Capricor Therapeutics to Present at Upcoming Investor ConferencesFormer U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner has filed to run for a seat on the New York City Council, launching a potential political comeback after his once-promising career was destroyed by sexting scandals and later a criminal conviction for having illicit online contact with a child. Campaign finance records list a campaign committee that was set up on Friday for Weiner called Weiner 25, in addition to listing him as a candidate for a council seat in lower Manhattan. In a phone conversation Tuesday with The Associated Press, Weiner, a Democrat, said he is “still exploring” whether to actually campaign for the office. He said he opened the committee late last week so he could participate in a forum held by the Downtown Independent Democrats later this week. He referred additional questions to recent statements he made on his weekly radio show, “The Middle with Anthony Weiner,” where he said: “I haven't decided if I want to do this yet" while considering the personal dynamics of a return to politics. Weiner represented a congressional district in New York City for about 12 years before he resigned in 2011 after sending lewd photos to several women. He tried to make a comeback in 2013 to run for mayor but was damaged by new revelations of explicit photos Weiner had sent under the online alias “Carlos Danger.” Weiner pleaded guilty in 2017 to having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl and was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. He was released in 2019 and was ordered to register as a sex offender . Izaguirre reported from Albany, N.Y.
None
After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soonNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed close, as gains for tech stocks nudged the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq to more records. The S&P 500 eked out a gain of under 0.1% Tuesday, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.2%. Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. The value of the South Korean won sank against the dollar after its president declared martial law and then later said he’ll lift it. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Recently published research insights from global firm Info-Tech Research Group are providing IT leaders in the education sector with a strategic framework to implement AI use. The resource outlines use cases and advisory on how institutions can adopt AI technologies responsibly to enhance operational efficiency, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes. The firm explains that by evaluating key factors such as technology, feasibility, and industry relevance, institutions can create impactful AI roadmaps that align with their goals and drive meaningful improvements in schools. TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, its adoption in education presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges. From aligning AI initiatives with institutional goals to addressing budgetary constraints and managing the complexities of emerging technologies, the integration process demands careful planning and execution. To support institutions in overcoming these obstacles, Info-Tech Research Group has published an industry blueprint, Prioritize AI Use Cases for Education . The resource contains the global research and advisory firm's research insights and recommendations for IT leaders to identify and prioritize AI use cases tailored to their institutions' needs. Info-Tech's blueprint provides a framework for adopting AI responsibly, which will support institutions in enhancing operational efficiency, improving student engagement, and making informed, data-driven decisions. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.SIOUX CITY -- The Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau's hotel/motel tax collection was the highest on record in the last fiscal year at more than $2.8 million. Franz Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal Kristi Franz, executive director of the Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCRCVB) told the Sioux City Council Monday that $2,843,241.80 was collected and that the bureau now has 10 lodging partners. The SCRCVB, which does business as Explore Siouxland, focuses on bringing in new events and marketing Sioux City as a destination for tourists, conventions and sporting events. "We currently have 10 hotel partners and we will add our 11th, which will be the Double Tree," Franz said. The SCRCVB is primarily funded through a 1.65% lodging fee paid by guests at hotels in Sioux City, South Sioux City, North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes that have opted in. The fee is in addition to the 7% hotel/motel tax collected on all rooms in Sioux City. Half of that 7% tax is currently earmarked for tourism purposes, while the other half goes to the city's general fund. "I think the large tick up in our hotel/motel tax revenue shows that we have more heads in beds," Councilwoman Julie Schoenherr said. "I think it has a lot to do with tourism, with the sports tourism -- many contributors to that. That really tells a lot. It's a good measure of the improvements that are being made." Kristi Franz, Executive Director of the Sioux City Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, talks about her job during an interview in downtown Sioux City. Franz said the SCRCVB has a "really big announcement" coming soon, which she said will have a significant economic impact on the community. "I can't tell you what it is until the state tells me that I can tell you. But it's going to be huge for the Siouxland area," she said. "It's going to have a huge economic impact, and I cannot wait to share that information with you." Mayor Pro Tem Dan Moore asked Franz what the SCRCVB's strengths and weaknesses are and how it measures success. Franz said the SCRCVB subscribes to Destinations International's economic impact calculator, which she said provides a "good breakdown" of where people are coming from, how much money is being spent on hotels, restaurants, retail and gas stations. "It's hard to really gauge successes," she said. "Our hotel partners are very happy with what we're doing. They've seen their occupancy reports are going up. When we have our meetings with them, they're really happy, as well as the other communities that we partner with." Kristi Franz, executive director of the Sioux City Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, is shown Tuesday in downtown Sioux City. Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal Moore also asked, "If there's anything that you could change in Sioux City to make improvements, what would that be, if anything? Maybe there's nothing." Franz said the capacity for flights at Sioux Gateway Airport is one of the biggest hurdles in bringing large-scale events to the community. "Sioux City's an amazing community. We just wish we could get more people here," said Franz who noted that the city already has the facilities, hotels and amenities to accommodate such events. "That has been something that we have tried to work around, saying, 'Well, if you fly into Sioux Falls or Omaha, we'll try to have a hospitality area and send a bus to come and get you.'" Franz said most visitors are coming from up to a 75-mile radius of Sioux City, followed by Omaha, Sioux Falls/Mitchell, Des Moines/Ames, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney. "Most of the advertising and marketing that we do you probably won't see in the Sioux City area, because we are targeting those destinations 75 miles and out," she said. Local leaders refocused their tourism efforts after Sioux City eliminated the city department that oversaw not only tourism, but also the Tyson Events Center and the Convention Center. The change occurred after the city hired OVG360, formerly Spectra, a Philadelphia-based venue management firm, to run the Tyson. The Convention & Visitors Bureau Board manages the new CVB, while the Events Facilities Advisory Board continues to oversee the city-owned venues. The Journal’s Jared McNett shows how to download and browse the Sioux City Journal's app. Jesse Brothers
The smartphone world is abuzz with anticipation for the next generation of flagships. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is still months away, whispers of the OnePlus 13 and 13R are already making waves. Could these be the devices that finally give Samsung a run for its money in the Android arena? OnePlus has a history of delivering impressive specs and performance at competitive prices, often undercutting Samsung’s premium flagships. With the rumored advancements in the OnePlus 13 series, the competition in the Android space could be fiercer than ever. We’ll delve into the expected features, performance upgrades, and potential pricing of the OnePlus 13 and 13R, analyzing how they stack up against the rumored specs of the Samsung Galaxy S25. Get ready for a head-to-head comparison that will help you decide which flagship might reign supreme in 2024. OnePlus 13 and 13R: What We Know So Far While official details are scarce, leaks and rumors provide a glimpse into what the OnePlus 13 and 13R might offer. Here’s a breakdown: Taking on the Galaxy S25: Key Battlegrounds The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to be a powerhouse in its own right. Here’s how the OnePlus 13 and 13R could challenge Samsung’s dominance: My Take: OnePlus Needs More Than Just Specs I’ve been a long-time user of both OnePlus and Samsung devices. While OnePlus excels in delivering raw performance and fast charging, Samsung often has an edge in areas like software refinement, camera consistency, and overall user experience. For OnePlus to truly challenge Samsung, the 13 series needs to go beyond impressive specs. Here’s what I believe is crucial: Beyond the Flagship: The OnePlus 13R Factor The OnePlus 13R plays a crucial role in the company’s strategy. It targets a more price-sensitive segment, potentially going head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition). By offering a slightly toned-down version of the flagship with a more aggressive price, OnePlus can capture a wider audience. This strategy could be particularly effective in markets where price sensitivity is high. The Intrigue of Early Adoption One potential advantage for OnePlus is an earlier release date. If the 13 series launches before the Galaxy S25, it could capture early adopters and set the tone for the year’s flagship competition. However, this strategy also carries risks. If the 13 series fails to impress, it could lose momentum quickly once the S25 arrives. The Verdict: A Potential Turning Point The OnePlus 13 and 13R have the potential to be formidable contenders in the Android flagship space. With the expected advancements in performance, charging, and camera technology, they could push Samsung to innovate further and offer even more compelling devices. However, OnePlus needs to address its weaknesses in software refinement, camera consistency, and long-term support to truly challenge Samsung’s dominance. The smartphone battle of 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting one. Whether OnePlus can seize this opportunity to become a true leader remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: consumers will be the ultimate winners as these two giants push the boundaries of smartphone technology. Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Coming Months As we get closer to the launch of the OnePlus 13 series, we can expect more concrete information to emerge. Keep an eye out for: The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the OnePlus 13 and 13R can live up to the hype and truly challenge the Samsung Galaxy S25.
Representatives will meet with global partners to share market insights and discuss the company's unique supply chain solutions HOUSTON , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith , a leading global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors, today announces its attendance at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada . Company representatives will be on hand to meet with current and potential customers during the trade show, which runs from Tuesday, January 7 , to Friday, January 10, 2025 . CES, also known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is widely regarded as the world's premier technology showcase. The biggest names in consumer electronics and entertainment will gather to debut their newest products and cutting-edge innovations. "This is a great opportunity for us to shake hands with our customers, forge new relationships, and gain insights into their needs and the challenges they face within the semiconductor supply chain," said Todd Burke , Smith's President of Global Business Development. "We are excited to demonstrate how Smith's customized programs can help keep chip inventories in balance and how our open-market strategies can generate new revenue streams." Todd and his team will discuss the benefits of supplier diversification , robust inventory management , and staying ahead of market trends . "As artificial-intelligence products and services become more mainstream, demand will continue to rise for the components powering its processing capabilities," said Todd. "Smith's agile sourcing team, broad global reach, and decades of industry expertise underpin our ability to develop fully customizable solutions that help our customers avoid supply chain disruptions and support their success." Visit Smith's CES landing page to schedule a meeting. About Smith Founded in 1984, Smith is celebrating 40 years of Intelligent DistributionTM. As a leading independent distributor of electronic components, Smith sources, manages, tests, and ships billions of components to partners worldwide in every industry and vertical. Offering a comprehensive suite of flexible and scalable supply chain solutions, Smith identifies and delivers customized service programs to support its customers' success. The company's expertise is backed by decades of market data, cutting-edge technology, and a systems-based approach to quality excellence. Smith has generated more than USD $12.9 billion in global revenue since 2019 and ranks eleventh among all global distributors. Visit www.smithweb.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-smith-at-ces-2025-in-las-vegas-302334000.html SOURCE SmithWesco Declares Quarterly Dividend on Common Stock and Preferred Stock
Alabama A&M fires football coach Connell Maynor after 7 seasonsUS effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsChurch of Scientology Food Drive Makes Thanksgiving Special for 300 Local Families