777 happy game Schmicko Melbourne Expands Premium Mobile Car Care Services Across Greater Melbourne 12-27-2024 11:16 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The industry leader in mobile automobile care services, Schmicko Registered Melbourne, is thrilled to announce that it has expanded to serve all Melbourne suburbs in addition to the city center. Schmicko, which is well-known for its superb auto detailing, window tinting, and repairs for car roof linings, is now expanding its clientele to include more people, guaranteeing that every vehicle in Melbourne receives the expert attention it needs. Increasing Convenience and Quality With a comprehensive range of services aimed at maintaining cars in top shape, Schmicko Registered Melbourne has long been the preferred mobile auto cleaning and maintenance company. Customers around Greater Melbourne may now take advantage of the ease of having Schmicko's team of professionals visit their homes or places of business thanks to this expansion. In the words of Schmicko representative David Bui, "Our customers love our auto products and services so we are expanding our area to cover the whole of Melbourne so everyone in the city can take advantage of our affordable auto care services. When it comes to auto detailing, nobody does it better and now everyone in the Melbourne area can access our team of auto cleaning and roof lining repair specialists." All-inclusive Auto Care Services A variety of specialist auto care services are available from Schmicko Registered Melbourne, such as: * Auto detailing: Expert cleaning and repair to maintain cars' showroom-quality appearance. * Window Tinting: Premium carbon and ceramic tints for enhanced style, privacy, and UV protection. * Car Roof Lining Repairs: For a brand-new appearance, expertly repair or replace drooping roof liners. * Ceramic car coatings: state-of-the-art nanotechnology for a high-gloss surface and better paint protection. * Dash Cam Installation: For increased safety and aesthetics, hardwired installations with a smooth, factory-like finish are recommended. Why Opt for Schmicko Registered Melbourne? * Skilled Technicians: Using cutting-edge tools and methods, each service is performed by qualified experts. * Mobile Convenience: By delivering services straight to clients, consumers can save time and eliminate the anxiety that comes with going to a store. * Unmatched Quality: Every service, from window tinting to detailing, is carried out with care and accuracy. Convenience Meets Excellence The development of Schmicko is expected to revolutionize auto repair in Melbourne. Through its mobile service approach, car owners may take advantage of first-rate car care without ever having to leave their homes. The best in ceramic coatings, roof lining repairs, and auto detailing are now available to customers. About Schmicko Registered Melbourne Schmicko Registered Melbourne has revolutionized car care with its mobile service model, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled expertise. From auto detailing to dash cam installations, their services are designed to keep cars looking and performing at their best-all from the convenience of customers' homes. For more information, visit their dedicated Melbourne page at https://schmicko.com.au/melbourne/ For updates, follow Schmicko Registered Melbourne on Social Media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetschmicko Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schmicko_auto/ YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@schmicko2996 Find Schmicko Registered Melbourne on Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/jRRxeyN Media Contact Company Name: Schmicko Registered Melbourne Contact Person: David Bui Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=schmicko-melbourne-expands-premium-mobile-car-care-services-across-greater-melbourne ] City: Melbourne State: Victoria Country: Australia Website: http://schmicko.com.au/melbourne This release was published on openPR.In conclusion, the foreign media's collation of XGP games nominated for the 2024 TGA awards underscores the platform's commitment to delivering outstanding gaming experiences and highlighting the diverse range of exceptional titles available to players. With games like "Eclipse," "Reverie: Legends of Lys," and "Apex Legends: Vanguard" leading the pack, XGP continues to set the standard for excellence in the video game industry, captivating players and critics alike with its innovative and immersive gameplay experiences.Despite facing stiff competition from other top clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Manchester City has demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most. Guardiola's meticulous planning and strategic approach have been instrumental in guiding the team through challenging fixtures and ensuring their continued success in the title race.

Intuit, known for its popular accounting software QuickBooks, will work closely with Amazon to develop seamless integration between their platforms. This integration will enable small business sellers on Amazon to automatically sync their sales data with QuickBooks, allowing for real-time financial reporting and analysis. Additionally, Intuit will provide tailored solutions for tax preparation and filing, ensuring that small businesses remain compliant with tax laws and regulations.Dublin, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Micro-Inverters - Global Strategic Business Report" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global market for Micro-Inverters was estimated at US$4.3 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$12.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.6% from 2023 to 2030. What Innovations Are Shaping the Micro-Inverter Market? Several innovations are driving the growth of the micro-inverter market, particularly in terms of performance, efficiency, and integration with smart grid systems. The development of high-efficiency micro-inverters capable of operating in a wider range of environmental conditions is helping to increase the adoption of solar energy in regions with varying sunlight exposure. Additionally, advancements in power electronics are improving the reliability and lifespan of micro-inverters, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the overall return on investment for solar system owners. Another key innovation is the integration of micro-inverters with energy storage systems. By pairing micro-inverters with batteries, users can store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during power outages. This capability is becoming increasingly important as the demand for energy independence and resilience grows. The integration of micro-inverters with smart home and grid systems is also gaining traction, allowing for more efficient energy management and real-time monitoring of energy production and consumption. How Do Market Segments Define the Growth of Micro-Inverters? Types of micro-inverters include single-phase and three-phase models, with single-phase systems being the most common in residential applications and three-phase models used in commercial installations. Applications of micro-inverters are primarily in residential and commercial solar installations, with the residential sector accounting for the largest market share due to the increasing adoption of rooftop solar systems. Regionally, North America leads the market for micro-inverters, driven by the high demand for residential solar installations and favorable government incentives. Europe follows closely, with strong growth in countries like Germany and the UK, where solar energy adoption is supported by renewable energy targets and subsidies. The Asia-Pacific region is also expected to witness significant growth, particularly in countries like Australia and Japan, where solar energy is gaining popularity due to rising electricity costs and environmental concerns. What Factors Are Driving the Growth in the Micro-Inverter Market? The growth in the micro-inverter market is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of solar energy, the need for more efficient energy conversion, and advancements in smart grid technology. As the demand for residential and commercial solar installations grows, micro-inverters are becoming an attractive solution due to their ability to maximize energy production, even in challenging environments with shading or uneven sunlight. Additionally, the integration of energy storage solutions and smart home systems is further propelling the demand for micro-inverters, as consumers seek greater control over their energy use and costs. Government incentives and renewable energy targets in regions like North America and Europe are also playing a significant role in driving the growth of the micro-inverter market. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Residential Application segment, which is expected to reach US$7.5 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 17.1%. The Commercial Application segment is also set to grow at 16.4% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $1.2 Billion in 2023, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 23.4% CAGR to reach $3.1 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Key Questions Answered: How is the Global Micro-Inverters Market expected to evolve by 2030? What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market? Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period? How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030? Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects? Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2023 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of major players in the Global Micro-Inverters Market such as ABB, Altenergy Power System, Canadian Solar, Chilicon Power, Darfon Electronics and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Some of the 36 companies featured in this Global Micro-Inverters market report include: ABB Altenergy Power System Canadian Solar Chilicon Power Darfon Electronics Enphase Energy Infineon Technologies Intertech ReneSola Siemens SMA Solar Technology SolarEdge Technologies Key Attributes: Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW World Market Trajectories Global Economic Update Micro-Inverters - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2024 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2024 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Demand for Solar Energy Systems Spurs Growth in Micro-Inverters Market Technological Advancements in High-Efficiency and Smart Micro-Inverters Strengthen Business Case for Adoption Growing Focus on Decentralized Power Generation and Residential Solar Installations Expands Addressable Market Expansion of Micro-Inverters in Commercial and Industrial Solar Installations Fuels Market Growth Increasing Adoption of Micro-Inverters in Grid-Tied and Off-Grid Solar Systems Expands Market Opportunities Technological Innovations in Power Optimization and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Propel Market Expansion Rising Focus on Enhancing Solar System Performance and Reducing Shading Losses Drives Demand for Micro-Inverters Growing Use of Micro-Inverters in Energy Storage Integration and Hybrid Systems Expands Market Potential Focus on Reducing Installation Complexity and Maintenance Costs Strengthens Market for Micro-Inverters Rising Adoption of Monitoring and IoT-Enabled Micro-Inverters Expands Addressable Market Technological Advancements in Modular and Scalable Micro-Inverter Solutions Propel Market Growth Expansion of Micro-Inverters in Electric Vehicle Charging and Smart Grid Integration Expands Market Opportunities GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS ABB Altenergy Power System Canadian Solar Chilicon Power Darfon Electronics Enphase Energy Infineon Technologies Intertech ReneSola Siemens SMA Solar Technology SolarEdge Technologies For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/svoedb About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Micro-Inverters Market

Abortions are up in the US: A complicated picture as women turn to pills, travelEduardo Camavinga injured in Real Madrid's match against Liverpool

So, as we enter the new year, let us all take a cue from the young people who have embraced banwei and strive to incorporate more balance and tranquility into our own lives. Let us say goodbye to fatigue and welcome a fresh start with open arms. Here's to a year filled with banwei, joy, and serenity. Let's make it a year to remember.

Another key factor in the positive reception of the visa-free month policy is the warm hospitality and exceptional service that Chinese tourists receive in South Korea. From the moment they arrive, Chinese travelers are greeted with a genuine warmth and enthusiasm that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it's the helpful staff at hotels, the knowledgeable tour guides, or the friendly locals eager to share their culture, Chinese visitors often feel welcomed and valued throughout their stay in South Korea. This high level of hospitality has not gone unnoticed and has played a significant role in shaping the favorable perception that many Chinese now have of South Korea.

German president dissolves parliamentBiggest question: As Trump takes over as the 47th U.S President, what will his salary be? Here is a breakdownTransport for London (TfL) is investigating after one of its new “tram buses” was involved in a crash on the day the fleet was launched. The vehicle reportedly collided with a car driven by the wife of a Bromley councillor. The 20-strong fleet covers the 358 route, connecting Crystal Palace to Orpington in one of London ’s longest bus routes. TfL unveiled the new set of buses on November 20, which include pantograph technology that connects to the roof of the bus at each end of the 15-mile long journey, allowing them to charge in as little as six minutes. Labour Councillor Kathy Bance said at a Bromley Council meeting on the evening of the launch that one of the first new 358 buses hit a car belonging to a Labour councillor’s wife. The collision reportedly took place on Sevenoaks Road in Orpington earlier that day while the new 358 buses were making their first journeys. A TfL spokesperson said: “We are aware of a road traffic collision involving a route 358 bus and another vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured and we understand that the collision was minor.” They added: “We are working with the bus operator, Go-Ahead London, to investigate this incident.” Conservative Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways & Road Safety, sent his best wishes to the councillor’s wife at the meeting. The executive councillor also claimed the pantograph technology being used on the new 358 buses was already several years out of date. Cllr Bennett said in his update: “They claim it as ‘new technology’ yet such charging has been in place for years in some European cities and TfL route 132 has had such charging for several years.” Pantograph technology was initially introduced to London in 2022 for the 132 route at Bexleyheath bus garage. TfL has said the innovation will allow fewer buses to be required on the 358 route, bringing savings to be used in other areas of the London network. Safety benefits also include speed limiting technology and audible warnings for pedestrians. Lorna Murphy, director of buses at TfL, previously said: “The green benefits are obviously that we’re reducing our carbon emissions. On a bus like this, we can carry up to 80 times the amount of people that can go in a car in just three times the space. “Clearly that’s a huge benefit from an emissions point of view, for the climate, for improving the air that we all breathe and that’s great for Londoners.”

Scientists find vulnerability in antibiotic resistance mechanismAfter losing their first game of the season to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 , the Kansas City Chiefs barely got past the Carolina Panthers 30-27 last Sunday on the road. Kansas City enjoyed one of its best days on the ground, with 165 rushing yards against Carolina despite the close finish. Kareem Hunt led the way with 68 yards on 16 carries and Patrick Mahomes added another 60 yards on five scrambles. Even with that high yardage total, Kansas City ranks 18th in the league in rushing this season. The Chiefs have had to work with Hunt, Carson Steele , and Samaje Perine at the running back position following a severe leg injury to last year's leading rusher, Isiah Pacheco . Pacheco was designated to return from injured reserve two weeks ago, opening a 21-day window for him to play for the Chiefs. He initially looked set to play against Carolina but was eventually held out of the game. Here's the latest on his status this week as the Chiefs return home to host the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday . NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more. Will Isiah Pacheco play this week? Yes. Kansas City coach Andy Reid confirmed Wednesday that Pacheco will be back in the lineup against the Raiders, barring any significant setbacks. Pacheco was a full-go in practice last week and was a full participant again on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the team's Friday game. Kansas City is also expecting defensive lineman Charles Omenihu back from injury for this week's game as well. Isiah Pacheco injury Pacheco was injured in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals on a 1-yard carry on the final drive of the game. He was sandwiched by three Bengals defenders and Steele closed the game out at running back for the Chiefs. Pacheco was later seen with crutches and in a walking boot. He was later diagnosed with a fractured fibula, which typically takes between four and eight weeks to heal. His 10-week break is a bit longer than expected, and implies it was a severe fracture. Chiefs RB depth chart Hunt has been the primary ball-carrier out of the backfield for the Chiefs since Pacheco's injury. Here's how the depth chart has looked with him out: One of those players will likely be demoted to the practice squad with Pacheco's return, likely Edwards-Helaire. Keaontay Ingram is currently the only running back signed to the practice squad at time of publishing. How to watch Chiefs-Raiders on Black Friday Due to Thanksgiving taking away its usual "Thursday Night Football" broadcast, Amazon Prime will broadcast the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

Upon touching down at the airport, a team of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, including paramedics and healthcare professionals, were standing by to respond to the unfolding crisis. Equipped with life-saving equipment and expertise, they hurried to the aircraft to assess the situation and provide immediate medical intervention.Furthermore, the return of refugees to Syria will need to be carefully managed to ensure their safety and well-being. Many refugees have expressed concerns about returning to a country that still faces instability and insecurity. It will be crucial for all parties involved to work together to create a sustainable and secure environment for refugees to return home.The plastic surgery hospital where Liu Dabeili underwent the fatal procedure has come under scrutiny in the wake of her passing. It has been revealed that the hospital had a history of violations and was previously penalized by the Health Commission for misconduct and negligence. This raises serious concerns about the safety and standards of care provided by such facilities, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the cosmetic surgery industry.

West Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in overtime in the Battle 4 AtlantisWhen Seuk Kim took off from Maryland last weekend with three small dogs aboard his plane, it was the latest of many volunteer flights he had made to rescue animals in need. After realizing a childhood dream of becoming a pilot, Kim transported cats and dogs from disaster areas, overcrowded shelters and other misfortunes — including a dog trapped for days in a shipping container — to rescue groups. He lined up other aviators to do the same. But Sunday's flight to New York was his last. Kim's 1986 Mooney M20J crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, killing the 49-year-old pilot and one of the dogs, authorities said. The other two pups survived and were recovering Tuesday. “There are very few people like Seuk in this world. He has no ulterior motives. He never needed recognition,” said Sydney Galley, a fellow rescue flight volunteer. “He just wanted to help.” RELATED STORY | 'Need all the help I can get': Hurricane-related IV shortage landed woman in hospital for 6 weeks Whiskey — a 4-month-old Labrador-mix puppy who was found huddled in the snow with two broken legs — was doing well while awaiting surgery at Pieper Memorial Veterinary emergency and specialty hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. Videos showed the tawny pup getting belly rubs, licking a staffer’s face and, later, calmly looking around while having a leg bandage changed. The other surviving dog, an 18-month-old Yorkshire terrier mix called Pluto, was found Monday with minor injuries. By Tuesday, Pluto was at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, the New York organization that had been set to receive all three dogs. The third was a 5-pound (2.3-kg) puppy named Lisa, Galley said. The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in mountainous terrain. National Transportation Safety Board investigators were at the crash site. Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky has said visibility was poor Sunday and that Kim sought permission to change his altitude because of turbulence before the plane went down in early evening. Galley said the aircraft — Kim's third plane, purchased in recent months — was equipped with technology to help locate it in an emergency. Still, it took authorities until about midnight Sunday to find the aircraft, which was in about a foot of snow a couple of miles from the nearest road, the sheriff said. Kim lived with his wife and their three children in Springfield, Virginia. Originally from South Korea, he “came to this country with little but a dream, and through hard work and perseverance, he built a life of meaning and generosity,” cousin Christine Kim said in a Facebook message. “Witty, spontaneous, and full of boundless generosity,” he combined a caring heart with a sense of adventure, the Kim family said in an online obituary. RELATED STORY | 'Need all the help I can get': Hurricane-related IV shortage landed woman in hospital for 6 weeks Seuk Kim had worked in fields including public relations and marketing. His family said he had pastimes including cooking and following baseball, but he had long aspired to fly. He eventually made that wish come true, and Galley said Kim recently told friends that he had landed a job with a charter flight company. “He was on top of the world,” she said. Kim started flying rescue dogs about four years ago and became a dedicated volunteer who handled as many as three flights a week and helped line up other pilots, Galley said. Unfazed by huge dogs, cats that other pilots didn't want to fly, or animal potty accidents, he responded to virtually any request with a smile and “sure, I can do that,” she recalled. Earlier this year, he flew “Connie the container dog,” the canine found in a shipping container at the Port of Houston, according to Galley and to a post on his memorial website. After Hurricane Helene struck parts of the Southeast this fall, Kim helped fly planeloads of generators and other supplies to hard-hit western North Carolina and even acquired a pickup truck to drive in hay for farms, Galley recalled. Penny Edwards of Forever Changed Animal Rescue, one of the groups Kim helped with Helene response, called him “a huge asset to not just us but the entire rescue community.” “Our hearts are shattered,” she wrote in an email Tuesday. Maggie Jackman Pryor, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley’s executive director, said Kim helped save hundreds of animals over the years. Among them were a dog and her five puppies that he flew in October to Cathy West of Kuddles & Kisses K9 Rescue in Baltimore. The mixed-breed dog had been on a list to be euthanized at an overfilled shelter in Tennessee, West said. “He was so involved in trying to get the word out to volunteer, to other pilots — that this is a good thing to save these dogs so that they don’t die in shelters,” she said. On Sunday, Galley said, Kim picked up four dogs at a Virginia airport where her husband had just transported them from Georgia. After excitedly telling her husband about his new charter-plane job, Kim took off, dropped a big dog at a small airport in Maryland, and headed on with the rest toward Albany, New York. She imagines that he apologized to his canine passengers as the plane went down. “He always,” she said, “put everybody ahead of himself.”

Trump voters increased most in Bay Area’s lower income citiesWhat does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?

In addition to their struggles with set pieces, Reinekel noted that Arsenal's overall creativity in open play has also been a cause for concern. The Gunners have been criticized for their lack of incisiveness and cutting edge in the final third, which has led to a decrease in the number of clear-cut scoring chances they create in matches.In his letter, Alonso expresses gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, acknowledging the role of his fans in his success. "I am grateful for the unwavering support of my fans, who have stood by me through the highs and lows of my journey," he writes. "Your passion and dedication have inspired me to give my all on the pitch, and for that, I am forever thankful."

In a recent development, government officials have made it abundantly clear that stabilizing the real estate and stock markets is a top priority. This directive comes amidst concerns about excessive volatility and speculation in these key sectors of the economy. The move signifies a proactive approach to maintaining stability and promoting sustainable growth in the markets.

According to the latest guidelines from healthcare professionals and the World Health Organization, the appropriate treatment for pneumonia, whether bacterial or non-bacterial, should be determined by a healthcare provider following a thorough evaluation. Factors such as the individual's overall health, the severity of symptoms, and any underlying conditions should all be taken into account. In some cases, supportive care, rest, and hydration may be sufficient for recovery without the need for antibiotics.Prepare for a major leap in graphics technology as Nvidia gears up for a CES unveiling of its latest RTX 50-series! Leaks from industry insiders mark January as the month when Nvidia introduces its most advanced GPUs to date. Nvidia’s affiliates, including gaming hardware giants Zotac and Acer, have let slip tantalizing details about these upcoming tech marvels. Expect a revelation of four stellar graphics cards, soaring at the top end of Nvidia’s portfolio. This rumored lineup includes the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070. Additionally, the RTX 5090D is rumored to be a special variant for the Chinese market, designed to adapt to US export parameters. The leaks offered insight into the flagship RTX 5090, which is set to feature an impressive 32GB of GDDR7 memory, a significant upgrade over the RTX 4090. Acer’s leaked spec sheet for its Predator Orion desktops also confirms these specs, suggesting a similar memory leap for the RTX 5080 with 16GB of GDDR7. This launch is particularly exciting for performance enthusiasts, as the RTX 5090 aims to set new benchmarks, challenging the two-year dominance of the RTX 4090. Previous options, like Nvidia’s 2024 Super refresh of the 40-series and AMD’s RX 7900 XTX, appear overshadowed by this new powerhouse. With the CES announcement fast approaching, the gaming and tech community eagerly awaits the official confirmation of these groundbreaking developments. Get ready to feel the next wave of cutting-edge graphics innovation! Nvidia RTX 50-Series: Revolutionary Graphics Cards Set to Transform Gaming and AI The upcoming unveiling of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series graphics cards at CES promises to redefine the standards of performance and efficiency in the world of GPUs. As leaks about these highly anticipated devices circulate, we explore new insights, features, and potential impacts on the market. Cutting-Edge Specifications and Features The flagship of this series, the RTX 5090, is expected to push boundaries with its 32GB of GDDR7 memory, a substantial enhancement over its predecessor, the RTX 4090. This leap not only bolsters its gaming capabilities but also promises vast improvements in applications requiring high computational power, such as artificial intelligence and data science. Meanwhile, the RTX 5080 is rumored to come with 16GB of GDDR7, positioning it as a formidable contender in the mid-high range segment. Pros and Cons Pros: – Higher Memory Bandwidth: The integration of GDDR7 memory increases bandwidth, enabling smoother gaming experiences and more efficient handling of data-heavy tasks. – Performance Leap: Expected to surpass the performance of any currently available graphics card, including the notable RTX 4090 and AMD’s RX 7900 XTX. Cons: – Potential Cost: Cutting-edge technology typically comes with a higher price tag, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users. – Power Consumption: With greater performance, these cards may require more power, necessitating efficient cooling solutions and robust power supplies. Market Implications This launch is poised to shift the market dynamics, further solidifying Nvidia’s dominance in the GPU sector. Competing brands may need to innovate swiftly to keep pace with the strides Nvidia offers. For consumers, this competition could lead to more varied options and potential price adjustments across the market. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Nvidia has been progressively working towards sustainability in its operations. The introduction of this new series is an opportunity for the company to incorporate more eco-friendly manufacturing processes and components. However, the actual environmental impact will depend on Nvidia’s execution and strategic commitments. Forward-Looking Insights The RTX 50-series could set the tone for future technology trends, influencing developments in gaming graphics, AI computing, and more. The enhancements in memory and processing power may pave the way for new innovations in real-time ray tracing and realistic graphics rendering in gaming, as well as breakthroughs in scientific computing. For those eager to explore more about Nvidia’s plans and technological advancements, visit the official Nvidia website . As the tech world watches, Nvidia’s CES announcement could herald a new era in graphics technology.In the world of football, the transfer market is a crucial time for clubs to strengthen their squads, address weaknesses, and make strategic acquisitions. For Arsenal, this summer transfer window has been a mix of excitement and disappointment, as the North London club missed out on two key signings that could have made a significant impact on their upcoming season.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the repercussions of Liu Yusheng's alleged actions are likely to be far-reaching. The reputation of Anhui Provincial Hospital, once considered a beacon of medical excellence, now hangs in the balance as the scandal threatens to erode public trust and confidence in the institution.Air Cushion Machine Market Analysis: Distribution Channels, End-Users, Growth Factors, Competitive Landscape Forecast Through 2031 | Ranpak, Storopack, Airpac, Pregis, Sealed Air, Instapak

hand777 com login Democratic rising star Brian Schatz has slammed and other members of his party for being “egregiously weird sounding.” In an , the Hawaii senator warned that using terms from the academic world is a surefire way to alienate the average American–and suggested it was done to satisfy noisy “advocacy” groups rather than go after voters. Instead, he said, Democrats have to say things in the most popular way they can to reach the maximum number of voters. The intervention is one of an increasing number of calls for self-reflection for Democrats in the wake of Harris' defeat by Donald Trump and the latest to focus on how Democrats communicate. Other party bigs have attacked pronoun obsession and land acknowledgments as out of touch with normal lives–and an electoral liability. In his attack on “weird,” Schatz highlighted how Harris had used the word “center” as a verb. “I think Kamala did a really good job on focusing on middle-class concerns,” he said. “But I remember her saying, ‘I’m going to center the needs of the working class.’ And I thought to myself, I don’t know anyone in the world who says ‘center.’ “I know people in politics who say ‘center,’” Schatz continued. “I know people in academia. I know people in advocacy who say ‘center.’ But centering the needs, or making space for, or all of that, is a clear indication that you are not normal.” He also referred to “Latinx”—which a “gender-neutral” alternative to “Latino” and “Latina.” Spanish is a gendered language. But Schatz warned that the entire way Democrats speak is at the heart of their problems. “The point is we have a whole language that’s maybe not offensive, or irritating,” he told Politico. “But definitely unfamiliar to regular people.” He called the Democrats “egregiously weird sounding” and admitted he had been guilty himself. “I remember saying I was for ‘a cessation of hostilities’ in Israel and Palestine,” he said. “And people said why don’t you say ‘ceasefire?’ I’m thinking, that’s literally the same thing. I remember saying I was for a big, bold climate bill. And someone said why don’t you say ‘Green New Deal?’” He blamed “purity tests” set by ultra-progressive advocacy groups, saying he wanted to attack “this idea that there are magic words that we must be forced to say defines progressivism and political courage by essentially saying whatever a bunch of activists want us to say, as opposed to doing the thing.” “I think that there are a bunch of people who see what we’re doing as performative, for that exact reason,” he added. The battle over “weirdness” was an undercurrent of the latest presidential election cycle. In August, Harris’ running mate Tim Walz had declared that and JD Vance the weird ones, to which Trump : “Between his movement and her laugh, there’s a lot of craziness, I’d say a step further than ‘weird.’ ‘Weird’ is a nice word in comparison.” A poll from YouGov found that hardly any Americans use terms like “safe space,” “implicit bias,” “microagression,” “cisgender,” and “lived experience,” although Democrats are more likely to than Republicans, to Semafor. While Democrats have long been associated with the use of “politically correct” or “woke” language, internal calls for the party to loosen up its speech—and loosen up in general—have seemed to reach a new peak in the wake of Harris' loss. Last month, journalist Mike Pesca in the comparing the Democratic Party to a human resources department for its insistence on “norms, procedure, bureaucracy, DEI initiatives, rule following, language policing, and compliance.” Philippe Reines, a former aide to Bill and Hillary Clinton, magazine earlier this month, “We can’t be the party of pronouns and land acknowledgments.” “We are bleeding people right now, and we are not going to get them back with the branding that we have—and it really is just a branding issue," he added. “It’s not like every day you run into people changing their genders on the government’s dime; it is not as if every Democrat is telling you their pronouns.”By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.Pamela Anderson Has Heard From ‘a Lot of Great Directors’ Following ‘The Last Showgirl’ Success

By LINDSEY BAHR Do you have a someone in your life who plays Vulture’s Cinematrix game every morning? Or maybe they have the kitchen television turned to Turner Classic Movies all day and make a point of organizing Oscar polls at work? Hate to break it to you: They might be a hard-to-please cinephile. But while you might not want to get into a winless debate over the “Juror No. 2” release or the merits of “Megalopolis” with said person, they don’t have to be hard to buy gifts for. The Associated Press has gathered up some of the best items out there to keep any movie lover stylish and informed. While Christopher Nolan dreams up his next film, fans can tide themselves over by revisiting his modern classic “Interstellar,” which will be back in IMAX theaters on the weekend of Dec. 6, followed by the home release of a new collector’s edition on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray ($59.95). A third disc in the set, available Dec. 10, contains more than two hours of bonus content, like a never-before-seen storyboard sequence, and new interviews with Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and famous fans Peter Jackson and Denis Villeneuve . Elaine May does not give interviews anymore. But thankfully that didn’t deter writer Carrie Courogen, who did a remarkable job stitching together the life of one of our culture’s most fascinating, and prickly, talents. “Miss May Does Not Exist” is full of delightful anecdotes about the sharp and satirical comedian who gained fame as one half of Nichols and May and went on to direct films like “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Mikey and Nicky.” Courogen writes about May’s successes, flops and her legendary scuffles with the Hollywood establishment. It’s a vital companion to Mark Harris’ biography of Mike Nichols . Macmillan. $30. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has an exclusive new “Matrix” sweatshirt for sale in conjunction with its Cyberpunk exhibition. Brain Dead Studios designed and created several items, including the black hoodie ($140), a white rabbit tee ($54) and a pint glass ($18). If you can’t make it to Los Angeles to check out the “Color in Motion” exhibit for yourself, the Academy Museum also has a beautiful new companion book for sale ($55) charting the development of color technology in film and its impact. It includes photos from films like “The Red Shoes,” “Vertigo,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and images of rare prints from the silent era. The Academy Museum Store is having a sale (20% off everything) from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | These holiday gifts change the game when building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts Want to look like a real film festival warrior, the kind who sees five movies a day, files a review and still manages to make the late-night karaoke party? You’re going to need the ultimate status tote from the independent streaming service MUBI . Simple, to-the-point and only for people in the know. $25. Film magazines may be an endangered species, but print is not dead at The Metrograph . Manhattan’s coolest movie theater is starting a biannual print publication “for cinephiles and cultural connoisseurs alike.” The first issue’s cover art is by cinematographer Ed Lachman (“Carol”), and contributors include the likes of Daniel Clowes, Ari Aster, Steve Martin and Simon Rex. There’s also a conversation with Clint Eastwood. It’s currently available for pre-order and will be in bookstores Dec. 10 for $25 ($15 for Metrograph members). This is not a book about filmmaking styles, camera angles and leadership choices. It’s literally about what directors wear. “How Directors Dress: On Set, in the Edit, and Down the Red Carpet” ($40) has over 200 archival photos of filmmakers in action: Spike Lee in his basketball caps, Sofia Coppola in her Charvet button-ups, Steven Spielberg’s denim on denim and many more. With a forward by the always elegant Joanna Hogg and writing from some of the top fashion journalists, it’s a beautiful look at how filmmakers really dress for work — and might even be a source of inspiration.

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Mid-inclination orbit provides more SAR-imaging opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe for ICEYE customers. HELSINKI, Finland , Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, announced today that it has launched two new satellites to its constellation of SAR satellites. Both satellites expand the availability of ICEYE's latest imaging technology to deliver additional 25 cm imaging capacity. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched as part of the Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA . Both satellites have established communication, and early routine operations are underway. With today's launch, ICEYE has successfully launched 40 satellites into orbit since 2018, with nine satellites launched in 2024 alone. The new SAR satellites were launched into mid-inclination orbits; compared to a polar orbit, these mid-inclination orbits provide more than twice the collection opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe. ICEYE customers have many areas of interest in these middle latitudes (+/- 45 degrees), and these customers will benefit from increased persistence over these regions. Customers with imaging interests outside these middle latitudes will continue to benefit from the frequent revisit enabled by ICEYE's dozens of satellites in polar orbits. ICEYE's unique mix of mid-inclination and polar orbits provides its customers with deep revisit capabilities for targets all around the globe. The new satellites will serve ICEYE's commercial missions as part of the world's largest SAR satellite constellation owned and operated by ICEYE. Rafal Modrzewski , CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE said: "This launch marks another significant milestone in ICEYE's ability to provide our customers with a rich diversity of collection opportunities. We bolster our industry-leading SAR constellation and expand our customers' collection opportunities in the areas most important to them." Today's launch is another step forward in ICEYE's steady drumbeat of innovative breakthroughs in Earth Observation. This year alone, ICEYE has, for example, introduced Dwell Precise, a new 25 cm imaging mode that offers its customers the highest-fidelity 25cm imaging capability, and adds advanced capability to ICEYE's line of Dwell products; launched an API that allows customers to directly task its SAR satellite constellation; and launched ICEYE Ocean Vision to provide actionable intelligence for maritime domain awareness. About ICEYE ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before. Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable high-quality data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development. ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland , Poland , Spain , the UK, Australia , Japan , UAE, Greece , and the US. We have more than 700 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation. Media contact: press@iceye.com Visit www.iceye.com and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iceye-expands-its-earth-observation-capabilities-with-launch-of-two-sar-satellites-for-mid-inclination-orbit-on-the-bandwagon-2-mission-with-spacex-302337876.html SOURCE ICEYESindh govt seeks amendment to bill aimed at overseeing educational boards

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Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio delivers combative testimony in ex-cops defenseBears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was neither spectacular nor victorious last week against the Packers, but his steady performance was tremendously reassuring after watching him in freefall for three games in a row. Pulling out of that spiral was crucial as Williams tries to get his career off the ground and eventually lead the Bears to something better than what they’ve been stuck in the last several seasons. Completing 74.2% of his passes, totaling 301 yards passing and rushing and posting a 95.0 passer rating in a loss was hardly parade-worthy, but it reestablished his footing . That’s how virtually everyone around him saw it, anyway. Williams, though, downplayed it in terms of being a confidence boost. “I wouldn’t say it did anything for me mentally,” he said. “After the third game, I realized that I can play and I feel good playing. Regardless of the interceptions at the beginning of the season, I was seeing the field well, and that still stands today. “There’s going to be rough times, rough patches over the long, healthy career that I hopefully have, and that’s not going to change my mindset.” For everyone else, it was a relief. In order to make games like the one against the Packers unremarkable, Williams must stack up more like it — and better ones. He gets that. Every time he has made progress, he has been very measured in his perspective about that being merely a starting point. The whole season is that, really, especially after the Bears plunged out of the playoff race with four consecutive losses. The most important thing, by far, about the last seven games is Williams setting his trajectory for 2025 and beyond. The first half of the season, loaded with most of the Bears’ weaker opponents, was NFL 101. The advanced classes are in the second half, and none are tougher to pass than what he’ll encounter Sunday at home against the Vikings. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is a dizzying opponent known for dialing up the most covert and confusing blitzes in the league. Williams will get two shots at the Vikings, first Sunday and then Dec. 16 in Minneapolis. The Bears’ chances of winning either game hinge on how quickly he catches on to Flores. It’s also a huge part of his big-picture development, and coach Matt Eberflus said this is “a great game” for Williams — with the help of new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown — to demonstrate his ability to adapt from play-to-play “just because of the variation that you get” from Flores in defensive fronts and personnel. Williams’ remaining seven games are against decent-to-great defenses and teams in the top half of the NFL in pressuring quarterbacks, so any steps forward will be hard-earned and legitimate. The Vikings are fourth in points allowed, first in pressure and second in takeaways. Then Williams will turn around on a short week to visit the Lions on Thanksgiving, and they’re fifth in points allowed, 10th in pressure and fifth in takeaways. Both are top-eight in opponent passer rating and third-down defense, too. Good progress for Williams also should include maximizing his connection with wide receiver Rome Odunze, a fellow rookie and an essential partner going forward. Odunze, the No. 9 pick this year, got a team-high 10 targets against the Packers — “My guy,” Williams called him — and caught six balls for 65 yards. That included back-to-back catches on third and fourth down with the game on the line. “We’re just in the beginning phase of this thing,” said Odunze, who leads the team with 479 yards receiving. “I have big aspirations and [being] one of the best quarterback-wide-receiver duos is at the top of my goal sheet... We’ve got to go to big things.” Realistically, those “big things” probably won’t add up to a shocking playoff run. But every gain by Williams the rest of the season is massive for his future.

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a-777 For Native American women, stepping into leadership starts with reclaiming their pastTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay’s bid for a fourth straight NFC South title and fifth consecutive playoff berth is gaining momentum. Back-to-back wins over a pair of last-place teams , combined with Atlanta’s three-game losing streak, have propelled the Bucs (6-6) to a tie atop the division. Although the Falcons (6-6) hold a tiebreaker after sweeping the season series between the teams, Tampa Bay can control its own destiny by finishing strong against a less than imposing schedule. The Bucs, who are back in the thick of the race after beating the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers, figure to be favored in four of their five remaining games. “Every week, we said it’s a playoff game, we got to take care of us. It’s not going to be easy. As it was (Sunday), it’s going to be a dog fight every week,” coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday’s 26-23 overtime win at Carolina. “We got to clean up some things, we know that, but it’s hard to win in this league,” the coach said of the mistake-filled victory that lifted the Bucs back to .500. “We’ll take a win any way we can get it.” After facing Las Vegas (2-10) this week, the Bucs will finish with road games against the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) and Dallas Cowboys (5-7), followed by home dates vs. Carolina (3-9) and the New Orleans Saints (4-8). RELATED COVERAGE 49ers are nearing rock bottom following a blowout loss and the injury to McCaffrey Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are in good position for the playoffs but need to improve on offense The Vikings are showing their worth at 10-2 by winning the games that don’t go smoothly What’s working Kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of team’s most consistent performers, converting 21 of 23 field goal attempts. He was 4 of 5 against the Panthers, including 51-yarder to force overtime on the final play of regulation. He missed from 55 yards in OT before winning it with a 30-yard field goal on Tampa Bay’s next possession. What needs help Just when it appeared the defense was beginning to trend in the right direction, Carolina’s Bryce Young threw for 298 yards without an interception against the Bucs in one of his better outings of the season. “In the first half, he did it with his feet and the second half he did it with his arm,” Bowles said. The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Stock up Running back Bucky Irving rushed for a career-best 152 yards and finished with 185 from scrimmage against Carolina, making him the first rookie since Miles Sanders in 2019 to have consecutive games with 150-plus yards from scrimmage. Stock down A week after playing well offensively and defensively in a 23-point rout of the New York Giants, the Bucs were sloppy against the Panthers. In addition to throwing two interceptions, Mayfield was sacked four times. Tampa Bay was penalized seven times for 54 yards, and the defense was only able to sack Young once. Injuries Mayfield (sore leg), linebacker K.J. Britt (sprained ankle) and safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) will be on the injury report this week. Bowles said he’s not sure what Mayfield’s practice status will be when the team reconvenes Wednesday, however he expects the quarterback to play Sunday. Key numbers 37 and 101 — Wide receiver Mike Evans had another big day against Carolina, posting the 37th 100-yard receiving performance of his career — fifth among active players. He also moved ahead of Hall of Famers Steve Largent and Tim Brown for sole possession of ninth place on the all-time list for TD receptions with 101. Next steps The Buccaneers host Las Vegas in Tampa Bay’s first home game in a month and the third consecutive outing against a last-place team. The Raiders (2-10) have lost eight in a row. ___ NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill is likely to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the Saints' loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “It looks like an ACL tear,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said Monday. “He’ll probably get a second opinion, but it looks like it will be season-ending.” Hill, who is listed at tight end but plays a variety of roles, was carted off the field after taking a hard hit to his left knee while converting a fourth down on a direct snap in the Saints’ 21-14 loss Sunday to the Rams. The injury came one game after he'd posted a career-best 138 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in a victory over Cleveland. He also has lined up at quarterback and running back, as well as playing special teams. “It means everybody else has to step up,” Rizzi said. “He fills so many roles, so there are going to be a lot of different guys that have to be a part of the solution there. It’s hard to sit here and tell you we are going to replace Taysom. You can’t. He’s a phenomenal person, player, leader and captain. It’s a big loss." Hill is the third key offensive player the Saints have lost. He joins leading wide receivers Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion in Week 9 and has not played since, and Rashid Shaheed, who is out for the year after tearing a meniscus in Week 7. Rizzi said guard Nick Saldiveri also might miss the remaining five games after injuring his left knee in the fourth quarter one series before Hill. Without Hill, though, the Saints’ quest to get back in the NFC South race became even tougher. At 4-8, they trail Atlanta and Tampa Bay by two games. Hill has 99 catches, 437 carries, 302 passes, 44 touchdowns, 19 tackles and one blocked kick in seven years with the Saints. “I don’t know if I can compare Taysom to anybody else that I’ve ever coached,” Rizzi said. “There’s not a guy that comes to mind that has been able to do all the different things he’s been able to do just in one game, forget about his career." What's working Alvin Kamara had his third 100-yard rushing game of the year and is 106 yards away from the first 1,000-yard season of his eight-year career. He needs only 39 more yards to set a career high. His 206 carries are the third most in his career. What needs help Los Angeles averaged 5.4 yards per carry, finishing with 156 yards. Rams running back Kyren Williams said they knew at halftime they would win if they stuck to the ground game, and he carried seven times on the opening series of the third quarter as they took the lead. The Saints have allowed 5.1 yards per carry for the season — tied for last with the New York Giants. Stock up Signed in late October after Shaheed’s season-ending surgery, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has become Derek Carr’s go-to receiver for big plays. His 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the Saints’ longest gain of the day and his fourth score in the past three games. Stock down Tight end Foster Moreau, a reliable performer all year, could not handle Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse on the Saints’ final offensive snap, allowing him to hit Carr as he released a pass on fourth-and-3 from the Los Angeles 9 with New Orleans trailing by 7. Injuries Although the news was bad for Hill and Saldiveri, Rizzi said he expected starting center Erik McCoy to play Sunday against the Giants. McCoy was scratched against the Rams after aggravating a groin injury two weeks earlier versus Cleveland in his first game back since missing seven in a row. Rizzi said oft-injured running back Kendre Miller, who has played in two games this year, might return from a hamstring injury Sunday. Key number 2 — The number of sacks for the Saints, not enough to keep Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford from finding his rhythm in the second half. In the Rams’ last five losses, he has been sacked 20 times. In their last five wins, he has been sacked three times. Next steps With their NFC South hopes on life support, the Saints travel to face the reeling Giants, who have lost seven in a row. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Guerry Smith, The Associated PressTrump returns to world stage in Paris with Ukraine war on agenda

The Gophers on Tuesday received the third commitment from a wide receiver during the December transfer portal window when former Nebraska wideout Malachi Coleman — one of the nation’s top recruits in the 2023 class — announced on the X platform that he is joining Minnesota’s football program. Coleman, a 6-4, 218-pound redshirt freshman in 2024, will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing in 11 games as a true freshman for the Cornhuskers in 2023 and using a redshirt this season, when he appeared in only one game. Coleman caught eight passes for 139 yards and one touchdown in his Huskers debut season. A former Lincoln (Neb.) East High School standout, Coleman was a four-star prep prospect and the top-ranked player in Nebraska, the 11th-ranked wide receiver nationally and the 63rd-ranked player nationally by 247Sports.com . His offer list in high school included Colorado, Miami (Fla.), Missouri, Penn State, Michigan and Oklahoma, among others. In the transfer portal rankings, Coleman was No. 30 among wideouts. Coleman’s commitment comes one day after former UCLA receiver Logan Loya joined the Gophers program . In the first week of the open portal period, the Gophers signed former Miami (Ohio) wideout Javon Tracy. The additions of Coleman, Loya and Tracy brings an influx of talent into a Gophers wide receiver group that must replace its top two pass catchers from 2024 — Daniel Jackson (75 receptions, 863 yards, four touchdowns) and Elijah Spencer (46-603-4). Loya caught 29 passes for 348 yards and four TDs this season after leading the Bruins with 59 receptions for 655 yards and five TDs last season. . Tracy had 57 receptions for 818 yards and seven TDs this season and 22 catches for 348 yards and two scores last season. Minnesota’s top returning wideout is senior Le’Meke Brockington, who had 16 catches for 227 yards and a TD in 2024.2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Highlights Progress Amid Growing ChallengesBy MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.

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The maritime industry is on the verge of a new era in connectivity with the launch of The Hood, a social platform built with a bold mission: to unite seafarers, their families, and maritime professionals into one vibrant, inclusive community. The Hood is more than just a networking tool. It is a space for meaningful connection, where industry members can support and empower one another. Inspired by terms like ‘sisterhood’ and ‘brotherhood,’ The Hood captures the spirit of family and mutual support. Members can job hunt, chat with colleagues, or share ideas and experiences with ease—no matter where in the world they are. The vision behind The Hood began six years ago when Josephine Le, Founder and Managing Director, first entered the maritime industry and recognised its uniqueness. She observed how challenging life at sea can be, especially for those away from home for long stretches, and saw the need for a space where maritime professionals could truly connect and support each other. After extensive research to understand the industry’s unique needs, Ms Le brought The Hood to life as a well-thought-out platform designed specifically to address these challenges. “I remember first joining the industry and feeling an immediate sense of community, but I also saw the isolation seafarers experience and some outdated recruitment practices,” said Josephine Le, Founder and Managing Director of The Hood. “The Hood was born out of a desire for connection and dependability. Even in the ever-evolving chaos like the current social media landscape, it speaks to our natural tendency to gravitate towards any kind of link to real connections and how these digital anchors can become the bedrock of a real community” Josephine Le, Founder and Managing Director “Our goal is simple but powerful: to build a community where strangers become family, and where members feel truly supported and empowered. Whether you’re just starting out or have spent years at sea, The Hood is here to help you connect, share, and belong.” The Hood serves every corner of the maritime world. Engineers can create dedicated groups to swap technical know-how, deck officers can discuss navigation and regulations, and cadets can find mentors. This tailored approach allows maritime professionals of all kinds to find support and camaraderie, right in their own space. By choosing the delicate balance between the ease of use for the less technological savvy and the advanced features of the professional page, the Hood gives the younger generation of our industry an enhanced social media tool with all their favourite features while providing the value of industry expertise by bringing the seasoned experts to the community. Starting with a dual social/professional profile feature, the platform will offer free Career Hub page for users, ability to store and share CV and documents directly, dedicated online centres for wellbeing support, e-learning, news section, and a coming soon e-shop—resources that speak directly to the community’s unique needs. The Hood is not just about work; it’s about creating an enduring community for the maritime sector. As it expands to offer more features, it will remain dedicated to its mission of uniting and uplifting the industry, helping maritime professionals, their families, and seafarers build bonds that extend far beyond the workplace. Join The Hood today and be part of a thriving community where the maritime community connect, collaborate, and belong. Sign up here: Source: The HoodTop stories in Ottawa in 2024Marcus Tomashek scores 30 and Division II Michigan Tech hands Green Bay its 8th straight lossSome Democrats are frustrated over Joe Biden reversing course and pardoning Hunter

Welcome to the first edition of the Vancouver Canucks Stock Market, a series dedicated to analyzing the recent performance of all things related to the Canucks, including players, coaches, management, prospects, and more. The Canucks’ first 25 games of the 2024-25 season have been a rollercoaster for their fans. From frustrating outings at home to impressive, resilient efforts on the road, they have looked like a playoff contender at times while also showing shades of the teams that missed the playoffs and finished near the bottom of the standings. They have also gone through an excessive amount of adversity having to deal with the losses of Brock Boeser, JT Miller, Thatcher Demko , Filip Hronek, and Dakota Joshua. Fortunately, thanks to their road record and players stepping up in their absence, they are still entrenched in the playoff race and currently sit third in the Pacific Division, six points back of the Vegas Golden Knights for first. Up – Jake DeBrusk To say Jake DeBrusk is on a hot streak would be a massive understatement. After being ice-cold in October (only four assists in nine games), he reeled off seven goals in 13 games in November and already has five in three games in December. Overall, he has nine goals and 12 points in his last 10 games and now leads the Canucks with 12 goals – one ahead of Pius Suter. He is on pace for a career-high 39 goals and has quickly silenced the doubters who called him “Jake DeBust” when he was struggling at the start of the season. Down – Nils Hoglander Nils Hoglander can only wish for the type of success DeBrusk has had lately. The last time he hit the scoresheet (an assist) was over a month ago on Nov. 2 against the San Jose Sharks, and the last time he scored a goal was on Oct. 19 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Overall, he is mired in a 15-game point drought and hasn’t lit the lamp in 20 games. He has also been relegated to the bottom-six and has seen his ice time drop below 10 minutes four times in the last 10 games. The only consistent stat he’s been posting is penalty minutes (many of them in the offensive zone), with 20 on the season so far. As a result, Hoglander’s name has been bandied about in trade rumours . Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals have reportedly expressed interest in him, and with the Canucks looking for a top-four defenceman, he could be the asset that is moved to acquire one. Up – Thatcher Demko Returns to the Lineup The biggest positive that came out of the last week was the return of Demko to the Canucks bench . While he didn’t get the start against the Blue Jackets on Friday (Dec. 6), he suited up as the backup to Kevin Lankinen and was finally available if needed. He last played on April 21 against the Nashville Predators and his last regular season game came on April 18 against the Winnipeg Jets. That was eight months ago, and since then, he has been rehabbing a unique injury that saw him miss the first 25 games of the season. Assuming Demko returns to form and Lankinen continues to be his rock-solid self, the Canucks could have an elite tandem the likes fans haven’t seen since 2010-11 when Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider manned the crease. Down – Filip Hronek Out For 2 Months Just when the Canucks thought they were going to get close to a healthy lineup with the anticipated returns of Demko and Miller, they were hit with another blow, this time to their defence corps. On Dec. 3, it was announced that Hronek would be out eight weeks after undergoing a procedure to his lower body. The team has now played four games without him, sporting an impressive 3-0-1 record, as Noah Juulsen and Erik Brannstrom have stepped into bigger roles on the blue line. While fans hope those two can continue to elevate their games, the fact is, his skates are probably too big to fill. Eventually, they will feel the effects of his absence, and general manager Patrik Allvin will be forced to make a trade. Up – Danila Klimovich Turning to prospects for a minute, Danila Klimovich has seen his stock rise rapidly this season thanks to nine goals and 13 points in 19 games. Now in his fourth season with the Abbotsford Canucks, he is starting to resemble the player that was drafted in the second round back in 2021. His snipe-show of a shot has been on display multiple times, and like DeBrusk in the NHL, he is on fire with six goals in his past ten games, including three in his last five. It won’t be long before we see his name on a call-up list, following his teammates Arshdeep Bains, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Max Sasson, who have all seen time with the big club so far this season. Up – Quinn Hughes We have chronicled the success of the Canucks’ captain multiple times already this season. With accolades of being the third-fastest to 300 assists in NHL history and eclipsing Alex Edler for the assists lead among defencemen in franchise history, he is well on his way to another Norris Trophy. Now only two points back of Cale Makar for the lead in defence scoring, and on pace for his first 100-point season, there’s not much more you can say about the greatness that is Quinn Hughes. Just be grateful that you are around to witness it. Up – Sawyer Mynio on Canada’s Radar for 2025 World Juniors Speaking of great defenceman, while Mynio isn’t at the same level as Hughes, he is having a solid season so far with the Seattle Thunderbirds. So much so, that Team Canada added him to their camp roster for the 2025 World Juniors. After showcasing his offensive chops last season with 53 points in 63 games, he has continued that offensive dominance this season with 18 points in 16 games. Since being drafted in 2023 at 89th overall, he has developed into much more than a modern-day defensive defenceman. Chosen ahead of first-rounders Carter Yakemchuk and Zayne Parekh ( who has since been added ), the Canucks might have their first defenceman in the World Juniors for Team Canada since the late Luc Bourdon in 2007. How Will the Stock Market Fluctuate In the Coming Week? The Canucks are hoping there will be more ups than downs in the stock market this week as they welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning (Dec. 8), St. Louis Blues (Dec. 10), Florida Panthers (Dec. 12), and Boston Bruins (Dec. 14) to Rogers Arena. They lost to the Lightning in their first road game of the season on Oct. 15 and beat the Panthers and Bruins 3-2 and 2-0 on Oct. 17 and Nov. 26 respectively. They have yet to play the St. Louis Blues, but they have faced their head coach Jim Montgomery, who was coaching the Bruins on Nov. 26. We will see how the Canucks fare as they attempt to right the ship that is their home record. While the 5-2 win against the Blue Jackets was a good start, they still have some work to do as most of that game was dominated by the road team. Will we be talking about their home woes again next week, or will it be in the rearview mirror? Stay tuned. This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Prosecutors find workers in 'slavery like' conditions at Chinese car company site in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — A task force led by Brazilian prosecutors says it has rescued 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office released videos of the dorms where the construction workers were staying, which showed beds with no mattresses and rooms without any place for the workers to store their personal belongings. In a statement issued Monday, the prosecutor’s office said the workers had been hired in China by Jinjian Group, one of the contractors on the site, which is located in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador metropolitan region. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano HONOLULU (AP) — Lava is erupting from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano for the second straight day. The eruption has stayed within Kilauea’s summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and no homes are threatened. Molten rock began spewing out of the volcano before dawn on Monday when fissures opened in the caldera floor and shot lava high into the air. It then oozed across the caldera floor. Scientists expect activity to fluctuate in coming days. The lava paused Monday afternoon but fountains reemerged Tuesday morning. The eruption has occurred in an area that’s been closed to the public since 2007 due to hazards including crater wall instability and rockfalls. Haiti gang attack on journalists covering a hospital reopening leaves 2 dead, several wounded PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s online media association confirms that two reporters were killed and others wounded in a gang attack on the re-opening of Port-au-Prince’s biggest public hospital. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and they forced the closure of the General Hospital early this year. Authorities had pledged to reopen the facility Tuesday but as journalists gathered to cover the event, suspected gang members opened fire in a vicious Christmas eve attack. The killed journalists were identified as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. An unspecified number of reporters had also been wounded in the attack, which was blamed on the Viv Ansanm gang. Hurricane-force winds bear down on California, latest in stretch of extreme weather LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has been hit hard by extreme weather over the past several weeks. Atmospheric rivers, which are long stretches of wet air that can produce heavy rains, brought a record-setting rainfall before Thanksgiving. A series of atmospheric rivers are producing strong waves and storms near Santa Cruz this week. Thousands were left under evacuation warnings and orders because of a fire around Malibu. Climate change means that strong storms will be responsible for a greater share of the state's yearly precipitation and the periods between those events will be drier. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled.

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.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.

NoneAn online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition

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LL Cool J isn't waiting until he passes to smell the roses -- he's ordered himself a bouquet of Hip Hop flowers and the little card reads, "HE'S THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!" That was the DEFinitive statement when LL recently sat with Apple Music's "Le Code" podcast where he put his legacy in stone ... "I’m going to say this humbly, but I really mean this ... I think one day people are going to wake up and realize that LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed. I truly believe one day people are going to say that." He colorfully continued to make his case using an array of bejeweled metaphors, but LL spit his brightest gems reminding fans of the game-changers he contributed to Hip Hop culture. “They’re gonna say when it comes to the love songs, they’re gonna say, ‘This is the guy that introduced the love songs and all the love sh*t.’ "When it comes to the G.O.A.T terminology, they gon’ say, ‘This is the guy who came up with all the G.O.A.T stuff,’ I could go on and on and on." Before everyone goes all scorched earth on LL, just know he's probably been rocking the bells before most of today's streaming audience was even born. His first album, 1985's "Radio," was Def Jam's first LP ... and his 2000 album, "G.O.A.T. featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time" pretty much speaks for itself on where he's long seen his place in the game. We spoke to him in August after the release of his ( fourteenth!!! ) album "The Force" and he fiercely defended the work ethic it takes to be a successful rapper. Is LL Cool J The Greatest Rapper Ever? Most Definitely The G.O.A.T. Nope, He's Sniffin' Those Pink Cookies So we gotta ask ... is LL the 🐐 or nah?Column: A school board member falls for doing the right thing

Share Tweet Share Share Email Lemaster’s Grading and Septic Installation Phone 865-585-6568, 865-339-8825 6510 Babelay Rd, Knoxville, TN, 37924 Septic systems are essential for managing wastewater in homes and businesses that are not connected to municipal sewer systems. Proper installation ensures efficiency, environmental safety, and long-term performance. For residents in Knoxville, TN, hiring professionals like Lemaster’s Grading and Septic Installation guarantees a hassle-free process with outstanding results. This blog explains the importance of professional septic installation, the step-by-step process, and why Lemaster’s is the trusted choice for Knoxville residents. Understanding Septic Systems What is a Septic System? A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure used to treat and dispose of sewage. It consists of key components: Septic Tank : A watertight container that separates solids from liquids and allows bacterial decomposition. Drain Field (Leach Field) : An area where treated wastewater is dispersed into the soil. Pipes and Connections : Transport wastewater between the house, tank, and drain field. Why Are Septic Systems Important? Septic systems play a critical role in: Treating wastewater safely on-site. Preventing environmental contamination. Managing sewage for properties without access to centralized sewer systems. Types of Septic Systems Conventional Systems : The most common type, using a septic tank and drain field. Alternative Systems : Ideal for properties with unique soil or space challenges, including aerobic treatment units, mound systems, and drip distribution systems. Common Septic System Issues Septic systems can develop problems if not installed or maintained properly. Issues such as clogged pipes, damaged drain fields, or overflowing tanks can cause costly repairs. Hiring professionals for installation helps prevent these issues from the start. Why Knoxville Residents Need Professional Septic Installation Compliance with Local Regulations Septic systems in Knoxville must adhere to specific codes and permitting requirements. Professional installers like Lemaster’s understand local regulations and ensure full compliance, avoiding fines or system failures. Site-Specific Considerations Each property is unique, and factors like soil composition, property size, and environmental impact must be considered. Professionals perform thorough site evaluations to design the right system for your needs. Avoiding DIY Pitfalls Improper installation can lead to: System failures and costly repairs. Groundwater contamination. Health hazards for your family and community. Long-Term Cost Savings A professionally installed septic system is durable and efficient, reducing the risk of breakdowns and saving money on future repairs or replacements. Environmental Protection Proper installation prevents untreated wastewater from contaminating local groundwater, rivers, and lakes, protecting Knoxville’s environment and public health. The Septic Installation Process with Lemaster’s Grading and Septic Installation Step 1: Initial Consultation and Site Evaluation The process begins with a detailed property evaluation. Lemaster’s experts assess soil conditions, property layout, and household needs to recommend the ideal septic system. Step 2: System Design A custom system design is created to meet your property’s specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with Knoxville’s regulations. Step 3: Permitting Lemaster’s handles all necessary permits, streamlining the process and ensuring legal compliance. Step 4: Excavation and Grading The site is prepared with precision excavation and grading to accommodate the septic tank and drain field. Step 5: Installation of Septic Tank and Drain Field The septic tank and drain field are installed with top-quality materials and careful attention to detail, ensuring proper placement and connections. Step 6: Final Inspection and Testing Before completion, the system undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to confirm functionality, safety, and compliance. Step 7: Client Education Lemaster’s team ensures homeowners understand how their new septic system works, providing tips for proper maintenance and care to maximize its lifespan Benefits of Choosing Lemaster’s Grading and Septic Installation Extensive Industry Experience With years of experience, Lemaster’s has a proven track record of successful septic installations in Knoxville. Local Expertise Lemaster’s team understands Knoxville’s soil conditions, climate factors, and local regulations, ensuring tailored solutions for every client. Top-Quality Materials and Equipment By using durable, high-quality materials and modern equipment, Lemaster’s guarantees long-lasting septic systems. Full-Service Provider From grading to installation, Lemaster’s offers comprehensive services, eliminating the need to hire multiple contractors. Commitment to Customer Satisfaction Lemaster’s prioritizes clear communication, professional workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction on every project. Affordable Solutions Lemaster’s offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality, making septic installation accessible for Knoxville homeowners. Signs You Need a New Septic System Frequent Backups If you experience constant plumbing issues, it may indicate a failing septic system. Foul Odors Persistent sewage smells inside or outside your property are a red flag. Standing Water in the Yard Excess water or overly lush patches of grass near the drain field could signal system failure. Aging System Septic systems typically last 20-30 years. Older systems may require replacement to maintain efficiency and safety. Slow Drains Sluggish sinks, toilets, and showers often point to septic issues requiring professional attention. Unexplained High Water Bills A malfunctioning septic system can cause excessive water usage, resulting in unusually high bills. Maintaining Your New Septic System Regular Inspections Schedule professional inspections every 3-5 years to ensure your system is functioning properly. Pumping the Tank Septic tanks should be pumped regularly based on household size and usage to prevent overflow. Water Conservation Reduce strain on your system by conserving water: Fix leaks promptly. Install water-efficient fixtures. Spread out laundry and dishwasher use. What Not to Flush Avoid flushing items like wipes, grease, and non-biodegradable materials, which can clog the system. Protecting the Drain Field Keep heavy machinery, vehicles, and structures away from the drain field to prevent damage. Landscaping Around the System Plant grass or shallow-rooted plants near the drain field. Avoid trees and shrubs, as their roots can damage pipes and tanks Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Installation in Knoxville How much does septic installation cost in Knoxville? Costs vary based on system type, property size, and soil conditions. Lemaster’s offers competitive pricing and free estimates. How long does the installation process take? The process typically takes 3-7 days, depending on site conditions and system complexity. What size septic system do I need for my property? System size depends on household water usage and property layout. Lemaster’s experts determine the appropriate system during consultation. What permits are required for septic installation in Knoxville? Local permits are needed for septic installation. Lemaster’s handles all permitting to ensure compliance. How can I tell if my septic system is failing? Signs include backups, foul odors, slow drains, and standing water near the drain field. Final Thoughts A professionally installed septic system is essential for efficiency, safety, and long-term performance. Knoxville residents can trust Lemaster’s Grading and Septic Installation for expert services tailored to their needs. From site evaluation to final inspection, Lemaster’s ensures quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Related Items: Installation in Knoxville , Knoxville Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments

Aviva boss Amanda Blanc on lookout for more takeovers By CALUM MUIRHEAD Updated: 21:50 GMT, 7 December 2024 e-mail View comments Aviva boss Amanda Blanc has more takeover targets in her sights after the insurer's swoop on its rival Direct Line last week. Blanc, 57, is eyeing up potential expansion areas in Aviva's business, such as its protection and health arm, according to a source close to the matter. It comes after Aviva clinched an initial deal to snap up troubled Direct Line for £3.6 billion after sweetening a £3.3 billion offer that had been rejected. The takeover, which offers Direct Line shareholders a mixture of cash and shares, will give them a 12.5 per cent stake in Aviva. Expansion plans: Aviva boss Amanda Blanc It marks the third bid for the insurer in less than 12 months, with Direct Line having fended off a takeover attempt by Belgian rival Ageas earlier this year. The offer comes weeks after Direct Line's boss Adam Winslow, who took over at the start of March, announced the business was cutting 550 jobs as part of a £100 million cost-saving programme to revive its fortunes. Blanc's attempt to snap up Direct Line pits her against her ex-colleague. The two are said to have 'bad blood' after Winslow left Aviva for Direct Line. If the takeover goes ahead he is expected to leave when the deal is completed. A City source said: 'There's no way he's staying on.' Since she took over as Aviva boss in 2020, Blanc has revived the fortunes of the insurer by spearheading a string of deals including the sale of several of its non-core businesses overseas. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Aviva set to buy Direct Line as insurance giant prepares... Direct Line founder Sir Peter Wood says Aviva must raise its... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account In March this year, Blanc faced speculation that Aviva itself could be a takeover target, but she responded with a share buyback and a dividend rise, cheering investors. The stock has also risen by 10 per cent this year. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Aviva boss Amanda Blanc on lookout for more takeovers e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Ventura Securities Bullish On Adani's Airport Business, Sees Revenue Rising 25.1% CAGR By FY27Jimmy Carter death: Reactions pour in after former president dies at 100j 777 。

How co-writing a book threatened the Carters' marriageFor decades, neoliberalism has systematically attacked the welfare state, undermined public institutions and weakened the foundations of collective well-being. Shrouded in the alluring language of liberty, it transforms market principles into a dominant creed, insisting that every facet of life conform to the imperatives of profit and economic efficiency. But in reality, neoliberalism consolidates wealth in the hands of a financial elite, celebrates ruthless individualism, promotes staggering levels of inequality , perpetuates systemic injustices like racism and militarism, and commodifies everything, leaving nothing sacred or untouchable. Neoliberalism operates as a relentless engine of capitalist accumulation, driven by an insatiable pursuit of unchecked growth and the ruthless concentration of wealth and power within the hands of a ruling elite. At its core, it’s a pedagogy of repression: crushing justice, solidarity and care while deriding critical education and destroying the very tools that empower citizens to resist domination and reclaim the promise of democracy. As neoliberalism collapses into authoritarianism, its machinery of repression intensifies. Dissent is silenced, social life militarized and hate normalized. This fuels a fascistic politics which is systematically dismantling democratic accountability, with higher education among its primary targets. For years, the far right has sought to undermine education, recognizing it as a powerful site of resistance. This has only accelerated, as MAGA movement adherents seek to eliminate the public education threat to their authoritarian goals. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance openly declared “ the professors are the enemy.” President-elect Donald Trump has stated that “pink-haired communists [are] teaching our kids.” In response to the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd’s killing, MAGA politicians like Sen. Tom Cotton openly called for deploying military force against demonstrators. The authoritarian spirit driving this party is crystallized in the words of right-wing activist Jack Posobiec , who, at the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference, said: “We are here to overthrow democracy completely. We didn’t get all the way there on January 6, but we will. After we burn that swamp to the ground, we will establish the new American republic on its ashes.” This is more than anti-democratic, authoritarian rhetoric. It also shapes poisonous policies in which education is transformed into an animating space of repression and violence, and becomes weaponized as a tool of censorship, conformity and discrimination. As authoritarianism surges globally, democracy is being dismantled . What does this rise in illiberal regimes mean for higher education? What is the role of universities in defending democratic ideals when the very notion of democracy is under siege? In Trump’s United States, silence is complicity, and inaction a moral failing. Higher education must reassert itself as a crucial democratic public sphere that fosters critical thought, resists tyranny and nurtures the kind of informed citizens necessary to a just society. Trump’s return to the presidency marks the endpoint of a deeply corrupt system, one that thrives on anti-intellectualism, scorn for science and contempt for reason. In this political climate, corruption, racism and hatred have transformed into a spectacle of fear, division and relentless disinformation, supplanting any notion of shared responsibility or collective purpose. In such a degraded environment, democracy becomes a hollowed-out version of itself, stripped of its legitimacy, ideals and promises. When democracy loses its moral and aspirational appeal, it opens the door for autocrats like Trump to dismantle the very institutions vital to preserving democratic life. The failure of civic culture, education and literacy is starkly evident in the Trump administration’s success at emptying language of meaning — a flight from historical memory, ethics, justice and social responsibility. Communication has devolved into exaggerated political rhetoric and shallow public relations, replacing reason and evidence with spectacle and demagoguery. Thinking is scorned as dangerous, and news often serves as an amplifier for power rather than a check on it. Corporate media outlets, driven by profits and ratings, align themselves with Trump’s dis-imagination machine, perpetuating a culture of celebrity worship and reality-TV sensationalism. In this climate, the institutions essential to a vibrant civil society are eroding, leaving us to ask: What kind of democracy can survive when the foundations of the social fabric are collapsing? Among these institutions, the mainstream media — a cornerstone of the fourth estate — have been particularly compromised. As Heather McGhee notes , the right-wing media has, over three decades, orchestrated “a radical takeover of our information ecosystem.” As public-sector support fades, many institutions of higher education have been forced to mirror the private sector, turning knowledge into a commodity and eliminating departments and courses that don’t align with the market’s bottom line. Faculty are increasingly treated like low-wage workers, with labor relations designed to minimize costs and maximize servility. In this climate, power is concentrated in the hands of a managerial class that views education through a market-driven lens, reducing both governance and teaching to mere instruments of economic need. Democratic and creative visions, along with ethical imagination, give way to calls for efficiency, financial gain and conformity. This neoliberal model not only undermines faculty autonomy but also views students as mere consumers, while saddling them with exorbitant tuition fees and a precarious future shaped by economic instability and ecological crisis. In abandoning its democratic mission, higher education fixates on narrow notions of job-readiness and cost-efficiency, forsaking its broader social and moral responsibilities. Stripped of any values beyond self-interest, institutions retreat from fostering critical citizenship and collective well-being. Pedagogy, in turn, is drained of its critical content and transformative potential. This shift embodies what Cris Shore and Susan Wright term an “ audit culture ” — a corporate-driven ethos that depoliticizes knowledge, faculty and students by prioritizing performance metrics, measurable outputs and rigid individual accountability over genuine intellectual and social engagement. In this process, higher education relinquishes its role as a democratic public sphere, shifting its mission from cultivating engaged citizens to molding passive consumers. This transformation fosters a generation of self-serving individuals, disconnected from the values of solidarity and justice, and indifferent to the creeping rise of authoritarianism. The suppression of student dissent on campuses this year, particularly among those advocating for Palestinian rights and freedom, highlights this alarming trend. Universities increasingly prioritize conformity and corporate interests, punishing critical thinking and democratic engagement in the process. These developments lay the groundwork for a future shaped not by collective action and social equity, but by privatization, apathy and the encroachment of fascist politics. Education, once the bedrock of civic engagement, has become a casualty in the age of Trump, where civic illiteracy is celebrated as both virtue and spectacle. In a culture dominated by information overload, celebrity worship and a cutthroat survival ethic, anti-intellectualism thrives as a political weapon, eroding language, meaning and critical thought. Ignorance is no longer passive — it is weaponized, fostering a false solidarity among those who reject democracy and scorn reason. This is not innocent ignorance but a calculated refusal to think critically, a deliberate rejection of language’s role in the pursuit of justice. For the ruling elite and the modern Republican Party, critical thinking is vilified as a threat to power, while willful ignorance is elevated to a badge of honor. If we are to defeat the emerging authoritarianism in the U.S., critical education must become a key organizing principle of politics. In part, this can be done by exposing and unraveling lies, systems of oppression, and corrupt relations of power while making clear that an alternative future is possible. The language of critical pedagogy can powerfully condemn untruths and injustices. A central goal of critical pedagogy is to cultivate historical awareness, equipping students to use history as a vital lens for understanding the present. Through the critical act of remembrance, the history of fascism can be illuminated not as a relic of the past but as a persistent threat, its dormant traces capable of reawakening even in the most robust democracies. In this sense, history must retain its subversive function — drawing on archives, historical sources, and suppressed narratives to challenge conventional wisdom and dominant ideologies. The subversive power of history lies in its ability to challenge dominant narratives and expose uncomfortable truths — precisely why it has become a prime target for right-wing forces determined to rewrite or erase it. From banning books and whitewashing historic injustices like slavery to punishing educators who address pressing social issues, the assault on history is a calculated effort to suppress critical thinking and maintain control. Such assaults on historical memory represent a broader attempt to silence history’s emancipatory potential, rendering critical pedagogy an even more urgent and essential practice in resisting authoritarian forces. These assaults represent both a cleansing of history and what historian Timothy Snyder calls “ anticipatory obedience,” which he labels as behavior individuals adopt in the service of emerging authoritarian regimes. The fight against a growing fascist politics around the world is more than a struggle over power, it is also a struggle to reclaim historical memory. Any fight for a radical democratic socialist future is doomed if we fail to draw transformative lessons from the darkest chapters of our history, using them to forge meaningful resolutions and pathways toward a post-capitalist society. This is especially true at a time when the idea of who should be a citizen has become less inclusive, fueled by toxic religious and white supremacist ideology. One of the challenges facing today’s educators, students and others is the need to address the question of what education should accomplish in a historical moment when it is slipping into authoritarianism. In a world in which there is an increasing abandonment of egalitarian and democratic impulses, what will it take to educate young people and the broader polity to hold power accountable? In part, this suggests developing educational policies and practices that not only inspire and motivate people but are also capable of challenging the growing number of anti-democratic tendencies under the global tyranny of capitalism. Such a vision of education can move the field beyond its obsession with accountability schemes, market values, and unreflective immersion in the crude empiricism of a data-obsessed, market-driven society. It can also confront the growing assault on education, where right-wing forces seek to turn universities into tools of ideological tyranny — arenas of pedagogical violence and white Christian indoctrination. Any meaningful vision of critical pedagogy must have the power to provoke a radical shift in consciousness — a shift that helps us see the world through a lens that confronts the savage realities of genocidal violence, mass poverty, the destruction of the planet and the threat of nuclear war, among other issues. A true shift in consciousness is not possible without pedagogical interventions that speak directly to people in ways that resonate with their lives, struggles and experiences. Education must help individuals recognize themselves in the issues at hand, understanding how their personal suffering is not an isolated event, but part of a systemic crisis. In addition, activism, debate and engagement should be central to a student’s education. In other words, there can be no authentic politics without a pedagogy of identification — an education that connects people to the broader forces shaping their lives, an education that helps them imagine and fight for a world where they are active agents of change. The poet Jorie Graham emphasizes the importance of engaging people through experiences that resonate deeply with their everyday lives. She states that “it takes a visceral connection to experience itself to permit us to even undergo an experience.” Without this approach, pedagogy risks reinforcing a broader culture engrossed in screens and oversimplifications. In such a context, teaching can quickly transform into inaccessible jargon that alienates rather than educates. In the current historical moment, education cannot surrender to the call of academics who now claim in the age of Trump that there is no room for politics in the classroom, or the increasing claim by administrators that universities have a responsibility to remain neutral. This position is not only deeply flawed but also complicit in its silence over the current far right politicization of education. The call for neutrality in many North American universities is a retreat from social and moral responsibility, masking the reality that these institutions are deeply embedded in power relations. As Heidi Matthews, Fatima Ahdash and Priya Gupta aptly argue, neutrality “serves to flatten politics and silence scholarly debate,” obscuring the inherently political nature of university life. From decisions about enrollment and research funding to event policies and poster placements, every administrative choice reflects a political stance. Far from apolitical, neutrality is a tool that silences dissent and shields power from accountability. It is worth repeating that the most powerful forms of education today extend far beyond public and higher education. With the rise of new technologies, power structures and social media, culture itself has become a tool of propaganda. Right-wing media, conservative foundations, and a culture dominated by violence and reality TV created the fertile ground for the rise of Trump and his continued legitimacy. Propaganda machines like Fox News have fostered an anti-intellectual climate, normalizing Trump’s bigotry, lies, racism and history of abuse. This is not just a political failure — it is an educational crisis. In the age of new media, platforms like Elon Musk’s X and tech giants like Facebook, Netflix and Google have become powerful teaching machines, actively serving the far right and promoting the values of gangster capitalism . These companies are reshaping education, turning it into a training ground for workers who align with their entrepreneurial vision or, even more dangerously, perpetuating a theocratic, ultra-nationalist agenda that views people of color and marginalized groups as threats. This vision of education must be rejected in the strongest terms, for it erodes both democracy and the very purpose of education itself. Education, in its truest sense, must be about more than training students to be workers or indoctrinating them into a white Christian nationalist view of who does and doesn’t count as American. Education should foster intellectual rigor and critical thinking, empowering students to interrogate their experiences and aspirations while equipping them with the agency to act with informed judgment. It must be a bold and supportive space where student voices are valued and engaged with pressing social and political issues, cultivating a commitment to justice, equality and freedom. In too many classrooms in the U.S., there are efforts to make students voiceless, which amounts to making them powerless. This must be challenged and avoided at all times. Critical pedagogy must expose the false equivalence of capitalism and democracy, emphasizing that resisting fascism requires challenging capitalism. To be transformative, it should embrace anti-capitalist principles, champion radical democracy and envision political alternatives beyond conventional ideologies. In the face of growing attacks on higher education, educators must reclaim their role in shaping futures, advancing a vision of education as integral to the struggle for democracy. This vision rejects the neoliberal framing of education as a private investment and instead embraces a critical pedagogy as a practice of freedom that disrupts complacency, fosters critical engagement, and empowers students to confront the forces shaping their lives. In an age of resurgent fascism, education must do more than defend reason and critical judgment — it must also mobilize widespread, organized collective resistance. A number of youth movements, from Black Lives Matter and the Sunrise Movement to Fridays for Future and March for Our Lives, are mobilizing in this direction. The challenge here is to bring these movements together into one multiracial, working-class organization. The struggle for a radical democracy must be anchored in the complexities of our time — not as a fleeting sentiment but as an active, transformative project. Democracy is not simply voting, nor is it the sum of capitalist values and market relations. It is an ideal and promise — a vision of a future that does not imitate the present; it is the lifeblood of resistance, struggle, and the ongoing merging of justice, ethics and freedom. In a society where democracy is under siege, educators must recognize that alternative futures are not only possible but that acting on this belief is essential to achieving social change. The global rise of fascism casts a long shadow, marked by state violence, silenced dissent and the assault on critical thought. Yet history is not a closed book — it is a call to action, a space for possibility. Now, more than ever, we must dare to think boldly, act courageously, and forge the democratic futures that justice demands and humanity deserves.Syracuse Orange forward Donnie Freeman (1) floats to the rim against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during an NCAA basketball matchup at Purcell Pavilion Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in South Bend, IN. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Mike Waters | mwaters@syracuse.com Syracuse, N.Y. ― Syracuse forward Donnie Freeman is not in the Orange’s starting lineup for tonight’s game against Albany at the JMA Wireless Dome. Freeman, a 6-foot-9 freshman, has started the first eight games of the season for the Orange, which takes a 4-4 record into Tuesday’s game. He has averaged 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds through his first eight college games. Stories by Mike Waters Will Syracuse need to make 3s vs. Albany? Plus, 4 more keys against Great Danes ACC basketball power rankings: How low is Syracuse after 4-4 start to season? Syracuse plagued by poor 3-point shooting in 69-64 loss at Notre Dame With JJ Starling out, why didn’t Donnie Freeman do more in loss to Tennessee? (Mike’s Mailbox)

EXCLUSIVE Would you pay a $100 first date deposit? Single woman, 30, proposes charging time-wasting Aussie men cancellation fee after splashing out 'hundreds' on makeup and petrol for Tinder no-shows READ MORE: This Aussie city is the WORST place to date if you want to find a decent man: 'Big noters, liars, never pay' By MIKAELA WILKES FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 16:09 EST, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 16:42 EST, 10 December 2024 e-mail 24 shares 66 View comments Melbourne singleton Maddy Carty has doubled down on her controversial take that men should have to pay a first date deposit to put a stop to last minute cancellations on dating apps. 'If someone cancels a date within 24 hours, you should be able to charge a cancellation fee,' the 30-year-old said in a recent episode of her Mads World podcast . However, the proposal to pre-charge men $100 for a promised date resulted in swift backlash, with dozens of irate gents slamming the TikToker for her take on modern dating. 'And they wonder why relationships fail, great start indeed,' one man commented when Maddy shared a clip from the podcast to her social media. 'If you want to know why blokes are cancelling on you, then just re-watch your own TikTok ,' snapped another man. 'If we wanted the drama and the pageantry, we'd all just head to the Miss World contest.' 'Charging for a woman's time...Novel,' another commented sarcastically. Maddy Carty (pictured) has doubled down on her controversial take that men should have to pay a first date deposit to put a stop to last minute cancellations on dating apps This week, Maddy laughed at the heated online backlash she's received since floating the idea publicly. 'I said what I said,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday, 'and I stand by it.' The TikToker explained that inspiration struck when she'd been talking to a guy 'on the apps' for a couple weeks, and he stood her up on a Friday night with less than half-an-hour's notice. 'We'd locked in a time and place for Friday night,' she said, noting that her commute into Melbourne's CBD is an hour drive from her home. 'I tanned the night before. I went into work that day when I could have worked from home. I did my make up. I styled my hair. I dressed up. I had a pre-drink with my workmates at the bar... and then got a text half an hour before we were meant to meet up.' 'It said: "Oh sorry, I've got to work late, I can't make it anymore".' Maddy said men flaking out on first dates at the last minute with 'lame excuses,' is all too common. 'It probably happens one out of two times. So many times,' she bemoaned. Maddy (left) and Natalie (right) discuss their controversial philosophy on the Mad's World podcast Read More I'm an American in Australia but no one wants to date me because I'm not thin or blonde 'Aussie men have this thing where they love to talk the talk, but they won't walk the walk.' She said many online conversations began positively, but ended with 'crickets' as the man failed to follow through. Maddy added that women often had to juggle multiple men at once, paying each enough online attention so that they could actually make it to a real world meetup. 'It's like having all these pen pals, like little Tamagotchi pets in my phone that I have to feed, and talk to them all so they don't die.' The blonde said she thinks $100 would be a fair rate to compensate for loss of time and also the funds which women invest in getting ready for those dates. 'You can't get back the time you invest in getting ready, getting excited,' she argued. 'I also then couldn't do anything else on that day. Friday night is prime real estate of the week. By 6pm, it's too late to organise another date, or for me to make other plans with friends. 'I had to go home, get un-ready and sit on my couch watching Netflix. It's a huge waste of time and effort.' @maddy_carty Dating in Australia is genuinley so bad #dating #australia #melbourne #datinginyour30s #datinginaustralia ♬ original sound - Maddy Carty However, the proposal to pre-charge men $100 for a promised date resulted in swift backlash Maddy pointed out that late cancellation fees are quite commonly used by salons and other businesses to prevent time wasting. 'It's not the same as being stood up because they're still communicating, but working late on Friday night? That's not an excuse. 'I'm someone who sticks to plans once I make them, out of respect for the other person. If you wouldn't cancel on your friend last minute, then what makes you think cancelling on someone you've been talking to online is okay?' In her podcast episode, Maddy and her friend said young women like themselves spend hundreds of dollars in preparation for first dates — something she's been ripped into for online. 'When I said it costs girls "hundreds of dollars" to get ready, I'm accounting for my make up and beauty products - they're expensive! - but for my time more than anything else. 'That's my hourly work rate, $200/hour, plus the cost of the Mac or Mecca products, how much it costs to maintain my hair, my tan, to fill my car with petrol to drive to the city, and make a trip to the office. It all adds up.' Her comments come as young daters are getting pickier about who they elect to meet in real life from dating apps. Nearly a quarter of singles surveyed by Tinder for their 2024 Year in Swipe report said they're choosing fewer, more meaningful connections going into 2025. 'Singles are embracing intentionality in their dating lives – being upfront about what they want and refusing to settle,' Tinder’s Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Hobley said, as she explained a trend they've dubbed 'loud looking.' People are being more vocal about what and who they want, and like Maddy, also being upfront about what they don't want. Tinder Melbourne TikTok Share or comment on this article: Would you pay a $100 first date deposit? Single woman, 30, proposes charging time-wasting Aussie men cancellation fee after splashing out 'hundreds' on makeup and petrol for Tinder no-shows e-mail 24 shares Add commentVictor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. And this wasn't on a whim: He knows how to play and even brought his own chess set. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. People began showing up almost immediately. Washington Square Park is a known spot for chess in New York — Bobby Fischer among others have famously played there, and it's been used for multiple movie scenes featuring the game. Wembanyama was there for an hour in the rain, from about 10-11 a.m. He played four games, winning two and losing two — he told Bleacher Report afterward that both of the losses were to professional chess players — before departing to catch the Spurs' flight. Wembanyama had been trying to get somewhere to play chess for the bulk of the team's time in New York — the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won at Brooklyn on Friday night. The schedule never aligned, until Saturday morning. And even with bad weather, he bundled up to make it happen. He posed for photos with a couple of dozen people who showed up, braving a morning of cold rain to play chess with one of the NBA's biggest stars. “We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” he wrote on social media after his chess trip was over. Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, his second in the NBA after winning rookie of the year last season. The Spurs play at Minnesota on Sunday. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBANEW YORK (AP) — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter . His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded “the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”Former NC State WR KC Concepcion transferring to Texas A&M

An energized SMU squad will carry a three-game winning streak against up-and-down Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for each team on Saturday in Dallas. The game is the first for the Mustangs' basketball team as a member of one of the nation's perennial powerhouse leagues, but don't expect SMU (7-2) to wilt in the spotlight. The Mustangs lambasted Alabama State 101-72 on Tuesday in their most recent outing. Their two losses came against Butler on the road by 11 points and against Mississippi State at home by five. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.MAURITIUS has been accused of demanding “crazy” money in diplomatic negotiations with the UK over the future of the Chagos Islands. Talks over relinquishing sovereignty and a 99-year lease for the Diego ­Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean are holding up a deal. But it’s understood new leader Navin Ramgoolam wants up to £800million a year and reparations. A source told The ­Sunday Times: “They want crazy money . “They were talking £800million a year for as long as we wanted to keep the base there, plus billions of pounds in reparations.” The revelation comes as the new leader Navin Ramgoolam told the US last week that he wouldn’t accept a deal signed by his predecessor in October. READ MORE ON CHAGOS ISLANDS One British source added: “It is all about the money”. The deal has huge implications for global security with the rise of China and India in the region in the coming generations. The Mauritius leader said that the UK is keen to complete the deal before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel told MPs before Christmas that the government was “letting our standing go into freefall” in an increasingly dangerous world. Most read in The Sun She said: “How much is the British taxpayer going to be liable for each year, and in total over 99 years?” The Foreign Office has distanced itself from reports Mauritius wants the eye-watering sums. A spokesman said: “These figures are completely inaccurate.”

y747 Father and son team Callum and Tim Harrison have made thousands by reselling old clothes on eBay and Depop. And 26-year-old Callum says he got into it after becoming 'bored' during the pandemic. But over the last four years he has slowly grown his business and has now enlisted the help of his dad, retired software salesman Tim, aged 60. Callum sources and buys clothing such as Carhartt jackets from wholesalers like Fleek - a vintage wholesale marketplace - for £35 and sells them on for £100. Callum only turned over a few thousand in his first two years as reseller but shot up to £35,000 in 2022 to 2023. Last year he turned over £22,000 as he was working less while travelling and in the last three months he has made £16,000 on Depop alone. Callum said: "It's definitely brought us closer together. I think my parents were a bit apprehensive at first but then they saw a football shirt selling for £80. My record week of sales was 3,000 one week. Anything I get I reinvest." Callum has always been passionate about business and started looking into reselling in late 2020 while in his final year at University of Newcastle studying business and marketing. He said: "I knew a friend who works at a vintage wholesaler. I've always sold on Depop since I was 16." To start with Callum used reselling as a side hustle for some extra cash but gradually started to see it take off - getting £1,000 in sales in one week by Christmas 2022. He decided to ask his dad to help out after using his well earned money to travel for a year. He left in March 2023 to travel around Hong Kong, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand before living in Australia for a year. Callum also spent five weeks in New Zealand and flew back to the UK via Japan in July 2024. Tim helped out mailing the orders and listing some of the items on social media while Callum was away and now still helps out. Callum said: "Last month it went crazy so I took him back on for sending out orders." Callum currently has around 4,000 to 5,000 items of clothing in stock which he keeps in his parents' garage, nan's garage and in a storage container. He finds his stock from wholesalers and sites such as Fleek - and buys brands such as Carhartt, North Face, Ralph Lauren and Patagonia to sell on. Callum said: "Carhartt jackets sell for £100. Wholesalers are a bit more savvy now but they try sell for around £40 to £50. I get them at £35. The cheaper work wear sells for £40 to £50. Ralph Lauren and North Face sells well on eBay. "I'll buy 300 shirts for £800 - £3 per month - but one might be worth £100." Callum also says the right football shirts can go for £80 - and he buys them for £10. He says it would need to be a memorable year - such as the Manchester United 1998 to 1999 season when they won the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. He said: "It's always trial and error." Callum sells mainly on Depop but also uses eBay, Vinted, and Tilt. He said: "Depop is trendier. Vinted is for household names - M&S would do really well. "eBay goes for anything. Tilt is good for getting rid of stock - I sell cheap bundles on there." Callum has found buying on Fleek has helped his sales shot up - and has earned £16,500 in the last three months alone from his Depop sales. He advises anyone starting out in reselling to look at what people are wearing to get an idea of what to buy and sell on. He said: "Go out there and see what people are wearing. Keep an eye on the market and see what is trending. Keep buying - a lot of the time I run at a loss. I have constantly got stock." Callum has now taken his reselling business full time - but does still pick up occasional agency work on the side. He loves the flexibility of working for himself but says he is often up late in the evenings working. Callum said: "I constantly have a flow of amazing clothes. I got a new Carhartt hoodie the other day. I constantly have amazing things to wear." Follow Callum on Instagram @preoccupiedvintage and on YouTube @calthereselle Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREEMaryland football’s final home game a rough ending for seniors | TAKEAWAYS

Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____

Some Whales Live Much Longer Than Previously Thought, a Discovery That Could Change How We Protect ThemPublished 4:58 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Data Skrive Top 25 teams will take the court in six games on Wednesday’s college basketball slate. That includes the Ole Miss Rebels squaring off against the UConn Huskies at Baha Mar Convention Center. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Get the latest news sent to your inbox Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Neely scores 16 as Albany (NY) beats Stony Brook 77-70

The decision by Tesco, Musgrave and the BWG Group came after a woman who said Mr McGregor raped her won a civil claim for damages against him. Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case at the High Court in the Irish capital. In a statement, a spokesman for Musgrave said: “Musgrave can confirm these products are no longer available to our store network.” The network includes SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and Mace. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are removing Proper No Twelve Whiskey from sale in Tesco stores and online.” A spokesperson for BWG Group said: “The products are no longer listed for distribution across our network of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores, including Appleby Westward which operates over 300 Spar stores in the south west of England.” It is understood that other retail outlets including Costcutter and Carry Out will also stop stocking products linked to Mr McGregor. He and some of his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey brand. He was reported to have been paid more than £103 million from the sale to Proximo Spirits in 2021. On Monday, a popular video game developer decided to pull content featuring the MMA fighter. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Last Friday, the High Court jury awarded damages amounting to 248,603.60 euros (around £206,000) to Ms Hand. Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intended to appeal against the decision.

It’s been a horror year for many Australian brands forced to close their doors amid rising costs, with 40 per cent more businesses filing for insolvency since before the Covid-19 pandemic. CreditorWatch chief economist Ivan Colhoun said businesses were facing ongoing financial pressures much like their customers who were finding ways to cut their budget amid cost-of-living pressures. “Together with some greater caution in discretionary spending and softness in interest rate sensitive sectors of the economy, this unsurprisingly has led to higher voluntary business closures and some rise in insolvencies,” Mr Colhoun said. “We’re yet to see the extent to which the 1 July tax cuts now flowing through the economy will ease some of the pressures on consumers and businesses.” The latest CreditorWatch business risk index found that Aussie businesses were failing at their highest rate (5.04 per cent) since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in October 2020 (5.08 per cent). The average failure rate for Australian businesses has climbed from 3.97 per cent in October last year. The food and beverage sector recorded the highest failure rate of all industries in October, increasing to 8.5 per cent from 8.3 per cent in the 12 months up to September this year. Administrative and support services were next with a 6.0 per cent failure rate in October, followed by arts and recreation services (5.9 per cent) and transport, postal and warehousing (5.8 per cent). Meanwhile, both the retail and construction industries look to be levelling out after each recorded a 5.5 per cent increase in insolvencies or business deregistrations during the same time period. Big brands under pressure During the 2023-2024 financial year, 2832 construction companies went into insolvency in Australia, according to ASIC data. Some of those failed companies will have lasting impacts on vital infrastructure and business projects across the country. Quasar Construction is just one of the construction companies that fell into administration this year. It continues to owe an estimated $60m to 600 creditors after its collapse earlier this year. The company’s collapse potentially impacts 10 projects across NSW, including a Bunnings, a $50m shopping centre and parts of the new Western Sydney Airport. Financial woes have also impacted the retail sector this year, with international brands like Dion Lee collapsing despite the company’s best efforts. Not even dressing US megastar Taylor Swift at the 2024 Super Bowl helped the popular fashion brand survive the horror year in fashion retail. Queensland University of Technology marketing professor Gary Mortimer told NewsWire that high-end fashion brands like Dion Lee had a “very small footprint and market size” that was hard to compete against brands such as Burberry or Chanel. “When you think about the likes of Chanel, even if their fashion business isn’t doing so well, they can certainly draw business from other revenue like make-up and cosmetics,” Mr Mortimer said. “Big brands like Louis Vuitton, Moet, and Hennessy have very differential business models, so if one element of the model or one element of the business isn’t working so well, they pull money from other businesses. “Dion Lee wasn’t able to do that.” Mr Mortimer said brands were having to come up with ways to beat their competition, but that didn’t always work out for the best. He said brands like Mosaic Brands, which went into voluntary administration in October owing $250m to creditors, tended to fall prey to “self cannibalisation”. Mosaic Brands confirmed it was in trouble earlier this year when it announced it would shut down its entities Autograph, BeMe, Crossroads, Rockmans and W.Lane in a bid to improve investment in its other brands Katies, Millers, Noni B and Rivers. Mosaic Brands had more than 700 stores and 10 online shops. Mr Mortimer said this type of retailing structure could be problematic in the long run. “Mosaic has five or six brands that are all targeting the same customer of the middle-aged woman,” he said. “It was all essentially the same type of product. “In a centre where you’d have two or three of the same brands, you’re all competing against yourself for the same customer.” Cost-of-living pressures The University of Sydney retail expert Lisa Asher said the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact consumers’ discretionary spending was a major issue going against smaller Australian brands. “Those below 65, they’re going into savings, but those over 65 have the money (to spend),” Ms Asher told NewsWire. “Because of that, what it’s done is people have to priorities spend, and it’s shelter and food and basic necessities.” Mr Mortimer said consumers who were tightening their budgets could have a lasting impact on businesses. “Where we see discretionary spending categories like fashion, footwear or accessories sales have flatlined or in some cases have declined, it’s because households are more concerned about the cost of food, the cost of rent, servicing their mortgage, electricity bills going up and utilities bills going up,” he said. “In that certain economic climate, certain categories tends to trade less and decline in sales.” Ms Asher said consumers were more willing to turn to fast fashion, like Temu or Shein, when they want to buy something new instead of spending money on quality items. “What has happened because of this, within apparel, there’s been lot of changes within apparel and clothing,” she said. “Fast fashion and it’s actually killing off traditional apparel brands we’ve seen historically.” Trying to find a way forward Unfortunately, more businesses are likely to shut up shop in 2025. CreditorWatch forecasts food and beverage businesses are likely to fail at 9.1 per cent in the next 12 months. Mr Mortimer said retailers normally liked to rely on Christmas spending to help boost their profits as they head into the new year. “We still spend about $36bn in the month across the retail sector but that’s not more than what we spent last year,” he said. “As we move into the busy Christmas period, it’s projected that we will spend $69.7bn in the six weeks leading up to Christmas but that’s essentially what we spent last year. “Retailers aren’t expecting a significant kick in these sales as we move into the busy Christmas period.” But all eyes will be on the Reserve Bank of Australia in the new year as people look to see if interest rate relief is on the way. “A slowdown in the inflation rate will certainly help businesses, but we must remember this just means that price rises have slowed down, so the cost pressures remain,” CreditorWatch chief executive officer Patrick Coghlan, said. “In most cases, you won’t see the cost of goods and services coming down. “Businesses desperately need interest rates to come down so households have some relief in cost-of-living pressures and start spending more.” Originally published as Thousands of Australian businesses collapse during 2024 amid rising costsBaytex Energy: A 'Scratch And Dent' Standout

TEHRAN – Russia's deputy foreign minister has revealed that a forthcoming comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Tehran and Moscow will encompass defense and security cooperation, marking a significant expansion of bilateral ties. In an interview with TASS news agency, Andrei Rudenko confirmed the broad scope of the new agreement while maintaining discretion about specific details. "I would only note that it will meet challenges and requirements of our time and cover almost all current and promising spheres of Iranian-Russian cooperation, including defense and security," Rudenko said. The new treaty builds upon a previous strategic agreement established in 2001, which focused on industry, technology, security, energy, and nuclear power plant development. While the original agreement has been extended until 2026, both nations have agreed to draft a new, more comprehensive long-term partnership. Rudenko emphasized the evolution of bilateral relations over the past twenty years, noting that Russia is "closely coordinating approaches with its Iranian friends and taking necessary measures to strengthen peace and security in the region." Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, recently indicated that the path to finalizing the agreement is clear, with both nations working to schedule President Pezeshkian's Moscow visit for the official signing ceremony of the new treaty. The enhanced partnership agreement is expected to be more comprehensive than its predecessor, incorporating various sectors including energy, industry, transport, and agriculture, alongside the newly emphasized defense and security components.Snow pants are highly technical pieces of apparel. They’re designed more for practical outdoor use than they are for earning style points. For those who like to get out and about in the winter season, you’ll need a quality pair to keep you warm. They use waterproof exteriors along with insulated interiors to protect your legs from wet snow and cool temperatures. The best pair is the THE NORTH FACE Sally Pants . Their thick exterior protects you from the wind and snow and their DryVent ventilation system releases excess body heat. There are three types of snow pants . The most common type resembles your everyday pair of pants. Aside from the technical materials, the main difference is that they have a looser fit than normal pants. Snow pants are ideal for maximum mobility when skiing or snowboarding. Some bibs resemble overalls. They have an upper body portion connected to the pants and use straps to go over the shoulders. This gives you more protection from the elements, but it slightly restricts your movement. Then there are one-piece snowsuits, which have a coat and pants in a single slip-on piece. The best material used to make snow pants is polyester. It’s durable, water-resistant and inexpensive. Polyester is the material that makes up the bulk of a pair of snow pants. Many manufacturers will add nylon for even more long-term strength. There’s also elastic, which is used in ankle gaiters and some waistbands. Gore-Tex is another material used in many outdoor products like snow pants because it’s completely water-resistant. Snow pants are sized differently than normal pants. Instead of using numbers, they use small to large distinctions. This makes it easier because they’re sized more generally than your everyday pair of pants. Most brands go from XS to XXL, but some include more variations, such as large long and large short. This way, you can customize your fit based on your body type. Other brands will use inseam measurements if you know exactly how long you’d prefer the pants to be. Boot gaiters are sections of fabric that provide more security around the ankle. Walking through snow can cause your socks to get wet. This is not only uncomfortable but can also affect your body’s temperature. Gaiters use elastic to wrap tightly around your ankle while the exterior of your pants goes over your boots. Some pants have a reinforced seam and patches on the pant leg to prevent wear and tear around the ankle. This will also protect your ankles from bumps and bruises while on the slopes. Baggy snow pants are the best choice if you’re snowboarding or skiing. With more room between your legs and the exterior fabric, you can comfortably wear a pair of insulated tights underneath. Baggy pants also allow for more freedom of movement. With skiing, especially, you’ll need all the flexibility your legs can get. Loose-fitting pants will prevent seams from ripping too easily as well. Professional snowboarders and skiers who focus on tricks will exclusively wear baggy snow pants to give them more mobility. While snow pants are designed to keep you warm, sometimes, the heat can cause sweat to build up around your legs. For this reason, some pants come with built-in ventilation systems. These specially designed vents are woven into the pants and release excess heat. The vent is usually on the rear waist area. This positioning makes it discreet to the naked eye. Also, your coat will cover it most of the time, which prevents any cold air from entering from the outside. Women’s snow pants cost $30-$260. A. GORE-TEX is known for its waterproofing, but the ultra-tight weaves and thick fabric make it windproof as well. A. Most snow pants have two sets of pockets on either hip. They are usually sealed using zippers to keep your belongings protected. THE NORTH FACE Sally Pants What you need to know: These high-quality snow pants from North Face use thick materials to keep you dry. What you’ll love: The pants have a snug fit around the knees with a slight flare at the ankles. There’s a DryVent to prevent your legs from sweating and Heatseeker Eco insulation to protect you from the elements. There are zippered pockets, a belt loop around the waist and boot gaiters near the ankles. What you should consider: The waistband is not as adjustable as other pants. Arctix Insulated Cargo Snow Pants What you need to know: Arctix has the most customizable snow pants with a large selection of colors and sizes. What you’ll love: Key features include boot zippers, three pockets, an adjustable waistline and an O-ring for keys. There are 20 color options, such as Blue Night, Rose, Green Camo and Plum, alongside 45 size options. There are tall, long, short and inseam measurement size types. What you should consider: With all the sizing choices, finding the right one will be more difficult. Columbia Arctic Omni Heat Snow Pants What you need to know: The Omni Heat snow pants are highly insulated to offer the most warmth. What you’ll love: These pants use nylon for excellent durability on the outside. The interior has reflective Omni Heat technology that keeps the heat from leaving the pants. There’s an adjustable waist strap on the inside, zippered pockets at the hips and near the leg, plus a double snap closure at the waist. What you should consider: Some reviewers recommend buying a size up. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Dr. Rob’s new AI model promises to cut aircraft design time from months to daysChess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolvedz2777 flight 。

Manmohan Singh Death: Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, passed away on Thursday evening at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He died hours after he was admitted to the emergency department of the hospital. According to multiple media reports, the veteran congressman’s health condition was reported to be critical. The senior Congress leader’s death has left a profound impact on the political landscape, with leaders, celebrities and citizens alike expressing their deep sorrow at the loss of one of India’s most respected statesmen. Taking to his X handle, Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, expressed his sorrow. Vadra in his now deleted post wrote, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. My deepest condolences for his family and loved ones. Thank you for your service to our Nation. You will always be remembered for your Economic revolution and progressive changes, you brought to the country.” PM Narendra Modi extending his condolences wrote, "India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives." India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic... pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi expressed her deep sorrow and wrote that few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that the former PM had. She added, "His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strongwilled and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics." Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation... pic.twitter.com/BXA6zHG2Fq The official X handle of Congress expressing its grief wrote, "The demise of renowned economist and former Prime Minister of the country, respected Manmohan Singh ji is an irreparable loss to Indian politics. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this sorrow. The Delhi Congress family pays homage to the memories of respected Manmohan ji and expresses gratitude for his contribution to nation building. Om Shanti." ALSO READ: Manmohan Singh No More: A Look At Key Decisions By Hero Of India’s Economic Liberalisation Reacting to the news, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha wrote, "I still cannot believe this sad news. This is not just the end of an era but also a sign of the end of a trend where critics/opponents of government policies were not labelled as 'anti-nationals'. Goodbye Sir!! History shall not only be kind but provide you a higher pedestal forever.... #ManmohanSingh." इस दुखद खबर पर अभी भी भरोसा नहीं है.ये महज युगांत नहीं है बल्कि उस धारा के अवसान का भी संकेत है जहाँ आलोचक/सरकार की नीतियों के विरोधी 'राष्ट्रद्रोही' नहीं करार दिये जाते थे. Goodbye Sir!! History shall not only be kind but provide you a higher pedestal forever.... #ManmohanSingh pic.twitter.com/O6u0ZmJVRo Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra also took to his X handle to express his condolences. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. From pioneering economic reforms that opened India’s gates to global markets, to steering the nation through turbulent times as Prime Minister, his contributions remain monumental. He will be remembered for his dignity, his intellect, and his unwavering commitment to India’s progress. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength in this difficult hour. Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. From pioneering economic reforms that opened India’s gates to global markets, to steering the nation through turbulent times as Prime Minister, his contributions remain monumental. He will be remembered for his dignity, his... pic.twitter.com/yYld3mH4E9 Indian comedian and television host Kapil Sharma expressing his grief wrote, “India has lost one of its finest leaders today. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms and a symbol of integrity and humility, leaves behind a legacy of progress and hope. His wisdom, dedication, and vision transformed our nation. Rest in peace, Dr. Singh. Your contributions will never be forgotten."AUDI has unveiled its new logo with major changes a mere few days after Jaguar was slammed over the "woke" EV rebrand. The car brand has divided drivers through its launch of a new sub-brand which gets rid of the iconic four rings logo. The German premium vehicle manufacturer has announced a new partnership with SAIC - a Chinese motoring giant. This collaboration is to sell a separate range of Audi models within the market. The sub-brands first reveal shows the model featuring a brand new logo - not with four rings. China has the largest new car market worldwide with around 26 million models sold in 2023 - and Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi, has shared his excitement for the sub-brand. He said: "The automotive industry is undergoing the largest transformation in its history. "With our partnerships in China, we are playing a decisive role in this transformation." Audi are very familiar with the car market in China, having sold its cars there since 1988 after beginning a contract with First Automobile Works (FAW). Here they became the first company to import luxury cars to the brand. Now the new Audi sub-brand looks to sell unique models with its design to younger motorists. The company pointed out the additional driver-assistance technology in comparison to models in Europe as China is currently enforcing fewer restrictions on autonomous vehicles. But the new models are missing the iconic four ring logo that first popped up in 1932 and instead have 'Audi' written across the front. The rings were originally used by Auto Union and were to represent the four German car brands Audi, Chemnitz, DKW and Horch who were all in an alliance at the time. Users took to Reddit to express their thoughts on the new Audi look in China. One user said: "Honestly? This is hilarious. It's one of those things that make you believe the simulation is real and the creator is going for maximum silliness. "Next week: Mercedes launches 'MERCEDES'." Another commented: "China is a different market. There's an Audi A7 L there. I guess Audi China knows what it is doing. "In my opinion, it looks exactly like one of those new Chinese electric car brands without personality in their designs." Meanwhile a 'new' classic Jaguar has been unveiled with a roaring petrol engine - just days after the British firm's controversial re-brand ahead of its electric revolution. A monstrous version of Jag's iconic XJS model has been revealed for the first time, although the marque won't be the ones making it. Indeed, Berkshire-based car maker Tom Walkinshaw Racing, known as TWR, is the brains behind this very cool looking XJS Supercat. The limited-edition beast is a modernised take on the classic sports car, which Jaguar originally produced between 1975 and 1996. Widely considered one of the most famous Jags, some 115,413 XJS models rolled off production lines in that time - and today it's considered a mainstay at classic car shows. "Available to commission" now, the timing of the arrival of TWR's XJS Supercat couldn't have come at a more curious period in Jaguar's 102-year history, as the manufacturer is in the midst of one of motoring history’s most outrageous rebrands. This month, they began the first phase of their transition by putting a stop to all of their current models being sold in dealerships , with only the F-Pace to be carried over into 2025. This is because the firm is fully committed to going all-electric by next year, with a handful of brand new models to be released - including a four-door GT that's to be fully unveiled in concept form next week. They then sent ripples through the motoring world when they released a new logo along with a bizarre teaser video that received backlash on social media. By Jacob Jaffa, Motors Reporter What is being investigated? The FCA announced in January that it would investigate allegations of "widespread misconduct" related to discretionary commission agreements (DCAs) on car loans. When you buy a car on finance, you are effectively loaned the value of the car while you pay it off. These loans have interest payments charged on top of them and are often organised on behalf of lenders by brokers - usually the finance arm of a dealership . These brokers earn money in the form of commission - a percentage of the interest payments on the loan. DCAs allowed brokers to, to a certain extent, increase the interest rate on a loan, which in turn increased the amount of commission they received. The practice was banned by the FCA in 2021. Who is eligible for compensation? The FCA estimates that around 40% of car deals may have been affected before 2021. There are two criteria you must meet to have a chance at receiving compensation. First, you must be complaining in relation to a finance deal on a motor vehicle (including cars, vans, motorbikes and motorhomes) that was agreed before January 28 2021. Second, you must have bought the vehicle through a mechanism like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP), which make up the majority of finance deals and mean you own the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Drivers who leased a car through something like a Personal Contract Hire, where you give the car back at the end of the lease, are not eligible.Villar wants legal trade in uranium probed

Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacksWhy Santa Ana’s independent bookstore LibroMobile may close its doors in 2025

India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters.

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COSTA MESA, Calif. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Automatic, a leading fintech firm specializing in facilitating seamless connections between used independent car dealerships and lenders, today announced a strategic partnership with MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK), a leading provider of modern software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies. This collaboration leverages Automatic's robust dealership network technology and MeridianLink's advanced decisioning capabilities to empower financial institutions within the automotive lending sector. Automatic's platform serves as a pivotal link for lenders across its expansive independent dealer network, offering tailored solutions that optimize loan aggregation and enhance operational efficiencies. MeridianLink's innovative Advanced Decisioning capabilities, integrated within Automatic's framework, augments decision-making for lenders across a vast network of dealerships. This integration enables real-time loan analysis, improves risk management capabilities, and facilitates faster, more precise lending decisions tailored to specific borrower profiles. "Partnering with MeridianLink ® marks a significant milestone for Automatic as we continue to innovate within the automotive financing landscape," said Eric Burney , CEO of Automatic. "Our mission to foster an 'Open Marketplace' is further realized through this collaboration, empowering lenders with tools to access new clients in a safe way." Financial institutions already integrated with MeridianLink will gain seamless access to Automatic's platform, empowering them to further streamline their lending processes, in the used independent space, enhancing member satisfaction, and capitalizing on market opportunities. For more information about Automatic and its comprehensive auto financing solutions, visit https://www.automaticusa.com . About Automatic Automatic is a pioneering fintech company dedicated to facilitating efficient connections between automotive lenders and independent pre-owned vehicle dealerships. Automatic's platform serves as a cost-effective solution for the automotive financing sector, fostering an open marketplace for stakeholders. About MeridianLink MeridianLink ® (NYSE: MLNK) empowers financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies to drive efficient growth. MeridianLink's cloud-based digital lending, account opening, background screening, and data verification solutions leverage shared intelligence from a unified data platform, MeridianLink ® One, to enable customers of all sizes to identify growth opportunities, effectively scale up, and support compliance efforts, all while powering an enhanced experience for staff and consumers alike. For more than 25 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at www.meridianlink.com . For media inquiries, please contact: nikki@automaticusa.co View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automatic-partners-with-meridianlink-to-revolutionize-lender-dealership-connectivity-302331536.html SOURCE Automatic

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It’s the $1,000 question: Should you buy your own router or rent one from your internet service provider? Most ISPs charge between $10 and $15 monthly for equipment -- you should be able to see the fee on your ISP's broadband nutrition label -- while you can generally get a modem and router for less than $200. Buying your own internet equipment usually pays for itself in the first year, but it often comes with some additional headaches. I’ve been writing about the internet for six years, and for all six of them, I’ve carried around a shameful secret: I’ve a rented a router from Xfinity for most of that time. Even though I've always advised readers to buy their own equipment, my rented modem and router worked fine, even if I’d known in the back of my mind that it was a waste of money. Locating local internet providers Then I took a look through my old bills and added up a number that prompted me to reconsider: $873. That's how much I've spent on Xfinity's equipment fees over those six years. With the money I've spent renting Xfinity equipment, I could've bought the most advanced router CNET's ever tested and then bought another as a backup. I could've doubled the internet speed I was getting. I could've booked a flight to Oslo. I was finally ready to enter the world of modem-and-router ownership. Locating local internet providers As satisfied as I was with my Xfinity gear, owning your own equipment is almost always the better option. You'll often get better performance -- my upload speeds increased by more than 2,000% -- and as I say, it'll usually pay for itself within the first year or two. The average internet bill in the US comes in at $63 per month -- and that's before you add the extra taxes and fees. Some of these are unavoidable, but equipment rental fees don't fall into that category. You might be perfectly content to pay a bit extra for the convenience of not having to buy and set up your own equipment. But if you're looking to save money in the long run, and are comfortable purchasing and managing your own gear, it's a far better deal to shell out for your own router and modem. (You may also be able to take advantage of any low-income discounts available in your state .) Here's what I've learned about making the switch from rented equipment to my own, and here's how you can make a similar change as painless as possible. How to choose the right modem and router The best internet is the internet you never notice, and I can't remember the last time my connection went out or I saw a buffering wheel in my home. And this is all with a device from 2017 that Xfinity describes as an "old Wireless Gateway with limited speeds and functionality." This goes to show how much the type of internet user you are has to do with what kind of equipment you need. I live in a 750-square-foot apartment, and my internet needs are mostly limited to video calls and TV streaming. If you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the same router likely won't cut it. Similarly, activities like online gaming hinge on split-second reactions. If this instantaneous responsiveness is important to you, it's probably worth investing in a gaming router that minimizes lag. Wi-Fi routers run the gamut from entry-level models like the TP-Link AC1200 for $31 to ultra-advanced mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series for $1,445 . To test each Wi-Fi router , CNET runs three speed tests in five different rooms in our testing facility, logging results for download speed, upload speed and latency. That process is repeated six times, accounting for variations in network performance at different times of the day. After consulting our picks for the best wireless router s, I decided to go with our budget pick: the TP-Link Archer AX21 , of which my colleague and router connoisseur Ry Crist wrote, "It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup." I get only 200Mbps through my Xfinity plan, so the 700Mbps the TP-Link hits at close range is more than enough juice and only costs $85. A cable modem like the Hitron CODA connects your home to your internet provider through a coaxial cable. Depending on what type of internet you have, you may need to purchase a cable modem in addition to your router. Some ISPs, like Spectrum , include the modem for free but charge extra for a router. The main thing to look for in a modem is compatibility. Your internet provider will have a page on their website that lists all the models that it works with, and you shouldn't stray from this. You may also have a choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 ; the newer standard provides faster speeds, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically more expensive. Other things to consider are the modem's speed limits -- make sure they're equal to or above your internet plan -- and the number of Ethernet ports. Xfinity doesn't provide a free modem, so I had to buy one in addition to a Wi-Fi router. I opted for the Hitron CODA Modem -- a DOCSIS 3.1 model that's one of the cheapest Xfinity-compatible models I could find for $100. It supports download speeds up to only 867Mbps, but that's still far more than my Xfinity plan. How to set up your new modem and router Ordering the equipment is the easy part; the ordeal of setting up third-party equipment is what keeps many customers on the hook for years. The process is largely the same whether you're starting service fresh with a new provider or swapping out old equipment. Here's everything you'll need to do. The modem is the piece of equipment that brings the internet to your home through a coaxial cable connected to your internet provider's network. Before it can work, ISPs need to tie your specific modem to your account. If you're replacing old equipment, they will also turn this off as they activate the new modem. ISPs do this by logging your MAC (media access control) number, which can be found on the bottom of the modem. You can typically do this through your internet provider's app, in a live chat or by calling a customer service number. After your new modem's MAC address is registered with your ISP, you'll be prompted to connect your modem to the cable outlet in your wall and plug it into a power outlet. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes, and your modem's lights will tell you when it's receiving the internet signal. Once the indicator lights are on, you're ready to set up your wireless router. This TP-Link router offers wireless access to your modem's connection with the web (hence the antennas). Each Wi-Fi router has its own setup process, so you'll want to follow the instructions provided. In the case of the TP-Link Archer AX21, that meant unplugging the power to the modem, connecting the modem to the router's WAN port via an Ethernet cable , powering on the modem and then plugging the router into a power outlet. From there, I set up my new network through the TP-Link app. That's the short version. There's a lot more to consider when setting up a wireless router, including choosing the optimal location , setting up parental controls and protecting your privacy . For my purposes, though, I was ready to start testing out my new internet connection. Speed comparison: Which setup is fastest? I wanted to see how my new modem and router would compare with my old equipment, so I ran speed tests before and after I was connected: one from my desk next to the router and one from the furthest corner of my apartment (regrettably, the bathroom). My old modem and router returned 164/5Mbps speeds from my desk and 143/5Mbps from the bathroom -- not bad for an internet plan that advertises 200/10Mbps speeds. But the speeds with my new equipment were eye-popping: 237/118Mbps at both my desk and my bathroom. I didn't just save money by purchasing my own equipment -- I'm actually getting a significant speed boost too. I have no idea why my new equipment picked up 10 times the upload speeds of my old one. I subscribe to Xfinity's Connect More plan, which is supposed to get only 10Mbps upload speeds. In 2022, Xfinity announced that it was increasing upload speeds on my plan to 100Mbps -- but only for customers who pay for its $25-per-month xFi Complete equipment. Apparently, I'm reaping those same benefits with my new modem and router. My best guess is that the upgrade from a DOCSIS 3.0 to a 3.1 modem is the main reason for the jump in upload speeds. How to save yourself some headaches I eventually got my modem and router set up properly, but I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here's what I would do differently: The bottom line It's no fun to set up a new modem and router, but is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only are my internet speeds dramatically improved, but I'm paying significantly less for them. I'm saving $15 per month on equipment, and somewhere along the line, an Xfinity agent bumped my plan price down for the next year. My monthly bill is going from $78.54 to $50. That's far more than I expected to save, and my new equipment will pay itself off within the first six months. My only regret is that I didn't make the leap sooner.Some of the largest, most powerful companies in the United States are racing to finance President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund as they attempt to court favor with the incoming administration, which has promised a further reduction of the corporate tax rate. The Wall Street Journal earlier this week identified “at least 11 companies and trade associations that are backing the inauguration, which is on track to bring in a record fundraising haul, after earlier pledging to suspend or reconsider political-action committee donations after January 6, 2021.” The list includes the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the drug industry’s top U.S. lobbying group, as well as Goldman Sachs , Bank of America , Intuit, General Motors, and Toyota. “Some donors are substantially boosting their inaugural donations from previous years,” the Journal reported. “The telecom company Charter Communications, which gave $350,000 to [President Joe] Biden’s fund and $250,000 to Trump’s 2017 fund, is donating $1 million this time. Uber Technologies, which gave $1 million to Biden’s, donated $1 million to the inauguration, in addition to another $1 million from Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.” Additionally, according to the Journal , “corporate executives have been flocking to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida resort, in the weeks since the election to meet with the president-elect and his team, in the hopes that building a relationship could make the incoming administration friendlier to their causes.” “Trump has met with the chief executives of Meta Platforms, Amazon, Google, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and others in recent weeks,” the newspaper added. Meta, headed by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, has donated $1 million to Trump’s tax-exempt inaugural committee, which is not subject to contribution limits . Amazon has vowed to pump $1 million into the inaugural fund, as has Ford — which is also reportedly supplying the event with a fleet of vehicles . “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post earlier this month. A prospectus obtained by Axios indicates that donors who give $1 million to the inaugural fund will receive tickets to the January 20 swearing-in ceremony as well as a “Cabinet reception,” a “Make America Great Again rally,” and other events. Only those who donate at least $100,000 will be allowed to attend a “One America, One Light Sunday Service” with Trump and his wife, Melania, according to the document. Trump, whose proposed Cabinet is packed with billionaires with extensive ties to corporate America, is reportedly keeping track of the major companies that have not yet donated to his inaugural fund. “In the past few weeks, Trump has at times asked close allies about how much major corporations have donated to the inaugural committee, and has sometimes inquired about specific companies by name,” Rolling Stone reported Wednesday, citing an unnamed person with direct knowledge. “Earlier this month, when the president-elect asked about one big-name corporation and was told it hadn’t donated, Trump replied, ‘Well, they better do it soon then,'” Rolling Stone added.December 26, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source written by researcher(s) proofread by Charles Helm, The Conversation I am standing on a dune looking out to sea. It's 2024, but I'm thinking about a very different time. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, this 350 km stretch of southern African coast looked very different. It was home to giant zebra, bird species that are now extinct, giant tortoises and crocodiles. Our hominin ancestors roamed the area. We know some of these facts because of body fossils. But South Africa's Cape south coast is also home to another rich source of information, which our research team from the African Center for Coastal Palaeoscience at Nelson Mandela University has documented over the past 15 years: fossilized tracksites. These trace fossils date to the Pleistocene epoch , with ages ranging from 400,000 years to 35,000 years . Most of them are preserved in a rock type known as aeolianite (cemented dune surfaces). The tracksites are an example of what's known as geoheritage, which the Geological Society of South Africa calls a "descriptive term applied to sites (geosites) or areas of geologic features with significant scientific, educational, cultural, or aesthetic value ." The importance of geoheritage is becoming increasingly recognized at a global level; for example, it is relevant to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development goals , and Unesco's Global Geoparks "celebrate the links between geological heritage and all other types of heritage." Given our discoveries on the Cape south coast, as well as what other researchers have found in the West Coast National Park, about 120 km outside Cape Town, it's clear that South Africa is home to some remarkable geoheritage. In a recently published scientific paper we outlined this geoheritage, examined the threats it faces from both nature and human interference, and suggested how it could be preserved. These sites have almost certainly come and gone over previous centuries and millennia without our knowledge. However, now that we know about them and can appreciate them, scientists and heritage authorities have an obligation to celebrate, protect and preserve them as vitally important geoheritage items, and to raise awareness about this precious, newly discovered resource. Threats The Cape coastal sites are threatened on many fronts. Cliff collapse events expose new sites, while known sites slump into the sea or are eroded rapidly by wind, high tides and storm surges. In addition, humans find these surfaces attractive and engrave graffiti into them, potentially damaging the precious fossil tracksites . Many of the sites are of hominin origin. Some are ancestral human trackways; others preserve patterns made by our ancestors on dune surfaces that may be some of the oldest examples of art. These patterns, which we've dubbed ammoglyphs, have been reported only on the Cape coast and nowhere else in the world. They are therefore of global heritage value. One site even contains the oldest known fossil footprint attributed to our own species. I regard each of these sites as a miracle of preservation, of something that we are now able to recognize and interpret, against all the odds. We know what to look for and we know these surfaces have the capacity to record this priceless heritage. We just need to be vigilant and keep visiting this coastline, especially after storm surges or cliff-collapse events. Managing the sites Mixed with this good fortune, however, come problems, questions, and management challenges. Which sites require active management, and how should they be ranked in importance? What is the scientific and heritage value of the sites? Is physical recovery possible by helicopter or four-wheel drive, or is replication through digital technology the most appropriate route to follow? And if physical recovery is possible, are there suitable repositories for specimens? What if nothing is done—how significant are the threats to a site's integrity, and how accessible or remote is it? Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . In addressing these challenges, we came up with a ranking checklist . At a global level, such checklists are surprisingly rare; we are aware of only two examples. We used these as a basis for our checklist, modifying their criteria to be applicable to the Cape coast. Criterion categories included a site's uniqueness and scientific value, threats in the current location, accessibility and feasibility of recovery, research and education value, and the potential for post-removal care. The resulting checklist forms the basis for constructive collaboration with management authorities like national parks, provincial nature reserves, municipalities or private landowners, as well as national and provincial heritage authorities. Good working relationships between these roleplayers and scientific researchers are key if geoheritage sites are to properly handled and preserved. The published article and the ranking checklist are not an end in themselves. We hope they will provide a starting point for meaningful collaboration and discussion. Provided by The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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Saudi Aramco unit in talks to invest $1 billion in US software maker Mavenir, sources sayNASSAU, Bahamas — Justin Thomas was long off the tee and made a few long putts on the back nine to overtake Scottie Scheffler with a 6-under 66 and build a one-shot lead Saturday over golf’s best player going into the final round of the Hero World Challenge. Thomas is trying out a 46-inch driver — a little more than an inch longer than normal — that he previously used for practice at home to gain speed and length. He blasted a 361-yard drive to 8 feet on the par-4 seventh hole and led the field in driving distance. But it was a few long putts that put him ahead of Scheffler, who had a 69. Thomas was on the verge of falling two shots behind when he made an 18-foot par putt on the par-3 12th hole. On the reachable par-4 14th, he was in a nasty spot in a sandy area and could only splash it out to nearly 50 feet. He made that one for a most unlikely birdie, while behind him Scheffler muffed a chip on the 13th hole and made his lone bogey of a windy day. Scheffler never caught up to him, missing birdie chances on the reachable 14th and the par-5 15th. Thomas hit his approach to 3 feet for birdie on the 16th after a 343-yard drive. Scheffler made an 18-foot birdie putt on the 16th to close within one. Scheffler missed birdie chances on the last two holes from the 10-foot and 15-foot range, while Thomas missed an 8-foot birdie attempt at the last. “I had a stretch at 13, 14, 15 where I felt like I lost a shot or two there, but outside of that I did a lot of really good things today,” Scheffler said. Thomas hasn’t won since the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, and a victory at Albany Golf Club wouldn’t count as an official win. But the two-time major champion has made steady progress toward getting his game back in order. Golf Channel Staff , Golf Channel Staff , “I’m driving it great. I’ve had a lot of confidence with it,” Thomas said of his longer driver. “I feel like I’ve been able to put myself in some pretty good spots going into the green. I’m still not taking advantage of some of them as much as I would like, but that’s golf and we’re always going to say that.” Thomas was at 17-under 199 and will be in the final group Sunday with Scheffler, who is trying to end his spectacular season with a ninth title. Tom Kim put himself in the mix, which he might not have imagined Thursday when he was 3 over through six holes of the holiday tournament. Kim got back in the game with a 65 on Friday, and then followed with 12 birdies for a 62. He had a shot at the course record — Rickie Fowler shot 61 in the final round when he won at Albany in 2017 — until Kim found a bunker and took two shots to reach the green in making a double bogey on the par-3 17th. Even so, he was only two shots behind. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley (68) was four back. “Feel like I’ve been seeing signs of improvement, which is what you want and that’s all I can do,” Thomas said. “I can’t control everybody else or what’s going on, I’ve just got to keep playing as good as I possibly can and hope that it’s enough come Sunday.”It was late in the evening on Friday the 13th when I stepped out onto our back deck on the off-chance I might catch a glimpse of one of those mysterious drones that have become front page news in the course of the last week or two. Initially the bulk of the drone activity had taken place over in northern New Jersey, but lately it seemed to have pushed its way here into southeastern Pennsylvania. A Facebook post the day before had alerted me to the fact that entire fleets of drones had recently been spotted over the skies of [...]

As it celebrates its 20th birthday, online video game “World of Warcraft” has demonstrated a rare longevity thanks to its loyal following and constant evolutions. “It is inspiring to be able to work on this rare game that has touched so many lives, and to also feel the burden of carrying that forward,” Ion Hazzikostas, the current director of the game, told AFP at the Gamescom trade show in Germany in August. As an early fan of “WoW” he joined California-based Blizzard, the American developer of the title, in 2008 before climbing the ranks. Although it was not the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (a genre known as MMORPG) when it was released in 2004, “World of Warcraft” was an instant success, quickly attracting several million players worldwide. It benefited from the popularity of the Warcraft brand, a saga of real-time strategy games launched ten years earlier by Blizzard, which was bought by Microsoft in 2023. In the game, two factions face off in a fantasy universe populated by orcs and elves where thousands of players can connect and cooperate simultaneously, in exchange for a monthly subscription of $15 a month. It was the social aspect of the experience, still in its infancy at the time, that appealed to players. “It was a precursor,” said Olivier Servais, a specialist in online communities. “Blizzard focused on guilds and communities on a human scale, bringing together between 30 and 200 players.” In these groups, “people flirt, they confide about their daily lives”, weddings and funerals are organized, and the game becomes “a pretext to socialize”, he said. “WoW” was born the same year as Facebook, and comprised key elements such as online interactions and communities that would help create today’s globalized social networks. “It was many people’s first real exposure and connection to people in a digital virtual environment. And that was part of the magic, and that’s a hard thing to replicate,” Hazzikostas said. Since then, other popular games such as “Fortnite” or “League of Legends” have adopted similar codes. ‘Monument’ At its peak in the 2010s, “World of Warcraft” claimed more than 10 million active accounts, though the number could be higher because many people often share one account, in Asia, in particular. Blizzard no longer reveals the number of accounts, but “WoW” remains popular across the world. “We are not resting on our laurels, or coasting gently off into the sunset,” Hazzikostas said. Its 10th extension, “The War Within”, was released in August with new domains to explore and other changes. “Twenty years later, it remains a monument but in a gaming market that has completely changed,” Servais said. Hazzikostas said Blizzard is “trying new ambitious things to shake up what we’ve done and keep that vibrant”. “I don’t see an end point to ‘World of Warcraft’ on the horizon today,” he said, drawing parallels with franchises such as Marvel or Star Wars. — AFP

Zomato chief executive office (CEO) Deepinder Goyal's recent post listing the criteria for hiring a chief of staff went viral-largely due to the wrong reasons. The social media uproar over the issue of the candidate paying ₹20 lakh to the company and drawing no compensation for a year prompted Goyal to reveal that the requirement to pay ₹20 lakh was just a filter to find the right candidate. It is the second time that the CEO had to issue a retracting statement. Earlier in March, Zomato rolled back its plan to colour code its veg fleet following social media backlash to Goyal's previous day's announcement of the plan. Changing decisions based on social media reaction may appear to be a sign of a responsive management, but repeated instances may create a perception that undermines the decision-making of the top management. It may also attract regulatory scrutiny stock valuation is impacted. Last month, a social media spat involving Ola Electric's CEO and a standup comedian shaved off over ₹7,000 crore from the market cap of the electric vehicle company. The Ola stock is now trading below the IPO offer price. Digital payments platform Paytm recently issued an apology on X for a controversial post made by its CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma on the demise of Tata group veteran Ratan Tata. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Leadership Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Leadership Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program While Zerodha isn't listed, its co-founder Nikhil Kamath got trolled on social media for buying a house after years of advocating renting a house instead of buying one. To be sure, social media is largely unforgiving in calling out discrepancies. When CEOs are involved in an online dispute or controversy, the issue hardly remains restricted to them and has an adverse spillover effect on the company's reputation. While most large companies have a social media policy for their employees, young CEOs of newly listed companies tend to be more exuberant in their social media communication. It may be argued that any publicity is good publicity for the company and its brand, but repeated controversial posts from a CEO of a listed company may not go down well with the company's board of directors and institutional investors. The risk management committee of the board of directors may not be happy having the additional task of monitoring the social media conduct of CEOs. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

Google names UK executive as president for Europe, Middle East and Africa

Chris Clarke appointed practice leader of Homeland Security & Law Enforcement; Bryan Miller to lead newly combined Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice MCLEAN, Va. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Guidehouse, a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors, has named Shannon White the new leader of its Defense & Security segment effective Jan. 1, 2025 . White succeeds John Saad , who has been named President of Guidehouse. Additionally, Chris Clarke will take on White's former role as Guidehouse's Defense & Security's Homeland Security & Law Enforcement practice leader. White brings a wealth of expertise in the national security sectors, along with a proven ability to deliver complex, high-impact solutions. With a track record of driving innovation and meaningful results, she has been instrumental in shaping Guidehouse's growth and impact across its diverse portfolio. Under her leadership, the Defense & Security segment will continue to focus on delivering mission-critical solutions to address the nation's most pressing defense and security challenges. "Shannon is a passionate leader whose experience will be invaluable as we continue to support purpose-driven initiatives to preserve security across the U.S.," said John Saad , President of Guidehouse. "Her strategic vision and expertise will accelerate Guidehouse's growth through transformative engagements with our clients in the defense, national security, and public sectors." Chris Clarke , Homeland Security & Law Enforcement practice leader Clarke, a partner at the firm, brings over 20 years of experience engaging with clients on complex challenges, with a focus on risk management and financial transformation. He has worked extensively across the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Intelligence Community leading hundreds of consultants to deliver a range of services in support of solving strategic challenges for Guidehouse clients. Bryan Miller , Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice leader To position the firm for additional growth and to align with the evolving needs of its clients, Guidehouse has combined Defense & Security's Defense & Intelligence and Diplomacy & Development practices into a newly combined Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice under the leadership of Bryan Miller . Miller, a partner at the firm, has over 20 years of industry experience focused on delivering strategy, supply chain and transformation programs to the U.S. Government. "This new structure strengthens our capabilities and provides a more cohesive approach to serving these interconnected client missions," added Saad. "Chris and Bryan are remarkable leaders with unmatched expertise in navigating the complexities of public safety and national security. We congratulate them on these new roles and are confident they will drive tremendous value for our clients and teams." Named a Military Friendly® Employer for six consecutive years, Guidehouse's Defense & Security segment serves U.S. diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement, and defense agencies. Backed by proven success in helping clients compete, deter, and win, the firm delivers mission-critical optimization, technology modernization, and financial management solutions. About Guidehouse Guidehouse is a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors. Guidehouse is purpose-built to serve the national security, financial services, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure industries. Disrupting legacy consulting delivery models with its agility, capabilities, and scale, the firm delivers technology-enabled and focused solutions that position clients for innovation, resilience, and growth. With high-quality standards and a relentless pursuit of client success, Guidehouse's more than 18,000 employees collaborate with leaders to outwit complexity and achieve transformational changes that meaningfully shape the future. guidehouse.com Media Contact: Cecile Fradkin, [email protected] , Guidehouse SOURCE Guidehouse

( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Family-Owned Dickey's Barbecue Pit Franchise Prioritizes Community, Quality, and Collaboration North Branch, MN, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tim Davis, a seasoned entrepreneur, has turned his family into a powerhouse team at the North Branch Dickey's Barbecue Pit . With Tim and his wife Sue at the helm, their son Seth as General Manager, and their daughter Hannah leading marketing efforts, the Davis family has transformed their location into a cornerstone of the community since opening in April 2024. “Our family dynamic is the foundation of our success,” said Tim Davis, franchisee.“Everyone brings their strengths to the table, and together we're building something we're incredibly proud of-not just for us, but for our community.” Tim and Sue Davis purchased the North Branch location after seeing it as the perfect opportunity to combine their entrepreneurial spirit with a love for great barbecue. With a background that includes real estate franchises and other business ventures, Tim saw something unique in Dickey's. “The decision to join Dickey's wasn't just about the product-it was about the people,” said Tim.“The Dickey's corporate team provided unwavering support throughout the process, from training to daily operations. That personal touch made all the difference.” The Davis family has made their Dickey's location a testament to collaboration and teamwork. “Dad handles the business, Seth focuses on the food, and I handle the marketing,” said Hannah Davis.“It's a perfect balance. We each bring something unique, and that collaboration is what makes this work.” Sue Davis, a school principal, also contributes by helping with catering deliveries and providing strategic input. Together, the Davis family is creating a legacy of quality barbecue and community involvement. Like any business, the journey hasn't been without challenges. From navigating equipment repairs to managing labor costs, the Davis family has tackled each hurdle with determination and support from the Dickey's team. “You learn quickly that financial discipline and adaptability are key,” said Tim.“Dickey's provides the resources and guidance we need to overcome obstacles and continue growing.” The Dickey's system has been instrumental in helping the Davis family succeed. “Dickey's commitment to quality and tradition is what sets the brand apart,” said Tim.“From the smoking process to the customer service, everything is designed to ensure an excellent experience.” Roland Dickey, Jr. , CEO of Dickey's Capital Group , praised the family's efforts.“The Davis family embodies the spirit of Dickey's-hardworking, innovative, and community-focused,” he said.“Their ability to create a welcoming environment while staying true to our brand's values is exactly what makes our franchisees so successful.” For the Davis family, their Dickey's isn't just a restaurant-it's a gathering place for the North Branch community. They've prioritized building relationships with their neighbors and supporting local events, making Dickey's a true community hub. “We're here to serve more than just barbecue-we're here to serve people,” said Hannah Davis.“Our goal is to create memories and make every guest feel like part of the family.” Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., highlighted the family's impact.“The Davis family represents what makes Dickey's so special,” she said.“They've seamlessly blended entrepreneurial vision with the heart of a family business, creating an experience that resonates with their guests and their community.” As the Davis family continues to grow their business, they remain committed to upholding Dickey's values of quality, community, and tradition. “Our journey with Dickey's is about more than just business,” said Tim.“It's about creating a legacy for our family and a gathering place for our community. With the support of Dickey's, we're excited for what the future holds.” About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts-because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's“Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit . Attachment MENAFN16122024004107003653ID1108999681 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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Maverick McNealy and Vince Whaley share the lead in an RSM Classic that is wide openLynn Jones had never even met a gnome. The 80-year-old Chemainus resident has lived what she describes as “an adventurous life”, moving all over B.C., from the water to the wild, restoring and reselling houses for a living with her husband. “We moved a lot,” said Jones. “We’d buy places, fix them up all over interior B.C. We had time out in the wilderness, we lived on a boat one time at Maple Bay Marina and we used to scuba dive. I’ve done a lot of different things but I've never met up with gnomes. I didn't know what they were!” That all changed last summer when her daughter Cindy Doumont was painting the exterior of her own house and came across several old ceramic gnomes in her garden. “They all were in really bad shape," said Doumont. "I hauled them all out, brought them in the house saying, ‘one of these days I'm going to paint them.’ But I knew very well that three years later they'd still be sitting there waiting for me to find the time to do it. I thought, well, I'm going to ask my mom and see if she would like to.” A lifelong artist, Lynn Jones has been painting canvases for years, but she’d never painted gnomes before. Her artistic touch quickly transformed the worn and weather-beaten garden guardians. “It just seemed to come natural to paint these little characters,” Jones said. “You'd laugh because I talk to them the whole time I'm painting them. They're personal to me. I got up at seven o'clock one morning because I thought, ‘Oh, Jack! Jack is sitting in there and I gotta get Jack done!’” Jones thoroughly enjoyed the project but Doumont was now out of gnomes. She wondered if there were other people in Chemainus with gnomes in need of a glow up. Neither Doumont nor Jones is on Facebook so they enlisted the help of Doumont’s daughters to post a call out on the social media platform in local groups. The response was overwhelming. Doumont and her daughter set about picking up the gnomes-in-need from local residents, carefully tracking each gnome to return them to the correct owner once restored. They even had to take the post down when Doumont’s vehicle was packed full of gnomes, almost 50 of them, to give Jones a chance to catch up. The family was not prepared for such a huge response and couldn't have predicted the impact Jones’s gnome makeovers would have on people. “We had people that were crying, because most of the stuff that comes to us has sentimental value,” Doumont explained. “Gnomes aren't as popular nowadays so if people have gnomes, they usually have been handed down and they have sentimental reasons for keeping them. So we've had people crying, just really thrilled.” And Jones is just as thrilled about her little painted friends. “They almost become real to me by the time I finish them,” said Jones. “It's rewarding.” She meticulously cleans each gnome before getting to work, using her artistic skills to make them appear lifelike, all while chatting to them as she paints. The gnomes are so detailed they seem like they might just talk back, and people often comment on how real their eyes and faces look when they pick them up. Community support extended beyond donations of gnomes; a local business also contributed. When Doumont’s husband told the people at Country Chic Paints in Duncan what his mother-in-law was doing, they generously donated paint to the project. Jones sticks to a schedule, spending her mornings painting gnomes for three or four hours a day before heading out on her regular afternoon walk. She also takes on responsibilities around her apartment building, touching up paint and beautifying the interior and exterior of the building. She likes to stay active and engaged, especially since her husband Keith died a few years ago. “We met when we were 15 and [were] married for so many years, so it was hard because he's always been there. It's hard when you're a widow all of a sudden.” Jones is grateful for the community she lives in where she knows people and can be useful around the building. The gnomes help too. Once Jones had finished the first round of gnome restoration, her granddaughters made a second post looking for more gnomes she could paint. But with the change of seasons, the response has been smaller this time and Jones is waiting for more gnomes. “I’m gnomeless,” she quipped. Anyone who thinks her lack of gnome projects means she’s left twiddling her thumbs has obviously never met the spry octogenarian. Jones encourages other seniors to find a fulfilling hobby and keep busy like she does. “We've all got things that we can do, that we enjoy doing. Just because you get old doesn't mean you sit in a chair and stare out the window,” Jones said. “Life's short. You’ve got to do the best you can in your life while you’ve got it.” From making over houses around B.C. with her husband to making over gnomes at her home in Chemainus, Lynn Jones is bringing life back to local gnomes and joy to the community. And the joy she gets from painting, and talking to, her little ceramic buddies is evident. “It's a blessing,” she said. “It's a real blessing for me to be able to do each one of them.” Anyone with gnomes they'd like Jones to work her magic on can visit the Facebook page, Lynn Jones Painted Gnomes .Nico Iamaleava passed for four touchdowns and Dylan Sampson rushed for 77 yards and set a school-record for TDs as No. 11 Tennessee rolled to a 56-0 victory over UTEP on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville, Tenn. Sampson scored on a 14-yard TD run early in the second quarter for the game's first points to deliver his 22nd TD of tje season to break the Tennessee single-season mark set by Gene McEvers in 1929. Iamaleava was 15 of 20 for 173 yards for Tennessee (9-2), while Bru McCoy caught a pair of TD passes and Squirrel White and Ethan Davis each had a TD reception. Tennessee moved its all-time record to 2-0 against the Miners, also having blanked the Conference USA school 24-0 in 2018. Jermod McCoy and John Slaughter had interceptions for the Volunteers, while Dominic Bailey recovered a fumble to set up a score. Skyler Locklear was 10-of-19 passing for 50 yards with an interception for UTEP (2-9), while rushing for 37 yards on eight carries. JP Pickles also had a turn at QB for the Miners and was 10 of 15 for 72 yards. Kenny Odom had eight receptions for 70 yards. Both defenses set the tone in the first quarter. The UTEP defense allowed just one first down to the Southeastern Conference team in three ugly series in the opening quarter and only 22 yards. In the second quarter, Sampson ended a 68-yard drive by dashing up the middle for 14 yards for the record-setting score to take a 7-0 lead with 13:22 remaining before halftime. After Bailey's fumble recovery, Iamaleava flipped a screen pass that White took 9 yards to the end zone nearly six minutes later. Davis put the Volunteers up 21-0 when he grabbed a short pass for a 1-yard TD. Iamaleava then found Bru McCoy from 18 yards with eight seconds left in the second quarter for a 28-0 halftime lead. McCoy caught his second TD and Peyton Lewis rushed for a pair for a 49-0 lead in the third quarter, but the biggest roar from Volunteers fans came when it was announced Florida beat No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17, to enhance the Volunteers' College Football Playoff hopes. Cameron Seldon's 3-yard run capped the scoring as the Volunteers finished the season undefeated at home for the second time in four years. --Field Level Media

Digi International director Khanuja sells $222,329 in stockNoneMaha mandate shows who has inherited Thackeray legacy: Shrikant Shinde

Srinagar, Dec 16: The 41 RR of the Indian Army organised an education tour for youth of Kupwara to south India. The tour was organised under the aegis of 68 Mountain Brigade as part of Operation Sadbhavna. As many as 15 selected students from Kupwara visited reputed educational institutions and sports facilities in Bengaluru from December to 9 to 15. “The aim was to provide them exposure to latest academic developments in the country as well as foster a sense of integration through fascinating cultural exchange,” the official handout reads. Among the premier educational institutions of the country, the students visited the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) wherein they had valuable interaction with scholars. The students also visited the 115 year old Indian Institute of Science (IISc) wherein they were briefed at the Centre of Ecological Sciences (CES), Materials Research Centre (MRC) and Supercomputer Engineering & Research Centre (SERC). “At SERC, they were briefed on PARAM Pravega, a cutting-edge supercomputing facility which is valuable for research in various scientific domains. The students also visited Amazon Development Centre at Baghmare Tech Park which was an amazing gateway into corporate life,” the handout reads. “The visits to HAL Aerospace Museum and Heritage Centre and Visveswariya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) made them gain knowledge on the evolution of Aerospace technology in India.” The students also visited Madras Engineer Group (MEG) and Centre, and Parachute Regiment Training Centre (PRTC) of the Army wherein they became privy to the rich history of sacrifice and victory of the Indian Army.

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NEW YORK — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. Suspect Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. "We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that's possibly why he targeted that company," Kenny said. UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he had yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested on December 9, 2024, after a six-day manhunt and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest has sparked a viral social media movement, with many hailing him as a symbol of resistance against systemic healthcare failures. The #FreeLuigi movement gained significant traction, with his social media profiles amassing over 100,000 new followers before being suspended. Despite this, the movement continues to trend, highlighting public discontent with the U.S. healthcare system. Some social media users argue that Mangione's radicalization stemmed from the struggles faced by millions in obtaining necessary healthcare, and not from his university education. Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona led to the seizure of a "ghost gun," a suppressor, fake IDs, and a manifesto criticizing the healthcare system. While the manifesto seems to admit guilt, some users question Mangione's responsibility, pointing out discrepancies in surveillance photos. The fascination with Mangione has only intensified, with discussions about his attractiveness and comparisons to characters in Ryan Murphy's productions. The phenomenon is reminiscent of society's long-standing obsession with infamous criminals, blurring lines between horror and hero worship. Former FBI agent Rob D’Amico noted that Mangione is seen by some as a "Robin Hood" figure fighting against corporate greed, which complicates the investigation. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a " ghost gun " matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what law enforcement has called a "targeted attack." Mangione is from a prominent Maryland family with extensive business interests. The Mangione family is known for developing real estate and running businesses. Relatives expressed shock over the arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family. Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder, firearm possession, and forgery, in New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation was a success and that his pain improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. "We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that's possibly why he targeted that company," Kenny said. UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he had yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a " ghost gun " matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation was a success and that his pain improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November.1h handicap meaning 。

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Budget set at 4.99%, eliminating dust suppression and selling off Clearville ParkThe US tech giant said it now supported 550,000 jobs in the UK through direct employment, its supply chain and the economy around its App Store – with app developers having earned nearly £9 billion since it launched in 2008. Apple said its engineering teams were carrying out critical work on the firm’s biggest services, including key technology within Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s suite of generative AI-powered tools which are expected to launch in the UK for the first time this week. Elsewhere, the firm said its growing TV empire, spearheaded by its Apple TV+ streaming service and production arm, had also helped boost its investment in the UK with Apple TV+ production in this country tripling in the last two years, the company said. Chief executive Tim Cook said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for more than 40 years, and we’re proud of our deep connection with communities across this country. “We’re thrilled to be growing our Apple teams here, and to keep supporting the extraordinary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of technology in so many ways.” The Chancellor Rachel Reeves said companies such as Apple were “intrinsic” to the UK’s prosperity by boosting jobs. “This government is laser focused on creating the right conditions for growth to help put more money in people’s pockets. “That’s what underpins the Plan for Change and is what has driven £63 billion worth of inward investment in the UK through our first international investment summit. “Companies like Apple are intrinsic to the success of our nation’s prosperity – helping deliver jobs, innovative technology, and boost infrastructure.”Natixis Advisors LLC Grows Stock Position in argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX)The Swatch Group AG (OTCMKTS:SWGAY) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

The US tech giant said it now supported 550,000 jobs in the UK through direct employment, its supply chain and the economy around its App Store – with app developers having earned nearly £9 billion since it launched in 2008. Apple said its engineering teams were carrying out critical work on the firm’s biggest services, including key technology within Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s suite of generative AI-powered tools which are expected to launch in the UK for the first time this week. Elsewhere, the firm said its growing TV empire, spearheaded by its Apple TV+ streaming service and production arm, had also helped boost its investment in the UK with Apple TV+ production in this country tripling in the last two years, the company said. Chief executive Tim Cook said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for more than 40 years, and we’re proud of our deep connection with communities across this country. “We’re thrilled to be growing our Apple teams here, and to keep supporting the extraordinary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of technology in so many ways.” The Chancellor Rachel Reeves said companies such as Apple were “intrinsic” to the UK’s prosperity by boosting jobs. “This government is laser focused on creating the right conditions for growth to help put more money in people’s pockets. “That’s what underpins the Plan for Change and is what has driven £63 billion worth of inward investment in the UK through our first international investment summit. “Companies like Apple are intrinsic to the success of our nation’s prosperity – helping deliver jobs, innovative technology, and boost infrastructure.”Analysis: After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soon

Family Service Kent has started a drive aimed at finding more volunteer drivers for its transportation support program. ‘Give The Gift Of A Lift’ is an initiative to find more volunteer drivers, especially in the rural area of Chatham-Kent, where the need is the greatest. The organization’s adVANtage transportation service provides rides to eligible residents in Chatham-Kent for medical appointments, social activities, and other destinations, such as grocery shopping, to support activities of daily living. FSK has 10 accessible vans, which provided over 6,000 rides in 2023 for people with wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility issues that prevent them from getting in or out of a regular car or van. Volunteer drivers provided another 5,500 rides to people who access regular vehicles, including those with walkers that can be placed in a trunk. “We’re a little bit limited with the number of vans; what the volunteers do is fill a huge gap that allows us to serve that many more residents in Chatham-Kent,” said Marie Bergsma, Manager of Community Support Services. “Our volunteer drivers are as important as van drivers in picking up people and taking them to their medical or social appointments to maintain their quality of life.” Marjorie Crew, FSK Volunteer and Well-Being Coordinator, said the organization is still trying to rebuild its volunteer base, which declined during COVID-19. “We still find ourselves struggling in the rural areas,” said Crew, as about one-third of 5,550 rides provided by volunteers last year were to residents in the outlying areas. “Our need is growing in the rural areas; as the number of people using the service grows, so does the need for drivers.” FSK currently has around 35 volunteer drivers, and they would like to add at least another 10. The organization averages about 50 requests per day for transportation for seniors 65-over and adults 18-over with disabilities. Most destinations for people being transported by volunteer drivers are within Chatham-Kent. Still, they also take riders to appointments in London, Windsor, Sarnia and occasionally the Greater Toronto Area. Volunteers set their own time commitment and where they would like to drive. FSK sends out a list on a weekly list of people needing rides and their destinations as volunteers choose their assignment(s) based on their availability. FSK organizes assignments, and drivers contact the client to make pickup arrangements. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and receive a monthly reimbursement for their mileage. The majority of the volunteer drivers are retirees who are simply looking for a way to help others in the community. Crew said the service benefits not just the clients but also the volunteers, who feel fulfilled by the assistance they provide. “It’s amazing the stories we hear from the volunteers about what they get from the program by just giving of their time and the difference they’re making in someone’s life,” Crew said. Bergsma agreed. “It really helps reduce the social isolation on both sides,” she said. “Sometimes you’re driving someone to London or Windsor, we often hear from volunteers how nice it is just to chat with people.” Bergsma said they receive a lot of similar positive feedback from their clients. “We had one client who told us about having a volunteer who talked about the ‘farms that used to be here and there’ and the history of the area,” she said. “They said it was like going on a tour, and the driver was a tour guide.” “We really appreciate our volunteers,” Bergsma said. If you are interested in volunteering to drive with FSK, visit their website at to learn more about the program. You can also contact the FSK by calling 519-354-6221 extension 241 or by email to Volunteers must provide a police clearance check for working with vulnerable people, as the cost is reimbursed. The FSK also holds several appreciation events to celebrate their volunteers.UBS's Lefkowitz says U.S. stock valuations are 'reasonable'

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For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter , with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that's the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They are believed to be the two richest contracts in pro sports history. The way it's going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn't seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. There's reason to believe the megadeals for Ohtani and Soto are unicorns in the baseball world. Both players are uniquely talented, surely, but both also had unusual circumstances propelling their value into the stratosphere. Ohtani is the greatest two-way player in baseball history, capable of improving any team on both sides of the ball. He's also the rare baseball player who has true international appeal . His every move ( like his unexpected marriage announcement ) is followed closely in his native Japan, adding another 125 million potential fans who buy merchandise, watch him play and help fill the Dodgers' coffers. Then there's Soto — a four-time All-Star and on-base machine who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The X-factor for him is he became a free agent at the prime age of 26, which is extremely hard to do under current MLB rules. Players have to be in the big leagues for six years before testing free agency. The precocious Soto debuted at 19 with the Nats, making him part of a rare group of players who reached the highest level of professional baseball as a teenager. That accelerated his free agency timeline. It's rare for players to debut that young, and rarer still for them to develop into stars and test the open market the first chance they get. Two recent examples are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who both reached free agency in 2019. Machado signed a free-agent record $300 million contract with San Diego, and Harper overtook him days later with a $330 million contract to join the Phillies. Most players debut in the big leagues from ages 22 to 26, which means free agency comes in their late 20s or early 30s. A typical example is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is one of this generation's great players but didn't hit the market until he was 30. Judge played three seasons of college baseball for Fresno State before getting drafted by the Yankees in 2013 at age 21 — already two years older than Soto was when he made his MLB debut. It took a few years for the budding superstar to reach the majors, and he was 25 when he had his breakout season in 2018, smashing 52 homers to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors. By the time he reached free agency after the 2022 season, he had already passed age 30. It's a major factor that led to him signing a $360 million, nine-year deal with the Yankees, which seems downright reasonable these days after the Ohtani and Soto deals. Two major trends are colliding that will make it harder for guys like Soto to hit free agency in their mid 20s. First, MLB teams have been more likely in recent years to take college players early in the draft, betting on more experienced talents. Just 10 high school players were drafted among the top 30 picks in the 2024 draft . Second, teams are more eager to lock up young, premium talent on long-term deals very early in their careers, well before they hit free agency. Sometimes before they even reach the majors. Since Soto, just two players have debuted in MLB before their 20th birthday — Elvis Luciano and Junior Caminero. Luciano hasn't been back to the majors since his 2019 cup of coffee. Caminero is now 21 and has only played in 50 big league games. Among those that debuted at 20: Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with San Diego in 2021, years before reaching the open market. Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio got an $82 million, eight-year deal before even reaching the big leagues. Young stars Corbin Carroll ($111 million, eight years with Arizona), Bobby Witt Jr. ($288 million, 11 years with Kansas City) and Julio Rodriguez ($209.3 million, 12 years with Seattle) also got massive guarantees early in their 20s to forgo an early free agency. The exception and wild card: Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a 26-year-old free agent next offseason. Guerrero hasn't been as consistent in his young career as Soto, but a standout 2025 season could position him to threaten Soto's deal. More likely is that the player to pass Soto isn't in the majors yet — and might not even be in pro baseball. When 25-year-old Alex Rodriguez signed his record $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas in 2001, it took over a decade for another player to match that total, when Albert Pujols got $240 million over 10 years from the Angels in 2012. For many players, passing up life-changing money in their early or mid 20s is too enticing, even if it means that they might not maximize their value on the free agent market later in their careers. Soto was determined to test the market. He famously turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer to stay with the Washington Nationals in 2022, betting that he could make even more as a free agent. Not many players would turn down that kind of cash. Then again, that's what makes Soto so unique. And it's also why his $765 million deal could be the industry standard for some time. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbSaints say Taysom Hill 'likely' has a season-ending knee injury

Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Honoured With Russia’S Esteemed Order Of FriendshipDAN JAMES MARKED his 100th Leeds appearance with a crucial goal as his side beat Middlesbrough 3-1 at Elland Road to regain top spot in the English Championship. James fired home in the second half after Max Wober’s own goal had cancelled out Willy Gnonto’s opener. Brenden Aaronson added Leeds’ third in stoppage time. Daniel Farke’s side, who who made it eight straight home wins, sit two points clear of Sheffield United who play their game in hand at Millwall on Wednesday. Boro’s own promotion hopes were dealt a blow as they slipped to a seventh league defeat of the season and are eight points adrift of the top two. Elsewhere in the Championship, Patrick Roberts scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Sunderland salvaged a point to record a 1-1 draw with Bristol City. Meath native Luke McNally fired Bristol ahead in the 63rd minute after Sunderland were unable to clear the ball. However, Roberts struck in the third minute of second-half stoppage-time to snatch a point for the Black Cats and maintain their unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light this season. Ireland striker Tom Cannon scored for Stoke City but there was late heartbreak as Elijah Adebayo’s 90th-minute winner helped Luton Town return to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Kenilworth Road. Cannon’s early strike mounted more pressure on underfire Hatters boss Rob Edwards, whose side ended a three-game winless streak thanks to goals from Carlton Morris and Adebayo. Luton now sit on 22 points, five above the relegation zone, with Stoke in 16th. Things are worse for Wayne Rooney after Swansea City ended Plymouth’s six-match unbeaten home run with a 2-1 win. Rooney’s side slipped to 23rd in the table. Swansea took a 44th-minute lead through Jay Fulton following Josh Tymon’s cross from the left, with Liam Cullen doubling their lead on the hour. Mustapha Bundu pulled one back but Argyle were left looking up at all bar Hull in the table. Makhtar Gueye stepped off the bench to fire Blackburn to a fifth straight victory with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Meanwhile, Burnley were frustrated by a rejected first-half penalty appeal as they were held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Derby County side at Turf Moor.