mcw live casino Dozens of drones trailed a Coast Guard vessel off New Jersey: US lawmakerPrimark fans running to snap up new PJ range -it’ll take you back to the early 2000s & it’s perfect for stocking fillers100 percent of evaluable patients for minimal residual disease (MRD) testing achieved MRD negativity in MajesTEC-5 as induction therapy and MajesTEC-4 as maintenance therapy 1 , 2 BEERSE, BELGIUM, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced new frontline data featuring TECVAYLI ® ▼ (teclistamab) from two investigational studies in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in induction and maintenance settings. 1 , 2 The MajesTEC-5 (Abstract #493) and MajesTEC-4 (Abstract #494) studies establish the potential of teclistamab for use in newly diagnosed patients, with promising efficacy and a tolerable safety profile. 1 , 2 These data were highlighted as oral presentations at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, taking place in San Diego, California, United States from 7-10 December. 1 , 2 Forty-nine patients with transplant-eligible NDMM were treated with teclistamab in combination with DARZALEX ® (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) formulation, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Tec-DRd) or daratumumab SC, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Tec-DVRd) as induction therapy in the MajesTEC-5 study. 1 All patients who were evaluated for MRD negativity after cycle 3 of induction therapy achieved MRD negativity (10 -5 ) and maintained through cycle 6. 1 “These data from the MajesTEC-5 study build on the growing body of evidence of teclistamab combinations that support the potential combinability of teclistamab with other effective therapies, demonstrating high rates of MRD-negative responses for evaluable patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma,” said Rachel Kobos, M.D., Vice President, Oncology Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “At Johnson & Johnson, our deep expertise and understanding of multiple myeloma has shaped the regimens we’re developing, including our bispecific antibodies in new combinations, and we’re committed to exploring the full potential of our therapies to improve outcomes for patients.” The safety profiles were manageable and consistent with individual safety profiles. 1 No treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) led to study treatment discontinuation or death; cytokine release syndrome (CRS; Grade 1 or 2) occurred in 65 percent of patients. 1 No patients experienced immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). 1 Grade 3/4 TEAEs included lymphopenia (43 percent), neutropenia (57 percent) and infections (35 percent). 1 “There remains opportunity to achieve even deeper and more sustained outcomes for a broader patient population in the frontline setting,” said Marc S. Raab, M.D., Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany.* “These data reinforce the potential of teclistamab when used in earlier lines and show that teclistamab can be leveraged to optimise existing standard regimens in combination.” Results from the safety run-in of the Phase 3 MajesTEC-4 study highlighted the potential of teclistamab to be administered as a maintenance therapy following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). 2 MajesTEC-4 is the first study to present data on a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) bispecific as monotherapy or combination therapy after ASCT. 2 Low rates of non-haematologic Grade 3/4 TEAEs and discontinuation of treatment due to all TEAEs (5.3 percent) were observed. 2 CRS events were all Grade 1/2, mostly occurring during step-up dosing, and ICANS was not observed. 2 Neutropenia and infections were the most common Grade 3/4 TEAEs. 2 Grade 3/4 neutropenia at 6 months showed a decreased trend in cohorts 2 and 3 with less frequent teclistamab dosing (cohort 1: 94 percent, cohort 2: 63 percent, cohort 3: 47 percent). 2 A similar trend was observed for all-grade infections (cohort 1: 94 percent; cohort 2: 78 percent; cohort 3: 77 percent). 2 All evaluable patients in cohort 1 who underwent MRD assessment after 12 months of therapy were MRD negative, and 100 percent of evaluable patients assessed in cohorts 2 and 3 were also MRD negative at cycle 6. 2 Further analysis of combination therapies will be evaluated in the Phase 3 MajesTEC-7 study which is currently enrolling. 3 “Teclistamab was the first BCMA bispecific therapy approved as monotherapy for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma and plays an important role in our approach to transform outcomes for all people living with this complex disease,” said Edmond Chan, MBChB, M.D. (Res), EMEA Therapeutic Area Lead Hematology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “The deep MRD negativity results achieved by teclistamab in earlier lines and in combination with established regimens, including daratumumab, reinforce the potential of this transformative therapy as we build on our aim towards no longer treating to progression but treating to cure.” About MajesTEC-5 Study MajesTEC-5 ( NCT05695508 ) is an ongoing, Phase 2 study of teclistamab and talquetamab, evaluating the safety and efficacy of combination regimens in participants with transplant-eligible NDMM. 4 About MajesTEC-4 Study MajesTEC-4 ( NCT05243797 ) is an ongoing, multicentre, randomised, open-label, Phase 3 study of teclistamab in combination with lenalidomide and teclistamab alone versus lenalidomide alone in participants with NDMM as maintenance therapy following ASCT. 5 About MajesTEC-7 Study MajesTEC-7 ( NCT05552222 ) is a Phase 3 randomised study comparing teclistamab in combination with daratumumab SC and lenalidomide (Tec-DR) and talquetamab in combination with daratumumab SC and lenalidomide (Tal-DR) versus daratumumab SC, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DRd) in participants with NDMM who are either ineligible or not intended for ASCT as initial therapy. 3 About Teclistamab Teclistamab is an off-the-shelf (or ready to use) bispecific antibody. 6 Teclistamab, a subcutaneous injection, redirects T-cells through two cellular targets (BCMA and CD3) to activate the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. Teclistamab is currently being evaluated in several combination studies. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 Teclistamab received European Commission (EC) approval in August 2022 for the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. 11 In August 2023, the EC approved a Type II variation application for teclistamab, providing the option for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5mg/kg every two weeks in patients who have achieved a complete response (CR) or better for a minimum of six months. 12 For a full list of adverse events and information on dosage and administration, contraindications and other precautions when using teclistamab, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics . In line with European Medicine Agency (EMA) regulations for new medicines and those given conditional approval, teclistamab is subject to additional monitoring. About Daratumumab and Daratumumab SC Johnson & Johnson is committed to exploring the potential of daratumumab for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) across the spectrum of the disease. In August 2012 , Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Johnson & Johnson an exclusive licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise daratumumab. Since launch, daratumumab has become a foundational therapy in the treatment of MM, having been used in the treatment of more than 585,000 patients worldwide. 13 Daratumumab is the only CD38-directed antibody approved to be given subcutaneously to treat patients with MM. 14 Daratumumab SC is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme's ENHANZE ® drug delivery technology. 15 CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on MM cells, regardless of the stage of disease. 16 Daratumumab binds to CD38 and inhibits tumour cell growth causing myeloma cell death. 8 Daratumumab may also have an effect on normal cells. 17 Data across ten Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that daratumumab-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival. 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 For further information on daratumumab, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/darzalex-epar-product-information_en.pdf . About Multiple Myeloma MM is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. 27 , 28 In MM, these malignant plasma cells change and grow out of control. In the European Union, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people were diagnosed with MM in 2022, and more than 22,700 patients died. 29 While some patients with MM initially have no symptoms, others can have common symptoms of the disease, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels or kidney failure. 30 About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com/emea . Follow us at www.linkedin.com/company/jnj-innovative-medicine-emea . Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and Janssen Research & Development, LLC are Johnson & Johnson companies. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of teclistamab and daratumumab SC. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behaviour and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov/ , http://www.jnj.com/ or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. * Marc S. Raab, M.D., has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work. 1 Raab M S et al. 493 Phase 2 Study of Teclistamab-Based Induction Regimens in Patients with Transplant-Eligible (TE) Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): Results from the GMMG-HD10/DSMM-XX (MajesTEC-5) Trial. Oral presentation. American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting; December 7-10, 2024. 2 Zamagni E et al. 494 Phase 3 Study of Teclistamab (Tec) in Combination with Lenalidomide (Len) and Tec Alone Versus Len Alone in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) As Maintenance Therapy Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT): Safety Run-in (SRI) Results from the MajesTEC-4/EMN30 Trial. Oral presentation. American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting; December 7-10, 2024. 3 A Study of Teclistamab in Combination With Daratumumab and Lenalidomide (Tec-DR) and Talquetamab in Combination With Daratumumab and Lenalidomide (Tal-DR) in Participants With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-7). Available at: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05552222 . Last accessed December 2024. 4 GMMG-HD10 /​ DSMM-XX /​ 64007957MMY2003, MajesTEC-5 (HD10/DSMMXX). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05695508 . Last accessed December 2024. 5 Phase 3 Study of Teclistamab in Combination With Lenalidomide and Teclistamab Alone Versus Lenalidomide Alone in Participants With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma as Maintenance Therapy Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (MajesTEC-4). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05243797 . Last accessed December 2024. 6 European Medicines Agency. TECVAYLI Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/tecvayli-epar-product-information_en.pdf . Last accessed: December 2024. 7 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Teclistamab With Other Anticancer Therapies in Participants With Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-2). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04722146 . Last accessed: December 2024. 8 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of the Combination of Talquetamab and Teclistamab in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04586426 . Last accessed: December 2024. 9 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Subcutaneous Daratumumab Regimens in Combination With Bispecific T Cell Redirection Antibodies for the Treatment of Participants With Multiple Myeloma. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04108195 . Last accessed: December 2024. 10 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Teclistamab in Combination With Daratumumab Subcutaneously (SC) (TecDara) Versus Daratumumab SC, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone (DPd) or Daratumumab SC, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (DVd) in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-3). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05083169 . Last accessed: December 2024. 11 Janssen.com. Janssen Marks First Approval Worldwide. Available at: https://www.janssen.com/emea/sites/www_janssen_com_emea/files/teclistamab_ec_approval_release.pdf . Last accessed: December 2024. 12 Janssen.com. European Commission Approves Reduced Dosing Frequency for Janssen’s Bispecific Antibody TECVAYLI®▼ (teclistamab). Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/european-commission-approves-reduced-dosing-frequency-for-janssens-bispecific-antibody-tecvayli-teclistamab . Last accessed: December 2024. 13 Data on file. RF-439245. October 2024. 14 Sonneveld P et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:301-313. 15 Janssen EMEA. European Commission Grants Marketing Authorisation for DARZALEX ® (Daratumumab) Subcutaneous Formulation for All Currently Approved Daratumumab Intravenous Formulation Indications. Available at: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200604005487/en/European-Commission-GrantsMarketingAuthorisation-for-DARZALEX%C2%AE%E2%96%BC-daratumumab-SubcutaneousFormulation-for-all-CurrentlyApproved-Daratumumab-Intravenous-Formulation-Indications . Last accessed: December 2024. 16 European Medicines Agency. DARZALEX (daratumumab) Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/darzalex-epar-product-information_en.pdf . Last accessed: December 2024. 17 Moreau P et al. Bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone with or without daratumumab before and after autologous stem-cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (CASSIOPEIA): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study. Lancet 2019;394(10192):29-38. 18 Facon T et al. MAIA Trial Investigators. Daratumumab plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma. N Engl J Med 2019;380(22):2104-2115. 19 Mateos MV et al. Overall survival with daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (ALCYONE): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial. The Lancet 2020;395:P132-141. 20 Dimopoulos MA et al. APOLLO Trial Investigators. Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone versus pomalidomide and dexamethasone alone in previously treated multiple myeloma (APOLLO): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 2021;22(6):801-812. 21 Palladini G et al. Daratumumab plus CyBorD for patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis: safety run-in results of ANDROMEDA. Blood 2020;2;136(1):71-80. 22 Chari A et al. Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Blood 2017;130(8):974-981. 23 Bahlis NJ et al. Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: extended follow-up of POLLUX, a randomized, open-label, phase 3 study. Leukemia 2020;34(7):1875-1884. 24 Mateos MV et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma: Three-year Follow-up of CASTOR. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2020;20(8):509-518. 25 Sonneveld P et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma. N Engl J Med 2024;390(4):301-313. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa23120 26 Usmani S Z et al. Daratumumab + Bortezomib/Lenalidomide/Dexamethasone in Patients With Transplant-ineligible or Transplant-deferred Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Results of the Phase 3 CEPHEUS Study. Oral presentation. 21 st International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting; September 25-28, 2024. 27 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Multiple myeloma: introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/introduction . Last accessed: December 2024. 28 Abdi J et al. Drug resistance in multiple myeloma: latest findings and new concepts on molecular mechanisms. Oncotarget 2013;4(12):2186–2207. 29 European Cancer Information System. Estimates of cancer incidence and mortality in 2022, by country. Multiple myeloma. Available at: https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/explorer.php?$0-0$1-All$2-All$4-1,2$3-51$6-0,85$5-2022,2022$7-7$CEstByCountry$X0_8-3$X0_19-AE27$X0_20-No$CEstBySexByCountry$X1_8-3$X1_19-AE27$X1_-1-1$CEstByIndiByCountry$X2_8-3$X2_19-AE27$X2_20-No$CEstRelative$X3_8-3$X3_9-AE27$X3_19-AE27$CEstByCountryTable$X4_19-AE27 . Last accessed: December 2024. 30 American Cancer Society. Multiple myeloma: early detection, diagnosis and staging. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8740.00.pdf . Last accessed: December 2024. CP-492505 December 2025Iowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level Media

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama outNoneJitendra Singh NEW DELHI: India’s nuclear power generation capacity has nearly doubled in the past decade from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,081 MW in 2024, Union minister for department of atomic energy Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The minister also informed the House that the atomic energy capacity is projected to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, showcasing India’s commitment to scaling up its nuclear energy infrastructure. He said that nine atomic power projects are currently under construction, with several others in the pre-project stage, demonstrating India’s dedication to expanding nuclear energy capacity. Singh emphasised the revision of India’s power distribution framework, which has increased the home state’s share of electricity from atomic plants to 50%, with 35% allocated to neighbouring states and 15% to the national grid. This new formula ensures equitable resource distribution and reflects the federal spirit of the nation. The minister attributed the progress in nuclear power generation to several transformative initiatives, including the bulk approval of 10 nuclear reactors, increased funding allocations, collaborations with public sector undertakings, and limited private sector participation. He credited advancements in technology and streamlined administrative processes for strengthening India’s nuclear infrastructure. Singh also highlighted diverse applications of atomic energy in various fields like agriculture, healthcare and defence sector. He noted its extensive use in agriculture, including the development of 70 mutagenic crop varieties. In the health sector, India has introduced advanced isotopes for cancer treatment, while in the defence sector, atomic energy processes have been used to develop cost-effective, lightweight bulletproof jackets. The minister also underscored India’s abundant thorium reserves, which constitute 21% of the global total. Indigenous projects like "Bhavani" are being developed to harness this resource, reducing dependence on imported uranium and other materials. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

(TNS) — Rend Lake College celebrated the opening of its Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy on Thursday, a 20,000 square-foot facility that promises state-of-the-art training for the manufacturers of tomorrow. In June 2022, Rend Lake College was awarded a $5 million grant from the US. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration through funding provided by the American Rescue Plan. SIMA stands at the Rend Lake College MarketPlace on Potomac Boulevard in Mount Vernon, just off of Interstates 57 and 64. The academy includes advanced training stations for welding, machining, pneumatics, electronics, wiring, power and controls, a robotics lab, a computer lab and classrooms for lectures and presentations. Terry Wilkerson, president of Rend Lake College, used a hockey analogy during his remarks, to not skate where the pick is, but where it’s going to be. “I hope industry and the community realize our role and how serious we take it as a college to be on the forefront of where we think we need to be, and where we can help take our region,” Wilkerson said. One of the highlights of the academy is Confection Connection, a chocolate production facility born out of a grant stipulation requiring the production of a tangible product. It is a collaboration with the college’s Culinary Arts program meant to display the entire production process that blends culinary arts with manufacturing. Lori Ragland, executive vice president of Rend Lake College, called the facility a “significant milestone” for the region. “This training academy is more than just classrooms and equipment,” Ragland said. “It’s about opportunity. Opportunity for our students to gain skills for sustainable jobs, for our local businesses to find talent, and for our economy and community to thrive.” Wilkerson said the concept was originally pitched to the state government before becoming a federal project. “The state liked the proposal so much that they modeled it and they awarded two in the state, but they didn’t put it here, so we decided to explore more options,” Wilkerson said. “I can’t tell you the status of the other two that were put forward, but I can tell you this: we’ve come in on time and under budget.” Christopher Sink, director of the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy, explained how the facility will look to keep up with the needs of an ever-changing industry for the benefit of the students it will train. “We’re always pursuing new avenues to bring new technologies and equipment in here to meet the demands of our business partners and to make sure that we provide a good education and good skill set for our graduating students so that they’re successful now,” Sink said. State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) was on hand during the showcasing of the academy and described the facility as “phenomenal.” He said the facility will provide a beacon for people to stay in Southern Illinois after high school or come to Illinois instead of needing to seek opportunities elsewhere. “This is giving a reason for young people to stay in Southern Illinois for the opportunities that are here,” Severin said. “If you’re a student and you’re interested in getting into the trades, you don’t have to drive to another state or go somewhere else. You can stay in Southern Illinois.” Severin commended the effort by Rend Lake College to make such an investment in expanding its reach and staying competitive to build up the region. “It’s one thing to talk about something,” Severin said. “It’s another thing to produce. This is producing. This keeps us relevant.” For more information about the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy, contact SIMA director Christopher Sink at 618-437-5321, ext. 1798, or visit .ExxonMobil today announced its Corporate Plan to 2030, creating a platform to further extend the company’s track record of delivering leading shareholder value. The plan reflects the company’s strategy to leverage its unique set of competitive advantages and unrivaled opportunities to create significant upside potential for shareholders. The company expects to deliver incremental growth potential of $20 billion in earnings and $30 billion in cash flow driven by investing in competitively advantaged opportunities, continued excellence in execution, and disciplined cost and capital management. “ExxonMobil has a unique set of highly valuable competitive advantages that equip us to do what few companies have ever done – create world-scale solutions to society’s biggest challenges, decade after decade,” said Darren Woods, ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO. “Our steadfast commitment to strengthening these advantages, including an unwavering investment in technology, has led to a history of innovative solutions that meet society’s critical needs, reduce costs, and grow high-value products. That’s a formula for profitable growth and shareholder value through and beyond 2030 – no matter the pace and scale of the energy transition – that truly puts us in a league of our own.” Consistent execution of ExxonMobil’s strategy and business transformation over the past five years has substantially strengthened its earnings power. On a constant price and margin basis, the company is generating more than $15 billion in earnings and more than $20 billion in cash flow vs. 2019, and has delivered structural cost savings of more than $11 billion year-to-date vs. 2019. Cash flow has grown faster than that of any other integrated oil company (IOC) over the past three- and five-year periods.7 That outperformance has translated to shareholder value – ExxonMobil’s total shareholder return leads IOCs year-to-date and over the last three- and five-year periods. Over the next six years, the company expects to generate an additional $20 billion in earnings potential and $30 billion in cash flow potential.1 It plans to grow earnings at a CAGR of 10% and cash flow at 8% and has plans to achieve an additional $7 billion in structural cost savings by simplifying business processes, optimizing supply chains, further enhancing maintenance turnaround processes, and modernizing information technology and data management systems. The Company’s capital allocation approach prioritizes competitively advantaged, high-return, low-cost-of-supply investments. In 2025, the company expects cash capital expenditures to be in the range of $27 to $29 billion, reflecting the first full year of Pioneer in the portfolio and investment to build new businesses with base capex remaining flat. From 2026 to 2030, base capex is consistent, while capex growth is driven by progressing advantaged, long-term opportunities in new businesses, and a few early-stage large projects in the company’s traditional businesses. The reinvestment rate relative to expected cash flow declines 10 percentage points over the plan period. “Through 2030, we plan to deploy about $140 billion to major projects and the Permian Basin development program,” added Woods. “We expect this capital to generate returns of more than 30% over the life of the investments. Strong investment returns have driven 42 consecutive years of annual dividend growth, a claim only 4% of the S&P 500 can make. This is why, when we list our capital allocation priorities, investing in accretive growth always comes first.” Cash flow and earnings growth generate a further $165 billion in surplus cash over the plan period driving increased shareholder distributions.10 ExxonMobil has increased its annual dividend per share for 42 consecutive years, and recently increased its quarterly dividend by 4 cents per share effective this quarter. The company continues to expect to repurchase shares at a $20 billion annual pace in 2025, and today announced plans for a further $20 billion of share repurchases in 2026, assuming reasonable market conditions. ExxonMobil continues to strengthen its Upstream portfolio of advantaged assets that offer lower cost of supply and higher returns. By 2030, at a 2024 dollar real Brent price of $65 per barrel, a real Henry Hub price of $3 per mmbtu, and a real TTF price of $6.50 per mmbtu, the company plans to deliver an additional $9 billion in Upstream annual earnings potential – more than 50% higher than in 2024. With the Pioneer acquisition, the company reached its target of having more than 50% of its total Upstream production from advantaged assets (Permian, Guyana, and LNG) three years earlier than planned. By 2030, more than 60% of the company’s production is expected to come from these advantaged assets, which are expected to grow by an additional 1.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day (Moebd) during that period. Total Upstream production is expected to reach 5.4 Moebd by 2030, even as the company plans to lower its operated Upstream emissions intensity 40-50% versus 2016. Following its acquisition and integration of Pioneer, ExxonMobil expects to achieve more than $3 billion in annual synergies, a more than 50% increase from prior guidance. The company now has the largest contiguous acreage position in the Permian Basin with double the number of low-cost net drilling locations versus the next closest competitor. The company is applying its technology advantage to increase capital efficiency and resource recovery and expects to roughly double production in the Permian Basin to approximately 2.3 Moebd by 2030. ExxonMobil also announced plans for two additional developments in Guyana, Hammerhead and Longtail, bringing the total number of developments to eight by 2030. Total production capacity in Guyana, on an investment basis, is expected to reach 1.7 million barrels per day with gross production growing to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030. ExxonMobil has four world-class LNG projects under development and expects to surpass 40 million metric tons per annum of LNG sales by 2030. The addition of these projects further expands the company’s global LNG footprint and market access. The company expects to achieve first LNG sales from the Golden Pass development in the United States and from the Qatar North Field East expansion project near the end of 2025. It also is targeting final investment decisions at Papua New Guinea’s Papua project in 2025 and at Mozambique’s Rovuma development in 2026. ExxonMobil’s Product Solutions business is expected to grow annual earnings potential by an additional $8 billion by 2030, at average 2010-2019 margins – a 10% CAGR. About half of the earnings growth is expected to come from advantaged projects and high-value products to meet society’s needs today and well into the future. The company is on track to start up six advantaged projects in 2025, as many as in the prior five years combined. These projects drive significant volume and mix improvements and include the China chemical complex; a hydrofiner in Fawley, U.K.; the Singapore resid upgrade project; a renewable diesel project in Strathcona, Canada; additional advanced plastics recycling units in Baytown, Texas; and an expansion of the ProxximaTM thermoset resin manufacturing facilities in East Texas. ProxximaTM has unique properties that will drive substitution in existing markets and expand into new applications like structural composites and steel substitutes – areas where traditional resins struggle to compete. The company is investing in facilities to produce more ProxximaTM feedstock with plans to ramp up capacity to nearly 200,000 metric tons per year by 2030. ExxonMobil also is growing its carbon materials venture to capture attractive opportunities in battery anode markets. ExxonMobil developed an advanced coke product that delivers a higher performance, differentiated graphite. The result is a battery with up to 30% higher capacity, 30% faster charging time, and extended battery life. The company is working with automobile manufacturers to test this new product, with plans to have its first commercial-scale plant online in 2028 to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries and their components. ExxonMobil is pursuing up to $30 billion of low emission opportunities between 2025 and 2030, with almost 65% spent on reducing emissions for third-party customers. Execution of these opportunities is contingent on the right policy and regulation as well as continued technology and market development. ExxonMobil is pacing investments in new ventures to balance opportunities and risks as markets develop. ExxonMobil’s Low Carbon Solutions business focuses on three primary verticals: carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and lithium. These opportunities align with ExxonMobil’s core competencies. The company is developing the world’s first large-scale carbon capture and storage system, which includes a high-capacity CO2 pipeline network connecting emitters from many industries to permanent subsurface storage capacity throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast. ExxonMobil expects its low-carbon hydrogen facility in Baytown to be the world’s largest, producing up to 1 billion cubic feet of virtually carbon-free hydrogen per day with about 98% of the CO2 captured and stored. Some of this hydrogen will be used to produce over a million metric tons per year of low-carbon ammonia. The company is working toward a final investment decision in 2025 with the potential to start operations in 2029. The company is building foundational projects that work with the right policy, today’s technology, and today’s infrastructure. At the same time, ExxonMobil is developing new technologies to reduce the cost of emission reductions, which is the only way to achieve deployment at scale. With supportive policy and growing market interest, the company expects its Low Carbon Solutions business to grow earnings contributions by $2 billion in 2030 versus 2024. Source: ExxonMobilChandigarh shares data on three new laws

Syracuse hosts Georgetown for milestone battle in longtime rivalryRend Lake College Opens $5M Manufacturing Academy

1. The super sleek Oura ring , which connects to their smartphone to help monitor their sleep, heart rate, and various fitness goals. It's much more subtle than a bulky smartwatch, so they won't mind keeping this on 24/7. Heads up: The brand recommends buying the Oura sizing kit for $10 first to figure out which size works best — so you might want to gift the kit now to figure out the sizing! Either way, you'll get a $10 credit back for the purchase of an Oura ring! Promising review: "First of all, I love it and never leave reviews. But this needs justice. It looks like a regular ring; nobody would be able to tell the difference. The sleep tracking is super accurate, showing REM, light, and deep sleep, plus heart rate and temperature. The subscription is $6 a month, which is completely worth it, in my opinion. You get detailed info on stress, recovery, and even tips for staying in sync with your body’s natural rhythm. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and comfy enough to wear 24/7. I never take it off. It charges extremely fast, and the battery life is amazing—I only charge mine once a week." — Ethan A. Get it from Amazon for $349 (available in sizes 9–15 and six colors). 2. A magical pen so they can bring their artwork to life in 3D! It's like Harold's purple crayon, except this hopefully won't get a terrible live-action version starring Zachary Levi. Aspiring artists can load the pen with one of the included colored sticks (they're made of plastic filaments), then press the button to release the moldable plastic and create a 3D masterpiece. Their parents might just want to get in on the fun, too! The kit includes the pen, two refill packs, an activity guide, USB cable, and a doodle pad. Promising review: "I will be the first to admit that I thought this was going to be a novelty toy that my kids used once (then it would fall by the wayside). I mean, it’s basically a glorified glue gun! To my amazement, my kids can’t get enough of it. They fight over it. They use it every single day. To be fair, there is no way a kid can make anything like the examples on the box. I realize their projects aren’t going to make it into a fine art gallery, but it keeps them busy and creative. They fix toys with the doodler and are convinced it is a magical tool that can solve any problem. I never imagined I’d be giving this 5 stars, but whoever thought of this device is a genius (and clearly knows kids better than me!) " — Casey C. Get it from Amazon for $32.99 . 3. A pair of AR sunglasses , which is basically a personal wearable TV screen only they can see. It connects to their smartphone, tablet, or laptop so they can see a projected version of the display through the glasses without having to look down. Their neck will be so grateful. It includes buttons to control brightness and focus levels. This works with most USB-C devices right out of the box, though an adapter will be needed for iPhones with lightning ports. Promising review: "I loved my first pair of VITURE glasses, but the latest iteration has blown me away! The image on the screen is even better than the original and I feel like you can really tell a difference at the edges of the screen. I’ve used them for hours at a time and have found them to be exceptionally comfortable. They have definitely helped with neck and back pain from looking down while working with a laptop in my lap. I also find them to be a great option when I need to work on a plane. I avoid the painful and awkward neck gymnastics when I try to work without them because I no longer have to lean down to try to see the screen that’s canted at a weird angle because of the seat in front of me. Another bonus is the privacy they afford while working in crowded public spaces." — James Get it from Amazon for $499 . 4. A digital notebook they can use again and again. The LCD display acts just like normal paper when they use the included stylus, so they can write to-do lists or doodle whatever creation pops into their head. Once they're done, they can hit the "erase" button to clear the "page." It's basically like an adult version of a Magna Doodle, except they won't be embarrassed to use this in a meeting. Promising review: "The boogie board is a great tool for anyone looking to save on paper while jotting down quick notes. It’s wonderful for quickly writing and erasing math problems, shopping lists, or anything in between. It’s also super affordable, making it a cute and cost-effective gift for any age." — Bradley Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors). 5. Or a Rocketbook reusable notebook that lets them take notes they can save digitally, erase, and then use all over again. They can use the Rocketbook app to save all of their "pages" and then erase them with the included wipe. You're essentially gifting them an endless notebook. Promising review: "I am very happy with my purchase of the Rocketbook. I have it set to the side on my desk for quick scribbles when I need to make notes. It has eliminated a bunch of messy scrap pieces of paper all over the place. The pen that came with it works great (I am fussy about that); it feels like normal pen to paper. When I'm done, I just spray a bit of water and wipe clean. Great organizational tool and keeps my office neat and free of extra clutter ." — KMS Get it from Amazon for $36.13+ (available in three styles and 17 colors). 6. A high-tech planter pot for the green thumb on your list who has trouble keeping track of their plant children. The adorable display on the front lets them know how happy their plant is (i.e., if the soil is moist enough and if it's getting enough light), and it even has a self-watering feature they can control through the smartphone app. This is basically a grown-up Tamagotchi. Promising review: "I got this as a gift, and they love their Ivy planter! The digital expressions are cute and adorable, but aside from that, the size and quality of the planter itself make this an excellent planter. The app it comes with is easy to use and makes it easy to take care of your plant. I look forward to getting this for myself in the future!" — Mario Get it from Amazon for $75.04+ (available in five colors). 7. A gorgeous water bottle that keeps track of their daily water intake and glows when they're running behind on their hydration goals — because we could all use some help being a little less thirsty. It even connects with a smartphone app so they can have a snapshot of their weekly hydration habits. Promising review: This is the most amazing water bottle ever! I don’t drink water, I don’t like water. I have a health condition that requires me to drink 60+ ounces of water a day. This is coming from a person who drinks one glass of water every two weeks. When my doctor told me I had to drink 60+ ounces of water a day, I was literally freaking out. I didn’t know how to do it! So I started searching water bottles that will track what you drink because otherwise I wouldn’t know how to track my water intake. When I found this bottle, I thought, okay, I’ll give it a shot and see how it goes. It literally has changed the way I drink water. Getting on the app and connecting to the bottle was super easy. The bottle tracks your water intake, and if you’re not drinking enough, it will light up to remind you that you need to drink water. I’m really busy during the day, and most of the time, I don’t drink water, and I sure as heck don’t pay attention to my water intake. The light up reminder, which is really neat, and you get to select the color, makes you very conscious of needing to drink." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $49 (available in four colors). 8. Or a self-cleaning water bottle — it uses a UV-C LED light in the cap to help purify water and keep the inside clean. Tap the button on the top to activate, and then it'll run a cleaning cycle every two hours to keep things clean and fresh. The insulated design keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. Promising review: "Yes, this bottle is pricey, but having purchased it for travel, I found it very comforting knowing whatever water source I was filling up from, my water would be clean due to the interior UV sanitizer. And I actually saved money instead of buying tons of plastic water bottles for a month-long trip. Highly suggest the insulated bottle, as I purchased the slightly cheaper non-insulated bottle as well, and although lighter, preferred the contents staying nice and cool while traveling through the summer." — Mike L. Get it from Amazon for $99+ (available in two sizes and seven sizes). 9. A smart bird feeder with a camera inside so they can see all the delightful visitors who stop by for a snack. It connects to the accompanying smartphone app and can send them an alert when a bird has appeared so they can see a live feed of their new flying friends. They can also save videos and photos, so be prepared to see so many bird pics on their Instagram story. Promising review: "The bird feeder is easy to assemble and very easy to set up. The motion detection is just the right amount and reliable. I enjoy getting notifications of birds at my feeder. The product is durable and not cheap feeling. This feeder brings a lot of joy to my day. It's easy to share your videos with friends, so many of my friends get to enjoy it as well." — Robert F. Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in two colors). 10. A pet camera that adds a distinctly 2024 upgrade: they can play with their pet via a smartphone app! The app lets them control a laser pointer so their ball of fluff can tire themselves out and get some mental stimulation even when their hoomans aren't at home. This is the future Nintendogs promised!!! Promising review: "I didn’t know what to expect when I got this as far as quality of video or laser toy or connectivity away from the house. All I can say it has far surpassed my expectations in every way. Let me give you an example. I was on my way down to the ground on a plane. I thought, let me check on my cat. Using the Wi-Fi on the plane, I was able to access the video feed in my home living room and see my cat was there bored and needing to play. I enabled the laser toy and proceeded to play with her for five minutes while we finished landing. She had a great time and I was reassured she was ok. The quality of the video was great, almost no lag, and the laser toy worked like a charm! There is a little lag for the laser toy but it still is great. A+ for this. I would gladly recommend to anyone." — B. Mann Get it from Amazon for $79.99 . 11. A pair of smart goggles I bet even Michael Phelps would be impressed with. The display on the inside displays their heart rate, time, distance, stroke count, and pace — and they can connect them to the accompanying app to keep track of their workouts. Note: This requires a $99/year subscription service to access guided workouts and a digital compass. Promising review: "I’ve been using the goggles for the past few weeks, mostly in the pool. The goggles capture everything I need (i.e., heart rate, stroke rate, and pace) without having to wear a sports watch. Accuracy and reliability for heart rate are impressive. I train with HR while running, so it’s nice to bring this approach to the pool." — Elliott Get it from Amazon for $249. 12. A spinning ball decked out with LED lights that flies around on its own. They can channel their inner Doctor Strange and make it hover over their hand, or they can throw it and watch as it boomerangs back to them. I don't know how they managed to make a ball futuristic, but I tip my hat to the designers. Promising review: "You control where this flies by the tilt you put into when releasing. Really fun to play catch with someone by tilting it toward them and gently releasing. You can also boomerang it back to yourself by tilting it backwards and tossing it up diagonally away from you. The cage around it is effective in protecting both you and it." — Dem Get it from Amazon for $28.80+ (available in seven colors). 13. A five-panel clock that looks straight out of Blade Runner . It features five small screens that can be customized to display everything from the time (duh) to the weather and stock market performance. The accompanying app even lets them create pixel art to display on the screen if they're feeling creative. Promising review: "I was skeptical before buying this thing but it actually works really well. There is tons of pixel art you can download and display and it can do really cool, useful stuff like show you the weather or stock prices, too. I'm a huge fan!" — Trevor Get it from Amazon for $113.99+ (available in two colors). 14. A USB fan with an LED clock face that looks like it's levitating in the air, which will make everyone in the office stop in their tracks when they walk by their desk. It also displays the temperature, so they can basically go ahead and delete the Weather Channel app from their phone. Promising review : "Fun at work. I got one of these for my husband at his office. Now EVERYONE has one at his office, including me at home!" — Laurette Triick Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . 15. A UFO-shaped Bluetooth speaker that hovers and spins around while playing all their favorite alien-themed podcasts. Functional and a conversation starter? This is guaranteed to win you some major points with that one family member who is just a little too obsessed with extra-terrestrial beings. ~Cute the X-Files theme song~ Promising review: "I wanted this mostly cuz I thought it looked really cool! It was pretty easy to set up and was going in no time! Everyone that sees it wants one and I am already on my second order! For a small speaker it has decent sound as I am using it for background noise and don't want it loud. It does, however, go up to a nice volume! It is very cool, and I'm so glad I bought one...well two now LOL!" — Karen Get it from Amazon for $99.99 . 16. A mirror with features every mirror should have in the future: built-in lighting, a Bluetooth speaker, and an anti-fog button. If they seem a bit more chipper in the morning than usual, it's because you just massively upgraded their routine. Promising review: "This thing is absolutely neat as all can be, hands down. I've seen the other ones, but this one has JUST enough functionality to make it cool and modern, but not so much that it is fully IOT/Wifi connected, and you have to worry about it potentially spying on you. I love the Bluetooth speaker functionality and the defogging/backlight. I love that this doesn't need to connect to Wi-Fi, doesn't require an app, and just WORKS out of the box, with no fiddling around . For the price, I think I'm going to get a few more of these for my other bathrooms. Wonderful job on this." — Mike Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in nine sizes and three shapes). 17. An electronic upgrade to the classic Rubik's cube , which I strongly feel Elroy Jetson would play with all day long. It features four different games to choose from, or they can choose the "light show" setting to enjoy the glow from the colorful lights once their brains are too tired to play anymore. Promising review: "This little dude is a lot of fun for sure. It keeps my brain occupied and my fingers moving when I can't sit still. Not to mention, the music that plays in the menu is a certified BOP. My only tiny criticism is that the buttons are a tad too stiff when pushing on them, though; I suppose that's a good thing when you're twisting it around in your hands, and you don't accidentally push a button and ruin your score. I love the mute feature during gameplay." — Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $24.99 . 18. A super sleek lamp with a small globe that ~magically floats~ in the air — and it will even spin for up to 20 minutes if they give it a quick tap with their finger. I suspect all lamps in the future will feature some sort of gravity-defying feature. Promising review: "Globe is lightweight. This is a great thing to gift someone. It's fun to watch spin, and the light in the back is beautiful. It doesn’t spin on its own; you have to gently spin it, but once you start it, it lasts for quite a while." — Emilly Get it from Amazon for $32.39+ (available in three colors). 19. An app-controlled moon-shaped dock that functions as a lamp, wireless charger, and a bluetooth speaker because the future is truly all about multiuse products and saving outlet space. I suspect this is what Zenon uses to charge her SpacePhone and listen to "SuperNova Girl." Promising review: "The vibrant colors of the lamp look really beautiful!!! The speakers and the lights that dance to the beats are perfect for a mini disco atmosphere . It works great as a bedtime lamp for my bedroom, and the app is really convenient to control the light and music (white noise included!). This is a fun gadget for my teens. I give 5 out of 5 stars, satisfied." — Vanshika Sharma Get it from Amazon for $46.99 . 20. A smart meat thermometer — it will basically be their very own personal electronic sous chef. It connects to the Meater app to help configure cooking times and tell them the temperature right on their phone. The days of continuously opening the oven door to check on their roasted meats will be far behind them. It works for meats cooked in the smoker, grill, rotisserie, oven, pan, and air fryer! Promising review: "The Meater works so well, you hardly have to do anything while you cook any sort of meat. Once it alerts you the meat is ready, you remove it from any heat, and when the app says you’re ready to dig in, there’s no second guessing whether or not your meat is fully cooked. No under/overcooking with this; it’s perfect EVERY time. Couldn’t be more happy with this product and app." — Pam Walter Get it from Amazon for $79.95 . 21. A "Worky" station , the on-the-go desk they never knew they needed. Once they unfold the suitcase-style design, they'll have plenty of space for their laptop and office supplies, and there are even USB ports to charge their devices. Perhaps best of all, the top portion (which also functions as a whiteboard!) has LED lights, so they'll be in perfect lighting for all of their Zoom meetings. This is truly the ultimate gift for the remote workers on your list. Check out a TikTok of the Worky station in action. Promising review : "I've had my Worky for three months now and have loved it. I love that everything is in one place, and then I can close it up and work disappears. The compartments are great for tucking away piles of paperwork, the multiple charging outlets are convenient, and the LED lights are helpful on Zoom calls when lighting in the room is not ideal. Everything in one place, simple and convenient. Just the way I like it." — Amy Worky is a small business that specializes in products to improve remote working experiences. Get it from Amazon for $119.99 . 22. A Bitzee — it puts a 3D spin on the traditional virtual pet from our childhood. Simply open the capsule to reveal one of 15 pets that respond to touch, tilts, and swipes. There's even a Disney version with characters like Stitch, Wall-E, and Lightning McQueen! When their pets evolve into Super Bitzees, they can find cool outfits and mini-games. In a rare turn of events, batteries are included! Promising review: "My 8-year-old loves this thing so much that she hasn't put it down since she got it. It was the star of the show for Christmas, and I got so many hugs for getting it for her. This is basically the modern take on the old-school Tamagotchis, but it has a fluttering LED bar that zips up and down at an extremely high rate of speed to mimic the appearance of an actual digital pet floating in midair. Seems weird at first, but that fluttering light bar also allows you to feel like you are really touching the animal — very cool in action. If you are a parent looking for the perfect gift for a 5-10-year-old child, then do yourself a favor and grab one of these; you will not regret it! Really awesome toy for a very reasonable price." — M. Myers Get it from Amazon for $24.49+ (available in four styles). 23. A hybrid digital food scale and measuring cup which is some next-level baking tech even Paul Hollywood would be impressed with. Now, they can accurately measure all their ingredients directly in the cup, and they can also use the handle attachment as a stand-alone food scale. Promising review : "I absolutely love this measuring cup!!! What a great invention. I love that I can put flour in, reset it and add sugar, reset it and add milk, etc. One cup for measuring several things at the same time. Love, love, love it!!!!" — wolfpause Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three colors). 24. A touchscreen toaster to replace the crusty one they've had in the kitchen for longer than they'd like to admit. It heats much faster than a traditional unit and has a touchscreen that lets them choose their preferred level of crispiness. This is the future carb connoisseurs want. So why does a toaster need a touch screen? Because this one has some impressively specific toasting options for their carb of choice. It features fresh, frozen, and reheat options, and they can swipe between bagels, toaster cakes, English muffins, waffles, and bread. They'll probably text you "thank you!" every morning for gifting them with perfectly toasted bagels every time. Promising review: "I have to say, this toaster was well worth the investment. This one beat my old toaster by a mile in terms of how fast it toasts, and it adjusts easily and well to waffles and bagels. The toaster has a fantastic digital display, too. I love the 10-second countdown feature so I can get my butter in place and slather it on while the toast is hot. The design is sleek and elegant, and my favorite surprise is the analog clock display. This makes my old toaster obsolete (it's now collecting dust in the bottom cupboard)." — Rob Get it from Amazon for $299.95+ (available in two colors and with various accessories). 25. A fancy smart mug that will keep their coffee, tea, or other hot beverage of choice at the perfect temperature. It lasts for 90 minutes on a single charge, and if they have enough self-control to make a cup of coffee last longer than that, I simply cannot relate. Promising review: "Best thing since sliced bread! I hate it when my coffee gets cold. I was originally looking for one of those warming coasters, but then I saw the Ember mugs...there was no turning back. I can take my coffee with me into my boss's office, and it still stays hot?? Yes, please. I used that app and have adjusted my temp down to 127 degrees. It stays at that temperature the entire time. I’ve not had an issue with battery life either; it doesn’t take me more than an hour to polish off a cup of coffee. I HIGHLY recommend." — Mathews Get it from Amazon for $92.62+ (available in 11 colors). 26. Oral-B's Genius X Limited electric toothbrush equipped with AI that adapts to their unique brushing style so they can ensure they're getting a deeper clean. It even connects to their smartphone to help keep track of their daily brushing habits. Promising review: "Amazing clean. I was at first hesitant to spend that much on a toothbrush, but it’s worth every penny. It works at least 10x better than my $20 Oral-B electronic toothbrush. The motion sensing is very cool and helpful. After just one brush, my teeth feel almost like they do after a professional cleaning as opposed to how they felt after brushing with my cheap electronic toothbrush. " — Anne E La Perla Get it from Amazon for $190.31+ (available in three colors) 27. A fingerprint padlock so they'll never have to rummage around in their pocket looking for their key before realizing they left it at home. This also connects to a smartphone app if they prefer to control it remotely. Promising review: "This is a superb lock! I got it to use in the gym. I didn't want to use the honor system and hope my locker would be safe without a lock... and I know I am not the best with traditional combo locks. This lock does everything you need. It's easy to set up as many fingerprints for verification as you want ... and you can even just use your phone to unlock it alternatively." — J Z D Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in two colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Eldorado Gold Releases Updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Statement; 2024 Gold ...

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami probably was one win away from getting into the College Football Playoff. Iowa State definitely was one win away. Their consolation prize of sorts: playing one another. The Hurricanes and Cyclones — a meteorological matchup — have accepted bids to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, to be played Dec. 28 in Orlando, Florida. Iowa State (10-3) is looking for its first 11-win season in the program's 133-year history, and Miami (10-2) is seeking its first 11-win season since 2003. Miami's loss at Syracuse to close the regular season wound up being the game the Hurricanes could point to as the reason they missed out on the CFP. Iowa State could have played its way in and lost the Big 12 title game to CFP-bound Arizona State on Saturday. “I think everyone that doesn't get in feels disappointment,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “We feel the onus of just doing better. Just do better, go forward, have an opportunity to get better.” It's essentially the same task for both teams: regrouping after seeing the playoff slip away. “I think that’s what’s made Iowa State football really special is our ability to have great resiliency," Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. "And I know our kids are super-excited about the opportunity to finish it off. Obviously (Saturday) was disappointing. But this group and this football team has the opportunity to just continue to fight.” A big question for Miami: whether quarterback Cam Ward will play. The likely Heisman Trophy finalist has thrown for 155 touchdown passes in his career at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami. That’s tied for the most by anyone in Division I (FBS and FCS) history; Case Keenum threw 155 in his career at Houston. Many draft-bound players not in the playoff will be opting out of bowl games over the coming weeks. There's been no indication from Miami yet that Ward or any other draft-bound player has made a decision. “I think it’s important that our guys, anyone playing and closing out the season, understands the importance of that next step for a program like ours," Cristobal said. "And I think our guys do.”

EXCLUSIVE Kimberly Guilfoyle puts on a brave face to accept Donald Trump's Greece ambassador nomination after Don Jr.'s betrayal By KAREN RUIZ FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:56 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 19:11 EST, 11 December 2024 e-mail 91 View comments Kimberly Guilfoyle officially acknowledged her nomination as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece as it's learned she and fiancé Donald Trump Jr. have called it quits. The Trump campaign advisor, 55, took to social media shortly after the President-elect's announcement Tuesday to say she is 'ready to serve', but stopped short of addressing her crumbling relationship with his son. 'I'm honored to accept President Trump's nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate ,' she wrote in a post. She added: 'As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on the Trump agenda, supporting our Greek allies, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity.' News of Guilfoyle's new high-profile role broke as news Don Jr .'s romance with another woman reached a fever pitch Monday - when he was snapped holding hands with much younger Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson. DailyMail.com exclusively reported on the budding romance in August when the two were seen locking lips during a brunch date , however, both Don Jr., 46, and Kimberly have remained consistently silent on their relationship status ever since. 'She's putting on a brave front, of course, but she was crushed about Don's very public betrayal,' one source told DailyMail.com on Wednesday. 'Once Don fell for Bettina the writing was on the wall for Kimberly. The split was going to happen quietly after the election, but Daily Mail's photos preempted that. Kimberly Guilfoyle proclaimed she is 'ready to serve' as U.S . Ambassador to Greece following her nomination by President-elect Trump on Tuesday News of the Trump campaign advisor's new role came as Guilfoyle and fiancé Donald Trump Jr., 46, (pictured in August 2023) ended their engagement 'It's a pretty humiliating situation,' the insider added. Despite the photographic evidence and mounting rumors indicating their split, Guilfoyle had remained on the scene as a faithful Trump campaign advisor in the lead up to the election and was snapped alongside his family at the president's victory party last month. But her presence at political events has not been enough to quell speculation, as her notable absence at recent family events further sparked curiosity about the couple's future. In an apparent bid to keep up appearances Tuesday, Don publicly congratulated his estranged fiancée in an X post that she then shared on her social media accounts. 'I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First,' he said. Three months after raising questions about his seemingly cozy relationship with Anderson, Don Jr. all but confirmed their romance over the weekend and Monday night when he was seen celebrating her 38th birthday in Palm Beach . A source confirmed to DailyMail.com on Tuesday: 'There is no more Kimberly and Don – at least not romantically. 'Their engagement hasn't officially been called off yet. They were waiting until after the Inauguration to announce.' Guilfoyle said Tuesday that she was 'honored to accept' Trump's nomination, which requires Senate approval In an apparent bid to keep up appearances Tuesday, Don - who is also yet to address breakup rumors - publicly congratulated his estranged fiancée in an X post that she then shared on her social media accounts Read More Don Jr. breaks silence on Kimberly Guilfoyle split and her move to Greece The source added: 'The truth is Don and Bettina are still very much together. He's crazy about her.' Exclusive DailyMail.com photos showed the two leaving a restaurant hand in hand after a celebratory dinner for the glamorous brunette. The loved-up couple spent nearly two hours at swanky downtown hotspot Buccan, three miles from her West Palm Beach townhouse where they have been spending days and nights, DailyMail.com revealed earlier on Tuesday. Don Jr . dressed in a smart blue suit and white shirt open at the neck, revealed no compunction about showing off his new flame as they emerged from the restaurant just before 10pm. They came out with another couple and Don Jr. could be heard laughing before they bade the others farewell and headed across the street to his vehicle, totally smitten with each other. Anderson – wearing loose and flowing black pants with a black vest-like top and clutching a maroon purse with a gold clasp – stayed close to her man as they approached his pickup truck parked directly opposite the restaurant, their fingers interlocked. Anderson herself also dropped not-so-subtle hints of their romance, sharing photos of a romantic flower delivery on her Instagram story, on which she discreetly tagged her new beau, @donaldtrumpjr at the top left corner. The photo showed a note sent with the flower arrangement reading: Many have said you're aging out but I think you're perfect...happy birthday!' Earlier on Tuesday, exclusive DailyMail.com photos confirmed Don Jr.'s romance with Bettina Anderson after they were seen celebrating her 38th birthday in Palm Beach the previous night The couple's lovey-dovey dinner Monday night came after a lavish weekend of celebration for Bettina's 38th birthday Read More EXCLUSIVE Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson flaunt romance as they leave her birthday dinner hand in hand Anderson responded to her beau's message in a tongue-in-cheek caption saying: 'Tough but fair.' Guilfoyle got engaged to Trump's eldest son on December 31, 2020, but that was not made public until January 2022. The pair began dating in 2018 following Don's divorce from first wife Vanessa Trump . Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor in San Francisco and one-time wife of Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, became a big name conservative after landing a long-term role with Fox News in 2017. She would soon enter Trump's orbit , becoming one of his political campaign advisers, while embarking on a sensational romance with his eldest son. Once dubbed the 'prom king and queen of MAGA land' Guilfoyle and Don Jr. had bolstered Trump's presidential run with primetime addresses at the National Convention in July and appeared arm-in-arm at rallies across the States but the political love-story would eventually come to a screeching halt. Sources told DailyMail.com at the time that she was 'blindsided' when images emerged late last summer of Don dining with Republican 'it girl' Bettina Anderson, 38. However, just days after that revelation, Guilfoyle was spotted by Don Jr.'s side on his surprise trip to the Balkans. Anderson herself has been dropping not-so-subtle hints of the romance, sharing photos of a romantic flower delivery in an Instagram story, on which she discreetly tagged her new beau, @donaldtrumpjr at the top left corner Don Jr. traveled to Serbia and Romania to deliver the message that a second Trump presidency would ensure an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. This followed another revelation by Daily Mail that Bettina Anderson had been featured in a video schmoozing with the former president's son, his ex-wife and their daughter at a party in Florida, with Kimberly nowhere in sight. Sources close to the couple at the time insisted Kimberly had been invited but had a speaking engagement that night. Greece Share or comment on this article: Kimberly Guilfoyle puts on a brave face to accept Donald Trump's Greece ambassador nomination after Don Jr.'s betrayal e-mail Add comment

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Altman said in a statement. Altman, who is in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO's influence in the incoming administration. Trump is putting Musk, the world’s richest man, and Vivek Ramaswamy , an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is an outside advisory committee that will work with people inside the government to reduce spending and regulations. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk recently escalated the lawsuit by asking a federal judge to stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. —— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives. Sarah Parvini, The Associated PressNoneTECVAYLI® (teclistamab-cqyv) demonstrates potential as frontline combination therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

NikolayDavydenko took aim against equal prize money at Grand Slams, taking SerenaWilliams as an example. Former world No. 3 questioned the fairness of equalprize money in Grand Slam tournaments, pointing out that women playbest-of-three-set matches, while men compete in best-of-five. Accordingto the Russian ex-tennis star, it makes sense to have equal prize money inlower-tier tournaments, such as Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events, sinceeveryone plays best-of-three there. "At 250, 500, 1000 series tournaments— maybe," Denis Bushkovsky said. "But when they shout about GrandSlams... You don’t play five-set matches." The 2009ATP Finals champion highlighted the dominance of players like Serena Williams and her sister Venus, who managed to win Grand Slam titles with much less timeon court, often steamrolling their opponents. "Serena Williams won GrandSlams, losing only 10 games per tournament," he continued. "Shewon 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 without even breaking a sweat or feeling stressed. Meanwhile,men lose 10 games in the first match alone and need to fight. Sometimes youplay a five-setter in the first round and then have to keep going." Davydenkoinsisted that male players put in significantly more effort during Grand Slamtournaments, arguing that they deserve higher rewards compared to women in suchevents. "Men’s tennis players do three times more work than women,especially at Grand Slams. So paying out equal prize money is unfair," theRussian said. This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.