Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against a doctor in the state of New York alleging the doctor prescribed abortion medication to a woman in Texas therefore violating the state’s strict anti-abortion law. In the first-of-its-kind lawsuit, Paxton is testing the bounds of conflicting state abortion laws by pursuing litigation against a doctor in New York – where shield laws protect providers from out-of-state investigations and prosecutions. The 11-page lawsuit, filed in Collin County, Texas , alleges Dr. Margaret Carpenter illegally prescribed the abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol via telehealth to a 20-year-old woman in Collins County. The lawsuit claims the 20-year-old woman sought and took the medications without informing the father of the fetus when she was nine weeks pregnant. But he later found out about the medication abortion after the woman had to be taken to the hospital for severe bleeding. Paxton alleges Carpenter was not permitted to prescribe the medication via telehealth because she is not a licensed physician in Texas and state law only allows for abortion when the patient’s life is at risk or there is a “serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function.” The Texas AG claims Carpenter has seen multiple patients in Texas and has done this. Carpenter is the co-founder and co-medical director of Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine , a clinic that provides “telemedicine abortion care to patients in all 50 states.” Her biography says she has worked in reproductive health for years, volunteering with Planned Parenthood and providing medical and surgical abortions since 1999. The Independent has asked Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine for comment. “Carpenter’s knowing and continuing violations of Texas law places women and unborn children in Texas at risk,” Paxton argued. Paxton is asking the Texas court to prevent Carpenter from practicing telehealth in the state and impose a $100,000 fine for each violation. But it’s unclear how far the lawsuit can go given New York’s law protects providers from out-of-state lawsuits like this by refusing to order a defendant, like Carpenter, to comply with extradition, arrest and legal proceedings in other states The state’s shield law also gives prescribers who are sued the ability to countersue to recover damages. Paxton has relentlessly pursued litigation against those who provide or seek abortion in the state. He sent threatening letters to medical providers in 2023 after a woman named Kate Cox got explicit permission to obtain a medically necessary abortion. His lawsuit, of course, has only arisen because the Supreme Court overturned the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade in 2022. Roe made abortion a federal right – preventing each state from outright banning it. But now, with each state responsible for creating its own law, immense legal and social conflict has arisen. One way those living in states with strict abortion bans, like Texas, have skirted around rules is by using telehealth to obtain abortion medication. But lawsuits like this and others risk the availability of it.

Christopher Nolan to bring Homer's The Odyssey to IMAX in next film

By KENYA HUNTER, Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington . As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race , held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets , he didn’t just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin. “It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.” After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris , many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote in their communities. They had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Harris, who would have been the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Harris’ loss spurred a wave of Black women across social media resolving to prioritize themselves, before giving so much to a country that over and over has shown its indifference to their concerns. AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy in the United States was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, with Trump set to return to office in two months, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. “America is going to have to save herself,” said LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the national voting rights group Black Voters Matter. She compared Black women’s presence in social justice movements as “core strategists and core organizers” to the North Star, known as the most consistent and dependable star in the galaxy because of its seemingly fixed position in the sky. People can rely on Black women to lead change, Brown said, but the next four years will look different. “That’s not a herculean task that’s for us. We don’t want that title. ... I have no goals to be a martyr for a nation that cares nothing about me,” she said. AP VoteCast paints a clear picture of Black women’s concerns. Black female voters were most likely to say that democracy was the single most important factor for their vote, compared to other motivators such as high prices or abortion. More than 7 in 10 Black female voters said they were “very concerned” that electing Trump would lead the nation toward authoritarianism, while only about 2 in 10 said this about Harris. About 9 in 10 Black female voters supported Harris in 2024, according to AP VoteCast, similar to the share that backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump received support from more than half of white voters, who made up the vast majority of his coalition in both years. Like voters overall, Black women were most likely to say the economy and jobs were the most important issues facing the country, with about one-third saying that. But they were more likely than many other groups to say that abortion and racism were the top issues, and much less likely than other groups to say immigration was the top issue. Despite those concerns, which were well-voiced by Black women throughout the campaign, increased support from young men of color and white women helped expand Trump’s lead and secured his victory. Politically engaged Black women said they don’t plan to continue positioning themselves in the vertebrae of the “backbone” of America’s democracy. The growing movement prompting Black women to withdraw is a shift from history, where they are often present and at the forefront of political and social change. One of the earliest examples is the women’s suffrage movement that led to ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution , which gave women the right to vote. Black women, however, were prevented from voting for decades afterward because of Jim Crow-era literacy tests, poll taxes and laws that blocked the grandchildren of slaves from voting. Most Black women couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black women were among the organizers and counted among the marchers brutalized on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, during the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery that preceded federal legislation. Decades later, Black women were prominent organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and vigilantes. In his 2024 campaign, Trump called for leveraging federal money to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government programs and discussions of race, gender or sexual orientation in schools. His rhetoric on immigration, including false claims that Black Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, drove support for his plan to deport millions of people . Tenita Taylor, a Black resident of Atlanta who supported Trump this year, said she was initially excited about Harris’ candidacy. But after thinking about how high her grocery bills have been, she feels that voting for Trump in hopes of finally getting lower prices was a form of self-prioritization. “People say, ‘Well, that’s selfish, it was gonna be better for the greater good,”’ she said. “I’m a mother of five kids. ... The things that (Democrats) do either affect the rich or the poor.” Some of Trump’s plans affect people in Olivia Gordon’s immediate community, which is why she struggled to get behind the “Black women rest” wave. Gordon, a New York-based lawyer who supported the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s presidential nominee, Claudia de la Cruz, worries about who may be left behind if the 92% of Black women voters who backed Harris simply stopped advocating. “We’re talking millions of Black women here. If millions of Black women take a step back, it absolutely leaves holes, but for other Black women,” she said. “I think we sometimes are in the bubble of if it’s not in your immediate circle, maybe it doesn’t apply to you. And I truly implore people to understand that it does.” Nicole Lewis, an Alabama-based therapist who specializes in treating Black women’s stress, said she’s aware that Black women withdrawing from social impact movements could have a fallout. But she also hopes that it forces a reckoning for the nation to understand the consequences of not standing in solidarity with Black women. “It could impact things negatively because there isn’t that voice from the most empathetic group,” she said. “I also think it’s going to give other groups an opportunity to step up. ... My hope is that they do show up for themselves and everyone else.” Brown said a reckoning might be exactly what the country needs, but it’s a reckoning for everyone else. Black women, she said, did their job when they supported Harris in droves in hopes they could thwart the massive changes expected under Trump. “This ain’t our reckoning,” she said. “I don’t feel no guilt.” AP polling editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.HUNDREDS of people have staged a demonstration in Dublin in “utter solidarity” with Nikita Hand, who won a civil case against MMA fighter Conor McGregor. Ms Hand, who accused Mr McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. She was described as “incredibly brave” and celebrated for “standing up for survivors” of assault by those who attended the demonstration in Dublin. Mr McGregor has said in social media posts that he intends to appeal against the decision. Monday’s protest march was organised by the socialist feminist movement group Rosa to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Participants chanted “stand with Nikita” and “no more fear, no more shaming – we reject your victim blaming” as they carried signs and banners through the capital’s streets. The demonstration was bookended by speeches from attendees including organisers Ruth Coppinger , a councillor and general election candidate for People Before Profit in Dublin West, and Natasha O’Brien , who became a national figure in activism on violence against women after a soldier received a suspended sentence for assaulting her. Ms Coppinger told the crowd that Ms Hand , who she characterised as “an incredibly brave woman”, was watching live video of the event remotely. She said Ms Hand was not attending personally as she needed time to recover after the civil case. She said the “overwhelming support of the Irish public is definitely with Nikita”. On a cold night in Dublin, Ms O’Brien was cheered as she told those gathered that she was “in awe” of Ms Hand’s courage. She said Ireland let out a collective “sigh of relief” after the jury in the civil case found in favour of Ms Hand in her case against Mr McGregor. “But, for me – it was a split second because in came all these questions flooding in: Why did Nikita have to fight alone?” She added: “This really hits home for me, it is like a kick in the guts.” She said she had cried “so many tears” over the weeks of the trial. Ms O’Brien said Ms Hand had refused to be ignored. Mr McGregor had faced an accusation that he “brutally raped and battered” Ms Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018. The Irish sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. Ms Hand was taken in an ambulance to the Rotunda Hospital the following day where she was assessed in the sexual assault treatment unit (SATU). A paramedic who examined Ms Hand the day after the assault had told the court she had not seen “someone so bruised” in a long time. Ms Hand broke down several times as she gave evidence for almost three days and sought a number of breaks. The jury had been told Ms Hand had to leave her job as a hairdresser and has not been able to work since, because of her mental health, that her relationship with her partner ended months after the incident, she had to move out of her home in Drimnagh, and her mortgage is now in arrears. After eight days of evidence and three days listening to closing speeches and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before returning their verdict. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was €248,603.60. Speaking outside court on Friday, Ms Hand said she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. She added: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.”

Washington, D.C., is breaking down data silos with the development of its Education Through Employment Data System, designed to unify data across the workforce-to-education continuum. The initiative aims to provide actionable insights into how education and workforce programs impact the economic mobility of the city’s residents. Led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) in partnership with data analytics firm Resultant, the project will be the first of its kind in the district. It will integrate data from preschool through post-secondary education and employment. Monica Dodge, executive director of the (ETEP), said earlier investments in technology and workforce education helped lay the groundwork for the new project. Most recently, Mayor Muriel Bowser set aside $23 million in the 2025 budget to improve career and technical high school education. “The district recognized that there was an opportunity to really delve deeper in understanding outcomes and the impact of that work,” Dodge said. For the technical work of creating the data system, like aggregating data, consolidating student records and creating dashboards and visualizations, the DME’s office to Resultant. Curt Merlau, senior director of Resultant’s education department, said that in addition to common challenges with siloed data, the longitudinal data system will require interstate data sharing for students who attend college or work outside of D.C. to get important information on wages and post-secondary credentials. “That data helps us understand what is working for whom and where,” he said. When working with large volumes of student data, Dodge said it’s important to ground the work in community priorities, which requires outreach. “We’ve engaged with hundreds of district stakeholders, including families, students, school leaders and community partners, to understand their priorities,” she said. These engagements revealed a strong public demand for transparency and a focus on equity. As such, the ETEP data system team has identified specific populations to prioritize in its analysis, including students with disabilities, English learners and students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. This focus helped shape the three-year and insights they hope to gain from the data, Dodge said. She added that once data makes the effectiveness of education and workforce programs in the district more transparent, parents can make informed decisions on what opportunities best meet their needs, employers can make decisions about how they develop local talent pipelines, and community partners can identify opportunities to serve youth communities. The ETEP initiative reflects a growing policy trend in states and localities across the U.S. to attempt to link education data to workforce outcomes, with the goal of better preparing students for the job market. Longitudinal data systems in and informed D.C.’s approach, Dodge said. “We have certainly learned from those systems,” she said. “I think at the same time, D.C. has been quite unique in terms of both the scope of data that we are bringing together across the education, workforce, social services and juvenile justice partners, as well as the extent to which we are really focused on delivering value and transparency for the public.” National organizations like the Data Quality Campaign have highlighted public demand for accessible, actionable data on education and employment. A recent found 97 percent of early childhood administrators said data significantly improved their decision-making processes. The same poll found that existing systems, like government agencies to which schools are required to report data, do not necessarily provide useful feedback. Additionally, the poll found that training on how to use data is a key component, a point Merlau shared as well. “Data moves at the speed of trust,” he said. Dodge said D.C. has long prioritized being data driven in policy and program investment and has seen promising signs that their stakeholders trust data. Earlier this year, the DME’s office published a with data on access to career and technical education programs that has been cited by community members and leaders in public testimony before the D.C. Council, Dodge said. As the city embarks on its research agenda through fiscal year 2027, Dodge and Merlau both said that longitudinal data systems like this one will likely become more popular. “As you look nationally, you’re going to see more and more states want and demand linking this workforce data to education data to ensure we are preparing our students for jobs that will allow them to thrive,” Merlau said.Golf Cart Market Strategic Shifts and Forecast 2024-2031 11-30-2024 06:34 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology The Golf Cart Market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by advancements in hardware, software, and digital infrastructure. With services spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the market is at the forefront of digital transformation across industries. Emerging technologies such as 5G, blockchain, and IoT are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, driving innovation and expansion. Get a Free Sample Report With Table Of Contents: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/golf-cart-market Market Size and Growth: Golf Cart Market size was valued at USD 2.01 Billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 2.13 Billion in 2024 to USD 3.20 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The most valuable investment indicators are insights into key market trends, making it easier for potential participants to make informed decisions. The research seeks to identify numerous growth opportunities that readers can consider and capitalize on by utilizing all the relevant information. By closely analyzing critical factors that influence growth, such as pricing, production, profit margins, and value chain dynamics, future market expansion can be predicted with greater precision. Key Market Players: Yamaha Golf-Car Company (Japan) Textron Inc. (US) Club Car LLC (US) Polaris Industries Inc. (US) STAR EV (US) E-Z-GO (US) Columbia Vehicle Group Inc. (US) Garia A/S (Denmark) Evergreen Electric Vehicles (US) Cruise Car Inc. (US) Xiamen Dalle Electric Car Co., Ltd. (China) Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan) Speedways Electric (India) Marshell Green Power (China) Region-wise Market Insights The regional analysis offers detailed breakdowns of revenue, sales, and market share for key geographies. This section includes future growth projections, pricing strategies, and other critical metrics. Regions covered in the report: North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa For Personalized Insights, Speak with Our Experts: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/golf-cart-market Segments covered in the Golf Cart Market include: Product Electric Golf Cart, Gasoline Golf Cart, and Solar Golf Cart Application Golf Course, Personal Services, and Commercial Services Golf Cart Market Size and Scope The Golf Cart market has shown significant growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for power electronics across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. This market is set to grow further as the global adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy increases. Golf Cart are highly valued for their superior thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, making them essential components in power modules and electronic devices. With ongoing technological and manufacturing advancements, the applications of Golf Cart are expected to expand, encompassing a broader range of uses in the near future. For a Comprehensive Report on the Golf Cart Market 2024, Visit: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/golf-cart-market Frequently Asked Questions What are the key global trends influencing the market? Who are the top manufacturers, and what are their strategies? How is the market evolving across regions? What are the major challenges and opportunities in the Golf Cart Market? About Us: SkyQuest is an IP-focused Research and Investment Bank and Technology Accelerator. We offer access to technologies, markets, and financing across sectors like Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech, and Information & Communication Technology. We collaborate closely with innovators, entrepreneurs, companies, and investors to help them leverage external R&D sources and optimize the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our expertise in innovation management and commercialization spans North America, Europe, ASEAN, and Asia Pacific. Contact: Mr. Jagraj Singh Skyquest Technology 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886, USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Visit our website: Skyquest Technology This release was published on openPR.SAN JOSE – The San Jose Sharks activated center Nico Sturm off injured reserve Monday and made room for him on the 23-man roster by assigning defenseman Jack Thompson to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. The transactions mean that the Sharks currently have 14 forwards, six defensemen, and three goalies: Mackenzie Blackwood, Vitek Vanecek, and rookie Yaroslav Askarov. Sturm’s return to the Sharks’ active roster was believed to be imminent after he showed signs of improvement last week and practiced with the team on Sunday. He also took part in the Sharks’ morning skate on Monday, when he was officially considered a game-time decision by coach Ryan Warsofsky. The Sharks play the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night in the second game of a four-game homestand. Warsofsky did not say who his starting goalie would be. Warsofsky said he had a few players who were “nicked up” and considered game-time decisions, although it would be a surprise not to see Sturm, a mainstay as the Sharks’ fourth-line center, play against the Kings. Sturm, injured in the Sharks’ game earlier this month against the New York Rangers, is the Sharks’ faceoff leader by percentage and is one of the team’s leading penalty-killing forwards. Thompson has been on the Sharks’ roster for almost the entire season and played in 13 of the team’s 23 games. His five points are third-most among all Sharks defensemen, as he’s averaged just under 16 minutes of ice time per game. The Sharks have had three goalies on their roster since Nov. 18, when they recalled Askarov from the Barracuda. At the time, Vanecek was considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury, but Vanecek backed up Blackwood on Saturday in the Sharks’ 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Askarov made his Sharks debut on Thursday, making 29 saves in a 3-2 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues. It’s unclear how long the Sharks plan to keep three goalies on their active roster. Both Blackwood and Vanecek are pending unrestricted free agents, and speculation is that one could be dealt to another team before the NHL trade deadline on March 7. Kevin Weekes of ESPN and the NHL Network posted on the social media platform X on Monday that the Carolina Hurricanes “are exploring potential goalie options in the market.” Frederik Andersen is out eight to 12 weeks after knee surgery, and Pyotr Kochetkov left Saturday’s game at Columbus after colliding with defenseman Sean Walker. Kochetkov is now in concussion protocol.

UC Davis will be part of a new, $285 million nationwide institute dedicated to advancing research and manufacturing of American semiconductors. The new institute , known as SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) will develop, validate and use digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly and test processes. Digital twins are virtual models that replicate physical objects, like chips or complex machinery. SMART USA will join an existing network of 17 institutes designed to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust R&D infrastructure. S.J. Ben Yoo, Distinguished Professor of electrical and computer engineering, will lead the UC Davis part of SMART USA together with Anh-Vu Pham, Omeed Momeni, Avesta Sasan, Houman Homayoun and Saif Islam, also professors in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “This is a significant development in the semiconductor manufacturing and research ecosystem for this nation,” Yoo said. “UC Davis’ strength in collaborative research across multiple disciplines, coupled with a strong alliance of community colleges and K-12 institutions in the greater Sacramento region for driving workforce development, in partnership with the Semiconductor Research Corporation and strong support by our campus, enabled this exciting launch of the institute.” The project will leverage UC Davis strengths: in photonics; radio frequency, millimeter and TeraHertz wave technology; microelectronics and artificial intelligence; and its unique collaborative infrastructure with industry, academia and national laboratories covering research and workforce development. Led by the Semiconductor Research Corporation, SMART USA works toward creating and using digital twins to advance, accelerate and optimize manufacturing in the semiconductor industry. In particular, the UC Davis part of the new institute will highlight digital twins in photonic, electronic, analog, digital, radio frequency/millimeter/TeraHertz wave semiconductor manufacturing for AI and numerous applications. In semiconductor chip manufacturing, a digital twin can provide a replica of a production line that simulates and optimizes processes, allowing researchers to test new designs and manufacturing techniques without having to build them first. The process results in significant savings in time and money and speeds innovation. The SMART USA Institute is the winner of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute competition, which sought to create a new, nationwide network of researchers to support domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. The institute will be headquartered in North Carolina. “This partnership exemplifies the power of public and private sectors working together to ensure America’s technological leadership and national security,” said Simon Atkinson, vice chancellor for research at UC Davis. “We are proud to be part of such a remarkable network and look forward to seeing the impact of this important investment.” The winning proposal was supported by cost-share funding provided by UC Davis and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, totaling approximately $1 million over the five-year project lifespan. The SMART USA consortium comprises more than 150 organizations at this initial stage, including large corporations, small and medium-sized businesses, national labs, government entities, trade organizations and academic institutions. A ceremony announcing the award to SMART USA was held Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Semiconductor Research Corporation’s headquarters in North Carolina. The CHIPS for America program was created as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which provides over $50 billion to strengthen U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, research and supply chains. It is part of an effort to strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. — UC Davis NewsA record-breaking drought in New York City has revealed a wall in a Central Park reservoir that was previously underwater. At 106 acres, the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, also known as the Central Park Reservoir, covers roughly 12 percent of the park's area, according to centralpark.org. At 40 feet deep, it holds 1 billion gallons of water. It previously served as the city's source for drinking water but has since been decommissioned. A weir stretching across the reservoir is usually hidden, but recent drought has revealed it, the New York Post reported. The divider has been visible in the past, but usually because of construction work, according to the report. This is the first time drought has revealed the wall, the report said. Water levels are 2 feet below normal because of the drought that has parched the city. Several posts shared across social media also drew attention to the revealed wall. "An unexpected effect of the drought is seen in the Central Park Reservoir, where a typically hidden middle divider is now visible. Cant remember ever seeing it. Makes you realize the reservoir is actually 2 bodies of water," one user posted on X, formerly Twitter . "You might have noticed the Central Park Reservoir looks a little different in recent days," another account shared. Last month was Central Park's driest on record at only .01 inches of rain. So far this month, at 1.75 inches of rain through Thursday, Central Park is .68 inches below average. For the season, which began September 1, Central Park is 7.78 inches below average, NWS meteorologist James Tomasini told Newsweek . There are rain chances through the rest of Friday, as well as early next week. The dry spell is also impacting snow totals, as typically Central Park sees its first snowflakes by Halloween or Veterans Day. However, no snow has fallen, meaning Hawaii has received more snow this season than New York City. According to the most recent drought monitor map, only 8.5 percent of the state was free from drought, with all of New York City battling severe drought. Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala elevated the citywide drought watch to a drought warning for the first time since 2002. Various protocols were issued with the warning to conserve water in an effort to slow the depletion of the city's reservoirs, the city said in a press release. The dry weather contributed to a slew of fires across the Northeast earlier this fall, including hundreds of brush fires in New York City and neighboring New Jersey.

Marcus Rashford sends five-word message after Ruben Amorim questions Man Utd exit plea

Valkyries expansion draft: Kate Martin to join WNBA's newest team in Golden StateElection Aftermath: Gaetz Out, Bondi In, and Pennsylvania's Electoral Drama | @amacforamerica

Bajaj MUMBAI: Through its AI initiative - FinAI , a key pillar of Bajaj Finance 3.0 - the company aims to triple lead conversion rates , double back-office productivity, and boost front-line performance by 1.5 times. The company's AI-driven transformation will integrate with its existing cloud and digital infrastructure, said Rajeev Jain, managing director of Bajaj Finance. "We've always been early adopters of technology," he said, adding, "Technology drives revenue growth, reduces costs, and mitigates operational risks. AI will take this a step further by improving customer engagement, lowering operating expenses, and augmenting profitability." Over the past year, the company has tested over 30 AI use cases to validate its effectiveness. "Ninety percent of our computers operate on Microsoft Azure, and our data lake supports hundreds of thousands of variables," he said. "These foundations make AI a logical next step." One significant use case for AI at Bajaj Finance is conversational AI. Jain explained, "Currently, SMS communication is static. With AI, messages will include interactive links. For instance, if a customer clicks a link, they can specify preferences like a smartphone instead of a smart TV. AI will then provide options, specifications, and prices, even connecting them to a dealer... Over the next four years, we aim to reduce operating cost-to-net-interest-margin ratio by 100 basis points." Jain emphasised that AI will complement existing systems rather than replace them. "AI will integrate into our current cloud, data, and digital infrastructure. However, physical processes like KYC and AML compliance will remain essential due to regulatory requirements," he said. Discussing the broader lending environment, Jain addressed concerns around unsecured loans. "Unsecured loans have grown rapidly after Covid, prompting necessary regulatory measures. For us, our product mix has remained consistent over the past decade," he said. He added that recent credit cost increases are a return to pre-Covid norms. "If credit costs were 195 basis points pre-Covid, they went down to 153 last year, and are now at 205-210... it's not a dramatic shift," he said. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!Original MLS clubs LA Galaxy, NY Red Bulls cap their amazing turnarounds with showdown for MLS CupTwo places separate Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership table heading into gameweek 19's Boxing Day derby at Tynecastle Park. HMFC returned to winning ways before Christmas and aim for consecutive Premiership wins for the first time this season against an opponent chasing three league victories on the trot. © Imago Hearts have had an inconsistent league campaign as the midway point approaches, with Neil Critchley 's men failing to win consecutive matches. While Critchley inherited the Jam Tarts' erratic performances and results after taking charge in October, following Liam Fox 's interim spell, the Englishman has yet to find the modus operandi to secure wins consistently to rise in the standings. Hearts' latest victory, a 2-1 triumph over St Johnstone, was the club's second in three, with success before Christmas either side of a 1-0 loss at Kilmarnock. The Gorgie Boys have another chance to record back-to-back victories on Boxing Day; playing at home, where they have secured six points from the last two against Dundee FC and St Johnstone, bodes well for their prospects. Victory over their capital rivals Hibs would take them above their visitors in the standings, a result that would end the visiting club's two-match winning run. © Imago David Gray 's men have scored or conceded three goals or more in their last six Premiership matches, although the Hibees have only been on the wrong end three times: the 4-1 loss to Dundee, the 3-3 draw with Aberdeen and the 3-0 loss at Celtic. That reverse at the home of the defending champions is mollified when the results preceding it (a 3-0 win at Motherwell) and 3-1 victories over Ross County and Aberdeen are considered. Nevertheless, getting the better of their fellow Edinburgh outfit will please supporters, who aim to celebrate three Premiership victories on the trot for the first time since December 2023, when Hibs defeated Kilmarnock (1-0), Dundee (2-1) and Aberdeen (2-0). The ongoing run is the away side's longest winning streak in 12 months, highlighting the broader inconsistency in performances and results over an extended period. It remains to be seen if that changes on Boxing Day, with four of the previous five match-ups between the clubs ending in score draws and Hearts winning the other at the end of 2023. © Imago Although Frankie Kent and Calem Nieuwenhof are doubtful for Hearts, the pair of Gerald Taylor and Stephen Kingsley are not expected to play any part in the Edinburgh derby . Blair Spittal and Lawrence Shankland have each netted three goals, accounting for six of the Gorgie Boys' 20 goals, and the attackers aim to add to their tally. The pair also lead for big chances created, six for Shankland and five for Spittal, highlighting their importance to the home side's attacking game plan. Hibs will check if the trio of Marvin Ekpiteta , Rudi Molotnikov and Mykola Kuharevich are available to play on December 26; Kieron Bowie is ruled out for the visitors. Nicky Cadden has been involved in four goals and an assist this term, one shy of the team's top-ranked Martin Boyle , who has six goal involvements. With Josef Bursik now playing backup to Jordan Smith between the sticks, the Englishman could be overtaken by Hearts' Craig Gordon for clean sheets (both goalkeepers have two shutouts before round 19). Hearts possible starting lineup: Gordon; Forrester, Oyegoke, Rowles, Penrice; Boateng, Devlin; Drammeh, Shankland, Spittal; Wilson Hibernian possible starting lineup: Smith; O'Hora, Bushiri, Iredale; C. Cadden, Triantis, Newell, N. Cadden; Campbell; Youan, Boyle Although Hearts have claimed four wins in the previous 10 derbies, only one of those victories has come in the previous 12 months. Another Edinburgh derby stalemate is anticipated on Thursday, with both sides finding the back of the net at Tynecastle Park. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

There are still some excellent Black Friday deals to be had if you're a Lego fan on a budgetBiobanks Market: Long-Term Value & Growth Seen Ahead | Merck, GenVault, Thermo Fisher Scientific 12-07-2024 12:42 AM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Biobanks Market HTF MI recently introduced Global Biobanks Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Qiagen, Merck, Brooks Life Sciences, Hamilton, BD Biosciences, Tecan, BioCision, Taylor-Wharton, Greiner Bio-One, Biolife Solutions, Biobank Norway, Biostorage Technologies, GenVault, Tissue Solutions. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3289902-global-biobanks-market-2?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global Biobanks market is expected to grow from $95 Billion USD in 2024 to $170 Billion USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032. The Biobanks market is segmented by Types (Population, Disease-Oriented, Stem Cell, Umbilical), Application (Genomics, Drug Discovery, Transplantation, Oncology) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: Encompasses facilities and services for collecting, storing, and managing biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue, DNA) for research and therapeutic purposes. The market is driven by advancements in genomics, personalized medicine, and drug discovery. Dominating Region: • North America Fastest-Growing Region: • Asia-Pacific Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/3289902-global-biobanks-market-2?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of Biobanks market segments by Types: Population, Disease-Oriented, Stem Cell, Umbilical Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: Genomics, Drug Discovery, Transplantation, Oncology Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of Biobanks Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=3289902?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Biobanks Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/3289902-global-biobanks-market-2?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Biobanks Market: Chapter 01 - Biobanks Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global Biobanks Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global Biobanks Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global Biobanks Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide Biobanks Market Chapter 08 - Global Biobanks Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global Biobanks Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - Biobanks Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global Biobanks Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global Biobanks market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global Biobanks market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Biobanks market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketreport.com About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.HOUSTON (AP) — E.J. Warner threw three touchdown passes and Rice survived a late rally by South Florida to take a 35-28 victory on Saturday in a regular-season finale. Warner was 27-of-42 passing for 430 yards and had 294 yards and two TD throws in the first half when the Owls (4-6, 3-5 American Athletic Conference) rolled up 367 yards offense and 19 first downs for a 27-7 lead at the break. Trailing 35-14 with five minutes left, USF quarterback Bryce Archie had to leave the game after taking a late hit. Backup Israel Carter threw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes to cut the lead to seven. Rice recovered an onside kick and got the clock down to 27 seconds on six straight Christian Francisco runs before turning the ball over on downs at the USF 28. A final hook-and-lateral play loaded with laterals went deep into Rice territory but was nullified in any case by a penalty. Rice’s Matt Sykes had 118 yards receiving and Dean Connors 91 yards and a score. The other TD passes went to Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman and Drayden Dickmann. Archie was 19 of 35 for 227 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception for USF (6-6, 4-4). Sean Atkins with 110 went over 2,000 career receiving yards and Keshaun Singleton had 107 yards receiving with a score. USF came in having four of its last five games but was outgained by Rice 550-431. With the game tied at 7-all, Quinton Jackson scored on a 12-yard run three plays after Francisco returned a kickoff 45 yards to the USF 38. Tim Horn added a field goal in the final minute of the first quarter for a 17-7 lead after Josh Pearcy recovered a fumble in USF territory. Connors’ 23-yard scoring reception and another field goal with 12 seconds left in the half made it a 20-point lead. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25