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MCKINNEY, Texas , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hartwater Aesthetics ® , a leading medical aesthetic brand, announced an expansion of its clinical and leadership team with the addition of a new aesthetic provider and a new practice manager at its location in McKinney, TX. The Hartwater Clinical team is joined by Tiffany Byres , LMA, a licensed Medical Aesthetician, Certified Laser Technician, and Laser Safety Officer with 13 years of experience in the plastic surgery and medical aesthetics space. Byres brings to Hartwater an extensive knowledge of skin care techniques and protocols as well as expertise with numerous laser technologies and other treatments to provide top-quality care to patients. Joining the leadership team as Practice Manager is Lauren Parker , an experienced operational and sales leader in the beauty industry. Parker will oversee daily operations at the practice and ensure the continued delivery of a seamless, patient-focused experience. This growth reflects Hartwater's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care and innovative services to its patients. The team expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Hartwater Aesthetics ® as it continues to set the standard for medical aesthetic care. About Hartwater Aesthetics ® Hartwater Aesthetics ® is a premier medical aesthetic practice offering industry-leading treatments for the face, body, and skin. It is home to a team of world-class aesthetic providers and uses the most state-of-the-art technology to offer patients the highest quality of care available. Media Contact: pr@h artwatera esthetics.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hartwater-aesthetics-expands-team-302337620.html SOURCE Hartwater AestheticsFor the better part of the past century-plus, Rotax has been one of the most prominent names in the small aircraft engine market. While the company has changed its base of operation several times since its founding in 1920, Rotax has never wavered in its dedication to producing powerful, reliable engines for vessels like light aircraft and single-engine airplanes . If Rotax bosses have their way, the company will no doubt continue in that endeavor throughout the Century ahead. Over the years, Rotax has developed and manufactured dozens of different engines that have helped light aircraft enthusiasts and airplane home builders across the globe take to the skies. Of course, the aviation game is a far cry from what it was 100 years ago. As times have changed, so too have the power needs of even the smallest of aircraft. Rotax has, in turn, continued to refine its own engines to meet the needs of the times. The company has expanded the reach of its engine market, having developed powerful builds for other small vehicles like snowmobiles, jet skis, and side-by-side UTVs. They've even powered KTM motorcycles . At the moment, the manufacturer continues to build engines to meet the needs of vehicles in all of those market segments. And yes, a few of those engines rank among the most powerful Rotax has ever made. Given Rotax's long history of manufacturing engines for aircraft, it seems only fitting to begin with one of the more powerful offerings in its current lineup of builds made to give flight to light airplanes. Among the offerings in that line, the 915 iS engines are pretty punchy, to say the least, offering light aircraft aviators an impressive 141 horsepower at 104 Kw. Most Rotax aircraft engines are largely designed for 600+ weight class CS-23 and CS-24 models, and the 915 iS models are no different. This four-stroke piston build also boasts four air and liquid-cooled cylinders and is touted alongside other Rotax engines as boasting best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. Yes, Rotax's 915 iS engine is also equipped with a turbocharger, which is largely responsible for its robust power output. The engine also offers 12 or 24-volt electric starter options and packs a 24v power supply that can produce up to 800w of energy, leaving plenty of room to power vital instruments and potentially even an extra gadget or two. The 915 iS also comes with an Engine Management System (EMS) that should help with fuel economy and overall performance, an option that will no doubt be of use when operating at a maximum altitude of 23,000 ft. And with an estimated TBO (Time Between Overhaul) of 1200 hours, this Rotax should safely keep your plane in the sky for years before it's time for a revamp. Just FYI — the 915 iS is not currently the most powerful engine in Rotax's small aircraft line. That title actually belongs to the 916 iS/c, which, at a surface level, has a lot in common with the 915 iS. For instance, the 916 is also a four-stroke piston design with four air and liquid cooled cylinders. It also comes with redundant electronic fuel injection and a turbocharger, as well as an EMS, an electric starter, and a 24-volt power supply that might allow for extra creature comfort in the cockpit. Apart from those similarities, the 916 iS/c is a very different animal, and, unlike the two-seat friendly 915 iS, it is designed with 4-seat aircraft in mind. Yes, that means the 916 iS/c requires a little more power than its counterpart and is capable of pushing the ponies up to 160 HP while producing up to 142 ft-lb of torque. Perhaps more impressive than that uptick in power is that Rotax's engineers managed to deliver it without adding too much weight, with the 916 iS/c clocking in at 85.8 kg (or about 189 lbs) to the 915's 82.2 kg (or 181 pounds). Those stats have led Rotax to label its potent 916 iS/c as both a "milestone" and a "masterpiece" of small engine ingenuity. It's easy enough to see why they're so proud of the build, particularly as it also boasts a TBO of 2,000 hours. As noted, even as the aviation arena remains a sweet spot for Rotax, the company has indeed looked away from the skies to help power vessels bound for both land and sea over the years. As for vehicles in the former category, at a whopping 240 horsepower, the engine Rotax designed to power Can-Am's Maverick R side-by-side UTV — which, for the record, is dramatically different than an ATV — is easily one of the punchiest it's ever made. In fact, according to Can-Am, Rotax's turbocharged 240 HP 999T power plant is actually providing industry-leading power to its Maverick off-roader. The engine's dynamic output is only bolstered by the inclusion of Rotax's 54 mm tubeless turbocharger, and the build's actuated wastegate — a device that helps regulate the turbocharger's boost pressure — is apparently a first for the side-by-side sector. On top of that, the inline three-cylinder, four-stroke, fuel-injected engine is also the first of Rotax's off-road power plants to utilize a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which is available in automatic or paddle shifter. Coupled with the engine's dedicated drive modes, it makes it possible to tailor the driving experience to whatever you need on the day. With a trove of design features meant to bolster the engine's durability in the wild, you should be able to tackle whatever high mountain roads or dusty dunes you tackle in your Maverick R without worrying too much about damaging the powerful engine, giving it all that get-up-and-go. With Rotax providing some serious punch to the land-bound Maverick R, the manufacturer has developed an even more powerful engine for vessels primarily used in the open waters of the world. Said vessels are made by Sea-Doo, who has been manufacturing personal watercraft (PWC) for the thrill-loving masses since 1968. Despite a lengthy history in the water sports arena, the Sea-Doo may have reached its peak when it recently began offering the Rotax 1630 ACE 325 engine in certain jet skis, with that engine capable of producing a staggering 325 horsepower. At present, that powerful Rotax is only available as an option for three models of Sea-Doo: the RXP-X, the RXT-X, and the GTX Limited. As for that 325 HP, per Sea-Doo, it is indeed a record-setter in the personal watercraft game, with the purpose-built 1630 ACE 325 currently standing as the most powerful engine ever built for a PWC. Just for reference regarding the engine's power capabilities, the 1630 ACE 325 is capable of providing a Sea-Doo with legitimately head-spinning acceleration, going 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It is, of course, worth wondering whether or not your average Sea-Doo rider actually needs or can even safely handle the sort of acceleration the Rotax engine delivers. But if you're a seasoned PWC enthusiast looking for the ultimate ride or a racer looking for a competitive edge on the water, the 1630 ACE 325 should more than suit your needs.

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), have joined the people of Nasarawa state to celebrate Governor Abdullahi Sule as he marked his 65th birthday. Imo state governor and Chairman PGF, Senator Hope Uzodimma, made this known in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday. According to the statement, the progressive governors celebrated Governor Sule for his outstanding leadership, visionary approach, and unwavering dedication to building a united and prosperous Nigeria under the banner of the APC. The PGF equally lauded the governor’s contributions to the forum, demonstrated through strategic and resolute efforts in Nasarawa state’s governance and at the national level. Senator Uzodimma extolled Governor Sule’s initiatives to transform Nasarawa state, spanning infrastructure development, welfare programmes, empowerment, agricultural growth, education, healthcare, industrialisation, and bold leadership to drive the state’s progress. The PGF Chairman added that the Governor Sule was setting a new standard for leadership. He commended Sule who he described as an embodiment of the true progressive and innovative governance. The statement read in part: “The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) joins HE Abdullahi Sule, the Governor of Nasarawa state, in celebrating his 65th birthday. “We stand with the good people of Nasarawa state and other well-meaning Nigerians to commemorate this special occasion with him and his family. “As we rejoice with HE Abdullahi Sule, we reaffirm our collective commitment to implementing programmes that will strengthen the capacities of our progressive states to create jobs, reduce inequality, and diminish poverty in Nigeria. “Once again, congratulations and Happy Birthday to HE Abdullahi Sule!”IoT in Healthcare Market Unidentified Segments - The Biggest Opportunity Of 2024 12-20-2024 07:46 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: AMA Research & Media LLP Advance Market Analytics published a new research publication on "IoT in Healthcare Market Insights, to 2030" with 232 pages and enriched with self-explained Tables and charts in presentable format. In the Study you will find new evolving Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities generated by targeting market associated stakeholders. The growth of the IoT in Healthcare market was mainly driven by the increasing R&D spending across the world. Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Research @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/81897-global-iot-in-healthcare-market?utm_source=OpenPR/utm_medium=Rahul Some of the key players profiled in the study are: Medtronic (United States), Royal Philips (Netherland), Cisco Systems, Inc. (United States) , IBM (United States), GE Healthcare (United States), Microsoft (United States), SAP SE (Germany), Qualcomm Life (United States), Honeywell Life Care Solutions (United States), Stanley Healthcare (United States),. Scope of the Report of IoT in Healthcare The internet of things (IoT) has several applications in healthcare, from remote monitoring to smart sensors and medical device integration. Healthcare IoT has the potential to not only keep patients safe and healthy but to improve how physicians deliver care as well. Healthcare IoT can also boost patient engagement and satisfaction by allowing patients to spend more time interacting with their doctors. There are numerous benefits associated with the IoT in healthcare such as cut down on the medical costs improved patient experience, enhanced manageability of medical drugs and medicinal adherence, a dramatic reduction in errors, better control over wastage in the healthcare sector, and better outcomes of medical treatments. Owing to the occurrence of the blockchain, the revolution of healthcare IoT is already on its way. The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: by Application (Telemedicine, Clinical operations and workflow management, Connected Imaging, Inpatient Monitoring, Medication Management, Others), Component (Medical Devices, System & Software, Services), End user (Hospitals, Surgical Centers, and Clinics, Clinical Research Organizations (CRO), Government and Defense Institutions, Research and Diagnostic Laboratories Energy) Market Trends: Opportunities: Rising Adoption of Telepresence Technology Growth Potential in Emerging Economies Market Drivers: Implementation of IoT Solutions for Reduced Cost of Care Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Technology Rise in Investment for Healthcare IoT Solutions Increasing Penetration of Connected Devices in Healthcare Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc. Have Any Questions Regarding Global IoT in Healthcare Market Report, Ask Our Experts@ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/81897-global-iot-in-healthcare-market?utm_source=OpenPR/utm_medium=Rahul Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global IoT in Healthcare Market: Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the IoT in Healthcare market Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary - the basic information of the IoT in Healthcare Market. Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges & Opportunities of the IoT in Healthcare Chapter 4: Presenting the IoT in Healthcare Market Factor Analysis, Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis. Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region/Country 2015-2020 Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the IoT in Healthcare market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by Manufacturers/Company with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions (2024-2030) Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source finally, IoT in Healthcare Market is a valuable source of guidance for individuals and companies. Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/81897-global-iot-in-healthcare-market?utm_source=OpenPR/utm_medium=Rahul Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Middle East, Africa, Europe or LATAM, Southeast Asia. Contact Us: Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) AMA Research & Media LLP Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA - 08837 Phone: +1(201) 7937323, +1(201) 7937193 sales@advancemarketanalytics.com About Author: AMA Research & Media is Global leaders of Market Research Industry provides the quantified B2B research to Fortune 500 companies on high growth emerging opportunities which will impact more than 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources, our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our clients business needs. The research study enables clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As. This release was published on openPR.

HANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- An affiliate of Balmoral Funds LLC (“Balmoral”) has successfully acquired R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. (“Sheppard” or the “Company”), a leading provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks in North America, from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a North American subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse (ISIN: DE000KBX1006, ticker symbol: KBX). The transaction encompasses the entire Sheppard business, including Sheppard’s branded products, production equipment, sales and service companies, and interests in joint ventures relating to sales and production. This acquisition positions R.H. Sheppard as an independent platform, primed to build on its legacy of reliability, innovation, and customer trust. With a deep history of serving major OEMs and delivering critical steering solutions, Sheppard remains at the forefront of heavy-duty truck steering technology. Kevin Stevick, an experienced industry leader with a proven leadership track record across companies such as Niagara LaSalle Corporation and Advanced Alloy Processing, has been appointed CEO of R.H. Sheppard. “We are thrilled to lead Sheppard into its next chapter as an independent company,” said Kevin Stevick. “Sheppard has built a legacy of trust by delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that our customers depend on. As we move forward, our first priority is to uphold and strengthen that reliability, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations. At the same time, we’re committed to investing in the business—empowering our employees, enhancing operations, and driving innovation to unlock Sheppard’s full potential. Together, we will build on Sheppard’s strong foundation and position the company for long-term success.” Richard Levernier, board member of Sheppard and Principal at Balmoral Funds, added: “We are excited to partner with and support R.H. Sheppard as the leading U.S.-based provider of steering technologies for commercial vehicles. As a standalone company, Sheppard now has the freedom and focus to chart its own path—investing in its employees, strengthening operations, and delivering the reliable, high-quality solutions customers deserve. We look forward to providing management with the resources needed to secure the bright future we envision for the Company, its employees, customers and all stakeholders.” Balmoral’s investment underscores a commitment to strengthening Sheppard’s operational capabilities and driving improved performance. By prioritizing its employees, operational efficiency, and deeper customer partnerships, Sheppard is poised to elevate its role as a leader in steering solutions for the heavy-duty trucking industry. This renewed focus will not only build upon Sheppard’s trusted reputation but also position the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth. About R.H. Sheppard R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. is a leading North American provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks, delivering safety-critical steering solutions to support performance and reliability across the heavy-duty trucking industry. Headquartered in Hanover, PA, Sheppard operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base with facilities in Wytheville, VA, and Shelby Township, MI. About Balmoral Funds LLC Balmoral is a Los Angeles, CA based private equity fund that was founded in 2005. Balmoral’s objective is to be the financial partner of choice for entrepreneurial and successful C-suite executives and operating advisors creating transformative outcomes in the businesses they co-invest in together. Balmoral has approximately $1.3 billion of assets under management. Balmoral typically invests in companies that have revenues between $30 to $500 million and require equity investments of $10 to $120 million, with the capability of doing more in particularly compelling opportunities. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en/ CONTACT: Richard Levernier rlevernier@balmoralfunds.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TRUCKING AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT FINANCE SOURCE: Balmoral Funds LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en

NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russian attack with hypersonic missileCity administration will present Iola City Council members with documents for the final approval of a 3-megawatt solar allocation at their 6 p.m. meeting Monday. At the Nov. 12 meeting, council members agreed to diversify the city’s energy profile by entering into a solar agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (KMEA). KMEA anticipates purchasing up to 90 megawatts of electric energy from a 200-megawatt solar facility called Ninnescah Flats Solar in Pratt County. As a member of KMEA, Iola is eligible to purchase a portion of the energy. This solar power allocation offers 3 megawatts priced at $50 per megawatt hour, with no escalation in price. Also on the agenda, council members will consider renewing the cereal malt beverage licenses for several local businesses, including Pizza Hut, Denny’s Sport Center, China Palace, Dollar General, Casey’s, Walmart, G&W, and Pete’s. hearing will be held on the de-annexation of 519 S. Ohio, followed by ordinance approval. Council members recently discovered the property was no longer in need of its previous annexation. The purpose of the annexation was to have access and hook-up to the city’s sewer line. After the annexation, the property owner discovered that they were allowed to use a septic system and reverted back to septic.

Commerce Bancshares senior vice president sells $53,364 in stockWhat's New Rwanda's outbreak of the Marburg virus was declared over this week by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and the Rwandan government. The announcement by WHO comes after weeks without any new reported cases in the African nation of Rwanda. Why It Matters Rwanda first declared the outbreak on September 27, reporting 66 cases and 15 deaths. The majority of those infected were health care workers who had treated the initial patients. Marburg virus, if left untreated, can have a fatality rate of up to 88 percent. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting and, in severe cases, death caused by extreme blood loss. What To Know Currently, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for Marburg. However, Rwanda received hundreds of doses of an experimental vaccine in October as part of ongoing trials. An outbreak is officially declared over after 42 days—equivalent to two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus—without any new cases and with all existing cases testing negative. Rwanda discharged its final Marburg patient on November 8 with no new confirmed cases reported since October 30. "Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) of the species Orthomarburgvirus marburgense are the causative agents of Marburg virus disease (MVD)," the WHO said. "The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks." Similar to Ebola, the Marburg virus is thought to originate in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, such as soiled bed sheets. Marburg outbreaks and isolated cases have previously been reported in Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Ghana. The virus was first identified in 1967 following simultaneous outbreaks in research laboratories in Marburg, Germany and Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia. Seven researchers died after being exposed to the virus while studying monkeys. What People Are Saying Despite the outbreak being declared over, WHO officials and Rwanda's Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nzanzimana emphasized on Friday that risks remain and urged the public to remain vigilant. Dr. Nzanzimana said during a press conference : "We believe it's not completely over because we still face risks, especially from bats. We are continuing to build new strategies, form new health teams, and deploy advanced technologies to track their movements, understand their behavior, and monitor who is interacting with them," Dr. Brain Chirombo, WHO;s representative in Rwanda, said : "I thank the government of Rwanda, its leadership and Rwandans in general for the strong response to achieve this success but the battle continues." What's Next In a statement this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) said that the agency and its partners in Africa continue to work together "to support Rwanda's response, share information, and help ensure partner countries are ready to respond if Marburg spreads across international borders." This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Global gas Turbine market Greatness Worth USD 25.4 Billion by 2030 David Correa Allied Market Research +1 800-792-5285 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN23122024003118003196ID1109025630 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.

Charismatic turkey fails to win pardon from Gov. Walz