% are employable. This is due to the lack of both relevant skills and disciplinary depth among these graduates, leaving them unprepared to plan their careers. This is a significant issue. In contrast, millennials have shown a preference for work-integrated learning (WIL), project-based learning (PBL), and apprenticeship-based education over traditional classroom methods. Many students today even opt to defer a semester to pursue internships, which are increasingly seen as valuable learning experiences for those aspiring to research or industrial careers. Marilyn M. Lombardi of Duke University, in her article “Authentic Learning for the 21st Century,” notes that the current generation prefers “learning by doing” over passive listening in a lecture hall. Many universities abroad have reduced traditional instruction time, opting instead for guided inquiry, where students explore content through resources and discussions, fostering independent knowledge construction. In contrast, the Indian education system remains largely focused on lecture-based instruction and formulaic practical classes, continuing to shape students in the image of their teachers rather than encouraging self-directed learning. In this context, the UGC recommends integrating higher education, vocational education, training, and internships into the UG and PG curriculum. This issue should be approached with an apolitical mindset and evidence-based solutions. According to data from Nasscom’s IT-ITeS sector skill council, India faces a shortage of skilled tech professionals for 230,000 jobs in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, a gap expected to grow to over 800,000 by 2022. Reports also predict that by 2023, over 70 million individuals between the ages of 15-59 will enter the Indian job market. A comprehensive study by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) titled “Skill Gap Assessment and Action Plan for Tamil Nadu” reveals that the state expects a 48% workforce shortage by 2025. The study also forecasts an increased demand for 799,000 skilled workers in priority sectors between 2022 and 2025. This shortage is not unique to Tamil Nadu but reflects a nationwide trend, varying by region and sector. Given these challenges, higher education must focus not only on the creation of new knowledge but also on the development of skills and competencies. Integrating vocational education into mainstream education is key to creating the right balance of “thinkers” and “tinkerers” necessary for national development. In this context, implementing RPL is crucial, and its integration into mainstream education requires careful planning. Designing Interventions for Mainstreaming RPL To mainstream RPL, colleges and universities could offer value-added programs where students formalize their skills and prior knowledge through professional certifications. Additionally, the workforce from industry could engage in professional development through skills validation. One major obstacle in implementation would be the resistance from traditional academia, which may not be ready or capable to adopt vocational standards of practice as outlined in the Quality Training Framework. Resistance to adoption of RPL will likely stem from the varying perspectives within academia. However, structured industry-academia engagement, supported by government intervention, can make this scheme successful. In addition, universities and colleges must connect with industries, employ “professors of practice” as per UGC guidelines, and assess skills based on the National Skill Qualification Framework, ensuring alignment with industry standards. The next step involves co-creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with input from both academics and industry professionals. Initiated by the government, this SOP would serve as a reference document for universities and autonomous colleges, enabling them to grant credits for part-qualifications. Further, to contextualise RPL, developing institutional policies for implementation is necessary. This process should include thorough discussions with stakeholders, including faculty and students, to align everyone with the RPL policy and SOP. Once these processes are in place, flexible admission policies with alternative access routes can be established to prevent corruption. A model for resource development Resourcing infrastructure and professionals is another critical factor for successful RPL implementation. Universities and colleges should be encouraged to establish “centers of excellence” supported by industry contributions, particularly through CSR initiatives. These centers would serve as skill development and assessment hubs, while also promoting workforce placements for the industries sourcing it from the academia. These centers could also drive innovation by addressing industry pain points through hackathons sponsored by companies. Such a model would help develop a dynamic curriculum for the academia as it would keep academia aligned with the ever-changing demands of the workforce. This model is sustainable as it keeps both industry and academia engaged with each other’s needs. It is to be noted that CSR norms are undergoing amendments to facilitate industries contribute to translational research. This includes setting up innovation hubs as part of academia which could serve as skill development centres promoting RPL. Conclusion The landscape of tertiary education is evolving, with changes in curriculum and pedagogy shaping its future. The speed at which academia adopts these changes will determine its relevance and resilience. Education leaders must move beyond traditional views of academia, as millennials increasingly value higher education for its focus on skills, competencies, and the application of knowledge, rather than mere knowledge acquisition. RPL assessment centers, integrated within the educational ecosystem, would bridge the gap between education and the workforce, helping to build the nation and strengthen its economy. (Paul Wilson is currently serving as Principal and Secretary, Madras Christian College) Published - December 24, 2024 09:08 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddithow to deposit in 188 jili 。

Rocky Hulne: Turning back time to honor the L-P girls basketball team that started a memorable runLuke Humphries defeats Luke Littler to retain Players Championship Finals title

Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. FOR THE SECOND TIME 🏆🏆 Luke Humphries retains his 2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals title, beating Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” HUMPHRIES GOES BACK-TO-BACK! 🏆 Luke Humphries retains his Players Championship Finals title! Cool Hand puts on an absolute clinic to defeat Luke Littler 11-7 in an epic final! 📺 | Final — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”

According to Google’s Year in Search report, 2024 was a standout year for sports. Major sporting events – Copa America, UEFA European Championship, and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – topped the list of overall searches, while the Olympics ranked third among the biggest news items on Google. Notable athletes such as Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, legendary boxer Mike Tyson, Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal, and US gymnast Simone Biles were also among the top 10 most searched individuals on Google in 2024. Two Indians – Hardik Pandya and Shashank Singh – featured among the world’s top 10 most searched athletes while Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo missed out. The most searched athlete of the year was Imane Khelif , who won the welterweight gold medal at the Paris Olympics but has consistently faced questions over her female gender. Tyson is second on the list of most searched sportspersons in 2024. The 58-year-old iconic boxer returned to professional boxing in November when he took on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed match. Barcelona’s 17-year-old football Yamal, who led Spain to Euro 2024 title, is third in the list followed by Biles, who won three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, and Paul. Hardik Pandya and Shashank Singh are seventh and ninth respectively on the list. Pandya, who captained Mumbai Indians during the Indian Premier League (2024), was constantly in the news after replacing Rohit Sharma in the leadership role and also helped India win the T20 World Cup 2024 . Shashank had a memorable IPL with Punjab Kings, scoring 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 164.65. The list of most searched teams was dominated by American sides with MLB side New York Yankees featuring at the top followed by Los Angeles Dodgers and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, who play in MLS. The only European football team in the top 10 list is Bayer Leverkusen, who set a European record of 51 games in a row without loss across all competitions in the 2023-24 season. Searches (Global) Copa América UEFA European Championship ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India vs England Liam Payne Donald Trump India vs Bangladesh iPhone 16 Olympic Games Paris 2024 Catherine, Princess of Wales News (Global) US Election Excessive heat Olympics Hurricane Milton 台風 気象 情報 台風 第 10 号 (Japanese for “Typhoon Weather Information Typhoon No.10”) Iran Rafah Crowdstrike Trump shot Menendez brothers Most searched people (Global) Donald Trump Catherine, Princess of Wales Kamala Harris Imane Khelif Joe Biden Mike Tyson JD Vance Lamine Yamal Simone Biles Diddy Most searched athlete (Global) Imane Khelif Mike Tyson Lamine Yamal Simone Biles Jake Paul Nico Williams Hardik Pandya Scoie Scheer Shashank Singh Rodri Most searched sports team (Global) New York Yankees Los Angeles Dodgers Inter Miami CF Bayer 04 Leverkusen Boston Celtics New York Mets Dallas Mavericks Argentina national football team Minnesota Timberwolves Edmonton Oilers

Unretired two-time Pro Bowl LB Shaquil Barrett signs to resume career with Tampa Bay BuccaneersImmigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as "flagpoling." This is when someone who was in Canada on a temporary visa leaves for the U.S. then quickly re-enters Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. The restriction on providing work and study permits to flagpolers takes effect today. Last week, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that going forward temporary visa holders will have to apply online to extend their stay in Canada. The Canadian Border Services Agency processed more than 69,300 people who engaged in flagpoling in the 2023-24 fiscal year. There are still rare exceptions where a person will be granted a work or study permit even though they meet the definition of flagpoling, including international truck drivers with a work permit, professionals under certain free trade agreements and American citizens. Miller first announced the plan to ban the practice on Dec. 17, alongside Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc who promised a border control package worth $1.3 billion. This includes removing the point value for having a job offer in Canada's express entry immigration system. The stated goal of this change is to reduce and prevent immigration fraud. In a social media post, Miller said this will take effect in the spring and that it will be a temporary measure. A broader review of the express entry program is being conducted, and a future decision on the value of a job offer in that system will be made at that time. A labour market impact assessment, a key document required for an employer to hire a foreign worker, is currently worth 50 to 200 points in the express entry system. Applicants are not supposed to pay for these, but a black market has emerged where people are charging tens of thousands of dollars for these documents. Applications that are already in progress won't be affected once this change takes effect. Miller also said the government is looking at ways to streamline Canada's asylum system at that Dec. 17 press conference. This includes exploring options to "quickly deal with" illegitimate claims. The government's broader border measures plan to respond to Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat also includes enhanced aerial surveillance and drug detection efforts. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2025.

Adani Enterprises Ltd’s share has potential upside of 57.8 pc in 24 months: Ventura Securitiesis one of the many NBA legends who hold a unique admiration for LeBron James. But while others are in awe of James' exceptional game and long list of accolades, "The Answer" is more impressed by what "The King" accomplishes off the court. For A.I., has been the epitome of a role model, not just for young athletes but for individuals across all walks of life. Though Iverson mentioned this in a profanity-laden speech in front of random people, the reactions from the small crowd listening to him tell that he was on point. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.

TORONTO — Broad-based gains led Canada's main stock index higher in late-morning trading on Christmas Eve, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 57.82 points at 24,806.80. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 177.64 points at 43,084.59. The S&P 500 index was up 43.11 points at 6,017.18, while the Nasdaq composite was up 210.74 points at 19,975.62. The Canadian dollar traded for 69.50 cents US compared with 69.47 cents US on Monday. The February crude oil contract was up 91 cents at US$70.15 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was up 13 cents at US$3.48 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$1.10 at US$2,627.10 an ounce and the March copper contract was up two cents at US$4.11 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) The Canadian Press

Larry Brooks says Mika Zibanejad is “very sensitive”.ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Republicans will start the year with at least a temporary majority in the Minnesota House after a Democrat decided not to appeal a judge's decision that he failed to establish residency in the suburban district he was elected to represent. That means Republicans will have a slim 67-66 majority in the House when the Legislature begins Jan. 14. That may not last long because Gov. Tim Walz has already scheduled a Jan. 28 special election in the Democratic-leaning district that Curtis Johnson won by 30 points in November. “While I disagree with the conclusions reached by the District Court, I recognize that whatever the decision on appeal the ultimate decision belongs to the Legislature, where it appears there is no viable pathway for me being allowed to retain my seat,” Johnson said in his resignation letter Friday. “Rather than dragging this out further, I have decided to resign now, so that a special election can be held as soon as possible.” Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro ruled last week that Johnson didn’t live in the Roseville-area district for the required six months ahead of the election and is therefore ineligible to serve. Johnson's Republican challenger, Paul Wikstrom, presented surveillance video and photos in court to show Johnson did not reside in the apartment he claimed as his residence. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that the lack of utility hookups and regular activity at the apartment reinforced that conclusion. Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth, who is in line to become House speaker with the GOP in control, said she is pleased the judge's decision will stand. Previously, leaders of both parties had been working out a power-sharing agreement given that the chamber was expected to be divided equally 67-67. “This confirms that Republicans will have an organizational majority on day one, and we look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B in the upcoming legislative session,” Demuth said in a statement. Although Democrats argue that Republicans would need to have at least 68 seats to control the House. The Democrats' narrow one-vote control of the Senate — combined with Walz's veto power — will be able to stop Republicans from being able to pass laws, but the GOP could still push its agenda. Republicans will have working control of committees to advance bills to the floor, which could force Democrats from swing districts to face tough decisions on bills. And Republicans could try to launch investigations they have been seeking for a long time into the Walz administration and problems it has had limiting fraud. Demuth also questioned whether Walz has the power to set the special election so quickly even before the Legislature certifies the vacancy. If that argument prevails that would extend Republican control of the House longer, but the secretary of state's office told Minnesota Public Radio that Walz's order setting the special election is proper. Whenever the election happens, Democrats are confident they will win the seat, current House speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman said. “A prompt special election will allow the voters of District 40B to ensure that they will be represented in the Minnesota House for the bulk of the session,” Hortman said in a written statement. “We expect the district will again vote to elect a Democrat by overwhelming margins.” A pending court challenge in a different suburban district could also affect the balance of power in the House, but it appears Democrats will likely prevail in that dispute. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke, of Shakopee, was declared the winner by 14 votes over Republican Aaron Paul despite 20 missing ballots that were accepted but never counted and then apparently thrown away. At a hearing, his attorneys presented six of those affected voters who testified that they supported Tabke, which would be enough to preserve his win. A judge is expected to decide within the next few weeks how to proceed. The Associated Press

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NEW YORK , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global voice evacuation systems market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.84% during the forecast period. Growth of real estate and construction industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards adoption of lot in building control systems. However, high initial cost of installation of voice sounder and loudspeakers poses a challenge. Key market players include 4EVAC Hacousto Holland BV, ABB Ltd., Ambient System SP ZOO, ATEIS International SA, Audico Systems Oy, Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd., Cofem SA, Eaton Corp. Plc, Hochiki America Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International Plc, Mircom Group of Companies, NAFFCO FZCO, OPTIMUS SA , ORR Protection Systems Inc., Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Siemens AG, TOA Corp., and Zeta Alarms Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are becoming increasingly popular for emergency communication in public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial sites, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These systems use spoken messages to alert individuals of potential risks, such as fire breakouts, in a calm and clear manner. This trend is driven by the need for safe evacuation during unprecedented events, ensuring the safety and awareness of individuals in secure environments. Traditional fire alarm systems have limitations, such as the use of horns or chimes which can cause panic. Voice evacuation systems offer a more effective solution by providing customized messages and clear instructions. The initial financial investment for voice evacuation systems can be higher than traditional systems due to necessary equipment, customization, and professional installation services. However, the long-term benefits, including cost savings from retrofitting existing buildings and seamless communication with building automation systems, make it a worthwhile investment. The decision-making process for potential clients includes considering the building size, complex zoning, and existing building technologies. Voice evacuation systems offer interoperability with smart building technologies, elevators, and real-time monitoring, making them a converging solution for safety and security. With the industry shift towards innovative technologies, compatibility challenges with existing building technologies and communication protocols are being addressed. Safety and wellbeing are top priorities for private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, governments, and corporations. Voice evacuation systems are an essential part of safety solutions, ensuring social consideration for individuals with disabilities, impairments, and an ageing population. These systems offer a critical infrastructure for emergency communication, providing effective solution for evacuation during fire incidents. The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized building systems and safety equipment by enabling interconnected devices to exchange data over a network. Traditionally, voice evacuation systems operated independently. However, integrating IoT technology has significantly improved their functionality. This integration enhances data and control management, ensuring quick response and notification without human intervention. The development of mesh networks further supports connectivity, allowing every device to function as a node to a central location. This advancement in technology not only increases reliability but also eliminates redundancy, making voice evacuation systems more efficient and effective. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Voice evacuation systems are essential safety solutions for public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These systems deliver spoken messages during emergencies like fire breakouts, unprecedented events, or fire incidents. Traditional alarm systems using horns or chimes can cause panic and confusion. Voice evacuation systems provide clear instructions for safe evacuation, enhancing safety, awareness, and security. However, adopting voice evacuation systems comes with challenges. Cost is a significant factor, influenced by building size, necessary equipment, and professional installation services. Complex zoning, customization, and hardware costs add to the initial financial investment. Custom content and audio quality are essential considerations. Retrofitting existing buildings with voice evacuation systems can be complex due to interoperability issues with existing building technologies, communication protocols, and compatibility challenges. Critical infrastructure like airports, stadiums, and other public spaces require evacuation systems to ensure safety and wellbeing. Safety and social considerations, such as an ageing population, disabilities, and impairments, necessitate innovative technologies and assistance in understanding risks. The convergence of voice evacuation systems with smart building technologies, building management, real-time monitoring, and building automation systems offers seamless communication and evacuation processes. The industry shift towards voice evacuation systems underscores the importance of professional skills in installation and design, as well as the need for preloaded messages and custom content. The decision-making process for potential clients includes considering the potential risks, necessary equipment, and the benefits of voice evacuation systems over traditional alarm systems. Voice evacuation systems are essential safety features in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. In small and mid-size buildings, the cost of deploying these systems includes hardware installation, which is the largest expense, and minimal service and maintenance costs. However, in large buildings and high-rise residential complexes, regulations mandate the installation of automated emergency alarms and voice evacuation systems, leading to higher procurement and setup costs. In the commercial sector, especially healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and hotels, the expense of installing multiple systems, including emergency alarm control systems, is significant. Overall, the cost of voice evacuation systems varies depending on the size and complexity of the building or facility. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This voice evacuation systems market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Commercial sector 1.2 Industrial sector 1.3 Residential sector 2.1 Voice sounders 2.2 Loudspeakers 2.3 Emergency microphones 2.4 Networked and wireless system 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Commercial sector- The commercial sector is experiencing significant growth in the voice evacuation systems market due to increased regulations and safety awareness. This trend is driven by stringent government requirements and user education in various countries. The global market is also benefiting from rising foreign direct investment and construction activity in emerging economies. A major technological advancement is the integration of voice evacuation systems with fire alarms and security control systems. However, compatibility and interoperability challenges persist when integrating these systems with existing infrastructure. Mature markets like the US, Canada , and parts of Europe will primarily focus on replacement activities and software upgrades. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, particularly Dammam in Saudi Arabia , is poised for substantial growth due to commercial hub development and expanding retail sectors. Key projects like the Al-Rehab project in Dammam are expected to boost market expansion during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are essential components of modern public address (PA) systems designed to ensure safety and order during emergency situations. These systems use spoken messages to alert and guide people in buildings during unprecedented events such as fire breakouts. They are installed in various public facilities, including private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, government establishments, and new age constructions. The voice evacuation system is a crucial part of a building's ecosystem, prioritizing safety and wellbeing, and is a matter of corporate social responsibility and strict safety laws. The system's detectors trigger a preloaded message, which may include instructions on the nature of the emergency and the safest evacuation routes. The message can be delivered through a voice alarm or a combination of voice and horn or chime. The effective implementation of voice evacuation systems requires professional skills and adherence to industry standards. Market Research Overview Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are essential safety solutions designed to ensure safe evacuation of individuals in public facilities and buildings during fire breakouts or unprecedented events. These systems use spoken messages instead of traditional alarm systems with horns or chimes to provide clear instructions and reduce panic. Public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities all benefit from voice evacuation systems, prioritizing safety, awareness, security, and the wellbeing of individuals. The adoption of voice evacuation systems is driven by potential risks such as fire incidents and the need for evacuation systems to protect assets. Traditional alarm systems may not provide adequate communication during emergencies, making voice evacuation systems a cost-effective and necessary investment for buildings of all sizes. Customization is a crucial factor, with prefabricated messages and custom content available to cater to specific building needs. Audio quality, initial financial investment, and necessary equipment are essential considerations in the decision-making process. Professional installation services ensure seamless communication and interoperability with existing building technologies, including building management systems, elevators, and smart building technologies. Voice evacuation systems are increasingly important in private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, government establishments, and new age buildings. The safety and wellbeing of individuals, corporate social responsibility, and strict safety laws are driving the industry shift towards voice evacuation systems. Existing buildings may require retrofitting with voice evacuation systems, posing challenges related to existing building technologies, communication protocols, and compatibility with proprietary technologies. Critical infrastructure and converging technologies, such as building automation systems, elevators, and real-time monitoring, are essential considerations in the adoption of voice evacuation systems. The voice evacuation system market is continually evolving, with innovative technologies addressing consumer requirements and addressing the unique needs of various sectors. Detectors, preloaded messages, and modern designs are essential components of voice evacuation systems, ensuring effective and efficient evacuation during emergencies. The understanding of risks, social considerations, and the ageing population, disabilities, and impairments are crucial factors in the design and implementation of voice evacuation systems. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Commercial Sector Industrial Sector Residential Sector Type Voice Sounders Loudspeakers Emergency Microphones Networked And Wireless System Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media , leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law. The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. The legislation was passed with 102 votes in favor to 13 against. If the bill becomes law this week, the platforms would have one year to work out how to implement the age restrictions before the penalties are enforced. Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan told Parliament the government had agreed to accept amendments in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses. The platforms also could not demand digital identification through a government system. “Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it’s not. But if it helps, even if it helps in just the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Tehan told Parliament. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Senate would debate the bill later Wednesday. The major parties’ support all but guarantees the legislation will be passed by the Senate where no party holds a majority of seats. Lawmakers who were not aligned with either the government or the opposition were most critical of the legislation during debate on Tuesday and Wednesday. Criticisms include that the legislation had been rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms they encountered and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer. Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel said the legislation would “make zero difference to the harms that are inherent to social media.” “The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel told Parliament. “There is a reason why the government parades this legislation as world-leading, that’s because no other country wants to do it,” she added. T he platforms had asked for the vote on legislation to be delayed until at least June next year when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how the ban could been enforced. Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press

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GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) — An FBI agent charged in Maryland with sexually assaulting two women contacted his alleged victims through social media with a promise to give them free tattoos and modeling work, police said Tuesday as they encouraged other potential victims to come forward. Neither woman knew that their alleged assailant, Eduardo Valdivia , was an FBI agent, Montgomery County Assistant Police Chief Nicholas Augustine said during a news conference. Valdivia used aliases, including Lalo Brown and “El Boogie,” as he contacted the women through an Instagram account for a tattoo parlor in Gaithersburg, Maryland, according to police. Valdivia sexually assaulted the women — both of whom are in their 20s — during photo shoots at a tattoo studio and at a hotel, police said. Both women told police that they feared Valdivia would have caused them more harm if they tried to resist or leave, according to a police affidavit. Valdivia presented the women with modeling contracts and threatened to take legal action if they didn’t return to model for him, Augustine said. Police detectives suspect that Valdivia may have sexually assaulted other women under similar circumstances, according to the assistant chief. “I would like to thank the victims that did come forward. They have now stopped this contact going on in our community and being brave to come forward to notify the police about what was going on, which most likely saved other people from being victimized,” Augustine said. Defense attorney Robert Bonsib said Valdivia’s interactions with the women were consensual. “This conduct is not going to get you the first pew in the church,” Bonsib told reporters outside the courthouse. “You’ve got to be realistic about the nature of what was going on. This was not criminal conduct.” A state district court judge on Tuesday ordered Valdivia jailed without bond, deciding he poses a danger to the community and a flight risk. A prosecutor, Rachel Morris, said during the hearing that a third potential victim had come forward and was being interviewed by police “as we speak.” Valdivia has been suspended by the FBI pending the conclusion of the police investigation. “The FBI takes allegations of criminal violations and misconduct very seriously,” an FBI spokesperson said in a statement Monday. “Because this is an ongoing investigation, the FBI cannot comment further.” Valdivia, 40, of Gaithersburg, previously was charged and acquitted in 2022 of attempted second-degree murder and other charges stemming from an off-duty shooting aboard a moving Metro train near Washington, D.C. Online court records show Valdivia now faces felony and misdemeanor charges, including two counts of second-degree rape. The alleged offenses date to May 2024 and September 2024. Police began investigating in October. The women were initially reluctant to come forward because they felt “held back” by language in contracts they signed to do modeling work, Augustine said. “We don’t know how long the business had been open, but he has been doing tattoos at least since February,” Augustine said. During the bond hearing, Bonsib read aloud emails that he said the women sent to Valdivia. He pointed to the emails as evidence that the encounters were consensual. Bonsib acknowledged that Valdivia posed as a modeling agency operator named Dr. Tiffany Kim in sending emails to the women about modeling contracts. One of the women told police that she found a photo taken of her by Valdivia posted on an Instagram page. A mutual friend recognized a photo of the other alleged victim on the same page and arranged for the women to contact each other, the police affidavit says. Bonsib has said Valdivia joined the FBI in 2011 and was promoted to supervisory special agent at the FBI headquarters in 2019. On Dec. 15, 2020, a confrontation between Valdivia and an unarmed passenger swiftly escalated from a testy exchange of words to a shooting on a train approaching the Medical Center station in Bethesda, Maryland. Valdivia shot and wounded the man from a distance of roughly 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) after repeatedly telling the man to back up, county prosecutor Robert Hill said in court. The wounded man had part or all of his spleen, colon and pancreas removed during surgery after the shooting, Hill said. Bonsib has said Valdivia acted in self-defense as the man approached him at the rear of a train car.Ottawa, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Métis National Council (MNC) is proud to announce the election of Victoria Pruden as the new President of the MNC. This moment marks MNC's continued commitment to advancing the rights of the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. President Pruden takes the helm following the establishment of a clear presidential mandate by the MNC's General Assembly, which prioritizes implementation of critical reforms to the organization's mandate and bylaws. As the second consecutive woman to be elected to this position, President Pruden emphasizes the vital importance of the inclusion of Métis women's voices into every aspect of Métis leadership and politics. President Pruden brings a wealth of experience working with the Métis Nation, a deep connection to Métis culture, and a commitment to advancing the rights and aspirations of Métis across the Homeland. As a proud Métis citizen, President Pruden has dedicated her career to fostering unity, advocating for self-determination, and ensuring the voices of all Métis citizens are heard. With a strong foundation in leadership, collaboration, and cultural preservation, President Pruden is poised to continue guiding the Métis National Council toward a future grounded in transparency, ethical governance, and the collective vision of our ancestors. Reflecting on this new chapter, President Pruden expressed gratitude and determination to start this important work immediately: ''I am a Michif woman of proud and rich Métis ancestry from a mixed-heritage Métis family. I am passionate about ethical politics and healing work and want to continue on President Caron's commitment to supporting Elders and Matriarchs and elevating the voices of Métis Women at the MNC. I am committed to our ancestors' vision to work respectfully with one another to build a bright future that all Métis people deserve. '' '' Over the last few years, the Métis National Council has been re-built into a transparent, accountable, and ethical organization. I'm looking forward to continuing that work on behalf of Métis citizens, to continue the work to build a prosperous future and to progress the dreams of the Métis Nation.” Under the leadership of President Pruden, the MNC will continue to advance the shared priorities of its Governing Members and the Métis Nation. This election signals a promising way forward for the MNC, as the organization turns its attention to building on its legacy of advocacy and reform. By working together and fostering unity, the MNC will continue to fulfill the vision of its ancestors while paving the way for future generations. -30- Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, the MNC advocates on behalf of its Governing Members to advance Métis rights and interests within their respective jurisdictions, including the implementation of the Métis Nation's inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with MNC Governing Members. CONTACT: Melissa Lagace Métis National Council [email protected]

The first phase of a Virtual Tour project has been launched offering people around the world an opportunity to explore the sultanate’s landscapes, historical landmarks and modern infrastructure through Google’s Street View. Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), in collaboration with Google, inaugurated the project on Thursday. Street View, an interactive feature of Google Maps, allows users to explore streets and destinations through immersive, 360-degree imagery. An official at MTCIT said, “The service enables users anywhere in the world to explore Oman’s diverse landscapes, historical landmarks and modern infrastructure in an immersive virtual experience.” He added that the project aims to strengthen Oman’s digital presence and boost its influence in sectors such as tourism and business development. Attendees at the launch witnessed a virtual presentation that highlighted key landmarks and natural sites of the sultanate. The first phase of the project features several prominent locations, including Khor Rori in Dhofar, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The MTCIT official informed that images were captured using Street View Trekkers, mounted on pickup truck, covering approximately 36,000sqkm. “The launch of this feature reflects Oman’s commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing digital accessibility,” the official stated.

Charges dismissed against Karen Read backer who scattered rubber ducks, fake $100 billsEgypt’s Minister of State for Military Production, Mohamed Salah El-Din Mostafa, presided over a series of general assembly meetings for the ministry’s affiliated companies and units. Spanning three days, these meetings focused on reviewing financial statements for the fiscal year 2023/2024 and evaluating the performance of the associated entities. The discussions revealed impressive financial achievements, with revenue growth reaching 144% for FY 2023/2024, representing a 44% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Key performance indicators reviewed included revenues from activities, net sales, completed production, finished goods inventory, employee statistics, wages, raw material usage, and overall financial summaries. Minister Mostafa stressed the importance of optimizing the technological capabilities, material resources, and human capital of these companies to further enhance performance and productivity. He urged company chairpersons to align their efforts, emphasizing collaboration, integration, and adherence to governance principles to ensure efficient management of the Ministry’s assets. Cost optimization and proactive measures against potential encroachments were highlighted as priorities. Accelerating the development of ongoing projects was another focus, with a call to adhere strictly to project timelines to maximize returns and bolster contributions to the national economy. The minister also underscored the importance of meeting contract obligations promptly while maintaining the high quality expected of the Ministry of Military Production. Acknowledging the global economic challenges stemming from rising energy and food prices, along with disrupted supply chains, Mostafa noted their impact on economic recovery efforts. However, he emphasized the Egyptian government’s commitment to stabilizing labour markets, mitigating adverse effects, and supporting affected sectors and citizens. As part of its strategic goals, the Ministry of Military Production is advancing the localization of advanced manufacturing technologies within its affiliated companies. This effort aims to increase local components in products, conserve foreign currency, and reduce reliance on imports, reinforcing the Ministry’s position as a key contributor to the national economy.

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ANKARA French team Monaco climbed to the top spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after beating Türkiye's Anadolu Efes 94-75 in a round 18 match Thursday. Jordan Loyd and Mike James dropped 14 points each for Monaco at the Salle Gaston Medecin indoor sports arena. Efes' US center Dan Oturu scored 14 points for his team. With this result, Monaco took over the top spot with 12 wins and six losses, while Anadolu Efes are in seventh spot with 10 wins and 8 losses. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv shock Zalgris Kaunas 95-78 Israeli club Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv shocked Lithuania's Zalgris Kaunas 95-78 in another EuroLeague round 18 match on Thursday. Jaylen Hoard led Maccabi with 23 points, while his teammates Roman Sorkin and Rokas Jokubaitis contributed 18 points each at Belgrade's Aleksandar Nikolic Hall. Sylvain Francisco and Deividas Sirvydis dropped 15 points each for Zalgris. Zalgris Kaunas are in eighth spot with 10 wins and eight losses, while Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv are in 16th spot with five wins and 13 losses. Olympiacos Piraeus narrowly beat Emporio Armani Milan 84-83 Greece's Olympiacos Piraeus narrowly beat Italian team Emporio Armani Milan 84-83 in a Thursday EuroLeague round 18 game. Greek forward Sasha Vezenkov rallied Olympiacos to victory with 21 points at Milano's Unipol Forum. Spanish forward Nikola Mirotic was the top scorer for Milan with 16 points. Olympiacos Piraeus are in second spot with 12 wins and six losses, while Emporio Armani Milan are in 12th spot with nine wins and nine losses.Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say (copy)

NASA's 2 stuck astronauts face more time in space with return delayed until at least late MarchIntech Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( NASDAQ:EYPT – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 16,968 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $136,000. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in EyePoint Pharmaceuticals by 68.2% during the third quarter. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 10,293 shares of the company’s stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 4,172 shares during the last quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC increased its position in EyePoint Pharmaceuticals by 8.3% during the third quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,700 shares of the company’s stock worth $93,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank increased its position in EyePoint Pharmaceuticals by 271.0% during the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 10,888 shares of the company’s stock worth $95,000 after purchasing an additional 7,953 shares during the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in EyePoint Pharmaceuticals during the third quarter worth about $100,000. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System increased its position in EyePoint Pharmaceuticals by 9.7% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 13,251 shares of the company’s stock worth $115,000 after purchasing an additional 1,171 shares during the last quarter. 99.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Stock Performance NASDAQ EYPT opened at $8.71 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $9.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.30. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has a one year low of $7.40 and a one year high of $30.99. The firm has a market cap of $594.47 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.36 and a beta of 1.45. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Get Our Latest Research Report on EYPT About EyePoint Pharmaceuticals ( Free Report ) EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in developing and commercializing therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with serious retinal diseases. The company's pipeline leverages its proprietary bioerodible Durasert E technology for sustained intraocular drug delivery. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EYPT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( NASDAQ:EYPT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EyePoint Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

A lack of rules to help keep aging drivers — and you — safer on the streets causes serious, even fatal, consequences, Scripps News Cleveland found in a recent investigative report. So-called "mature drivers" (55+) were the most common variable in Ohio motor vehicle crashes over the last six years. State records show mature drivers were involved in 525,290 crashes between Jan. 1, 2019, and Nov. 12, 2024. The number of crashes involving mature drivers was higher than youth-related crashes and speed-related crashes. Despite those numbers, Ohio and other states have no special provisions to ensure older drivers are safe behind the wheel. Ignoring the risk "We really, as a society, mostly ignore it," said Sharona Hoffman , Case Western Reserve University, School of Law, and author of "Aging with a Plan: How a Little Thought Today Can Vastly Improve Your Tomorrow," which provides resources to help middle-aged and older adults deal with all aspects of aging, including driving. "There is not a good legal framework that tries to identify unsafe driving and address it," she said. Ohio is one of 13 states that does not have any regulations aimed at aging drivers on the roadways, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Other states have only enacted minor provisions, including more frequent license renewals and vision tests and requiring drivers to renew their licenses in person instead of by mail. Nevada and Washington D.C. require a doctor's note for drivers over 70. Only Illinois requires drivers to take another road test after they turn 75. Hoffman said driving decisions are mostly left to families. "Doctors often don’t get involved in that and so it’s up to families, and that can be extremely difficult," she said. Hoffman said older drivers often "don't want to hear they are a hazard," and families are often reluctant to engage in difficult conversations with loved ones about driving. At the same time, more older Americans are driving. The most recent Federal Highway Administration estimate is that there are over 34 million licensed drivers who are 70 or older in the U.S. 'If I wasn't there...' Even serious incidents can have little or no impact on an aging driver's license. Over the summer, Newburgh Heights Patrol Officer Russ Veverka was working his regular overnight shift on Interstate 77 when one car caught his attention. The driver was headed northbound in the southbound lane. At the same time, several vehicles were approaching from the opposite direction. "The one thing I’m not going to have is another vehicle hit head-on with another vehicle in front of me," he said. "I don’t think I could handle that at all." So from a grassy knoll near the Harvard Avenue bridge, Officer Veverka activated his overhead lights and drove onto the highway, blocking a lane. The driver saw him and stopped. The driver turned out to be a 65-year-old man who had been reported as a missing endangered adult earlier that day. A 4-year-old relative was standing in the backseat with no restraints. "Seeing that, my heart wanted to drop," Veverka said. The driver appeared confused and kept saying he was on Interstate 480. He had been driving around with the little boy for hours. After stopping the wrong-way driver, Veverka submitted form 2308 to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to request the driver take a road test. "That's the best we can do right now," Veverka said. But when Scripps News Cleveland reached out to the driver's wife, she told us nothing had changed. She said her husband is still driving, including picking up the 4-year-old boy from daycare. Jackson Township tragedy "We all have family members that we think, 'Eh, maybe they shouldn't be driving," said Jackson Township Fire Chief Tim Berczik. His department recently started outreach efforts to older drivers after reviewing the city's crashes over the last year. He found mature drivers were involved in eight fatalities in the city of approximately 44,000 residents, including a crash that killed a 69-year-old grandfather in October. Berczik said an 81-year-old woman crashed into Angello's 2 Go pizza shop when she accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal in her car. His staff is now showing older drivers how to stay safer in their vehicles, including proper seat and mirror placement. They also encourage anyone with concerns to be retested. "We're not talking in any way about, 'We need to take car keys away from senior folks,'" he said. "Make it a group decision that maybe we don't drive as much." He said mature drivers can limit the distances they drive, stop driving at night, or stick to familiar areas to keep themselves and others safer on the roads. 'Life is for the young..." Handing over your keys carries its own consequences. "We live in a society where our autonomy often depends on driving," Hoffman said. "They won’t be able to go to doctor’s appointments as easily, and they can become socially isolated, which is catastrophic for anyone, but especially older people." "If you are lonely, if you are not engaging with other people, that is a sure recipe for cognitive decline and other physical and mental health problems," she said. In a recent law review article, "Patient Autonomy, Public Safety, and Drivers with Cognitive Decline ," Hoffman and her co-author recommended doctors be required to send patients diagnosed with cognitive decline and other conditions for road tests. Right now, medical professionals are only encouraged to notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles about their concerns about a patient's driving. However, Scripps News Cleveland found only 18% of those drivers lost their licenses. Hoffman also said law enforcement officers should be trained to identify cognitive decline and report problem drivers. "I've had relatives who've driven into mailboxes, lamp posts, and parked cars and each time they have just gotten a warning or a ticket," she said. 76-year-old Brook Park resident Rose Ramsey said she isn't as confident in her driving skills as she used to be. "Once in a blue moon, I kind of forget the route that I was going," she said. "I'm planning on going a certain place and then I just kind of have to let the car lead the way." When she is worried about taking the wheel, she relies on her husband of 56 years, Kenneth. "I have my own chauffeur," she said. She supports requiring drivers to be retested as they get older. "John Q. Public and myself needs to be safe," she said. Ramsey said she knows that means she and her husband will eventually have to give up their own car keys. She admits it will not be easy. "I know it would be very difficult for us and yet I do understand that time is coming," she said. "Life is for the young, isn't it?" What should you do? If you're concerned about a loved one's driving abilities, Hoffman and Berczik both recommend the following: Be compassionate during your conversation Be a passenger so you can observe their driving skills Be proactive by involving their doctor, encouraging your loved one to get retested and/or set limits on when and how they drive This story was originally published by Sarah Buduson at Scripps News Cleveland .

Former Falcons RB Tevin Coleman enjoys watching Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s nice’Saturday, 8:15 p.m. EST, NFL Network BetMGM NFL odds : Rams by 6 1/2. Against the spread: Cardinals 9-6; Rams 8-7. Series record: Rams lead 50-41-2. Last meeting: Cardinals beat Rams 41-10 in Glendale, Ariz. on Sept. 15. Last week: Cardinals lost to Carolina 36-30, OT; Rams beat New York Jets 19-9. Cardinals offense: overall (11), rush (5), pass (20), scoring (14). Cardinals defense: overall (20), rush (22), pass (13), scoring (T-13). Rams offense: overall (15), rush (20), pass (13), scoring (17). Rams defense: overall (24), rush (25), pass (19), scoring (21). Turnover differential: Cardinals minus-4; Rams plus-5. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has had a relatively productive rookie season with 51 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns. But it’s also true that he hasn’t always looked like the true franchise changing force the Cardinals expected when they took him with the No. 4 overall pick. Arizona might be out of the playoff race, but Harrison’s development continues to be a major focus for the team down the stretch. RB Kyren Williams is coming off his best game of the season after rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries to help Los Angeles grind out a win at the Meadowlands. He hardly factored into the first meeting against Arizona, a game the Rams trailed 14-0 halfway into the first quarter and 24-3 at halftime, getting 12 carries and running for 25 yards and a touchdown behind a battered offensive line. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray vs. Rams defensive line. Los Angeles had no answers for Murray in September as he threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns without an interception and added 59 yards rushing. But their defensive front is much more cohesive than it was in the second week of the season, with rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske proving to be menaces in the backfield. If Murray feels that pressure and can’t keep his eyes downfield, the Rams will be in much better shape to limit Arizona’s passing game. The Cardinals have been beat up over the past two games. Both of the starting tackles — Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) and Jonah Williams (knee) — are out for the season after they were put on injured reserve this week. Others such as RB James Conner (knee), LB Baron Browning (neck), LB Mack Wilson Sr. (concussion) and DL Darius Robinson (calf) have been limited during practice. ... The Rams are in good shape, a far cry from where they were to start the season. RT Rob Havenstein was the only name on their injury report through Wednesday, when he was limited because of a shoulder injury. Arizona has not swept the season series since 2014 when the Rams were playing in St. Louis. ... The Rams and Cardinals have split the past four meetings. Arizona had dropped 11 of the previous 12 in the series. ... Los Angeles is 3-2 against Arizona since moving into SoFi Stadium in 2020, kickstarting its run to the Super Bowl after the 2021 season with a 34-11 win in an NFC wild-card game. The Cardinals have lost four of their past five games and were eliminated from the playoff race after last week’s 36-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals have made the playoffs just once over the past nine seasons. That was in 2021 ... Harrison had four catches for 130 yards and two TDs vs. the Rams in Week 2. All of that production came in the span of seven plays in the first quarter. ... The Cardinals are No. 5 in the NFL with 145.8 yards rushing per game. They also rank No. 2 with 5.28 yards per carry. ... Chad Ryland has made 25 field goals since his debut in Week 5, which ranks fourth in the NFL over that span. ... Safety Budda Baker has a career-high 148 tackles this season, which broke his previous high of 147 set in 2019. ... James Conner has 1,500 yards from scrimmage this season, including 1,090 rushing and 410 receiving. ... Trey McBride has caught 91 passes this season, which is a franchise record at tight end for the Cardinals. ... The Rams can clinch a playoff spot with a win and either a Seahawks loss or tie or a series of results elsewhere to secure the strength of victory tiebreaker. ... Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw for 110 yards against the Jets. Los Angeles has won all four games this season where Stafford has finished with fewer than 200 yards through the air. ... WR Puka Nacua had a record-setting rookie season, but Arizona was the one team that kept him in check. Nacua made four catches in each of the two meetings in 2023, finishing with 26 and 27 yards. ... The Rams didn’t have LT Alaric Jackson (suspension), LG Steve Avila (knee) or Nacua (knee) in the Week 2 game against the Cardinals. ... Los Angeles has run for at least 132 yards in four straight games, with Williams accounting for at least 87 yards in each outing that span. Cooper Kupp likely sank many a fantasy title push with his limited production over the past month, and the Rams WR should remain on benches this week for any owners still in the mix. Kupp has topped 44 yards receiving once in his past five games against Arizona. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's two stuck astronauts just got their space mission extended again. That means they won't be back on Earth until spring — 10 months after rocketing into orbit on Boeing's Starliner capsule. NASA announced the latest delay in Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' homecoming Tuesday. The two test pilots planned to be away just a week or so when they blasted off June 5 on Boeing's first astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Their mission grew from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to send the company's problem-plagued Starliner capsule back empty in September. FILE - This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (NASA via AP, File) HOGP Now the pair won't return until the end of March or even April because of a delay in launching their replacements, according to NASA. A fresh crew needs to launch before Wilmore and Williams can return and the next mission was bumped more than a month, according to the space agency. People are also reading... NASA's next crew of four was supposed to launch in February, followed by Wilmore and Williams' return home by the end of that month alongside two other astronauts. But SpaceX needs more time to prepare the new capsule for liftoff. That launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late March. NASA said it considered using a different SpaceX capsule to fly up the replacement crew in order to keep the flights on schedule. However, it decided the best option was to wait for the new capsule to transport the next crew. NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station for a smoother transition, according to officials. Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year. SpaceX launches rescue mission for NASA astronauts stuck at space station A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara NASA astronaut Nick Hague, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, gives a thumbs up as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Complex 40 for a mission to the International Space Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, talks to his family members as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov looks on after leaving the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts are beginning a mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara In this image from video provided by NASA, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, and astronaut Nick Hague travel inside a SpaceX capsule en route to the International Space Station after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (NASA via AP) HOGP A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux The Falcon 9's first stage booster returns to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux Be the first to knowMy Favorite VR Headset Includes a $75 Gift Card Right Now

The PGA Tour announced its schedule of seven post-season tournaments for the fall of 2025 on Tuesday with no Las Vegas event on the calendar for the first time since 1983. The lineup is one fewer than this year and tees off with the Procore Championship in Napa, California, on September 11-14, two weeks after the 2025 Tour Championship. Absent from the schedule is the Shriners Children's Open in Las Vegas. After the Ryder Cup next September at Bethpage Black, the PGA Tour events resume with the Sanderson Farms Championship on October 2-5. The PGA Tour's Japan stop, the Baycurrent Classic, will be October 9-12 at Yokohama Country Club followed by the Black Desert Championship on October 23-26 in Utah. The World Wide Technology Championship at Los Cabos, Mexico, will be November 6-9 followed the next week by the Bermuda Championship and the RSM Classic on November 20-23 at Sea Island, Georgia. "With events in four US states, Japan, Mexico and Bermuda, the conclusion to the 2025 golf calendar promises to be exciting for our fans worldwide," said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour chief competitions officer. Under tighter qualifying rules for the 2026 PGA Tour approved by the Player Advisory Council last month, only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will secure exempt status with the 50 who reach next year's BMW Championship being exempt into signature events for 2026. Those ranked 51st and beyond will take FedEx Cup points into the fall to try and accumulate eligibility points for the 2026 campaign. Three PGA Tour Challenge season events will be played next December -- the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas hosted by Tiger Woods, the LPGA-PGA mixed-team Grant Thornton Invitational and the PNC Championship parent-child event. Tour commissioner Jay Monahan also announced Tuesday that the PGA is searching for a new chief executive officer whose job would be to grow the business side of the operation in light of the $1.5 billion investment in PGA Tour Enterprises by Strategic Sports Group, a set of team sports owners. js/bbLightning ride electric power play to 4-2 victory over Canucks VANCOUVER — Brayden Point scored twice and added two assists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 on Sunday. Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press Dec 8, 2024 3:41 PM Dec 8, 2024 3:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) stops Vancouver Canucks' Jake DeBrusk, back right, during third period NHL hockey action in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck VANCOUVER — Brayden Point scored twice and added two assists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 on Sunday. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two helpers for the Lightning (14-9-3), while Jake Guentzel put away the game winner on a power play late in the third period. Captain Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood found the back of the net for the Canucks (14-8-4), who fell to 4-6-3 at home. Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced and Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for Vancouver. TAKEAWAYS Canucks: Hughes took a stick to the face 55 seconds into the game, missed more than 11 minutes, then returned to open the scoring 16:08 into the first period. It was the 50th goal of the defenceman's career and extended his points streak to seven games with three goals and 10 assists across the stretch. Lightning: Kucherov, who returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games with a lower-body injury, added another potent piece to Tampa's red-hot power play. The Lightning were 2-for-4 with the man advantage and scored a power-play goal for the sixth straight game. KEY MOMENT Tampa took the lead 6:29 into the second when Kucherov sliced a pass to Point at the bottom of the faceoff circle and the Lightning winger blasted it in past Lankinen for his 17th of the season. Kucherov put the visitors on the board just a minute and 49 seconds earlier. KEY STAT Point scored his league-leading 10th power-play goal of the season. He’s one away from becoming the third player to score 100 power-play goals for the Lightning UP NEXT Canucks: Continue a six-game homestand Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Lightning: Visit the Oilers in Edmonton on Tuesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian 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 Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Hockey Bjorkstrand scores twice as Kraken rally past Rangers for a 7-5 win Dec 8, 2024 1:12 PM Blackhawks place goaltender Petr Mrazek on IR with a left groin injury Dec 8, 2024 10:07 AM Devils and Avalanche hit the ice in non-conference matchup Dec 8, 2024 1:11 AMBig Central Conference: National Gold All-Division football teams, 2024

Engineering researchers develop revolutionary diamond fabrication technology December 19, 2024 The University of Hong Kong A research team has developed a groundbreaking method for massively producing ultrathin and ultra-flexible diamond membranes. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email A research team led by Professor Zhiqin Chu, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Professor Yuan Lin, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has developed a groundbreaking method for massively producing ultrathin and ultra-flexible diamond membranes, in collaboration with Professor Kwai Hei Li, Assistant Professor of the Southern University of Science and Technology, and Professor Qi Wang, Professor of the Dongguan Institute of Opto-Electronics of Peking University. These ultrathin and ultra-flexible diamond membranes are compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing technologies, and thus can, in principle, be fabricated into a variety of electronic, photonic, mechanical, acoustic, and quantum devices. The innovative edge-exposed exfoliation method discovered by the team facilitates the rapid production of scalable, free-standing diamond membranes. This approach is superior to traditional methods, which are typically time- and costly and limited in size. Remarkably, the new process can manufacture a two-inch wafer within 10 seconds, offering unmatched efficiency and scalability. These ultra-flat diamond surfaces, essential for high-precision micromanufacturing, along with the flexibility of the membranes, open up new possibilities for next-generation flexible and wearable electronic and photonic devices. The research team envisions significant industrial applications in electronics, photonics, mechanics, thermics, acoustics, and quantum technologies. "We hope to promote the usage of the high-figure-of-merit diamond membrane into various fields, and to commercialise this cutting-edge technology and deliver premium diamond membranes, setting a new standard in semiconductor industry. We are eager to collaborate with academic and industry partners to bring this revolutionary product to market and accelerate the arrival of diamond era," concluded Professor Chu. Diamonds, renowned globally as valuable gemstones, possess exceptional versatility in various scientific and engineering applications. They are the hardest natural material, boasting unparalleled thermal conductivity at room temperature, extremely high carrier mobility, dielectric breakdown strength, an ultrawide bandgap, and optical transparency spanning from the infrared to the deep-ultraviolet spectrum. These remarkable properties make diamonds ideal for fabricating advanced high-power, high-frequency electronic devices, photonic devices, and heat spreaders to cool high-power density electronic components, such as those in processors, semiconductor lasers, and electric vehicles. However, the inert nature and rigid crystal structure of diamonds pose significant challenges in fabrication and mass production, particularly for ultrathin and freestanding diamond membranes, thereby restricting their widespread usage. Story Source: Materials provided by The University of Hong Kong . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :NoneAI: CAA & YouTube Announce Early-Stage Tool To Help Talent Control Their Likenesses On Video Platform

North Carolina governor candidate Mark Robinson sues CNN over report about posts on porn siteNobel recipient Geoffrey Hinton wishes he thought of AI safety sooner

Cupertino: Iconic Flint Center undergoes demolition five years after closingjiliko 68 。

By TRÂN NGUYỄN SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven’t provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks’ 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There’s not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story.” Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.

Web3mediabreaks Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) Secures $775M Strategic Boost From Tether To Accelerate GrowthRetiring congresswoman, 68, torches older Democrats for wanting to stay in power 'forever' Congresswoman sets 'better example' by retiring in 60s By NICK ALLEN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 14:27 EST, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 14:27 EST, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments A Democratic congresswoman who is retiring at the age of 68 has told her elders in the party hierarchy to step down earlier. Annie Kuster, who has represented New Hampshire 's 2nd congressional district since 2013, also detailed a concerning trip on Air Force One last year with Joe Biden . Her comments came as it emerged that an 81-year-old Republican congresswoman from Texas , Kay Granger, has been in a care home for the last six months, collecting her $174,000 salary while not attending votes in Congress . That ignited an outcry over elderly politicians holding onto power and has sparked accusations that the U.S. is being run by a 'gerontocracy'. Kuster told the Boston Globe: “I’m trying to set a better example. I think there are colleagues - and some of whom are still very successful and very productive - but others who just stay forever.' She added: 'I’ve always said I wasn’t going to stay forever. Congress, by being so focused on seniority, tends to cater to a much older population.' The congresswoman was with Biden on Air Force One for an hour in March. 'Just in my heart, (I) reached the conclusion that this would be a very challenging campaign for him, and to put himself out there for another four-year term was was going to be a struggle,' she told the Boston Globe. She said Biden spoke “very softly” and his aging was apparent. Annie Kuster is retiring from Congress at 68 to 'set a better example' The congresswoman said she did not know if there was an effort by people around Biden to conceal the effects of that aging, but his team 'may have' done so. She told the Globe: 'It was hard for me at that time, like, what can one person do? You know, I did talk with people about [it] and talked with the campaign, it’s just hard to know looking back on it.' Kuster announced her own retirement later that same month. The following month she was on a 'painful' Zoom call with Biden during which moderate Democrats questioned his ability, the Globe reported. 'I haven’t had these kind of conversations since I talked to my own parents about, you know, their aging and their limitations,' she told the newspaper. The congresswoman's comments came amid growing accusations that Biden's team covered up for him. US President Joe Biden (C) flanked by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) (2nd L), Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) (L), Representative Annie Kuster(D-NH)(3rd L), Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH)(2nd L)and New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner Victoria Sheehan (L), tours the NH 175 bridge over the Pemigewasset River in Woodstock, New Hampshire on November 16, 2021 According to a recent bombshell report by the Wall Street Journal the White House hired a vocal coach, put other officials into roles usually occupied by the president, scrapped meetings on Biden's 'bad days', and kept him at arm's length from his own Cabinet members. The administration also trashed those who dared to claim Biden's abilities had deteriorated since he was Barack Obama's vice president. A well-connected Democratic strategist confirmed to DailyMail.com that influence over Biden during this time had been 'concentrated by people who are not external facing,' including his close advisors Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, and Mike Donilon. Meanwhile, in Congress, Democrats this month overlooked 35-year-old representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the party's top role on the powerful House oversight committee. They picked 74-year-old congressman Gerry Connolly instead. He was backed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who is 84. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35, lost out to a 74-year-old for a key Democratic post Jen Psaki, Biden's former press secretary, on Thursday joined the chorus calling for a new generation. She said: 'While I have deep, deep respect for Speaker Pelosi and nothing against Congressman Connolly at all, this felt like an obvious chance to apply some of the lessons we should have learned from the November election." "Instead, Democrats passed over one of the youngest, most media-savvy members of Congress for a key public leadership role." Democrat congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who is retiring from Congress aged 55, said: 'It is time to elevate the best and brightest. We have literally kept them from ascending to leadership positions, which means they go elsewhere.' Politics New Hampshire Joe Biden Democrats Share or comment on this article: Retiring congresswoman, 68, torches older Democrats for wanting to stay in power 'forever' e-mail Add comment

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As a passionate WWE content writer, Raunak craft engaging narratives that bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life, capturing the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring. His work fuels the imagination of WWE fans, making every match and storyline unforgettable. Read More 2nd Test: India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets to sweep series 2nd Test, Day 4: India push for victory with T20-style batting 2nd Test, Day 1: B'desh 107/3 vs India on rain-shortened opening day Ashwin shines as India hammer Bangladesh in Chennai Test 1st Test, Day 3: India hold upper hand despite spirited Bangladesh chase 1st Test, Day 2: India in box seat after Bumrah takes four-for vs B'desh 1st Test, Day 1: Ashwin, Jadeja dig India out of trouble vs B'desh France waves farewell to Paralympics with spectacular ceremony Navdeep's gold, Simran's bronze take India's medal tally to 29 Paris Paralympics: India's flag bearers for closing ceremony

It's been a stop-start opening to the A-League season, and given the potential train strike mooted for this weekend, those intending to partake in Unite round festivities at Allianz Stadium might get a bigger dose of "Stop" than they might hope for. Login or signup to continue reading Ah, the best laid plans ... I get the concept, and it's hard to plan for unforeseen circumstances, but you are already taking a risk, scheduling multiple games in a potentially stormy Sydney in late November, for a code whose quality of product is reliant on the playing surface. Fortunately the weather forecast seems good for the majority of the weekend, fingers crossed. If the projected strike goes ahead protesters may be the main source of discontent. I speak of course of visiting Novocastrians who hate paying to park at the best of times, and face inconvenience, delay and some pretty steep prices to park in adjacent parkland. Cancel all police leave Mr Minns ... I'm joking I guess, but with an eye to the sanctity of home games, as well as quirky Novocastrian values. In round five last season the Jets were due to take on a Mariners side who had zero points, and a coach under enormous pressure, at McDonald Jones Stadium. Enter a chap called McCartney on the Tuesday night prior, and suddenly we are swapping home games with the Mariners, after his concert damaged the pitch. A sensible decision in the interests of player welfare, and product, but one that "could change the course of the Mariners season" wrote your scribe at the time. I don't know if the Jets would have won if it had been played up here, nor would I have suggested mortgaging the house to back them, but surely the ground swap at a critical moment in the Mariners season helped them and an under-pressure coach? The fact that after the Mariners won that game 2-0, and then went on a glorious 3000-game unbeaten run, picking up silverware ad nauseum, suggests they had a lot going for them, but perhaps board-level patience might have dissolved with one more defeat, and history told another story? Maybe not, we shall never know. But fast forward 12 months and here we are in round five, the Jets are playing their allotted home derby fixture against the Mariners at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Not quite deja vu, but in the same postcode, and with both sides on three points and struggling for rhythm the Jets lose their territorial advantage. I realise others foresaking home advantage will travel a lot further to Unite-round matches, but early ticket sales suggest Mariners fans may outnumber Jets fans three to one on the night. And if our mob find out public transport could be a shambles and it could cost $25 to $30 to park at Moore Park ... it may get worse! The Jets are in ninth position , three points from three games, three points from bottom, and seven points from the leader. They face a trip to unbeaten Auckland next weekend, so to say this clash is important is a classic understatement. Their mental application has been excellent in one of their three matches to date, and below par in the other two. Coach Rob Stanton will need his troops fully concentrated for this fixture. Injuries have probably dictated that his best combination hasn't started a game this season, and to be fair he hasn't had much time, in real competition matches, to assess what 11 provides the best balance. It is an important match for the player-fan connection for the Jets as well. Is the team going to be good enough to escape the "almost", and "nearly" tags of recent seasons? Or are we in another rebuilding phase? Friday night can, and probably will paint a clearer picture, and call me old-fashioned, but I'd prefer it was at home. Is the team going to be good enough to escape the "almost", and "nearly" tags of recent seasons? DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Washington State acting coach Pete Kaligis shared a heartfelt hug after their Holiday Bowl news conference on Thursday. Kaligis can certainly use all the support he can get, especially an embrace and some encouraging words from the opposing coach. No. 22 Syracuse (9-3, No. 21 CFP), led by national passing leader Kyle McCord, is a 17-point favorite according to BetMGM in Friday night's Holiday Bowl against the depleted Cougars (8-4), whose season has nosedived since mid-November. After beating future Pac-12 opponent San Diego State 29-26 on Oct. 26 at Snapdragon Stadium, coach Jake Dickert, quarterback John Mateer and the rest of the Cougars were 7-1 and about to jump into The Associated Press Top 25. Now the Cougars are barely recognizable as they return to Snapdragon. Dickert was hired away by Wake Forest, Mateer transferred to Oklahoma and running back Wayshawn Parker left for Utah. Numerous coaches, including the offensive and defensive coordinators, are gone, and more than 20 players have entered the transfer portal. The Cougars, who lost their last three games, are a prime example of how college football's rapidly changing landscape can dramatically affect a program. “Going into the ins-and-outs of the game tomorrow doesn’t matter,” Kaligis said. “We are who we are, we have what we have. I know that’s for both of us.” Kaligis said players who entered the portal after Dickert left can suit up Friday night. “I know we came here with 98 guys. That's who we’re going to show up on the field with.” The state of the game Kaligis said relationships between players and coaches are more important than ever, even if there's less time to develop trust “and coach them the right way.” “When a staff (member) leaves and guys get in the portal, it’s because of the relationships they have garnered with their position coaches. When that position coach isn’t guaranteed he’s going to be there, that’s who that young man trusts,” Kaligis said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time," he added. "What’s been hard for me, I spent 13 years at Wyoming, I saw three graduating classes. I remember I was the longest-tenured coach there. To see them all the way through. When I came to Wazzu, I was their fourth D-line coach." Wazzu's slump The Cougs improved to 8-1 by beating Utah State 49-28 on Nov. 9 but then lost three straight, including to Oregon State in the de facto championship game between the two teams left in the Pac-12. They also lost to New Mexico and Wyoming, two of the Mountain West teams that weren't invited to join the reconstituted Pac-12 starting in 2026. Airing it out McCord, who transferred from Ohio State, rewrote the Orange's record book this season with 4,326 yards passing, 29 touchdowns and 367 completions. He's well within range of breaking Deshaun Watson's ACC single-season record of 4,593, which he set in 15 games in 2016. Orange goals A win will give Syracuse 10 wins for the first time since 2018 and just the third time since 2000. Brown can become the second Syracuse coach since World War II to record 10 wins in his first season, joining Paul Pasqualoni, who did it in 1991. In their final regular-season game, the Orange rallied from a 21-0 deficit for a 42-38 win against then-No. 6 Miami that knocked the Hurricanes out of ACC title contention and ended their College Football Playoff hopes. McCord threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns. “We want to go out and have a good game,” Brown said. “We have an opportunity of winning 10 games, which means you’re starting to become a successful program, right? Our players haven’t had a chance of winning a bowl game. So there’s a lot of things that are on the line for us to really be able to build our program and being able to move forward.” Series history This will be the teams' second meeting. Syracuse beat Washington State 52-25 in 1979. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThe Panthers remain the benchmark in the competition entering the 2025 season despite losing prop James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors and five-eighth Jarome Luai to the Tigers. Cleary says he believes in the mantra that winning becomes a habit. NRL COVERAGE WITH PIT STOP. YOUR CAR'S SERVICE DOCTOR, USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGYInjuries not slowing down Cavaliers, who face dinged-up Nuggets

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Clarke Reed , a Mississippi businessman who developed the Republican Party in his home state and across the South starting in the 1960s, died Sunday at his home in Greenville, Mississippi. He was 96. Reed was chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party from 1966 to 1976, beginning at a time when Democrats still dominated in the region. During the 1976 Republican National Convention, delegates were closely divided between President Gerald Ford and former California Gov. Ronald Reagan. Reed united the Mississippi delegation behind Ford — a move that created a decadeslong feud with William D. “Billy” Mounger, another wealthy businessman who was prominent in the Mississippi Republican Party. Reed recalled in a 2016 interview with The Associated Press that delegates faced considerable pressure. Movie stars visited Mississippi’s 30 delegates to push for Reagan, and Betty Ford called on behalf of her husband. Reagan met twice with the Mississippi delegation — once with his proposed running mate, Pennsylvania Sen. Richard Schweiker — and once without, according Haley Barbour, who was executive director of the Mississippi Republican Party in 1976 and served as the state’s governor from 2004 to 2012. RELATED COVERAGE California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites UnitedHealthcare CEO was likely killed with a ghost gun that can be made at home Santa Ana winds return means increased fire risk, possible power shut-offs for Southern California “Everybody was coming to see us,” Reed said. “These poor people had never seen this before, the average delegate.” Mississippi delegates were showing the stress at a meeting away from the convention floor in Kansas City, Reed said. “I looked out, and about half of them were crying,” he said. Reed initially supported Reagan, but said he moved into the Ford camp because he thought Reagan made “a hell of a mistake” by choosing a more liberal northeastern running mate in a gambit to win support of the unpledged Pennsylvania delegation. “In my opinion, Reagan was the best president of my lifetime. I didn’t know that then,” Reed said in 2016. “And had he been elected with Schweiker, he might’ve gotten a bullet one inch over and Schweiker would’ve been president.” Ford won the party nomination during the convention, then lost the general election to Jimmy Carter, the Democratic former governor of Georgia. Reed was born in Alliance, Ohio, in 1928, and his family moved to Caruthersville, Missouri, when he was about six months old. He earned a business degree from the University of Missouri in 1950. He and Barthell Joseph, a friend he had met at a high school boarding school, founded an agriculture equipment business called Reed-Joseph International, which used technology to scare birds away from farms and airports. Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said Monday that Reed was “a mentor, supporter and advisor to me for over 56 years.” Wicker said he was 21 when Reed put him on the Republican Platform Committee in 1972. “There is no more significant figure in the development of the modern day Mississippi Republican Party than Clarke Reed,” Wicker wrote on social media. “Our state has lost a giant.”

ubet95 jili Daily Post Nigeria NCC moves towards digital justice Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sponsored NCC moves towards digital justice Published on November 24, 2024 By Daily Post Staff In a bid to regulate the country’s digital transformation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for a strategic collaboration with the judiciary. The workshop, with the theme, “The role of the judiciary in accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria,” was organised by NCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Speaking, the EVC noted that a functional digital economy is built on investor and consumer confidence, which are impossible in the absence of the rule of law- a critical element that is supplied by the judiciary. “Ensuring and regulating Nigeria’s digital transformation is not a task that the NCC can fulfil alone. It involves strategic collaboration with key partners, and the judiciary remains one of our most important stakeholders in this regard. “As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the judiciary stands as a vital pillar in shaping a present and a future where technology serves humanity. The judiciary is not simply a bystander observing the digital revolution; instead, it is an active participant, playing a continuous role in shaping the legal frameworks that govern this new technological era. “The judiciary’s ability to adapt and evolve alongside technological advancements is paramount to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all, while mitigating potential risks. “As the digital age advances, judicial officers must constantly adapt to ensure that the rule of law is as effective and enforceable in the online realm as it is in the world of brick and mortar. One key challenge lies in adapting existing legal principles to the complexities of emerging and evolving technologies. “Nigerians are eager to see a new chapter of digital justice, where the roles played by the judiciary are effectively translated and adapted into online contexts, as follows: protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts and resolving disputes, developing digital jurisprudence and promotion of innovation,” he said. Maida, who expressed gratitude to NJI, said the workshop will enrich the development of communications law in Nigeria, and produce outcome that will be of immense benefit to all stakeholders. Related Topics: NCc Promoted Don't Miss ARO DAY 2024: Foremost Nigeria-born South African preacher to storm Arochukwu for Light of the World Crusade You may like ARO DAY 2024: Foremost Nigeria-born South African preacher to storm Arochukwu for Light of the World Crusade CustomWritings’ Professional Help with Quality PPT for Academic and Career Success Get Ready to #BeatTheDrop as Coke Studio 2024 Unleashes Next-Level Music, Culture, Rewards Zenith Bank rewards Hackathon Winners with N77.5m cash prize at Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 You must continue your father’s legacy in Lagos – Middle Belt group tells Seyi Tinubu Arla Foods, Consulate General of Denmark, FC4S deliver workshop on nutrition in the Dairy Sector Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

Russell Wilson is coming off his first loss since Christmas Eve 2023, but storm clouds might be brewing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have one of the most unconventional quarterback rooms in recent NFL history. It has been rare for a team to wilfully alternate quarterbacks like the Pittsburgh Steelers have. J.J. Watt and others have spoken out on the Steelers’ Justin Fields choice to throw out the baby with the bathwater. However, their new version of the offense sees a healthy mix of both quarterbacks. Recent proposed trades with Taysom Hill prove that a two-quarterback system can work, but only in certain circumstances. Many are blaming the Steelers’ loss to the Cleveland Browns on their less-than-nailed-down quarterback room. One former Eagles star asked big questions about whether the team should continue to attempt their best Taysom Hill impression. LeSean McCoy on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Speaking on a November 22 edition of “The Facility,” LeSean McCoy claimed that the Justin Fields wrinkle is hurting the Steelers more than unlocking anything. If anything, it is just taking opportunities away from Russell Wilson to win the game. “[Justin Fields is] not really that good as a player. He’s super, super athletic. I get all that. ... This third-down package, right? He comes in there, he runs the ball, whatever. “But now I’m looking at it like there’s no type of balance. ... Every defender is all in the box. ... It’s all like power runs. Second thing is he had the one on the sideline that was cool, right? It was a nice play. But overall, if I’m a defense, it’s not hard to adjust. ... You take out the star quarterback so you can throw the ball with the backup quarterback. Makes no sense,” he said. Of course, the inclement weather in the Cleveland-Steelers battle could have played a role in hurting the ability to pull off deep-field completions. The Steelers wore mostly white uniforms and in a near blizzard, Justin Fields’ visibility could have been impacted. Either way, a loss is a loss. Teams don’t find themselves asking the big questions after a win, but now Mike Tomlin has reason to reevaluate his usage of the package. Russell Wilson’s upcoming schedule It would be a surprise if Wilson were benched after one loss, but if he were to fall to .500 or hit a notable losing streak, such an avenue seemingly would be on the table. Based on the upcoming schedule, there is at least a chance of a losing streak developing. The Steelers face four more games against division opponents and considering they lost to the team with the lowest win percentage, they will have their work cut out for themselves. They’ll face the Bengals twice, Ravens once, Browns one more time, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Wilson also faces the Philadelphia Eagles. If the Steelers can get through the upcoming gauntlet intact, most fans and analysts would seemingly like their chances at a decent playoff run. However, if they slump in December, it could be one of the more stunning implosions in recent NFL memory. Will the Steelers rise to the occasion? This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.Middlebury wins seventh national title in a row

Published 22:10 IST, November 24th 2024 Former CJI Chandrachud said that retired judges must exercise caution while making any such decisions, which can have a bearing on the public. New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, on Sunday said that society continues to view retired judges as integral members of the judiciary, adding that judges have to walk a tightrope as as they are not viewed in the bracket of common citizens by the public. Former CJI Chandrachud, whose two-year tenure ended on November 10, said that retired judges must exercise caution and consider whether their actions can affect the public. Is it Right to Enter Politics For Retired Judges? Here’s What Ex-CJI Chandrachud Said "Society continues to look at you as a judge even after retirement, therefore, things which are alright for other citizens to do would not be alright for judges to do even when they demit office,” Chandrachud said. "Primarily it is for every judge to take a call on whether a decision which he takes after retirement will have a bearing on people who assess the work which he did as a judge," he added. At his farewell ceremony organized by the SC Bar Association earlier this month, DY Chandrachud, who is known for his landmark judgments and eloquent speeches mixed with a poetic twist, was at his poetic best when he responded to his trolls by quoting Urdu poet Bashir Badr. Quoting the famous Urdu poet, the former CJI trolled the trollers in his unique style, saying, “Mukhalfat se meri shakhsiyat sanwarti hai, main dushmano ka bada ehtiraam karta hun (Opposition improves my personality, I respect my enemies a lot).” The house burst into laughter when he said, “I am probably the most trolled judge across the system." Justice Chandrachud, the 50th CJI, assumed office on November 9, 2022, following in the footsteps of his father, YV Chandrachud, who served as the longest-serving Chief Justice from 1978 to 1985. Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11 in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. 22:10 IST, November 24th 2024

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Duckworth: Nancy Mace’s Trans Bathroom Ban Is 'Disgusting and Wrong'Home | News | Opinion Is India A True Democracy Opinion: Is India a true democracy? The intertwining of money with politics erodes the foundational principles of democracy By Telangana Today Published Date - 6 December 2024, 11:55 PM By Vidyasagar Veesamsetty India is often hailed as the world’s largest democracy, with a population of over 1.4 billion and a Constitution that guarantees its citizens various rights and freedoms. However, some critics argue that India’s democracy is flawed, corrupted or even non-existent, due to various factors that undermine the principles and practices of democratic governance. This analysis explores the complex challenges facing Indian democracy and potential paths forward. Political Participation One of the primary criticisms against the democratic system in India revolves around the financial barriers that restrict political participation. Election campaigns demand substantial funding, from organising rallies to reaching out to voters through advertisements. The scale of Indian elections, with their massive constituencies and diverse populations, makes them particularly expensive endeavours. Political parties often require candidates to contribute significant sums, which, in turn, limits the pool of potential candidates to those with financial means. This “ticket to entry” can run into millions of rupees, effectively creating a plutocratic filter that screens out capable candidates who lack financial resources. This has created an environment where the wealthy dominate the political landscape, overshadowing individuals with intellectual prowess but limited financial resources. Business tycoons, industrial magnates and those with inherited wealth find it easier to secure party nominations and run successful campaigns, while grassroots leaders and public intellectuals often struggle to gain political footing. Individuals with expertise, education and a deep understanding of governance may find themselves unable to participate due to financial constraints. This includes academics, social workers, environmental activists and other professionals who could potentially contribute valuable perspectives to policy-making and governance. The consequence is the exclusion of valuable perspectives and knowledge from the political arena, undermining the diversity of ideas essential for a robust democratic system. This homogenisation of political representation leads to a narrow range of policy priorities and solutions. Vote-buying Practices Another critical concern is the susceptibility of voters to financial inducements, such as cash and liquor. The prevalence of vote-buying practices raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process. When voters can be swayed by monetary incentives, the very essence of democratic representation is compromised. India’s democracy is not a given, but a choice, and it depends on the will and the vision of the people to make it successful The marginalised, who are often more susceptible to financial pressures, may be coerced into casting their votes based on short-term gains rather than informed decisions about the long-term well-being of the nation. This creates a vicious cycle where political parties focus on short-term handouts rather than sustainable development policies. The practice of vote-buying has become so entrenched in some regions that voters have come to expect monetary compensation for their participation in the democratic process. This transactional approach to voting rights undermines the fundamental principle of free and fair elections. Impact on Democratic Values The intertwining of money with politics erodes the foundational principles of democracy, where representation should ideally reflect the diverse voices of the population. This erosion manifests in multiple ways: Policy distortion: The dominance of wealth in the political sphere perpetuates a system where policies and decisions may be skewed in favour of the affluent, neglecting the concerns of the economically disadvantaged. Representation gap: The underrepresentation of middle and lower economic classes in political institutions leads to a disconnect between policymakers and the general population. Democratic legitimacy: The perception that electoral outcomes can be influenced by money rather than merit or popular support undermines public faith in democratic institutions. Social inequality: The system reinforces existing social and economic inequalities by maintaining power structures that favour the wealthy. Media and Democracy A new challenge to Indian democracy has emerged in the form of media manipulation and control. The concentration of media ownership among a few powerful entities, often with strong political affiliations, has led to concerns about the independence of news coverage and public discourse. Social media platforms, while democratising information flow in some ways, have also become vectors for misinformation and political manipulation. The impact of fake news and partisan reporting on voter behaviour has become a significant concern for electoral integrity. Institutional Challenges Beyond financial barriers, India’s democracy faces several institutional challenges that require attention: Electoral reform: The current first-past-the-post system often results in parties winning with a minority of votes, raising questions about true representativeness. Party democracy: Internal democracy within political parties is often weak, with leadership positions frequently determined by wealth or family connections rather than merit. C ampaign finance: Despite regulations, the opacity of political funding through electoral bonds and other mechanisms raises concerns about undue influence by corporate interests. Way Forward India’s democracy is a work in progress, and it requires the constant and collective efforts of the people, the politicians, and the institutions to improve and enhance its quality and performance. Several key reforms could strengthen democratic processes: Campaign finance reform o Implementing stricter regulations on campaign spending o Creating transparent mechanisms for political donations o Establishing public funding systems for elections Electoral system updates o Considering proportional representation elements o Strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms o Implementing technology-based solutions for voter verification Civic education o Enhancing voter awareness programmes o Promoting political literacy o Encouraging informed political participation Institutional strengthening o Reinforcing the independence of electoral bodies o Strengthening local governance structures o Promoting transparency in political processes India’s democracy is not a given, but a choice, and it depends on the will and the vision of the people to make it a true and successful democracy. The challenges facing Indian democracy are significant but not insurmountable. By addressing financial barriers, strengthening institutions and promoting civic engagement, India can work toward a more inclusive and representative democratic system. The path to strengthening India’s democracy requires sustained effort from multiple stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political parties, media and citizens themselves. Only through collective action and commitment to democratic principles can India fulfil its potential as a truly representative democracy that serves all its citizens, not just those with financial means. (The author is Chairman & MD, Sagar Asia Pvt Ltd) Follow Us : Tags Democracy election integrity electoral reform financial barriers Related News Australia 86-1 in reply to India’s 180 at stumps on Day 1 of pink ball Test Adelaide Test: Australia’s Mitchell Starc on fire as India reach 82/4 at tea Opinion: AI’s impact on global trade Editorial: Unpardonable pardon

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Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Russian GM Andrey Esipenko, playing under the FIDA flag, ensured a draw in the final round against Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi to claim his maiden Qatar Masters Chess 2024 trophy at the Aspire Zone Hall on Thursday. The 22-year-old held his nerves in the final finishing with a total tally of 7.5 points in nine rounds of Swiss system in the FIDE tournament. Erigaisi ended second with 7 points. Esipenko got richer by $25,000 besides the trophy for his efforts that included six wins and three draws. Erigaisi, 21, picked up $15,000 as runners-up. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have won here in Qatar,” a delighted said Esipenko. “I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received and I’ll strive to maintain this high level of play in the coming tournaments that I take part in,” he added. Esipenko, unbeaten in Doha this time, won against India’s CM Yash Bharadia, Egypt’s GM Adham Fawzy, India’s GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly, India’s GM Rithvik R Raja, UAE’s GM Abdulrahman Saleh Salem and Armania’s GM Shant Sargsyan. He shared points with Bulgarian GM Arkadij Naiditsch and Iran’s GM Bardiya Daneshvar before drawing with Erigaisi. Erigaisi expressed his disappointment at falling short of the title. “I was hoping to win, especially as the top seed,” he said. “I aimed to break the tie in the decisive game but fell short in the critical moves.” Erigaisi’s second-place finish meant Fabiano Caruana still leads the FIDE Circuit going into the World Rapid & Blitz in New York at the end of the year. If Erigaisi had won in Qatar (without a tie) then he would have surpassed Caruana on the FIDE circuit, with the leader becoming the first player to qualify for the next Candidates that will take place in 2026. Despite the loss, Erigaisi, who recently joined the exclusive 2800+ Elo rating club, praised the tournament’s organisation. “The tournament was exceptionally well-organised,” he said, thanking QCA ‘for their efforts’. The fourth edition of Qatar Masters, organized by the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), attracted more than 300 players from around the world including 110 from India. Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan beat Indian GM Leon Luke Mendonca to end tournament with 7 points. Mendonca wrapped up the tournament with 6 points. Armenian GM Shant Sargsyan, Indian GM Murali Karthikeyan and UAE’s GM Saleh Salem all ended with 6.5 points each. Karthikeyan beat Shamsiddin Vokhidov of Uzbekistan in the final round. Qatar’s IM Husain Aziz concluded his campaign with 3.5 points, finishing in 110th place. He lost to China’s 51st seed Chen Zou in the final round. President of QCA Mohamed Al Mudahka thanked Abdulghani Nasser Al Abdulghani, CEO of Abdulghani Motors, and Sabah Rabia Al Kuwari, Director of Public Relations, Social Responsibility and Sponsorships at Ooredoo, ‘for their great efforts in supporting the tournament’ as the official sponsor of the tournament. “During 10 days, the games that took place were not without excitement and many of the top ranked players were eliminated from the race for the title in the penultimate round. I believe the tournament fulfilled its top billing,” Al Mudahka. Al Mudahka also highlighted the valuable experience gained by Qatari players in the Qatar Masters Open B Tournament which was run parallel to the main event. Libya’s Yousef Alhassadi clinched the B Tournament title with a remarkable eight-point-score from seven wins and two draws. Khaled Al Jamaat, 30th , was the top finisher among Qatari players, after his raised his points to 5.5 with a win over India’s Saravanan Advaith in the final round. After the prize presentation ceremony, Al Mudahka congratulated Episenko for his Qatar Masters victory. The QCA president also applauded the performances of Erigaisi and Abdusattorov, saying they entertained chess lovers in Qatar. Copy 13/12/2024 40

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188 4 pics 1 word Scotland defender Kieran Tierney has ended a five-month injury absence after being named in Arsenal's first-team squad for the London's club's Champions League visit to Sporting on Tuesday. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since June after suffering a hamstring tear against Switzerland at Euro 2024 but has been out of favour under manager Mikel Arteta since summer 2023. The Spaniard told Monday's media conference in Lisbon: "We have Kieran Tierney with us after a long injury. "It’s great news that he is back. He's been training with us and he is available to participate." Tierney has not played for Arsenal since a substitute appearance in their penalty shoot-out Community Shield victory over Manchester City after a 1-1 draw in August 2023. Having fallen out of the first-team picture, he spent the rest of the season on loan to Real Sociedad, making 26 appearances for the La Liga side, but remains under contract with Arsenal until 2026. Tierney has missed seven Scotland games since his latest injury, including all their Nations League group games. The news of his return from injury comes two days after Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn's return to the Norwich City side after missing six club games and four internationals. The 28-year-old helped the Canaries to a 2-2 draw away to West Bromwich Albion in the Championship after recovering from his rib injury. Scotland next face a double header play-off against Greece in March as they aim to retain their place in League A.

On Monday, December 9th, Bombardier Aviation announced that the company had officially delivered its 200th Global 7500 business jet. Additionally, this ultra-long-range business jet fleet has accumulated more than 200,000 flying hours in total. The Canadian aircraft manufacturer also recently revealed that the company had achieved its 75th different city-pair speed record. The worldwide Global 7500 fleet is nearly 200 aircraft. The 200th Global 7500 has been delivered Bombardier revealed that the company had delivered the 200th Global 7500 to a customer in early December. The Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, IT, and Bombardier Operational Excellence System at Bombardier Aviation, David Murray, spoke about this significant milestone. Murray stated, "Simply put, the Global 7500 aircraft is assembled with the best manufacturing process and technological advancements in business aviation – and we are so excited and honored to reach the 200-delivery mark of this transformative aircraft. This milestone also reflects the outstanding efforts of our meticulous engineering, production and assembly teams. These talented individuals are the beating heart of this program’s ultimate success and achievements." Prior to the delivery of the 200th aircraft, Bombardier also revealed that the Global 7500 had recorded its 75th city-pair speed record. These records include Miami, Florida to, São Paulo, Brazil; Tokyo, Japan, to Los Angeles , California; Tokyo, Japan, to San Jose, California; Los Angeles, California, to Auckland, Australia; and Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, to London , UK. Other new speed records include: Tokyo, Japan , to Hong Kong in three hours and 40 minutes New Delhi, India, to Tokyo, Japan in seven hours Los Angeles, California, United States, to Auckland, Australia, in 11 hours and 55 minutes About the Bombardier Global 7500 After the 200th delivery of the Global 7500, it has solidified its dominance in the ultra-long-range business jet industry. This popular aircraft was first announced in October 2010. Bombardier intended to create a much larger variant of the Global 6000, that could also fly much further. After a redesign of the wing delayed the certification development, the aircraft achieved its certification from Transport Canada in September 2018 and from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2018. It was officially introduced later that year. The Global 7500 features an all-metal airframe made from aluminum-lithium alloys to lower the overall weight. The large cabin can fit a maximum of 19 passengers, depending on the configuration. The aircraft, which is the largest purpose-built business jet, can be split into four different interior zones. Overall, the Global 7500 is powered by two General Electric Passport turbofan engines. These powerful engines each provide the aircraft with nearly 19,000 pounds of thrust. These engines, along with the newly designed transonic wing, help the aircraft achieve the following performance specifications: Length 111 feet Height 27 feet Wingspan 103 feet Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 114,850 pounds Maximum speed 612 knots (704 miles per hour) Typical cruise speed 562 knots (647 miles per hour) Range 7,700 nautical miles (8,861 miles) Service ceiling 51,000 feet

The birth of 'President's Choice' and other fascinating tales for the business reader on your holiday gift listTopline California’s plan to offer electric car tax credits if President-elect Donald Trump cuts off federal incentives has a catch: It may not include rebates for customers of Tesla, the most popular EV brand, eliciting a strongly worded response from the company’s Trump-friendly CEO Elon Musk. Key Facts What Does Trump’s Ev Credit Saga Mean For Tesla? Much has been made in recent months about Trump’s potential repeal of the federal EV tax credit and the potential drag it would be on sales for Tesla, considering the rebates dangle a hefty effective discount to prospective car buyers. Though Wall Street analysts have largely agreed the end of the federal program would hurt other EV makers more than they would Tesla given the Musk-led company’s dominant market share, the potential for new roadblocks in the crucial California market may provide a new challenge for the company. “If credits go away, further pricing actions may be needed,” UBS analyst Joseph Spak wrote in a Monday note to clients, teasing the potential for more price cuts from Tesla, which would eat into the firm’s wobbling profit margins. Big Number 35%. That’s the percentage of all U.S.-registered electric-only vehicles from California, according to the Department of Energy. California’s 1.26 million EVs are nearly five times greater than the amount registered in the next closest state, Florida. News Peg Shares of Tesla declined 4% in Monday trading but remain up more than 30% since Election Day, a surge tied to investors’ optimism regarding Musk’s close relationship with Trump would help create more favorable oversight of the automaker. “The rise in Tesla stock is mostly driven by animal spirits” rather than fundamental changes to its business outlook, according to Spak, who has a sell rating for the stock. It’s unclear whether Monday’s decline for Tesla was tied to the California EV credit news, though its share price was down more than 6% from its morning peak by market close. Key Background Musk has feuded with the state of California and Newsom for years, moving Tesla’s corporate headquarters from Silicon Valley to Texas in 2021, coinciding with the start of his shift toward right-wing politics. The richest person ever calculated by Forbes, Musk donated more than $100 million toward Trump’s election efforts and is Trump’s self-described “first buddy,” advising the president-elect on various policy issues. Forbes Valuation We estimate Musk’s net worth at $330.7 billion, making him the wealthiest person on Earth by a wide margin. Further ReadingKirill Kaprizov Injury Update: Latest News on Minnesota Wild Superstar Not Good

Tweet Facebook Mail On November 8, Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi boarded a flight from Maui to New York City, with a short layover in Los Angeles. But after missing her connecting flight, Hannah vanished. There were a few brief sightings of the 31-year-old in LA and family members have received concerning, out-of-character texts from her phone, but weeks later Hannah remains missing. READ MORE: Lurking weather system could become Australia's first tropical cyclone of the season Hannah Kobayashi is missing in the USA. (Nine) Now the body of her father, Ryan Kobayashi, has been found in LA after he spent almost two weeks desperately searching for his daughter. Here's everything you need to know about Hannah's disappearance and the timeline of events since. November 8 Hannah flew from Maui to Los Angeles, landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 9.53pm local time. She was seen on surveillance footage exiting the aircraft in a black hoodie and colourful leggings but never made it onto her connecting flight to New York City. Her family said she missed it due to a tight 42-minute layover and was put on standby for a new flight. Her sister Sydni Kobayashi told CNN that Hannah had the same itinerary as an ex-boyfriend but they intended to part ways in New York City. READ MORE: Keeping cool is Cass' 'full time job' as heatwave puts the health of 122,000 Aussies at risk November 9 The following day, Hannah was seen at The Grove, a popular shopping mall in downtown LA. Her family said she spent time at a bookstore there. Hannah's aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told Fox News that her niece spent an hour and a half charging her phone at a Taschen bookstore and filled out a mailing list. "It's in her handwriting," she told the outlet on November 21. Sydni told CNN that Hannah also sent Venmo payments to two people that day. Hannah's family did not recognise the individuals' names. November 10 Hannah returned to the mall the following day and was visible in the background of footage from an event hosted at the Nike store there. She also posted a photo from the event on Instagram with a single emoji of a speech bubble showing an eye inside as the caption. The last photo Hannah Kobayashi shared to her Instagram account before her disappearance. (Instagram/Hannah Kobayashi) November 11 Three days after Hannah landed in LA, her family and friends began receiving concerning texts from her phone. In the messages, Hannah said she felt unsafe and claimed that someone was trying to steal her money and identity, according to her family. "I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds," one text to a friend read, followed by a second saying, "For someone I thought I loved." Another text sent to her aunt reportedly said: "I just finished a very intense spiritual awakening."  READ MORE: Sydney man charged with running over, torturing kangaroos The texts used language that seemed out of character, according to Hannah's family, and were devoid of the emojis Hannah typically used. "It's weird to me because it doesn't sound like her, like there's just something off about it ... I don't know if it's her or if someone else was texting." Hannah Kobayashi's phone last pinged at LAX on November 11. (Courtesy Sydni Kobayashi via CNN Newsource) Hannah was reportedly seen at LAX that same day, where Pidgeon said she spoke with an American Airlines ticketing agent in the hopes of getting a direct flight to New York City. The family later shared that they also sighted surveillance footage that placed Hannah at the Pico Metro Station near the airport just after 10pm that night. She reportedly left the station with an unidentified person and the family claim she did "not appear to be in good condition". Hannah's phone last pinged at LAX on November 11 and has been turned off ever since. November 12 Four days after Hannah touched down in LA, her family filed a missing person report with the Los Angeles Police Department. A social media campaign was launched and police petitioned the public for any information about her whereabouts. A post shared online described the 31-year-old as having brown hair and hazel eyes, freckles on her face and a tattoo of a knife on her arm. She's 5'10" (177cm) and weighs 140lbs (63kg). November 24 Hannah's father was found dead on Sunday, November 24, after almost two weeks spent searching the city for his missing daughter. LAPD confirmed his body was discovered in a carpark at a business near LAX around 4am local time. The suspected cause of death was not made public. Ryan Kobayashi, centre, during an interview before his death. (CNN via CNN Newsource) "I wasn't too close with her ... growing up. We haven't had contact for a while," he had told CNN days before his death. "I'm just trying to make up. I'm trying to get her back. "That's my main focus." Pidgeon told CNN the family was devastated by Ryan's death and said: "We also want to make it clear that Ryan died of a broken heart." DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

On Saturday, the unranked Florida Gators upset the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels 24-17 in Gainesville. After the win, Florida poked fun at the Rebels. OIe Miss was a 13.5-point favorite heading into the game, per . Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Florida Trolls Ole Miss Celebration After Upset Win On SaturdayKyle Walker makes concerning Man City prediction ahead of crunch Liverpool clash

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At major IEA conference, decision-makers from tech, energy and government underscore AI’s implications for energy security and transitions

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