Revolutionizing Education? Generative AI Leads the ChargeTimberwolves blow out Lakers 109-80 behind Randle, Gobert and tough defense
A look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaul Donald Trump's health team picks include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All could play pivotal roles in fulfilling an agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans’ health, from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. In line to be Trump's health secretary is anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He says his task is to “reorganize” federal health agencies. They employ 80,000 scientists, researchers, doctors and other officials, and effect Americans’ daily lives. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly donated $1m to Donald Trump's inaugural fund, marking the latest twist in the complicated relationship between the tech boss and the Republican president-elect. The donation has been confirmed by the Silicon Valley company, according to The Wall Street Journal, and comes despite Trump threatening the Facebook founder with jail just months earlier, if he attempted to influence the 2024 election. The move is the latest example of a tech CEO moving to make a conciliatory gesture towards Trump now that his return to the White House has been confirmed and his party have secured control over both chambers of Congress. Trump has been enjoying a very public "bromance" with Elon Musk in recent months while Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, a long-time enemy of the blustering New York property tycoon, praised his November 5 win as "an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory." "What I've seen so far is that he is calmer than he was the first time and more confident, more settled," Bezos recently told a New York Times conference. Now Zuckerberg appears to be continuing on his goal to build bridges with the president-elect. The Meta boss dined at Trump's... Joe Sommerlad
Tampa, Florida–(Newsfile Corp. – December 17, 2024) – As the events industry embraces new ways to captivate audiences, Sylvie di Giusto has emerged as a true pioneer with its cutting-edge 3D immersive holographic keynotes. The company’s transformative approach to live presentations has redefined storytelling, delivering an unprecedented combination of actionable insights and immersive innovation that fully engages and inspires attendees. Their work has not only set a new standard for audience engagement, but it has also earned the company three prestigious awards in 2024, reinforcing their position as a trailblazer in the speaking industry. Setting the new standard for live events: Sylvie di Giusto pioneers the use of 3D holographic technology in professional keynotes. Sylvie di Giusto’s accolades this year include the ILEA Esprit Award 2024 (International Life Events Association) for the debut of its groundbreaking keynote, “The Power of Choice,” at the NSA Annual Convention Influence (National Speakers Association). The company also garnered two Davey Awards 2024 for Best Speaker Emerging Tech and Best Education Emerging Tech, celebrating its ability to seamlessly merge advanced technology with human connection. To get a glimpse of Sylvie di Giusto’s 3D holographic keynote that’s transforming the future of events, watch a video here. Recognition Reflects Rising Demand for Innovative Keynote Experiences The growing appetite for innovation in the events sector is underscored by Sylvie di Giusto’s recent awards and rapidly increasing bookings. Organizations across various industries are turning to the company for expertise to deliver one-of-a-kind, transformative experiences that resonate deeply with audiences and spark conversations long after the event concludes. “2024 has been an extraordinary year, both in pushing creative boundaries and redefining what’s possible in live events,” says founder Sylvie di Giusto. “The recognition is humbling, but what excites me most is how immersive technology enables me to create unforgettable, deeply customized, and informative experiences seamlessly woven into each client’s unique event goals.” The Next Chapter in Live Events-The Future of Events is Now As organizations prepare for their 2025 events, the demand for immersive experiences has reached an all- time high. Meeting professionals and conference planners are seeking innovative approaches to captivate audiences, and Sylvie di Giusto’s 3D holographic keynotes have proven to be exactly what the industry needs. The company’s ability to push the boundaries of imagination while seamlessly blending practical insights with cutting-edge technology and emotional connection has distinguished itself as a transformative force in the evolution of live events. Combining cinematic visuals, stunning projection technology, and interactive elements, these holographic keynotes transform traditional speeches into unforgettable, multi-dimensional and multi-sensory journeys. The groundbreaking format not only captures attention but ensures that each message resonates on a profound and memorable level. “Each of my keynotes is designed for maximum impact,” Sylvie says. “However, this approach and technology allow me to collaborate closely with my clients to offer not just a presentation but instead an experience that aligns seamlessly with their vision and transforms their event. Clients can become part of the experience by immersing their event leaders or attendees into this captivating world, or by integrating their conference theme or sponsor acknowledgments in the most unique and unforgettable way-among many other possibilities.” By combining the company’s deep expertise in human behavior-whether in leadership scenarios or client relationships-with the latest technological innovations, Sylvie di Giusto empowers organizations to communicate their most important messages in ways that leave a lasting impact. For bookings or media inquiries, contact Sylvie di Giusto at hello@sylviedigiusto.com or visit www.sylviedigiusto.com An unforgettable event centerpiece: Sylvie di Giusto’s 3D holographic keynote transforms how audiences learn and connect. About Sylvie di Giusto Sylvie di Giusto is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in emotional intelligence, perception management, and personal branding. Represented by cmi, a leading global speaker management agency, Sylvie has redefined audience engagement with her pioneering use of 3D holographic technology. As the author of multiple books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker, she is widely recognized for delivering awe-inspiring, highly customized, and engaging presentations that captivate audiences worldwide. Sylvie’s multicultural background reflects a rich blend of experiences-Austrian by birth, French in her heart, Italian in her kitchen, German in her work ethic, and American by choice. She currently resides in Florida. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234134 #distroLions' Jameson Williams fined for actions against Bears
Score $100 Off the Beats Solo 4, and Tune Into Premium Sound
Aaron Rodgers not shutting his season down despite disappointing run of games
Amorim: Pep's new deal 'a problem for everybody'Newport News-based ivWatch receives accolades for life-saving technologyNearly 13 months after his beloved wife Rosalynn died in November 2023, former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100, the Carter Center confirmed on Sunday. The former president made a rare public appearance at her memorial service. He sat in a wheelchair with a blanket that had a picture of him and Rosalynn together. He would also make a rare public appearance on October 1 as his hometown celebrated his 100th birthday. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” President Carter said after his wife passed away. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.” The couple was married for 77 years. They met as children, both growing up in Plains, Georgia. Their storied romance started when Jimmy was 17 years old. After their first date, he reportedly told his mom, “She’s the girl I want to marry.” The pair would marry not long after — in 1946. The couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where Jimmy was stationed after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. Like many military families, the Carters moved from city to city. Their three sons were born in three different states: Virginia, Hawaii and Connecticut. Their only daughter was born in their home state of Georgia. Jimmy left the military in 1953 and began a career in politics about 10 years later. RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100 Rosalynn was reportedly an important member of Jimmy’s campaign team when he ran for governor of Georgia, a race he won in 1970. After serving four years as governor, Jimmy decided to run for president. During the campaign, Rosalynn traveled the country independently, proving to be a strong advocate for her husband’s vision for the country. Jimmy Carter would go on to defeat President Gerald Ford and become the 39th president of the United States. Rosalynn was an active first lady. She attended cabinet meetings and frequently represented her husband at ceremonial events. Rosalynn shared in her husband’s efforts to work to make the U.S. government more “competent and compassionate,” the White House said. After leaving the White House in 1981, the couple returned to Georgia. They would go on to become some of the most notable philanthropists in the world. They founded The Carter Center, which is committed to protecting human rights around the world.
Ireland 1 Wales 2 (Wales win 3-2 on aggregate) Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson consoles Denise O'Sullivan after the play-off defeat at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Eileen Gleeson refused to be drawn on her future prospects following her side’s failure to qualify for Euro 2025 after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Wales at the Aviva Stadium. Gleeson’s contract expiration coincides with her squad’s interest in Euro 2025 ending, but having declared on the eve of the play-off that she wanted to continue in the role, she was less adamant after seeing her devastated squad slump to a shock defeat. “I’m not thinking about that tonight, we have a team who are devastated at the fact that they are not going to the Euros,” said Gleeson, who also refused to engage in discussion about whether she might return to her old FAI role as Head of Women and Girls’ Football. Ultimately, it will not be her choice, but that of her employers. "It's not something I'm going to talk about tonight. We're here as a team, we've lost as a team and we're going to support ourselves through it as a team. “I'm not talking about anything else other than the game tonight. We're going to pick ourselves up and we'll go again. “We have to go again, women’s football will not stand still. It’s a setback and a major disappointment, obviously." Like I said earlier, I am not going to get into big development processes here. Welsh boss Rhian Wilkinson was not pleased with the Irish manager after Gleeson refused to congratulate her at the final whistle. “I’m not very happy with the Irish staff right now, but it was a battle,” she said “The benches boil up every now and then, a team has to win or lose.” Gleeson, for her part, bemoaned the actions of the Welsh bench, although her goalkeeping coach, Emma Byrne, was cautioned. “A lot of shouting at players, aggressive language to our staff,” said Gleeson, whose captain, Katie McCabe, was lucky to remain on the pitch after her first caution was almost followed by another. “It’s incidental now, but we manage it on the pitch and you are managing it on the sidelines. “It’s difficult for players in the moment, and there was a lot of high risk and reward associated with this game, but, yeah, it was important for us to keep 11 on the pitch. It was important for us to try and keep Katie calm and not to react, and not to bring anything on herself. "We were all on the edge. On the edge now. It was a highly charged game, very emotional and there was a lot of managing emotions. "There was a lot of provocation along the sideline from the Welsh bench. There were reactions to that as well. It was a team challenge to manage across the night." Wilkinson also confirmed she had to seek out a reluctant Gleeson to engage in a handshake; Gleeson appeared unmoved. “I didn’t see Rhian [Wilkinson], she didn’t come near me, I didn’t go near her, I was with my team.” Gleeson confirmed the incidents went beyond the norm and that she had reported them to the fourth official. While her team’s Euro 2025 campaign is over, she doesn’t feel her own tenure necessarily is, even though her contract expired along with her team’s chances. Having freely expressed a desire, unprompted, to continue in the job last week, she refused to talk about it tonight. When pressed, she did explain how devastating a blow this defeat would be to her sport. “The short answer is, yes, we are not going to stand still. But like I said earlier, I am not going to get into big development processes here. “We have to go again, there is another campaign, there is a World Cup. That’s football, you go again, you take the highs, you take the lows, but we always have to go again. “Women’s football is not standing still globally, it’s not standing still in Ireland, it’s a setback and a major disappointment tonight that we didn’t get that consistent qualification, but we still have to keep moving forward.”Loma Negra Compañía Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anónima (NYSE:LOMA) Trading Up 3.2% – Here’s What HappenedIn conclusion, the ban on windshields for electric scooters serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety in the use of alternative modes of transportation. By implementing regulations, exploring alternative heating methods, and raising awareness about safety practices, traffic police authorities and riders can work together to create a safer environment for everyone on the road. Let us all take responsibility for our safety and make informed choices to protect ourselves and others while enjoying the convenience of electric scooters.
None
NoneTech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany's far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper's opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Schol z's three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country's stagnant economy. Musk's guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag —a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. "The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country," Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party "can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality." The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country's condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. An ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, the technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party's public image. "The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!" Musk's commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper's own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musk's social media platform, X. "I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print," Eva Marie Kogel wrote. A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Musk's opinion piece. "Musk's diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong," Burgard wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard — who is due to take over on Jan. 1 — said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musk's piece was "very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression." "This will continue to determine the compass of the "world" in the future. We will develop "Die Welt" even more decisively as a forum for such debates," they wrote to dpa.
Approximately 167,000 pounds of both fresh and frozen ground beef products have been recalled by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service over potential E. coli contamination. The potential contamination was first spotted by the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health after it determined there was a link between a recent spate of food-borne illnesses and meat from Wolverine Packing Company, a meat distribution company based in Detroit , according to the FSIS. The federal agency said it was working with Minnesota officials to investigate the potential contamination, NBC News reports . As of November 20, 15 people have been reported sick with symptoms that began appearing between November 2 and November 10. On November 10, the FSIS issued a press release saying that Minnesota officials had tested a ground beef sample from Wolverine Packing and found it contained a strain of E. coli. The FSIS then released a list of all affected products as well as images of their associated product labels. The fresh ground beef affected by the recall has "use by" dates of November 14, and the frozen products have a "use by" date of October 22, the agency said. All of the recall products include the number "EST 2574B" inside the USDA inspection mark. The affected products have been shipped to restaurants around the country, which has caused some concern within the FSIS. The agency is reportedly "concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers." The agency is urging restaurants to check their stock and not to serve the the products. It has also issued a blanket reminder to consumers to make sure that they "safely prepare their raw meat products" by cooking all beef products to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71.11 C) to ensure any harmful bacteria is killed. The E. coli strain found in the Wolverine Packing products is the same strain that was linked to onion McDonald's used in some Quarter Pounders in October. The strain can cause bleeding in the intestines, bloody diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause damage to the kidney's blood vessels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.'I tested dozens of new perfumes and these are the 7 best evening scents that last all night'Chennai’s progress card for 2024 shows schools getting pushed backFor Pep Guardiola, a move to Girona could represent a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to reconnect with his roots. The prospect of working with a talented yet underrated squad, molding young players, and building a team from the ground up could appeal to his competitive spirit and tactical acumen. Moreover, the intimate atmosphere and passionate fan base at Girona could provide a stark contrast to the high-stakes pressure cooker of managing a top-tier club.
Caprock Group LLC Boosts Stock Holdings in Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:KEYS)The Arizona Diamondbacks made one of the biggest moves of the MLB offseason early Saturday morning when they inked Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract, emerging seemingly out of nowhere to reel in one of the biggest fish of the offseason. With Blake Snell, Max Fried, Sean Manaea, Nathan Eovaldi and Yusei Kikuchi also already signed in free agency, and both Garrett Crochet and Jesús Luzardo on the move via trade, the starting pitching market has dwindled considerably since the start of the offseason. However, there are still some impact arms looking for a new home, led by Japanese League star Roki Sasaki and World Series champion Jack Flaherty. Ahead is an updated look at the top remaining free agency and trade targets on the starting pitching market in the wake of the Burnes signing. Free Agents RHP Kyle Gibson RHP Lance Lynn LHP Martín Pérez RHP Cal Quantrill LHP José Quintana RHP Colin Rea RHP Spencer Turnbull RHP Trevor Williams LHP Ryan Yarbrough Trade Candidates LHP Steven Matz, STL LHP Jordan Montgomery, ARI 10. RHP Michael Lorenzen, Free Agent (Age: 32) Stats: 26 G, 24 GS, 7-6, 3.31 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 60 BB, 97 K, 130.1 IP, 2.6 WAR After an All-Star selection in 2023, Lorenzen was one of the last notable free agents to sign last winter, agreeing to a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Rangers on March 22. He doesn't miss many bats, striking out just 18.1 percent of the hitters he faced this past season, but he is a solid back-of-the-rotation option capable of pitching above that level at times. 9. RHP Justin Verlander, Free Agent (Age: 41) Stats: 17 GS, 5-6, 5.48 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 27 BB, 74 K, 90.1 IP, -0.3 WAR Verlander had a 4.16 ERA over 67 innings through his first 12 starts in 2024 before a brutal month of September, so his overall performance was not as bad as his final numbers might suggest. He no longer possesses elite velocity, but he is a future Hall of Famer who knows how to pitch, and he is still capable of being an effective back-of-the-rotation option. 8. RHP Max Scherzer, Free Agent (Age: 40) Stats: 9 GS, 2-4, 3.95 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 10 BB, 40 K, 43.1 IP, 0.4 WAR A shoulder issue limited Scherzer to just nine starts last season, so his health is a question mark, but he was still an effective option when he did take the mound. He profiles more as a four- or five-inning guy at this point rather than a workhorse, but in the right situation he can still be an asset to the staff. 7. LHP Andrew Heaney, Free Agent (Age: 33) Stats: 32 G, 31 GS, 5-14, 4.28 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 41 BB, 159 K, 160.0 IP, 0.8 WAR Heaney led a banged up Rangers staff with 31 starts and eclipsed 150 innings pitched for the second time in his career in 2024, and he more than earned his two-year, $25 million deal the past two seasons. With 1,070 strikeouts in 1,014.1 career innings, he has always missed plenty of bats, and he could provide solid value on a similar deal. 6. RHP Erick Fedde, Trade Candidate (Age: 31) Stats: 31 GS, 9-9, 3.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 52 BB, 154 K, 177.1 IP, 5.6 WAR Fedde won KBO MVP honors in 2023 when he finished 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 209 strikeouts in 180.1 innings, and he returned stateside a different pitcher last year after inking a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox. He was traded to the Cardinals at the 2024 deadline, and now that they are headed for a youth movement, he is squarely on the trade block and carries wide appeal thanks to a team-friendly $7.5 million salary. Age: 31 Stats: 27 G, 26 GS, 6-12, 4.14 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 36 BB, 172 K, 145.2 IP, 1.8 WAR Nick Pivetta was one of the few legitimate candidates to potentially accept a qualifying offer this winter, but he ultimately turned down the one-year, $21.05 million contract in favor of testing the free agency waters. The right-hander has quietly posted four straight seasons with at least 170 strikeouts, and he also posted a career-low 2.2 walks per nine innings during the 2024 season, down significantly from 3.5 BB/9 over the first seven years of his career. The draft pick compensation tied to signing him is a factor, but he can slot in as a solid No. 3 starter on a contending team thanks to his swing-and-miss stuff. Age: 32 Stats: 30 GS, 11-12, 3.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 47 BB, 175 K, 175.1 IP, 1.8 WAR The emergence of up-and-coming arms Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo has put the Seattle Mariners in an enviable position where they can potentially trade from an area of strength by shopping Luis Castillo. The three-time All-Star had another solid overall season in 2024, and while his stuff took a slight step backward and his strikeout rate dropped from 27.3 to 24.3 percent, he was still a solid No. 2/3 starter. He will make $24.15 million annually each of the next three seasons, and he also has a $25 million vesting option for 2028 based on health and innings pitched. Age: 29 Stats: 28 GS, 13-7, 3.17 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 38 BB, 194 K, 162.0 IP, 3.1 WAR After years of battling injuries and then command issues in 2023, Jack Flaherty signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers last winter hoping to rebuild his stock, and he ended up being one of the best value signings of the offseason. He ended up serving as the co-ace of the staff for the Dodgers during their run to the World Series after joining them at the trade deadline. He struggled to a 7.36 ERA in 22 innings of work during the playoffs, though he did turn in a terrific start in Game 1 of the NLCS (7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER). His age is a major chip in his favor in a market littered with pitchers on the other side of 30 years old, and he has strikeout stuff when everything is clicking, but his inconsistent track record and shaky October might be the reason he is still looking for his next contract. Age: 29 Stats: 33 GS, 14-11, 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 65 BB, 224 K, 189.1 IP, 4.2 WAR Could the San Diego Padres be major players on the trade market once again this offseason? Last winter, they traded away Juan Soto ahead of his final season of arbitration control, only to turn around and acquire Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. Now they are reportedly shopping Cease. "There is no indication any deal is imminent, but this is more than just fielding phone calls. League sources characterized the talks regarding Cease as being anywhere from "trying to unload Cease" to the Padres being "open to" trading the right-hander," wrote Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune shortly after the winter meetings. Cease is poised to be one of the most sought after pitchers on the free-agent market next winter, and if the Padres don't plan to sign him long-term, then now is the time to sell high. Trading him could also be part of a domino effect set off by them signing the No. 1 player on this list... Age: 23 Stats: 18 GS, 10-5, 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 32 BB, 129 K, 111.0 IP It's not every day that a 23-year-old who is capable of stepping right into a big league rotation and potentially pitching at an ace-caliber level hits the open market. Roki Sasaki has officially been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, and teams now have until Jan. 23 to negotiate with the Japanese League star, though spending will be limited by the international bonus pool limitations. The assumption is that he will wait to sign until after the new international signing period begins on Jan. 15, when all 30 teams will have a full bonus pool at their disposal, though money will likely not be the determining factor in where he lands. The Dodgers and Padres are the heavy favorites to sign him, but there is still time for a mystery team to make its move. Armed with a 70-grade fastball that regularly touches triple-digits, a lethal splitter and a plus slider, he checks all the boxes to be a star on the mound for the next decade.After days of intensive search efforts and investigation, authorities were able to successfully locate the missing student in an undisclosed location. However, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent discovery have raised significant concerns and questions.
With a few swift taps on his phone, Zuo shared a side-by-side comparison of his previous hairstyle and the bold, eccentric look he was currently sporting. The difference was striking – his former clean-cut appearance had been replaced by tousled locks that exuded a carefree, adventurous vibe. The emoticons that accompanied the photos ranged from laughter and excitement to heart-eye emojis, reflecting Zuo's genuine enthusiasm for his new look.‘Blessed’: US woman sees second chance in life after pig kidney transplant
