ubay jollibee Automotive Engineering Services Market: Expected USD 311.53B by 2031NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuels — and whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96

Share Tweet Share Share Email Speed and efficiency are critical. Financial institutions face increasing pressure to process loans quickly while maintaining accuracy. Traditional methods of loan processing often involve extensive manual labor, leading to delays and higher costs. Automation in loan processing and underwriting is a game-changer, offering faster credit decisions without compromising on quality . The Need for Automation in Loan Processing Loan processing involves multiple steps, including application review, document verification, and credit assessment. Historically, this has been a time-consuming process. For example, manual verification of documents can take days or even weeks. With increasing customer expectations for quick approvals, financial institutions need to adapt. Automation helps streamline these steps, ensuring faster turnarounds and improved customer satisfaction. Challenges in Traditional Loan Processing Traditional loan processing methods come with several challenges: Time-Consuming Processes: Manual tasks such as data entry and document validation slow down the approval process. Human Error: Errors in data entry or calculations can lead to incorrect decisions. High Operational Costs: Staffing for manual processing requires significant resources. Regulatory Compliance: Keeping up with changing regulations manually is labor-intensive and prone to oversight. Automation addresses these challenges by minimizing manual intervention and enhancing accuracy. How Automation Speeds Up Loan Processing Streamlined Data Collection Automated systems can collect and analyze data from various sources in real time. For instance, an automated platform can pull credit scores, income details, and employment history from integrated databases. This eliminates the need for borrowers to submit extensive paperwork, reducing the overall processing time . Optical Character Recognition (OCR) OCR technology is a critical component of loan processing automation. It allows systems to read and extract information from physical or digital documents. This reduces the time spent on manual data entry and ensures greater accuracy. Automated Credit Scoring Automation uses algorithms to assess creditworthiness based on predefined criteria. These algorithms analyze multiple factors, such as credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio, within seconds. This results in faster and more consistent credit decisions. Real-Time Fraud Detection Fraud detection is crucial in loan processing. Automated systems use machine learning models to detect anomalies and flag potential fraud. For example, these systems can identify discrepancies in income statements or mismatched personal details, reducing the risk of fraudulent applications. The Role of Automation in Underwriting Underwriting is a critical step in loan approval, involving risk assessment and decision-making. Traditional underwriting methods rely heavily on human judgment, which can be subjective and inconsistent. Automation brings objectivity and efficiency to this process. Automated Underwriting Systems (AUS) AUS evaluates applications using predefined rules and criteria. These systems can process large volumes of applications simultaneously, ensuring quick decisions. Additionally, they provide clear justifications for approvals or rejections, enhancing transparency. Machine Learning in Underwriting Machine learning models improve the accuracy of underwriting decisions by analyzing historical data. These models identify patterns and trends that may not be evident to human underwriters. For example, a machine learning algorithm can predict default risks based on subtle indicators, such as irregular income patterns or recent job changes. Improved Compliance Automation ensures adherence to regulatory requirements by embedding compliance rules into the system. This reduces the likelihood of errors and penalties. For example, automated systems can check whether a loan meets Fair Lending Act requirements, ensuring unbiased decisions. Benefits of Automation in Loan Processing and Underwriting Faster Turnaround Times Automated systems significantly reduce the time required for loan approvals. Borrowers can receive decisions within minutes, improving their experience and increasing customer loyalty. Cost Efficiency Automation reduces the need for extensive manual labor, lowering operational costs. Financial institutions can reallocate resources to focus on customer service and strategic initiatives. Enhanced Accuracy Automated systems minimize errors in data entry and calculations. This ensures more accurate decisions, reducing the risk of defaults or regulatory violations. Scalability Automation allows financial institutions to handle higher volumes of applications without compromising on quality. This is particularly beneficial during peak periods, such as holiday seasons or economic stimulus programs. Better Risk Management Machine learning models used in automation improve risk assessment. By analyzing a wide range of data points, these models provide a comprehensive view of borrower risk. Key Considerations for Implementing Automation Integration with Existing Systems For successful implementation, automated systems must integrate seamlessly with existing platforms. This ensures a smooth transition and minimal disruption to operations. Data Security With increased reliance on digital systems, data security is paramount. Financial institutions must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer information. Employee Training Automation does not eliminate the need for human involvement. Employees must be trained to work alongside automated systems, focusing on tasks that require judgment and expertise. Regulatory Compliance Automated systems must be designed to comply with local and international regulations. Regular audits and updates are essential to maintain compliance. Future Trends in Loan Processing and Underwriting Automation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration AI is set to play a larger role in automation, enabling more sophisticated decision-making processes. For instance, AI can analyze unstructured data, such as social media activity, to assess creditworthiness. Blockchain Technology Blockchain offers a secure and transparent way to manage loan data. By providing a tamper-proof ledger, blockchain can streamline verification processes and reduce fraud. Customer-Centric Solutions Future automation efforts will focus on enhancing the borrower experience. Personalized loan offers and intuitive application processes will become standard. Conclusion Loan processing and underwriting automation are revolutionizing the financial industry. By leveraging technologies like OCR, machine learning, and AI, financial institutions can speed up credit decisions, reduce costs, and improve accuracy. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, integration, and adherence to regulatory standards. As automation continues to evolve, it promises a future of faster, smarter, and more customer-centric lending processes . Related Items: Automation in Loan Processing , Automation in Underwriting , Speeding Up Credit Decisions Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsUkraine must be placed in the “strongest possible position for negotiations” to end the war with Russia, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”

'One of the most difficult seasons' ends for transgender player, San José State volleyball teamA yearslong feud between two Native American tribes in the North Bay over a proposed casino outside Santa Rosa has escalated with a lawsuit. In a suit filed last week, attorneys for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are alleging "irreparable harm" to their tribe's sovereignty and sacred objects if a proposal moves forward for a Koi Nation resort-casino in an unincorporated area between Windsor and Santa Rosa. Plans for the casino-resort date back several years , as do accusations of "reservation shopping" by Graton Rancheria, whose Graton Resort and Casino lies just 15 miles south along Highway 101 from the proposed Shiloh Resort and Casino. While the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have established sovereign territory just west of Rohnert Park, based on their historic ties to the county, they have argued that the Koi Nation's ties are less direct. As reported previously, the Koi Nation has been mostly landless for about 150 years, and their ancestors originally occupied land in Lake County, on an island in Clear Lake. They were granted a "rancheria" consisting of "uninhabitable" land south of Clear Lake early in the 20th Century, and according to a tribal history, they were told by Bureau of Indian Affairs that they would lose their rights to the land if they left it. "While the tribe was suddenly landless, the Koi Nation remained what it had always been: a federally recognized tribe with inherent sovereignty," the tribe says. Now fewer than 100 people, Koi Nation members settled in and around the Russian River in the 20th Century, and they have been working to claim a sovereign piece of land with the Department of the Interior for many years. They settled on a 68-acre former winery property on East Shiloh Road, which they purchased for $12 million three years ago, and they then partnered with the wealthy and well-resourced Chicksaw Nation of Oklahoma to build a 200-room hotel and casino-resort on the property. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors made a show of opposing the Koi Nation's plans in 2022, however the decision to establish sovereign lands lies with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Department of the Interior. Last week, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria filed suit, as SFGate reports , accusing the agencies of not doing their due diligence in researching the Koi Nation's ancestral lands, which they contend were 50 miles to the north. The lawsuit came just as the tribe appeared to be poised to receive their federal approval, as the Press Democrat reported . Greg Sarris, the leader of Graton Rancheria, told the Press Democrat back in July that a decision to approve this new territory "violates in every way who and what we are." He went on to make a provocative comparison about the Koi Nation's choice of land, saying, "if the Department of the Interior accepts these definitions as a deep historical connection to the land, I can go down to San Francisco and get a few buildings there... I have a deeper connection to San Francisco than they do here. So [Graton Rancheria] should establish a site on Ohlone territory." Sam Singer, who has been serving as spokesperson for the Koi Nation, issued a statement accusing Graton Rancheria of simply trying to protect their own casino from competition. "There is no truthfulness or merit to the Graton Rancheria lawsuit which was made in bad faith," Singer said. "The lawsuit is an effort at gamesmanship to circumvent the [Bureau of Indian Affairs]’ legal and regulatory process to advance Graton’s own economic interest." Both Graton and the Sonoma supervisors appear to have held sway with the governor's office as well. As SFGate notes, Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, in August, asking them not to move forward with an approval for the Koi Nation site. Newsom noted in his letter that "caution is warranted when considering the potential expansion of gaming to land that is not currently eligible for gaming. This is particularly true in California, where the voters who legalized tribal gaming were promised that such gaming would remain geographically limited." Newsom added, "This historical context underscores the importance of striking a careful balance between the potential benefits of expanded tribal gaming and its potential impacts on surrounding communities." A decision on the East Shiloh Road site is expected by late December. Previously: Sonoma County Supes Vote to Oppose New Koi Nation Casino, But It's Not Really Up to Them

Where does Syracuse football’s Class of 2025 rank after Early National Signing Day?Human rights court rules against Venezuela in 2013 election case

North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un recently told top aides in his pariah kingdom that he will be launching Pyongyang’s “toughest anti-US counteraction” policy yet, according to state media. Kim is fixated on growing American influence in the region despite President-elect Donald Trump suggesting he would continue making overtures toward North Korea, with the North Korean despot calling for more “proactive and offensive external activities” against the US. Kim, 40, alleged that the US, South Korea and Japan have formed a “nuclear military bloc for aggression” and that the three allies are pushing anti-communism, state media outlet Korean Central News Agency reported. There was no mention of Trump, 78, in the state report of Kim’s remarks during North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party meeting, which wrapped up Friday. When Trump first entered office in 2017, North Korea was seen as a growing threat, and the 45th president initially responded with hot rhetoric, threatening Kim with “fire and fury like the world has never seen.” Trump also embarked on a series of sporadic screeds against Kim, branding him “Rocket Man” and “Little Rocket Man” in a jab at the dictator’s affection for nuclear weapons. But by the start of 2018, tensions began to cool down. Trump ended up meeting with Kim on three occasions during his presidency, aiming to make a deal over Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal, but that didn’t come to pass. Since then, Trump has publicly crowed about the “beautiful” letters Kim sent him during that brief detente between them. Shortly after his 2024 election victory, Trump reportedly explored possible direct talks with Kim and his team amid hopes of rekindling talks aimed at thawing out the icy relations between the two nations. But half a world away, North Korea has stepped up the tempo of its missiles- and weapons-testing. In October, the impoverished nation also dispatched more than 10,000 troops and weaponry to aid Russia in its bloody war against neighboring Ukraine. White House spokesman John Kirby claims that North Korean troops have been treated as “expendable” by the Russians and been forced to carry out “hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defenses. “I hope they’re loading up their commanders with a bunch of body bags because they’re clearly going to need it,” Kirby told reporters of North Korea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has estimated that about 3,000 North Korean troops have been either killed or wounded in the fighting so far. Pyongyang, which has one of the largest militaries in the world, is believed to have been aiding the Kremlin in exchange for aid such as access to more advanced technologies. Conflicts raging in Ukraine and the Middle East could loom large over any potential efforts by Trump to ease strained relations between Washington and Pyongyang. Trump has made clear that ending those conflicts will be among his top foreign policy priorities when he takes office.Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its holdings in OSI Systems, Inc. ( NASDAQ:OSIS – Free Report ) by 3.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 9,560 shares of the technology company’s stock after buying an additional 324 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc.’s holdings in OSI Systems were worth $1,429,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its stake in OSI Systems by 2.2% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 4,532 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $623,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC increased its holdings in shares of OSI Systems by 3.3% in the third quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 3,301 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $501,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE increased its holdings in shares of OSI Systems by 4.8% in the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 2,418 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $367,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC lifted its stake in shares of OSI Systems by 7.9% in the 3rd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 2,741 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $416,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its holdings in OSI Systems by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 3,901 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $536,000 after acquiring an additional 202 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.21% of the company’s stock. Insider Buying and Selling In other OSI Systems news, insider Manoocher M. Aliabadi sold 2,509 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.02, for a total value of $451,670.18. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 78,094 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $14,058,481.88. The trade was a 3.11 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, Director Gerald M. Chizever sold 2,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.16, for a total transaction of $296,320.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 7,701 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,140,980.16. The trade was a 20.62 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 43,591 shares of company stock worth $7,557,745 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 5.20% of the company’s stock. OSI Systems Stock Performance OSI Systems ( NASDAQ:OSIS – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The technology company reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.19. OSI Systems had a return on equity of 18.17% and a net margin of 8.31%. The company had revenue of $344.01 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $318.66 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.91 EPS. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 23.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that OSI Systems, Inc. will post 9.13 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. StockNews.com raised OSI Systems from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 10th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of OSI Systems from $172.00 to $202.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 11th. Finally, Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of OSI Systems in a research report on Monday, September 30th. They set a “buy” rating and a $175.00 price target for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, OSI Systems currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $179.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on OSIS OSI Systems Profile ( Free Report ) OSI Systems, Inc designs and manufactures electronic systems and components. It operates in three segments: Security, Healthcare, and Optoelectronics and Manufacturing. The Security segment offers baggage and parcel inspection, cargo and vehicle inspection, hold baggage and people screening, radiation monitoring, explosive and narcotics trace detection systems, and optical inspection systems under the Rapiscan name. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OSIS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for OSI Systems, Inc. ( NASDAQ:OSIS – Free Report ). 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When President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on federal tax and gun charges — in contradiction to months of both he and his White House press team saying he would not interfere in the case — he offered up an explanation that he was forced to act because federal prosecutors tore up a fair plea deal to target him politically. But CNN's Jake Tapper wasn't buy that explanation and tore it to shreds Monday afternoon. "In his statement, Biden says, 'A carefully negotiated plea deal agreed to by the Department of Justice unraveled in the courtroom, with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process,'" said Tapper. "But that is not entirely what happened. That 'political pressure' was not the only factor. The plea deal collapsed in part because Hunter Biden wanted more immunity than prosecutors were offering." ALSO READ: Will Trump back the FBI’s battle against domestic extremists? He won’t say. "And now it's President Biden, not his successor, President-elect Trump , who is blaming his own Department of Justice for being politicized, saying, 'I also believe raw politics has infected this process, and it led to a miscarriage of justice,'" said Tapper. "Today, special counsel David Weiss, who prosecuted Hunter Biden, pushed back on the president's justification for pardoning his son in a court filing, 'There was no, and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case,' Weiss wrote. There are right now plenty of officials at the U.S. Justice Department furious at President Biden for blaming them for doing their jobs to uphold the law against a lawbreaker, Hunter Biden." Tapper then read off quotes from a number of Democratic members of Congress criticizing the move, including Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), who wrote, "This was an improper use of power. It erodes trust in our government and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests." "While we all can sympathize with the president, who has already lost two children under tragic circumstances, and surely most of us would help our kids in any way we possibly could, it is also true that today's act further portrays the criminal justice system as one that helps the well-connected," he added. "Prisons are full of people who have made bad choices, even broken laws, because of their addictions. It's too bad for them that they have the wrong last name." Watch the video below or at the link here . - YouTube www.youtube.comMAP Meeting Evolves into MedSpa Pro, Builds Momentum for Record-Breaking 2025

Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, graced OSEA 2024 in Singapore on Tuesday, November 19. The three-day tradeshow welcomed more than 500 exhibitors and 15,000+ attendees from 100 countries, providing a comprehensive look at solutions and strategies driving the energy transition in the marine and offshore industries. With the accelerating pace of the energy transition, Mr. Tan emphasised Singapore’s commitment to becoming a greener economy, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the nation’s Green Plan. During his speech, Mr. Tan announced a new SGD$100 million support package for marine and offshore engineering companies, aimed at fostering partnership and adopting solutions in growth areas including offshore wind, floating storage, and digitalisation over the next five years. As part of the OSEA Gives Back initiative, complimentary conference access was extended to members of the broader community. This initiative is designed to promote inclusivity by providing opportunities for diverse participants to engage with industry leaders, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions. The conference emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the energy transition and foster global collaboration. Speakers highlighted the competitive advantage of adopting solutions now to meet regulatory targets, while stressing the need for faster adoption of transformative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), alternative fuels and digital innovations for automation and efficiency. Prof. Chan Eng Soon, Chairman for the OSEA Advisory Committee and Chief Executive Officer at Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) commented on OSEA being at the forefront of innovation and driving sustainability. He said: “There is work still to be done; we must embrace the energy transition, collaborate, and learn from each other, because we all play a role in the low-carbon economy.” Additionally, there were exclusive content sessions ranging from Executive Networking sessions, the OSEA Academy and Country Hotspots, specially designed to provide marketing information, innovation and trends. This included highlighting specific offshore energy market and investments potentials, as well as driving connections among decision makers and experts. The industry’s need to decarbonise and change has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to the offshore energy market. This echoed across the exhibition hall, with leading companies such as Seatrium discussing and highlighting initiatives on new fuels, CCS, and cleaner offshore production for marine decarbonisation, as well as initiatives showcased by the group pavilions. Yinson GreenTech unveiled its new electric crew transfer vessel Hydroglyder, which is Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel and marks a significant move towards sustainable marine innovation. Similarly, TechX@OSEA showcased transformative technologies, including startups shaping the future of offshore energy and driving innovation, collaboration, and the adoption of solutions that enhance business capabilities and sustainability. Leedon Nox reinforced its core capabilities as an industrial gas supplier with engineering and consultancy expertise ensuring reliability for customers in offshore operations, while Aramco displayed initiatives that support the future of energy, powering economies that fuel progress worldwide. Strategic Marine, Mirai Ships Inc., and Ragnar Energy Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to support the growing Japanese offshore energy market and advancing global shipbuilding collaboration. Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets Singapore, said: “Forging partnerships, collaboration, and community building will play a vital role in the transformation of the offshore energy industry. OSEA reinforces the power and reputation of Singapore as an important leader in global offshore energy and as a key maritime hub. I am proud of how Informa Markets continues to provide an inspiring and informative platform for the offshore energy community with creative thinking to support professional development, individual wellbeing and industry growth. Thank you to all exhibitors, speakers, partners and visitors for your excellent collaboration.”\ Source: OSEA 2024

Ingram Micro announces over 800 layoffsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans' starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday. Moss started the Trojans ' bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in. I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.” Moss, who was born in Los Angeles and went to high school in the San Fernando Valley, signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed with the Trojans after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year's Holiday Bowl. Moss completed 64.4% of his passes this season for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. After a spectacular 378-yard performance to beat LSU in the Trojans' season opener, Moss didn't play poorly as a starter, but he also wasn't a difference-maker while USC stumbled to a 4-5 record. Moss threw seven interceptions in his final five starts before losing the job to Maiava. The Trojans went 1-4 in that stretch under Moss, who plays as a more traditional pocket passer while Maiava has the mobility usually favored for quarterbacks in Riley's spread offense. “Looking towards the future, I'm unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader, and to achieving this at the next level,” Moss wrote. Moss has already graduated from USC, putting him in the portal as a graduate student. USC (6-6) is headed to a lower-tier bowl game again to finish this season, its third under Riley. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Sandfire Resources America Inc. (OTCMKTS:SRAFF) Sees Large Decline in Short InterestMorgan Rogers’ fourth goal of the season, an Ollie Watkins penalty and Matty Cash’s finish put Villa 3-0 up after 34 minutes. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back for Brentford in the second half but the damage had been done as Villa ended their eight-match winless run in all competitions. Emery was relieved to end the unwanted streak but quickly turned his attention to the next fixture against Southampton on Saturday. “We broke a spell of bad results we were having,” the Villa boss said. “We started the first five or 10 minutes not in control of the game but then progressively we controlled. “Today we achieved those three points and it has given us confidence again but even like that it’s not enough. We have to keep going and think about the next match against Southampton on Saturday. “The message was try to focus on each match, try to forget the table. How we can recover confidence and feel comfortable at home. Today was a fantastic match.” Tyrone Mings returned to the starting line-up in the Premier League for the first time since August 2023. Emery admitted it has been a long road back for the 31-year-old and is pleased to have him back. He added: “Mings played in the Champions league but it’s the first time in the league for a year and three months. “I think he played fantastic – he might be tired tomorrow but will be ready for Saturday again. “It was very, very long, the injury he had. His comeback is fantastic for him and everybody, for the doctor and physio and now he’s training everyday.” Brentford fell to a sixth away defeat from seven games and have picked up only a solitary point on the road this season. They have the best home record in the league, with 19 points from seven matches, but they have the joint worst away record. Bees boss Thomas Frank is confident form will improve on the road. He said: “On numbers we can’t argue we are better at home than away, but on numbers it’s a coincidence. I think two of the seven away games have been bad. “The other games we performed well in big spells. I’m confident at the end of the season we will have some wins away from home.” Frank felt Villa should not have been given a penalty when Ethan Pinnock brought Watkins down. He added: “I want to argue the penalty. I don’t think it is (one). I think Ollie kicked back and hit Ethan, yes there is an arm on the shoulder but threshold and all that – but that’s not the reason we lost.”

VF Corp. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading daySteve Bannon held his microphone out to the crowd. “Should (Mike) Johnson be speaker of the House?” he asked. “Nooo,” came the reply, as Bannon, the longtime ally of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, spoke at a Dec. 19 “AmericaFest” rally of Turning Point USA, a right-wing advocacy organization. Bannon, who said at the event that Johnson “has got to go,” spoke in Phoenix as the U.S. House debated an end-of-session spending package. Congress ultimately passed a Johnson-endorsed, stopgap funding bill signed by Democratic President Joe Biden on Dec. 21 to avert a government shutdown ahead of the holidays. But Bannon’s remarks foretold likely challenges to Johnson. As the opening of the new Congress approaches on Friday, Johnson’s leadership is being questioned by, among others, Maryland Rep. Andy Harris, who heads the House Freedom Caucus, and Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry, who previously led the hard-line conservative group. Neither will commit to backing the Louisiana Republican. The speaker will help determine whether Trump can succeed on an agenda that includes policy shifts on taxes, voting and border policy. Underlying the GOP’s turmoil is how closely it should work with Democrats, if at all, particularly on spending issues. “The political class is infected with a malignant cancer. That cancer is bipartisanship, right?” Bannon told the crowd. Johnson, he said, “doesn’t have what we call the right stuff, right? That combination of guts and moxie and savvy and toughness.” Bannon, who previously served four months in prison for defying a congressional subpoena, is awaiting trial in a case alleging he was part of a scheme to dupe donors who contributed to help build a wall on the Mexican border. Other Republicans have also questioned Johnson’s leadership. Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican, recently floated a proposal to elect billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump adviser and ally, as speaker. The speaker is not required to be an elected House member. The election will occur after the new Congress assumes office on Jan. 3. “Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk,” Paul posted on X. “Think about it ... nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’ minds).” As Congress raced to avoid a shutdown before Christmas, Musk was instrumental in sinking an earlier spending proposal by House Republicans — Democrats also backed it — to head off a government shutdown. The package contained about $100 billion in disaster aid, including a federal commitment long sought by Maryland lawmakers to pay the full cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its March collapse. Musk, citing a pay increase for Congress among other objections, attacked the bill on X, his social media platform, calling it “dead.” Johnson, who has supported Trump, then pitched the alternative that was ultimately approved. He needed a deal acceptable not only to most Republicans but also to Democrats, whose votes were required because the GOP majority was so slim. The final package included the Key Bridge funding commitment but neither the pay raise nor a Trump proposal to suspend the debt ceiling — the amount the government can borrow. The party was similarly divided in 2023 when its far-right voting bloc expressed dissatisfaction with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California, saying he had not forcefully resisted the Democratic agenda. Johnson, who replaced McCarthy, said at the time that he would emphasize bringing up individual spending bills instead of putting funding measures into a large package as executive branch spending authority is about to run out. — Jeff Barker / Baltimore Sun

Enzo Maresca savoured chants of ‘we’ve got our Chelsea back’ from travelling fans following a 5-1 Premier League thrashing of 10-man Southampton at St Mary’s. Blues supporters also sang the name of head coach Maresca during the closing stages of an emphatic success sealed by goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and substitute Jadon Sancho. Bottom club Southampton briefly levelled through Joe Aribo but were a man down from the 39th minute after captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella. Chelsea, who have endured an underwhelming period since Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club in 2022, climbed above Arsenal and into second place on goal difference, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. “It was a very good feeling, especially because you can see that they are happy, that is our target,” Maresca said of the atmosphere in the away end. “We work every day to keep them happy and tonight was a very good feeling, especially the one that they can see that Chelsea’s back. This is an important thing.” Maresca rotated his squad in Hampshire, making seven changes following Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Following a sloppy start, his side, who stretched their unbeaten run to six top-flight games, could easily have won by more as they hit the woodwork three times, in addition to squandering a host of chances. “I’m very happy with the five we scored,” said the Italian. “I’m not happy with the first 15, 20 minutes, where we struggled. The reason why we struggled is because we prepared the game to press them man to man and the first 15, 20 minutes we were not pressing them man to man. “After 15, 20 minutes we adjust that and the game was much better. For sure we could score more but five goals they are enough.” Southampton manager Russell Martin rued a costly “moment of madness” from skipper Stephens. The defender’s ridiculous red card was the headline mistake of a catalogue of errors from the beleaguered south-coast club as they slipped seven points from safety following an 11th defeat of a dismal season. “I don’t think anyone will be as disappointed as Jack,” Martin said of Stephens, who was sent off for the second time this term after tugging the curls of Cucurella as Saints prepared to take a corner. “I haven’t got to sit down and talk with him about that at all. He will be hurt more than anyone and it’s changed the game for us tonight, which is disappointing. “I think they have to describe it as violent conduct; it’s not violent really but there’s no other explanation for that really. It’s a moment of madness that’s really cost us and Jack.” Southampton repeatedly invited pressure with their risky attempts to play out from defence, with goalkeeper Joe Lumley gifting Chelsea their second goal, scored by Nkunku. While Saints were booed off at full-time, Martin, who was missing a host of key players due to injuries and suspensions, praised the effort of his depleted team. “When they see such a big scoreline and a couple of the goals we concede, I understand it (the jeers),” he said. “It’s football, it’s emotive, people feel so much about it, it’s why it’s such a special sport in this country and so big. “I understand it but I feel really proud of the players tonight, some of the football we played at 11 v 11 was amazing. “For an hour with 10 men we’ve dug in so deep, there were some big performances. I’m proud of them for that and I’m grateful for that because that’s not easy in that circumstance.”A California senator has said that the state won’t aid the incoming Trump administration in its mass deportation efforts because it would be legally unable to. Sen. Alex Padilla of the Golden State appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, saying that he would work to block state resources from boosting deportation efforts by pushing for the government to follow the constitutional requirement that it’s up to the federal government to control the border. “There’s an important distinction here. No state’s government, not Texas, not California, not any state in the nation, has a constitutional authority to impose federal immigration law,” the Democrat said. “That is the responsibility of the federal government.” Trump has insisted that he will declare a national emergency and utilize the military to conduct the mass deportations, a proposed effort that has faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. “Let the federal government do the federal government’s job, but have state and local officials do the state and local officials’ job,” Padilla added. “There doesn’t have to be a conflict unless that’s what Trump wants.” A law from 2017, California Senate Bill 54, prohibits the use of state and local resources to aid the federal government in immigration enforcement, Politico noted . Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed border czar, has said that local law enforcement who don’t work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct deportations would be prosecuted. “Some states like Texas want to push the envelope and try to find a way to assist, but there’s no obligation to do so,” Padilla noted. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said that if the federal government doesn’t do its job in protecting the border, the state has the right to step in, such as by installing razor wire on its border with Mexico. California will not “utilize state and local resources to do the federal government’s job for them,” Padilla vowed Sunday. The state’s Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has said that he will “ensure that people feel protected and they feel welcomed.” Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated that his state will resist the new Trump administration. “California is the most populous state in the nation, the most diverse state in the nation, home to more immigrants than any state in the nation,” Padilla told CBS. “The last thing you want to do is have immigrants who are victims of crime afraid to come forward to report the crime. The last thing you want is immigrants who may be witnesses to crime be afraid to come forward and share any information they have in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.” The senator also shared his worries about Trump’s relationship with California more generally. “If the federal government will continue to support California in its leadership and so many policy areas, there’s a lot of good work to be done there. But Donald Trump has made it no secret he has it in for California,” Padilla said in reference to FEMA funds that Trump “tried to keep from not the government of California but from California families simply because it’s a state that did not vote for him in the presidential election.” “We’re trying to inoculate ourselves from those types of threats,” Padilla said on Face the Nation.