A pair of reports out from Korean publications suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is going to see a price hike next year, at least in Korea. The reports spotted by tipster Jukanlosreve come from the publications Yonhap News and The JoongAng. Both reports (machine translated) suggest price hikes are coming but the amount is different between the two. Both articles blame current political turmoil in Korea for the potential price increases. The Yonhap report claims a slight increase mostly due to exchange rates for South Korea's won, which may increase prices on imported parts for Samsung's flagship handsets. In Korea the Galaxy 24 Ultra started at 1,698,400 won or about $1,180 USD. The exchange rate has increased to 1,450 won to $1 USD. YonHap did not speculate on how big the 'slight' increase might be outside of the exchange rate issues. The Exynos 2400 version of the S24 and S24 Plus were the same price as the as the S23 versions while the Snapdragon 8-powered S24 Ultra saw a price increase of 100,00 won ($70), which aligns with the $100 increase the Ultra saw in the United States. During a conference call in July, Daniel Araujo, head of planning at Samsung Electronic said, "there are concerns about decreased profitability due to the continued increase in the unit price of major components, but we are continuing to pursue an 'upselling' strategy to grow sales centered on premium products in order to minimize the burden." The JoongAng reports that Taiwan's TSMC, a foundry giant making chips for many companies including Qualcomm , Apple and Google , commented on the instability in Korea suggesting that it might hurt Samsung. The founder, Dr. Morris Chang, said, "(Korea's) recent political turmoil will not help the company's management at all." That report also cites the poor exchange rate of the won as potential problem for Samsung. Though, it does point out that Samsung is making investments in building semiconductor factories in the U.S. via a partnership with the Biden administration utilizing fixed contracts that may help them avoid some exchange rate fallout . Where the JoongAng differs is in suggesting that the domestic price of the Galaxy S25 will raise by 150,000 won (about $105 USD). "Since the overseas average selling price (ASP) of Samsung smartphones is lower than the domestic market, even if the exchange rate rises, the effect (of Samsung’s overseas sales on profitability) will be limited, so they will have no choice but to adjust the domestic price," an insider told JoongAng. What could this mean for Galaxy S25 prices in U.S.? It's already been suggested that the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be higher next year for a number of reasons, beyond the current political issues in Korea. Inflation in general has lead to price increases across the board and there does not seem to be an end in sight. The bigger issue is the cost of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset which has been reported to be 25 to 30% more expensive than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 currently in the best Android phones. Samsung has reportedly struggled with its own Exynos chipset, which may have defrayed some of the costs, but the new Qualcomm chip is expected to power the entire S25 lineup. As suggested above, apparently, the Galaxy sells for lower prices in other countries, so it's not a guarantee that Samsung raises prices outside of Korea. However, as it currently stands, it's looking more and more likely that picking up next year's flagship Android phone will hit your wallet harder than previous years. More from Tom's Guidelol646 。

The Philippines went up nine places to 56 th out of 188 countries in the 2024 edition of the Government AI Readiness Index published by Oxford Insights. The country scored 58.51 out of possible 100, significantly higher than the global average of 47.59. The index provides valuable insights for the effective and responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into public services, utilizing 40 indicators across 10 dimensions. These dimensions make up three pillars: Government, Technology Sector, and Data and Infrastructure.

US Steel Stock Dips As Nippon Acquisition Faces Delays, Political Opposition But Retail Sentiment Remains Bullish

Christmas Day finds Magnolia searching for gift vs GinebraBy Michael Liedtke San Francisco, Dec 12 (AP) Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season with a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customised emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone's upgraded operating system, iOS 18.2, extends Apple's expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary technology on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October to usher in the AI era for Apple and the iPhone, as well as for the iPad and Mac. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple's description for emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. Apple says it is placing some limits its AI's emoji artistry to prevent the distribution of violent or hateful imagery. Other features include an “Image Playground” for a variety of AI-styled illustrations, writing tools and options for summarizing emails. The technology won't work on iPhones that Apple made before 2023 because it requires a special processor that isn't in older models. The AI will work on the iPhone 16 line-up that came out in September and the premium iPhone 15 models released last year. That exclusivity is expected to propel a cycle of iPhone upgrades during the current holiday shopping season into next year, driving up Apple's profit even higher from the USD94 billion that the Cupertino, California, company pocketed in its last fiscal year ending in September. That expectation is the main reason Apple's stock price has climbed by about 30 per cent so far this year to push the company's market value closer to the USD4 trillion threshold for the first time. Apple is broadening the AI suite's appeal by including English versions tailored for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK that are included in the latest software update. Although the iPhone's AI is similar to many of the features that have already been available from other companies, Apple is taking a slightly different approach to the technology in an effort to stand out from the rest of pack. It is emphasizing its ongoing commitment to protecting iPhone users' privacy by processing most of its AI on the device itself or corralling it in a secured data center. Users seeking more AI wizardry than the device or the special data centre can handle will have the option to reach out to the popular ChatGPT technology made by OpenAI, which has forged a partnership with Apple. (AP) IJT IJT (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

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WASHINGTON -- A powerful government panel on Monday failed to reach a consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel , leaving the decision to President Joe Biden, who opposes the deal. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, sent its long-awaited report on the merger to Biden, who formally came out against the deal in March. He has 15 days to reach a final decision, the White House said. A U.S. official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private report, said some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. Monday was the deadline to approve the deal, recommended that Biden block it or extend the review process. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have courted unionized workers at U.S. Steel and vowed to block the acquisition amid concerns about foreign ownership of a flagship American company. The economic risk, however, is giving up Nippon Steel's potential investments in the mills and upgrades that might help preserve steel production within the United States. Under the terms of the proposed $14.9 billion all-cash deal, U.S. Steel would keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it was founded in 1901 by J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. It would become a subsidiary of Nippon Steel, and the combined company would be among the top three steelmakers in the world, according to 2023 figures from the World Steel Association. Biden, backed by the United Steelworkers, said earlier this year that it was "vital for (U.S. Steel) to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated." Trump has also opposed the acquisition and vowed earlier this month on his Truth Social platform to "block this deal from happening." He proposed reviving U.S. Steel's flagging fortunes "through a series of Tax Incentives and Tariffs." The steelworkers union questions if Nippon Steel would keep jobs at unionized plants, make good on collectively bargained benefits or protect American steel production from cheap foreign imports. "Our union has been calling for strict government scrutiny of the sale since it was announced. Now it's up to President Biden to determine the best path forward," David McCall, the steelworkers' president, said in a statement Monday. "We continue to believe that means keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned and operated." Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have waged a public relations campaign to win over skeptics. U.S. Steel said in a statement Monday that the deal "is the best way, by far, to ensure that U.S. Steel, including its employees, communities, and customers, will thrive well into the future." Nippon Steel said Tuesday that it had been informed by CFIUS that it had referred the case to Biden, and urged him to "reflect on the great lengths that we have gone to to address any national security concerns that have been raised and the significant commitments we have made to grow U. S. Steel, protect American jobs, and strengthen the entire American steel industry, which will enhance American national security." "We are confident that our transaction should and will be approved if it is fairly evaluated on its merits," it said in a statement. A growing number of conservatives have publicly backed the deal, as Nippon Steel began to win over some steelworkers union members and officials in areas near its blast furnaces in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Many backers said Nippon Steel has a stronger financial balance sheet than rival Cleveland-Cliffs to invest the necessary cash to upgrade aging U.S. Steel blast furnaces. Nippon Steel pledged to invest $2.7 billion in United Steelworkers-represented facilities, including U.S. Steel's blast furnaces, and promised not to import steel slabs that would compete with the blast furnaces. It also pledged to protect U.S. Steel in trade matters and to not lay off employees or close plants during the term of the basic labor agreement. Earlier this month, it offered $5,000 in closing bonuses to U.S. Steel employees, a nearly $100 million expense. Nippon Steel also said it was best positioned to help American steel compete in an industry dominated by the Chinese. The proposed sale came during a tide of renewed political support for rebuilding America's manufacturing sector, a presidential campaign in which Pennsylvania was a prime battleground, and a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel. Chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, CFIUS screens business deals between U.S. firms and foreign investors and can block sales or force parties to change the terms of an agreement to protect national security. ALSO SEE: President Biden prepared to block US Steel purchase by Nippon Steel Congress significantly expanded the committee's powers through the 2018 Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, known as FIRRMA. In September, Biden issued an executive order broadening the factors the committee should consider when reviewing deals - such as how they impact the U.S. supply chain or if they put Americans' personal data at risk. Nippon Steel has factories in the U.S., Mexico, China and Southeast Asia. It supplies the world's top automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., and makes steel for railways, pipes, appliances and skyscrapers.

Japanese ace Rōki Sasaki hits MLB market. Here's why phenom can only get about $7.5M

WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told the Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel. The rare public dispute drew accusations from prominent aid and human-rights figures that the work of the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning System Network , meant to reflect the opinion of unbiased international experts, has been tainted by politics. A declaration of famine would be a great embarrassment for Israel, which has insisted that its 15-month war in Gaza is aimed against the Hamas militant group and not against its civilian population. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.What to know about a Wisconsin man who faked his own death and fled to Eastern Europe

#lodi646 Gophers senior linebacker Cody Lindenberg has declined to use his final season of eligibility in 2025 and instead declared for the NFL draft on Friday. ADVERTISEMENT Lindenberg was healthy and highly productive in 2024, leading Minnesota with 94 total tackles as well as one sack and one interception in all 12 games. The Anoka native overcame injuries in both 2023 and ’21 to be an all-Big Ten selection this fall. “Every single day for the past five seasons has been a dream come true playing for and in front of you all in the maroon and gold!” Lindenberg wrote on social media. “Representing this university, this program and this state means more to me than anyone will ever know.” With Lindenberg leaving, the need to add a linebacker via the NCAA transfer portal grows more important. They have yet to add a linebacker among the 11 new additions for next season. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .Live at 6 p.m.: NDSU wrestling vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers on WDAY+

WASHINGTON — A former FBI informant who is charged with fabricating a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden’s family has been indicted in a new case on federal tax charges. The tax indictment against Alexander Smirnov was unsealed this week in California federal court, months after his arrest on charges that he fabricated a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving Joe Biden, his son Hunter and a Ukrainian energy company. The indictment brought by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss charges Smirnov with tax evasion and filing false tax returns, accusing him of concealing millions of dollars of income he earned between 2020 and 2022. Smirnov’s attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, said in an email Tuesday that their client “intends to vigorously fight these allegations with the same intensity as he has fought the original indictment.” Smirnov’s trial was recently pushed to Jan. 8 in the case charging him with lying about the Biden family. Smirnov has denied the allegations in that case. Prosecutors have alleged that he falsely reported to the FBI in June 2020 that executives associated with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid Hunter Biden and Joe Biden $5 million each in 2015 or 2016. Smirnov told his handler that an executive claimed to have hired Hunter Biden to “protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems,” according to court documents. Prosecutors say Smirnov in fact had only routine business dealings with the company in 2017 and made the bribery allegations after he “expressed bias” against Joe Biden while he was a presidential candidate. Hunter Biden is scheduled to be sentenced next month in two separate criminal cases accusing him of a scheme to avoid at least $1.4 million in taxes and lying on a federal form when he bought a gun in 2018.WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee on Monday accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress, as lawmakers released the conclusions of a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz, now 42, took part in from 2017 to 2020 while the Republican represented Florida's western Panhandle. Congressional investigators concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, though not federal sex trafficking laws. They also found that Gaetz “knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct” the committee's work. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report said. Before the report came out, Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Gaetz, who was first elected in 2017, spent the majority of his time in Washington enmeshed in scandals that ultimately derailed his selection by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress last month. His political future is uncertain, although Gaetz has indicated interest in running for the open Senate seat in Florida. The committee painted a damning portrait of Gaetz's conduct, using dozens of pages of exhibits, including text messages and financial records, travel receipts, checks and online payments, to document a party and drug-fueled lifestyle. The committee said it compiled the evidence after issuing 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony and contacting more than two dozen witnesses. In addition to soliciting prostitution, the report said Gaetz “accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging in connection with a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts.” That same year, investigators said Gaetz arranged for a staffer to obtain a passport for a woman with whom he was sexually involved, falsely telling the State Department that she was his constituent. In some of the text exchanges made public, he appeared to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. At one point he asked one woman if she had a “cute black dress” to wear. There were also discussions of shipping goods. One of the exhibits was a text exchange that appeared to be between two of the women concerned about their cash flow and payments. In another, a person asked Gaetz for help to pay an educational expense. Regarding the 17-year-old girl, the report said there was no evidence Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her. The woman told the committee she did not tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But Gaetz stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Florida law says it is a felony for a person 24 or older to have sex with a minor. The law does not allow a claim of ignorance or misrepresentation of a minor's age as a defense. Joel Leppard, who represents two women who told the committee that Gaetz paid them for sex, said the findings “vindicate” the accounts of his clients and “demonstrate their credibility.” “We appreciate the Committee’s commitment to transparency in releasing this comprehensive report so the truth can be known,” Leppard said in a statement. At least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the committee earlier this month in voting to release the report despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. On behalf of the Republicans who voted against making the report public, the committee chairman, Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi, wrote that while the members did not challenge the findings, “we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards,” to drop any investigation when a person is not longer a member of the chamber. Guest added that releasing this report sets a precedent that “is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences.” But Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Democratic member of the committee, said that for transparency, it was crucial for the public and Congress as an institution to read the findings. "I think that’s important for my colleagues here in the House to know how the committee reviews certain acts," he told The Associated Press. "Some of these were obviously conduct that crossed the line, but some of them weren’t.” Mounting a last-ditch effort to halt the publication of the report, Gaetz filed a lawsuit Monday asking a federal court to intervene. He cited what he called “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” Gaetz’s complaint argued that he was no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction because he had resigned from Congress. The often secretive, bipartisan committee has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021. But its work became more urgent last month when Trump picked him shortly after the Nov. 5 election Day to be the nation's top law enforcement officer. Gaetz resigned from Congress that same day, putting him outside the purview of the committee's jurisdiction. But Democrats had pressed to make the report public even after Gaetz was no longer in the House and had withdrawn from consideration for Trump's Cabinet. A vote on the House floor this month to force the report’s release failed; all but one Republican voted against it. The committee detailed its start-and-stop investigation over the past several years, which was halted for a time as the Justice Department conducted its own inquiry of Gaetz. Federal prosecutors never brought a case against him. Lawmakers said they asked the Justice Department for information about its investigation, but the agency refused to hand over information, saying it does not disclose information about investigations that do not result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the department for records. After a back-and-forth between department officials and the committee, the department only handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the committee's report. The report said Gaetz was “uncooperative" throughout the committee's investigation. He provided “minimal documentation” in response to the committee’s requests, it said. “He also did not agree to a voluntary interview.” ___ Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.TikTok closer to US ban after losing court appealHoward Tan's Amazon Bestseller 'A.I Trading Secret' Empowers Traders with AI-Driven Strategies 12-03-2024 09:46 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Spine PR Through creative AI technology, Howard Tan's latest book provides readers with a road to profitable, emotionally free Forex trading. Rising to Amazon bestseller rank, Howard Tan's innovative book A.I Trading Secret: How To 10X Your Money While You Sleep [ https://www.amazon.com/I-Trading-Secret-Money-While-ebook/dp/B0DFZVZNMQ/ ] offers traders a thorough manual for using artificial intelligence for consistent Forex trading success. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/11/6eb45e04f2ace6dfe1e21a3b97f756d9.jpg Based on more than 15 years of trading experience, Howard Tan presents readers to AI-powered trading bots meant to avoid emotional decision-making-a typical mistake for many traders. With just 15 minutes of daily dedication, the book describes a "Set & Forget" approach that helps anybody to participate in lucrative trading. Howard Tan noted in writing "In writing A.I Trading Secret, I aimed to bridge the gap between complex trading systems and a straightforward, reliable approach that anyone can implement". "This book reflects my path to reach financial independence while preserving a balanced life." Offering step-by-step advice to negotiate the complexity of Forex trading, the book is designed for a varied audience including young people, professionals, homemakers, retirees. Readers will receive thorough examples and useful advice, therefore enabling individuals without prior knowledge to acquire advanced trading ideas. Apart from the book, Howard is the creator of Mi-15Forex [ https://mi15forex.com/ ], an international brand meant to inform traders all around. His goal is to enable 10,000 traders using AI-driven trading techniques to reach financial independence. To further improve traders' outcomes, he also provides mentorship, coaching, and consulting. Available on Amazon is A.I Trading Secret: How To 10X Your Money While You Sleep. Visit Mi-15Forex for additional details. Connect with Howard Tan on Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551052976624 ] and sign up for the Newsletter of Turtle Investing [ https://howards-newsletter-001.beehiiv.com/ ] for most recent developments. About Howard Tan Howard Tan is a seasoned Forex trader and AI enthusiast with over a decade of experience. He specializes in developing trading strategies that simplify the trading process, helping traders of all levels reduce emotional pitfalls. His book, A.I Trading Secret: How To 10X Your Money While You Sleep, has garnered acclaim as an Amazon bestseller, guiding readers to automate their trading and achieve financial independence. Media Contact Company Name: Next Level Academy Contact Person: Howard Tan Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=howard-tans-amazon-bestseller-ai-trading-secret-empowers-traders-with-aidriven-strategies ] Phone: +6597719422 Address:10 Anson Rd, #18-13 International Plaza State: Singapore 079903 Country: Singapore Website: https://nextlevelacademy.io This release was published on openPR.

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Commanders keep playing wild and wacky games. They've gotten better at winning them LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — For the second time this season, the Washington Commanders gave up points in the final two minutes of regulation and came back to win on a last-gasp touchdown. It was not a Hail Mary this time. Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press Dec 23, 2024 11:19 AM Dec 23, 2024 11:35 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — For the second time this season, the Washington Commanders gave up points in the final two minutes of regulation and came back to win on a last-gasp touchdown. It was not a Hail Mary this time. Instead, it was rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels engineering a 57-yard drive and finding Jamison Crowder in the end zone with six seconds left on the clock to beat Philadelphia and get the Commanders to 10-5. “Just a regular Sunday afternoon again,” coach Dan Quinn said moments later. Quinn's team is now on the verge of making the playoffs after again showing its mettle in wacky, back-and-forth games with wild finishes. Playing in and winning those has sort of become Washington's calling card. “We didn’t flinch at all,” receiver Terry McLaurin said. “We didn’t panic. Not to say we did that in the past, but it was like, we’ve been here before. When you've been through something, you know what it looks like. You know what it feels like. You do everything it takes to get over the hump.” The Commanders have won three in a row, including holding on at New Orleans by stopping the Saints on a 2-point conversion attempt at the end of the fourth quarter. They're in the postseason if they beat Atlanta on Sunday night or if Tampa Bay loses to Carolina earlier in the day. But what has gotten this team so accustomed to falling behind, huddling up and getting the job done when it matters most? “I think we just believe in one another,” said six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner , a Super Bowl champion in Seattle who's in his first season with Washington. “Coach Quinn puts in a lot of positions at practice, and we have confidence in everybody to make those plays. I think it just shows our confidence in one another and our confidence to pull the game out.” Daniels is an X-factor in that. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner , No. 2 draft pick out of LSU and runaway favorite for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year may be from Southern California but seems to have ice water in his veins colder than the 31 degree Fahrenheit temperature during his comeback. “He was poised: cool, calm, collected under pressure,” Crowder said. “A lot of times you don’t get that from a lot of quarterbacks.” What’s working Practice makes perfect, apparently. When Daniels connected with Noah Brown on the Hail Mary TD to beat Chicago on Oct. 27, it went exactly as the offense planned after rehearsing it in practice the previous Friday. Daniels to Crowder was the same thing. “It’s crazy,” Crowder said. “Friday we actually ran it, and I caught the same pass. We got the same look that we thought we were going to get.” Crowder knew he needed to slip past the linebacker covering him and found a wide-open spot in the end zone. Then the muscle memory took over. “I had already hit this in practice, so it was time to just make the throw in the game,” Daniels said. “I just put the ball in the air, and he made the grab.” What needs help It's hard to turn the ball over five times and win a game, especially against a first-place team with the NFL's top defense, but that's exactly what the Commanders did. Daniels threw two interceptions — including one that set up Jake Elliott's field goal to put the Eagles up 33-28 with 1:58 left — while Brian Robinson Jr. fumbled twice rushing and Dyami Brown once after making a catch and turning to run upfield. “That’s not our standard at all,” McLaurin said. “We’ll get that cleaned up.” Stock up Crowder made one catch on one target for 5 yards in the season opener and played a combined 12 snaps in Weeks 1-3. A calf injury put him on injured reserve in early October, and that easily could have been it for the 31-year-old wideout in his second stint with Washington. Instead, Crowder rehabbed to get back on the active roster, and a kidney injury to Noah Brown opened the door for real playing time. After making three receptions for 27 yards in the victory at New Orleans, his two catches against the Eagles were touchdowns. “Being on the IR for as long as Jamison had been, it takes a lot of grit to stay in it,” Quinn said. "He might have been out of football technically for 2-3 months, and this is not an easy thing to do, so for him to come back and make the impact he’s had, that’s a man I respect a lot.” Crowder was a fourth-round pick in 2015 and played his first four seasons in Washington before three with the New York Jets, one with Buffalo and a return in the fall of 2023. He thinks watching from the sideline helped him dissect football better to give him a chance to make an impact on the field again. “I knew once I got my opportunity I’d be able to just fit right in,” Crowder said. Stock down Cornerback Marshon Lattimore affected the Saints game by not being thrown at once in 31 passing attempts in his Commanders debut against his former team. He struggled defending Philadelphia's A.J. Brown and was flagged three times for pass interference before aggravating the hamstring injury that kept him out since the trade from New Orleans and leaving the game. “I love his competitive nature, honestly, down on the field,” Quinn said. “It’d be good to see what the NFL says about one of the ones that they called a PI. Let’s find out, but he’s the type of person you want to put on that player.” Injuries Dyami Brown also left with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter, and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie was sidelined by a groin injury. Those bear watching. Key number 1991 — The last year Washington started a season 10-5. It ended with the franchise's third Super Bowl championship. Next steps Get ready for prime time with No. 8 pick Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons coming to town. The Commanders opened as a 4-point favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) There's no defending Jaguars GM Trent Baalke, especially amid his latest free-agent class Dec 23, 2024 12:15 PM Texans WR Tank Dell out for season after dislocating knee, tearing ACL Dec 23, 2024 12:09 PM Titans keep losing as coach Brian Callahan tries to show some progress Dec 23, 2024 11:38 AMNoneOne defensive lineman ends an 11-year family streak at OSU. Another considers culinary school

SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — A political party in North Macedonia on Saturday demanded authorities ban social networks whose content incites violence and self-destructive behavior after several young people were seriously injured in connection with the popular “Superman challenge” on TikTok. Health authorities said at least 17 students, ages 10 to 17, were brought to hospitals in the capital Skopje and other towns over the past week with broken bones, contusions and bruises. The children were injured after being thrown into the air by their friends to fly like superheroes and get applause on the internet. The Liberal-Democratic Party, which was part of the left-led coalition that ruled the country from 2016 to earlier in 2024, issued a press statement Saturday strongly condemning “the irresponsible spread of dangerous content on social media, such as the latest TikTok 'challenge' known as ‘Superman,’ which has injured six children across (the country) in the past 24 hours.” “The lack of adequate control over the content of social media allows such ‘games’ to reach the most vulnerable users,” the party statement said. It demanded the “immediate introduction of measures to ban content that incites violence and self-destructive behavior, increase surveillance, and sanction platforms that enable dangerous trends.” North Macedonia’s education minister Vesna Janevska said students should focus on education, not TikTok challenges. “The ban on mobile phones in schools will not have an effect. Phones will be available to children in their homes, neighborhoods and other environments,” she said. Psychologists have warned that the desire to be “in” with the trends on social networks, combined with excessive use of mobile phones, is the main reason for the rise in risky behaviors among children. They urged parents and schools to talk with students.

SFA's volleyball season ends in loss to Red WolvesDillon Gabriel was faced with a quandary when he arrived at Oregon this year. Gabriel had worn No. 8 at Oklahoma before transferring for his sixth season of eligibility. But in Eugene, that number had special significance because it had been worn by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. There were many similarities between the two: They were both dual-threat quarterbacks who had piled up accolades along with yards and touchdowns. Both hailed from Hawaii and were shaped by the island spirit. Mariota chose the No. 8 initially because of the number of Hawaiian islands. His helmet's facemask was formed in an 808, Hawaii's area code. So Gabriel took a leap of faith and texted Mariota to ask his permission. Mariota, now with the NFL's Washington Commanders, said yes. "You know, when you’re growing up and you have that kind of direct example, a guy from Hawaii, playing at a high level, at the DI level, and then you see him go to the NFL, it’s like you can see it, you can believe it,” Gabriel said. Gabriel has led the top-ranked Ducks (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) through an undefeated season and on to the Big Ten title game on Saturday against No. 4 Penn State (11-1, 8-1) in Indianapolis. Gabriel — who played his first three years at Central Florida before joining the Sooners — became the all-time NCAA leader for total career touchdowns along the way and now has 183, including 149 via pass, 33 via rush and one reception. He's tied with former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix — now with the Denver Broncos — with an FBS-record 61 career starts. Ever humble, Gabriel is thoughtful about the arc of his career. "I think we’re in an interesting time that’s all about results. And so many people talk about the process but aren’t patient enough. I think if you look at my body of work, I’m a guy who’s eager and wants to get better but has had that time to develop and work in that way. I think you see it over time," Gabriel said. As a Duck, Gabriel has thrown for 3,277 yards and 24 TDs in 12 games. He's rushed for seven more scores. Mariota spent his three-year college career at Oregon, throwing for 104 touchdowns and running for 29 more. He was the Ducks' quarterback in the 2014 season, the last time Oregon advanced to the national championship game. "I mean, everybody would love to run out there with the experience that we have at quarterback right now,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “And I think that experience shows up consistently every Saturday for us. More than anything, just the ability for Dillon to be calm within the chaos that exists in a football game, and being a great decision-maker and understanding the scheme.” The only other time Oregon finished the regular season 12-0 was in 2010, when the Ducks played for the BCS national championship. Among the team's victories this season was a 32-31 win at home over Ohio State and a 38-17 victory over Michigan at the Big House. The Ducks capped the season with a 49-21 victory over rival Washington , finishing 9-0 in their first Big Ten year. Gabriel threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another in that game. The Nittany Lions advanced to the conference title game with a 44-7 victory over Maryland on Saturday. They were helped by Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Michigan in Columbus. Oregon has played the Nittany Lions just one other time, in the 1995 Rose Bowl. Penn State, led by Joe Paterno, won that one, 38-20. The winner in Indianapolis this weekend can secure a first-round bye in the expanded 12-team playoffs. Both teams are assured of a playoff berth even with a loss. On Tuesday, Gabriel added another honor when he was named Big Ten offensive player of the year. "He’s earned the trust and the admiration of all his teammates and the coaches around him," Lanning said. "This guy prepares extremely hard. He is the calmest dude you’ve ever been around on the field, which is impressive, but I’m really proud of him and what he’s been able to do for this team.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballIn a closed-door trial Tuesday, a Russian court sentenced a journalist to four years in prison for her work with foreign media outlets. Nika Novak was arrested in December 2023 on accusations of “preparing inaccurate materials” to discredit the Russian armed forces. The FSB security service said that Novak’s work was "aimed at causing reputational damage” to Russia and an attempt to destabilize the country and its war in Ukraine, according to the Interfax news agency. The court, which is in the Siberian region of Zabaykalsky Krai, did not say which foreign media outlet Novak is accused of working for. Novak worked previously for the Russian news websites Chita and Zab.ru, and had been a freelance reporter at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty or RFE/RL. A sister network to VOA, RFE/RL is an independent U.S.-funded media outlet. Moscow designates RFE/RL a so-called foreign agent. RFE/RL President Stephen Capus on Tuesday condemned the sentence handed to Novak. “These politically motivated charges are intended to silence individual reporters and cause a chilling effect. We call for Nika's immediate release to her family,” Capus said in a statement shared with VOA. Russia has ramped up its arrests and harassment of independent journalists since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Shortly after, the government issued directives on how media could report the war, and legislators enacted a law to penalize anyone authorities deemed to be spreading false news or information that could discredit the military. Russian authorities have also issued several arrest warrants in absentia. In October, authorities ordered the arrest in absentia of a CNN correspondent who had reported from Russia’s Kursk region as Ukraine forces made advances. The Memorial human rights group described Novak as a "political prisoner." It added that the journalist appeared to “hold anti-Ukrainian views," based on social media posts, but had criticized local authorities for supporting the offensive, according to AFP. The Coalition for Women in Journalism has also condemned Novak’s detention. In a statement at the time of her arrest, the group said, “The Kremlin is continuously abusing legislation to target journalists and activists. This must stop.” “The serious charges and lengthy prison term facing Novak are deeply worrying,” the statement said, adding that the coalition called on Russia to drop the charges and release the journalist. This report contains information from Agence France-Presse.

PARIS: France on Saturday prepared to throw open the doors of the capital’s Notre Dame cathedral after a half-decade closure, in a ceremony attended by dozens of world leaders celebrating the rebirth of the Paris landmark ravaged by a devastating fire. Held up as an example of French creativity and resilience by President Emmanuel Macron, Notre Dame’s renaissance so soon after a 2019 blaze that destroyed its roof and spire comes at a difficult time for the country. The re-opening will officially take place when archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich opens the doors to the cathedral at 1800 GMT, by knocking three times, to herald the start of the almost two-hour ceremony. Macron has scored a major coup by attracting US president-elect Donald Trump, on his first foreign trip since his election, for the ceremony along with some 40 other leaders, including Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and the UK’s heir to the throne, Prince William. It is “a cathedral like we have never seen before,” Philippe Jost, the head of the restoration project, told Franceinfo radio, saying he was proud to “show the whole world” a “great collective success and a source of pride for all of France”. In one last-minute hitch, harsh weather forced officials to move Macron’s planned speech indoors and pre-record a concert planned for after the ceremony, with forecasts for winds of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour. The service will feature prayer, organ music and hymns from the cathedral’s choir, followed by the televised concert — pre-recorded Friday night due to the weather — with performances by Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang, South African opera singer Pretty Yende and an orchestra conducted by Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel. US singer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams is also believed to have taken part. The sense of national accomplishment in restoring a beloved symbol of Paris has been undercut by political turmoil that has left France without a proper government and in a budget crisis. Macron is hoping the re-opening might provide a fleeting sense of pride and unity — as the Paris Olympics did in July and August. The scale of the immense security operation also recalls the Olympics — with some 6,000 police officers and gendarmes mobilised. The re-opening “is the proof that we know how to do grand things, we know how to do the impossible” Macron said Thursday. However, he somewhat undermined the suspense behind the re-opening, revealing the cathedral’s freshly scrubbed limestone walls, new furniture and vaulted wooden roof cut from ancient oak trees selected from the finest forests of France. The reconstruction effort has cost around 700 million euros ($750 million), financed from donations, with the re-opening achieved within five years despite predictions it could take decades. “This state-of-the-art restoration, the fruit of a worldwide collective effort and the use of many traditional French skills, has enabled this masterpiece to regain all its splendour,” said Audrey Azoulay, the head of the UN cultural agency UNESCO, describing the work as “dazzling”. Trump accepted an invitation from Macron to attend earlier this week, saying the French leader had done “a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so.” Travelling on a private plane, he landed at Orly airport in the south of Paris Saturday morning, followed by Zelensky a few hours later. US President Joe Biden will be represented by his wife, Jill. One surprising absentee will be Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, who is instead visiting the French island of Corsica. A message from Francis addressed to the French people will be read out to the congregation.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are confident they have a clear understanding of Auston Matthews' current condition and what's to come in the near future. In the first season of a 4-year contract that made him the most expensive player in the NHL, 2024-25 hasn't gone as planned for the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only did Auston Matthews start off very slow on the offensive side of the puck, but he has been dealing with an upper-body injury since the pre-season that has caused some serious concern. Matthews ended up missing 9 games in November with a mysterious injury that went from day-to-day to week-to-week, and then to him making a trip to Germany to see a specialist. He came back and played in 12 more games before re-aggravating the same injury . As we enter the Christmas break, the extra days off should be a boon for the captain. However, his return to game action after the break is still deemed questionable. However, it's not all doom and gloom, as Sportsnet's Chris Johnston took to First Up on TSN 1050 and gave us an update on how the Maple Leafs are seeing things and their confidence level in his return to action. While it might be a mystery to the media and the fans, it sounds like the Maple Leafs have a great understanding of the situation at hand behind closed doors. However, there might be a power struggle beginning to loom between player and team. Elliotte Friedman made an interesting note on the situation yesterday and believes that Matthews wants to play through it, but the organization is hesitant at the moment. He believes that Matthews wants to not only be out there on the ice for himself, but, more importantly, as the captain and setting an example for the rest of the team. Friedman also alluded to the 4 Nations Face-Off, which will ultimately have some sway in the decision-making process. The health of Matthews is of the utmost importance, especially with how injury ravaged the team, dating back to last year's playoff matchup against Boston. It will be interesting to see how things play out, but we will have to wait until at least the 27th of December when they return to the ice and face off against the Detroit Red Wings. This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.Mikel Arteta hailed the best away European performance of his Arsenal reign after watching his side dismantle Sporting Lisbon 5-1. The Gunners delivered the statement Champions League victory their manager had demanded to bounce back from a narrow defeat at Inter Milan last time out. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track, lifting them to seventh place with 10 points in the new-look 36-team table. It was Arsenal’s biggest away win in the Champions League since beating Inter by the same scoreline in 2003. “For sure, especially against opposition we played at their home who have not lost a game in 18 months – they have been in top form here – so to play with the level, the determination, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased,” said Arteta. “The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I’m watching them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a big performance, a big win and we are really happy. “The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That’s the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief.” A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. The Gunners took the lead after only seven minutes when Martinelli tucked in Jurrien Timber’s cross, and Saka teed up Havertz for a tap-in to double the advantage. Arsenal added a third on the stroke of half-time, Gabriel charging in to head Declan Rice’s corner into the back of the net. To rub salt in the wound, the Brazilian defender mimicked Viktor Gyokeres’ hands-over-his-face goal celebration. That may have wound Sporting up as they came out after the interval meaning business, and they pulled one back after David Raya tipped Hidemasa Morita’s shot behind, with Goncalo Inacio netting at the near post from the corner. But when Martin Odegaard’s darting run into the area was halted by Ousmane Diomande’s foul, Saka tucked away the penalty. Substitute Trossard added the fifth with eight minutes remaining, heading in the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was saved. A miserable night for prolific Sporting striker Gyokeres was summed up when his late shot crashed back off the post.

Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' By TERRY ZELLER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:42 GMT, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:53 GMT, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist. In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S. 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized.' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast. McKay acknowledged that Wicked: Part 2, slated for release on November 21, 2025, leans more mainstream but doubled down on his concerns. In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.' Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist; (seen in 2020) In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S He followed up with 'It’s bizarre how many people think the possibility of movies, books, music being banned in the U.S. in the near future is a "crazy" idea. 'There’s a whole crowd that really has zero idea what’s going on big picture.' The filmmaker also compared Wicked to some of the most iconic films in history, including The Sound of Music, Citizen Kane, and Bridge on the River Kwai, as well as modern hits like The Hunger Games, which he called 'incredibly left-wing.' McKay’s statements come after the film has also secured Golden Globe nominations, including Best Musical/Comedy, as well as individual acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Grande, solidifying its position as a major contender this awards season. Kuwait removed Wicked from its cinema listings just one day before the film’s scheduled release on Thursday, December 5, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the decision. While no official explanation has been provided, local reports suggest the removal may be linked to the film’s LGBTQ+ cast, according to Variety. This mirrors past actions by Kuwait, which banned Barbie last year, citing the protection of 'public ethics and social traditions .' Lebanon also prohibited Barbie, claiming it 'promoted homosexuality.' 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years' While the reason is not officially known, it is speculated by local media that the film's removal from theaters is due to the LGBTQ + cast, per Variety If Wicked faced similar scrutiny, the decision might seem puzzling, as the film doesn’t include overtly LGBTQ+ storylines. However, Grande, who stars as Glinda, recently described her character as 'a little in the closet.' Additionally, fans have often interpreted the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba as carrying homoerotic undertones, though the characters are not explicitly queer. Several cast members, including Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode, openly identify as queer, potentially adding to the controversy in more conservative markets. Despite the ban in Kuwait, Wicked has been a massive success elsewhere. The musical fantasy, also starring Ethan Slater and Jeff Goldblum, premiered in the U.S. over Thanksgiving and shattered box office records. To date, the movie has now grossed over $571 million across the globe. Cynthia Erivo Share or comment on this article: Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' e-mail Add commentWVU pulls off a stunner against No. 3 GonzagaThe New York Knicks face the Dallas Mavericks in a regular season game on Wednesday, Nov. 27 2024 (11/27/24) at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV , which is offering half off your first month. Here’s what you need to know: What : NBA regular season Who : Knicks vs. Mavericks When : Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 Time : 7:30 p.m. ET Where : American Airlines Center TV : ESPN Live stream : DirecTV Stream (free trial), fuboTV (free trial) *** Here’s a preview capsule via the Associated Press: New York Knicks (10-7, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (10-8, ninth in the Western Conference) Dallas; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: New York visits the Dallas Mavericks after OG Anunoby scored 40 points in the Knicks' 145-118 win against the Denver Nuggets. The Mavericks have gone 6-3 in home games. Dallas is 5-5 against opponents over .500. The Knicks are 5-5 on the road. New York ranks sixth in the NBA with 28.6 assists per game led by Jalen Brunson averaging 7.9. The Mavericks average 12.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 fewer makes per game than the Knicks allow (14.5). The Knicks are shooting 50.4% from the field, 5.5% higher than the 44.9% the Mavericks' opponents have shot this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Daniel Gafford is scoring 12.3 points per game and averaging 6.7 rebounds for the Mavericks. Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 26.3 points per game and averaging 12.6 rebounds for the Knicks. LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 5-5, averaging 119.6 points, 45.9 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 7.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points per game. Knicks: 7-3, averaging 123.2 points, 43.1 rebounds, 31.5 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.2 points. RECOMMENDED • nj .com What channel is the New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks game tonight (11/27/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Nov. 27, 2024, 1:30 p.m. What channel is the New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz game today (11/23/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Channel Nov. 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. INJURIES: Mavericks: Klay Thompson: out (foot), Dante Exum: out (wrist), Luka Doncic: out (wrist), Quentin Grimes: out (illness). Knicks: Precious Achiuwa: out (hamstring), Mitchell Robinson: out (ankle). Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

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Iran on Tuesday denounced what it termed Israel's "brazen admission" of having killed former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this year, accusing the country of having carried out a "heinous crime" and defending its missile-strike response. "This brazen admission marks the first time the Israeli regime has openly confessed to its responsibility for this heinous crime," said Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani in a letter addressed to the UN secretary-general. On Monday, Israel's defense minister Israel Katz acknowledged his country was responsible for the killing, the first time an official admission had been made. Haniyeh, who was seen as leading Hamas's negotiation efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, was killed in a guesthouse in Tehran on July 31, reportedly by an explosive device that had been placed by Israeli operatives weeks before. Until Monday, Israel had never admitted to killing Haniyeh, but Iran and Hamas had attributed the Hamas political leader's death to the nation. In October, Iran said it fired 200 missiles at Israel, an apparent response to the killing. Israel said most of the projectiles were intercepted either by its own air defenses or by allies' air forces. On Tuesday, Iranian UN Ambassador Iravani termed Israel's killing of Haniyeh a "heinous terrorist act," adding that Katz's statement showed Iran was justified in striking Israel in retaliation. "It also reaffirms the legitimacy and legality of Iran's defensive response on 1 October 2024, as well as Iran's consistent position that the occupying and terrorist regime of Israel remains the most serious threat to regional and international peace and security." On September 27, Israel killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a Beirut bombing, which was followed by the killing of Haniyeh's successor Yahya Sinwar on October 16 in Gaza. Israeli officials say Sinwar masterminded the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, which sparked the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, which has killed tens of thousands and reduced much of the Palestinian territory to rubble. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldThey were all exceptional – Mikel Arteta loved seeing Arsenal run riot in Lisbon

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NEW YORK (AP) — A piece of conceptual art consisting of a simple banana, duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.2 million at an auction in New York on Wednesday, with the winning bid coming from a prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneur. “Comedian,” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was a phenomenon when it debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami Beach, as festivalgoers tried to make out whether the single yellow piece of fruit affixed to a white wall with silver duct tape was a joke or cheeky commentary on questionable standards among art collectors. At one point, another artist took the banana off the wall and ate it. The piece attracted so much attention that it had to be withdrawn from view. But three editions sold for between $120,000 and $150,000, according to the gallery handling sales at the time. Five years later, Justin Sun , founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, has now paid more than 40 times that higher price point at the Sotheby’s auction. Or, more accurately, Sun purchased a certificate of authenticity that gives him the authority to duct-tape a banana to a wall and call it “Comedian.” The piece attracted heavy attention at the busy auction at Sotheby’s, with attendees in the crowded room holding up phones to take photos as two handlers wearing white gloves stood at both sides of the banana. Bidding started at $800,000 and within minutes shot up to $2 million, then $3 million, then $4 million, and higher, as the auctioneer, Oliver Barker, joked “Don’t let it slip away.” “Don’t miss this opportunity,” Barker said. “These are words I’ve never thought I’d say: Five million dollars for a banana.” The final hammer price announced in the room was $5.2 million, which didn’t include the about $1 million in auction house fees, paid by the buyer. In a statement, Sun said the piece “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.” But he said the latest version of “Comedian” won’t last long. “Additionally, in the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture,” Sun said. Sotheby’s calls Cattelan “among Contemporary Art’s most brilliant provocateurs.” “He has persistently disrupted the art world’s status quo in meaningful, irreverent, and often controversial ways,” the auction house said in a description of “Comedian.” Related Articles Entertainment | LeBron James says he’s taking a social media break for now Entertainment | Pamela Hayden, longtime ‘Simpsons’ voice actor, including Bart’s friend Milhouse, hangs up her mic Entertainment | Simone Biles to join Snoop Dogg as a guest mentor for an episode on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ Entertainment | Alec Baldwin wasn’t invited to ‘Rust’ premiere, incites anger of slain cinematographer’s family Entertainment | 'Euphoria' star Storm Reid not returning for season 3 The sale came a day after a painting by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte sold for $121.2 million, a record for the artist, at a separate auction. “The Empire of Light,” an eerie nighttime streetscape below a pale blue daytime sky, sold Tuesday as part of Christie’s sale of the collection of interior designer Mica Ertegun, who died last year at age 97. The sale lifts Magritte into the ranks of artists whose works have gone for more than $100 million at auction. Magritte is the 16th member of the club, which also includes Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, according to the market analyst firm Artprice. “The Empire of Light,” executed in 1954, was one of 17 versions of the same scene that Magritte painted in oil. Marc Porter, chairman of Christie’s Americas, called the sale “a historic moment in our saleroom.” The $121.2 million price included the auction house’s fees. The buyer was a telephone bidder whose identity was not disclosed.

SEOUL, South Korea , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled a reliable companion for industrial work, the wearable robot 'X-ble Shoulder.' This device, just by being worn, can increase workers' efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Two videos released on Hyundai Motor Group's YouTube channel show the X-ble Shoulder in action, including product features and the development story . Hyundai Motor and Kia unveiled the X-ble Shoulder at Wearable Robot Tech Day held at the Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul . The X-ble brand — a combination of 'X,' symbolizing infinite potential, and 'able,' indicating that anything can be realized — heralds a new era in wearable technology. The X-ble Shoulder, the first product in the X-ble line, is an industrial wearable robot developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotics LAB. When used in 'overhead work' where the arm is raised, it can assist the user's upper arm muscle strength and reduce the burden on the upper extremity musculoskeletal system. The X-ble Shoulder will find use in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation and agriculture, not just automobiles. Following its domestic launch, the companies plan to gradually expand sales to overseas markets. In addition to the X-ble Shoulder, Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to develop an industrial wearable robot 'X-ble Waist' to assist the waist when lifting heavy loads, and a medical wearable robot 'X-ble MEX' for the rehabilitation of the walking impaired. "The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from actual users," said Dong Jin Hyun , Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia. "Going forward, we aim to expand the availability of wearable robots, creating products that work naturally with users to enhance their daily lives. By pushing technological boundaries, we will make these beneficial products accessible to more people." View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-motor-and-kias-robotics-lab-announce-plans-to-launch-x-ble-shoulder-at-wearable-robot-tech-day-302317253.html SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company; Kia Corporation Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.United Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!* Warner Bros Discovery gains on plan to split TV, streaming units * Adobe drops after forecasting 2025 revenue below estimates * Centene rises after guiding 2025 profit above expectations * Indexes down: Dow 0.33%, S&P 500 0.24%, Nasdaq 0.23% (Updates with investor comment in paragraphs 4-5, share prices throughout) By Echo Wang NEW YORK, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Wall Street edged lower on Thursday as investors assessed key economic data ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting next week. The Nasdaq surged past the 20,000 mark for the first time on Wednesday, fueled by a relentless rally in technology stocks. The S&P 500 climbed to its highest level in nearly a week, as an inflation report aligning with expectations cemented bets on a 25-basis-point rate cut at the Fed's Dec. 17-18 meeting. Initial claims for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly climbed last week, raising concerns over labor-market resilience. U.S. producer prices rose more than forecast in November, though a moderation in service costs pointed to a continuation of the broader disinflationary trend. "Investors are just trying to suss out what is the Fed going to do next week? Is inflation really going to be a problem and the Fed has to really slow its role on rate cuts, or can they get there?" said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Seattle. Haworth added there was profit-taking after the Nasdaq touched an all-time high on Wednesday. Trader bets on the cut next week stand at over 98%, according to CME's FedWatch Tool. However, they indicate expectations of a pause in January after several Fed officials last week urged caution over the pace of monetary policy easing as the economy remained resilient. At 1:50 p.m. EST (1950 GMT) the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 144.71 points, or 0.33%, to 44,004.27, the S&P 500 lost 14.59 points, or 0.24%, to 6,069.60 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 46.62 points, or 0.23%, to 19,988.28. Eight of the 11 major S&P sub-sectors were trading lower, with the healthcare sector at the bottom with a 0.6% decline. Megacap and growth stocks showed a mixed performance, with Nvidia slipping 0.78%, while Microsoft rose 1.12%. Adobe plunged 13.27% after the Photoshop maker forecast fiscal 2025 revenue below Wall Street expectations, weighing on the broader technology sector. Wall Street's main indexes have hit record highs multiple times this year, fueled by a rally in heavyweight tech stocks that capitalized on enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence and the Fed's interest-rate cuts. U.S. equities concluded a strong November following Donald Trump's presidential election victory, buoyed by expectations of business-friendly policies boosting corporate profits, and have started December on a broadly positive trajectory. Warner Bros Discovery soared 14.97% after the media company announced plans to separate its declining cable-TV business from streaming and studio operations. Nordson slid 9% as the dispensing-equipment maker forecast fiscal 2025 revenue below Wall Street estimates, while health insurer Centene rose 2.41% after forecasting its 2025 profit above estimates. Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 2.24-to-1 ratio on the New York Stock Exchange. There were 94 new highs and 75 new lows on the NYSE. The S&P 500 posted 10 new 52-week highs and seven new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 77 new highs and 116 new lows. (Reporting by Echo Wang in New York; Additional reporting by Purvi Agarwal and Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Rod Nickel)

United Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!NoneThe Toronto Raptors have a solid young core, with Scottie Barnes , RJ Barrett , and Immanuel Quickley all being 25 or younger. The Raptors also have a decent veteran group headlined by Bruce Brown , Kelly Olynyk , and Chris Boucher . With Toronto prioritizing player development this season, should the Raptors turn to their veteran group for guidance and mentorship or as a way to gain future assets? The Value of the Raptors Veteran Group Kelly Olynyk One of the Raptors’ first moves this offseason was resigning Olynyk to a two-year $26 million extension. However, 18 games into the season, Olynyk has yet to suit up with a back injury keeping him sidelined. At 6’11, Olynyk offers a valuable skillset off the bench, being able to space the floor at the five and help run an offense system with his playmaking. Two skills teams can never get enough of. Olynyk’s contract is also pretty tradeable, only making $12.8 million this season and $13.4 million next. The team has said the injury keeping Olynyk in street clothes isn’t severe, but after missing 18 straight games, it leaves questions about the severity of the injury. While Toronto could probably find a team at the deadline needing another big body and shooting, the value you’re getting back in a trade is probably less than what a healthy Olynyk can bring. With his shooting, Olynyk allows Toronto to experiment with lineups featuring multiple non-shooters on the wings. Toronto could also use him to help facilitate jumbo lineups that feature Barnes, Barrett, Jonathan Mogbo , and Ochai Agbaji as the secondary playmaking behind Barnes. Bruce Brown Like Olynyk, Brown has been sidelined all season, recovering from offseason knee surgery. However, Brown has been cleared for full contract and is in the process of ramping up to play. An additional guard will be a welcome sight for the Raptors, who have been without their starting PG Quickley for most of the season. While Davion Mitchell and Jamal Shead have done their best filling in for Quickley, they lack the scoring ability to pressure defenses yet. Brown has that ability with his slashing/cutting and activity on the offensive glass. Those traits, mixed with Brown’s defensive ability and playmaking, make him a valuable player on almost any team. However, again, like Olynyk, with Brown’s price tag and fresh-off surgery, any value the team can find for him on the market probably won’t equal what he can bring to the team. Even with that, unless Toronto is looking to keep Brown long-term, they should still look to move him. Mitchell and Shead are younger, will be cheaper, and better line up with the rest of the roster’s timeline. Keeping Brown around may bring immediate improvement, but the short-term gains don’t outweigh the potential long-term returns of developing Mitchell and Shead. Chris Boucher After failing out of Darko Rajakovic’s rotation last season , Boucher has been a staple of this year’s bench. Boucher leads Toronto’s bench in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and minutes per game. He has been crucial for the Raptors all season. While Boucher is producing reasonably well, he is also soon to be 32 and is in the final year of his contract. It doesn’t seem likely that Toronto will bring him back next season, considering his age and how many young players on the roster need minutes. Unlike Brown or Olynyk, who are either expensive or under contract longer, Boucher is on a cheap $10.8 million expiring deal. With his production/size and deal, Boucher could get a decent return in a trade. While losing the last member of the 2019 championship team would hurt, he will be gone soon anyway, so might as well get something in return. The Raptors bench will be worse without him, but in a year where the team wants to bottom out, that’s not bad. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Queens Car Accident Attorney Keetick L. Sanchez Discusses Lower Back Pain Settlements Following Car Accidents 12-12-2024 08:06 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Queens car accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez ( https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/lower-back-pain-car-accident-settlement/ ) provides valuable insights into the factors affecting settlements for lower back pain sustained in car accidents in New York in the article titled "Lower Back Pain Car Accident Settlement." The article emphasizes the challenges of determining settlement amounts and explains how various factors influence compensation. The team at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. has highlighted examples, including cases where settlements ranged from $20,000 to multimillion-dollar awards, illustrating the variability based on injury severity and impact. Lower back pain is a common outcome of car accidents and can range from mild discomfort to debilitating, long-term pain. Settlement amounts depend significantly on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical treatment costs, and the extent to which the injury affects an individual's daily activities and ability to work. A Queens car accident attorney can help evaluate these factors and guide victims through the legal process. Sanchez elaborates on how these elements are assessed in New York under the state's personal injury laws. "Settlements often reflect not only the tangible costs like medical expenses and lost wages but also the intangible impact, such as chronic pain and reduced quality of life," Sanchez explains. A Queens car accident attorney can assist in ensuring these intangible factors are properly considered when negotiating a settlement. Severe cases requiring surgeries or extended recovery times often lead to higher settlements, as they account for long-term implications and the need for ongoing care. The article discusses the importance of understanding the role of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in New York, which initially covers medical expenses regardless of fault. However, in cases where the costs exceed PIP limits, victims may seek compensation through at-fault drivers' liability insurance. For significant injuries, the settlement value often increases due to the inclusion of pain and suffering compensation and future lost earnings. Sanchez also addresses how insurance companies evaluate lower back pain claims, a process that begins with assigning an adjuster to investigate the case. The adjuster reviews evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements to determine the claim's value. Initial settlement offers may be lower than the claim's actual worth, which underscores the importance of carefully negotiating the final amount to ensure fair compensation. Statutory limitations and procedural requirements for filing claims also play a significant role in securing a settlement. In New York, victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, specific exceptions, such as cases involving minors or municipal liability, may alter these deadlines. Failing to adhere to these timelines can result in forfeiting the right to pursue compensation. The article highlights real-life examples where settlement amounts varied widely depending on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, one client received $2,700,000 after suffering severe lower back injuries in a rear-end collision, while another secured $250,000 for similar injuries. These examples underscore the importance of tailoring compensation to reflect the unique challenges and recovery needs of each case. For victims navigating lower back pain from car accidents, the article stresses the significance of working with knowledgeable legal professionals to ensure that all injury-related costs and impacts are properly documented and included in the settlement. By addressing both immediate medical expenses and long-term effects, victims can focus on their recovery while seeking the financial resources needed to move forward. K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. supports individuals dealing with the aftermath of car accidents, helping them pursue fair settlements that account for all aspects of their injury and recovery. Their approach emphasizes comprehensive documentation and negotiation to secure compensation that reflects the full scope of damages. Keetick L. Sanchez continues to provide clarity on legal issues surrounding personal injuries in New York. This latest article is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of lower back pain settlement after car accidents. About K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C.: K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. is a Queens-based law firm dedicated to assisting clients with personal injury cases, including car accidents and other serious injuries. The firm is committed to advocating for individuals seeking compensation for their losses and providing support through the legal process. Their approach focuses on delivering practical solutions to help clients move forward after challenging life events. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5uWU8F7mtE GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2729652254808699760 Email and website Email: accidentlawny1@gmail.com Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/ Media Contact Company Name: K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. Contact Person: Keetick Sanchez Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=queens-car-accident-attorney-keetick-l-sanchez-discusses-lower-back-pain-settlements-following-car-accidents ] Phone: (646) 701-7990 Address:3763 83rd St #1m City: Jackson Heights State: New York 11372 Country: United States Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com This release was published on openPR.

Mumbai: The current rapid pace of change that the world is witnessing will create opportunities for the enterprising, said Sivakumar Sundaram , CEO (publishing), Bennett, Coleman & Company Ltd (BCCL). "Chaos isn't a roadblock - it's the fuel for opportunity," he said in his welcome address ahead of the ET CEO Roundtable on the Changing World Order: Time for Cautious Optimism or Embrace of Animal Spirits ? on Wednesday. "Take Trump - an enigma and a disruptor," he said. "Trump's bold moves, like tighter export controls and raised tariffs on Chinese goods, could unleash a wave of what Keynes called animal spirits." While calling on India Inc. to set "animal spirits" free, Sivakumar raised a key related issue. Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience 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 Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer 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 Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques 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 Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond 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 Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program "Animal spirits, I'd like to mention here, also pertains to the biggest challenge the world is facing - the climate crisis ," he said. "So the 100 billion-odd animals slaughtered for meat and animal products every year are also in need of a spirited release." Talking of the opportunities in a chaotic world, he said the influence of Indian tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley signals a US-India technology relationship ready to take flight. With India's thriving tech talent and innovation ecosystem , this partnership is poised to drive transformative advancements in artificial intelligence , innovation and global market dynamics. "While AI might be today's most unpredictable force - part guessing game, part investing game - it is a stable and well-regulated world that provides the foundation for such innovation to thrive," Sivakumar said, flagging the challenge of over-regulation and micro-management. "Policies that are 'one size fits all' risk stifling innovation and holding us back from achieving our $5 trillion, $7 trillion economy aspirations," he said. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Wraps Filming, James Gunn Says

‘The Guy Has Real Charisma’: Ex-CNN Analyst Speculates About Whether Donald Trump Jr. Will Run For White House In 2028

Tiger Woods has announced he will not return to the PGA Tour to compete at the Hero World Challenge next month, as his battle with injury continues. Woods is the tournament host of the limited-field event in the Bahamas and was expected to tee it up at Albany Golf Course alongside some of the world's best players. On Monday however, the 15-time major champion confirmed he will play no part, and will only take on off-course duties. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge," he tweeted. "But always look forward to being tournament host and spending the week with @HeroMotoCorp." Ian Poulter makes LIV Golf transfer pledge as clear decision reached on future LIV Golf manager claims two stars calling to join after rejecting 'big offers' As part of his announcement Woods confirmed three more names had committed to compete, having been made exempted by tournament organisers. Woods' close friend, Justin Thomas is in the field, as is Jason Day and Hero World Challenge debutant, Nick Dunlap. It is yet another knockback for Woods, who is continuing to play part-time golf on the PGA Tour due to a whole host of fitness problems. The 48-year-old has competed in all four major championships this season, as well as the Genesis Invitational in February where he was forced to withdraw in the second round due to illness. On the major stage, Woods has played 72 holes just once - coming at the Masters - having missed the cut at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and most recently The Open Championship. The latter saw a struggling Woods battle against the elements on the Scottish coast, failing to make it to the weekend at Royal Troon. Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news Speaking after his missed cut in July, Woods claimed he had intentions of competing in the Bahamas in December, as well as the parent-child PNC Championship the week later. "I'm not going to play until then," Woods said in Scotland when asked if he could play before the Hero. "I'm going to just keep getting physically better and keep working on it. Hopefully just come back for our -- what is it, our fifth major, the Father-Son, so looking forward to it." Having withdrawn from playing in the Bahamas, it remains to be seen whether Woods will partner son, Charlie, at the PNC. If he is to miss the parent-child event, Woods' next showing will come indoors with the 82-time PGA Tour winner set to represent Jupiter Links Golf Club in the launch of TGL in January. In September, the five-time Masters champion revealed that he had undergone surgery on his back. "The surgery went smoothly and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” he wrote on social media at the time. “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

No. 9 SMU aims to improve playoff odds vs. CalLouisiana judge halts state police plans to clear New Orleans homeless camps before Thanksgiving

Our colleagues previously reported on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) patent fee schedule for 2025, and we now take this opportunity to provide you with our insights on the USPTO trademark fee schedule for 2025. The Final Rule with updated fee schedule will go into effect on January 18, 2025. While there will be some slight increases to post registration maintenance fees, Amendment to Allege use fees, petitions fees, and Letter of Protest fees, a major change is coming to the structure and fees for filing an application. The USPTO is doing away with two different types of applications (TEAS Plus at a reduced fee and TEAS Standard), opting for a single base application for trademarks filed under Trademark Act Sections 1 Intent to Use and use based) and 44 (foreign application/registration based). The base application fee will be $350, the same as a current TEAS Standard application, however: While this initially does not sound like much of a change, take note of the new name - base application fee. Just like a base car model if you want add-ons you are going to pay more. With the debut of the base application, the USPTO is “introducing additional fees for applications that are incomplete or contain custom identifications of goods or services. ” Some (but not all) of those fees are: $200 per class charge to use the free-form text box to describe/identify the goods and services, instead of those specific IDs approved by the USPTO as located in the Trademark ID Manual. $200 per affected class charge for every 1000 characters in the goods/services descriptions beyond the first 1000 characters $100 per class charge for insufficient information such as filing an application without: The required declaration (unsigned); A translation of any non-English terms; A description of a stylized/design mark; A transliteration of any non-Latin characters; A claim ownership of prior registrations A U.S. attorney designated (if the applicant is domiciled outside of the U.S.) Applicants will: No longer be able to delay including information that was routinely addressed during examination. Will now also need to try to minimize their goods/services descriptions and use the IDs included in the Trademark ID Manual, or else incur additional fees. Applicants filing under Section 44(d) will no longer be able to use the same goods and services description identified in the home registration without incurring additional fees. Those most likely to be impacted are applicants with new technology that may not fit within the scope of the goods and services listed in the Trademark ID Manual, and foreign applicants who will need to reconsider their U.S. goods and services descriptions, unless they are filing a Madrid Application (discussed below). We have all seen Examiners pushing for amendments in line with the Trademark ID Manual in Office Actions. Under the new base model Examiner’s recommendations will become requirements (unless you are willing to pay additional fees). Given the pivot to a base application model for Sections 1 and 44 applications, we are likely to see a sizable increase in suggestions to the Trademark ID Manual . Fortunately, that is an option for applicants that cannot find an accepted term for their goods and services. In other words, an applicant can send one in and hope it gets published (like a Letter to the Editor). Right now, a response to a request for a particular ID (accepted, rejected, or accepted in modified form) is provided within 1-2 business days and, if accepted, the new ID generally appears in the next available weekly update of the Trademark ID Manual. It will be interesting to see if this process becomes delayed as requests likely increase. This base application model is only for Sections 1 and 44 applications, not Section 66(a) (Madrid) applications as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is currently unable to collect additional fees before recording a 66(a) application. Thus, the base filing and additional fee system will not apply. While appreciating that the USPTO is likely trying to curtail long and unruly descriptions of goods and services and thus make examination more efficient, this change will not apply to Section 66(a) applications which ironically, are applications most likely to have insufficient information non-acceptable and long IDs. The fee for Section 66(a) applications is going up just $100 per class (from $500 to $600). Additional fee increases effective as of January 18, 2025 are: The fee for filing an Amendment to Allege Use or a Statement of Use will increase to $150.00 (a $50.00 increase); The fee for filing a Section 8 Declaration, required to maintain federal registrations will increase to $325.00 per class (a $100.00 increase); The fee for filing an optional Section 15 Declaration of Incontestability will increase to $250.00 per class (a $50.00 increase) The fee to electronically file a Section 9 Renewal Application (every ten years) will increase to $325.00 per class (a $25.00) increase; A Letter of Protest (filed by third parties to alert the USPTO as to why a particular application should be refused) will increase to $150.00 (a $100.00 increase); As for petitions, the fee for a Petition to Revive to reinstate an application will increase to $350.00 (up from $250.00) and a Petition to the Director, for any number of requests will now cost $400, an increase of $150.00) These new fees are designed to strongly encourage applicants to use the resources the USPTO provides, namely, the thousands of pre-approved IDs, to be cautious and mindful when defining their goods and services (and to pay attention to that word count), and ensure their applications are complete with all information required by the USPTO for registration. The more precise and streamlined the IDs and complete the application details, the greater the likelihood that your application will be approved (unless a substantive refusal arises) with little or no objection and, the lower the cost.Mathieu Olivier knows his name is circulating in Montreal

Gad Saad, Canadian psychologist and author, recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he has made as much money on X (formerly Twitter) in one year as he did in 10 years on YouTube. His post praised X as a superior platform for discussing and spreading ideas, claiming it surpassed all other platforms combined in terms of financial success. Saad wrote, “I have made roughly as much money on @X this year than I did in 10 years on @YouTube. It is amazing how superior this platform is to all others combined (if your goal is to discuss and spread ideas).” In response, tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk replied simply with, “Cool.” Social Media reactions to Gad Saad's X earnings revelation Gad Saad 's recent revelation about earning in one year on X what he made in ten years as a YouTuber has sparked a lively debate on social media, with users expressing a range of reactions. One user remarked, "Are you serious?? I would like to see the breakdown of that income. Not that I don’t believe, but to see the path that you used." Another user inquired, "How have you made the money, sir?" asking for a clearer understanding of Saad's income sources on the platform. Many others expressed curiosity about the specifics of Saad's earnings. "Let’s see the numbers," one user wrote, while another asked, "How many engagements/$$? I want to figure out how it works." A user found Saad's experience reflective of their own goals. "Interesting times indeed because such is my goal too," said the user, acknowledging the growing potential of X. Meanwhile, another user commented, "It would be great to see who is making a lot of money on X and the content they are posting." One user voiced surprise, stating, "That’s surprising. Everyone else I’ve come across is having it the other way around," suggesting that others have not seen the same level of success on X. However, a different opinion was shared by a user who noted, "X is good for big accounts but very hard to make your place under the sun." The conversation also touched on the platform’s monetization structure, with one user suggesting, "Elon, it would behoove those who are growing and building content to understand more clearly how X success works. Could there be more forthcoming details on how that is calculated?" Some users were impressed with X’s evolving monetization model. "The YouTube and Ad/Click model seems to have evolved into something new on X. Now, not only are there direct monetization opportunities from X itself, but you can also earn by offering reasonably priced subscriptions for quality content," one comment explained. In contrast, another user shared their personal experience, saying, "I know the feeling! It was so freeing to leave my company and just solely work by creating content on X." Finally, one user praised X for its impact on online engagement, writing, "That’s incredible! X has truly transformed the way we connect, discuss, and share ideas." These diverse reactions highlight the ongoing interest and discussion around X's role in content creation and monetization. Gad Saad's recent revelation about earning in one year on X what he made in ten years as a YouTuber has sparked a lively debate on social media, with users expressing a range of reactions. One user remarked, "Are you serious?? I would like to see the breakdown of that income. Not that I don’t believe, but to see the path that you used." Another user inquired, "How have you made the money, sir?" asking for a clearer understanding of Saad's income sources on the platform. Many others expressed curiosity about the specifics of Saad's earnings. "Let’s see the numbers," one user wrote, while another asked, "How many engagements/$$? I want to figure out how it works." A user found Saad's experience reflective of their own goals. "Interesting times indeed because such is my goal too," said the user, acknowledging the growing potential of X. Meanwhile, another user commented, "It would be great to see who is making a lot of money on X and the content they are posting." One user voiced surprise, stating, "That’s surprising. Everyone else I’ve come across is having it the other way around," suggesting that others have not seen the same level of success on X. However, a different opinion was shared by a user who noted, “X is good for big accounts but very hard to make your place under the sun.” The conversation also touched on the platform’s monetization structure, with one user suggesting, “Elon, it would behoove those who are growing and building content to understand more clearly how X success works. Could there be more forthcoming details on how that is calculated?” Some users were impressed with X’s evolving monetization model. "The YouTube and Ad/Click model seems to have evolved into something new on X. Now, not only are there direct monetization opportunities from X itself, but you can also earn by offering reasonably priced subscriptions for quality content," one comment explained. In contrast, another user shared their personal experience, saying, “I know the feeling! It was so freeing to leave my company and just solely work by creating content on X.” Finally, one user praised X for its impact on online engagement, writing, "That’s incredible! X has truly transformed the way we connect, discuss, and share ideas." These diverse reactions highlight the ongoing interest and discussion around X's role in content creation and monetization.

Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors’ favorite stocks over the last week — here’s a look at some of our top stories. Major U.S. indexes ended the week higher, with the Dow up 0.4%, S&P 500 gaining 0.7%, and Nasdaq rising 0.8%, breaking a three-week decline streak. The S&P 500’s strong Christmas Eve performance fueled hopes for a “Santa Rally,” a historical trend showing gains 64 out of 96 years during December’s final week. Markets started recovering from the Fed’s hawkish rate cut signals but faced renewed volatility Friday, tempering Santa Rally expectations. Despite near-term uncertainty, 2024 remains exceptional, with the S&P 500 matching last year’s 24% gain and U.S. stocks outperforming global markets by the widest margin since 1997. Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week’s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look. The Bulls “ AMD And Micron Are Top Analyst Picks For AI And Next-Gen Tech Growth ,” by Anusuya Lahiri , highlights Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD being a top 2025 analyst’s pick for CPU/GPU momentum and AI edge opportunities, and Micron Technology, Inc. MU for its dominance in high-bandwidth memory. “ Dogecoin Whales Load Up Coins Worth $92 Million Over 4 Days As Meme King Outperforms Bitcoin, Ethereum In 2024 ,” by Shivdeep Dhaliwal , reports that whale investors acquired 270 million Dogecoin DOGE/USD , worth $92 million, over four days, boosting DOGE's 274% YTD rally, far outpacing Bitcoin BTC/USD and Ethereum ETH/USD gains of 132% and 53%, respectively. “ Quantum Computing Stock QUBT Soars 157% While Bitcoin Drops Post Google's ‘Willow’ Reveal ,” by Aniket Verma , highlights Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT surging after Google's “Willow” chip breakthrough, outperforming key indices, while Bitcoin faced a downturn amid concerns Willow’s quantum power could undermine cryptographic security. For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following: Top 7 Blue-Chip Stocks With The Best Return Potential Going Into 2025 GM’s $60,000 Cadillac Lyriq Was Its Best Selling EV In 2024 As Of Q3: Is Premium The Way To Go For EV Makers? Why Trump’s Return To Office Could Drive Gold Demand In 2025 The Bears “ MicroStrategy Sinks After Nasdaq 100 Inclusion: Bitcoin Bet Under Fire ,” by Piero Cingari , reports MicroStrategy Inc. MSTR shares dropping 8.5% after its Nasdaq 100 debut, as analysts question its $561 million Bitcoin purchase at a 12% premium to current levels, marking its smallest acquisition amid declining stock performance. “ Are Sub-$30,000 Cars Disappearing? Trump’s Tariff Plans Could Reshape US Auto Market ,” by Chris Katje , explores Donald Trump 's proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, potentially pushing the price of vehicles like Ford Motor Co. ‘s F Maverick and Honda Motor Co. ‘s HMC Civic above $30,000, with one-third of sub-$30,000 cars currently made in Mexico. “ Tesla Shorts Gordon Johnson And James Chanos Skeptical Of Robotaxi Potential Amid Usage Data Debate ,” by Kaustubh Bagalkote , details criticism from Gordon Johnson of GLJ Research and short-seller James Chanos , who argue Tesla Inc. ‘s TSLA robotaxi ambitions overpromise revenue potential, citing New York City ride-share data. For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts: Lyft Sues San Francisco Over $100 Million Tax Bill, Says Payments To Drivers By Passengers Misclassified US Markets Likely Headed For 10% Correction, Says Jay Woods: Trump’s Tariff Plans, Musk’s DOGE Advocacy Among Contributing Factors ‘Zelle Became A Gold Mine For Fraudsters’: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Lawsuit Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following Benzinga on Twitter . Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney. This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Companies tighten security after a health care CEO's killing leads to a surge of threatsSpace debris is the next big issue since Earth’s orbit is getting crowded with satellites and other discarded objects. According to scientists, the likelihood of a catastrophic situation called Kessler Syndrome threatens to render space unusable for future explorations and technologies. What is Kessler Syndrome? Kessler Syndrome was first proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978. It describes a hypothetical situation in which the density of space debris in low Earth orbit, or LEO, the region roughly 100 to 1,200 miles above Earth, reaches a critical level. At that point, a chain reaction of collisions between satellites, debris, and other objects creates more fragments and exponentially increases the amount of space junk. These collisions would pose significant risks to spacecraft, satellites, and human activities in space, potentially halting space exploration. The concept was dramatized in the 2013 film Gravity , where a satellite explosion set off a cascading series of collisions. However, experts believe that a real-life Kessler event would unfold over years or decades, not in a matter of hours, though the threat is no less significant. Space Junk Since the 1950s, more than 50,000 tons of material have been launched into Earth’s orbit, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). As of September 2024, around 13,000 tons of this mass remain in orbit, consisting of both active and defunct satellites. The fast expansion of satellite constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink has exacerbated the problem, further cluttering Earth’s orbital paths. Orbital debris is a significant threat due to its high velocity. Even small pieces of space debris can cause critical damage to a spacecraft. So, far in history since 1999, 39 maneuvers have been held by the International Space Station, especially during one that happened in November 2024. Examples of high-profile incidents and thus the risks of space debris include the collision between an active U.S. satellite and a defunct Russian satellite in 2009 with thousands of fragments and additions to the growing debris list. How to prevent Kessler Syndrome? These initiatives seek to eradicate space debris through cleanup technology and international regulations. Examples of experimental methods include ESA’s Drag Augmentation Deorbiting Subsystem (ADEO). It drags debris out of orbit, but these technologies are expensive and not often implemented. International agreements, such as the UN’s Pact for the Future*, aim to promote global cooperation in tackling space debris. National regulations and industry standards are also crucial for encouraging responsible behavior in space. However, despite these efforts, the issue remains pressing, and experts warn that without proactive measures, the situation could worsen. What is the impact of Kessler Syndrome? The impact of Kessler Syndrome is severe, as if a chain of collisions took place, they could devastate the use of satellites in communications and weather forecasting along with other vital space-based technologies. The safety of astronauts would be compromised, and future missions into space might be threatened or even become impossible. It would make it increasingly difficult to venture into space orbits, where accumulating high-speed debris threatens both current technology and the long-term possibility of space travel. In Dr. Vishnu Reddy’s estimation, a professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona, launches for satellites are dramatically up in recent years, therefore, making the Kessler event more probable. With all these private companies launching immense numbers of satellites, collisions and debris generation become quite imminent, putting the whole industry at risk. There aren’t any legally binding international regulations pertaining to LEO space cleanup. Since there are already almost 6,000 tons of material in orbit, the expense and difficulty of removal make the endeavor nearly impossible. A day when the most important areas of space may become dangerous for human use is drawing nearer as we approach the possibility of causing Kessler Syndrome. Space junk can be compared to plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, which is a widespread and expanding issue that needs to be addressed right away to avoid irreparable harm. ALSO READ: Rising Space Debris Poses Increasing Threat To ISS And Satellites, Experts WarnAisam urges PCB to stick to its stance on CT issue with IndiaRays will play 19 of their first 22 games at home as MLB switches series to avoid summer rain

A brokered ceasefire between and Hezbollah in relies on two key assumptions: the diminished power of Hezbollah as a fighting force and Israel’s restraint in responding to potential ceasefire violations. On , the ceasefire that ended fighting between Hezbollah and Israel early on Wednesday morning is clearly stacked in Israel's favour, and Arab officials and analysts have told Middle East Eye that a depleted Hezbollah was looking for a break. “The ceasefire is an important transaction, but not a transformation. It happened because Israel wanted it and Hezbollah needed it,” Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator, told MEE. Hezbollah and Israel have both agreed to withdraw their forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days, but unlike the deal that ended their 2006 war, the US’s footprint to police the group’s exit has . The US has also codified Israel’s right to preemptively strike Hezbollah if it believes the group is re-arming. The details of a side letter codifying Israel's rights to respond were confirmed by a senior US official to MEE. The letter gives American backing to Israel to launch strikes on Hezbollah if the group reconstitutes in southern Lebanon, imports weapons, or if Israel says Hezbollah is positioning itself in a way that Israel says is a threat. "The entire deal depends on how much leeway [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is willing to give Hezbollah. It is entirely up to him,” Patrick Theros, a former US ambassador to Qatar, told MEE. “Hezbollah is going to try and regain prestige and will slow walk its withdrawal." What makes the deal so shaky is that it leaves several unresolved questions, including whether Hezbollah fighters remaining in their local villages in southern Lebanon constitutes a violation of the ceasefire. Israel has used AI technology to target Hezbollah fighters and has shown it can track their movements. Theros estimates that 35,000 Hezbollah fighters hail from southern Lebanon. Analysts say Israel is likely not to raise the issue with the US and will focus on the withdrawal of missiles and artillery. But if Hezbollah withdraws its heavy weaponry north of the Litani River, it can still station it in the Shia-majority Bekaa Valley, keeping towns in northern Israel within range of long-distance rockets. The ceasefire, on paper, reaffirms previous UN Security Council resolutions that effectively call for Hezbollah’s total disarmament. “The question is how much is Israel willing to let go in terms of violations and how much can Hezbollah absorb. I suspect Hezbollah has been weakened enough not to respond to Israel if it takes preemptive action,” Miller said. The ceasefire, in effect, rests on US assessments that Hezbollah has been weakened enough by Israeli strikes on its senior leadership and arms supplies, and the group will not cross Israel’s red lines. But while Hezbollah's leadership has been dealt severe blows, there is little evidence to categorically assert that it has been depleted as a fighting force. Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon has few achievements to boast. However, analysts say that Hezbollah's ability to fight Israel may come second to its domestic priorities, as the group may be willing to abide by Israel’s hard red lines because its internal position is shaky. After the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon’s government sensed weakness and, led by Sunni and Druze political parties, tried to reduce Hezbollah’s sway inside the country. Hezbollah forces took control of parts of Beirut in 2008, sparking street fights between Sunnis and Shias. “Hezbollah definitely needs to reassert itself in Lebanon because it looks so weak right now, but not by opening fire on Israel. It needs to focus on Lebanese internal politics,” Theros said. The US has tried to layer the ceasefire to put distance between Hezbollah and this Israeli military option. US military advisors are being deployed to Lebanon to monitor Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the south, and a Centcom official is expected to chair a committee to enforce the deal, MEE revealed previously. A US defence official also told MEE that the US is deploying additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to monitor Hezbollah’s withdrawal, including drones and geospatial intelligence to track the group. The US says it will work with the Lebanese Armed Forces and a beefed-up UN peacekeeping force that is set to include hundreds of new French troops to stop Hezbollah from rearming in the south. But realities on the ground in Lebanon mean the UN and Lebanese army are unlikely to have the heft to counter any Hezbollah violations. The Lebanese army is a multi-confessional force that includes Shia and Sunni Muslims along with Christians. It has been reluctant to use force to disarm Hezbollah, which is Lebanon’s most popular Shia political party and the world’s largest armed non-state actor. “We should assume Hezbollah will try to re-infiltrate southern Lebanon as soon as possible,” Daniel Mouton, a former National Security Council official now at the Atlantic Council, told MEE. Mouton added that if the Lebanese military intervenes, it would be "a recipe for another Lebanese Civil War," adding that "if Unifil does not respond, the Israelis will. But that does not necessarily mean a wider war resumes.” Israel has already taken action against Hezbollah without the group responding. On Wednesday, it arrested four Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, hours after the ceasefire went into effect. “It will be important to watch and see if Israel is forced to strike Hezbollah again in a large-scale manner. If Hezbollah takes it on the chin, it will give us an indication of how badly they have been hurt in the last weeks,” Mouton said.Clear Creek ISD trustees approve $2.5M for culinary arts addition

At the beginning of the year, we looked to our correspondents for tips of Among them was hope for change for millions of people who were to vote in elections in 50 countries. At least in the United States, that change turned out to be more of the same. Among the surprises, however, there was the end of a dynasty in Syria and the beginning of another in Indonesia. Here are some of the biggest stories of the past 12 months: If 1992 was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s , then it’s hard to know how she’d have ranked this year for ’s royal family. In January, her son and successor, Charles III, put out a rather benign statement that he would attend hospital the following week for a . The statement was made shortly after it was revealed his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, was expected to be in hospital for 10 to 14 days after undergoing abdominal surgery. Things would snowball from there. Weeks later, the King would announce he had been diagnosed with cancer. Catherine’s recovery was kept under wraps until the . A family photo was released, and it was a disaster. Even more questions were asked. Suddenly came an announcement: . Neither have been given the all-clear but have returned to light duties. Charles joined with Queen Camilla for a royal visit to Australia. But his relationships with son Harry and brother Andrew have continued to plague him. Our own Princess Mary, was in January after her mother-in-law, to make way for her son, Frederik. Two decades on from Mary’s fairytale wedding, she waved to the crowds in Copenhagen as the sovereign’s wife. Rumours have swirled about , and the Danish royals showed it ain’t just the Brits who have their problems. But 2024 was the year of the election. In Britain, Labor after 14 years of Conservative rule, with Keir Starmer moving into 10 Downing Street in a landslide victory. Within weeks, however, his popularity would start to tumble in a string of scandals and misjudgments. In the across the continent. ’s after beating Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD to second place in the European Parliament elections with 16 per cent. His problems at home reached a peak in December when he lost a confidence vote. In , the EU results triggered an electoral earthquake. after his party was resoundingly defeated by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. That result left the country without a clear winner but one clear loser: Macron. He continues to struggle to grasp any real power. But it was another story in France that shocked the nation and the world. Seventy-two-year-old grandmother Gisele Pelicot bravely retold , to stop rape from being swept under the carpet. In mass protests were sparked by the government’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the EU and push back on Russian influence. In the end, a pro-Russia former Manchester City footballer, . An election in , with the result annulled and voters to go back to the polls next year. In May, ’s Prime Minister attempt, during which he was shot five times. He recovered and is one of many populists slowly diluting Europe’s unity towards Ukraine and against . Another blow for that cause was ’s far-right Freedom Party, as they celebrated an , aligned himself closely with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his self-styled “illiberal democracy”. Kickl had also spoken of becoming Volkskanzler (people’s chancellor), which for some Austrians carries echoes of the term used to describe Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. War continues in after almost three years. Where and when it ends, no one knows. . President Volodymyr Zelensky has laid out a plan for peace. It’s likely many will die before that happens. s Vladimir Putin is scrambling to conquer as much territory as possible before those peace talks begin. Last month, while suffering its highest casualty rates of the war. This year, continued its re-engagement strategy with Australia, and finally agreed to trade and two beef exporters, ending the $20 billion of economic sanctions slapped on Australian industries during the Morrison government. Federal Treasurer when he went to Beijing in September. His trip tapped into ongoing concerns about China’s struggling economy and the flow-on impact on Australia. But the rapprochement has not dimmed security concerns posed by China’s increasingly aggressive tactics in the Indo-Pacific, which included confrontations with Australian naval forces and repeated clashes with Filipino vessels in the South China Sea this year that heightened fears of sparking a full-blown conflict. In the face of a drumbeat of negativity from economic analysts and investors, Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to reverse course in the second half of the year and began pursuing into his beleaguered housing sector. inaugurated drawing the ire of Beijing, which regards him as a “dangerous separatist” and responded by encircling the island. A second round of drills in October piled pressure onto Taiwan’s stretched defence systems. ’s Prime Minister as his government slid to record low approval ratings. His replacement in calling a snap election proved costly, leaving the governing Liberal Democratic Party scrambling to form a minority government. In November, on subversion charges under its Beijing-led national security crackdown, in a case that drew international condemnation for its perceived silencing of political dissent. It also reignited the . And in December, virtually imploded under President Yoon Suk Yeol who misread his electorate and fellow politicians, and only to have to . , he now awaits a court decision to confirm the parliamentary move. The year closed with the future of the Sino-American relationship, and hence global stability, facing a new era of uncertainty under the incoming second presidency of Donald Trump. Trump’s appointment of to key administration positions, and his , has set the stage for more turbulence between the two nations. After two failed attempts against Joko Widodo, Prabowo Subianto finally realised his decades-long dream of becoming president of . Widodo was constitutionally barred from running for a third term, so when his sniffing around for ways to run again went nowhere, the president and Prabowo teamed up for some win-win. Prabowo, the former son-in-law of late autocrat Suharto, enlisted Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to be his vice presidential running mate. Widodo then turned his back on his own party and threw his considerable political and popular weight behind his former enemy. Never mind his dodgy human rights track record as a military strongman, in a canter. After backroom deals with self-interested politicians and parties in the months leading up to October’s inauguration, the 73-year-old now sits atop a massive coalition, troubling democracy watchers. , too, underwent . Lee Hsien Loong stepped down in May after 20 years as prime minister, handing the reins to his deputy, Lawrence Wong. Wong inherited a middle power punching way above its weight division, a stable and wealthy nation in a region of regular upheaval. He is an erudite statesman and seems eminently capable, but he has shown little interest in loosening the government’s tight grip on free expression. leadership transition, meanwhile, was a bin fire. , which many Thais and observers consider a big-time cog in the self-serving military and royalist establishment. Pita Limjaroenrat’s Move Forward Party won the most votes in the 2023 election but was blocked from forming government by an unelected senate. Amid the chaos, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of controversial and once-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Vice President , President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, crossed into the unhinged. In October, she warned “Bong Bong” she would dig up his old man’s bones and throw them into the sea. Last month, she told the press of her if she was killed first. She really said this. The feud is unfolding amid investigations into Duterte’s alleged misuse of funds and her dad’s bloody “war on drugs”. It is not a great time for toxic politics in the Philippines, which is clashing almost weekly with China in the West Philippine Sea. In , which has its own claims to the South China Sea, To Lam inherited the job of Communist Party secretary-general after 80-year-old statesman . In his 12 years at the top (not to mention nearly three decades in the Politburo), Trong significantly reduced poverty rates, strengthened ties with the United States and implemented a fierce anti-corruption drive dubbed the “blazing furnace”. As is often the case in South-East Asia, and Communist regimes more broadly, he also preferred his dissenters in jail. Meanwhile, those who hoped leader Hun Manet’s considerable Western education might yield democratic changes . He was gifted the job by his ruthless and ageing father Hun Sen, who still pulls strings, only now as president of the Senate. If anything, the intimidation of opposition and arrests of protesters have only increased. The most high-profile arrest was journalist Mech Dara, whose reporting touched on the businesses of Ly Yong Phat, a senator, tycoon and Hun Sen adviser, . Dara was bailed several weeks after his October arrest after a coerced public apology, a typical ploy of the Huns’ regime that they think demonstrates their beneficence. , a nation with so much economic potential, continued to suffer repeated wrecking by military men. Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, still holds onto power through force despite serious losses to myriad armed opposition groups. ASEAN, a wet lettuce leaf among regional blocs, has been unable to bring the general to heel. Underscoring the complexity of this multi-front civil war, one of came at the hands of a group fighting the junta, when the Arakan Army slaughtered hundreds of innocent Rohingya Muslims near the border of Bangladesh in August. In recent weeks, however, two major armed rebel groups – Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and ally the Ta’ang National Liberation Army – signalled they were ready for peace talks. The most tragic case closer to Australia in South East Asia was the methanol poisoning of backpackers in in November, among them. , and investigations continue. The biggest election ever staged delivered a shock result in . Ahead of the national poll, concluded on June 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to romp home. But once the 642 million ballots were counted his , he needed to rely on other parties to control parliament. Modi has dominated Indian politics for the past decade, but now faces a more uncertain era of coalition government. Elsewhere on the subcontinent, 2024 was marked by political turmoil. In , Sheikh Hasina, prime minister for 20 of the past 28 years, was driven out by a vast display of people power on the streets of the capital city, Dhaka. After she made a dramatic escape to neighbouring India on August 5, her government was replaced by military-backed , an 84-year-old Nobel Laureate, economist and social entrepreneur. Yunus has the difficult task of building consensus for much-needed reforms and staging a fair election. There was political change in as well when the little-known former Marxist, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, emerged the surprise winner in a presidential election held in September. The country continues to grapple with the aftermath of a debilitating financial crisis in 2022. In the continues to roil politics and society. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), did surprisingly well in February elections and his supporters have since staged huge and sometime violent protests demanding his release. The power dynamics in the Middle East were dramatically reshaped this year, with on the ascendancy and its bitter rival, , substantially weakened. Iran’s President in May, and things only got worse from there for the hard-line rulers in Tehran. Israel and Iran traded missile fire at several points throughout the year, setting off fears of an all-out regional war. Thanks to Israel’s Iron Dome system and support from Western nations, the Iranian strikes caused minimal damage, while Iran’s missile-production capability was crippled. After the monumental intelligence failure of last year’s October 7 attacks, the Jewish state regrouped and achieved some significant strategic victories. The Israeli military assassinated the mastermind of the October 7 attacks, , in Gaza and Hezbollah leader in Beirut. After a year of tit-for-tat fighting on its border with Lebanon, Israel escalated the fight against Hezbollah. This began with the shock September against the Iranian proxy group and culminated in a ground invasion and air strikes on Lebanon. It ended on favourable terms for Israel, with Lebanese civilians paying a heavy price for a conflict many did not want to be involved in. Meanwhile, the devastating war in Gaza continues and there is still no clear vision for what will come when it is over. Almost 45,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war and over 100 Israeli hostages still remain in Gaza. In November, the against Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, reflecting widespread international horror at the war. At home, though, Netanyahu’s popularity has been creeping up. In the most surprising development of all, in a matter of days in December. Syrian rebels from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took advantage of Assad’s key allies – Russia and Iran – being distracted by fighting elsewhere and stormed into Damascus with remarkable ease. This has injected new uncertainty into the region, with Iran again the loser after losing a crucial ally in Assad. By contrast, ’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is emboldened and empowered after backing the rebel forces. This year was meant to culminate in an election rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. But after imploding on a debate stage in June, the ’ oldest president was forced to withdraw his bid for a second term, setting in motion one of the most extraordinary political comebacks in history. While Biden’s decision to upended the trajectory of the 2024 campaign and sparked fresh enthusiasm among voters, it was not enough to dent the anger millions of Americans felt over soaring cost-of-living pressures or immigration. In a victory so resounding even some Republicans were shocked, Trump not only won all seven battleground states, he also narrowly secured the popular vote and helped Republicans take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It was a remarkable turnaround for a former president who began the year facing 91 charges and four criminal trials: one in Washington for trying to subvert the 2020 election; one in Georgia for election interference in that state; another in Florida for mishandling classified documents; and one in New York for falsifying business records to cover up a . In the end, only the New York “hush money” trial would eventuate, resulting in Trump becoming the first convicted felon to run for the White House. A US Supreme Court decision to grant presidents substantial immunity for acts conducted in office helped him thwart all the other trials. Trump’s ascendancy was also fuelled by an at a rally in Pennsylvania – an event that shocked the world, reignited the debate over political violence, and created one of the most iconic images in political history. Two months later came – this time by a lone gunman hiding in the bushes of his golfing resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. In other North America news, environmental scientist Claudia Sheinbaum was elected ’s first female president; the war in Gaza sparked student uprisings at elite universities across the US; and Taylor Swift continued her global dominance, concluding her 149-show in after becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history. Interest in South America rose briefly in Australian minds last month owing to Prime Minister , for the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation annual summit, overshadowed by incoming US president Donald Trump’s economic agenda. Albanese then went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for this year’s G20. Neither , except to serve as further demonstration of in the region where it has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure. Take the new $5.6 billion port President Xi Jinping – who arrived pushing for an “orderly multipolar world” – inaugurated in Chancay, north of Lima. The intended continental logistics hub creates a direct route between Asia and South America across the Pacific Ocean. Apart from allowing Beijing to look beyond Australia and Asia for imports such as iron ore, wine and soybeans, the port could also, says the US, . China’s influence in the region could also extend to ground stations for Chinese satellites. In former president along with 36 others in a failed coup to reverse the last election and overthrow the government of President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva in a US Capitol-inspired takeover of Congress in 2022. He denies the charges, which add to his long list of legal woes. Lula, 79, had emergency brain surgery to relieve bleeding but was back to work in a few days. In the election of right-wing Trump-like disruptor and cloned-dog owner President provided some relief to the US, after to the alternative BRICS – the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa group that has evolved to admit myriad other countries, and hopes to launch an alternative trade currency to the US dollar. In new elections to power, but no one believed the results, which the opposition said were stolen and the UN human rights watchdog is investigating. The crisis-torn country was also in the headlines owing to campaign-mode In December, prominent human rights lawyer Claudio Grossman quit the International Criminal Court in The Hague over what he said was its failure to prosecute members of Maduro’s government for crimes against humanity. In early December, Argentina, Brazil, , and , under the bloc , signed a blockbuster free trade deal with the European Union. If ratified, it will create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering a market of 780 million people. But in France, the Netherlands and other countries with big dairy and beef industries, critics say it will create unfair competition. In , the year started with a large to discuss action against changes proposed by the new coalition government of Prime Minister Chris Luxon, including the watering down of policies previously designed to elevate Maori language and recognition. Tuheitia said the Treaty of Waitangi was not open for reinterpretation. , with King Charles leading the tributes, saying “a mighty tree has fallen”. His daughter, 27-year-old , was chosen by a council of 12 male elders to succeed him, over her two older brothers, although the crown is not automatically inherited. Tensions over the government’s “race-based” changes, and the introduction of a bill to reinterpret the treaty, spilt over when thousands participated in a , where that made headlines around the world. , in May after an electoral reform approved in Paris triggered protests and the . It sent hundreds of police to help stem the riots, including soldiers to secure the port and airports, which were closed, . . His government later blamed . Continuing its efforts to keep closer to Australia than to China, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese headed to PNG and along with Prime Minister James Marape, did a two-day Kokoda hike, complete with . It was all part of Anzac commemorations and soft diplomacy, which continues with the , helped along by . And a in later December, causing many deaths, hundreds of injuries and crippling the nation’s electricity, water and communications systems. – In , after the vote that ended apartheid and brought it to power. President Cyril Ramaphosa managed to retain his job after a coalition deal with the country’s second-biggest party, the Democratic Alliance. In added to evidence that two human species lived side-by-side 1.5 million years ago, in a closing reminder that humans are capable of getting along.lol 646 。

manley099/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images Introduction Pollard Banknote Limited ( TSX: PBL:CA ) ( OTCPK:PBKOF ) is a North American lottery and gaming solutions company that generates revenue through three primary business segments: lottery (76.4% of revenues), charitable gaming (12.8% of revenues) and eGaming systems (10.8% of revenues). Founded and Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Hopes for a Santa Claus rally on Wall Street fell Friday as tech stocks slid lower, while a weaker yen lifted Japanese equities. US indices slid lower at the opening bell, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite losing two percent during morning trading. Shares in Tesla were down over three percent in late morning trading while those in AI chipmaker NVIDIA shed around two percent. Wall Street stocks have historically performed well around the year-end holidays in what is popularly known as a Santa Claus rally. A Christmas Eve jump in equities got the Santa rally off to a flying start and indices barely budged in Thursday trading. Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare also pointed to an increase in 10-year US Treasury bond yields to around 4.6 percent, which he noted is an increase of nearly 0.9 percentage points since the US Federal Reserve made its first interest rate cut in September. "The Fed doesn't hold sway over longer-dated maturities like it does over shorter-dated securities, so the bump in rates at the back end of the curve is being watched with an anxious eye as a possible harbinger of a pickup in inflation and/or the budget deficit," O'Hare said. Wall Street stocks took a knock earlier this month when the Fed indicated it would likely cut interest rates less than it had previously expected to. That was in part because of uncertainty tied to the stated intention of incoming president Donald Trump to raise tariffs, which could boost inflation that is already proving sticky. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei index closed up nearly two percent, with the yen's recent weakness proving a boon for major exporters. The yen hit 158.08 per US dollar on Thursday evening -- its lowest in almost six months -- following comments made by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda that failed to give a clear signal on a possible interest rate increase next month. Recent data has showed Japan's inflation rose for a second month in December, while industrial production declined less than expected in November and retail sales came in higher than estimated last month. Japan's government also on Friday approved a record budget for the next fiscal year, ramping up spending on social welfare for its ageing population and on defence to tackle regional threats. In Seoul, the stock market closed down one percent after the won plunged to a nearly 16-year low of 1,487.03 against the dollar on Friday morning. South Korea is struggling to emerge from political turbulence in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration this month, which prompted his impeachment. Acting President Han Duck-soo was also impeached Friday in a vote that prompted governing party lawmakers to protest with angry chants and raised fists. South Korea's business outlook for January fell in the Bank of Korea's composite sentiment index, the biggest month-on-month slide since April 2020, according to data based on almost 3,300 firms released Friday. In Europe, Frankfurt's DAX index rose after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament on Friday and confirmed the expected date for the early general election, emphasising the need for "political stability" in Europe's largest economy. More from this section New York - Dow: DOWN 0.8 percent at 42,987.31 New York - S&P 500: DOWN 1.2 percent at 5,967.31 New York - Nasdaq Composite: DOWN 1.7 percent at 19,676.01 London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,149.78 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 1.0 percent at 7,355.37 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.7 percent at 19,984.32 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.8 percent at 40,281.16 points (close) Seoul - Kospi: DOWN 1.0 percent at 2,404.77 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.1 percent at 20,116.93 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,400.14 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0431 from $1.0424 on Thursday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2589 from $1.2526 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 157.53 yen from 158.00 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.85 pence from 83.19 pence West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.2 percent at $70.42 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.1 percent at $73.62 per barrel burs-rl/rlp

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NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Witcher 4 has entered “full-scale” production

Mickey, Minnie, Goffy and WembyFlag football uses talent camps to uncover new stars

Steve Yzerman expecting new coach Todd McLellan to get Red Wings back on track

Dejounte Murray is rejoining the Pelicans vs. Toronto and drawing inspiration from his mother

lol646ph If Lockheed Martin made a Game Boy, would you buy one? In the 1990s, I was among the kids who thought military aircraft were devastatingly cool. By then, Tom Cruise and had long established the F-14 Tomcat and a pair of aviator shades as ; I personally preferred the Lockheed F-117A, the high-tech angular “Stealth Fighter” that could invisibly sneak past enemy radar, and was partial to the legendary Lockheed SR-71 that flew so fast it could outrun missiles. At the time, I probably would have snapped up a jet-black Lockheed Game Boy without a second thought. But I’m old enough now to realize that cool aerodynamics are just the tip of a deadlier geopolitical iceberg. Lockheed makes , and I don’t have a say in who gets to buy them or who they’re used against. I don’t have a say in whether that tech should exist at all. I’ve been thinking about Lockheed Martin as I review a much simpler gadget: the ModRetro Chromatic. The Chromatic is a high-end remake of Nintendo’s Game Boy, and it might be the best version of a Game Boy ever made. But it’s connected to a company much like Lockheed: Anduril, the defense contractor that makes weaponized drones, networked surveillance systems, and other military tech. Both Anduril and ModRetro are founded by Palmer Luckey, the creator of the Oculus Rift VR headset. Luckey is now an , a devout anime and video game lover who reportedly stores his vast collection of games in a decommissioned US nuclear missile silo — one of . He plays with a lavish collection of military hardware including helicopters and a Mark V Special Operations Craft used by Navy SEALs. He once as a floating barefoot “visionary” with an Oculus headset atop his head, though these days he’s more likely to make headlines his version of the defense industry. He was the face of VR before Facebook kicked him out. (Luckey was an early and took flak for funding a single Hillary Clinton-trolling billboard; Mark Zuckerberg denied he was fired for his political views at the time; some Meta execs have for his ouster.) Many tech companies are involved with military projects in some shape or form. Google and Amazon have a contract with Israel for a “Project Nimbus” that , and Google for protesting that deal. Microsoft is currently working towards with a militarized version of its HoloLens headset. Meta use its Llama AI model. I think it’s fair to say few of us boycott these companies or even think about these things when we use their products. But where each of these companies can plausibly say “It’s just business” as they defend their cloud server contracts or , and it’s , this is a fun but unnecessary product from a man with a specific point of view on weapons, war, and politics. Luckey has twice hosted fundraisers for Donald Trump (in 2020 and 2024) at his own house. He publicly expresses the fervent (and self-serving) belief that tech companies should get in bed with the military. For Luckey, it’s not just business, it’s . And we’ve heard loud and clear that it’s personal for many of our readers, too. I’ve been testing the ModRetro Chromatic for over a month, and it’s good. I believe it’s the best, most luxurious way to play Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. But if the goal is to restore and preserve our childhood nostalgia, the Luckey connection throws a wrench in the works. What you’re about to read is a real review of an excellent product, one I genuinely enjoyed using — but one that left me feeling somewhat tortured in the process. For Luckey, the Game Boy itself is personal. It’s how he got his start. Before Anduril, before Facebook, before Oculus, Palmer Luckey was a teen who modded Nintendo Game Boys. “ModRetro” was the name of the very first thing he founded: an online forum for gaming hardware modders like himself. So as you’d expect, his company has some strong ideas about what a modern Game Boy should look like. Where seeks to update the Game Boy experience for the present day — with support for other handheld cartridges, ROMs, save states, a TV dock, and so on — the Chromatic stays squarely rooted in the handheld’s past. There are few modern amenities here. It’s designed to like a vintage Game Boy, only now with the rough edges sanded off. Nintendo’s easy-to-scratch casings, screen lenses, and buttons? They’re made of metal, sapphire, and PBT plastic now. Those hard-to-see screens? You now get a custom IPS display at the same size, resolution, and pixel structure as the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, one so bright you can play in direct sunlight like we did back in the day. It does come, however, with a brand-new copy of that optionally adds T-Spins, instant drops, and the ability to hold pieces for later, modernizing the classic game that famously came bundled with the original. At its heart, the Chromatic is an attempt to faithfully cross the original 1989 Game Boy with the 1998 Game Boy Color. There’s no SD card reader, no user-accessible operating system, no ability to add or play ROMs: when you slide the top-mounted power switch, it instantly boots your Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridge using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip that emulates an actual Game Boy’s processors. Like with the Analogue Pocket, the upshot is more responsive, quirk-free gameplay than software emulators allow. I’m a parent, and “I don’t have time for this shit” comes with the territory, so I immediately assumed I would miss “save states,” the feature that lets practically every video game emulator and retro handheld pause and resume your game at literally any moment. Then I fired up on an Analogue Pocket, and found I was wrong. I was on a pokémon-catching roll like never before. I caught Charmander, my daughter’s favorite pokémon, and for the first time in , I evolved it into a Charmeleon, then a Charizard, all without losing my ball. The stakes were high, so I reflexively tapped the Save State shortcut so I could retry if I failed. Immediately, the pressure was off — but I felt a chunk of my excitement vanish along with it. I caught those Pokemon fair and square without loading the save, but I’d of a pure victory, even if I didn’t wind up cheating the game. When I stuck that same game back into the Chromatic, a handheld without save states, the excitement came back. This is the way the game is meant to be played, and those stakes are there by design. That’s the experience ModRetro wants you to have, and the only one you’ll get. Ditching that modern amenity is a choice, and it isn’t for everyone. It’s just one of many ways the Chromatic feels more authentic. Even though it’s a mash-up of two different Game Boy models, it instantly feels familiar in ways the Analogue doesn’t, from the sliding power switch and volume dial (the Analogue has you hold down closely spaced digital buttons and takes longer to start a game) to the button layout and feel. The Chromatic is basically the size of a Game Boy Color, with the same bulging battery compartment curve providing a rounded perch for your fingers to rest. But it’s clearly been designed for those who appreciate the original 1989 model too. It’s got the original’s iconic slanted, cake-sprinkle Start and Select buttons, its glossy domed A and B buttons, its larger D-pad, its more protected cartridge slot, and the rounded lower-right corners of its flat-faced chassis and cover glass. All of them bring me back to the handheld that made me a gamer. I wonder if they bring Luckey back to his early days, too. Because while ModRetro appears to have made a and is currently , this bespoke device is not exactly what ModRetro was originally created to make. Luckey cut his teeth turning Game Boys and GameCubes into arguably better, more portable versions of themselves by reusing bits of old and new electronics. “It’s a lot of fun because it’s about taking old technology and then cutting out the old parts, replacing them with new parts and making it into something that was never possible before,” he told in 2014. The ModRetro Chromatic is all custom, though, right down to its in-house screen. Still, ModRetro’s original approach to development has been on display throughout Luckey’s professional history. Luckey’s key insight with the Oculus Rift was that low-cost smartphone components could finally make VR accessible, a belief , too. Repurposed commercial supply chains are also Anduril’s pitch to become the world’s most efficient weapons manufacturer, “so that the same processes used to build fiberglass bathtubs can just as easily be reconfigured to build missile airframes,” in August. With that approach, Anduril has rapidly built out an arsenal in just seven years, including multiple drones that can kill — one is a “loitering munition” that remotely dive-bombs a target, another effectively a recoverable ground-to-air missile. When I look at the Chromatic and its prominent “MODRETRO” logo right above the screen, often I just see an excellent Game Boy. But sometimes I see the latest high-tech product from a man who makes high-tech missiles. At this point, you might be wondering: just how excellent is this hardware to justify all this soul-searching? Let’s start with build quality: The Chromatic’s pixel-perfect screen isn’t strictly necessary: I generally had just as good a time on the Analogue Pocket’s bigger, higher resolution display if I enabled the right filters and color palettes, though I did appreciate that the Chromatic got the Game Boy Color feel just right out of the box. The Chromatic even by holding down buttons at boot. There are also some ways it’s not completely faithful to the original Game Boys, just FYI: And there were a few minor disappointments too. Mostly, I wish it worked a little better in quiet bedrooms and loud airplanes. The buttons and even the D-pad click louder than any of my old Game Boys, yet the 3.5mm headphone jack volume is the of the pack. I could barely hear its chiptunes over the din of the plane, and I couldn’t compensate with my noise-canceling Bose QC25 since the Chromatic doesn’t have a four-pole headset jack. ModRetro also advertises the Chromatic as “indestructible,” and if that sounds like marketing bluster, you’re at least half right. I dropped the Chromatic twice onto concrete, from 4.5 feet, and it came away with only minor dents, and I was impressed. But ModRetro also has getting run over by a car. When I ran it over with car, the screen shattered. The frame is now badly bent. I was also a tad disappointed to find the Chromatic’s USB-C port isn’t as potent as promised. While the company advertised USB-C video output and using the do-it-all port, it turns out the Chromatic can only present itself as a webcam for desktop-style video recording, and NiMH AA charging didn’t make the cut. ModRetro CEO Torin Herndon, who was an engineer at Anduril from 2017 to 2021, tells me the company is beginning production on an optional rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, but won’t talk price, capacity, or runtime just yet. That said, I actually find I prefer AAs. At 50 percent brightness — far higher than I needed on the plane — I saw over eight hours from a set of Ikea-branded Panasonic Eneloop rechargeables, or closer to seven hours from Amazon Basics alkalines. That same brand of alkalines gave me over 12 hours at the second-lowest brightness setting, the dimmest I’d want to use in the daytime, and just under five hours at max brightness and max volume. And again, you can simply plug the Chromatic into a USB port if you’re ever running low on charge, then drop in new AAs without losing your game. There’s really no question in my mind that this handheld is the best retro Game Boy yet made, the one that best captures the physical feeling I had playing Game Boy as a kid. I remasters because they can let you recapture that childhood joy, playing with or you think you remember instead of the one that actually existed. But I don’t remember my childhood nostalgia coming with a side of possible guilt and fear about putting money into the pocket of a weapons contractor. Feels weird! Even practically, I wonder who, outside of a handful of 1989 handheld lovers like me, would want a handheld that plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color carts. Many of the best games are expensive and hard to find in physical form — and the best titles can easily command $100 each — and it’d be a more compelling gadget if it could play the arguably better library of Game Boy Advance titles as well. The Analogue Pocket does. Luckey has said he wants to expand that original Game Boy library. Game developers never quite stopped making homebrew games for the Game Boy, and ModRetro is one of the few now publishing them on actual carts. Every Chromatic comes with a new copy of , and you can , including a new version of and , sequels to and , and my personal favorite, the grindy JRPG with some excellent tunes and pixel art. This chiptune in particular, Dragonyhm’s “Gonrad Forest,” captivated me at once: If you feel weird about ModRetro, you should know these games aren’t exclusive to the Chromatic, either — they played perfectly well plugged into an Analogue Pocket or a Game Boy Color, and some even worked on my 1989 original. Some may be available to . If you just want to try them, many have you can try in an emulator, or even , like this: It’s not clear to me how serious Luckey is about funding a new era of Game Boy. For one thing, the Chromatic is already sold out at his website, and he isn’t making any more, but will focus on releasing new games while it builds in terms of hardware instead. ( is still available at GameStop, for now.) Second, as far as I can tell, all of ModRetro’s games beyond were already in development; some, like , were already . Developing new games isn’t currently a company goal: “We are typically looking for games deep in development at this time, and try to push them across the finish line into being a full-on physical good,” Herndon tells me. He says ModRetro largely pays to create cartridges, boxes, and manuals, and gives developers a “pretty awesome” percentage of sales. The pre-release carts that ModRetro sent me also had a couple issues that are hopefully getting ironed out: I mysteriously lost my entire save in , and was missing a key bugfix the developer made almost a year ago. also booted into a full screen glitch the first few times I started it up, but it seems to be working now. Even when people love the idea of revisiting the Game Boy and supporting retro game development, I suspect most will see a $200 handheld that makes you individually swap pricy cartridges as a luxury they can’t afford — not when every iPhone and a mountain of Chinese emulator handhelds can play the same games, ones they can (illicitly) download for free. And if you find the Analogue Pocket isn’t vintage enough for your tastes, you could always do what I just did and add a modern backlit screen to your genuine Nintendo Game Boy. It won’t be pixel-perfect, but it might be good enough for me: This is one of the more difficult reviews I’ve ever had to write, because I have no qualms recommending the ModRetro Chromatic on the strength of its hardware, which justifies its $200 price. It feels more like the Game Boy I remember than many of Nintendo’s actual handhelds when I pick them up today. But like the Tesla Cybertruck, it’s also very much the product of one person in particular, a person who stands for things that might clash with your ideals, and it could wind up being a symbol that you don’t terribly mind any of that, even if you actually do. Luckey a Pepperdine University audience that it’s not a bad thing to celebrate the power of weapons, saying that “societies have always needed a warrior class that is enthused and excited about enacting violence on others in pursuit of good aims,” and that “you need people like me who are sick in that way and who don’t lose any sleep making tools of violence.” He explained that his company is named Anduril after Aragorn’s sword in partly because that sword was “inherently good,” and “wielded only by the kingdom of man against the hordes of Mordor.” Real life contains no inherently good drones or inherently good missiles. And two major throughlines of Tolkien’s work are that war is hideous and that power inevitably corrupts. The joy I find playing with fake swords in the ModRetro Chromatic is now weirdly intertwined with a general fear: that Anduril’s real weapons might be misused. I won’t suggest that niche $200 Game Boys are actually those weapons in any meaningful way, but these still aren’t emotions I associate with my childhood Nintendo experience. That means the Chromatic isn’t the ultimate Game Boy, even if it has the best build quality and the best screen. There’s still room for a better pair of rose-tinted glasses than the ones Luckey has paid to create.'Iran won’t retreat in the face of any power'

Humble running back spreads credit for success around after historic performance against the Rams.ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Kaylene Smikle scored 16 points and made a couple key baskets down the stretch to help No. 10 Maryland hold off George Mason 66-56 in a matchup of unbeatens Saturday at the Navy Classic. The Terrapins (7-0) led by just two when Smikle stole the ball and made a layup while being fouled. The free throw pushed the lead to 58-53. Then a putback by Smikle put Maryland up by seven. The Terps won despite shooting 13 of 26 on free throws. George Mason (6-1) trailed by 10 at halftime before outscoring Maryland 18-7 in the third quarter. The Patriots' final lead was 49-48 in the fourth after a jumper by Kennedy Harris. Harris led George Mason with 26 points. Maryland is off to its best start since winning its first 12 games in 2018-19. George Mason: The Patriots have lost all nine meetings with Maryland, but it's been more competitive of late. The Terps won 86-77 last year, and this game was more competitive than the final score suggested. Maryland: After a down season by their standards, the Terps are off to a nice start, but the free-throw problems in this game nearly cost them. With the score 55-53, George Mason had a chance to tie, but the Patriots never really recovered after Smikle swiped the ball from Harris and went the other way for a three-point play with 3:08 remaining. Although Maryland was awful at the line, at least the Terps got there. George Mason was only 3 of 8 from the stripe, and the Terps held the Patriots to 32% shooting from the field. George Mason faces Navy in this event Sunday. Maryland takes on Toledo. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/md

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FAQ's Q.1 What are the main factors influencing the Psoriasis Drugs market? Q.2 Which companies are the major sources in this industry? Q.3 What are the market's opportunities, risks, and general structure? Q.4 Which of the top Psoriasis Drugs Market companies compare in terms of sales, revenue, and prices? Q.5 Which businesses serve as the Psoriasis Drugs market's distributors, traders, and dealers? Q.6 How are market types and applications and deals, revenue, and value explored? Q.7 What does a business area's assessment of agreements, income, and value implicate? Author of this marketing PR: Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. 📌Contact Us: Mr. Shah Coherent Market Insights Pvt. Ltd, 📞U.S.: +1-206-701-6702 📞U.K.: +44-020-8133-4027 📞AUS: +61-2-4786-0457 📞INDIA: +91-848-285-0837 ✉ Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. This release was published on openPR.

President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/md

They say a “word” is more than just a string of letters or sounds laced together. It is the building block of communication, a basin for thought, culture and identity. Words carry meaning, evoke emotions and create connections. They are central to everything from casual conversations to academic discourse, from literature to social media posts. Words are the pivotal means through which we express ideas, feelings and intentions. In their conventional form, words are often precise, well-constructed and capable of conveying nuance. Each word holds import, and its meaning is understood within a shared cultural and linguistic context. However, as technology is reshaping how we communicate, the way we use words has also transformed. Shortened words and acronyms, such as “omg” (oh my god), and “brb” (be right back), began as ways to save time and space in digital communication. With character limits on early text messaging platforms and the desire for quick exchanges, people found shortcuts that allowed them to express complex emotions and ideas with fewer characters. Over time, these abbreviations became a part of popular culture, spilling over into everyday speech and even formal writing. What is more is that contemporary times have introduced a new wave of such expressions. Terms like “fomo” (fear of missing out) and “yolo” (you only live once) have become banal, often used by Gen Z to convey sentiments in a catchy and epigrammatic way. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and TikTok thrive on quick, amusing content and the language used within these spaces reflects that need for brevity. But beyond the internet’s influence, language in the real world has also been shortened for convenience. Think of how words like “hashtag” and “adulting” have entered the common lexicon, or how “Netflix and chill” has become a permeating phrase for casual encounters. Even in the professional realm, “ASAP” (As Soon As Possible) and “FYI” (For Your Information) are now part of everyday office conversation. The rise of short forms can be seen as a progressive development in some ways. First, they are efficient. In a world where time is usually in short supply, being able to convey a thought or sentiment in a few characters can be incredibly valuable. Shortened language allows for quick communication, which is particularly vital in fast-paced settings such as the business world, emergency situations and online discourse. Moreover, these compressed forms can make communication more accessible. They bridge generational gaps, allowing Gen Z to connect in ways that are relevant to their time. These forms also democratize language, making it easier for people from different linguistic backgrounds or literacy levels to engage with digital spaces. Despite these benefits, there are valid concerns about the impact of truncated language on the depth and richness of communication. The more frequently people use abbreviations, the less they may engage with the full complexity of language. Shortened forms, by nature, lack the subtlety and precision of fully articulated words. As people rely more on acronyms, emojis and shorthand, the vocabulary used in everyday speech and writing may shrink, limiting the ability to express complex ideas or emotions. Furthermore, in academic and professional settings, the need for precision and thorough explanation makes the use of shorthand inappropriate and potentially unprofessional. Besides, the use of reductions can marginalize those who are not familiar with contemporary slang or the specific codes of a particular group. The reliance on internet reductions or regional slang may exclude people who do not have the same cultural context or familiarity with certain terms, creating a divide between those who are “in the know” and those who are not. Perhaps, the rise of contracted words and acronyms is neither entirely good nor bad. It reflects how language evolves in response to the needs of a fast-changing world. It promotes efficiency and accessibility. But it also erodes the depth and precision that are vital for rich creative communication. The key lies in balance. Compressed language should be used prudently, reserving its place for informal communication, while warranting that creative, nuanced language remains a bedrock of formal and thoughtful discourse. The challenge moving forward is to accept the gains of linguistic innovation without sacrificing the richness that language offers as a tool for connection, expression and understanding.None

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lol646m ph Former US President Jimmy Carter dead at 100All Wright scores 26 and Valparaiso earns 93-77 win over Central MichiganVALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AVITA Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCEL, ASX: AVH), a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company focused on first-in-class devices for wound care management and skin restoration, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its premarket approval (PMA) supplement for RECELL GO® mini. As a line extension of the RECELL GO system, the RECELL GO mini disposable cartridge is designed specifically to treat smaller wounds up to 480 square centimeters, compared to the standard RECELL GO disposable cartridge, which treats an area of 1,920 square centimeters. RECELL GO mini addresses a critical need in the full-thickness skin defect market, which includes a high volume of smaller wounds. As part of the RECELL GO platform, RECELL GO mini uses the same multi-use processing device as the standard disposable cartridge but features a modified cartridge optimized for smaller skin samples that reduces resource use and minimizes waste. This design provides an entry point for clinicians who may not have previously used the RECELL GO platform for smaller wounds, enabling broader accessibility and use in trauma and burn centers. “The FDA approval of RECELL GO mini strengthens our ability to provide clinicians with fit-for-purpose solutions that meet the diverse needs of patients with full-thickness wounds,” said Jim Corbett, Chief Executive Officer of AVITA Medical. “By introducing a treatment option specifically for smaller wounds, we are expanding the accessibility of RECELL to a wider range of patients. We believe this addition will drive greater adoption across trauma centers, where smaller wounds are common, and support our broader growth strategy.” The company expects RECELL GO mini to serve as a growth driver within the broader RECELL GO platform, further advancing AVITA Medical’s strategy to expand its impact on patient care. Rollout will begin with trauma and burn centers that currently treat smaller wounds during the first quarter of 2025. The PMA supplement follows the original PMA of RECELL Autologous Cell Harvesting Device and subsequent PMA supplements. About AVITA Medical, Inc. AVITA Medical is a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company transforming the standard of care in wound care management and skin restoration with innovative devices. At the forefront of our platform is the RECELL System, approved by the FDA for the treatment of thermal burn wounds and full-thickness skin defects, and for repigmentation of stable depigmented vitiligo lesions. RECELL harnesses the regenerative properties of a patient’s own skin to create Spray-On SkinTM Cells, delivering a transformative solution at the point-of-care. This breakthrough technology serves as the catalyst for a new treatment paradigm enabling improved clinical outcomes. In the United States, AVITA Medical also holds the exclusive rights to market, sell, and distribute PermeaDerm®, a biosynthetic wound matrix, and Cohealyx, an AVITA Medical-branded collagen-based dermal matrix. In international markets, the RECELL System is approved to promote skin healing in a wide range of applications including burns, full-thickness skin defects, and vitiligo. The RECELL System, excluding RECELL GOTM, is TGA-registered in Australia, has received CE mark approval in Europe, and has PMDA approval in Japan. To learn more, visit www.avitamedical.com . Forward-Looking Statements Th is press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements generally may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “look forward,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “project,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “future,” and similar words or expressions, and the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the timing and realization of regulatory approvals of our products; physician acceptance, endorsement, and use of our products; anticipated market share growth and revenue generation from certain products; failure to achieve the anticipated benefits from approval of our products; the effect of regulatory actions; product liability claims; risks associated with international operations and expansion; and other business effects, including the effects of industry, as well as other economic or political conditions outside of the Company’s control. These statements are made as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these statements, except as required by law. For additional information and other important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, please see the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and other publicly available filings for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. Authorized for release by the Chief Financial Officer of AVITA Medical, Inc. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b6b7df71-e67c-4a6e-847c-bdcca54fad27 Investor & Media Contact: Jessica Ekeberg Phone +1-661-904-9269 investor@avitamedical.com media@avitamedical.com

As Ricoh Group celebrates another year of sustainability excellence, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower businesses and individuals to work smarter and contribute to a more sustainable world. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and responsible leadership, Ricoh is setting a high standard for sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit. With its continued commitment to sustainability, Ricoh is poised to make a lasting impact on the global business landscape and create a more sustainable future for all.For those looking to boost their Mac Mini's processing power, the ORICO Mini Series also offers solutions for upgrading RAM and adding additional peripherals. Whether you need to increase memory capacity for faster performance or connect multiple devices simultaneously, ORICO has you covered with high-quality and reliable accessories.Beach Pace Poised to Lead as Hillsboro's New Mayor, Bringing Military Experience and Community Advocacy to the 2025 Term

By BILL BARROW, Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report.Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.

Justin Baldoni ’s lawyer is speaking out again after Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing the It Ends With Us director and star of sexual harassment — and of launching a “social manipulation” campaign against her to “destroy” her reputation. “TAG PR operated as any other crisis management firm would when hired by a client experiencing threats by two extremely powerful people with unlimited resources,” Bryan Freedman said in a statement to Us Weekly . (TAG PR, also known as The Agency Group PR, was hired by Baldoni and is one of several firms named in the lawsuit.) Freedman continued, “The standard scenario planning TAG PR drafted proved unnecessary as audiences found Lively’s own actions, interviews and marketing during the promotional tour distasteful, and responded organically to that which the media themselves picked up on.” In the statement, Freedman claimed that the text exchanges between Baldoni and his PR team in the lawsuit were taken out of context. “It’s ironic that the New York Times , through their effort to ‘uncover’ an insidious PR effort, played directly into the hands of Lively’s own dubious PR tactics by publishing leaked personal text exchanges that lack critical context — the very same tactics she’s accusing the firm of implementing,” Freedman concluded. The lengthy court documents filed on Friday, December 20, were first published by The New York Times on Saturday, December 21. The docs reference “thousands of pages of text messages and emails” that Lively reportedly obtained through a subpoena — though Freedman now claims they were leaked. In response to that claim and Freedman’s newest statement, a member of Lively’s legal team tells Us : “The subpoena disclosed and referenced in the Complaint was served on Jonesworks LLC. The internal documents referred to in the Complaint were produced subject to that subpoena. We expect that further details regarding the subpoena process will be disclosed during discovery.” One of the alleged text messages making headlines include a publicist working with the studio and Baldoni writing to a crisis management expert, “He wants to feel like she can be buried.” The paperwork goes on to allege that “this plan went well beyond standard crisis PR,” claiming Baldoni’s team proposed a concept called “‘astroturfing,’ which has been defined as ‘the practice of publishing opinions or comments on the internet, in the media, etc. that appear to come from ordinary members of the public but actually come from a particular company or political group.’” According to the docs, Baldoni “set the narrative for the social media campaign.” In one example, Baldoni appeared to use a social media post about Hailey Bieber “that had accused another female celebrity of bullying women.” Baldoni wrote in the text, “This is what we would need.” Baldoni also mentioned Taylor Swift while messaging with his crisis management team, with a scenario planning document from Baldoni’s side seemingly stating, “Our team can also explore planting stories about the weaponization of feminism and how people like Taylor Swift, have been accused of utilizing these tactics to ‘bully’ into getting what they want.” According to the docs, Lively experienced a series of inappropriate actions on set, from Baldoni allegedly adding sex scenes and nudity to the script to making crude comments to unwanted kisses in scenes between their two characters. As a result, Lively and several cast members opted to do press independently from Baldoni, in addition to unfollowing him on social media. Fans started to notice the rift around the August release date, which worried Baldoni. When “nearly all cast members chose to appear in public separately from Mr. Baldoni given his on-set behavior,” per the docs, Baldoni allegedly “became concerned that the public would discover that “something is much bigger under the surface.” You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News He went on to allegedly alter his own social media strategy, too. “After the Film’s premiere, Mr. Baldoni changed his Instagram profile, cancelled lighthearted social media posts, and instructed his team to look for survivors reactions and support — all in an effort to quickly shift his own public narrative to focus solely on survivors and domestic violence organizations,” the docs state. Following the lawsuit being filed, Freedman called Lively’s accusations “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious” in a statement to Us , claiming that Lively filed the lawsuit to “fix her negative reputation” and “rehash a narrative” about the film’s production. Us reached out to Lively’s rep for comment but did not immediately hear back. In a statement to The New York Times regarding her lawsuit, Lively said, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”Title: Gold Prices Surge! International and Domestic Gold Prices Soar, Gold Jewelry Price Rises by 7 RMB per Gram

Blockmate Ventures Announces Closing of Strategic Investment and Incentive GrantMiller puts up 24, SMU downs Longwood 98-82

7. **Poor Infrastructure Development:** Basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public transportation have been neglected under Governor Larragus, leading to widespread inconvenience and discomfort for residents.Exxon Mobil and Chevron are jumping into the race to power artificial intelligence data centers, as the two oil majors bet tech companies will ultimately turn to natural gas to meet their tremendous energy needs. Exxon unveiled plans this week to build a natural gas plant to power a data center. The oil major says it would then use carbon capture and storage technology to reduce the emissions of the plant by 90%. "We're working with other large cap industrials to rapidly deploy a solution that would provide both high reliability and low carbon intensity power to meet the growing demand for computing... Spencer Kimball

With ‘A Complete Unknown,’ James Mangold Makes Movie — and Music — Magic Again

The man who ended Nadal's career helps the Netherlands beat Germany to reach the Davis Cup finalIn addition to the immediate impact on patient care, the inclusion of these 13 rare disease drugs in the medical insurance scheme sends a strong message about the government's commitment to advancing healthcare equity in China. By recognizing the unique needs of individuals with rare diseases and taking concrete steps to address them, the government is demonstrating its dedication to ensuring that all citizens have equal access to essential medical treatments, regardless of their socioeconomic status or the rarity of their condition.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- BML Properties Ltd. today expressed its disappointment in the bankruptcy filing by CCA Construction Inc., formerly known as China Construction America (“CCA”). Sarkis Izmirlian, chair of BML Properties Ltd. and the original developer of the Baha Mar resort in Nassau, Bahamas, said, “This is just another example of CCA, and its multibillion-dollar parent company China State Construction Engineering Corporation (“CSCEC”) attempting to evade responsibility for its actions by hiding behind a Chapter 11 proceeding.” In October 2024, New York Supreme Court Justice Borrock handed down a 74-page decision against CCA and its affiliates detailing multiple instances of fraud and usurping funds at the highest levels of CCA related to Baha Mar, and awarded over $1.6 billion to BML Properties. The judgement clearly states that: “I am confident that both the bankruptcy judge and the New York appellate court will see CCA for what it is, a company fraudulently managed by bad actors. We will take every step necessary to enforce our rights against CCA and all those who orchestrated CCA’s frauds, including its parent CSCEC,” said Izmirlian. Note to the Editor: China State Construction Engineering Corporation (“CSCEC”) is majority owned by the Chinese Government and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under ticker 601668. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223548413/en/ CONTACT: Sissy DeMaria-Koehne Cultivate PR 305.608.5350 sdemaria@cultivate-pr.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK CHINA UNITED STATES CARIBBEAN BAHAMAS NORTH AMERICA ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUILDING SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE LABOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT SOURCE: BML Properties Ltd. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 05:41 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 05:42 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223548413/en

DALLAS (AP) — Boopie Miller scored 24 points and added seven assists and Yohan Traoire posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to help power SMU to its seventh straight win, closing out its nonconference schedule with a 98-82 victory over Longwood on Sunday. The Mustangs (11-2) shot 62% from the field for the game, knocking down 10 of 20 shots from behind the 3-point arc to earn their seventh win in eight home games. Longwood (11-4) stayed close by taking advantage of 20 SMU turnovers and 10 steals. Elijah Tucker's jumper with 11:37 left pulled the Lancers within seven, 69-62, but the Mustangs answered with a 14-1 run to take a 20-point lead. Miller knocked down 6 of 7 shots from the field, including both of his 3-point attempts, and was 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. Traore was 7 of 10 from the floor, including 2 of 4 from deep, and was 4 for 4 at the line. Matt Cross added 19 points and Chuck Harris chipped in 12 points off the bench. Tucker finished with 20 points and six rebounds to lead Longwood. Coby Garland posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 assists and Emanuel Richards finished with 12 points off the bench. SMU, off to a 2-0 start in its first season of Atlantic Coast Conference play, hosts No. 4 Duke on Saturday. Longwood opens Big South Conference play Thursday at home against Presbyterian. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

South Korea's political landscape has been thrown into further turmoil as the National Assembly passed a resolution calling for the swift arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol. This decision reflects the deepening crisis gripping the nation's leadership and raises serious concerns about the stability of the government.

ARTIFICIAL intelligence is taking over dating apps after years of user backlash and exhaustion, according to a bold prediction by officials at Tinder. Tinder , the most popular dating app in the world, is shifting toward new technology as users are becoming burnt out on internet romance. In a recent survey conducted by Forbes , 78 percent of respondents reported feeling "emotionally, mentally, or physically exhausted" by dating apps . Match Group , a tech company that owns online dating services including Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge, says an AI shift is exactly what the apps need to reignite excitement in users. "AI is going to transform the dating experience," Tinder executive Bernard Kim said at a recent investors meeting, according to the Financial Times . "It’s going to enable us to make all aspects of the online dating journey better." READ MORE ON APPS In preliminary efforts to improve the app experience, Tinder has started to test a trial requirement for users to upload pictures of their faces, which is currently optional in most regions. The app is also testing a check that uses biometric scans to ensure that users' profile pictures aren't fake. Faye Iosotaluno, the CEO of Tinder, also said on investor day that the app is trying an "AI-enabled discovery feature” that would suggest people's matches based on pictures and quizzes. Tinder already uses AI to help its users pick the best pictures to use in their profiles. Most read in News Tech However, the steps toward innovation didn't stop the app's slow descent over the years as sales dropped and digital dating fatigue grew. A year ago, Tinder launched a pricy subscription plan called Tinder Select that allowed users to send messages to profiles without matching with them first. The model sparked a backlash as critics worried that the plan removed consent from the user experience and created opportunities for stalking and harassment. However, users have to meet a specific criteria and go through an application process to be eligible for Tinder Select. Tinder isn't the only dating platform considering AI advancements. Hinge CEO Justin McLeod said at Match's investor day that the Tinder rival plans to create personalized dating coaches for users with the help of AI. Artificial intelligence is a highly contested issue, and it seems everyone has a stance on it. Here are some common arguments against it: Loss of jobs - Some industry experts argue that AI will create new niches in the job market, and as some roles are eliminated, others will appear. However, many artists and writers insist the argument is ethical, as generative AI tools are being trained on their work and wouldn't function otherwise. Ethics - When AI is trained on a dataset, much of the content is taken from the Internet. This is almost always, if not exclusively, done without notifying the people whose work is being taken. Privacy - Content from personal social media accounts may be fed to language models to train them. Concerns have cropped up as Meta unveils its AI assistants across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. There have been legal challenges to this: in 2016, legislation was created to protect personal data in the EU, and similar laws are in the works in the United States. Misinformation - As AI tools pulls information from the Internet, they may take things out of context or suffer hallucinations that produce nonsensical answers. Tools like Copilot on Bing and Google's generative AI in search are always at risk of getting things wrong. Some critics argue this could have lethal effects - such as AI prescribing the wrong health information. “Dating isn’t easy," McLeod told investors, according to CNN . "Many people using the app don’t get that first match and don’t know why — whether it’s their photos, not sending enough likes or taking too long to ask a match on a date. "A dating coach can step in with personalized suggestions." ON A HINGE McLeod said that Hinge plans to fully embrace AI in the coming future with the same goals as Tinder. “While AI is not going to be a panacea when it comes to the very deeply and personal problem of love, I can tell you that it is going to transform the dating app experience, taking it from a do-it-yourself platform to an expertly guided journey that leads to far better outcomes and much better value to our daters,” he said. As AI expands to help daters find their perfect matches on dating apps, users can also take warning against scammers who use AI to prowl dating apps to manipulate or steal from victims. However, social scientist Liesel Sharabi told CNN that daters are still in the "early stages" of embracing AI. Read More on The US Sun “The platforms are still figuring out its role in the online dating experience, but it really does have the potential to transform this space," Sharabi said. Tinder hasn't responded to The U.S. Sun's request for comment.Juan Soto buttoned up his Mets threads for the first time on Thursday afternoon and explained his reasons for changing sides of New York went beyond the 15-year, $765 million contract. "What they had done the last couple of years, they have shown all of the ability to keep winning, to keep growing a team to try to grow a dynasty," Soto said Thursday. "What you were seeing from the other side was unbelievable. The vibes and everything, the feel and future this team has had a lot to do with my decision." Seated at a table with agent Scott Boras at his left and Mets general manager David Stearns to his right between Soto and franchise owner Steve Cohen, the coveted free agent said he enjoyed the courtship of multiple teams but opted against returning to the Yankees or joining one of their American League East rivals. The Blue Jays and Red Sox also met with Soto. Since the free agency process started, Soto all but tuned out the Yankees. Asked if he talked to anyone with his former team on Thursday, Soto said "I haven't talked to any of those guys. We talked to them through the playoffs, at the end of the playoffs. After that, I made this process, I haven't talked to any of those (guys)." Cohen, a billionaire who made his riches in hedge funds, felt the Mets would lure Soto away from the Yankees if they were able to make the pitch more personal. He said he was persistent and made sure Soto knew the Mets meant business all the way to the finish line. A second meeting with Soto, when the Mets said they learned about the slugger as a person and family man, Cohen felt the Mets sealed the deal. "We want to show them we're not just an executive, show them who we were -- have a personal touch and act like you care about the person, which I do," he said. Soto, 26, joins the Mets -- his fourth team since breaking into MLB with the Nationals in 2018 -- after spending one season with the crosstown rival Yankees, who gave the outfielder a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer that was turned down back on Nov. 19. The New York Post reported that the Yankees were willing to fork out $760 million over 16 years to bring back Soto, but the Mets ended up outbidding them. Soto helped the Yankees reach the World Series in 2024 after hitting .288 with a career-high 41 home runs along with 109 RBIs in 157 regular-season games. In the Fall Classic, Soto posted a .313 average and blasted a solo shot to account for his only RBI of the series, a five-game set that the Los Angeles Dodgers took 4-1. The Dodgers made baseball's biggest splash last offseason, signing free agent Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract. Shortly after the signing, however, reports surfaced that Ohtani was deferring $68 million of the $70 million he is due each season, with Los Angeles paying the two-way star through 2043. In 936 career games across seven major league seasons with the Nationals (2018-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Yankees (2024), Soto has clubbed 201 homers, racked up 592 RBIs and is a .285 hitter. --Field Level Medialol646 casino 。

Gund ( Kangan), Dec 28: Assistance rendered to stranded tourists by locals in Gund has won the praise of people. Over the years Kashmiri people are known for hospitality and brotherhood and the same was showcased on Friday when the heavy snowfall closed the roads for hundreds of tourists who were on a visit to famous tourist destination of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. The help and assistance to the tourists stranded amid the snowfall by local Muslims painted a portrait of communal peace and Kashmir’s old syncretic ethos. These qualities, with which Kashmiri people have always been identified, have created a special place for them, in the hearts of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy snowfall on Friday evening brought normal life to a standstill in Kashmir, and left hundreds of tourists stranded in between the Kangan and Sonamarg tourist destinations due to the slippery roads. With road conditions worsening and vehicles slipping on the snow, the visitors found themselves with no way to continue their journey leaving hundreds of tourists trapped in the area. The local residents of tehsil Gund in the Ganderbal district, particularly areas like Gund, Kullan, Rayil, Gagangir, Sonamarg, Haknar and HariGaniwan , stepped forward to offer crucial help to stranded tourists. With the Jammu and Kashmir policemen seen extending a helping hand to the stranded tourists in the face of these challenges, local communities including Civil Society Tehsil Gund members , Jamia Auqaf committees, volunteers demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, with many opening their homes to the stranded tourists, providing them with warmth, shelter, and food. The stranded tourists were also provided accommodation in Jamia Masjid Gund by the local committee. Apart from providing accommodation, the local residents came on roads serving stranded tourists with warm water, tea and rice. Many Kashmiri families were seen serving tea and water along the road from Gagengar to Hariganiwan. “They are our guests and it is our responsibility to make sure they don’t face any inconvenience, “ Mehraj ud din Khan, a local resident told Greater Kashmir . The gesture shown by the local Kashmiri people to the tourists has won praise from people across the country. The tourists, while praising the hospitality and warmth shown by the people here said that they were touched by the hospitality and help from the people during their tough times while being stuck amid the snow . “The kindness of the locals was heartwarming, we won’t ever forget this in our life, “said a tourist from Maharashtra. “When our vehicle got stuck, we had nowhere to go, but the local people at Gund invited us to their homes. Their generosity in such difficult conditions will stay with us forever,”a tourist from Malaysia told Greater Kashmir . “The people of Kashmir are incredibly kind and this has been an unforgettable experience and memory for us,” said another tourist family. In addition to the local residents’ efforts, police , SDRF, civil administration and army teams also played a crucial role in assisting stranded tourists and residents. They provided food and facilitated medical assistance for those in need, showcasing a united front in the face of adversity. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq praised the gesture and said it was heartwarming to see Kashmiris open their mosques and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. “This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and helping others in times of need,” he said on X. Various social, religious, political organizations and people from different sections of society have hailed the efforts of the local civil society members and youth .

NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global electronic health records market size is estimated to grow by USD 54.7 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 17.57% during the forecast period. Market Driver The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is experiencing significant growth as healthcare providers shift from paper records to digital solutions. Hospitals and healthcare units are major adopters, with the professional services segment driving demand. Chronic diseases require extensive patient records, making digitalization essential. The acute and post-acute segments, including rehabilitation centers, benefit from EHRs' efficiency. Doctors and pharmacies also use EHRs for patient health history, medicines, allergies, and immunization status. Web-based EHRs offer convenience, while Client server-based EHRs ensure data security. Advanced healthcare facilities utilize EHRs for clinical documentation, lab systems, radiology systems, and clinical applications. Healthcare financing, administrative applications, and healthcare financing are also managed through EHRs. EHR service providers leverage software technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud storage technology to offer advanced solutions. Geriatric population and diseases require specialized EHRs. Inpatient EHRs, ambulatory care, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinical trials also use EHRs for data storage and administrative data. Devices and drugs are integrated into EHR systems for seamless patient care. The UN projects that over half of the global population will be aged 65 and above by 2039, leading to significant growth in the healthcare sector, particularly in developed countries. In response, the industry is transitioning from diagnosis and treatment to prevention. This trend is also emerging in Asia and the Middle East , where population growth is most pronounced. The demand for remote healthcare, wireless treatments, and minimally invasive procedures is escalating. Healthcare providers are investing in home care, remote monitoring, telehealth, and self-monitoring solutions to cater to this preventive care focus. Market Challenges The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is witnessing significant growth due to the digitalization of healthcare. However, challenges persist in various segments. In the professional services segment, integrating EHR systems across hospitals, healthcare units, rehabilitation centers, and clinics requires expertise. Chronic diseases demand efficient management of patient health history, medicines, allergies, and immunization status. Hospitals face challenges with paperwork, digitalization, and big data management in acute and post-acute segments. Doctors and physicians in ambulatory services need user-friendly Web-based EHR solutions for easy access to patient records. Pharmacies, laboratories, and clinics require seamless integration with EHR systems for efficient clinical documentation and administrative applications. EHR service providers must address the unique needs of advanced healthcare facilities, specialty centers, and geriatric population. Software technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud storage technology play crucial roles in addressing these challenges. Healthcare financing, drug development, and device integration are also essential considerations. Inpatient EHR, clinical trials, and administrative data management are key areas of focus. The electronic health records (EHR) market is experiencing significant growth due to the digitalization of healthcare workflows. However, this trend comes with concerns over privacy and data protection. With the integration of devices generating data into healthcare systems and the availability of data from hospitals and insurance companies in a centralized place, healthcare organizations and patient information are at risk of cyberattacks. This issue restricts the healthcare industry from fully adopting advanced technologies, despite the potential benefits of improved healthcare quality, insights, and cost reduction. It is crucial for industry players to prioritize security measures to mitigate these risks and ensure patient data confidentiality. Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Request a sample report! Segment Overview This electronic health records market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 On-premises 1.2 Cloud-based 2.1 Services 2.2 Software 2.3 Hardware 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 Asia 3.4 Rest of World (ROW) 1.1 On-premises- On-premises Electronic Health Records (EHR) are self-hosted systems where the software and hardware are installed and managed on the native IT infrastructure of businesses and enterprises. These systems offer physical control and improved data security as the data is managed in-house, and there is no reliance on the Internet for access. However, the adoption of on-premises EHR by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is hindered due to the higher costs associated with the additional requirements for servers, hardware, and floor space. Large enterprises with sufficient funds and existing infrastructure continue to prefer on-premises EHR due to the enhanced data security and control. The growing concerns around data privacy and security are driving the demand for on-premises EHR solutions, contributing to the market's growth during the forecast period. For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report Research Analysis The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is witnessing significant growth due to the digitalization of healthcare and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in the healthcare industry. The market caters to various segments including hospitals, healthcare units, and advanced healthcare facilities in both the acute and post-acute segments. Chronic diseases management is a major application area for EHRs, helping healthcare providers manage patient health history, medicines, allergies, and clinical documentation more effectively. EHR systems come in different formats such as Web-based and client server-based, with Ambulatory EHR and Acute EHR being the most common types. These systems integrate with various healthcare systems including lab systems, radiology systems, and pharmacy systems, streamlining workflows and reducing paperwork. The post-acute segment, including rehabilitation centers, is also adopting EHRs to manage patient care more efficiently. Big data analytics is a key trend in the EHR market, enabling healthcare providers to gain insights from patient data and improve patient outcomes. Overall, the EHR market is transforming healthcare delivery by making patient records more accessible and manageable. Market Research Overview The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is a rapidly growing segment in the healthcare industry, driven by the digitalization of paperwork and the need for efficient and accurate patient care. EHR systems are used by hospitals, healthcare units, rehabilitation centers, and other advanced healthcare facilities to manage patient's healthcare records. These records include health history, medicines, allergies, immunization status, lab test results, hospital discharge instructions, billing information, and more. EHR systems are available in various formats such as Web-based EHR, Client server-based EHR, Acute EHR, Ambulatory EHR, and Post-acute EHR. They cater to different segments like hospitals, ambulatory services, pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, and specialty centers. The market is segmented into professional services, acute segment, post-acute segment, and the chronic diseases segment. The professional services segment includes services related to the implementation, customization, and maintenance of EHR systems. The acute segment caters to the needs of hospitals and inpatient care, while the post-acute segment serves the needs of long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers. EHR systems use advanced software technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud storage technology to provide clinical applications, administrative applications, healthcare financing, and clinical documentation. They also offer integration with lab systems, radiology systems, pharmacy systems, and clinical trial data. The geriatric population and patients with chronic diseases benefit significantly from EHR systems as they require continuous care and monitoring. EHR service providers offer on-premise software and cloud-based software to cater to the varying needs of healthcare providers. The market also includes drug, devices, and administrative data. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Deployment On-premises Cloud-based Component Services Software Hardware Type Application Geography North America Europe Asia Rest Of World (ROW) 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioCDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changesTrump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair

Driven by Vision 2030, non-oil activities now contribute nearly half (49.9%) of Saudi Arabia's GDP — an all-time high. The banking sector, designated as pivotal to this national vision, plays a major role in this achievement. Spurred by digitalisation mandates, government bodies such as SAMA, SIMAH, and the Ministry of Interior have collaborated to deliver remarkable outcomes. The seamless integration of governmental and banking systems, coupled with progressive regulation, havecreated a robust framework upon which the nation’s banks can build impressive digital offerings. With Saudis under 30 comprising 63% of the population , demand for digital services is unprecedented. “Born into a digital-first Saudi Arabia, using digital services is second nature for this tech-savvy demographic. They view innovation as the norm and readily embrace world-leading advancements,” explained Ahmad Ghandour,Regional VP — Middle East at Backbase, a global pioneer in digital banking. The Kingdom’s banking sector has risen to the challenge, seizing heightened expectations as an opportunity. Leveraging the nation’s banking framework, Saudi banks now allow new customers to be onboarded in mere minutes. Transactions are executed instantly, self-service options are accessible via multiple online channels, and all banking needs can be met without ever visiting a branch. Ghandour highlights how this momentum has culminated in Saudi Arabia’s first fully digital bank, NEO. “Saudi National Bank's new digital initiative marks a tectonic shift in banking, from delivering services, to now being a way of life,” he said. NEO seamlessly combines advanced banking services — such as instant transactions and personalised financial management —with lifestyle features like hotel bookings, food delivery, loyalty programmes, and multi-currency cards. “These developments are redefining banking, not only in Saudi Arabia but globally,” said Ghandour. “At the nexus of commendable government vision, digital native consumers, and pioneering banks, lies the opportunity for the Kingdom to become a leading force in global banking innovation.” This potential to shape the next phase of global banking is encouraging international leaders in banking technology, such as Backbase, to strengthen their commitment to the Kingdom, yielding multifaceted benefits. “This is driving foreign investment and attracting top talent to the country, unlocking new conveniences for Saudi consumers and businesses, and giving Saudi nationals an unmissable opportunity to lead cutting-edge advancements in the sector,” said Ghandour. Through its close collaboration with Saudi National Bank on NEO, Backbase has been able to ‘productise’ a feature-rich engagement banking platform that can now be offered to banks both in the Kingdom and beyond. Ghandour elaborated, “As Saudi banks lead the way, their global counterparts are paying close attention. The solutions being developed here can now be delivered as fully realised ‘Accelerators’, which help to fast-track and de-risk the digital transformation journey of the broader banking sector.” With robust platforms that fulfil the current wave of digital convenience, Saudi banks are perfectly positioned to explore ‘What’s Next’. Ghandour notes that international partners like Backbase, deeply invested in the Kingdom, are eager to be a part of this journey. “We are witnessing the emergence of Banking Super Apps— powerful platforms catering to diverse customer segments and integrating a host of lifestyle services, all through a single, intuitive digital interface. This presents a unique opportunity for companies like Backbase, and we are investing heavily to secure our position as the partner of choice to Saudi banks as they boldly define the future of banking.” < Previous Page Next Page >Forbes DGEMS 2024 Names Lupon Media Among 200 Companies With Global Business Potential 11-25-2024 08:10 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: PRChoices Pioneering Innovation and Leadership in Programmatic Advertising Across Five Continents. Dubai, UAE - November 25, 2024 - Lupon Media [ http://www.luponmedia.com/ ], a leading global force in programmatic advertising, has been proudly recognized by Forbes India as one of the Select 200 Companies with Global Potential at the prestigious D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit 2024 (DGEMS) [ https://ms.forbesindia.com/dgems-forbes/select-200-of-2024/ ]. This milestone solidifies Lupon Media's position as a transformative player in the advertising industry, celebrated for its innovative solutions and unparalleled growth trajectory. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/90b52e35539a294004d0fac6c84b97e2.jpg Why Forbes DGEMS 2024 Selected Lupon Media as a Top Innovator Forbes DGEMS 2024 identifies companies with extraordinary potential to reshape industries, and Lupon Media's selection comes as no surprise. With its headquarters in Dubai, UAE, and a robust global presence in India, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the United States, the company is setting new standards in digital advertising. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/f25cedd53d78deb0180097149b08a50a.jpg Lupon Media [ http://luponmedia.com/ ] collaborates with some of the world's most renowned websites, including CNN, ESPN.com, Globo.com, As.com, Hurriyet.com.tr, India.com, and Mashable.com. By working with clients across 50+ countries, including key markets such as the United States, European Union nations, Morocco, and Eastern Europe, Lupon Media delivers tailored advertising solutions designed to meet the unique needs of diverse regions. Lupon Media leverages cutting-edge programmatic advertising technologies to empower publishers with tools that optimize ad placements, boost revenue, and enhance user experiences. By processing over 50 billion data points monthly, the company ensures peak performance across its vast network of data centers. What Sets Lupon Media Apart in Programmatic Advertising? 1. Global Reach, Local Expertise By collaborating with top-tier global websites and publishers, Lupon Media combines localized market understanding with global scalability, enabling clients to achieve unparalleled results in their digital strategies. 2. Industry-Leading Innovation Lupon Media's proprietary solutions focus on efficiency, transparency, and data-driven insights, positioning the company ahead of industry trends and future challenges. 3. Talent-Driven Success Backed by a team of over 60 experts, the company drives innovation and operational excellence, ensuring that its partners remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital ecosystem. "This recognition from Forbes DGEMS 2024 validates our mission to redefine programmatic advertising on a global scale," said Harun Alisah, CEO of Lupon Media [ http://luponmedia.com/ ]. "Our partnerships with some of the world's leading websites and our ability to deliver results across diverse markets demonstrate our commitment to innovation and excellence." Driving Global Excellence through Leadership Efdal Mustafic, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), emphasized the company's unmatched technological capabilities: "At Lupon Media, we're not just meeting industry standards-we're setting them. Our ability to process massive data streams seamlessly across continents reflects our commitment to delivering world-class solutions." Hasan Garanovic, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of R&D, added: "Being named by Forbes DGEMS 2024 reaffirms our passion for driving innovation and creating exceptional value for our partners. Our global collaborations with premium publishers highlight our ability to operate at the highest levels of the programmatic advertising industry." Shaping the Future of Digital Advertising Lupon Media's inclusion in Forbes DGEMS 2024 is more than an accolade-it's a reflection of the company's unwavering commitment to its clients, partners, and the industry. This recognition aligns with the company's broader vision of empowering publishers and transforming digital monetization strategies through cutting-edge programmatic advertising technologies. About Lupon Media Lupon Media [ http://www.luponmedia.com/ ] is a next-generation Supply-Side Platform (SSP) specializing in programmatic advertising. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, and operating in India, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the United States, the company delivers cutting-edge technologies that empower publishers to maximize revenue and optimize user experiences. By partnering with globally renowned websites like CNN, ESPN.com, Globo.com, As.com, and many others, Lupon Media continues to shape the future of digital advertising across 50+ countries. About D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit 2024 (DGEMS) The D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit (DGEMS), hosted by Forbes India, celebrates companies with exceptional global potential. The summit connects industry leaders through networking events, thought leadership panels, and interactive sessions, highlighting businesses that drive innovation and reshape global industries. Contact Information: Lupon Media Website: www.luponmedia.com [ http://www.luponmedia.com/ ] Email: info@luponmedia.com [mailto:info@luponmedia.com] Media Contact Company Name: Lupon Media Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=forbes-dgems-2024-names-lupon-media-among-200-companies-with-global-business-potential ] Country: United Arab Emirates Website: https://luponmedia.com This release was published on openPR.

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ServiceNow CEO William McDermott sells $24.5 million in stockThe leader of Sinn Fein has expressed determination to form a government of the left in Ireland as she insisted her party’s performance in the General Election had broken the state’s political mould. Despite Mary Lou McDonald’s confidence around shaping a coalition without Fine Gael and Fianna Fail – the two parties that have dominated the landscape of Irish politics for a century – the pathway to government for Sinn Fein still appears challenging. With counting following Friday’s election still in the relatively early stages – after an exit poll that showed the main three parties effectively neck-and-neck – there is some way to go before the final picture emerges and the options for government formation crystalise. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, has dismissed talk of a Sinn Fein surge and said he was “cautiously optimistic” about where his party will stand after all the votes are counted. Meanwhile, Ireland’s deputy premier and Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, insisted his party has a “very clear route back to government” as he predicted seat gains. The counting process could last days because of Ireland’s complex system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV), where candidates are ranked by preference. The leaders of the main three parties were all re-elected as TDs on Saturday evening, topping the polls in their respective constituencies. The early indications have turned the focus to the tricky arithmetic of government formation, as the country’s several smaller parties and many independents potentially jockey for a place in government. Ms McDonald told reporters at the RDS count centre in Dublin that she would be “very, very actively pursuing” the potential to form a government with other parties on the left of the political spectrum. The smaller, left-leaning parties in Ireland include the Social Democrats, the Irish Labour Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity. Ms McDonald said her party had delivered an “incredible performance” in the election. “I think it’s fair to say that we have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould here in this state,” she said. “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history and that, in itself, is very significant.” She added: “I am looking to bring about a government of change, and I’m going to go and look at all formulations. “If you want my bottom line, the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years, in our strong opinion, is not a good outcome for Irish society. “Obviously, I want to talk to other parties of the left and those that we share very significant policy objectives with. So I’m going to do that first and just hear their mind, hear their thinking. But be very clear, we will be very, very actively pursuing entrance into government.” In Friday night’s exit poll, Sinn Fein was predicted to take 21.1% of first-preference votes, narrowly ahead of outgoing coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 21% and 19.5% respectively. Prior to the election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both ruled out entering government with Sinn Fein. Fine Gael leader Mr Harris rejected suggestions Sinn Fein had broken new ground. He told reporters in his count centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow: “Certainly we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it. “I mean, it looks likely, on the figures that we’ve seen now, fewer people, many fewer people would have voted Sinn Fein in this election than the last one. “In fact, I think they’re down by around 5% and actually the parties, particularly the two parties, the two larger parties in government, are likely to receive significant support from the electorate. So definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented.” He said it was too early to tell what the next government would look like. “I think anybody who makes any suggestion about who is going to be the largest party or the construct of the next government, they’re a braver person than I am,” he said. “Our electoral system dictates that there’ll be many, many transfers that will go on for hours, if not days, before we know the final computations at all. “But what I am very confident about is that my party will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead, and I’m cautiously optimistic and excited.” Fianna Fail’s Mr Martin told reporters at a count centre in Cork he was confident that the numbers exist to form a government with parties that shared his political viewpoint. Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether he would return to the role of Taoiseach – a position he held between 2020 and 2022 – but he expressed confidence his party would outperform the exit poll prediction. “It’s a bit too early yet to call the exact type of government that will be formed or the composition of the next government,” he said. “But I think there are, there will be a sufficiency of seats, it seems to me, that aligns with the core principles that I articulated at the outset of this campaign and throughout the campaign, around the pro-enterprise economy, around a positively pro-European position, a government that will strongly push for home ownership and around parties that are transparently democratic in how they conduct their affairs.” Asked if it would be in a coalition with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats, he said that would be “racing a bit too far ahead”. The final result may dictate that if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are to return to government, they may need more than one junior partner, or potentially the buy-in of several independent TDs. Mr Martin said it was unclear how quickly a government can be formed, as he predicted his party would gain new seats. “It will be challenging. This is not easy,” he added. The junior partner in the outgoing government – the Green Party – looks set for a bruising set of results. Green leader Roderic O’Gorman is in a fight to hold onto his seat, as are a number of party colleagues, including Media Minister Catherine Martin. “It’s clear the Green Party has not had a good day,” he said. The early counting also suggested potential trouble for Fianna Fail in Wicklow, where the party’s only candidate in the constituency, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, is considered to have a battle ahead, with the risk of losing his seat. Meanwhile, there is significant focus on independent candidate Gerard Hutch who, on Saturday evening, was sitting in fourth place in the four-seat constituency of Dublin Central. Last spring, Mr Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne, in one of the first deadly attacks of the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud. Mr Byrne, 33, died after being shot six times at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. A Special Criminal Court judge described Mr Hutch, 61, as the patriarchal figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation and said he had engaged in “serious criminal conduct”. The constituency will be closely watched as other hopefuls wait to see if transfers from eliminated candidates may eventually rule him out of contention. In the constituency of Louth, the much-criticised selection of John McGahon appeared not to have paid off for Fine Gael. The party’s campaign was beset by questioning over footage entering the public domain of the candidate engaged in a fight outside a pub in 2018. The Social Democrats have a strong chance of emerging as the largest of the smaller parties. The party’s leader, Holly Cairns, was already celebrating before a single vote was counted however, having announced the birth of her baby girl on polling day.