From here on out, it gets real for the Washington men's basketball team. That's not to suggest the first two months of the season didn't matter, but the caliber of opponents will exponentially increase for the Huskies, who clobbered New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) 90-53 on Sunday afternoon in their nonconference finale. "There's a lot of times this program — and a lot of programs — haven't won nine games all year. Let's not forget that," coach Danny Sprinkle said noting UW's 9-4 overall record and 0-2 mark in the Big Ten. "This team being a brand-new team, that's a hell of a nonconference for these guys ... to be 9-4 before New Year's. That's a heck of a job by this team and by my staff. I'm not taking any credit for it. "We've beaten some really good teams in Colorado State, Santa Clara and Washington State. ... I don't know if I've given our team enough credit or confidence for winning those games, because you kind of go in as a coach like expecting to play really well and to win those games. But I also have to be a realist too." The Huskies desperately wanted to end the nonconference portion of their schedule on a high note and the Highlanders (2-12), who have lost 14 straight road games, were overmatched and undermanned against Washington, which executed a flawless paint-by-numbers performance in front of 6,779 at Alaska Airlines Arena. The largest blowout of the season for UW allowed Sprinkle to rest starters, empty the bench and get a long look at seldom-used reserves. The Huskies also welcomed back senior forward Wilhelm Breidenbach who finished with 10 points and five rebounds in his first outing since sustaining a concussion on Dec. 18. "I was having symptoms right after and I couldn't play in our last game and was just getting back into practice," said Breidenbach who converted 3 of 4 shots, including two 3-pointers. "But it's been fine. It's a good group of guys, so it's easy to easy to get back into the group." Washington missed Breidenbach during its previous game when they lost 79-70 to Seattle U and was outrebounded 36-33. "We're totally different and you can see how much we missed him against Seattle U," Sprinkle said. "Everything flows better with him in the game. We're a more normal team offensively, and then defensively we're way better because he knows coverages. He's played a lot of basketball. He rebounds and his size." Forward Great Osobor added: "He just changes us in a way, like he's one of our highest IQ players and he's 6-10. He just makes reads that come natural to him. ... It's stuff you can't teach he does, and he just makes us a better team." Before his earliest departure of the season, Osobor, who had team-high tying 12 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes, connected on his first three-pointer of the season after missing eight attempts. Osobor also orchestrated the game's biggest highlight when he pushed the pace on a fast break and delivered a pass through a thicket of defenders to a streaking Tyler Harris who flushed a crowd-pleading two-hand dunk for a 58-30 lead with 15:52 left. "When I got the rebound, my mind says, 'Just go'," Osobor said. "It's just natural for me and I've been doing it my whole life. ... I see Tyler rim running. I'd already had one or two turnovers at that point, and the gap was kind of tight. "Then I thought, 'Is this a bad pass?' Maybe and then I just threw anyway and it got to where it needed to go and Tyler did the rest." Speaking of firsts, backup center KC Ibeweke, who appeared in just four games before Sunday, scored for the first time and finished with nine points on 3-for-5 shooting in 16 minutes. "I thought he played hard," Sprinkle said. "He did a really good job in ball screen defense. He did a lot of stuff the casual fan, they have no idea because they don't know what we're supposed to do defensively. "He executed all those and I'm proud of him, because we're going to need him. We're going to need his size and his girth, In Big Ten play, he's got to play meaningful minutes for us." Following a sporadic start, it took Washington about 10 minutes to seize control. After Osobor spun free for a layup, guard Tyree Ihenacho drove to the rim for a basket and collected a steal for a fastbreak layup that capped a 6-0 run, which put UW up 32-18 with 6:30 left in the first half. Minutes later, freshman guard Jase Butler drained an open 3-pointer off a feed from Butler that gave the Huskies a 42-22 lead just before the break. Washington led 46-26 at halftime and outscored NJIT 44-27 in the second half thanks in large part to freshman guard Zoom Diallo who finished with a career-high five assists and had 10 of his 12 points after the intermission. Sebastian Robinson had 16 points, Tim Moore 14 and Ari Fulton 11 for the Highlanders, which shot 37.3% from the field and converted 3 of 17 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Washington shot 55.7% on field goals, including 10 of 24 on 3-pointers and converted 12 of 14 free throws. The Huskies has more rebounds (33-29), assists (21-5), steals (12-2), bench points (47-4) and fewer turnovers (5-13). "We didn't get sloppy today," Sprinkle said. "Sometimes in those games, you can get sloppy and guys try to do too much, but I thought we did a great job sharing the basketball and only had five turnovers. ... When we're passing the ball well and making the extra pass, those are the games where we go 10 of 24 from three." Immediately after the game, the Huskies began preparing for Thursday's pivotal matchup at home against Maryland (11-2, 1-1), which starts an 18-game trek through the Big Ten. "As a staff, we'll get going tonight," Sprinkle said. "I want our guys to get away, relax, get some treatment and enjoy this win. Like I said, winning at this level is hard. You have to be able to enjoy it. But once midnight hits, we got to, we got to turn our attention to Maryland." The Terrapins are ranked 10th in the NET and have rarely been tested while outscoring opponents by 26.2 points, which is tops among Division I teams. Maryland boasts a high-powered offense that ranks 10th in the country in scoring (87.2 points per game) as well as a resilient defense that's 13th nationally in points allowed (61.1). "Obviously, it's great team coming in," Osobor said. "We already know they've been killing it all year and it's exciting. It's why you come to Washington. So, I'm excited. "I feel like our team, we've had ups and downs, but one thing is, we've learned each game is who we are. And as long as we can keep establishing our identity and doing things we want to do, then I think we'll take it head on and handle these game one game at a time."Canada stocks higher at close of trade; S&P/TSX Composite up 0.05%Into the earthcasino games download free app 。

Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own As technology drives humanity into a hyper-connected future, the infrastructure supporting this digital revolution—networking, cybersecurity, and data centers—is the cornerstone of every industry. Praveen Kumar Gopalakrishnan has an essential role in this domain, blending expertise and innovation to redefine how organizations manage their IT ecosystems. Networking enables data to flow seamlessly between devices, applications, and users across the globe. As industries adopt increasingly complex systems, ensuring these networks remain reliable, scalable, and secure is a monumental task. With over 23 years of experience, Praveen Kumar has designed and managed high-performance networks prioritizing low latency, high availability, and scalability. He has leveraged advanced tools such as high-end switches, routers, and NGFW to enhance traffic management, strengthen security, and reduce bottlenecks. His skills in integrating advanced load balancing technologies, such as F5 Load Balancers, have optimized traffic distribution and ensured seamless user experiences, even during peak usage. Praveen ensures that organizations, whether corporate giants or nonprofits, maintain robust networks capable of supporting their critical operations. In an era where data breaches are among the greatest threats to organizations, cybersecurity has become a critical focus. The modern landscape of interconnected devices and cloud computing has expanded the attack surface, making sophisticated defenses essential. Praveen’s work in cybersecurity has fortified organizations against these threats. He implemented next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) such as Palo Alto Networks and Checkpoint to bolster threat detection and prevention. And by enforcing zero trust frameworks and adhering to stringent regulatory standards like PCI DSS, Praveen has ensured the safety of sensitive financial and donor data. Data centers form the core of IT operations, housing the infrastructure that supports applications, storage, and computing. With the rise of cloud-based solutions and hybrid environments, the role of the data center has evolved, demanding efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Praveen has led multiple data center migrations and consolidations, ensuring seamless transitions and optimized performance. Praveen has overseen end-to-end migration projects that transitioned legacy systems to cutting-edge environments, from data collection and site assessments to system configurations. By replacing outdated hardware and centralizing resources, he has achieved significant cost and energy savings. This shows an understanding of balancing operational demands with sustainability, delivering technical performance and environmental benefits. Praveen’s transition to the nonprofit sector brings a unique perspective to his technical expertise. In his role at a major nonprofit focused on children’s health, he has applied these skills to ensure the organization’s IT systems are resilient and aligned with its life-saving mission. By strengthening network security, enhancing remote access capabilities, and reducing operational costs through data center optimizations, Praveen has redirected resources toward the organization’s humanitarian goals, making a tangible difference in the lives of many. Emerging trends such as edge and intent based computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum security will change how organizations manage their IT ecosystems. Praveen Kumar Gopalakrishnan hopes for a future where these technologies not only enhance performance but also drive sustainability and inclusivity. His work is a blueprint for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges in corporate boardrooms or nonprofit mission fields. For Praveen, technology is a platform that proves that innovation and impact can interconnect with the right expertise and vision.

HOUSTON — A severe line of storms moved through Wharton County on Thursday, and the sheriff’s office posted about three different tornadoes. A Tornado Warning was in effect for Wharton County from around 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. as the line was moving through. According to the sheriff’s office, there were sightings at Loop 183 and County Road 428, FM 960 and FM 961 and in the area of Highway 59 and the El Campo truck stop heading northeast towards Pierce. As we get more images and videos in from Wharton County, we will post it here. You can share your photos and videos with us through the Near Me feature of our news app. But please don't put yourself in danger to get the shot.Forever homes: The house design that can be personalised to your changing needsLeBron James ruled out of Lakers' game at Minnesota on Friday with foot soreness

Police say suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing wasn't a client of the insurer

File photo MANILA, Philippines — Nearly four out of 10 jobs in the Philippines are “highly” exposed to artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to either displace workers or support various tasks to boost the productivity of employees, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. In a country report dated Dec. 20, the Washington-based institution estimated that 36 percent of jobs in the Philippines are “highly exposed” to AI, which can either replace human workers or “complement“ tasks to boost the efficiency of employees. The good news is “more than half” of those highly impacted jobs were also rated as “highly complementary”—where AI can augment rather than take over the tasks performed by the worker. READ: Adopt AI or perish This means that 14 percent of the total workforce in the Philippines are at risk of being replaced by AI, the IMF warned, adding that the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector might experience shifts amid recent advances in such a technology. The IMF specifically noted the proliferation of AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants that now handle more customer service tasks. IMF staff estimated that roles such as technicians, services and sales, and clerical support have large exposures to AI. At the same time, these positions may also see the highest risk of job displacement due to the low potential for AI to just provide support to—and not replace—the workers in these occupations. On the flip side, there are a lot of opportunities for AI to augment the tasks of managers, professionals and machine operators. Workers in craft and trades, skilled agriculture, and elementary occupations were the least impacted by AI. The IMF also said that AI exposure varies by gender in the Philippines. It estimated that approximately half of all jobs held by women were highly exposed to the disruptions, compared to a quarter by men. “It is due to more women being employed as clerical support, service, and sales workers whereas men have a higher share in trades, agriculture, machine operations, and elementary occupations which are less likely to be impacted by AI at this stage,” it added. The latest country report was a product of the IMF’s 2024 Article IV Consultation in the Philippines that wrapped up early this month. And the findings were not surprising at all considering how vibrant the local information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector is. For this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects BPO revenues to grow by 6 percent to $31.4 billion. This means BPO receipts would outperform the growth of other key dollar engines such as remittances, which are projected to expand by just 3 percent based on BSP forecasts. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, the umbrella organization of IT-BPM firms in the country, is projecting a much better revenue haul of $37.5 billion and for the domestic workforce headcount across the industry to reach 1.82 million by year’s end. Given the Philippines’ service-based economy, the IMF said the government would need to invest in digital infrastructure and education to ensure that the gains from AI use “are widely shared.” The IMF also urged local authorities to “strengthen the social safety net” for workers that will be replaced by AI. “The authorities concur that skills gaps, including those related to Al, and the high cost of power are the biggest bottlenecks to greater private sector investment,” the fund said. “They hope that joint efforts between the private sector and government agencies to modernize education curriculums, along with greater training for teachers at all levels and use of digitalization, will improve education outcomes,” it added. The IMF said that AI will have a potential impact on the global labor market, citing many studies predicting the likelihood that jobs will be replaced by AI, but in many cases will likely complement human work. In its study, it said almost 40 percent of global employment is exposed to AI. “Historically, automation and information technology have tended to affect routine tasks, but one of the things that sets AI apart is its ability to impact high-skilled jobs. As a result, advanced economies face greater risks from AI—but also more opportunities to leverage its benefits—compared with emerging markets and developing economies,” it noted. In advanced economies, it said about 60 percent of jobs may be impacted by AI. “Roughly half the exposed jobs may benefit from AI integration, enhancing productivity. For the other half, AI applications may execute key tasks currently performed by humans, which could lower labor demand, leading to lower wages and reduced hiring. In the most extreme cases, some of these jobs may disappear,” it warned. In emerging markets and low-income countries, by contrast, AI exposure is expected to be 40 percent and 26 percent, respectively, according to the IMF. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . “These findings suggest emerging market and developing economies face fewer immediate disruptions from AI. At the same time, many of these countries don’t have the infrastructure or skilled workforces to harness the benefits of AI, raising the risk that over time the technology could worsen inequality among nations,” it noted.AI Is Becoming a Leadership Tool for Young Managers

Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Kirodi Lal Meena on Friday (December 6, 2024) accused the police of acting against him over his “objections” on the SHO’s behaviour while detaining people who sought cancellation of the Superintendent (SI) recruitment exam over alleged irregularities. He claimed that he could tell on whose direction the “FIR” was registered. However, police commissioner Biju George Joseph said that no FIR was registered against him, but the sequence of events was mentioned in a daily diary or ‘Rojnamcha’ by the SHO of Mahesh Nagar Police station regarding the incident of Tuesday (December 3, 2024) night. The SHO on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) night detained Manju Sharma, who is seeking the cancellation of the SI recruitment exam. She then went to the Vikas Bidhuri’s residence to detain him on directions of the senior police officers following intelligence inputs that they were planning to disrupt the prime minister’s visits to Jaipur in support of their demand. When the SHO was at Bidhuri’s residence and was trying to call him out, Kirodi Meena reached there and scolded her. He allegedly rebuked her and questioned her actions. On Friday (December 6, 2024), Mr. Meena held a press conference and demanded action against Mahesh Nagar SHO Kavita Sharma. “Only the chief minister can tell on whose behest the FIR was lodged. Why was it lodged, what is the reason? As per the provision in BNSS, I went to save (Manju Sharma and Vikas ) from the police. I did not take the law in my hands,” he said. He said that he would reveal the names of the officers and political leaders who have acted against him only after meeting the BJP state president. Mr. Meena said that the “strictest” action should be taken against SHO Kavita Sharma. He said that some officers were protecting her, and the government should take the matter seriously. He demanded her arrest in a case that was registered against her in the past. On Wednesday (December 4, 2024) morning, Kirodi Meena reached the residence of Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham with Manju Sharma and Vikas Bidhuri and demanded action against the SHO. He alleged that some officials have given an intelligence report to the state government stating that he has plans to disrupt Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming events in Rajasthan. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit on December 9. Without naming any official, Mr. Meena termed it an attempt by the officers to spoil his image and to create a divide between him and the chief minister. Meanwhile, when contacted Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, he said, “No FIR was registered against the minister. The SHO mentioned the sequence of events in the Rojnamcha’. Published - December 07, 2024 02:53 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Rajasthan / police