The broadcaster’s former technology correspondent, 66, was formally made an OBE by the Princess Royal for his services to journalism on Wednesday. Cellan-Jones announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and he has since contributed to a podcast, Movers And Shakers, discussing life with the disease. Discussing the success of the podcast, which also features Jeremy Paxman, Cellan-Jones told the PA news agency: “It’s been an absolute scream. “We’ve had the most extraordinary reaction from the Parkinson’s community. “There is a community which felt absolutely left out in the cold and this award was for services to journalism, but I can’t help but think that maybe that played some part too.” Cellan-Jones said he talked to Anne about fundraising for Parkinson’s and how technology could possibly be used to monitor the disease. The journalist added: “She showed real interest in it. “Mike Tindall, whose father’s got it, is very active in fundraising – so we talked about that.” Cellan-Jones said the OBE was “very unexpected when it came”, adding that he felt “very privileged”. He said his rescue dog from Romania, named Sophie, was “making slow progress” after becoming a social media sensation with thousands of people following her recovery online. Speaking at Buckingham Palace, Cellan-Jones said several courtiers had asked after Sophie, adding: “She’s still incredibly nervous. She’s waiting at home, she wouldn’t have liked it here – a bit too busy. “She’s making slow progress, but she’s wonderful, and she’s been very important to us.” Earlier on Wednesday, broadcaster Alan Yentob, 77, was formally made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King for services to the arts and media. The retired television executive, who was born in Stepney, London, joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968. He devised the flagship arts programme Imagine..., which he presented on, and was creative director of the broadcaster from 2004 until 2015. Yentob stepped down from the role in the wake of the collapse of the charity Kids Company, where he was chairman. The broadcaster said Charles had been “incredibly supportive” of him. Discussing Charles, Yentob told the PA news agency: “He’s been incredibly supportive, as I said to him, on many fronts, including the fact that I was the chairman of Kids Company, and he was incredibly supportive of that in the most difficult times. “And I think the way he’s come out about his illness, and the way the Princess of Wales has too, has been admirable.” Yentob said it would be “reckless” to not support the BBC, adding “it’s a place which embraces everyone”. The broadcaster added: “If you look at the figures, it’s still doing well, even though a very substantial part of its income has been removed.” Roxy Music lead guitarist Phil Manzanera, 73, was formally made an OBE by the Princess Royal for his services to music. His most well-known band, featuring singer Bryan Ferry, is famed for hits such as Love Is The Drug and More Than This – topping the singles charts once with a cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy. Discussing the honour, Manzanera told the PA news agency: “It’s very moving and humbling to be amongst all these people who do absolutely incredible things. “But, obviously, I am very happy to get it for services to music and music production, because I think music helps us all in our lives in terms of improving the fabric of our lives, and it’s a great support for so many people.” The musician said he discussed his upbringing in South America and central America with Anne, having grown up in Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba. Manzanera said Anne told him that her father, Prince Philip, “once flew a Viscount plane to Caracas airport”. He said his upbringing was central to his musicianship, adding: “It’s in my DNA, the rhythms of South America. “And the musicians that we’ve all come to know through the Buena Vista Social Club were the kind of music that I started playing guitar with. “It wasn’t Bert Weedon’s Play in a Day for me, it was the music of Cuba.” Actress Shobna Gulati, 58, was formally made an MBE for services to the cultural industries, Scottish professional golfer Stephen Gallacher, 50, was made an MBE and former Arup deputy chairwoman Dervilla Mitchell, 66, received a damehood for services to engineering.None
OXFORD — After nearly half a year without a town manager and a controversial hire that never actually made it into the Oxford Town Office, the Commissioners of Oxford have found a new town manager. Holly Wahl, currently the Chesapeake Beach Town Administrator, will begin the role on Jan. 6 During a Commissioners of Oxford meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Katrina Greer read the news to residents. The commissioners also announced at the meeting that the town’s Clerk-Treasurer Vickie Sharp will be staying in her position and will not leave the town for other employment at the end of the year, which Sharp had told the Star Democrat in late November. “I think we all want to thank Vickie for the work she did in the last month and a half with nobody in the office to talk to except herself,” Commission President Norm Bell said. Residents in the audience of the meeting clapped upon hearing the news, and at the end of the meeting, one resident reacted to the news and the tone of the meeting by saying it felt like the best Christmas present. According to a news release from Oxford, Wahl has served Chesapeake Beach as its town administrator for the last eight years. In that time, she helped reduce town taxes more than 17% while increasing services to citizens and businesses, reduce liabilities by $9.44 million, increase the town’s net position by over $21 million and improve the town’s fund balance by over $15 million, the news release said. Wahl attributes those improvements in Chesapeake Beach to fiscal accountability, the acquisition of grant funding, the implementation of organizational changes, the application of technology and the alignment of staff with mission-critical activities to eliminate inefficiency, according to the news release. During the meeting, Greer said the commissioners are “delighted” that Wahl will be joining the town. “I mean, we think this woman is going to knock it out of the park,” she said. In the news release, the commissioners said they think Wahl’s experience in procurement and in managing larger projects will bring the town “cost savings with better management.” “Ms. Wahl has experience applying for and managing grant monies, coordinating with state and local agencies and has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on major waterways projects such as the $3 million federal dredging of Fishing Creek Channel,” the release said. Along with town management, Wahl’s experience includes operations director roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors. According to the news release, Wahl holds business administration degrees from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Wahl is currently finalizing her dissertation to obtain a doctorate in public administration and public policy from George Washington University. At the meeting on Tuesday, Bell acknowledged the months-long search it took to find a new town manager. “It was a learning experience,” he said. “And I think we wound up with a very good pick.” In late June, Michael Calvert — a former city administrator in Liberty, South Carolina — was hired to fill the role of town manager, which former Town Manager Cheryl Lewis was retiring from. But just three days after the commissioners announced the hire, they announced that the town and Calvert had “mutually agreed to part ways.” The commission did not comment on why the decision was made. Former Liberty City Council Member Peggy Edwards said she resigned from the council due to issues with Calvert and the city’s mayor. She said that when Calvert was in the position, there was a lack of transparency and mismanagement of money. The situation led to the commissioners choosing a search firm to assist in the search for the next town manager, which led to Wahl’s hiring.The victim, a respected healthcare executive known for his innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and his commitment to improving access to affordable care, was tragically gunned down in broad daylight outside his office. The senseless act of violence sent shockwaves through the industry and the community at large, leaving many to wonder what could have driven someone to commit such a heinous crime.Amidst these doubts surrounding Sun Ce, a new star has emerged to captivate the gaming world. Yue Yun, a young and talented player with exceptional skills and innovative tactics, has been gaining popularity and recognition among players and fans alike. Known for her sharp wit and unwavering determination, Yue Yun has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.LG Energy Solution Hosts 'Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) 2025' to Foster Breakthrough Battery Technologies
Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz is not coming back to Congress. The Florida Republican said Friday he has no intention of serving another term in the House now that he is no longer President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew as the nominee this week amid growing fallout from the allegations of sexual conduct against him. Gaetz denies the allegations. Gaetz didn't lay out his plans now that he's out of office, saying only, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch." After Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday, Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump's most contentious picks WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role. He's been helping Donald Trump’s most contentious Cabinet picks try to win confirmation in the Senate, where he has served for the last two years. Vance spent part of Wednesday at the Capitol with Rep. Matt Gaetz sitting in on meetings with Trump’s controversial choice for attorney general. On Thursday, Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings over the coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, but he didn't focus exclusively on large religious voter blocs. He and his allies also wooed smaller religious groups, away from the mainstream. He posted a tribute to Coptic church members on social media and met with members of Assyrians for Trump — two smaller Christian communities with Middle Eastern roots. He visited the grave of the revered late leader of an Orthodox Jewish movement. His allies sought votes from the separatist Amish community. While Trump won decisively, the outreaches reflected aggressive campaigning in what was expected to be a tight race. NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Ukraine's parliament canceled a session Friday over the security threat. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech Thursday that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik, saying it's so powerful that several of them fitted with conventional warheads could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board has voted to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools. The approval Friday follows other Republican-led states that have pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms. The curriculum adopted by the Texas State Board of Education is optional for schools to adopt, but they’ll receive additional funding if they do so. Parents and teachers who opposed the curriculum say the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds. Supporters argue the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich learning. 2 convicted in human smuggling case after Indian family froze to death on US-Canada border FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury has convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand each faced four charges related to human smuggling before being convicted on Friday. Patel is an Indian national. Shand is an American from Florida. They were arrested after the family froze while trying to cross the desolate border during a 2022 blizzard. Storm inundates Northern California with rain, heavy snow. Thousands remain in the dark in Seattle HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — Heavy rain from a major storm prompted evacuation warnings for communities near a Northern California river that forecasters say could break its banks Friday, as the system continued to dump heavy snow in mountainous areas where some ski resorts opened for the season. The storm reached the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands before moving through Northern California, where several roads were closed due to flooding and strong winds toppled some trees. Forecasters are warning about the risk of flash flooding and rockslides in areas north of San Francisco as the region was inundated by this season’s strongest atmospheric river. Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of ancient Maya WASHINGTON (AP) — Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize. The research published Friday in Science Advances shows that long before the ancient Maya built temples, their predecessors were already altering the landscape of Central America’s Yucatan peninsula. The ancient fish canals were used to channel and catch freshwater species such as catfish. These structures were used for around 1,000 years — including during the “formative” period when the Maya began to settle in permanent farming villages and a distinctive culture started to emerge. California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced confirmatory test results on Friday. Officials say the child had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is recovering. The child’s infection brings the reported number of U.S. bird flu cases this year to 55, including 29 in California. State officials have said the child lives in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and attends day care, but released no other details. Brazilian police formally accuse former President Bolsonaro and aides of alleged 2022 coup attempt SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup to keep him in office after his electoral defeat in the 2022 elections. The findings are to be delivered Thursday to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put the former president on trial or toss the investigation. The former right-wing president has denied all claims he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to his rival, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has faced a series of legal threats since then.The 2 Secret Ingredients In Kristin Chenoweth's Easy Crinkle Cookies
Title: Official Response to the Fire Incident at Alibaba Cloud Data Center: Fire Extinguished, No Casualties Reported
Just when it seemed like things couldn't get any worse, Manchester City suffered another crushing blow with a 2-2 draw against a determined Juventus side. The draw, while not a defeat, felt like a loss as it further compounded City's troubles in the Champions League. Guardiola's tactics came under scrutiny as his team struggled to impose their usual dominance on the game, showcasing a lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:02 p.m. EST
NoneLeading the pack with multiple nominations is the talented actor Winston Wright. Known for his captivating performances in a range of genres, Wright's presence on the nomination list comes as no surprise to fans and critics alike. With his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity, Wright has solidified his place as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors.
UEFA Champions League Matchday Preview: Liverpool Aims for 6th Consecutive Victory, Atletico Madrid to Face Inter Milan, Real Madrid Set to Encounter PSGFILE PHOTO: Key Square Group founder Scott Bessent speaks at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. August 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake/File Photo President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pick prominent investor Scott Bessent to take on the role of U.S. Treasury secretary, sources told Reuters on Friday, putting him at the helm of a cabinet position with vast influence over economic, regulatory and international affairs. One source briefed by the Trump transition team and a donor briefed on the plans told Reuters of Trump's intention to pick Bessent. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wall Street has been closely watching who Trump will pick, especially given his plans to remake global trade through tariffs. Bessent was picked from a crowded field of candidates for the coveted role. That list included Apollo Global Management Chief Executive Marc Rowan and former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh. Investor John Paulson had also been a leading candidate, but dropped out while Wall Street veteran Howard Lutnick, another contender, was appointed as head of the Commerce Department. Bessent has advocated for tax reform and deregulation, particularly to spur more bank lending and energy production, as noted in a recent opinion piece he wrote for The Wall Street Journal. The market's surge after Trump's election victory, he wrote, signaled investor "expectations of higher growth, lower volatility and inflation, and a revitalized economy for all Americans." Bessent follows other financial luminaries who have taken the job, including former Goldman Sachs executives Robert Rubin, Hank Paulson and Steven Mnuchin, Trump's first Treasury chief. Janet Yellen, the current secretary and first woman in the job, previously chaired the Federal Reserve and White House Council of Economic Advisers. ECONOMY'S QUARTERBACK As the 79th Treasury secretary, Bessent would essentially be the highest-ranking U.S. economic official, responsible for maintaining the plumbing of the world's largest economy, from collecting taxes and paying the nation's bills to managing the $28.6-trillion Treasury debt market and overseeing financial regulation, including handling and preventing market crises. The Treasury boss also runs U.S. financial sanctions policy, oversees the U.S.-led International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other international financial institutions, and manages national security screenings of foreign investments in the U.S. Bessent would face challenges, including safely managing federal deficits that are forecast to grow by nearly $8 trillion over a decade due to Trump's plans to extend expiring tax cuts next year and add generous new breaks, including ending taxes on Social Security income. Without offsetting revenues, this new debt would add to an unsustainable fiscal trajectory already forecast to balloon U.S. debt by $22 trillion through 2033. Managing debt increases this large without market indigestion will be a challenge, though Bessent has argued Trump's agenda would unleash stronger economic growth that would grow revenue and shore up market confidence. Bessent would also inherit the role carved out by Yellen to lead the Group of Seven wealthy democracies to provide tens of billions of dollars in economic support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion and tighten sanctions on Moscow. But given Trump's desire to end the war quickly and withdraw U.S. financial support for Ukraine, it is unclear whether he would pursue this. Another area where Bessent will likely differ from Yellen is her focus on climate change, from her mandate that development banks expand lending for clean energy to incorporating climate risks into financial regulations and managing hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy tax credits. Trump, a climate-change skeptic, has vowed to increase production of U.S. fossil fuel energy and end the clean-energy subsidies in President Joe Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. FED FACING The Treasury secretary is also the administration’s closest point of contact with the Federal Reserve. Both Yellen under Biden and Mnuchin under Trump typically met weekly with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, often over breakfast or lunch. Bessent has floated the idea of creating a “shadow” Fed chair. This would entail nominating as early as possible a presumptive Powell predecessor to the Fed Board who would then deliver their own policy guidance so that, as Bessent told Barron’s last month, "no one is really going to care what Jerome Powell has to say anymore." The next seat to open up at the Fed Board is that of Governor Adriana Kugler, whose term runs to January 2026. Bessent has since said he no longer thinks the idea of a shadow chair worth pursuing, the Wall Street Journal reported. Powell's term as Fed chair expires in May 2026, and presidents rarely wait until the Fed chief's term ends before nominating a successor. FROM FINANCE TO DC Bessent, 62, primarily lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his husband and two children. He grew up in the fishing village of Little River, South Carolina, where Bessent has said his father, a real estate investor, experienced booms and busts. Bessent worked for noted short seller Jim Chanos in the late 1980s and then joined Soros Fund Management, the famed macroeconomic investment firm of billionaire George Soros. He soon helped Soros and top deputy Stanley Druckenmiller on their most famous trade - shorting the British pound in 1992 and earning the firm more than $1 billion. In 2015, Bessent raised $4.5 billion, including $2 billion from Soros, to launch Key Square Group, a hedge fund firm that bets on macroeconomic trends. Key Square's main fund gained about 31% in 2022, according to media reports, but firm assets have declined to approximately $577 million as of December 2023, according to a regulatory filing. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowNVIDIA, a leader in graphics processing technology, continues to redefine the gaming experience. Recently, they introduced their flagship GeForce RTX 4000 series GPUs, which are more than just incremental upgrades. The advancement lies in their AI-powered features and revolutionary technologies, setting a new benchmark for the future of gaming. One of the standout innovations is the inclusion of real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) 3.0. These technologies bring life-like lighting, reflections, and shadows to the virtual realm, creating an unparalleled level of realism. Gamers now experience worlds that look almost indistinguishable from reality. The deeper immersion drastically enhances gameplay, making every shadow, ray of light, and reflective surface contribute to an authentic experience. Furthermore, NVIDIA’s new architecture focuses on energy efficiency while delivering unprecedented power. This initiative addresses gamers’ increasing concerns about high power consumption and heating, making high-end gaming rigs more sustainable and eco-friendly. Additionally, the introduction of the NVIDIA Studio platform marks a significant shift in how content creators approach game design. Offering real-time collaboration tools powered by cloud technology, developers can streamline processes, enabling quicker turnaround and more polished gaming experiences. In the near future, NVIDIA plans to further integrate machine learning into their hardware, promising even smarter in-game AI and NPC interactions. As a result, gamers can look forward to more dynamic, responsive worlds that change based on their actions. NVIDIA’s continuous innovation ensures that the gaming industry remains on the cutting edge of technology, promising a future where games become ever more immersive and intelligent. NVIDIA’s Next-Gen GeForce RTX 4000 Series: Revolutionizing Gaming with AI and Sustainability NVIDIA continues to make waves in the gaming industry with its cutting-edge GeForce RTX 4000 series GPUs, offering groundbreaking features that extend beyond simple hardware upgrades. These advancements underscore NVIDIA’s commitment to pioneering technologies, reshaping the future of gaming. Features and Innovations The flagship GeForce RTX 4000 series introduces remarkable advancements in graphical realism through AI-powered real-time ray tracing . This feature enhances lifelike visuals by refining lighting, shadows, and reflections, offering gamers an immersive experience that borders on reality. An upgraded iteration of DLSS, the DLSS 3.0 , further amplifies this effect by utilizing deep learning to enhance frame rates without compromising image quality. Energy Efficiency: NVIDIA’s innovative architecture emphasizes energy efficiency while maintaining state-of-the-art performance. This balance addresses gamers’ concerns over power consumption and overheating, adding an eco-friendly dimension to high-end gaming systems. Use Cases and Applications The series’ enhanced capabilities are not restricted to gaming. It is instrumental for content creators using the NVIDIA Studio platform . Enabling real-time cloud-powered collaboration, it facilitates content creation and design, allowing developers to deliver more polished and timely gaming experiences. Machine Learning Integration: Anticipating future enhancements, NVIDIA aims to integrate machine learning into hardware at a deeper level. This foreseen technological leap will empower smarter AI, creating dynamic and responsive non-playable characters (NPCs) that adapt to players’ actions, thus enhancing game narratives and interactivity. Trends and Market Analysis With the growing demand for high-quality visuals and sustainable technology, NVIDIA’s enhancements in ray tracing and energy efficiency provide a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving GPU market. The emphasis on AI-driven technology aligns with industry trends leaning towards interactive and intelligent gaming ecosystems. Pricing and Compatibility While exact pricing details of the RTX 4000 series will vary based on configuration and retailer, these GPUs are positioned as premium products, reflecting their advanced specs and capabilities. They remain compatible with current gaming setups while offering future-proofing through cutting-edge tech, ensuring seamless integration with existing and forthcoming gaming components. Predictions and Future Directions NVIDIA’s trajectory suggests a continual push towards AI-driven gaming experiences, boasting more intelligent and interactive environments. As the gaming industry gravitates towards more realistic and responsive gameplay, NVIDIA’s contributions are poised to set benchmarks. Security Aspects Given the sophistication of the RTX 4000 series, security remains a pivotal concern. NVIDIA’s architecture includes robust security features to safeguard user data and maintain game integrity, ensuring a secure gaming environment against emerging threats. For more information on NVIDIA’s groundbreaking technologies, visit the NVIDIA website .
Raúl-Asensio, a talented midfielder with immense potential, has been an integral part of Real Madrid's squad in recent seasons. His skillful playmaking abilities and natural flair on the field have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the team's success. However, with his current contract set to expire in the near future, negotiations for a new deal have become a focal point for both the player and the club.
Attleboro’s water superintendent has resigned after the mayor blamed “oversight and communication issues” for a water supply emergency that is set to stretch well into the new year. Kourtney Allen resigned on Monday after Mayor Catheen DeSimone wrote in a letter to residents last week that human mistakes, not just the drought and other natural factors, contributed to an “unplanned, avoidable, and totally unacceptable water loss.” Allen’s departure has left the city scrambling to find a new superintendent while it contracts with a consultant to work with the assistant superintendent and oversee several large water department projects, DeSimone told residents Monday afternoon. “Moving forward also means better oversight of internal operations, evaluating and improving department practices and procedures, and establishing clear and open channels of communication between department management and staff members,” the mayor wrote in a letter. “At the same time,” she added, “we must continue our efforts to increase our water supply storage capacity, add groundwater wells, and better enforce the annual outdoor water use restrictions. Most important, we will learn, change, and do better to ensure that we don’t find ourselves in this situation again.” Attleboro, a city of roughly 46,600 residents bordering Rhode Island, has been in a water supply emergency since Nov. 19, when the state Department of Environmental Protection declared it. The mandatory ban on all non-essential outdoor water use will be in effect until mid-May, while city officials urge the adoption of indoor water conservation measures. In a three-page detailed explanation of the dire situation, DeSimone wrote that she heard the rumor of a “significant water loss” in early September. Water officials informed her that a “malfunction or other specific event” did not trigger the shortage. Earlier this month, after meeting with water officials, DeSimone said it became clear that management issues triggered the predicament. Attleboro supplies drinking water to over 40,000 people in the city and neighboring North Attleboro and Mansfield. Water processed in Attleboro comes from the larger Manchester Reservoir and much smaller Orr’s Pond, which has dealt with manganese levels that exceed state standards. To reduce those levels, reservoir water was drawn into the pond via an underground aqueduct, “blending” with the pond water, DeSimone explained. But the process “resulted in more than expected water loss,” she added. Blending began in early June with a reservoir valve placed automatically, with gravity and pressure controlling the water flow. Seven weeks later, the water level in the reservoir dropped a “little more than 7 feet, or double what would ordinarily be expected,” DeSimone said. Water officials did not address the declining water level until July 24 when they changed the valve from automatic to “in hand,” with it being “intentionally set to a specific opening,” DeSimone said. That slowed water loss “dramatically.” The details emerged during a conversation with water officials on Dec. 5, DeSimone said. It also came to light that there were “some internal concerns and conversations between Water Dept. staff about the valve opening up to 48% and the amount of water flowing down” from the reservoir and into the pond. The mayor emphasized how she “asked several times for an explanation as to how the valve issue went unaddressed for several weeks.” “No satisfying explanation was provided,” DeSimone wrote to residents on Monday. “It was very apparent, however, that although the water loss was unintentional, the problem occurred and lingered because of a lack of oversight and communication.” Relying on ponds, reservoirs and other bodies for its water, rainfall is Attleboro’s only form of replenishment which proved to be hard to come by in the latter half of this year. “Although the drought was going to diminish our water supply in any event,” the mayor wrote, “the water that was lost in June and July could have helped us mitigate some of the drought’s impact.” In an email to ABC6 News in Providence last month, DeSimone called the rumors “baseless” as residents took to social media with claims last month that the water department accidentally left a valve open, allegedly costing the city 500 million gallons of water. Residents reacted to the water superintendent’s resignation and DeSimone’s detailed explanation on social media. One said the mayor’s trust in the water department was “misplaced and abused.” “While I appreciate the details, I’m absolutely appalled that the problem was not addressed when it was noticed by employees (the very day the valve was opened),” the resident wrote, “especially considering we were already experiencing drought conditions.” “How hard could it have been to send a quick email to have it checked out?” they added. “The negligence makes me sick.”
Syncron was recognized for several strengths including its parts planning solutions with dynamic replenishment, probabilistic planning/forecasting, and end-to-end inventory optimization. The report states, "Syncron has a deep history in MRO/spare parts and has focused on this space. Its planning solutions reflect that accordingly." It also asserts, "Syncron's approach to integrate end-to-end planning is a holistic one. Use of AI 'agents' to monitor inventory and demand/supply networks presents an intriguing solution clients may consider for keeping inventory optimized and productive. Unlike most supply chain planning players who accommodate spare parts/MRO capabilities, Syncron is focused exclusively on the aftermarket and combines breadth of functionality with depth of expertise around aftermarket operations and profitability. This specialization sets Syncron apart as a leader in helping customers navigate the complexities of aftermarket service and MRO planning. "The aftermarket is increasingly emerging as a strategic priority and revenue growth driver in industries such as automotive, industrial, agriculture, construction, and mining, where sustainability and cost sensitivity are driving expectations for longer equipment lifespans-all of which require more spare parts, repairs, and services," said Claire Rychlewski , Chief Revenue Officer, Syncron. "We are pleased to be named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape report. We believe our position is a testament to our commitment to helping customers grow their aftermarket businesses and reflects our continued investment in our service lifecycle management platform." A deep focus on MRO/spare parts planning Syncron's SLM platform uses AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to plan and predict complex high value equipment service needs, maximizing availability and minimizing waste and emissions because of unnecessary or rushed orders. It supports highly variable demand patterns, creating predictability for OEMs and dealers in industries that face unpredictable or intermittent demand conditions, and helps them optimize their parts and service departments, grow customer satisfaction, and increase operational profitability. Syncron's platform has been trusted by many industry leaders to enhance their service operations. Notable customers include Nissan, Caterpillar, Electrolux Professional, AGCO, and Daikin Industries Ltd., further demonstrating the platform's versatility and effectiveness across a range of industries. Recently, Syncron announced that ATR , the world's number one regional aircraft manufacturer, selected its software to improve the reliability, accuracy, and consistency of its inventory management. Syncron's platform will help ATR better forecast the complex demand patterns for its aircraft parts and inventory. About IDC MarketScape IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors. About Syncron Syncron helps manufacturers and dealers capitalize on the new service economy by optimizing aftermarket profitability, increasing customer loyalty, and enabling the transition to servitization. Syncron aligns all aftermarket services to its Service Lifecycle Management (SLM) cloud platform, helping organizations differentiate themselves by delivering exceptional aftermarket experiences while driving significant revenue growth. The world's leading brands trust Syncron, making the company the largest private global market leader in intelligent SaaS solutions for service lifecycle management. More information here: syncron.com .The broadcaster’s former technology correspondent, 66, was formally made an OBE by the Princess Royal for his services to journalism on Wednesday. Cellan-Jones announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and he has since contributed to a podcast, Movers And Shakers, discussing life with the disease. Discussing the success of the podcast, which also features Jeremy Paxman, Cellan-Jones told the PA news agency: “It’s been an absolute scream. “We’ve had the most extraordinary reaction from the Parkinson’s community. “There is a community which felt absolutely left out in the cold and this award was for services to journalism, but I can’t help but think that maybe that played some part too.” Cellan-Jones said he talked to Anne about fundraising for Parkinson’s and how technology could possibly be used to monitor the disease. The journalist added: “She showed real interest in it. “Mike Tindall, whose father’s got it, is very active in fundraising – so we talked about that.” Cellan-Jones said the OBE was “very unexpected when it came”, adding that he felt “very privileged”. He said his rescue dog from Romania, named Sophie, was “making slow progress” after becoming a social media sensation with thousands of people following her recovery online. Speaking at Buckingham Palace, Cellan-Jones said several courtiers had asked after Sophie, adding: “She’s still incredibly nervous. She’s waiting at home, she wouldn’t have liked it here – a bit too busy. “She’s making slow progress, but she’s wonderful, and she’s been very important to us.” Earlier on Wednesday, broadcaster Alan Yentob, 77, was formally made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King for services to the arts and media. The retired television executive, who was born in Stepney, London, joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968. He devised the flagship arts programme Imagine..., which he presented on, and was creative director of the broadcaster from 2004 until 2015. Yentob stepped down from the role in the wake of the collapse of the charity Kids Company, where he was chairman. The broadcaster said Charles had been “incredibly supportive” of him. Discussing Charles, Yentob told the PA news agency: “He’s been incredibly supportive, as I said to him, on many fronts, including the fact that I was the chairman of Kids Company, and he was incredibly supportive of that in the most difficult times. “And I think the way he’s come out about his illness, and the way the Princess of Wales has too, has been admirable.” Yentob said it would be “reckless” to not support the BBC, adding “it’s a place which embraces everyone”. The broadcaster added: “If you look at the figures, it’s still doing well, even though a very substantial part of its income has been removed.” Roxy Music lead guitarist Phil Manzanera, 73, was formally made an OBE by the Princess Royal for his services to music. His most well-known band, featuring singer Bryan Ferry, is famed for hits such as Love Is The Drug and More Than This – topping the singles charts once with a cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy. Discussing the honour, Manzanera told the PA news agency: “It’s very moving and humbling to be amongst all these people who do absolutely incredible things. “But, obviously, I am very happy to get it for services to music and music production, because I think music helps us all in our lives in terms of improving the fabric of our lives, and it’s a great support for so many people.” The musician said he discussed his upbringing in South America and central America with Anne, having grown up in Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba. Manzanera said Anne told him that her father, Prince Philip, “once flew a Viscount plane to Caracas airport”. He said his upbringing was central to his musicianship, adding: “It’s in my DNA, the rhythms of South America. “And the musicians that we’ve all come to know through the Buena Vista Social Club were the kind of music that I started playing guitar with. “It wasn’t Bert Weedon’s Play in a Day for me, it was the music of Cuba.” Actress Shobna Gulati, 58, was formally made an MBE for services to the cultural industries, Scottish professional golfer Stephen Gallacher, 50, was made an MBE and former Arup deputy chairwoman Dervilla Mitchell, 66, received a damehood for services to engineering.
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