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A SUPERMARKET giant is set to rival Aldi after slashing the price of 222 products at its smaller convenience stores across the UK. This comes after research showed customers are currently paying 10% more on average for the same item in smaller convenience-style shops than in main supermarkets . Tesco made the major discount announcement to help reduce prices at its Express stores. It confirmed that it has extended its Aldi -price match scheme to its local outlets. Tesco CEO Kevin Murphy said: "[The] round of price cuts on more than 200 lines in our Express stores underlines our commitment to offering great value to Tesco customers. "Whether you are picking up coffee and milk for the office or a loaf of bread and a tin of soup on the way home, our Express stores offer both convenience and great value." Read More on Supermarkets This comes as research from Which? also showed how shopping at a convenience store versus a large supermarket can be incredibly costly. It found that shoppers using local branches could be paying up to 20% more than at larger stores. This decision could cost you a whopping £800 extra on your food costs each year. The research compared the cost of 42 grocery items at convenience chains Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express against prices at their full-size supermarkets. Most read in Money It found the biggest price difference was at Morrisons Daily, where shoppers paid 21 per cent more on average. While Sainsbury's and Tesco had less variation in prices, Nectar members could still be paying an average of 14 per cent more at Sainsbury's Local. It also concluded that Tesco Clubcard holders could be charged 11 per cent more at Tesco Express. For example, despite offering a Clubcard discount, a pack of six Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices had a significant discount in price. Costing £2.32 on average at a Tesco Express, it was costing shoppers at a large Tesco just £1.50, a shocking 54 per cent difference. Even basics such as bread were more costly at local stores than main ones. A medium white Hovis loaf cost 12% more at both Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express. Morrisons Daily was an even worse offender, having a 14% uptick in price. SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from comparison site Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills: Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewardsHouse approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsATC jails 10 in May 9 riots case

In the realm of healthcare innovation, few have made as significant an impact as Rahul Vadisetty. His groundbreaking research, “Advancing Predictive Modelling in Healthcare: A Data Science Approach Utilizing AI-Driven Algorithms,” recently won the Best Paper Award at the IEEE conference. His work demonstrates how AI can transition healthcare from reactive to proactive, enabling earlier disease detection and improving patient outcomes. In this interview, we explore Vadisetty’s insights on AI in healthcare, predictive modelling, and the future of data-driven medicine. Rahul, your research has gained a lot of attention in the healthcare space. Can you tell us more about the core focus of your work? At its core, my research is focused on using predictive analytics to drive better healthcare outcomes. By applying AI-driven algorithms, we’re working to move from reactive healthcare—where we respond to illnesses after they occur—to proactive healthcare, where we can predict and prevent disease before it becomes critical. One of the key features of this work is the use of Explainable AI (XAI), which aims to make AI models more transparent and interpretable, something that’s crucial in clinical settings where trust and accountability are paramount. Explainable AI sounds like a significant innovation. How does this work in healthcare? Traditional AI models often operate as "black boxes," making decisions without providing clear explanations for their predictions. In healthcare, this lack of transparency can be a barrier to adoption. With Explainable AI, we ensure that clinicians can understand why an AI model has made a specific recommendation, allowing them to trust the results and make better-informed decisions. For example, in chronic disease management, such as diabetes or heart disease, AI can predict disease progression, but clinicians must be able to understand why certain treatments or interventions are recommended. Speaking of chronic diseases, how does your research address challenges in managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease? Chronic diseases are among the biggest healthcare challenges globally. My research focuses on applying AI to predict the progression of these diseases and recommend personalized treatment plans. For diabetes, for instance, we use Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms to optimize long-term treatment strategies, analyzing patient data to recommend the best combinations of medications and lifestyle changes. This proactive approach can reduce complications and improve patient outcomes, ultimately lowering healthcare costs. Beyond patient care, how does your work impact operational efficiency in healthcare systems? AI can also significantly improve the operational efficiency of healthcare organizations. By predicting patient admissions, optimizing resource allocation, and reducing hospital readmission rates, AI can streamline operations and save costs. For example, predictive models can identify patients at high risk of readmission, allowing healthcare providers to intervene earlier, improving outcomes and reducing the strain on healthcare resources. AI is also vital in supply chain management, ensuring that pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are delivered on time and in the right quantities. What ethical considerations do you think are essential in AI’s integration into healthcare? Ethical AI is critical in healthcare, where patient safety and privacy are paramount. We must ensure that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and unbiased. My research emphasizes the need for models that are not only accurate but also fair, addressing potential biases that could affect marginalized groups. Ensuring that AI systems respect patient data and provide equitable care is key to maintaining trust and achieving the full potential of AI in healthcare. What’s next for you in terms of AI research and healthcare innovation? Moving forward, I am particularly excited about the scalability of AI models and their integration with real-time data from wearable devices and electronic health records. These technologies will create a more personalized and responsive healthcare system. My focus will be on refining predictive models to address healthcare disparities and ensuring that AI can offer real-time, actionable insights for better patient care and more efficient healthcare delivery.County roundup: Lady Bulldogs coast by GrandfieldEach year, Filipino writers come together at the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature to honor the art of storytelling and celebrate literary excellence. This year's prestigious event was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Seasoned writers, their protégés, and even their rivals, as well as aspiring authors, novelists, poets, and playwrights, were drawn to the special night of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Below is a recap of that evening. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.BriaCell Therapeutics Corp BCTX shares are trading lower by 40% to 65 cents Thursday afternoon after the company announced the pricing of a $5.5 million public offering of 7.4 million shares at 75 cents per share . What Else: BriaCell has priced an underwritten public offering of 7.4 million common shares and warrants at 75 cents per share and associated warrant. The warrants, exercisable at $0.9375 per share for five years, accompany the shares in the offering, which is expected to generate gross proceeds of approximately $5.55 million before expenses. The offering, managed by ThinkEquity , is set to close on December 13, pending customary conditions. BriaCell says the company plans to use the funds for working capital, corporate purposes and advancing its business goals. Read Also: Stocks Fall As Producer Inflation Spikes, Jobless Claims Jump: ‘What Is Happening Here?’ According to data from Benzinga Pro , BCTX has a 52-week high of $5.93 and a 52-week low of $0.46. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks climbed Thursday after market and another round of companies said they’re making even fatter profits than expected. The S&P 500 pulled 0.5% higher after flipping between gains and losses several times during the day. Banks, smaller companies and other areas of the stock market that tend to do best when the economy is strong helped lead the way, while briefly broke above $99,000. Crude oil, meanwhile, continued to rise. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 461 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by less than 0.1%. Nvidia rose just 0.5% after for profit and revenue yet again, but it was still the strongest force pulling the S&P 500 upward. It also gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that topped most analysts’ expectations due to voracious demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Its stock initially sank in afterhours trading Wednesday following the release of the results. Some investors said the market might have been looking for Nvidia’s revenue forecast to surpass expectations by even more. But recovered in premarket trading Thursday, and Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said it was another “flawless” profit report provided by Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang, whom Ives calls “the Godfather of AI.” The stock meandered through Thursday as well, dragging the S&P 500 and other indexes back and forth. How Nvidia’s stock performs has than any other because it’s grown into Wall Street’s most valuable company at roughly $3.6 trillion. The frenzy around AI is sweeping up other stocks, and Snowflake jumped 32.7% after reporting stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, whose platform helps customers get a better view of all their silos of data and use AI, also reported stronger revenue growth than expected. BJ’S Wholesale Club rose 8.3% after likewise delivering a bigger profit than expected. That may help calm worries about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. A day earlier, after reporting sluggish sales in the latest quarter and giving a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season. It followed , which gave a much more encouraging outlook. Nearly 90% of the stocks in the S&P 500 ended up rising Thursday, and the gains were even bigger among smaller companies. The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped a market-leading 1.7%. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, helped keep indexes in check. It fell 4.7% after U.S. regulators asked a judge to by forcing it to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser. In a 23-page document filed late Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice called for sweeping punishments that would include restrictions preventing Android from favoring its own search engine. Regulators stopped short of demanding Google sell Android but left the door open to it if the company’s oversight committee continues to see evidence of misconduct. All told, the S&P 500 rose 31.60 points to 5,948.71. The Dow jumped 461.88 to 43,870.35, and the Nasdaq composite added 6.28 to 18,972.42. In the crypto market, bitcoin eclipsed $99,000 for the first time before pulling back toward $98,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s more than doubled so far this year, and its climb has accelerated since Election Day. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make the country “the of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. Bitcoin got a further boost after Gary Gensler, the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said Thursday he would . Gensler has pushed for more protections for crypto investors. Bitcoin and related investment have a notorious history of big price swings in both directions. MicroStrategy, a company that’s been raising cash expressly to buy bitcoin, saw an early Thursday gain of 14.6% for its stock quickly disappear. It finished the day with a loss of 16.2%. In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 2% to bring its gain for the week to 4.8%. Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 1.8%. Oil has been rising amid war. In stock markets abroad, shares of India’s Adani Enterprises plunged 22.6% Thursday after the U.S. charged founder Gautam Adani in a with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud. The businessman and one of the world’s richest people is accused of concealing that his company’s huge solar energy project on the subcontinent was being facilitated by an alleged bribery scheme. Stock indexes elsewhere in Asia and Europe were mixed. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.43% from 4.41% late Wednesday following some mixed reports on the U.S. economy. One said last week in the latest signal that the job market remains solid. Another report, though, said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly shrank. Sales of previously occupied homes, meanwhile, than expected. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Yuri Kageyama contributed.On November 30, 2024, Syrian regime artillery forces fired multiple shells at Kansafra village in Jabal al-Zawiya district in southern rural Idlib governorate, killing one local man, identified as Mohammad Faris al-Mustafa. The area targeted is under the control of armed opposition factions and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that through this attack, Syrian regime forces have again unequivocally violated UN Security Council resolutions 2139 & 2254, both of which categorically prohibit indiscriminate attacks, as well as violating the rules of international humanitarian law on distinguishing between civilians and members. Such attacks aim solely to spread fear and panic among civilians, to drive them from their lands and homes, and to forcibly displace them. An estimated 6.5 million people are currently internally displaced in Syria. The international community must put pressure on the Syrian regime and its allies to support a process of political transition. Pressure should be applied on all parties to compel them to launch such a transition within a period of no more than six months, so that millions of displaced people can be ensured a safe and stable return to their homes.HUAWEI Launches Groundbreaking Products to Redefine Foldable, Audio, and Design Excellence

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Perry runs for 2 TDs, Louisiana-Lafayette reaches Sun Belt title game after beating UL Monroe 37-23This story is part of the December 4 edition of Good Weekend. See all 12 stories . I’ve known my friends for 20 years. We’ve weathered divorces, raising kids, changing jobs and the loss of parents. Yet every single year, without fail, they forget my birthday. Social media will occasionally save the day with a last-minute nudge, but most years, radio silence. Should I just accept my fate as The Forgotten One? S.H., Caringbah, NSW Credit: Illustration by Simon Letch Lots of people – some of them even over the age of 12 – are really into celebrating their birthdays. But not me: I see no pleasure in celebrating my rapid decline into decrepitude. I’m terrible at faking gratitude for crap gifts. I have intimacy issues when it comes to birthday hugs, kisses or direct eye contact. Cake makes me bloat. Balloons freak me out. And I’m sickened by all the trees that were slaughtered to make disposable birthday wrapping paper (some of it even decorated with green-leaf patterns in a cruelly ironic botanical twist). Loading Personally, I’d be thrilled if friends forgot my birthday, as long as they were okay with me forgetting theirs – and anniversaries and the names of their kids. Look, I don’t know a thing about you. You may be unmemorable, unlikeable, unhygienic – but maybe this is the direction you need to take, too. Just become a birthday non-acknowledger and if friends ask why you forgot theirs, say, “Oh, I thought we weren’t doing that any more. Happy to start again. Mine first!” Otherwise, you’re going to have to force your friends to give you birthday love. Post a birthday countdown on social media, hourly. Share a Google calendar with nothing on it but your birthday. Host your own birthday party, bake your own cake, invite everyone around and then pretend it’s a big surprise. Although if you’re the only one whose birthday is being forgotten, and it happens consistently, maybe it’s time to find new friends. Ones who love birthdays. But maybe stick to over-12s. guru@goodweekend.com.au To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald , The Age and Brisbane Times . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Good Weekend For subscribers Modern Guru Friendship Danny Katz is a columnist for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. He writes the Modern Guru column in the Good Weekend magazine. He is also the author of the books Spit the Dummy, Dork Geek Jew and the Little Lunch series for kids. Most Viewed in National Loading

DEAR ABBY: Six months ago, I began seeing a man I like very much but don't want to be intimate with. We are in our "young" 70s, and both of us were widowed two years ago after 50-year marriages. We agreed early on that neither of us will remarry. We are affectionate, and he'll occasionally kiss my cheek, nape of my neck or forehead. We hug. That's as much as I want. I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings, but I'm worried he may want more intimacy, which I am not willing to give. What advice do you have for me? -- LIMITED IN INDIANA DEAR LIMITED: Because you are sure you don't want an intimate relationship with this man and are being given signals that he may want more from you, talk frankly with him about it. You are both mature people, and it's the only fair way to handle a situation like this. You may find, to your relief, that you are misreading his intentions. If you aren't, he needs to know he's barking up the wrong tree. DEAR ABBY: My father dated someone for several years. She broke up with him around five years ago. She's a pleasant person, so we stay in touch via Christmas cards. Recently, she texted me that she was sending me a box of mementos, including pictures from their relationship. I was away on business, so I didn't have a chance to respond. The shoebox arrived this morning, and I just received a text from her asking if I had received it. Honestly, I feel this was inappropriate because the relationship was between my father and her. I believe she should have sent the items to him instead. How should I respond? -- ONLY THE SON IN NEW JERSEY DEAR ONLY THE SON: Respond by telling the woman the box arrived. She may have sent it to you because she wanted no more direct contact with your father. Call your dad, tell him his ex-girlfriend sent the mementos to you, ask if he wants them or would prefer you dispose of them and then follow his guidance. DEAR ABBY: I have been happily single for most of my life, and I treasure the friendship and company of my other women friends. My question concerns a situation that happens frequently when one of them starts dating or marries. They seem to feel I should enjoy the company of BOTH of them together from then on. My response has been to refuse any invitations, but it feels rude and impolite. I would appreciate your advice, and thank you! -- SINGLE LADY IN THE MIDWEST DEAR SINGLE LADY: Running away isn't the answer. Instead of cutting off these women without explanation when they become involved in a romantic relationship, it would make more sense to point out to them that women (and men) communicate differently when members of the opposite sex are present. It's the truth. Couples don't have to be joined at the hip 100% of the time, and, in fact, it's healthier for their relationship when they sometimes socialize as individuals.Loadbreak Connector: Power Up with ANHUANG's 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separarable Connector 12-27-2024 08:52 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire Today, we are exploring the realm of load break connectors, especially the remarkable 24kV 400A load break separable connector from ANHUONG. You'll have fun if you've ever wondered how underground cables link to our critical distribution power networks. Let's dissect it understandably together. Image: https://c861.goodao.net/uploads/%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%8722.png Loadbreak Connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/400a-24kv-loadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ] Description Let's begin with the fundamentals. In electrical engineering, a load break connector is an essential component. Consider it as the superhero tying underground lines to power plants. Designed to provide our electrical infrastructure with a secure, dependable, and efficient connection, the 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separable Connector is Perfect for many uses, including pad-mounted transformers and surrounding power supply branch boxes; this particular connector is shielded and insulated. Maintaining the operationality of electrical systems during maintenance or fault conditions depends much on load break connectors. These connectors let one safely disconnect a part of the power system, reducing the hazards. The safety of specialists operating on the systems and the integrity of the power supply depend on it. Why 400A 24kV? You might now be wondering why one would concentrate on 24kV and 400A. These figures then represent the voltage and current the connector can manage. Said another way, 400A (amperes) denotes the current capacity; 24kV (kilovolts) is the highest voltage. Therefore, strong electrical systems depend on our load break connector since it effectively controls high power levels. Value of Voltage and Current Ratitudes The particular values of 24kV and 400A are not arbitrary; rather, they are vital to guarantee that the connector can meet contemporary electrical systems' needs. While the 400A rating implies that it can withstand high current loads and is frequently used in industrial and commercial power systems, the 24kV rating guarantees compatibility with medium voltage applications. This great capacity is especially essential in sectors with high demand for power, such as nuclear plants, where continuous and dependable power supply is non-negotiable. Connector's anatomy How, then, does the 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separable Connector tick? It's mostly about its elements! The bushing and connector inserts are two important players cooperating to create a safe connection. The bushing insert lets you safely transfer electrical energy from the underground cable into the connector. This arrangement greatly reduces the possibility of electrical problems, therefore benefiting safety! Parts and Utility The connector's outside is made to be durable and insulating. It shields the internal parts from external elements, including dust and moisture, that could cause electrical problems. Safely moving electrical energy depends on this component, a bushing insert. It keeps a barrier against unintentional touch and offers a channel for current to pass. Crucially for maintenance and troubleshooting, the detachable design lets workers disconnect the load without upsetting the system. Complete Shielded: The connector's shielding guarantees safety and lowers electromagnetic interference (EMI), influencing the operation of surrounding equipment. Load break Connector's advantages Let's discuss the advantages of running the 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separable Connector. Some notable elements are: Safety First: This connector shields against accidental contact with live components with its covered form. Any electrical arrangement has safety as its priority! This safety precaution is crucial for professionals who sometimes operate in dangerous surroundings. ANHUANG has designed this connector for simple installation, reducing the time spent fussing over intricate configurations and allowing more time to enjoy consistent power. User-friendly elements in the design enable faster assembly and disassembly. Made with premium materials, this connector can resist the stresses of different surroundings. This connector is made to last, whether it comes from heat, cold, or wetness. Its lifetime guarantees continuous operation and lessens the need for regular replacements. Whether you are working with a basic branch box or a nuclear power station, this connector can manage it all. Its adaptability adds great value to every electrical toolset. Urban infrastructure, rural electrification, and industrial uses are just a few places it finds use. Long-term, cost-effective savings from this connector come from guaranteeing dependability and lowering the frequency of maintenance and replacements. Over time, investing in premium parts such as the 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separable Connector can result in notable cost savings. Image: https://c861.goodao.net/uploads/%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%8732.png ANHUANG [ https://www.ahelek.com/]: Your Source for Medium Voltage Solutions Knowing the nuances of the 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separable Connector, let us now discuss ANHUANG, its manufacturer. Originally founded in 2004, ANHUANG has become a top producer of medium voltage cable accessories. Offering OEM and ODM services catered to customer needs, they have a committed staff designing and manufacturing molds in-house. An overview of a brief history Starting with high-voltage fuses, Anhang's path was developed to incorporate cable connectors and lightning arresters. Their dedication to effective management and quality control has driven them to unprecedented heights, allowing them to service customers throughout China and beyond-including nations like Italy, the USA, and Russia. The company's emphasis on invention and customer happiness helps to explain its explosive expansion. Excellence and Creativity ANHUANG distinguishes itself by always striving for excellence and innovation. The company guarantees its products meet and surpass industry criteria by actively investing in research and development. This dedication to quality has attracted a devoted clientele and established ANHUANG as a reliable name in the electrical components market. Who might find use for this connector? Not only do electrical engineers benefit from the 24kV 400A load break separable connector, but This connector is also made with you in mind whether your job is that of a facilities manager overseeing power systems, a contractor working on utility projects, or an electrician seeking dependable components. It's ideal for folks between eighteen and forty eager to keep or improve the electrical infrastructure. Training the Next Generation This connector also makes an excellent teaching tool for future engineers and electricians. Knowing its uses and operation will help one to have a great understanding of electrical systems and their parts. ANHUANG also supports educational projects by providing tools and training for anyone curious about medium voltage solutions. Finally, energizing your initiatives. The ANHUANG 24kV 400A Loadbreak Separable Connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/400a-24kv-loadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ] changes the field of electrical connections. Professionals and enthusiasts choose it first because of its safety aspects, simplicity of installation, durability, and adaptability. Look only at ANHUANG's load break connector if you can improve your electrical systems and guarantee a consistent power supply. Investing in premium components like this will make all the difference, whether your project starts from scratch or updates an old system. Media Contact Company Name: Anhuang Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=loadbreak-connector-power-up-with-anhuangs-24kv-400a-loadbreak-separ ] Country: China Website: https://www.ahelek.com/ This release was published on openPR.Britain should follow Australia’s lead and ban young people from social media, according to a leading campaigner for the protection of childhood. The Australian Parliament last week backed the world’s toughest measures to stop under-16s using social media – and tech companies could fines of nearly £26million if they do not enforce new rules. Former Conservative MP Miriam Cates, a senior fellow at the Centre for Social Justice and GB News presenter, hopes Australia will blaze a trail for Britain to follow. She wants children denied access to “dreadful” content which encourages suicide, self-harm and misogyny and exposes them to pornography – and she is concerned they can be “contacted by people they don’t know” and “bullied by people they do know”. Ms Cates is also alarmed that algorithms encourage young people to spend hours staring at screens. “They are not being outside, they are not making face to face contact, they are not reading, they are not studying they are not doing sport – all those things that children really need to grow into competent adults,” she said. A further goal is encouraging smartphone manufacturers to produce phones which allow children to make calls, send texts, use digital train tickets and access maps – but not download apps. “I think that’s the answer really but Government will have to incentivise that to make it happen,” she said. Her call comes as Labour MP Josh MacAlister works to change the law so headteachers will have a legal requirement to make schools “mobile-free zones”. His draft law would raise the age of “internet adulthood” from 13 to 16 – making it harder for companies to use children’s data to “push addictive content”. Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Too many children are still routinely exposed to significant and damaging online harms including violence, pornography and other material that promotes harmful behaviour. We have heard too many stories of children causing harm to themselves, or others, on the back of material they have been exposed to online.” Dame Rachel said she was “really impressed” by the action in Australia, adding that “we need to start here with holding the social media companies properly to account for their laissez faire approach to children’s safety”. Sir Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC children’s charity, did not favour a “blanket ban”, saying this would “penalise children for the failures of tech companies to make their sites properly safe for young users”. A Government spokeswoman said there are “no current plans to implement a smartphone or social media ban for children,” adding: “We are focused on finding the best way of ensuring young people are kept safe while also benefiting from the latest technology. By next summer, the Online Safety Act will bring in protections for children to make sure their experiences online are appropriate for their age. “We have recently set out new priorities on online safety, including ensuring safety is baked into platforms from the start, and launched a research project looking at the links between social media and children’s wellbeing. This will help build the evidence base to inform future action.”

2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals

NEW YORK (AP) — Kaapo Kaako scored a power-play goal with 24 seconds left, and the New York Rangers stopped a five-game slide by topping the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Saturday. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers, who got their first win since a 4-3 victory at Vancouver on Nov. 19. Adam Fox had two assists, and Jonathan Quick made 25 saves. 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.Eileen Mitchell took to social media on Friday to share that her 19-year old sister, Katie - who is non-verbal, autistic and has learning difficulties - was removed from a branch of the second-hand electronics shop CEX on December 19th. She said her sister had entered the shop after she spotted a DVD she wished to purchase, but was told by staff that a sale was not possible as the registers had been taken off due to closing. She shared an image of Kate standing at the till, alongside a video in which she is being carried by several police officers out the front door of the shop. Watch: Police remove autistic girl from Lisburn shop The post has nearly 10,000 likes and over 8,000 shares, while the group NI Disability and Carers shared the post saying they “have no words” and tagged Chief Constable Jon Boutcher asking him if the response from the officers in the video was acceptable. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Eileen said Katie didn’t understand the situation which occurred after she spotted a DVD she wished to purchase of her favourite cartoon series Thomas the Tank Engine, and hit out at how it was handled by the retailer. “It’s shocking, it’s like something you would have expected 20 years ago, but it’s coming into 2025 and things like this are still happening to vulnerable people,” said Eileen who said she believes it was her parents who called the police in the hopes of helping de-escalating the situation. CEX has been contacted for comment. “To be honest, Katie was very traumatised over this for a long time, it was the shock of it. We don’t know what long term impact it will have, we’re scared Katie will now react if she sees a police officer when out shopping, or if she sees another one of these shops. “I don’t think we can take her shopping in Lisburn either, it’s so traumatic for her. “You just assume that you can call the police in a crisis, and they’ll be able to help and be aware of how to handle vulnerable people, and help the situation.” After the incident, Eileen claims her sister was carried outside of the shop, before she was set down. The police and shop staff then left, as Katie and Eileen’s father attempted to help her. She also said her father stepped in after the incident because he was concerned that due to her low weight, Katie would be hurt when being carried by the officers. “The worst part of it was that she was just left outside the store and everyone just walked off,” she added. “We did hear from the police on Christmas Day who contacted us who told us that it was basically my mum and dads fault - as well as Katie’s fault. They were blaming them.” The family said they have not received any further response from the police. “I shared the video because of how my parents and Katie have been since, they’re really in shock about it all. The fact that several police officers needed to remove a young girl because of a £2 DVD. At the time when Katie wanted to buy it, my mum also said she begged with the shop to do anything that would help, like bringing back the DVD the next day to scan it, or letting them keep the box so the sale could be processed in the morning. “I think we just need more common sense, and a better approach for disabled and vulnerable adults.” The incident comes just weeks after the . An aspect of the training was to “focus on understanding and responding to the needs of autistic members of the public whilst on duty.” At the time, Autism NI praised the partnership and said it was “ great to see” the organisation's “commitment to supporting both autistic members of the public and autistic staff members”. A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police were called to assist in a shop in the Bow Street area of Lisburn at 6.15pm last Sunday, 22nd December. Officers attended and removed a 19-year-old female from the shop." Sinn Féin councillor Gary McCleave said he had contacted the PSNI over the incident. “I have made contact with the PSNI regarding this incident. “This incident highlights the importance that shops and people who work in the public sector receive appropriate training. “I will be speaking with my colleagues who will be raising it with the policing board.”