skygaming777 register link China pampers Elon Musk's mother Maye; will Xi Jinping use her to arm-twist Donald Trump?For Makenzie Gilkison, spelling is such a struggle that a word like rhinoceros might come out as “rineanswsaurs” or sarcastic as “srkastik.” The 14-year-old from suburban Indianapolis can sound out words, but her dyslexia makes the process so draining that she often struggles with comprehension. “I just assumed I was stupid,” she recalled of her early grade school years. But assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence has helped her keep up with classmates. Last year, Makenzie was named to the National Junior Honor Society. She credits a customized AI-powered chatbot, a word prediction program and other tools that can read for her. “I would have just probably given up if I didn’t have them,” she said. Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others. Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI , but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities. Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. New rules from the Department of Justice also will require schools and other government entities to make apps and online content accessible to those with disabilities. There is concern about how to ensure students using it — including those with disabilities — are still learning. Students can use artificial intelligence to summarize jumbled thoughts into an outline, summarize complicated passages, or even translate Shakespeare into common English. And computer-generated voices that can read passages for visually impaired and dyslexic students are becoming less robotic and more natural. “I’m seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they’ve found a cheat code in a video game,” said Alexis Reid, an educational therapist in the Boston area who works with students with learning disabilities. But in her view, it is far from cheating : “We’re meeting students where they are.” Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old freshman from Larchmont, New York, who was recently diagnosed with a learning disability, has been increasingly using AI to help with homework. “Sometimes in math, my teachers will explain a problem to me, but it just makes absolutely no sense,” he said. “So if I plug that problem into AI, it’ll give me multiple different ways of explaining how to do that.” He likes a program called Question AI. Earlier in the day, he asked the program to help him write an outline for a book report — a task he completed in 15 minutes that otherwise would have taken him an hour and a half because of his struggles with writing and organization. But he does think using AI to write the whole report crosses a line. “That’s just cheating,” Ben said. Schools have been trying to balance the technology’s benefits against the risk that it will do too much. If a special education plan sets reading growth as a goal, the student needs to improve that skill. AI can’t do it for them, said Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools. But the technology can help level the playing field for students with disabilities, said Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based center where families can try out different assistive technology tools and borrow devices. “There are definitely going to be people who use some of these tools in nefarious ways. That’s always going to happen,” Sanft said. “But I don’t think that’s the biggest concern with people with disabilities, who are just trying to do something that they couldn’t do before.” Another risk is that AI will track students into less rigorous courses of study. And, because it is so good at identifying patterns , AI might be able to figure out a student has a disability. Having that disclosed by AI and not the student or their family could create ethical dilemmas, said Luis Pérez, the disability and digital inclusion lead at the Center for Accessible Technology. Schools are using the technology to help students who struggle academically, even if they do not qualify for special education services. In Iowa, a new law requires students deemed not proficient — about a quarter of them — to get an individualized reading plan. As part of that effort, the state’s education department spent $3 million on an AI-driven personalized tutoring program. When students struggle, a digital avatar intervenes. More AI tools are coming soon. The U.S. National Science Foundation is funding AI research and development. One firm is developing tools to help children with speech and language difficulties. Called the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, it is headquartered at the University of Buffalo, which did pioneering work on handwriting recognition that helped the U.S. Postal Service save hundreds of millions of dollars by automating processing. “We are able to solve the postal application with very high accuracy. When it comes to children’s handwriting, we fail very badly,” said Venu Govindaraju, the director of the institute. He sees it as an area that needs more work, along with speech-to-text technology, which isn’t as good at understanding children’s voices, particularly if there is a speech impediment. Sorting through the sheer number of programs developed by education technology companies can be a time-consuming challenge for schools. Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, said the nonprofit launched an effort this fall to make it easier for districts to vet what they are buying and ensure it is accessible. Makenzie wishes some of the tools were easier to use. Sometimes a feature will inexplicably be turned off, and she will be without it for a week while the tech team investigates. The challenges can be so cumbersome that some students resist the technology entirely. But Makenzie’s mother, Nadine Gilkison, who works as a technology integration supervisor at Franklin Township Community School Corporation in Indiana, said she sees more promise than downside. In September, her district rolled out chatbots to help special education students in high school. She said teachers, who sometimes struggled to provide students the help they needed, became emotional when they heard about the program. Until now, students were reliant on someone to help them, unable to move ahead on their own. “Now we don’t need to wait anymore,” she said. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on U.S.-based social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks. “A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play”, Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. “Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken,” IRNA cited Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying. Social media platforms were widely used in anti-government protests in Iran. In September the United States called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily sensor the internet, including Iran.

WWE Rumors on Roman Reigns and Jake Paul; MVP Reveals Retirement Plan with AEWLegislation increasing the accessibility of home heating aid and to help identify more seniors who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program — a federal program available to New Yorkers implemented to help low-income homeowners and renters afford costs associated with heating and cooling, was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday. Through the legislation, applicants and participants of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program will be provided information and instructions for enrollment in HEAP, according to a news release from Hochul's office. "Programs like HEAP help put money back in the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers, helping heat their homes in the dead of winter,” Hochul said. “From raising the minimum wage to our proposed inflation refund checks, we’re doing everything we can to tackle the affordability crisis head-on.” Under the legislation, the Department of Health, which oversees EPIC and its applications, will provide HEAP information and enrollment information with each EPIC application and also through an annual notice to EPIC participants. Barbara C. Guinn, state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance commissioner, said, “HEAP is a vital lifeline for low-income working families and older adults on a fixed income and also provides financial support to ensure those in emergency situations can keep the heat on and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months.” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul understands that having a safe and comfortable home, protected from the elements, is a social determinant of health that is foundational to improved health outcomes. New York sees some of the coldest temperatures during the winter and this important legislation will ensure New York’s most vulnerable senior citizens are safeguarded from the cold without facing the added costs of heating their homes.” On Nov. 12, Hochul announced that additional funding was available for seniors and low- and middle-income households to help lower their heat and energy bills. HEAP can provide up to $996 to eligible households. Applications for the regular HEAP benefit opened Nov. 1 and can be found online at . Seniors who require assistance filling out their HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 800-342-9871.

Referee David Coote will not appeal against termination of contract

Democracy is widely heralded as the ideal form of governance, promising freedom, equality, and representation. However, history and contemporary events reveal that democracy can sometimes devolve into a “tyranny of democracy.” This term describes situations where democratic principles or practices lead to oppression, marginalization, or inefficiency. French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville first articulated the concept of the “tyranny of the majority” in Democracy in America (1835). He warned that in a democracy, the majority could impose its will on minorities, disregarding their rights and interests. This imbalance could lead to social injustice and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. Plato argued in The Republic that democracy, with its emphasis on freedom and equality, could lead to chaos and the rise of demagogues. He believed that unchecked populism could destabilize society and pave the way for tyranny. The inherent flaws in democratic systems, such as majoritarianism, populism, and the potential for political gridlock, create opportunities for oppression and inefficiency. In the United States of America, Post-Civil War Southern states employed democratic mechanisms to enforce racial segregation and disenfranchisement. Although African Americans constituted a significant portion of the population, white majorities used their voting power to uphold oppressive laws. The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) unleashed during the French Revolution, demonstrated how revolutionary democratic ideals could devolve into authoritarianism. Leaders like Robespierre used the rhetoric of equality and liberty to justify executions and suppress dissent. In Germany, the democratic Weimar Republic (1919–1933) failed to withstand the rise of extremist parties, including the Nazis, who exploited electoral processes to dismantle democracy itself. In the modern era, leaders use elections to legitimize their rule while suppressing opposition. These regimes exploit democratic structures to entrench power, marginalize minorities, and stifle dissent. The rise of populist leaders in the United States, and Brazil highlights how democratic systems can amplify division. Leaders often appeal to the majority’s fears and prejudices, sidelining minority rights and fostering social discord. India’s democracy, the largest in the world, has faced criticism for majoritarian policies under the leadership of nationalist parties. These policies have allegedly marginalized religious minorities and suppressed dissent. The Brexit referendum illustrates how democratic decisions, shaped by misinformation and populist sentiment, can have long-term detrimental consequences for a nation. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become breeding grounds for misinformation and polarization. Algorithms favor sensationalism, often amplifying the voices of extremist groups and undermining democratic discourse. In many democracies, advanced surveillance technologies are used to maintain control over the population, raising concerns about how democratic tools like public participation could be manipulated. In recent years, the notion of democracy as a beacon of fairness and freedom has been increasingly challenged. Across the globe, democratic institutions and processes are being leveraged by powerful actors to consolidate authority, often undermining the very principles they are meant to uphold. This phenomenon—sometimes called the “tyranny of democracies”—raises profound concerns about the trajectory of governance in the 21st century. Populist leaders like Donald Trump in the United States have demonstrated how democratic frameworks can be used to advance authoritarian tendencies. Donald Trump’s presidency revealed how fragile democratic norms could be in the face of a leader willing to exploit them for personal gain. From questioning the legitimacy of elections to polarizing rhetoric, Trump’s tenure highlighted the susceptibility of democracies to populist waves that prioritize the leader over institutions. Even post-presidency, his influence continues to shape U.S. politics, with his grip over the Republican Party serving as a testament to how populism can redefine democratic landscapes. In India, government has been criticized for eroding secular and pluralistic traditions enshrined in the country’s constitution. In Pakistan, the military has consistently overshadowed democratic institutions, often justifying its interventions as necessary to protect national interests. While civilian governments come and go, the military’s grip remains steadfast. This quasi-democratic facade undermines voter representation and perpetuates a cycle of governance where real power lies outside elected bodies. The ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military’s central role in controlling the political narrative serve as stark reminders of democracy’s vulnerability in hybrid regimes. South Korea, a robust democracy, has faced challenges where democratic processes sometimes seem to enable populist agendas or partisan divides. The recent impeachment of presidents, societal polarization, and the overreach of political elites raise questions about the health of democratic institutions. Though South Korea remains a strong democracy, the tension between political factions often stymies governance and reflects broader global trends of using democratic mechanisms to assert dominance. The examples of Trump, Pakistan’s military, and South Korea illustrate a disturbing trend: democracies can serve as vehicles for tyranny when leaders and institutions manipulate them for personal or partisan power. Leaders or factions undermine checks and balances, eroding trust in judiciary, media, or electoral bodies. Political divides are exacerbated to rally a loyal base, sidelining pluralism. The will of the majority is often imposed at the expense of minorities, threatening the social fabric. While democracy remains a powerful ideal, its implementation is increasingly fraught with challenges. The rise of authoritarian tendencies within democratic systems suggests that vigilance is necessary to safeguard freedoms and rights. Whether this is a temporary phase, or a long-term shift depends on the resilience of civil society, the integrity of institutions, and the ability of global citizens to demand accountability from their leaders. This growing tension underscores the need to rethink how democracy operates in a complex and polarized world. Mufti Showkat Farooqi, Attorney at Law, New York, USA.

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'Wicked' Pushing 'LGBTQ Agenda' Sparks Conservative BoycottMEXICO CITY (AP) — Walmart’s Mexico subsidiary said Friday it plans to appeal a $4.6 million fine for alleged anti-competitive practices involving suppliers. Walmart de Mexico said in a statement that it had talked with suppliers to see if there were any concerns. The agency that issued the fine, known as the Federal Competition Commission, expressed concerns about a “relative monopolistic practice.” The commission, Mexico’s main anti-monopoly regulatory agency, is one of several independent agencies soon to be eliminated as part of what the government describes as a money-saving measure. It apparently levied the fine after at least one rival store chain accused Walmart of using its substantial purchasing power to gain discounts that put other sellers at a disadvantage. Walmart is by far the largest retail chain in Mexico. It called the decision “incorrect” and said it contained “errors in applying the law.” The company said it would abide by the agency’s ruling Thursday, but would appeal the decision. Walmart’s shares rose about 7.5% on the Mexican stock exchange Friday.

The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EVDANCE, a trusted name in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, is proud to announce its 5th anniversary and the successful completion of a significant brand upgrade. To celebrate this milestone, EVDANCE is launching an exciting Mega Sale, offering exclusive deals to its valued customers. Exclusive Anniversary Offers From December 10 to December 31, EVDANCE invites all EV enthusiasts to visit its enhanced website at https://evdances.com/ and take advantage of the following special promotions: Products Designed for Real-Life Scenarios EVDANCE is committed to delivering innovative products that address the everyday needs of EV owners, enhancing convenience and reliability. As it celebrates five years of innovation, the brand continues to meet real-world needs with products like portable chargers, durable extension cables, and versatile adapters, enhancing every EV charging experience. Portable EV Chargers: Lightweight and compact, these chargers are designed for ultimate convenience, allowing you to charge your EV wherever an outlet is available-be it at home or on the road. With IP66-rated protection against water, dust, and cold, these chargers perform reliably in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F. Advanced safety features and fast charging capabilities ensure your EV is always ready to hit the road. Extension Cables: Built with high-strength TPE and silver-plated copper, EVDANCE's IP66-rated extension cables deliver exceptional durability and performance. Perfect for scenarios where outlets are far from parking spots or when navigating shared charging stations, these cables ensure seamless charging without constant vehicle rearrangements-ideal for road trips or multi-EV households. Adapters: EVDANCE's Tesla-to-J1772 and J1772-to-Tesla adapters ensure compatibility across diverse EV models, making them essential for families with multiple electric vehicles or those charging at public stations. Made from high flame-resistant PC material, these adapters are built to endure over 10,000 plug-in/out cycles, offering long-lasting reliability. The secure locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnections, ensuring a safe charging process. With an IP65 weatherproof rating, they operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F, delivering consistent performance in extreme conditions. 5 Years of Excellence: EVDANCE's Commitment to EV Charging Innovation Since its founding in 2019, EVDANCE has been dedicated to developing reliable, high-quality, and innovative EV charging solutions. Its focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction has earned the trust of EV owners in over 40 countries. This global reach reflects EVDANCE's mission to support sustainable mobility through advanced technology. Brand Upgrade: A Milestone for the Future EVDANCE's 5th anniversary celebrates five years of relentless innovation and a transformative brand upgrade, designed to meet the evolving needs of its growing customer base. Guided by a mission to make EV charging seamless, efficient, and accessible, the brand introduces an enhanced website(https://evdances.com) with improved navigation, detailed product information, and a more intuitive shopping experience-making it easier than ever for customers to discover cutting-edge solutions. This milestone reflects EVDANCE's dedication to staying ahead in the rapidly advancing EV market while continuing its focus on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With these improvements, the brand reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainable mobility for a greener future. About EVDANCE Founded in 2019 by a team of visionary engineers and environmental enthusiasts, EVDANCE was born out of a passion for solving the challenges of EV charging. Frustrated with the limitations of existing infrastructure, the team set out to create innovative, intelligent, and reliable solutions that elevate the EV ownership experience. Since its inception, EVDANCE has remained at the forefront of EV charging technology, delivering fast and efficient solutions designed with sustainability in mind. By using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technology, the company aligns its products with a broader mission to protect the environment. As EVDANCE continues to grow, it works closely with communities, businesses, and organizations to expand EV infrastructure, empowering a global shift toward sustainable mobility. Guided by the vision of "Electric Vehicle Quick Charge," EVDANCE is committed to driving progress in the EV industry and helping customers embrace a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit: https://evdances.com/ Media Contact: Wumi at [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfe05f92-c1b0-4a74-ad3b-17c9ecb97440US President-elect Donald Trump says he will direct his Justice Department to "vigorously pursue" the death penalty to protect Americans from "violent rapists, murderers, and monsters" when he takes power on January 20. or signup to continue reading Trump's statement on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday was in response to President Joe Biden's announcement on Monday that he had commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal inmates on death row, converting them to life in prison without parole. "As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters," Trump said. Trump restarted federal executions during his first term in office from 2017 to 2021 after a nearly 20-year pause. Biden, who ran for president opposing the death penalty, put federal executions on hold when he took office in January 2021. Unlike executive orders, clemency decisions cannot be reversed by a president's successor, although the death penalty can be sought more aggressively in future cases. The Trump transition team on Monday had denounced Biden's decision, calling it abhorrent and favouring convicts who are "among the worst killers in the world." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. 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Drone sightings now reported above South Jersey towns, too. Police are investigatingWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the opposition INDIA bloc, signaling her intent to take charge of the alliance if given an opportunity. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said she could manage the dual responsibility of running the opposition front while continuing her role as the chief minister of West Bengal. ''I had formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can't run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along,'' she said in an interview with Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla on Friday. Asked why she is not taking the charge of the bloc, given her credentials as a strong anti-BJP force, Banerjee said, ''If given the opportunity I would ensure its smooth functioning.'' ''I don't want to go outside West Bengal, but I can run it from here,'' she said. The INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP, comprises over two dozen opposition parties. However, internal differences and a lack of coordination have drawn criticism from various quarters. Her remarks come days after her party MP Kalyan Banerjee called on the Congress and other INDIA bloc allies to set aside their egos and recognise Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the opposition alliance. The BJP delivered a stunning performance in Maharashtra, securing a record number of seats that propelled the party-led ruling Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory, while the INDIA bloc made a strong comeback in Jharkhand, driven by a spectacular showing from the JMM. The Congress continued its losing streak, posting its worst-ever performance in Maharashtra and ending up as a distant junior partner to the ruling JMM in Jharkhand, with its role in the opposition bloc further diminishing as other allies outperformed it. On the other hand, the TMC's recent bypoll victories defeating the BJP have reinforced the party's dominance in West Bengal, despite opposition campaigns focusing on controversies like the RG Kar Medical College protests. The CPI(M)-led Left Front, its ally CPI(ML) Liberation, and the Congress, allies of the TMC at the national level in INDIA bloc, all suffered major setbacks, with their candidates losing their deposits. While Congress being the largest party of the INDIA bloc has often been perceived as the coalition's de facto leader, the TMC has consistently advocated for Mamata Banerjee to take the reins of the alliance. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)