
Signaling and substance at oddsThe UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Israel. The resolution -- adopted by a vote of 158-9, with 13 abstentions -- urges "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire," and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" -- wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month. At that time, Washington used its veto power on the Council -- as it has before -- to protect its ally Israel, which has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. It has insisted on the idea of making a ceasefire conditional on the release of all hostages in Gaza, saying otherwise that Hamas has no incentive to free those in captivity. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood repeated that position Wednesday, saying it would be "shameful and wrong" to adopt the text. Ahead of the vote, Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon said: "The resolutions before the assembly today are beyond logic. (...) The vote today is not a vote for compassion. It is a vote for complicity." The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council, which has been largely paralyzed on hot-button issues such as Gaza and Ukraine due to internal politics, and this time is no different. The resolution, which is non-binding, demands "immediate access" to widespread humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, especially in the besieged north of the territory. Dozens of representatives of UN member states addressed the Assembly before the vote to offer their support to the Palestinians. "Gaza doesn't exist anymore. It is destroyed," said Slovenia's UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. "History is the harshest critic of inaction." That criticism was echoed by Algeria's deputy UN ambassador Nacim Gaouaoui, who said: "The price of silence and failure in the face of the Palestinian tragedy is a very heavy price, and it will be heavier tomorrow." Hamas's October 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. That count includes hostages who died or were killed while being held in Gaza. Militants abducted 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 44,805 people, a majority of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry that is considered reliable by the United Nations. "Gaza today is the bleeding heart of Palestine," Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said last week during the first day of debate in the Assembly's special session on the issue. "The images of our children burning in tents, with no food in their bellies and no hopes and no horizon for the future, and after having endured pain and loss for more than a year, should haunt the conscience of the world and prompt action to end this nightmare," he said, calling for an end to the "impunity." The Gaza resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present "proposals on how the United Nations could help to advance accountability" by using existing mechanisms or creating new ones based on past experience. The Assembly, for example, created an international mechanism to gather evidence of crimes committed in Syria starting from the outbreak of civil war in 2011. A second resolution calling on Israel to respect the mandate of the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and allow it to continue its operations was passed Wednesday by a vote of 159-9 with 11 abstentions. Israel has voted to ban the organization starting January 28, after accusing some UNRWA employees of taking part in Hamas's devastating attack. abd/sst/jgc
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he's picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world. Lake, an immigration hard-liner, was a television news anchor in Phoenix for nearly three decades until she left in 2021 after making a series of controversial statements on social media, including sharing COVID-19 misinformation during the pandemic. Telegenic, engaging and adept at communicating, Lake launched her political career a short time later, quickly building a loyal following and national profile as she sparred with journalists and echoed Trump in her sharp criticism of what she called the “fake news.” In a statement, Trump said Lake would be ultimately be appointed by and work closely with the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media for his incoming administration, “who I will announce soon.” He said Lake will “ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.” Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . The president-elect has in the past been a fierce critic of Voice of America, including saying in 2020 that “things they say are disgusting toward our country.” The broadcaster drew additional criticism during Trump’s first term for its coverage of the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, with a White House publication, the "1600 Daily” email summary of news and events, accusing it of using taxpayer money “to speak for authoritarian regimes.” That was after VOA covered the lifting of lockdowns in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged. VOA was founded during World War II, and its congressional charter requires it to present independent news and information to international audiences. It responded to Trump’s criticism by defending its coverage. Upon taking office in January 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration swiftly removed a number of senior officials aligned with Trump from VOA and positions affiliated with it. Lake endeared herself to Trump through her dogmatic commitment to the falsehood that both she and Trump were the victims of election fraud. She has never acknowledged losing the gubernatorial race and called herself the “lawful governor” in her 2023 book, “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.” Lake continued her unsuccessful fight in court to overturn it even after beginning her run for Senate — which she lost by an even higher margin last month, after trying to moderate her tone during her tone but struggling to keep a consistent message on thorny topics, including election fraud and abortion. Trump nonetheless considered her for his vice presidential running mate before deciding on JD Vance. Also Wednesday, Trump announced Leandro Rizzuto as his choice to be the U.S. ambassador to the Washington-based Organization of American States, and said he wanted Florida personal injury attorney Dan Newlin to be his administration's ambassador to Colombia. He also picked Peter Lamelas, a physician and the founder of one of Florida's largest urgent care companies, to be the U.S. ambassador to Argentina. Lamelas is also a large donor to the past campaigns of Trump and other top Republicans.
Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
BIOVAXYS ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF FIRST TRANCHE OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT AND ANNOUNCES DEBT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Frank Lampard makes admission as Coventry City 'match' West Brom apart from one vital areaBest Buy is running a 3-Day Sale that ends on Sunday, and a handful of doorbuster deals are dropping select products to some of their best prices of the year . The AirPods Max , for example, is seeing a generous $170 discount and comes with free three-month subscriptions to Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music. The headliner might be the TCL 65-Inch 4K QLED Smart TV , as the budget-friendly TV is on sale for the extremely low price of $320 (was $550). Best Buy Doorbuster Deals TCL 65-Inch Class Q5-Series 4K QLED Smart TV -- $320 ($ 550 ) Samsung 75-Inch Class DU6950 4K UHD Smart TV + Free 32-Inch HD LED TV -- $550 ($ 750 ) HP OmniBook X 14-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) -- $550 ($ 900 ) HP Envy 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop (AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) -- $600 ($ 1,050 ) Apple AirPods Max -- $380 ( $550 ) Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fryer Oven -- $130 ($ 330 ) The TCL 65-Inch Class Q5-Series 4K QLED Smart TV is a frugal way to upgrade your home theater, as it’s packed with some decent technology despite its low price. Beyond its 4K resolution, it offers HDR Pro+ with Dolby Vision, a 60Hz refresh rate, and an Auto Game Mode to automatically adjust your settings for the lowest possible input lag. It’s a good-looking TV too, with a metal bezel-less design that maximizes its screen space. Need something to fill a larger room? Step up to the Samsung 75-Inch Class DU6950 Series 4K UHD Smart TV , as it’s discounted to $550 (was $750). It benefits from a large 4K display, support for HDR 10+, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 4K upscaling. This deal also comes with a free 32-inch Samsung LED TV valued at $230. If you’re a college student or young professional, the HP OmniBook X is a solid choice for work or lectures. Best Buy is slashing its price to $550 (was $900), and while Qualcomm Adreno GPU isn’t the best for gaming, its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU and 16GB RAM make it ideal for anything your professors or bosses can throw at you. It also benefits from up to 26 hours of battery life--so it won’t run out of juice at an inopportune moment.
Meta said it is “99% of the way there” in solving an ongoing social media blackout with its apps. On Wednesday at around 6pm, thousands of social media users in parts of the UK reported an outage with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The social media giant reported that a “technical issue” had left users unable to access its services. DownDetector, a website that monitors social media outages, says the three cities hit worst by the outage were London, Manchester and Glasgow. Other major cities hit hard by the blackout were Cardiff, Nottingham and Birmingham. By around 10pm on Wednesday, DownDetector UK said there had been 23,445 reports of Facebook outages, 11,466 Instagram outages and 18,646 on WhatsApp across Britain. In an update issued at 10.26pm on X, Meta said the problem was now nearly resolved. A spokesperson said: “Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. “We apologise to those who’ve been affected by the outage.” Other parts of the world affected include Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, according to DownTracker. To find out if your area is affected, visit: downdetector.co.uk/status/facebook/map .OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship'
Australia backs UN call for 'immediate, unconditional, and permanent' Gaza ceasefire
Featured Stories Headlines Local Lifestyle Philacatessen Ten years ago, Nikki Schreiber decided two things: that she needed to honor her late father’s memory and that the world needed more positive and uplifting tales of Judaism. So, she created the Instagram account — now, social media brand — @humansofjudaism, which shares snapshots of Jewish people from all corners of society. The posts include details of who they are, what their daily lives are like and what Jewish religious practices and culture mean to them. “When it started it was this campy little project. It was basically ‘forcing my friends and family to follow my little page’ kind of energy,” she said with a laugh. “I started the account without any ambition other than to sort of aid my grief and work on some sort of a project with a bit of a purpose.” That was in June. By the end of August, the account had garnered more than 10,000 followers. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is interesting. We have something here,’” she said. A decade after that idea was born, the Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History in Center City is preparing to open its new installation based on Schreiber’s work and her recently released book, both of which share the same name as the brand. “Nikki’s Humans of Judaism project is one of the most moving and important social media accounts in the Jewish world today,” said Emily August, chief public engagement officer at the Weitzman. The exhibit opens on Dec. 1 and runs to Feb. 1. This follows the release of the Humans of Judaism book by Schreiber earlier this fall. “I have been able to encounter different Jewish organizations and individuals to do more and more in my father’s memory, and that’s how the brand got started,” she said. “The book is just the next exciting chapter, no pun intended, in the journey.” The exhibit consists of a curated selection of photos accompanied with the stories of their subjects. The exhibit traces the development of the brand, showing this content on digital screens, printed pages and more. Some of the entries include stories of Nissim Black, a Hasidic rapper; Aly Raisman, a Jewish American gymnast who has won six Olympic medals; and Sam Salz, a 5-foot-6 Jewish student who had never played organized football before walking onto the legendary Texas A&M University program in 2022. Schreiber said that the connections she makes and then sees forged through her work are the most rewarding parts of the whole experience. She called the account a “modern, accelerated version of Jewish geography,” in terms of how it has linked people. One example that stuck with her came after she posted a powerful image of a Holocaust survivor holding an infant. “With the tattoo on her arm and the baby, you don’t even need to know anymore information. Suddenly, on Facebook, there is a comment from a woman who said, ‘I can’t believe it — that’s me. I’m the baby,’” Schreiber said. The account was relatively new and small at this point, so it was particularly special. It turned out that the now-adult woman had been photographed years ago with her survivor grandmother, and somehow the photo found its way to Humans of Judaism. Schreiber privately messaged the woman and asked her if she had permission to share this revelation with the rest of the page. The woman approved, and the special moment was preserved. “That’s so authentic; you can’t ever plan something like that,” Schreiber said. This comes as the Weitzman prepares to begin a new era under CEO Dan Tadmor in January. The museum has previously expressed its intent to share topical Jewish stories and increase its reach through the use of modern channels like social media. This is the Weitzman’s fourth special installation of 2024. The Humans of Judaism exhibit follows one that featured portraits of hostages taken on October 7, 2023, in the Hamas attacks; an exhibit that showed photos and essays by local students at Central High School; and a pop-up version of the moving exhibit titled “The Moment the Music Stood Still: The Nova Music Festival.” “[Schreiber’s] work, like our museum, tells the stories of real Jewish people, highlighting their joys and their struggles — always with warmth and a sense of hope for our people,” August said. “It is fitting for the Weitzman to host the first in-person showcase of her work.” The Humans of Judaism account has evolved a lot in a decade, as has its purpose. What was once a lighthearted side project that focused exclusively on uplifting Jewish anecdotes has become a center for social justice activism, Holocaust education and Jewish history. Schreiber just wants to see it continue to be a space for the normal, everyday lives of Jews around the world to be celebrated in a time when it is increasingly brave to simply exist as a Jew. “This is not my book — it’s a collaborative, community effort,” she said. “My hope is that it just gives [non-Jewish] readers a nice seat at our table to learn about us, our community, our traditions and our history, and [Jewish readers] a chance to celebrate our history and traditions with a sense of pride and discovery.” [email protected] TAGS @humansofjudaism Center City Nikki Schreiber Weitzman Museum of American Jewish HistoryPackers getting healthier as season winds down
There’s been a bit of panic growing in the communities of New Jersey, as earlier reports this last month of “mysterious UFOs” the size of SUVs appearing over the New Jersey coast have only grown more and more frequent. While some believe the objects could be Iranian drones sent to spy on Americans, the truth might be far less thrilling. shared on X, the unidentified objects are most likely just one object, a drone developed by PteroDynamics. The XP-4 is one of the company’s latest technological developments, and it’s being developed for the U.S. Navy as a logistics and recon drone. This matches the videos I've seen and certainly helps explain the government's odd response. Part of the confusion surrounding New Jersey’s mysterious UFO reports, though, is the , which has continued to say that they aren’t sure who the flying objects belong to. Based on the news shared on X, though, that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. However, it wouldn’t be the first time that the U.S. government has been secretive about something like this. In fact, the government continues to hold the specifics of the various missions that its are conducting close to the chest. And, since the XP-4 is a drone designed for the U.S. military, it makes sense it wouldn’t want to talk about it too openly if it were behind sightings of New Jersey’s mysterious UFOs. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the and have reviewed the However, not everyone will buy this explanation. Some will likely still continue to hold that New Jersey’s mysterious UFOs are drones spying for other countries. What makes the PteroDynamics angle so believable, though, is the fact that the drone is the same size as what has been reported. Additionally, the XP-4’s flight path matches with the reported sightings that have been coming in over the past several weeks in New Jersey. All of that tied together with the U.S. governments reluctance to say exactly who the drones belong to could very well point to this being the truth.
Inside Tess Daly's incredible home with Vernon Kay - from quirky pets to one thing causing unbelievable stress
Share Tweet Share Share Email The cryptocurrency market thrives on innovation and speculation, with projects like Bonk drawing attention for their meme-inspired, hype-driven nature. Yet, for investors seeking real-world utility and sustainable growth, the focus shifts to platforms offering revolutionary value. Enter Lightchain AI , a project that merges blockchain technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to create a transformative ecosystem. With the Lightchain AI Presale currently priced at just $0.003 per token, the platform offers an early opportunity for investors to join a groundbreaking venture poised for significant market cap growth. Lightchain AI introduces a host of innovations, including the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM). Beyond these technological advancements, its roadmap and tokenomics underscore its commitment to scalability, sustainability, and inclusivity. This article delves into how Lightchain AI and six other leading cryptocurrencies could reach the $50 billion market cap by 2025. Lightchain AI Rising Star with Game-Changing Potential Lightchain AI is a blockchain platform that distinguishes itself by integrating AI to address real-world challenges. At the heart of its innovation is the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism, which rewards nodes for performing AI computations like model training and optimization. This approach not only ensures network security but also drives advancements in decentralized AI development. The Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) is another standout feature, providing developers with a secure and scalable environment for executing AI-specific tasks. Lightchain AI’s roadmap outlines strategic milestones, including a testnet rollout and a mainnet launch scheduled for 2025. Its tokenomics are designed to foster ecosystem growth, with the Lightchain Token (LCAI) priced at $0.003 during the presale phase. As industries like healthcare, supply chain, and finance adopt AI-powered decentralized solutions, Lightchain AI is uniquely positioned to achieve explosive growth. These innovative features make it a strong contender to join the $50 billion market cap club. Solana (SOL) Expanding Ecosystem and Mass Adoption Solana has established itself as one of the fastest and most efficient blockchain platforms in the industry. With its ability to process over 65,000 transactions per second at minimal costs, it has become the go-to choice for developers and enterprises seeking high-performance blockchain solutions. The platform’s ecosystem continues to grow, encompassing decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and gaming applications. Solana’s speed and scalability make it a preferred choice for projects requiring real-time transactions and large-scale adoption. In addition to its technical strengths, Solana’s focus on interoperability and its expanding developer community contribute to its growing influence. The platform’s partnerships with major DeFi and NFT projects have further boosted its adoption. As Solana works to improve its ecosystem and increase user engagement, it is well-positioned to attract significant investment and achieve the $50 billion market cap milestone in the coming years. Polkadot (DOT) Advancing Cross-Chain Connectivity Polkadot stands out in the cryptocurrency market for its focus on cross-chain interoperability, enabling different blockchains to communicate seamlessly. This capability addresses one of the biggest challenges in the blockchain ecosystem: isolated networks. By connecting multiple blockchains, Polkadot facilitates a new level of efficiency and scalability for decentralized applications (dApps). Its parachain auctions have attracted numerous innovative projects, fostering a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. The platform’s ability to integrate blockchains without compromising their security or performance gives it a competitive edge. Polkadot’s governance model is another key strength, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making processes and ensure the network evolves in alignment with community interests. As more developers and enterprises recognize the value of cross-chain solutions, Polkadot’s market cap is expected to grow significantly, positioning it as a top contender for the $50 billion milestone by 2025. Avalanche (AVAX) Scaling New Heights in Blockchain Performance Avalanche has become synonymous with high-performance blockchain technology, offering unparalleled scalability and low transaction costs. Its unique consensus mechanism allows the network to process thousands of transactions per second while maintaining high levels of security and decentralization. Avalanche’s support for custom subnets enables developers to create tailored blockchain environments, catering to specific use cases across industries. The platform’s ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with DeFi projects, NFT marketplaces, and enterprise applications contributing to its growth. Avalanche’s ability to deliver fast and efficient solutions makes it a preferred choice for developers and businesses. Its partnerships with prominent organizations and continuous innovation in blockchain performance underscore its potential for sustained growth. As Avalanche continues to attract new projects and users, it is well-positioned to achieve the $50 billion market cap milestone, solidifying its role as a leader in the blockchain space. Cardano (ADA) Strengthening Its Smart Contract Ecosystem Cardano is a blockchain platform renowned for its research-driven approach and emphasis on sustainability. With the introduction of the Alonzo upgrade, Cardano has significantly enhanced its capabilities by enabling smart contract functionality. This advancement has opened the door for developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on the platform, expanding its ecosystem and utility. Cardano’s focus on scalability and energy efficiency makes it a compelling choice for enterprises and governments exploring blockchain solutions. The platform’s community-driven governance model ensures that updates and developments align with the needs of its stakeholders. Cardano’s partnerships with academic institutions and research organizations further validate its commitment to innovation and reliability. As the platform continues to strengthen its smart contract ecosystem and expand its adoption, it is poised to attract significant investment. These efforts position Cardano as a strong candidate for reaching the $50 billion market cap milestone in the near future. Chainlink (LINK) Revolutionizing Data Integration Across Blockchains Chainlink has revolutionized the way blockchain applications interact with real-world data by providing reliable and tamper-proof oracle solutions. Its decentralized oracle network bridges the gap between blockchain networks and external data sources, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of smart contract operations. Chainlink’s technology is integral to the DeFi ecosystem, powering a wide range of applications, including lending protocols and insurance platforms. The platform’s partnerships with leading blockchain networks and traditional enterprises highlight its versatility and growing adoption. Chainlink’s continuous innovation, such as the introduction of hybrid smart contracts, ensures it remains a key player in the blockchain space. As the demand for secure and reliable data integration increases, Chainlink’s market cap is expected to rise significantly. This growth trajectory positions it as a strong contender for joining the $50 billion market cap club by 2025. Dogecoin (DOGE) Meme Coin with Serious Staying Power Dogecoin, initially launched as a joke, has defied expectations to become one of the most recognizable cryptocurrencies in the market. Its community-driven nature and widespread adoption have made it a popular choice for tipping, donations, and online transactions. High-profile endorsements, including those from Elon Musk, have further bolstered its visibility and appeal. Despite its origins, Dogecoin has demonstrated significant staying power, maintaining a loyal user base and consistent trading volume. The platform’s low transaction fees and fast processing times make it suitable for everyday use, contributing to its adoption. While it lacks the technological sophistication of other cryptocurrencies on this list, Dogecoin’s strong community and growing utility position it as a potential candidate for market cap growth. As it continues to gain traction, Dogecoin could surprise the market by reaching the $50 billion milestone. Why Lightchain AI is the Strongest Contender for Market Cap Growth Innovative Technology : Lightchain AI combines cutting-edge features like the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), representing significant advancements in blockchain technology. Real-World Impact : By addressing major challenges such as scalability, privacy, and governance, Lightchain AI positions itself as a platform with the potential to reshape industries. Development Roadmap : The upcoming testnet rollout and mainnet launch demonstrate Lightchain AI’s commitment to continuous growth and adoption. Sustainable Ecosystem : The tokenomics include staking rewards and payments for AI tasks, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for participants. Attractive Investment Opportunity : With a presale price of $0.003, Lightchain AI offers an appealing entry point for investors looking to explore decentralized AI solutions. Market Growth Potential : Thanks to its innovation, focus on solving global challenges, and commitment to driving adoption, Lightchain AI is well-positioned for explosive market cap growth. Betting on the Cryptos Ready for Explosive Growth The race to the $50 billion market cap club is heating up, with projects like Solana, Polkadot, Avalanche, Cardano, Chainlink, Dogecoin, and Lightchain AI leading the charge. While each cryptocurrency has its strengths, Lightchain AI’s innovative approach, robust roadmap, and inclusive tokenomics make it a standout choice for investors. As the cryptocurrency market evolves, these projects are well-positioned to deliver explosive growth, reshaping industries and driving the next wave of blockchain innovation. Lightchain AI Official Website Lightchain AI Whitepaper Join Lightchain AI Telegram Follow Lightchain AI on Twitter/X Related Items: Lightchain , press release Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Crypto Chaos Sparks Demand for Plus Wallet’s Smart Features; Binance Web3 Wallet Relaunch in Focus The Best Crypto Wallets in 2024: 4 Must-Have Options for Safety and Gains Ethereum, Solana, XRP Surge—Is Lightchain AI Poised To Join the Altcoin Season? CommentsHyderabad : As the Congress government in Telangana completed one year in office, a wave of discontent has emerged among its Muslim cadre and the larger Muslim community. Despite the party’s promises of inclusivity, the absence of Muslim representation in the state Cabinet has sparked frustration, leading to the formation of the Telangana Congress Muslim Forum (TCMF). This newly established body, headed by M.A. Basith is determined to press the Congress leadership for equitable representation and justice for the minority community. For the first time in Telangana’s history, the Muslim community finds itself entirely excluded from the state Cabinet and key administrative posts. Thirteen months into the Congress-led government, former Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir remains the sole visible Muslim figure in the administration, serving as the Adviser to the Government on Minority Affairs. The glaring lack of representation has not only alienated the community but also cast doubts on the Congress party’s commitment to its minority voters. Speaking on the issue, Basith expressed the TCMF’s deep disappointment. “The absence of Muslim ministers or significant appointments in government departments is unacceptable. It goes against the principles of inclusivity and secularism that the Congress party claims to uphold,” he said. In response to this marginalization, a group of Muslim Congress leaders who were upset with the state of affairs convened to form the TCMF. Their objective is to represent the community’s demands and ensure that Muslims have a stake in governance. At a recent meeting at Gandhi Bhavan, the party’s headquarters, TCMF members resolved to escalate their demands to the party’s High Command and state leadership. “Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, himself stated that he admired a fighting spirit, and therefore, we believe there is nothing wrong in demanding our rightful share,” Basith said. Key among their demands is the inclusion of two Muslim leaders in the Cabinet, one of whom should hail from Hyderabad. “Hyderabad has always been a hub of Muslim leadership, and neglecting its representation is a betrayal of the community,” said Basith, who is also an AICC member. The TCMF has called for a package for minorities and proposed a series of measures to ensure fair representation. These include: 1. Three MLC seats: The Forum has demanded that two of these be reserved for Sunni leaders and one for the Shia community. 2. Minority chairperson: The vacant post of Minority Chairperson of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) should be filled immediately, with the appointee being an educated and capable individual. 3. Government Boards and Corporations: The TCMF seeks adequate representation for Muslims in various Boards and Corporations, emphasizing the need for appointments at higher levels, such as party heads of different zones of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). 4. Cabinet Rank for Hyderabad leader: The forum insists on granting a Cabinet rank to a Hyderabad-born Muslim leader, recognizing the city’s significance and its Muslim population. To further its cause, the TCMF plans to launch various initiatives aimed at strengthening the community and fostering inclusivity. Among these are the establishment of a Muslim Clerics Advisory Block, a Muslim Society Block, and a Research Block. These units will provide expert guidance on community issues and propose actionable policies to the government. “We aim to eliminate polarization between communities and build a spirit of togetherness,” Basith stated, emphasizing the forum’s broader vision of social harmony. The TCMF also sought a significant boost to the promotion of the Urdu language, emphasizing its cultural and historical importance. Additionally, it demanded that Muslim Congress leaders be given appropriate representation and prominence during all public events organized by the party. While the TCMF hopes to resolve the matter through dialogue and negotiations, it has not ruled out the possibility of resorting to Gandhian-style Satyagraha. This protest, if undertaken, would serve as a reminder of the Congress party’s historical roots in the freedom movement and its obligation to uphold justice and equality. The demands of the TCMF pose a challenge for the Congress government in Telangana. With the state’s Muslim community playing a crucial role in elections, ignoring their grievances could have long-term political repercussions. On the other hand, addressing the TCMF’s demands could help rebuild trust and reinforce the party’s secular credentials. As the TCMF prepares to intensify its efforts, the onus lies on the Congress leadership to demonstrate its commitment to diversity and fair representation. For the Muslim community in Telangana, the coming months will determine whether their voices are heard or if they remain sidelined in the political landscape.rsity and fair representation. For the Muslim community in Telangana, the coming months will determine whether their voices are heard or if they remain sidelined in the political landscape.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams appears open to switching parties to become a Republican, as he declined to rule out a future change in political allegiances during a pair of interviews Friday that came as he has increasing warmed to President-elect Donald Trump. The comments from Adams, the top Democrat in one of the country's most liberal cities, riled critics who have grown concerned over the mayor's increasing willingness to throw his support behind Trump and his hardline immigration policies. Adams, who faces federal corruption charges , was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s but has spent his political career as a Democrat. In a Friday morning interview with the local cable news station NY1, Adams was asked if he would consider a return to the GOP. The Democrat appeared to leave open the possibility of a switch. “The party that’s the most important for me is the American party,” he said. “I’m a part of the American party. I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave.” In another interview about a half-hour later on PIX11, Adams said he would run for reelection as a Democrat but still appeared to leave some wiggle room for his future. “So no matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for the American values," he said. "And I think America has told us, stop the squabbling, leaders, and start leading us out of the crisis that we’re facing.” Adams won office on a centrist platform and has spent significant time as mayor quarreling with the progressive wing of his party. But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump's election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect's platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration. Rather than restricting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as he once promised, Adams recently expressed a willingness to roll back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies, and he plans to meet with Trump’s top border official over concerns about what the mayor said was the “rising illegal alien crime rate in New York City.” He has also praised those in Trump’s orbit, including Elon Musk, who has claimed falsely that Democrats are illegally “importing” migrants to garner votes. “This is a racehorse that wanted to run its right pace and we’ve been holding back that racehorse out of fear of being canceled,” Adams said of the country Tuesday. “And now you have a bunch of people who are not afraid of being canceled.” The shift comes as Adams is trying to fight off an indictment on federal corruption charges while governing the city and gearing up to run for a second term. Adams has pleaded not guilty in his criminal case, in which he has been accused of accepting free or discounted overseas trips and illegal campaign contributions from people looking to gain his influence, including people connected to Turkey or the Turkish government. Adams’ critics have seized on his recent comments about the Trump administration as a move toward self-preservation, accusing the mayor of cozying up to the next president in an effort to secure a pardon in his corruption case. “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for reelection in a Democratic primary,” said Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member who is challenging against Adams in the mayoral primary. “Eric Adams is in City Hall because Democratic voters sent him there. To serve his own narrow self-interests, he is clearly prepared to betray them.” Zellnor Myrie, a state senator who is also challenging Adams in the primary, said “at a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.” “Instead of playing footsie with the next president, we need a mayor with the courage to stand up for our city,” Myrie wrote on X. Adams on Friday did distance himself from the Trump administration's potential plans to carry out mass deportations, saying, “You know, I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation.” Still, the mayor's recent remarks are a major departure from his stance before he took office. In June of 2021, a few weeks before winning the Democratic mayoral primary, Adams spoke to a room full of immigrant New Yorkers about the challenges facing city residents who are in the country illegally. “Too many of our neighbors live in the shadows,” he said at the time, “scarred by the abusive rhetoric and tactics of the Trump era and fearing a denial of their rights.” Izaguirre reported from Albany.