lalim ECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draftAs the world enters an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are expected to capture just 10% of the economic growth generated by AI technologies. But by forming strategic partnerships and making large-scale infrastructure investments, LMICs can harness these technologies to foster inclusive, sustainable development. Rapidly evolving AI systems have immense potential to revolutionise public-service delivery and alleviate poverty, unlocking economic opportunities for developing economies like Togo. But fully realising the promise of these new tools requires adequate infrastructure, such as a reliable electricity supply and broadband connectivity. Without these foundations, the world’s most advanced technologies will remain out of reach for communities that could benefit from them the most. On November 13-15, Togo’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation organised an international AI conference in Lomé, bringing together government officials, researchers, civil-society leaders, international experts, and students to discuss the potential of emerging technologies to improve public services in the developing world. Togo is a prime example. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we launched Novissi, one of the world’s first fully digital cash-transfer programs. Initially designed to support low-income urban residents, Novissi rapidly expanded to cover rural areas in Togo’s 200 poorest cantons, enabling more than 920,000 informal-sector workers – roughly 25% of the country’s adult population – to enrol. By combining machine learning with mobile-phone metadata, satellite imagery, and phone surveys, the Novissi program ultimately identified and supported more than 150,000 households, demonstrating how data-driven approaches can help governments deliver essential services quickly and equitably. And this is just the beginning. In recent years, we have leveraged data science and digital technologies to improve our emergency response capabilities and make government services more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to citizens’ needs. Consider the agriculture sector, which employs two-thirds of Togo’s population and accounts for 40% of its GDP. Using satellite imagery and machine-learning tools like Mosaiks, Togolese policymakers can forecast crop yields, anticipate poor harvests, and craft targeted agricultural policies. But the real strength of these technologies is their versatility: a single investment enables policymakers to make evidence-based decisions on a wide range of issues, from electrification to deforestation. By bolstering local ownership, African governments can drive inclusive growth. In Togo, we are working to build a sustainable ecosystem of local expertise through initiatives like the newly launched Togo Data Lab, a collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation and the Center for Effective Global Action at the University of California, Berkeley. The project joins other prominent African institutions working to position Africa at the forefront of digital development, such as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data. In Togo, the Lab will assist the Togolese government in building sustainable data-science capabilities, thereby enabling us to use AI tools like large language models (LLMs) to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Togolese data scientists trained at the Lab will then collaborate with international experts, thereby ensuring that solutions are driven by local talent. In its first year, the Togo Data Lab will focus on agriculture, training staff to use Mosaiks to measure crop yields more precisely. But we have much higher ambitions. We see the Lab as a scalable platform capable of addressing major challenges in health, education, and climate policy. We imagine a health-care system transformed by data science, with AI tools improving disease surveillance and enabling policymakers to predict outbreaks of preventable illnesses, and classrooms where LLM-assisted tutors handle administrative tasks, freeing teachers to do what they do best: teaching and connecting with students. We have made remarkable progress, but there is much more to be done. For too long, African countries have been sidelined from the digital revolution due to limited technical capacity and inadequate infrastructure. That must change, and now is the time to change it. I urge the international community to join this vital effort. By engaging the private sector and making targeted investments, Africa could become a leader in the global digital economy, not just a participant. Investing in local capacity not only empowers policymakers in developing countries like Togo to make smarter, data-driven decisions. It also lays the groundwork for a vast global network of problem solvers, ready to harness cutting-edge technologies to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. – Project Syndicate Cina Lawson is Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of Togo Related Story Qatar establishes WEF's Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution 61 countries to compete in 8th Katara Award for Reciting Holy Qur’an( MENAFN - Live Mint) Top news today, December 1: A host of developments, updates, and events are expected in India and internationally on December 1 in the markets, political, financial, technology, and general spheres. We take a look. Today (December 1), the TRAI's traceability rules come into effect which will ensure that OTPs especially important banking messages are not delayed; further Air India which merged with Vistara last month is deploying the airline's narrow-body aircrafts on five domestic routes starting today; and SBI credit cards have new utility payment fees and reward policies from today; among other news. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI ) has issued an update to reassure the public that there will be no delays in the delivery of essential Net Banking and Aadhaar OTP messages starting today (December 1). Responding to misinformation circulating on social media, TRAI said thatwith new regulations aimed at improving message traceability, the timely delivery of such messages will be ensured. New rules were introduced on October 1, requiring telecos to establish a system for tracking the origins of bulk messages. Message traceability refers to a mechanism enabling telecom companies to identify the source of bulk SMS traffic. This capability is crucial for curbing the spread of fraudulent messages, as it allows authorities to pinpoint and act against the originators of such schemes. Without traceability, detecting and prosecuting scammers becomes significantly more challenging. Air India last month announced it will deploy Vistara's best narrowbody aircraft on five key metro routes from December. Vistara's A320-series aircraft would be deployed for flights from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and from Mumbai to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, as per a report by the Hindustan Times. These routes will have business, premium economy, and economy class seats. These flights will have the AI-prefixed four-digit flight numbers beginning with 2, such as AI2999 from Delhi to Mumbai, it added. SBI Card is updating its utility payment fees and rewards point policy for a host of credit cards from today, according to a CNBC-TV18 report. These credit cards include those under the Premium Cards, Lifestyle Cards, Shopping Cards, Savings Cards, Gold Cards, Partner Bank Cards, Employee & Merchant Cards, SBI Card categories, and more. As per the new rules, a 1 per cent fee will be charged on utility payments that exceed ₹50,000 in a billing cycle. Utilities include water, gas and electricity bills. For payments below the ₹50,000 threshold, no fees apply, it said. For rewards policy, the points for digital gaming platform is being discontinued. Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts early today and is likely to continue moving west-southwestward, weakening into a deep depression within the next few hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the IMD, it crossed the Puducherry coasts with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph gusting up to 90 kmph. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors and follow instructions from local authorities for safety; and people living in nearby areas have been shifted to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, as per an ANI report. Meanwhile, Puducherry and several parts of Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rain and gusty winds, disrupting road and air services and affecting normal life. Authorities told ANI they have reviewed the situation and implemented precautionary measures. The 10-day-long Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is set to begin today, as per a PTI report. This year, the 25th edition of the festival features four country partners - Japan, Peru, the US and Wales - and two state partners - Sikkim and Telangana, according to Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along. The inaugural ceremony will take place at 4 pm on December 1, in the presence of the dignitaries of the partner countries as honoured guests, Governor La Ganesan as chief host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as host. The minister said the Hornbill Festival, held at the picturesque Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, 12 km from the state capital on the Kohima-Imphal National Highway, attracts visitors from across the world to witness the state's vibrant traditions, food, and arts and crafts. He added that these partners will participate in various events, including business roundtables, cultural exhibitions, and tourism promotions. Tourists will be allowed in various Himalayan destinations of the Mangan district, including Yumthang, Dikchu, Lachung and the Guru Dongmar Lake, in a staggered manner from December 1, a senior official of the Sikkim government told PTI. Tourism activities were suspended in the district five months ago after heavy rainfall caused severe landslides, damaging various roads and bridges along the North Sikkim Highway, as per the report. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been restoring roads in the district on war footing, officials said. Streambox Media, a two-and-a-half-year-old startup, has today launched Dor, a subscription-based smart television service that combines premium hardware with content from multiple OTT platforms - all for a fixed monthly fee. The TV-as-a-service model has an upfront activation fee of ₹9,999 for a 43-inch TV ( ₹16,999 for a 55-inch and ₹24,999 for a 65-inch). Subscribers will have a 12-month lock-in with a monthly fee of ₹799. MENAFN30112024007365015876ID1108942154 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Ganderbal, Nov 30 : Unscheduled power cuts and overloaded transformers have returned to haunt the residents of Ganderbal. Even though the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a proper power curtailment schedule, unscheduled power outages still plague the Ganderbal district. People in Ganderbal complained that they were facing inconvenience with the unscheduled power outages. People in several localities including Gund, Gagengar, Kulan, Kangan, and Lar besides other areas of the district complained about the unscheduled power outages with the onset of the winter. They said that electricity was playing hide and seek, causing problems for the consumers. However, officials blamed the widespread use of inefficient and unauthorised devices for overloading the system. “These crude gadgets and heaters cause significant strain on Distribution Transformers (DTs), leading to frequent breakdowns in winter,” the officials said. Executive Engineer KPDCL Ganderbal, Dilshad Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that KPDCL had announced a proper power curtailment schedule and they were adhering to it. “However, people should use power judiciously and legally so that the forced power cuts are avoided and consumers get supply as per the schedule,” he said. Ahmad said judicious use of power would safeguard Distribution Transformers (DTs) from getting damaged. He said that with the onset of winter, the heating load had increased as consumers started using crude heating gadgets like boilers and heaters that critically overload and damage the DTs. Anticipating DT damage in peak winter and to provide succour to the consumers, KPDCL has maintained a buffer stock of 110 DTs in the Ganderbal division this winter. “In the eventuality of snowfall, steel poles, conductors, and transformer oil have been stocked for immediate repair and restoration works,” Ahmad said. He said that the DTs would be replaced within 24 hours and in case of severe damage, repairs would be done within 2 to 3 days.

Colby Rogers shines as Memphis rolls past Ole Miss

Strinova - Official Release Date Trailer Strinova will be available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and the game's website) on November 21, 2024. Watch the latest Strinova trailer for this dimensionI-shifting 5v5 competitive anime shooter game.

Johnnies don't fold in the cold to win D-III playoff openerLETTERS TO THE EDITOR 3Freiburg survives late onslaught to beat Wolfsburg in Bundesliga thriller

Visiting Central American nation could lead to arbitrary arrest, U.S. government warnsMumbai, December 28: “Creation of the infrastructure is given more emphasis in the state and such the road, water and air connectivity are being strengthened in order to connect all the parts of the state with Air traffic. The work of expansion of all the existing airports should be accelerated. The state government and the union government will be providing all possible assistance,” said Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company was today held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri guest house. Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said that there is a lot of scope in increasing the air connectivity in the state and so along with the Civil aviation schemes of the union government, emphasis should be given by utilizing the state funds for the development of Airports, their expansion, night landing facilities, increasing the length of runways, providing modern facilities to the air passengers and like facilities. 🕑 2pm | 28-12-2024📍Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai | दु. २ वा. | २८-१२-२०२४📍सह्याद्री अतिथीगृह, मुंबई. 💡CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting of 'Board of Directors of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Board Holding Company Ltd.' 💡मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांच्या... pic.twitter.com/ZFKGetkwR5 The Chief Minister also directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation to initiate action for taking the airports of the state in their position from the position of Reliance. He also said that in order to decrease the load on the airports of cosmopolitan cities, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company should initiate action at the war footing. The Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing work of Airports at Ratnagiri, Shirdi, Amravati (Belora), Purandar, Karad, Chandrapur, (Morwa) Solapur, Dhule, Phaltan, Akola and Gadchiroli. The Chief Minister also took stock of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to 786.56 hectares of land for the GMR Nagpur International Airport under the Mihan region. He also directed to complete the MoU at the earliest. Additional chief secretary of the transportation department Sanjay Sethi, additional chief secretary of the finance department O P Gupta, principal secretary of Urban Development Department Aseem Kumar Gupta, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO Vijay Singhal, Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company Swati Pandey, secretary of industries department Anbalgam, chief executive officer of MIDC Vallarasu, District Magistrate of Nagpur Vipin Itankar and others were present on the occasion.The 17-year-old forward was introduced in the 78th minute of the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Astana, replacing Guiu. Mheuka joined Chelsea’s development squad in 2022 from Brighton and Hove Albion. Chelsea announced his arrival on their website and social media platforms. “As @TheSecretScout_ first reported last month, England youth international forward Shumaira Mheuka has completed his move from Brighton to Chelsea. “Mheuka is an Under-15 for the coming season but, having already played up at Under-18 level for Brighton, will continue on that accelerated trajectory at Chelsea. “He is not eligible for this season’s FA Youth Cup though,” Chelsea wrote. Following his impressive performances at Youth level, Mheuka has quickly risen through the ranks finding himself being named in the senior team’s match day squad. Mheuka, who is nicknamed Shim, was born in England to Zimbabwean parents. His father is the former Zimbabwe Saints attacking midfielder, Malcolm Mheuka.

Firefighters and passengers hurt after train hits fire truck on crossing

63.jili 。

New Player in the Market Will It Surpass Dogecoin’s Widespread Fame?

None

AP Business SummaryBrief at 11:21 a.m. ESTInterDigital Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend

jili 10 31 Products That Were Clearly Invented By People With Very Big BrainsA round-up of news from Costa Blanca NorthLetters for Nov. 24: Chesapeake officials should restore curbside recycling services

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Darren Rizzi would be an unconventional choice to take over the New Orleans Saints' head coaching job on a permanent basis. That doesn't mean it can't happen. The Saints (4-7) had been on a seven-game skid when Rizzi, the club's special teams coordinator, was promoted. They've since won two straight, and as the club entered its Week 12 bye, prominent players were already discussing their desire to continue improving Rizzi's resume. “He’s definitely had an impact on our football team,” quarterback Derek Carr said after New Orleans' 35-14 victory over Cleveland last weekend. “We want to keep winning so that maybe he gets a chance to be the coach here for a long time. “That’s what we want as players,” Carr continued. "Hopefully, we can continue to have success, keep winning and give him that opportunity.” Before the Saints' demoralizing defeat at Carolina precipitated the firing of third-year coach Dennis Allen , Rizzi had never been a head coach at the NFL or major college level. The north New Jersey native and former Rhode Island tight end got his first head coaching job at Division II New Haven in 1999. He also coached his alma mater in 2008 before moving to the NFL with Miami in 2009 as a special teams assistant. By 2010, he was the Dolphins' special teams coordinator and added the title of associate head coach in 2017 before ex-Saints coach Sean Payton lured him to New Orleans in 2019. A common thread shared by Payton and Rizzi is that both worked under Bill Parcells. Parcells — known best for winning two Super Bowls as coach of the New York Giants — was coaching the Dallas Cowboys when Payton was his offensive coordinator. Rizzi, who grew up a Giants fan during the Parcells era, got to know his childhood idol during his first couple years in Miami, where Parcells executive vice president of football operations. Since his promotion, Rizzi has spoken to both Payton and Parcells. And he has begun to employ motivational techniques reminiscent of Payton, who left New Orleans in 2022 as the franchise leader in wins (152 in the regular season and nine in the postseason — including New Orleans' lone Super Bowl triumph). Payton as a big believer of symbolic imagery and motivational props, from baseball bats distributed before contests that were expected to be especially physical to gas cans left in the lockers of aging veterans whose performance was key to the club's success. Rizzi, who describes himself as a “blue collar” guy, has his own spin on such things. He began his tenure by asking players to accept individual responsibility for the metaphorical hole the team had dug itself and asked them all to embrace the idea of filling it up — one shovelful at a time. He even has brought a shovel — as well as a hammer, tape measure, level and other construction tools — to team meetings to help make his points. Saints tight end Taysom Hill, who also plays on special teams, has gotten to know Rizzi well during a half-decade of working together. Hill doesn't sound surprised to see Rizzi's combination of work ethic, enthusiasm and personal touch resonating across the entire team now. He also made a lot of changes , from weekly schedule adjustments to reconfiguring players' lockers by position. “He has a really good pulse on what we need collectively as a team to get ready for a football game," said Hill, who scored three touchdowns and accounted for 248 yards as a runner, receiver, passer and returner against Cleveland. “Guys have responded to that.” Because Rizzi's first victory came over the first-place Atlanta Falcons , and because the Falcons lost again last week, the Saints now trail Atlanta by just two games with six to play. Suddenly, the idea of the Saints playing meaningful football down the stretch is not so far-fetched. “We’re starting to get our swag back, and that makes me happy,” Rizzi said. ”We’re going to have some downtime now to kind of press the reset button again and see if we can make a push here." When the Saints return to action at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec 1, they'll do so with a level of momentum and positivity that seemed to steadily drain out of the club between their first loss of the season in Week 3 through the six straight setbacks that followed. While Saints players have tended to blame themselves for Allen's demise, they've been quick to credit Rizzi for the turnaround. “He’s pointed us and steered the ship in the right direction,” Carr said. “Hopefully, we can just keep executing at a high level for him, because we love him.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl(Source: Nasdaq) Canada’s main stock index hit a record high on Monday, helped by real estate stocks, after President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as U.S. Treasury Secretary buoyed investor sentiment globally. The S&P/TSX composite index (.GSPTSE), was up 60 points, or 0.24%, at 25,504.28, and was set for its third straight session of record-high closing. The biggest driver for overall gains was Wall Street, where the benchmark S&P 500 (.SPX), gained 0.7%. Markets cheered Bessent’s nomination as investors expect the fiscal hawk to control U.S. debt levels, while also delivering on Trump’s pledges of tax and spending cuts. “Generally, I think that people are seeing him as favorable towards equity markets,” said Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at SIA Wealth Management. Investors also expect Bessent to adopt a lighter approach towards tariffs, unlike Trump’s aggressive proposed measures that include 10% tariffs on goods imported from all other countries. Cieszynski noted the United States is Canada’s biggest trading partner and “if there’s any sense that they may not be as tough on tariffs as people think, then that’s a positive for Canada.” Canadian 10-year benchmark yield fell as much as 11 basis points, mimicking a decline in its U.S. counterpart, which lifted rate-sensitive real estate sector (.GSPTTRE), opens new tab 1.6%. Yields on Treasury bonds had surged after Trump’s victory on expectations that his policies, seen as favorable to corporates, could fuel inflationary pressures and obstruct the Federal Reserve’s path to lower interest rates. The materials sector (.GSPTTMT), was the biggest drag, losing 3.2% as gold prices fell more than 2% on profit-booking after the previous week’s rally. Bessent’s nomination also tempered safe-haven buying. Among individual stocks, CI Financial (CIX.TO), climbed 30% after Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Capital announced it would take the Canadian asset and wealth manager private in a C$12.1 billion ($8.66 billion) all-cash deal, including debt. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Nikhil Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)

Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre told reporters on Sunday that he felt “badly” watching leftist Prime Minister Justin Trudeau make the rounds at President-elect Donald Trump’s estate Mar-a-Lago, lamenting his “position of weakness” and describing Trudeau as having “lost control.” Trudeau was in Florida for a surprise dinner with Trump on Friday night following an explosive message Trump posted last week to his social media website Truth Social in which he vowed to implement a 25-percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods until both countries helped America curb mass migration and drug trafficking. The message caused alarm in Canada, which sends nearly 77 percent of its exports to the United States. In Mexico, leftist President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to Trump with the threat of imposing her own tariffs on American goods, ultimately holding a call with Trump that lowered tensions between the two. Trudeau, however, did not immediately comment on the matter and later claimed to hold a “ good call ” himself with Trump, leaving politicians both to the left and right of the prime minister concerned that he was not taking the matter seriously enough. Both Trump and Trudeau described their encounter in Florida as productive, but divulged few details on any agreement, a result that Poilievre, speaking to reporters, lamented as not securing any deliverables for Canada. “While I’m a critic of Mr. Trudeau’s, I did feel badly that he went in with such a position of weakness,” Poilievre said on Sunday. “Normally when a prime minister goes to the United States to meet a president, they’re looking to make gains. What gains did we hear from Mr. Trudeau? None, he’s just trying to limit losses.” “All Justin Trudeau offers is minimizing losses,” he continued. “This is the consequence of having a weak prime minister who has lost control: lost control of our borders, lost control of immigration, lost control of crime and drugs, and lost control of our economy.” “Canadians are paying a dreadful price for everything that Justin Trudeau has broken,” he concluded. Trudeau arrived on Florida on Friday evening and attended a dinner with the president-elect alongside a small selection of his cabinet, including Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, who described the gathering as “a very warm, cordial meeting.” “I saw very much the mutual respect and warmth between the two leaders,” LeBlanc said in an interview following the encounter. Trudeau posted a photo to his social media accounts alongside Trump thanking him for his reception, adding, “I look forward to the work we can do together, again.” Trump described his meeting with the Canadian leader as “very productive” in his own social media message on Saturday. “We discussed many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address,” Trump wrote, “like the Fentanyl and Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration, Fair Trade Deals that do not jeopardize American Workers, and the massive Trade Deficit the U.S. has with Canada.” “I made it very clear that the United States will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic, caused mainly by the Drug Cartels, and Fentanyl pouring in from China,” he added. “Too much death and hardship!” Trudeau was home by Saturday morning. The Globe and Mail noted that, while Trump and Trudeau both described their meeting positively, Trudeau returned “without any guarantees that Mr. Trump would drop the tariffs.” Trump promised in late November that he would impose a 25-percent tariff on both Canada and Mexico. “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” he asserted on Truth Social. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power,” he concluded, “and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” While Poilievre was naturally the most critical Canadian politician of Trudeau’s visit to Mar-a-Lago, several regional leaders in Canada indicated over the weekend that they would independently be pursuing the economic interests of their provinces in the absence of solid leadership out of Ottawa. “We’re saying to the Americans, we are your solution to energy security. We are your solution to energy affordability,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on Sunday, lamenting onerous taxes on fossil fuels imposed by Trudeau’s government. “You can’t take that message to the table when you’ve got these additional taxes and production caps layered on top.” “We have to have a cohesive message, and part of this is going to be a bit of a climbdown for Justin Trudeau and some of the bad policies that he’s enacted over the last number of years,” she added, according to Canada’s Global News. The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, told reporters in response to the original Truth Social post that his province would seek independent “opportunities” to trade with America, hopefully exempt from the proposed 25-percent tariff. “We’re going to continue to do our work to expand those trading opportunities,” he promised, calling British Columbia’s past efforts to also seek other markets outside of America “definitely the right direction” and that he would seek other markets “given the instability south of the [Canadian] border.” Ontario has already began an advertising campaign for its markets separate from the rest of Canada. Premier Doug Ford launched an ad campaign, Global News reported on Saturday, worth tens of millions of dollars to highlight Ontario as a “key trading partner,” apparently independent of the rest of Canada. Follow Frances Martel on Facebook and Twitter.Apple has officially halted the sale of its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation) models across 29 European countries, following the implementation of a landmark European Union directive requiring all smartphones and portable electronic devices to adopt the USB-C charging standard. The ban, which affects both online and physical retail stores, comes as Apple works to clear remaining inventory in compliance with new regulations that aim to reduce electronic waste. European Union’s New Regulation The European Union’s new regulation, which went into effect on December 28, 2024, now requires all electronic devices sold in its 27 member states to have a USB-C charging port. This broad mandate aims to standardize charging cables for all devices, lowering the quantity of cables users require and, eventually, reducing the growing problem of electronic waste. Apple and other companies were given until the end of 2024 to switch their devices to the USB-C standard, even though the regulation was first introduced in 2022. Apple, which had long used its proprietary Lightning connector in iPhones, initially fought against the regulation, arguing that such a mandate could stifle innovation and limit its design options. However, following legal challenges, Apple ultimately acquiesced to the EU’s decision, starting with the release of the iPhone 15, which switched to USB-C. As a result, the iPhone 14 series, which still relied on the Lightning connector, became incompatible with the new law, leading to their removal from sale. The ban is in effect across all 27 EU member states, including major markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In addition to the EU countries, Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU but closely follows its regulations, has also seen the ban extended to the iPhone 14 and SE models. Interestingly, the decision also affects Northern Ireland due to its unique post-Brexit trade rules, which align with EU regulations despite the U.K. leaving the union. As of December 27, 2024, customers visiting Apple’s websites in these regions can no longer purchase the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, or iPhone SE (3rd generation), with only the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 series, and newer models now available for purchase. Physical retail stores across these countries have also stopped selling these devices, marking the end of an era for Apple’s flagship models. Apple’s Remaining Stock Despite the official cessation of sales, Apple is working to clear out any remaining stock of the affected iPhones. Third-party resellers, such as Amazon, continue to offer these devices in select countries, though availability is expected to dwindle quickly. For example, as of the latest reports, the iPhone 14 is still available for sale on Amazon in Spain, but this may not be the case for much longer. Apple has also expressed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for consumers. The iPhone 15 and newer models, which feature USB-C ports, remain available for purchase, and customers who are still interested in the iPhone SE can expect a new iteration of the model in spring 2025. While the iPhone SE’s future remains uncertain, the discontinuation of the Lightning port marks a pivotal moment for the device. The iPhone 14 and SE models are expected to be phased out entirely by the fall of 2025, which may coincide with the end of their lifecycle worldwide. For now, the focus is on Apple’s next-generation models, with rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 suggesting it will be the company’s thinnest phone yet. There are also growing indications that Apple is exploring foldable technology for future devices, further signaling the company’s evolution beyond the traditional smartphone form. ALSO READ: What Makes The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra A Game-Changer? Unveiling Its Incredible Design And Features!

Sports Innovation Lab Publishes 2025 Media Planning Guide for Sports and Entertainment

Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigrationAP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:42 p.m. EST

1 2 Lucknow: Targeting the BJP govt over excavations in Sambhal and other parts of the state in search of temple remains under mosques, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday described it as an attempt to shift focus from govt failures. Taking a jibe at the govt, he said that "there is a Shivling buried under the Chief Minister's official residence and the premises should be dug up". He said that the BJP govt was on a borrowing spree and was making Uttar Pradesh one of the top states taking maximum loans. "The state exchequer is empty, and prices of essential commodities were rising by the day. The govt is yet to decide the procurement price for sugarcane. To divert the attention of people from these issues, the BJP is digging up places (to find remains of temples under mosques)," he said. Responding to a specific media query, Akhilesh said, "There is a ‘Shivling' under the Chief Minister's (official) residence and the premises should be dug up." Asked about his recent social media posts raising questions on Maha Kumbh preparations , Akhilesh said, "I was closely associated with Kumbh preparations when I was the chief minister. I am aware of what it takes. I hope Kumbh takes place nicely. We raised issues related to electrification and pontoon bridges. Only some bridges have been completed and more than 20 are needed. How will they complete the remaining bridges in the next 12-13 days?" Akhilesh said after he raised the issues, the govt carried out a "reality check" but of a location different than the one he had flagged. He also raised questions over invites being sent out for Maha Kumbh. "People take part in Kumbh as a matter of faith. Will the crores of people who take part in Kumbh, will be invited to the event," he asked. Though the SP chief did not take names, his comment was apparently in reference to the invites being handed out by the CM to Union ministers during his Delhi visit. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat , Ox , Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Rooster , Dog , and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages .

‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme to begin from January 1

TCU pulls away from Arizona 49-28 with relentless offenseFidelity National Financial, Inc. ( NYSE:FNF – Get Free Report ) has received an average rating of “Hold” from the five brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $63.80. Several research analysts have issued reports on FNF shares. Truist Financial upped their price target on Fidelity National Financial from $64.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 11th. Barclays boosted their target price on Fidelity National Financial from $56.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 8th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Fidelity National Financial from $63.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 10th. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FNF Fidelity National Financial Trading Down 1.2 % Fidelity National Financial ( NYSE:FNF – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The financial services provider reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.41 by ($0.11). Fidelity National Financial had a net margin of 5.57% and a return on equity of 13.72%. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.32 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.23 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 29.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Fidelity National Financial will post 4.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Fidelity National Financial Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. This is an increase from Fidelity National Financial’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 17th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.55%. Fidelity National Financial’s payout ratio is currently 72.73%. Insider Activity at Fidelity National Financial In related news, Director Sandra Douglass Morgan sold 2,092 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.33, for a total transaction of $117,842.36. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 32,386 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,824,303.38. This trade represents a 6.07 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . 5.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fidelity National Financial A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FNF. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new position in shares of Fidelity National Financial in the third quarter worth $32,000. Brooklyn Investment Group purchased a new position in Fidelity National Financial in the third quarter valued at about $35,000. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Fidelity National Financial during the 3rd quarter worth about $41,000. UMB Bank n.a. raised its stake in shares of Fidelity National Financial by 280.6% during the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 685 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 505 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Financial by 141.1% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 687 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $43,000 after buying an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.17% of the company’s stock. Fidelity National Financial Company Profile ( Get Free Report Fidelity National Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various insurance products in the United States. The company operates through Title, F&G, and Corporate and Other segments. It offers title insurance, escrow, and other title related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances, and home warranty products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. While immigration officials have used the tech for years, an October letter from the Department of Homeland Security obtained exclusively by The Associated Press details how those tools — some of them powered by AI — help make life-altering decisions for immigrants, including whether they should be detained or surveilled. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency's supervision. The letter, sent by DHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen to the immigrant rights group Just Futures Law, revealed that the score calculates the potential risk that an immigrant — with a pending case — will fail to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The algorithm relies on several factors, he said, including an immigrant’s number of violations and length of time in the program, and whether the person has a travel document. Hysen wrote that ICE officers consider the score, among other information, when making decisions about an immigrant’s case. “The Hurricane Score does not make decisions on detention, deportation, or surveillance; instead, it is used to inform human decision-making,” Hysen wrote. Also included in the government’s tool kit is a mobile app called SmartLINK that uses facial matching and can track an immigrant’s specific location. Nearly 200,000 people without legal status who are in removal proceedings are enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, under which certain immigrants can live in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. In exchange, SmartLINK and GPS trackers used by ICE rigorously surveil them and their movements. The phone application draws on facial matching technology and geolocation data, which has been used before to find and arrest those using the app. Just Futures Law wrote to Hysen earlier this year, questioning the fairness of using an algorithm to assess whether someone is a flight risk and raising concerns over how much data SmartLINK collects. Such AI systems, which score or screen people, are used widely but remain largely unregulated even though some have been found to discriminate on race, gender or other protected traits. DHS said in an email that it is committed to ensuring that its use of AI is transparent and safeguards privacy and civil rights while avoiding biases. The agency said it is working to implement the Biden administration’s requirements on using AI , but Hysen said in his letter that security officials may waive those requirements for certain uses. Trump has publicly vowed to repeal Biden's AI policy when he returns to the White House in January. “DHS uses AI to assist our personnel in their work, but DHS does not use the outputs of AI systems as the sole basis for any law enforcement action or denial of benefits,” a spokesperson for DHS told the AP. Trump has not revealed how he plans to carry out his promised deportation of an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally. Although he has proposed invoking wartime powers, as well as military involvement, the plan would face major logistical challenges — such as where to keep those who have been detained and how to find people spread across the country — that AI-powered surveillance tools could potentially address. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, did not answer questions about how they plan to use DHS’ tech, but said in a statement that “President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation” in American history. Over 100 civil society groups sent a letter on Friday urging the Office of Management and Budget to require DHS to comply with the Biden administration’s guidelines. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Just Futures Law’s executive director, Paromita Shah, said if immigrants are scored as flight risks, they are more likely to remain in detention, "limiting their ability to prepare a defense in their case in immigration court, which is already difficult enough as it is.” SmartLINK, part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, is run by BI Inc., a subsidiary of the private prison company The GEO Group. The GEO Group also contracts with ICE to run detention centers. ICE is tight-lipped about how it uses SmartLINK’s location feature to find and arrest immigrants. Still, public records show that during Trump’s first term in 2018, Manassas, Virginia-based employees of BI Inc. relayed immigrants’ GPS locations to federal authorities, who then arrested over 40 people. In a report last year to address privacy issues and concerns, DHS said that the mobile app includes security features that “prohibit access to information on the participant’s mobile device, with the exception of location data points when the app is open.” But the report notes that there remains a risk that data collected from people "may be misused for unauthorized persistent monitoring.” Such information could also be stored in other ICE and DHS databases and used for other DHS mission purposes, the report said. On investor calls earlier this month, private prison companies were clear-eyed about the opportunities ahead. The GEO Group’s executive chairman George Christopher Zoley said that he expects the incoming Trump administration to “take a much more aggressive approach regarding border security as well as interior enforcement and to request additional funding from Congress to achieve these goals.” “In GEO’s ISAP program, we can scale up from the present 182,500 participants to several hundreds of thousands, or even millions of participants,” Zoley said. That same day, the head of another private prison company told investors he would be watching closely to see how the new administration may change immigrant monitoring programs. “It’s an opportunity for multiple vendors to engage ICE about the program going forward and think about creative and innovative solutions to not only get better outcomes, but also scale up the program as necessary,” Damon Hininger, CEO of the private prison company CoreCivic Inc. said on an earnings call. GEO did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement, CoreCivic said that it has played “a valued but limited role in America’s immigration system” for both Democrats and Republicans for over 40 years.

Once again, some Oklahoma state legislators are considering phasing out personal and corporate income taxes with the goal of eliminating the tax entirely by 2035. State Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, authored House Bill 1009, and if it passes, it will reduce the personal income tax rate by 0.004% annually over 10 years. Steagall filed an almost identical bill, H.B. 3058, during the 2024 session, but the bill never made it out of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. “Recent polls show Oklahomans overwhelmingly support the elimination of the state income tax, an effort for which I have filed legislation in the past two years and filing once again for the 60th Legislature,” Steagall said in a press release about the new bill. “The state income tax is a clear violation of our own state constitution and I will continue to pursue righting this wrong in the upcoming session.” Article 2, Section 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution is the part Steagall said the imposing of an income tax violates. Under this section, titled “Inherent rights,” the Constitution states: “All persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry.” In an interview with Fox23, Gov. Kevin Stitt said having a state income tax puts Oklahoma at a disadvantage. “Stitt believes states like Texas, Nevada and Florida are more attractive to employers looking to leave higher tax states to save money and operate with fewer regulations, and he believes Oklahoma is keeping itself at a disadvantage when trying to attract more companies,” states the article titled, “Exclusive: Gov. Stitt still pushing for state to eliminate income tax,” published Feb. 6. In September 2023, former State Sen. Dewayne Pemberton said former Gov. Mary Fallin’s efforts in eliminating the state income tax was not a good thing. “[Fallin] had convinced the Legislature at that time that she would find other sources, but she never did, so once those monies were taken out, the coffers were dry,” Pemberton said. “We had to raise taxes in 2017.” Incoming State Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-District 3, is in favor of removing the personal and corporate income tax. “It is a regressive form of taxation which punishes productivity, and personal productivity is necessary for the success of our society,” McIntosh said. “We have seen repeatedly that when we cut taxes productivity rises and so does revenue into government coffers.” McIntosh believes the job market and business sector will “blossom and companies will come to Oklahoma,” if the corporate tax is eliminated. “This raises wages through competition and job opportunities,” McIntosh said. “Our tax rate and budget could be significantly lower if we stop paying for the many programs that are not constitutionally required of our government.” She is in favor of people keeping as much of their money as possible, and believes citizens will spend more wisely than government, and the free market will expand and “buoy us all to greater prosperity.” When Tahlequah Daily Press asked what programs are unconstitutional, McIntosh did not respond. TDP asked how that money would be made up and whether elimination of the tax would require fees to be raised, such as with the turnpike fees, which were recently increased 15%. “The turnpike is its own entity funded by bonds and tolls and doesn’t receive tax dollars,” McIntosh said. State Sen. Avery Frix, R-District 9, said he is a strong advocate for reducing the state income tax and putting money back into Oklahomans’ pockets and local economies. “While the path to zero income tax is still being paved, we will continue fighting for a solution that both benefits taxpayers and secures our state’s financial future,” Frix said. Several elected officials were asked to comment on this week’s roundup question, but due to the Christmas holiday, McIntosh was the only one who was able to respond. On the Dec. 21 Facebook Forum, TDP readers were asked if they thought the elimination of income taxes was feasible without drastically cutting state services; how can the lack of funds from the tax cut be made up; and if fee hikes would be used. Eric Swanson said people like the idea of abolishing taxes, but fail to consider how programs would be affected once that funding is gone. “Lawmakers who support tax cuts should be honest with voters about the pros and cons,” Swanson said. “Unfortunately, many lawmakers focus on the advantages and downplay or ignore the pitfalls — until a budget shortfall occurs and they are forced to raise taxes to close the gap.” Former resident Jack Webb, who now lives in Washington, said there is no income tax in his state. “Much of the tax burden will be shifted to property taxes and service fees. There are no free lunches in America,” Webb said. “And before you say it exempts non-property owners from the tax burden, it doesn’t; it’s simply passed on to them in the form of higher rent. Developers aren’t going to eat that tax burden no more than retailers will eat the tariffs.” Webb said it will probably be a good incentive to start new businesses and expand existing ones. Lee Guthrie writes for the Tahlequah Daily Press.The loss of ITV's independence would be a blow to creative Britain, says ALEX BRUMMERGot nine bucks? You could be going to a Blue Jays game

Mercadolibre director Emiliano Calemzuk sells $99,249 in stockTrump won about 2.5M more votes this year than he did in 2020. This is where he did itDublin Bus 'actively investigating' footage appearing to show child being struck by man in hi-vis vest

By Will Dunham WASHINGTON, 2024 (Reuters) - Jimmy Carter, the earnest Georgia peanut farmer who as U.S. president struggled with a bad economy and the Iran hostage crisis but brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Sunday. He was 100. A Democrat, he served as president from January 1977 to January 1981 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 U.S. election. Carter was swept from office four years later in an electoral landslide as voters embraced Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, the former actor and California governor. Carter lived longer after his term in office than any other U.S. president. Along the way, he earned a reputation as a better former president than he was a president - a status he readily acknowledged. His one-term presidency was marked by the highs of the 1978 Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, bringing some stability to the Middle East. But it was dogged by an economy in recession, persistent unpopularity and the embarrassment of the Iran hostage crisis that consumed his final 444 days in office. In recent years, Carter had experienced several health issues including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Carter decided to receive hospice care in February 2023 instead of undergoing additional medical intervention. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96. He looked frail when he attended her memorial service and funeral in a wheelchair. Carter left office profoundly unpopular but worked energetically for decades on humanitarian causes. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." Carter had been a centrist as governor of Georgia with populist tendencies when he moved into the White House as the 39th U.S. president. He was a Washington outsider at a time when America was still reeling from the Watergate scandal that led Republican Richard Nixon to resign as president in 1974 and elevated Ford from vice president. "I'm Jimmy Carter and I'm running for president. I will never lie to you," Carter promised with an ear-to-ear smile. Asked to assess his presidency, Carter said in a 1991 documentary: "The biggest failure we had was a political failure. I never was able to convince the American people that I was a forceful and strong leader." Despite his difficulties in office, Carter had few rivals for accomplishments as a former president. He gained global acclaim as a tireless human rights advocate, a voice for the disenfranchised and a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty, winning the respect that eluded him in the White House. Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and resolve conflicts around the world, from Ethiopia and Eritrea to Bosnia and Haiti. His Carter Center in Atlanta sent international election-monitoring delegations to polls around the world. A Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher since his teens, Carter brought a strong sense of morality to the presidency, speaking openly about his religious faith. He also sought to take some pomp out of an increasingly imperial presidency - walking, rather than riding in a limousine, in his 1977 inauguration parade. The Middle East was the focus of Carter's foreign policy. The 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, based on the 1978 Camp David accords, ended a state of war between the two neighbors. Carter brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland for talks. Later, as the accords seemed to be unraveling, Carter saved the day by flying to Cairo and Jerusalem for personal shuttle diplomacy. The treaty provided for Israeli withdrawal from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and establishment of diplomatic relations. Begin and Sadat each won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. By the 1980 election, the overriding issues were double-digit inflation, interest rates that exceeded 20% and soaring gas prices, as well as the Iran hostage crisis that brought humiliation to America. These issues marred Carter's presidency and undermined his chances of winning a second term. HOSTAGE CRISIS On Nov. 4, 1979, revolutionaries devoted to Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, seized the Americans present and demanded the return of the ousted shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was backed by the United States and was being treated in a U.S. hospital. The American public initially rallied behind Carter. But his support faded in April 1980 when a commando raid failed to rescue the hostages, with eight U.S. soldiers killed in an aircraft accident in the Iranian desert. Carter's final ignominy was that Iran held the 52 hostages until minutes after Reagan took his oath of office on Jan. 20, 1981, to replace Carter, then released the planes carrying them to freedom. In another crisis, Carter protested the former Soviet Union's 1979 invasion of Afghanistan by boycotting the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. He also asked the U.S. Senate to defer consideration of a major nuclear arms accord with Moscow. Unswayed, the Soviets remained in Afghanistan for a decade. Carter won narrow Senate approval in 1978 of a treaty to transfer the Panama Canal to the control of Panama despite critics who argued the waterway was vital to American security. He also completed negotiations on full U.S. ties with China. Carter created two new U.S. Cabinet departments - education and energy. Amid high gas prices, he said America's "energy crisis" was "the moral equivalent of war" and urged the country to embrace conservation. "Ours is the most wasteful nation on earth," he told Americans in 1977. In 1979, Carter delivered what became known as his "malaise" speech to the nation, although he never used that word. "After listening to the American people I have been reminded again that all the legislation in the world can't fix what's wrong with America," he said in his televised address. "The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America." As president, the strait-laced Carter was embarrassed by the behavior of his hard-drinking younger brother, Billy Carter, who had boasted: "I got a red neck, white socks, and Blue Ribbon beer." 'THERE YOU GO AGAIN' Jimmy Carter withstood a challenge from Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy for the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination but was politically diminished heading into his general election battle against a vigorous Republican adversary. Reagan, the conservative who projected an image of strength, kept Carter off balance during their debates before the November 1980 election. Reagan dismissively told Carter, "There you go again," when the Republican challenger felt the president had misrepresented Reagan's views during one debate. Carter lost the 1980 election to Reagan, who won 44 of the 50 states and amassed an Electoral College landslide. James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, one of four children of a farmer and shopkeeper. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, served in the nuclear submarine program and left to manage the family peanut farming business. He married his wife, Rosalynn, in 1946, a union he called "the most important thing in my life." They had three sons and a daughter. Carter became a millionaire, a Georgia state legislator and Georgia's governor from 1971 to 1975. He mounted an underdog bid for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination, and out-hustled his rivals for the right to face Ford in the general election. With Walter Mondale as his vice presidential running mate, Carter was given a boost by a major Ford gaffe during one of their debates. Ford said that "there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and there never will be under a Ford administration," despite decades of just such domination. Carter edged Ford in the election, even though Ford actually won more states - 27 to Carter's 23. Not all of Carter's post-presidential work was appreciated. Former President George W. Bush and his father, former President George H.W. Bush, both Republicans, were said to have been displeased by Carter's freelance diplomacy in Iraq and elsewhere. In 2004, Carter called the Iraq war launched in 2003 by the younger Bush one of the most "gross and damaging mistakes our nation ever made." He called George W. Bush's administration "the worst in history" and said Vice President Dick Cheney was "a disaster for our country." In 2019, Carter questioned Republican Donald Trump's legitimacy as president, saying "he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf." Trump responded by calling Carter "a terrible president." Carter also made trips to communist North Korea. A 1994 visit defused a nuclear crisis, as President Kim Il Sung agreed to freeze his nuclear program in exchange for resumed dialogue with the United States. That led to a deal in which North Korea, in return for aid, promised not to restart its nuclear reactor or reprocess the plant's spent fuel. But Carter irked Democratic President Bill Clinton's administration by announcing the deal with North Korea's leader without first checking with Washington. In 2010, Carter won the release of an American sentenced to eight years hard labor for illegally entering North Korea. Carter wrote more than two dozen books, ranging from a presidential memoir to a children's book and poetry, as well as works about religious faith and diplomacy. His book "Faith: A Journey for All," was published in 2018. (Reporting and writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Bill Trott and Diane Craft)

Cargo Therapeutics draws bullish view at William Blair on lead asset

Art Cashin, UBS’ director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange and a man The Washington Post called “Wall Street’s version of Walter Cronkite,” has died. He was 83 and had been a regular on CNBC for more than 25 years. In the intensely competitive and often vicious world of stock market commentary, Cashin was that rarest of creatures: a man respected by all, bulls and bears, liberals and conservatives alike. He seemed to have almost no enemies. He was a great drinker and raconteur, a teller of stories. For decades, he assembled a group of like-minded friends every day after trading halted, first at the bar at the NYSE luncheon club, then across the street at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, where the group came to be known as the “Friends of Fermentation.” His drink was Dewar’s, always on the rocks. Cashin’s success was attributable to a combination of charm, wit, intelligence, and a stubborn insistence on refusing to adopt many of the conveniences of the modern world. He was a link to an NYSE tradition. Every year, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, he led the singing of the 1905 song “Wait ’Till the Sun Shines, Nellie.” Cashin refused to use credit cards and paid for everything, particularly his voluminous bar bills, with cash, saying he cherished his anonymity. He never learned to use a computer--his notes were hand-written and then sent to his assistant. For years, he used an obsolete flip phone that he rarely answered. His desk was piled high with papers he had accumulated over the decades. At times, it resembled a recycling facility. Cashin’s suits were usually rumpled and his ties were always obsolete. However, neither his appearance nor his attitude was haphazard. It was part of a persona that was carefully constructed over more than 50 years on Wall Street. Arthur D. Cashin Jr. was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1941. His parents were superintendents of an apartment building. His business career began in 1959 at Thomson McKinnon, a brokerage firm, when he was 17 and still in high school. Cashin had been obliged to join the workforce when his father died unexpectedly that year. In 1964, at age 23, he became a member of the NYSE and a partner of P.R. Herzig & Co. At that time, the vast majority of all trading took place on the NYSE floor. Cashin’s early memories revolve around the noise of thousands of brokers shouting at each other. He claimed to be able to tell if the market was moving up or down by the pitch of the screaming, because sellers sounded panicky. “And so if the pitch of the noise was high, I would know the sellers were headed my way. Or if it was a rumble, I would know that it was probably buyers coming,” he said in a 2018 interview. In the mid-1970s, disgusted by the corruption in his hometown of Jersey City, Cashin ran for mayor. “I think I ran 12th in a field of five,” he said. “But once they discovered I was honest, there wasn’t much chance I was going to get elected.” He returned to Wall Street. In 1980, he joined PaineWebber and managed its floor operation, continuing to do so after PaineWebber was bought by UBS in 2000. Then came 2001. Cashin would often recall what it was like to escape from Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, after terrorists crashed two jetliners into the World Trade Center towers, killing more than 2,600 people in the heart of the nation’s financial center. “Many of us got out that Tuesday walking through streets onto which ash, smoke and business envelopes fell snow-like, blocking both your view and your breathing,” he wrote in a commentary 13 days later. “Yet when a stranger was met, they were invited to join the convoy and offered a spare wet cloth (carried in pockets) through which to breathe as they walked. When we reached the East River (Brooklyn side of Manhattan), there was a volunteer group of tugboats, fishing boats and mini-ferries that looked like the evacuation of Dunkirk. No charge. No money. Just — “May I help you!” No one got anyone’s name. No thank you cards will be sent. But Americans — even New York Americans — who freely give to strangers but argue with neighbors were suddenly one group. In the days since, as we wander via new strange ways back to Wall Street, we all internalize the survivor’s quandary. We are lucky to be alive — but why us.” After the Sept. 11 attacks, Cashin chaired the NYSE “Fallen Heroes Fund,” which provided millions of dollars to the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. Though he was a respected market historian, he was most renowned as a storyteller for the stock market. He was a meticulous observer of fundamental and technical trading patterns but never let data get in the way of explaining the market in a folksy manner that made it accessible to even casual observers. He often spoke of Wall Street as a community of people with many different opinions. In his world, the bulls and bears would fight it out every day, as if it were all a John Wayne Western: “The bulls are circling the wagons, trying to defend the highs” was a common refrain. His daily market commentary, Cashin’s Comments, was distributed to clients continuously for more than 40 years and was widely read on Wall Street. It invariably began with an analysis of an important event that occurred on that date (“On this date in 1918, the worldwide flu epidemic went into high gear in the U.S.”), and after a brief history lesson tied that event to the day’s market events (“Pre-opening Wednesday morning, U.S. stock futures looked like they might be coming down with the flu. Several earnings reports were less than glowing and some of the outlooks were cloudy”). He was a keen observer of human behavior, a behavioral psychologist long before the word was coined. He had seen his fellow humans panic time after time, and had seen the effects of succumbing to the initial desire to sell immediately without thinking. “It tells me that people have a tendency to overreact — and to not think things through carefully,” he said. “And you break up, again, into two sets of people, those who look with some suspicion at events, and others who say, ‘Oh, I’ve got to react to that.’ Those who react immediately rarely do well. Those who are somewhat suspect, they do much better.” He had two great loves in his life: his family and the New York Stock Exchange. In the age of computerized trading, the fabled NYSE trading floor still survives, though in greatly diminished form. When it was closed during the Covid pandemic, he said he was “ disappointed ... but it was understandable .” Cashin was philosophical when asked about the rise of electronic trading, which has slowly but surely eroded the influence of that floor. “I miss those magnificent days when your spirit hung on the fact that you were good for your word or you’re outta here,” he once said at Bobby Van’s, but admitted that electronic trading had improved the speed and accuracy of trading, particularly recordkeeping. Among his many friends, he will perhaps be best remembered for his modesty. He seemed genuinely puzzled about his popularity. “People have an interest in — in Arthur Cashin. I can’t fully understand why,” he said. And when The Washington Post ran a long profile of his career in 2019, calling him Wall Street’s version of CBS newsman Cronkite, he quipped: “I think I owe an apology to Walter Cronkite.” In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Arthur D. Cashin Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Xavier High School. Contributions may be sent to Xavier High School, 30 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011. — CNBC’s Martin Steinberg contributed to this report.

This Monday, it was announced that social media giant Meta plans to install its own private submarine fiber optic cable that will extend worldwide. According to data from Statista, in 2023, Meta Platforms generated $133 billion in revenue through its Family of Apps (FoA) segment. The FoA of the U.S.-based tech company includes established platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Reality Labs, which encompasses Meta’s augmented and virtual reality products, generated just over $1.8 billion in 2022. According to a new report, Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is expected to announce plans early next year to install over 40,000 kilometers of submarine fiber optic cables. This project could cost more than $10 billion, sources close to the company told TechCrunch. The cables would be exclusively owned by Meta, the second-largest driver of internet usage globally, accounting for 22% of all mobile traffic, according to the report. The cables’ route would potentially extend from the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa and then from India through Australia to the U.S. West Coast, the report stated. Experts note that the company has a long checklist of hurdles to overcome before executing these ambitious plans, including finding companies to install the cable. “There is a really limited supply of cable ships,” Ranulf Scarborough, a submarine cable industry analyst, told TechCrunch. “They are expensive right now and booked several years in advance. Finding available resources to do this soon is a challenge,” he added. If completed, the circuit would become the first privately owned and operated global fiber optic cable project. According to TechCrunch, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and other major tech companies own portions of other global cable systems, but none owns a fully private line. Experts also suggest several factors motivate Meta to make such a significant investment in infrastructure. The company could privately support its vast internet traffic across its platforms, reducing dependence on telecom companies that have otherwise fallen behind in the tech race in the dawn of the internet era. Experts further note that Meta is motivated to safeguard itself from geopolitical conflicts that have resulted in both collateral and direct damage to submarine cables. Last week, a cable was cut in European waters, prompting Sweden to call on China to cooperate in an investigation that implicated a vessel controlled by the communist nation, according to the Associated Press. The company’s planned route aims to “avoid areas of geopolitical tension,” a source close to the company told TechCrunch. In May, U.S. national security officials warned Meta, Google, and other companies that submarine internet cables might be at risk of tampering by ships controlled by China. Earlier this month, the FCC announced its first comprehensive review of submarine cable licensing rules in decades, intending to modernize regulations and ensure the security of vital infrastructure. Meta’s project is still in the early stages of development and will require years of planning, the report states. Cancela en cualquier momento Acceso exclusivo a rankings y radiografías. Análisis profundos y casos de estudio de éxito. Historial de la revista impresa en formato digital. ¡Disfruta de lo mejor del marketing sin costo alguno por unmes!

Dublin Bus have said they are "actively investigating" footage which appears to show a young child being struck by a man wearing a hi-vis vest. Footage has been shared widely across social media that shows an incident which occurred at a bus stop in Ballymun along the 140 route on Friday night. In the short clip, a child can be seen interacting with another person who is standing on the steps of the bus. Moments later, a man wearing a hi-vis vest can be seen stepping forward before slapping the child with his hand. The young child then appears to fall to the ground and can be heard crying. READ MORE: Emotional scenes as mother of one Marguerita O’Rourke brought to final resting place in Limerick READ MORE: Stepfather of missing Amy Fitzpatrick says no one ever accused him to his face of killing her A spokesperson for Dublin Bus told the Irish Mirror: “ Dublin Bus is aware of footage showing an alleged incident occurring adjacent to a bus on the 140 route. “We are actively investigating this footage. Dublin Bus is taking this alleged incident very seriously. The safety of passengers is of the utmost importance.” Although Gardaí do not comment on videos circulating online, a spokesperson confirmed that authorities are investigating an alleged assault that occurred in Ballymun on Friday. A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror : “An Garda Síochána does not comment on third-party material and videos circulating online, the contents of which cannot be verified. “Gardaí are investigating a report of alleged assault that occurred in Ballymun, Dublin 11 on Friday night, 27 December. Enquiries are ongoing into the matter.” Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .In recent years, Nigeria has made significant strides in promoting financial inclusion, aiming to integrate millions of unbanked and underbanked citizens into the formal financial system. However, a surge in fraud cases threatens to derail this progress, leaving individuals and small businesses increasingly skeptical of digital financial services. According to recent data by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), there has been a spike in reported fraud cases by banks and the amount involved in fraud. Related Stories Government’s payment initiatives key to achieving 95% financial inclusion in Nigeria – Nandan Mer Financial inclusion, key facilitator to poverty reduction and economic prosperity – 9PSB CEO Specifically, for Q3 2024, fraud cases reported by Nigerian banks jumped by 65% from 11,532 in Q2 to 19,007 in Q3. Similarly, there was also a spike in the amount involved in fraud as the attackers attempted to steal N115.9 billion in the third quarter, marking a 105% surge compared with N56.6 billion recorded in Q2. Going by the FITC Fraud and Forgery reports for the first, second, and third quarters of the year, Nigerian banks and their customers have lost an estimated N53.4 billion to fraud in the first nine months of the year. While the reports show a minimal loss of N468.4 million in Q1, the fraudsters won big in Q2 carting away N42.8 billion in Q2, while topping it with another N10.1 billion in the third quarter. This shows a significant surge in losses compared with the total of N9.4 billion lost to fraudulent activities throughout last year. The reports further confirm the escalation of fraud across all platforms, with the rise of digital transactions further amplifying the risks. For Lagos-based trader Amaka Eze, the promise of convenience turned into a nightmare. She lost N450,000 in July this year after hackers gained access to her mobile wallet through a phishing scheme. “I had just started trusting digital payments to avoid carrying cash around. Now, I don’t know if I’ll ever use my phone for transactions again, ” she lamented Similarly, Daniel Ajayi, a small-scale farmer in Ibadan , saw his savings wiped out overnight. “It took me three years to save that N1.5 million, and just like that, it was gone, ” said Ajayi, who could not understand how his money was wiped out of his account despite keeping his ATM card and PIN secure. Stories like theirs have become all too common, eroding trust in digital financial platforms. The ripple effect of these fraud incidents is profound. Many Nigerians are now hesitant to open bank accounts or adopt fintech solutions, fearing they could lose their hard-earned money. For a country aiming to achieve 95% financial inclusion by the end of 2024, this skepticism poses a major hurdle. Women and rural dwellers, who are critical demographics for inclusion, are especially wary, given their limited exposure to financial literacy programs and fraud protection mechanisms. According to the 2023 Access to Finance (A2F) survey report of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), despite steady advancements since the survey’s inception in 2008, the pace of progress remains a concern, with 59 million Nigerians excluded from formal financial services in 2020, particularly impacting rural communities and women. The report further notes that the ownership and use of banking services in Nigeria still skews heavily towards the top of the wealth distribution; in the more developed districts and urban areas; as well as towards males, those with better educational achievements, and the middle-aged contributing further to inequalities across and within these categories. As part of measures to stem the tide of rising fraud in the financial system, the CBN recently directed all financial institutions in the country to establish fraud desks to help protect against electronic fraud. The purpose of these desks is to quickly respond to fraud alerts and reduce the number of successful electronic payment frauds. In addition to that, the apex also set up the National Economic and Financial Crimes Forum (NEFF), a collaborative group led by the CBN that aims to reduce fraud in the Nigerian financial system. The NEFF’s functions include: Taking proactive measures against fraud Implementing strategies to reduce fraudulent transactions Reporting fraud as soon as it’s identified Providing detailed data on fraud incidents Despite the regulatory efforts, the issue of fraud still remains a major challenge in the financial industry and a threat to financial inclusion. However, a cybersecurity expert and Unity Bank’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Mr. Zechariah Akinpelu, noted that some of the losses to fraud are caused by bank customers’ carelessness. According to him, the false sense of security many individuals have regarding their ATM card protection, especially when relying solely on PIN security, could lead to major financial losses. While noting that many cardholders believe that if their card is lost or stolen, the attached PIN will prevent unauthorized transactions, he pointed out the danger of “ card-not-present ” (CNP) transactions, where no PIN is required to complete a purchase on certain merchant websites. “If someone gets hold of your card details, they can make transactions on your behalf without needing your PIN,” he warned. Highlighting the global risks, Akinpelu noted that while Nigerian banks have implemented robust security measures, such as PIN and chip technology, the global nature of online shopping exposes Nigerians to vulnerabilities present in other regions. “In Nigeria, you can feel secure that most merchant sites will require a PIN for transactions. However, we live in a global village. I can order a phone from anywhere and have it delivered to me within a few days,” he said. The Unity Bank CISO expressed worry that many Nigerian cardholders care less about the numbers on their cards but only their PIN. “The way people carelessly handle their cards these days is concerning. People think that because they protect their cards with a PIN, even if the card gets lost, they are protected,” he stated. Aside from the need for more awareness for bank customers to be security conscious with their ATM cards and other bank details, stakeholders in the financial industry said the financial institutions still have a lot to do in restoring the people’s confidence in them. While expressing concern that the increasing rate of fraud across banks is eroding trust in the financial sector, the Managing Director and CEO of the FITC, Dr, Chizor Malize, suggested the deployment of Artificial Intelligence by all financial institutions to tackle the problem. According to her, emerging technologies like AI would play a critical role in combating the rise of cyber threats and digital risks, which have been exacerbated by advancements in technology. “There is an urgent need for leveraging AI to mitigate risks and bolster the stability of the financial system,” she said. Mrs. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Group Chief Information Security Officer of Access Bank, also highlighted the need for embedded security in the financial sector due to consumers’ exposure to diverse APIs and multiple digital footprints. She called for broad-based implementation of machine learning to address the growing financial challenges and avert potential risks. Emphasising the need for collaboration among banks to tackle the menace, Femi-Oyewole said: “We can compete on models, we can compete on strategies, on objectives and all that. When it comes to cyber security, we are all faced with the same common enemy. So, that means we have to collaborate.” Similarly, the MD/CEO of Pattison Consulting Limited, Mr. Pattison Boleigha, advocated for the wider adoption of AI tools and software to counter financial fraud. According to him, the issue of governance and regulatory oversight are also very key to ensuring that all financial institutions are doing the right things in terms of security. To that end, he urged regulators to be trained on these technologies while calling for increased consumer awareness and collaboration between consumers, operators, and regulators to combat fraud effectively. This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.

Dennis Ortlieb, a Brentwood schoolteacher, has seen firsthand when families struggle and basic needs, like food and housing, aren’t met. It’s why he brought his children to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless Stuff the Pantry donation drive Saturday morning in Amityville, where nonperishable food, toiletries and clothing were being dropped off in the nonprofit’s warehouse to later be distributed to those in need. “I just want my kids to understand what they have and they appreciate the things that they have,” said Ortlieb, 48, of Deer Park. He was part of a team of volunteers at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless distribution center, known as the “boutique,” at 600 Albany Ave. There, the organization regularly collects donations and allows Long Islanders to shop for or request items. Organizers said Saturday’s event, which drew around 70 people over three hours, was the first Thanksgiving-themed drive for the nonprofit and will be run annually. It included coloring activities for children, a turkey mascot and refreshments. The biggest news, politics and crime stories in Suffolk County, in your inbox every Friday at noon. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . “There’s always a need,” said Greta Guarton, executive director of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. “But this is a time of year that everyone feels a sense of wanting to give.” Homelessness is a growing problem on Long Island. The annual Long Island Coalition for the Homeless audit of homeless people in Nassau and Suffolk counties counted 3,928 people in January 2024, up from 3,536 people in January 2023 and 3,034 people in January 2022. The figures are only a snapshot of the wider trend of increasing rates of homelessness and need for shelter on Long Island and throughout the rest of the country. National data showed homelessness increased 12% between 2023 and 2024, largely due to people who became homeless for the first time. Experts and advocates said the expiration of a COVID-era eviction moratorium, a lack of affordable housing and defunct pandemic rental assistance programs are contributing to the rise, Newsday reported . On Long Island, Guarton said, events like Saturday’s are focused on simplifying some of the difficult decisions people face. “A lot of times the difference between becoming homeless, or becoming at-risk or losing housing could be, ‘Do I pay my rent this month or do I put food on the table?’ ” Guarton said. “We help to bridge that gap.” Joe Biasi, a volunteer who helps run the pantry, said donations tend to pour in during the holidays but that some essentials — like deodorant, paper towels and diapers above size 3 — are often least in stock throughout the year. Bailey Riekkinen, the community engagement specialist for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, said people experiencing homelessness have often endured significant trauma and that domestic violence victims are especially vulnerable, particularly women. However, other life events like a death in the family or a hospitalization can set a family or an individual back financially. “And from there, it’s very difficult to get out of homelessness,” Riekkinen said. With toilet paper and paper towels in hand, Michelle Tuchinsky, of Melville, said she donated Saturday to do her part in helping the community. A member of Temple Beth Tora’s Social Action Committee in Melville, she said it’s important “to keep the momentum going” after the holidays, when the need for support remains high.Adani’s Australian coal unit faces human rights complaint

TOKYO , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from China and Japan shared their insights on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) governance and data sharing at a sub-forum of the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo recently. The sub-forum contributed eastern wisdom to AI governance and digital social development, demonstrating the significance of international cooperation for the development of the digital economy, according to Gao Shaolin, advisor at Peking University's Legal Artificial Intelligence Research Center. AI governance framework The participants agreed that the next 10 years will be a critical period for the development of AI. Gao Wen, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), said since China's State Council issued a guideline on developing AI in 2017, the nation has made significant progress in AI research and development and industrial layout, especially in computing power and 5G network construction. By the end of 2023, China had over half of the world's 1.57 billion 5G users, according to the World Internet Development Report 2024. It ranked second globally in AI and computing power scale, which has laid a solid foundation for the rapid development of AI. Tatsuo Yamazaki , project professor at the International University of Health and Welfare, said it was very meaningful for Japan and China to discuss strengthening AI governance rules. Fumihiko Kamio , research director of the Nomura Research Institute, echoed his view. He emphasized that the core goal of AI technology is to improve productivity and eliminate obstacles to social development, and called on Chinese and Japanese experts to work together to build an AI governance framework to cope with the global challenges. Deepening international cooperation China put forth the Global AI Governance Initiative in October last year. In July, the UN General Assembly adopted a China -sponsored resolution on enhancing international cooperation on AI capacity-building. The participants spoke highly of the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative recently proposed by China . They agreed that AI governance requires global collaboration, especially in the formulation of international standards and the construction of ethical frameworks, where China and Japan can play an active role. Ding Wenhua, academician of the CAE, said China and Japan have both similarities and differences in technology development and governance priorities, so deepening cooperation will bring unique value to global AI governance. " China and Japan should deepen AI technology cooperation between enterprises, work together in AI security research, talent exchange, and jointly explore more possibilities for the application of technology," Wang Zhongyuan , president of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, said. Balancing development & risks AI governance refers to the guardrails established to ensure AI systems and tools remain safe and ethical and respect human rights. Xu Zhilong , editor-in-chief of Science and Technology Daily, stressed that AI, as a revolutionary technology, has far-reaching impacts on all areas of society and economy. However, its potential risks such as data leakage and the spread of false information should not be ignored. "Technological progress and security ethics should be developed in a balanced way to ensure that AI technology always serves the progress of human civilization," Xu said. AI governance should not only heed the current technological ethics issues, but also prevent possible long-term risks, such as AI going out of human control, according to Toshio Iwamoto , senior corporate advisor of NTT DATA. He said AI R&D and application should abide by the principles of fairness, transparency, safety and availability. Yuan Yue, chairman of Beijing Dataway Horizon, shared his view from the perspective of regulatory models. "Policy choices should be based on the current status and goals of national technological development," Yuan said, adding that China prefers to provide a more friendly development environment for enterprises while ensuring an effective response to risks. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/science-and-technology-daily-promoting-ai-governance-jointly-302332050.html SOURCE Science and Technology Dailyjili 63 free 120 。

AMBCrypto Adds Multilingual Support for Global Audience"Pet sitter," "chauffeur," "bakery assistant" and other service jobs are drawing a surge of interest in Singapore, according to the 2024 Rising Jobs list by job matching and hiring platform Indeed. While workers in the country eye service and support roles, employers are focused on finding talent in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, according to Indeed's study which analyzed job postings and click trends on the platform between November 2023 and November 2024. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are "This trend clearly paints a picture of a job market with contrasting priorities — employers chasing innovation while job seekers gravitate toward roles that feel accessible and practical," according to the report. The study shares where hiring demand is growing and the roles that have been trending among job seekers in Singapore. These are the job postings that had the highest growth between November 2023 and November 2024, according to Indeed: "The demand for sales and marketing managers is rising as businesses work to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital marketplace," Saumitra Chand, career expert at Indeed, told CNBC Make It . "As sectors like technology, lifestyle, and e-commerce continue to grow, marketing professionals play a crucial role in driving revenue and shaping brand identity," he said, and professionals skilled in video production, SEO and campaign management are in demand. Additionally, employers and organizations in Singapore are also ramping up their search for those skilled in "transformative technologies" such as machine learning, and civil engineering, which is "driven by Singapore's ongoing emphasis on innovation and infrastructure development," said Chand. That comes on the back of Singapore's then Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's February announcement that the city-state will allocate more than 1 billion Singapore dollars (about $743 million) toward furthering the country's AI development and capabilities. Despite that, workers in Singapore are leaning heavily into service and support roles, as evidenced by Indeed's data, which shows the job postings with the highest increase in clicks from job seekers: "For many, roles like pet sitting or chauffeuring offer something that high-stakes jobs often struggle to provide: simplicity, flexibility, and a sense of control. These positions allow individuals to step away from the relentless pressure of long hours and rapid deadlines," said Chand. Singapore's high cost of living could be another factor pushing some job seekers to find "immediate" and "accessible" roles that allow them to meet their financial needs without extensive training, he added. These roles also align with a growing desire for flexibility after the pandemic, he said. Want to earn more money at work? Take CNBC's new online course How to Negotiate a Higher Salary . Expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to get a bigger paycheck, including how to prepare and build your confidence, what to do and say, and how to craft a counteroffer. Sign up today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 50% off through Nov. 26, 2024. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.

These things are selling out on Amazon because they're so damn cleverSam Altman Latest Tech Billionaire To Donate $1 Million To Trump Inaugural Fund—Joining Bezos, Zuckerberg

ASML Deadline: ASML Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead ASML Holding N.V. Securities Fraud LawsuitThe results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other international standardized tests have brought attention to the poor performance of Filipino learners, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the quality of education in our country today. Filipino students are falling behind in critical areas, particularly math and science, ranking 77th among 81 countries in the 2022 PISA rankings released in December 2023. For First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), this news presents a challenge and an opportunity to provide better support for learners by emphasizing their STEAM curriculum. With a purposive and well-designed STEAM curriculum, experiential tools to test and hone students’ skills, assessments to measure performance, and continuous professional development programs for teachers, Filipino learners can fully realize their potential and become more equipped and STEAM-strong. All these are offered by FEI, a multinational organization known for its innovative, technology-based educational solutions and services, and a sister company of Rex Education, a leading academic publisher in the country. On recently, FEI and REX underscored their commitment in a special program to address the challenges of providing better support for Filipino learners in STEAM education as they prepare to become future-ready citizens of a digital, technology-driven world. Themed Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens Through Leveled-Up STEAM Learning with First Eduspec Inc., the program featured keynotes from prominent STEAM stakeholders, including FEI General Manager Willard Paras and Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of the Philippine Normal University. FEI and Rex Education also reaffirmed their commitment to actively support initiatives aimed at advancing the Philippine education system and further empowering Filipino learners. “At FEI, we have made it our mission to come up with STEAM learning solutions that are relevant, needs-driven, and research- and evidence-based to respond to the ever-changing needs for innovative learning solutions,” Paras said, as he discussed the four pillars of FEI’s STEAM-STRONG programs: “We work closely with every partner and institution to ensure schools are ready to assist learners in their STEAM journey. We provide training and workshops to help empower teachers and instructors, enabling them to become competent STEAM enthusiasts who can, in turn, arm and equip our learners,” Paras added. In his keynote, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain reflected on the Philippines’ low PISA ranking, calling it “a challenge for all of us” and prompting the audience to consider these vital questions: How are we teaching STEAM in our schools? Are we truly giving our learners all the tools and support they need to succeed in the real world? “This is a conversation we need to have, and I am happy we are here as part of the solution. We will do more,” Buhain assured. “With FEI’s guidance, our STEAM offerings have been significantly enhanced, enabling us to better meet the needs of our learners. For us at REX, FEI is family—an integral contributor to the symphony of learning solutions we have developed over the years. This relationship grows stronger every day as we approach our 75th year of nurturing Filipino learners,” Buhain said. These needs have only increased in the 21st century, with the introduction of digital learning technologies fundamentally transforming how people learn and interact with information. This transformation underscores the importance of technology—a core component of STEAM—in ensuring young people’s successful participation in all spheres of life. In line with this, PISA has introduced in its ninth cycle a new, innovative domain: Learning in a Digital World, which assesses students’ ability to learn and thrive in digital environments alongside its usual evaluations of core skills in math and science. FEI and Rex Education’s STEAM-STRONG initiative aims to help improve Filipino learners’ performance in PISA and prepare them for a digital, technology-driven future. The special event also marked the launch of the Partnership Graduate Studies Program with First City Providential College, an institution granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education. The program will offer advanced learning opportunities in STEAM and robotics education to further empower educators. Additionally, the event included the soft launch of the Federation of Robotics Schools in the Philippines, an organization dedicated to advancing coding, robotics, and STEAM learning nationwide through various programs and activities. A total of 55 schools have signed up for FEI’s robotics program for SY 2024–2025, including St. Mary’s College (Quezon City), which showcased an agricultural robot prototype designed to help Filipino farmers cultivate their fields. This demonstration highlights both the far-reaching impact of robotics in various aspects of life and the exceptional talent of Filipino students in this high-tech field. Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.These were Juan Soto’s numbers in 2024: 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, a .288 batting average. Keep doing that over the next 15 years and he’ll be making roughly $1.2 million for every home run, $467,890 for every RBI, or $307,229 for every hit. (All of those figures are pre-tax, of course.) Soto’s $765 million, 15-year agreement with the New York Mets — the richest contract in terms of total value to a player in U.S. major sports history, a massive move by billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen — provides a chance to look at the numbers in some very silly ways. He’ll make $314,815 per game. Based on his numbers this season, he’ll get $671,053 for every extra-base hit, or $46322 every time he swings the bat no matter if he misses, hits a tapper back to the mound or has Mr. Met celebrating in the stands after driving one out at Citi Field. Of course, that’s assuming Soto remains as healthy and productive as he was in 2024. If he misses significant time, those rates just go up. “Thank you Uncle Steve,” Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo wrote on social media. Some of the numbers around the sports world, when broken down by accomplishment, are simply eye-popping in this era. (These examples are based on current earnings, not taking into account restructurings or any other potential changes.): MLB | Blake Snell, Dodgers: The two-time Cy Young winner will earn about $65 million in 2025, most of which is a signing bonus that comes his way in January. He’s never made more than 32 starts in a season. If he makes 32 starts in 2025, he’d be getting (when factoring in the signing bonus) $2,031,250 per game. For comparison’s sake, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal made $2.65 million for the entire 2024 season — and won a Cy Young award. MLB | Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers: His record $700 million deal is no longer a record because of the Soto deal, but Ohtani still holds the mark for average total value at $70 million a year. The only member of baseball’s 50-50 club (54 homers, 59 stolen bases in 2024) would — at this past season’s rate — be making $619,469 every time he hits one out or steals a base. NFL | Dak Prescott, Cowboys: It’s unfair to break down his stats this year because he’s hurt, but Prescott’s current deal is worth an average of $60 million a season. Based on his career average, that means over the lifetime of his current contract with Dallas, the quarterback gets $13,680 for every passing yard. NFL | Quarterbacks in general: The per-game numbers in the NFL for starting quarterbacks are wild. Patrick Mahomes’ current $450 million contract isn’t even at the top of the cash-per-game standings: Prescott gets about $3.5 million for every Dallas regular season game, while Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow and Green Bay’s Jordan Love are around $3.25 million per game. NBA | Stephen Curry, Warriors: At nearly $56 million this season, Curry leads the NBA salary race (for this year, anyway). The NBA’s all-time 3-point king is earning about $680,000 per game in 2024-25; if he was paid by the 3-pointer only, he’d be getting about $161,908 every time he makes one of those this season for Golden State. NBA | Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Celtics: Brown is starting a five-year deal worth around $285 million, and Tatum will start a five-year deal next year worth around $314 million. At those rates, Boston would be paying their two best players (at their current scoring paces) around $27,406 for every point scored. To compare — Larry Bird, for his career, made about $1,100 per point. NHL | Leon Draisaitl, Oilers: He’ll start a contract next year with Edmonton that will pay him an average of $14 million a season over eight seasons. At his current rate of scoring, he’d be earning roughly $119,393 for every goal or assist over that span. NHL | Igor Shesterkin, Rangers: Shesterkin just got the richest extension for a goalie at $92 million over eight years. At his current averages, every time he makes a save for New York, he’ll be earning $5,084. MLS | Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: Based just on his MLS guaranteed salary, Messi got just over $1 million per goal this season ($20.4 million, 20 goals). His full deal with Inter Miami is worth at least $150 million for 21⁄2 years — Messi made $229 every second he was on the field in the 2024 regular season. Golf | Scottie Scheffler, PGA: Scheffler’s official earnings in 2024 were $29,228,357 (plus an Olympic gold medal, which is priceless). And that doesn’t include $34,037,500 million in bonuses and unofficial earnings, including $25 million for winning the FedEx Cup. Add it all up, and that meant the world’s No. 1 player earned about $11,243 per shot he took this season. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Cibus director Prante Gerhard sells $9,579 in stock‘Pet sitter' dominates the list of the most trendy roles for workers in Singapore, according to IndeedPresident Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, urged leaders in West Africa to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a model of democratic maturity and commitment to national unity. The President stated this in his opening remarks at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja,, according to Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman. The President, who lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for the resounding success of their recent presidential and parliamentary elections, noted that the election was used to set a high standard for the region. “I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire Africa continent,” he stated. Tinubu however noted that despite the challenges of interrupted democratic governance in some West African countries, the region has continued to record democratic gains. Just a week ago, on December 7 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections took place in Ghana, the second-largest democracy in our region. “One of the leading candidates who happens to be the incumbent Vice President, His Excellency Mahamudu Bawumia, together with the leadership of the ruling party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat and accepted the outcome of the Presidential election by congratulating the President-elect, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama of National Democratic Congress (NDC) for his victory, even before the official announcement of the election results. “This gesture, as it happened in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana.” President Tinubu also praised President Akufo-Addo for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to ECOWAS during his two-year term, describing him as a formidable Pan-Africanist. Tinubu also congratulated the government and people of Senegal on their successful parliamentary elections. He praised Ghana’s foreign minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for painstakingly leading the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of the Reform. He wished her a successful tenure in her new role as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. President Tinubu, who is in his second tenure as ECOWAS chairman, highlighted his achievements from his first term, including strides in regional integration, economic growth, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism efforts. He said the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Common External Tariff (CET) have strengthened trade and economic cooperation. “Similarly, regional infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and modernising key border posts with advanced equipment and joint border operations utilising state-of-the-art technology have significantly enhanced connectivity and promoted greater regional integration. “Furthermore, our efforts in stabilising our region through peacekeeping missions currently in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau, as well as previous operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, have demonstrated our capacity to act decisively in the face of adversity.” President Tinubu said the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism has provided a comprehensive framework to combat violent extremism and enhance regional security. President Tinubu also urged member-states to recommit to the bloc’s founding ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity, ahead of the ECOWAS 50th anniversary, coming up next year. “As a regional community, we must maintain our fundamental responsibility: to protect our citizens and create an enabling environment where they can prosper. “As leaders, we know that security is not a luxury but a necessity. Equally, enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” he said. The Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal attended in person alongside the Vice President of Sierra Leone, the Finance Minister of the Benin Republic, the Minister of foreign affairs of Togo, and the Ambassador of Cape Verde to Nigeria. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for paying 100 per cent of its community levy for 2023 and substantial remittances for 2024, reflecting Nigeria’s leadership and commitment under President Tinubu. “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy from 2023. I’m therefore pleased to announce that on Friday, December 13, 2024, Nigeria paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and the 2024 levy up to July 2024. “We all agree that this payment underscores the leadership and commitment of President Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to our community. At a more personal level, it represents confidence in the management I have been privileged to lead since 2022.” He encouraged other member states to meet their financial commitments diligently.

Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker found guilty of leaking 49ers report, perjury

Bitcoin storms above US$100,000 as Trump 2.0 fuels crypto euphoriaMore than 10 million people empowered so far through the 34 by 34 initiative ATLANTA , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises today announced that it has empowered 10.6 million people to live more prosperous lives since 2020, a significant milestone in its 34 by 34 social impact initiative . This achievement represents a wide range of efforts across Cox and its businesses, Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. Cox is committed to solving business problems that also remove obstacles present in communities and society at large, from bridging the digital divide to addressing social equity and environmental sustainability challenges. "Cox is a company of innovators, changemakers and believers of being part of something bigger than ourselves," said Maury Wolfe , vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact at Cox Enterprises. "To drive our 34 by 34 social impact initiative forward, employees across our businesses have led countless acts of volunteering and community engagement, from cleaning up waterways and building outdoor learning labs to mentoring students. We're humbled to see the ripple effect throughout our communities." 34 by 34 focuses on six key pathways to create positive change: technology access, access to lifelong education, employment skills, social equity, environmental sustainability, and good health. These pathways provide a holistic approach to empowering individuals and communities. Key examples of Cox's business and employee volunteering impact include: Visit Cox34by34.com to see stories of our impact and watch this video to learn more about the 34 by 34 initiative. About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy, healthtech, and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia , Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history spanning more than 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-enterprises-nearing-one-third-of-its-ambitious-goal-to-empower-34-million-people-to-live-more-prosperous-lives-by-2034-302324319.html SOURCE Cox EnterprisesCollege Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

Alexander: Dodgers’ signing of Blake Snell creates the traditional uproarYou knew it was coming, didn’t you? Baseball’s reigning Evil Empire took the initiative this week, signing another high-profile starting pitcher and giving its fans something additional to be grateful for during Thanksgiving week (besides, of course, those shots of the Commissioner’s Trophy being shown off here, there and everywhere throughout Southern California). And after the bombshell announcement Tuesday night, that the Dodgers had signed Blake Snell , the howls could be heard throughout the land. The Dodgers are making a mockery of the sport. The rest of baseball can’t compete. They’re signing everybody! And how are the Cincinnatis and Pittsburghs and Colorados of the sport able to compete with an organization that not only brings in boatloads of money – and has created a second source of runaway revenue through its ties to Japan – but isn’t interested in hoarding it? Shouldn’t the next step be a salary cap to restrain this franchise’s runaway spending? Oh, stop it. Competitive balance is not an issue in baseball, period. Four different teams have won the last four World Series, and nine different fan bases have celebrated championships in the last 12 years. There hasn’t been a repeat champion in ... checks notes ... a quarter of a century. (That would be the New York Yankees, the first Evil Empire, in 1999-2000.) Meanwhile, Kansas City, Detroit and Baltimore have all risen from rebuilding to contention in the last couple of seasons. Milwaukee and Cleveland, both smaller markets, were legitimate threats as this past postseason began. And the Padres, long squeezed between Mexico to their south, the Imperial Valley to their east, the Pacific to their west and L.A. to their north, just might have been the second-best team in baseball in 2024 and, may we remind you, had the Dodgers by the neck going into Game 4 of their National League Division Series . Nor are they going away, even with some payroll retrenching in the wake of controlling owner Peter Seidler’s death. (But, nope, still no parade.) Most of the caterwauling, of course, comes from those whose favorite teams were either outbid or declined to spend. Trust me, no ownership in Major League Baseball can claim poverty, even with the cable TV issues that have scrambled some teams’ finances. Yes, big-market teams start with a financial advantage. Yes, Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy and the cord-cutting revolution have factored in. And yes, the Dodgers and Yankees have insulated themselves to a degree by owning their own cable networks. So, maybe, give them some credit for intelligence and foresight? Front Office Sports reported that deferrals on Snell’s reported five-year, $182 million deal, said to be $60 million, would push the Dodgers closer to the $1 billion mark in deferred money owed to five players. Shohei Ohtani’s whopping $680 million deferred on a $700 million contract signed last winter enabled the Dodgers to add additional pieces. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts also have chunks of deferred money in their contracts – as does, interestingly, Teoscar Hernández on his one-year 2024 deal with the Dodgers. That would make that contract even more of a bargain than we thought. And this is an undisputable fact: Salary caps and other payroll-limiting mechanisms put no limits on front office creativity and ingenuity. It’s been pretty well established that in Guggenheim Baseball’s 13-year ownership of the Dodgers, especially after Mark Walter’s organization corrected the problems of the Frank McCourt era and particularly after Friedman arrived from Tampa Bay in 2015, the Dodgers have a smart, savvy organization whose advantages go way beyond their cash on hand. (And yes, as I noted on social media Tuesday night, we do tease them about sometimes trying too hard to be the smartest guys in the room. But most of the time they are, anyway.) Assuming everyone stays healthy – and as we saw throughout baseball in 2024, that’s a tall ask – what will the Dodgers’ rotation look like in 2025? They’ll have left-hander Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who was one of the victims of a soft free agent market last spring and didn’t sign with the San Francisco Giants until March 19. He got off to a dreadful start as a result but was lights out from the start of July. In 14 starts he was 5-0 (and his team 12-2 in those starts), with a 1.23 ERA, an opponents’ batting average of .123, an 0.78 WHIP, five double-digit strikeout games and a 3.8-1 strikeout to walk ratio, and a complete-game no-hitter, an achievement for someone denigrated as a five-and-dive pitcher. Maybe those final three months spurred him to sign early this time. It’s almost certain the Dodgers will use a six-man rotation from the start of the season, and right now they have seven possibilities and who knows what they do from here. They’ll have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. Tyler Glasnow, Snell’s former teammate in Tampa Bay, will be back, as will Tony Gonsolin in his return from Tommy John surgery. Dustin May, essentially inactive since May of 2023, will return, and Clayton Kershaw is expected to re-sign and has indicated he plans to retire a Dodger. Is there room for free agent Jack Flaherty, last season’s major trade deadline acquisition? Or fellow free agent Walker Buehler, who closed out Game 5 of the World Series against the Yankees, following a sometimes spotty comeback from injury? And the wild card might be Roki Sasaki, who will be posted by his Japanese team this winter. The Dodgers had long been considered the favorites to land him, and even Snell’s signing might not change that. Then again, the way the 2024 Dodgers went through pitchers because of injuries – 40 for the season, including 12 starting pitchers – shouldn’t they be tempted to grab every reasonably healthy arm they can and sort it out as they go along? But this is, and should be, the bottom line: Every fan in every sport wants the people running their favorite team to care as much about winning as they do. In a lot of cities, with a lot of teams, that’s really hard to envision. In Dodger Stadium, it’s not hard at all. And if they’re going to be the new Evil Empire, why not just lean into it and have Dieter Ruehle play “The Imperial March” (i.e., Darth Vader’s Theme) before every game? jalexander@scng.comjili ph 。

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2024-- Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, surprised local customers by hosting pop-up giveaways throughout the Southeast following GivingTuesday. Today, on “WinningWednesday,” the grocer distributed $50,000 in gift cards, plus free private label products across five store locations to thank loyal customers for saving with its award-winning Rewards program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Southeastern Grocers brightened the holiday season today for its shoppers with festive freebies, including $100 gift cards and reusable tote bags stuffed with items from the grocer’s award-winning line of Own Brand products. The jolly giveaway spread holiday cheer across five Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations in the Southeast. (Photo: Business Wire) The first 100 customers that arrived at each of the designated Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie locations received a free $100 gift card and reusable tote bag stuffed with items from the grocer’s award-winning line of Own Brand products. The giveaway events delighted customers in Jacksonville, South Pasadena, Hallandale and Kenner, Louisiana, to help them fill their stockings – and their grocery carts – just in time for the holidays. “The holiday season brings abundant joy and celebration, but we know it can also present challenges for families navigating extra costs. That’s why we are proud to spread holiday cheer today, making the season brighter and budgets lighter for our valued customers. Year-round, we are committed to helping neighbors stretch every dollar further while putting delicious, nourishing meals on the table. With our Rewards program, customers can unwrap exclusive savings right at their fingertips – because at Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, loyalty truly pays off!” Included in Newsweek’s list of for the fourth consecutive year, the grocer’s Rewards program provides customers with exclusive digital coupons and personalized rewards, including a free birthday gift and special percent back offers. Accessible through the grocer’s mobile apps and online, the Rewards program also gives access to weekly deals and allows customers to earn points for every shopping trip, which can be redeemed for money off groceries. The average Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customer saves more than 19% by utilizing the grocer’s award-winning Rewards apps. 1 The Harveys and Winn-Dixie Rewards apps also provide additional benefits to plan ahead of time with the ability to view weekly ads, build shopping lists and view recipe inspiration. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores also offer delivery and curbside pickup, making the grocery shopping experience simple and more convenient than ever. Customers can shop online with the same great deals and have their orders delivered right to their doors in as little as two hours, or opt for easy curbside pickup at participating stores. SEG is committed to helping neighbors save significantly more time and money on their grocery shopping, recognizing that every minute and dollar counts during the holiday season. For more details on the Harveys and Winn-Dixie Rewards programs and to sign up, visit and . 1 Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit and . View source version on : CONTACT: For SEG interviews or images contact: Meredith Hurley Senior Director, Communications and Community (904) 370-6029 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA FLORIDA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY MEN RETAIL FOOD TECH FAMILY CONSUMER OTHER PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY OTHER RETAIL SUPERMARKET FUND RAISING FOUNDATION WOMEN SENIORS SOURCE: Southeastern Grocers Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/04/2024 03:32 PM/DISC: 12/04/2024 03:32 PM

MLB will not play regular-season games in San Juan, Mexico City next year but 2025 opener in Tokyo still onGoogle renews push into mixed reality headgearSebastian Vettel Warns Against Donald Trump Future: 'Too Narcissistic'

(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes and other eligible devices — and . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the for free when you pick up a . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at .

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc Movie Trailer First Revealed, Officially Announced to Release in 2025On the other hand, Baerma's ethereal beauty and enigmatic portrayal of the white deer spirit have generated buzz and anticipation for "White Deer." Her ability to embody otherworldly characters with depth and emotion has set her apart as a rising star in the industry, appealing to fans of fantasy and mythology.jili super ace app download 。

Title: The End of the Era of "Lying Flat" Savings: Passive Income Struggles to Sustain LifeLOWELL — It had boot drives by area firefighters, Red Kettle ringers, hundreds of auction items and even a donated ugly Christmas sweater as part of the festivities. In other words, just another successful WCAP Radiothon and online auction that raises money for the Salvation Army of Greater Lowell. Both the community participation and the money raised continues to grow, said Saturday Morning Live host Warren Shaw. “Every year we have more people who want to be part of it,” he said by phone Tuesday afternoon. “It overwhelms me that we have these people who totally just give of themselves and make this happen.” The fundraiser is broadcast live by Shaw and co-host Gerry Nutter each December. Members of the community drop into the Market Street studio to make a donation, catch some air time with the hosts or simply absorb the holiday spirit that infuses the daylong event. “I never know from year to year what’s going to happen,” Shaw said. “But this year, there was more energy than I’ve ever seen before.” The fundraiser attracts local supporters, as well as state and federal ones. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and former Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito called into the Radiothon. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan stopped in as did U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, boxing great Micky Ward, City Manager Tom Golden, former state Rep. Steve Panagiotakos, state Rep. Rodney Elliott and numerous other local officials and business leaders. Along with the familiar faces were the new ones of Majors Alan and Amanda Krueger, representing the charitable organization . The couple took over for Majors Nicole and Timothy Ross, who led the Salvation Army in the Greater Lowell area for six years before moving to Portland, Maine, where they were appointed to the leadership team at the organization’s divisional headquarters. One couple, who Shaw said “raise the bar every year,” was Mike and Cindy Kuenzler. They dropped off another record donation of almost $111,000 from the annual comedy night held at their Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. The auction is the main focus of the Radiothon, though, with close to 200 donated items , from vacation packages to sports memorabilia, custom cookies, clothes, electronics, gift cards and certificates to local businesses. Bidders could even try for a chance to be mayor of Lowell for the day. For the third year, Councilor Erik Gitschier won the mayoral auction item, which he gifts to a Greater Lowell Technical High School student. “Each year, it is a blessing I am able to choose a student that represents all the amazing qualities of the Office of the Mayor!” Gitschier said by text Tuesday. Previous “mayors” have been students Damarje Williams and Julie Oum . More than 20 years ago, the Radiothon started with “two guys turning on the microphones asking people for money,” Shaw said in a 2022 Sun interview. That first year, he and Arthur Sutcliffe, who co-hosted the event, raised $5,000. Now, the Radiothon regularly brings in more than $200,000. But he said a lot of different pieces and people make the Radiothon happen, such as the money raised by the boot drives held by firefighters in Dracut, Tyngsboro and Lowell that brought in more than $25,000. Dracut resident Kevin Durkin raised $10,000 in memory of his friend Ralph Richardson, who was nicknamed the “heat patrol” for refusing to turn on the heat until Nov. 1. Shaw said that money will be dedicated to the Salvation Army’s heat assistance program. Councilor Rita Mercier could be found ringing the bell in front of the Owl Diner for Red Kettle donations. People even bid not to have to take home an ugly Christmas sweater donated by Nutter. “You put in all the other pieces and you end up with a big number,” Shaw said, referring to the contributions — both time and money — of all the people who participate in the local fundraiser. The Radiothon auction and donations help support a wide variety of Salvation Army local programing and services. The Lowell Corps serves the Greater Lowell area, providing social and emergency services to residents from Lowell, Tyngsboro, Dracut, Tewksbury, Billerica, Chelmsford and Dunstable. The Christian-based organization provides food for the hungry, rent and utility to those who are struggling and a safe place for youth and families. Almost 1,600 children received toys and winter supplies during last year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and 1,300 food baskets were delivered to families. The Lowell location is based at 150 Appleton St., right in the heart of the city’s most impacted Back Central neighborhood. A final tally will be available on Dec. 14, and 100% of the money raised through the Radiothon will go toward helping local folks in need. “We are so grateful to all of the volunteers who give their heart and soul to making this event a success,” the Salvation Army said in a statement. “Together, we are helping our neighbors in need at the holidays and throughout the entire year!”

Dallas Cowboys star guard Zack Martin is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Martin didn't practice at all this week. He also physically struggled during Monday night's loss to the Houston Texas. Martin, who turned 34 on Wednesday, has started all 162 games played in 11 seasons with the Cowboys. He's a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time first-team All-Pro. Tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) and safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) have been ruled out. Neither player practiced this week after being hurt against the Texans. Cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) practiced in full this week and will make his season debut. He was injured in August. Star wideout CeeDee Lamb (back/foot) was a full practice participant on Friday and is good to go. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) are among six players listed as questionable. The others are offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (toe), guard Tyler Smith (ankle/knee), defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) and linebacker Nick Vigil (foot). --Field Level MediaWhat did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends showThe partnership between Huawei and China Mobile in this groundbreaking project highlights their commitment to driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of 5G technology. By leveraging Huawei's expertise in developing advanced telecommunications solutions and China Mobile's extensive network infrastructure, the successful implementation of 5G EasyMacro in subway tunnels demonstrates the potential for transforming urban transportation systems.

As Zhang Yimou continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking and explore new artistic horizons, one thing remains constant - his admiration and respect for Sophie Marceau, the goddess in his heart. Together, they have shown that true art knows no boundaries and that the language of cinema is universal.Visually, Marvel's Avengers is a feast for the eyes, with stunningly detailed character models, environments, and special effects that bring the Marvel universe to life in breathtaking detail. From the gleaming skyscrapers of New York City to the lush jungles of Wakanda, each location is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the comics and films, immersing players in a world that feels both familiar and new.Cowboys star G Zack Martin doubtful to play vs. CommandersAston Villa march on in Champions League after beating RB Leipzig

In recent news, a peculiar incident has caught the attention of the public: the reenactment of the new light bulb incident, this time involving wristwatches and high-speed rail glass. It all started when a passenger on a high-speed train decided to stick their watch on the glass window of the train, only to have it shatter unexpectedly. This incident has sparked discussions on the potential dangers of sticking objects on high-speed rail glass surfaces.

Title: Pureblood Hongmeng WeChat App Official Version to be Launched Next Year, Beta Testing Section Already Online

From timeouts to challenges to talking to the players, Winnipeg Blue Bombers Head Coach Mike O'Shea said there are changes he would make in those categories during the Grey Cup. But putting blame on their game plan or decisions made during the game, he said it won't happen. Questions remain for the Bombers, who lost their third straight Grey Cup Sunday. It stayed a close game against the Toronto Argonauts until the fourth quarter, when the Argos blew it open en route to a 41-24 win. "There's not anything that Toronto did that we hadn't seen. We handled it well. We limited the pressures compared to other games. I thought it was an excellent game plan. I thought the guys were really prepared, and I'm never going to question the play calling," said O'Shea. He did admit the team didn't play their best game, but feels that shouldn't lead to all the questions that are popping up around the group. "We're the same group that went on a phenomenal run after a bad start, and a bad start for a lot of reasons that we overcame. I just, I don't question any of it," the head coach said. "I look for answers too. I watched the film over and over and over again and looked to already make notes on how we're going to be better." Putting Collaros back in after injury (subhead) O'Shea was asked about Zach Collaros going back into the game after he suffered a finger laceration that required multiple stitches, numbing, and a glove to continue to play. Collaros had previously shared his internal struggle of going back in and if it would help or hinder his squad. O'Shea said once he saw Collaros throw the ball on the sidelines, he was comfortable with him going back in. "I think what's important is the information we had at the time and the decision we made at the time, right? I feel good about putting Zach Collaros, our leader, back in the game, even though I'm putting him back in a tougher situation than when he left the game," he said. "You look at what he's done for us for the last X number of years—five, six, whatever it is years, minus the COVID year – and all he's done is win for us and compete and lead. He deserves that opportunity." Coach O'Shea also touched on Brady Oliveira not getting as many touches in the game. He said run plays were being called but were being changed on the fly as Toronto's defence was showing formations to stop the run. "You call that many runs, and then a pile of them get pulled because of the structure of the defence. So, that's OK with me at that point. You got to make a decision and live it." Overall, O'Shea said the team had a really good season, and there are lessons learned that can help them next season. "I think that these are lessons we've probably gone through before, and it's just a reminder of what we learned before. And obviously, besides the Grey Cup, the season, I think what we learned was pretty damn good for us."

In conclusion, the partnership between Huawei and China Mobile in deploying 5G EasyMacro in subway tunnels underscores their shared vision of leveraging advanced technology to drive digital transformation and create a smarter, more connected world. With the successful commercial deployment of 5G EasyMacro in subway tunnels, we can expect to see further advancements in 5G technology and its integration into various aspects of urban infrastructure, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for urban residents and commuters.From natural disasters and humanitarian crises to advances in space exploration, 2024 brought a series of impactful events around the world. As the year draws to a close, satellite images from Maxar Technologies have captured many of those defining moments—from the collapse of a Maryland bridge to the launch of groundbreaking rockets—offering a bird's-eye perspective of a world in motion. Here's a closer look at some of 2024's most pivotal events as seen from space. A Tragedy in Baltimore In March, the Dali container ship collided with a key support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to a devastating collapse of the bridge's span. The disaster claimed six lives and blocked vital shipping lanes at the Port of Baltimore for nearly two months, with economic losses initially estimated at $15 million per day. The Dali has since been removed, and plans are underway to rebuild the Key Bridge after federal funds were approved as part of the end-of-year spending deal in Congress . Breaking New Ground in Space Observation In May, Maxar pointed its first two WorldView Legion satellites at a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. High-resolution images captured just before liftoff showed the rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The new Legion "birds" are able to capture detailed imagery more often and at different times of the day. Boeing Starliner's Failed Mission In June, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft achieved a major milestone by docking with the International Space Station (ISS) during its first crewed mission. That was the good news. The Starliner mission faced immediate challenges when technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, were detected as the capsule was docked at the ISS. As a result, NASA decided to return the Starliner to Earth without its crew in September. The astronauts who hitched a ride on Starliner remain on the ISS with a return still TBD. Gaza Humanitarian Pier Fails Immediately In June, a newly built pier off the coast of Gaza, intended for humanitarian aid, was broken apart by rough seas. The $50 million Army project was criticized for poor design and its location in a particularly volatile location in Gaza, where aid would be difficult to disburse even if it made it off the pier. Limited coordination between international and local authorities delayed repairs, rendering the pier unusable. The Pentagon announced its closure on July 17, after it had been operational for only 20 days. One U.S. soldier who was injured while working on the pier died months later as a result of his injuries. Paris Takes Center Stage Paris was the site of the 2024 Summer Olympics , which transformed the City of Light into a vast sports complex. As part of the preparations, organizers built a temporary beach volleyball arena in the shadow the Eiffel Tower that provided some of the most picture-perfect backdrops of the Games. Destruction in North Carolina The southeastern U.S. faced severe challenges as Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck back-to-back in September and October. Helene caused widespread flooding in inland North Carolina, while Milton set a National Weather Service record for rapid intensification, reaching Category 5 status in 24 hours. The 2024 hurricane season was the second costliest in history, with $190 billion in damages, and set records for late-season storm activity. The Vegas Strip Comes Alive In November, Las Vegas hosted the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Grand Prix. Maxar's satellite imagery showcased the track winding through the Vegas Strip, passing landmarks like the popular new concert and event venue known as The Sphere. Dutch driver Max Verstappen claimed victory at the F1, finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez. The race drew approximately 315,000 attendees. Restoration of a Global Icon When Notre-Dame suffered a catastrophic fire in April 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron was ridiculed by promising the famed Gothic cathedral would be restored in five years — a job that many expected to take decades. In December, just more than five years later, Paris celebrated the reopening of Notre Dame. The sweeping restoration, funded by nearly $1 billion in private donations, was marked by a ceremony hosted by Macron, who expressed gratitude to the donors and thousands of builders and craftspeople who worked tirelessly to reopen the city's most treasured building.Astonishing Growth! But Can It Last?

Buffalo Next: More Bliss for Amherst

In a world where sports stars are often idolized from a distance, Sun Yingsha's willingness to engage with young fans on a personal level is a refreshing reminder of the positive influence athletes can have on society. Her humility, generosity, and genuine passion for table tennis have endeared her to fans of all ages, making her not just a champion on the court but also a role model off it.

Just about everyone dreams about cars they wish they could own, and there’s no better time than the holidays to make a list of vehicles you’d love to have in your driveway. The car pros at Edmunds rounded up five of their favorite dream-worthy vehicles. But rather than just list the most outlandish and expensive exotics, they focused on highlighting models that are expensive but not so pricey that it’d be completely unrealistic for you to own one one day. The vehicles are ordered in ascending order of price and include destination fees. Ford F-150 Raptor R Off-road trucks look fantastic and are extremely capable. What truck enthusiast wouldn’t have one topping their wish list? The king of the hill for 2025 is the F-150 Raptor R. The regular Raptor is already impressive, and the R takes it to the next level with a bonkers 720-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, upgraded Fox dual-value shock absorbers, and massive 37-inch all-terrain tires. An R-specific grille and hood are also part of the R’s upgrades. Thankfully, the Raptor R isn’t all bark and bite. It also has plenty of features to make it a livable truck for daily driving. Standard features include leather upholstery, cooling front seats, a premium sound system, and a surround-view camera to help make this big truck easier to park. Starting Price: $112,825 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Few sedans can match the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for opulence, luxury and prestige. This grand sedan showcases nearly every luxury, technology and performance innovation that Mercedes-Benz has concocted. Everything you touch inside is likely covered in leather, heated, or bathed in disco-worthy ambient light. A novel could be written about all of the S-Class’ luxury and comfort features, but one of the most notable is the E-Active Body Control system. It scans the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension to deliver the best ride possible. The S-Class also boasts an extensive list of advanced safety features and has an augmented reality head-up display that projects images that appear to float in front of the car. For the ultimate S-Class, get the 791-horsepower AMG S 63 E Performance model. Starting Price: $118,900 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Who needs a European exotic car when the Corvette ZR1 is just as capable? A sports car fanatic’s wish list wouldn’t be right without the ZR1. The new Corvette hit a record-setting top speed of 233 mph, making it the fastest car ever built by an American automaker and the fastest current production car priced under $1 million, according to Chevrolet. The top speed record was possible thanks to the ZR1’s turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that cranks out a staggering 1,064 horsepower. Its carbon-fiber aero package kept it glued to the track by generating over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Chevrolet also says the ZR1 can accelerate through the quarter mile in less than 10 seconds. We expect the Corvette ZR1 to go on sale in early 2025. Estimated starting price: $150,000 Cadillac Escalade-V Does your wish list include a big and powerful SUV? If it does, the Escalade-V should top it. The big Caddy roars like a muscle car thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 682 horsepower and helps it hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The Escalade-V also boasts enormous 24-inch wheels and large Brembo brakes that help bring the three-ton SUV to a stop. But the Escalade-V isn’t only about brute power. It also has three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space and offers impressive tech like Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, and an enormous 55-inch curved display that spans the dashboard. Starting Price: $161,990 Lucid Air Sapphire What if we told you there was a car that could outpace almost anything on a drag strip, keep up with high-end sports cars on a racetrack, and be comfortable enough for daily errands? Well, if that sounds amazing, add the Air Sapphire to your dream list. The Air Sapphire is a high-performance electric luxury sedan made by Lucid, an electric vehicle startup. It’s one of the most powerful production cars in the world, producing an astonishing 1,234 horsepower from its three electric motors. Lucid says it has a top speed of 205 mph and can rocket to 60 mph in a mind-numbing 1.9 seconds. You can adjust the vehicle’s setting for exceptional track performance or simply provide a comfortable ride around town. Starting price: $250,500 Edmunds says Even if you can’t afford any of these vehicles, you can still picture one sitting in your driveway or imagine yourself cruising around town in it. And who knows, maybe holiday magic will give you the opportunity to own one in the future. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Michael Cantu is a contributor at Edmunds.As the countdown to the Club World Cup begins, anticipation is building among fans and pundits, with expectations running high for what promises to be a thrilling and action-packed tournament. Manchester City and Chelsea are well-positioned to make a strong impression and stake their claim as contenders for the title, with the potential to not only entertain football enthusiasts but also reap substantial rewards in terms of revenue, prestige, and international recognition.

In a shocking turn of events, a woman who underwent leg surgery at an unaccredited cosmetic clinic ended up facing severe complications and long-lasting health issues. The ordeal began when the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, decided to invest $18,000 in a cosmetic procedure to enhance the appearance of her legs. Little did she know that this decision would lead to a nightmare of medical malpractice and negligence.

The awkward exchange took place as President Macron welcomed President Trump to the Élysée Palace in Paris. As the two leaders approached each other for the customary handshake, it was clear that Macron was taken aback by the forcefulness with which Trump grasped his hand. Macron's initial smile quickly faded into a look of discomfort as he struggled to maintain his composure during the unexpectedly prolonged handshake. The awkwardness of the moment was captured by cameras and quickly spread across social media, sparking a range of reactions from viewers around the world.

49jili app Federal judge rules Alabama city must allow gay pride float at Christmas parade

In a recent political development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi has launched a vehement critique of the Congress party, accusing them of politicizing the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Trivedi asserted that the Congress party historically lacks respect for leaders outside the influential Gandhi family circle. Trivedi highlighted that since the Modi administration, there has been a concerted effort to honor past leaders from all political backgrounds, citing the awarding of the Bharat Ratna to Congress stalwarts like PV Narsimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee. He urged decorum in mourning the late leader's passing, indicating the government's plans to construct a memorial for Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Indian government conveyed its decision to the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, aiming to establish a memorial in Singh's name while respecting traditional protocols for state leaders. This effort aligns with Dr. Singh's impactful tenure, during which he navigated India's economic landscape and served as the nation's Prime Minister, leaving a legacy of growth and reform. (With inputs from agencies.)In 1996, a pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, administered a drug known as Trovan to children in Kano State, leading to deaths and permanent disability. Twenty-eight years after the incident, survivors lament how their lives have been negatively altered, writes VICTOR AYENI In 1996, Nigeria experienced the worst outbreak of meningitis which swept through the northern part of the country. An estimate given by the World Health Organisation in March 1996 revealed that there were 8,423 cases with 1,181 deaths. The cases were reported in Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Sokoto and Taraba states. Kano was the worst hit by the epidemic. Meningitis, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is an inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Many different things can cause meningitis. It could be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Other causes include certain injuries and drugs. Most cases of bacterial meningitis are regarded as a medical emergency and sufferers are often advised to be treated as soon as possible. This made the Federal Government at the time, to approve the application of the pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, which sought to enter the country and treat meningitis patients and provide preventive medication. Unbeknownst to the recipients, the patients were part of a trial for Pfizer’s experimental antibiotic, trovafloxacin (Trovan), a drug that had not yet received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration. Tragically, the consequences were devastating. The experimental drug led to the death of 11 children and left many others with lasting deformities. What many parents had hoped would cure a deadly disease instead unleashed a wave of death, disability, and emotional anguish. The aftermath of this tragedy sparked a prolonged legal battle involving the affected families, the Kano State Government, and Pfizer, a dispute that stretched over many years. Now, 28 years after Trovan was administered to children in Kano, and despite numerous court proceedings, the victims continue to grapple with the lasting impacts of this ill-fated medical experiment. Stunted dreams, dashed hopes One of the children on whom Trovan was administered, Rukaya Salisu, fought back tears as she narrated how her life has been negatively altered beyond what anyone could imagine since she was given the experimental drug. Salisu suffers from a rare case of osteoporosis, malocclusion, and other physical deformities which are associated with stunted growth and abnormal formation of her upper and lower limbs. When she was 15, she asked her mother what happened to her, after she observed that all her siblings looked normal but she didn’t. “It was then she told me that the government announced on the radio that all children that were nine months should be taken to the hospital for vaccination and I was given the Pfizer drug. “After the vaccination, I began to have fever and she gave me paracetamol. When I was taken to the hospital, I was told that the vaccine damaged my hormones that should help my body and teeth to be strong. I was normal before the vaccination. “Every day, my leg would break and I couldn’t walk again. My bone was no longer strong like those of normal people. That is why I’m not growing and even my teeth is not strong. My parents could not put me in school because if I’m playing with my mates, any small mistake and I fall down, I would sustain injuries,” she told News Central TV . Today, Salisu’s parents, who once supported her education, are no longer alive. Her siblings have stepped in to shoulder the burden of her school fees, feeding, clothing, and transportation. However, the emotional toll of being heavily dependent on others weighs deeply on her. “I wish I could work and make money, but I can’t because I’m not strong. I can’t even walk far and even when I want to bathe, I can’t carry the bucket by myself; I can’t do it. “My sisters and neighbours have been the ones helping me. In school, my roommates are the ones who hold my hands so I can walk to the lecture room,” she added, wiping away her tears. Salisu is just one of many who endured the devastating effects of Pfizer’s experimental drug. Another victim, Bilkisu Abbas, was told by her parents that the Pfizer drug was given to her when she was about three years old. Afterwards, she could not move her leg. “It started by shrinking one of my legs and completely drying it up. Then two days after being taken to the hospital, the other leg also shrunk and dried up. There is a muscle around my knee that cannot straighten because it’s permanently bent. “Sometimes, I would want to put on certain clothes, for instance, if I see fellow ladies wearing certain clothes that I love; I can’t wear those dresses. I end up getting embarrassed because the clothes would fall off my body. I have totally been deprived of my life,” Abbas said amid tears. Opening the lid on how her condition affected her marital life, Abbas revealed that her marriage lasted for a few months because her former husband left, stating that he could not cope with a deformed wife. “What hurts me the most is when prospective male suitors come around me. They will end up leaving, saying they can’t marry a cripple or disabled person. My husband left me because his family said I was too much of a burden on him, so he left me,” she said. Another victim, Hafsat Musa, recounted that she and her late brother, Abdullahi Musa, were hospitalised and treated with Pfizer’s experimental drug while battling meningitis. Abdullahi was discharged and allowed to go home, but unfortunately, he did not survive as he died the next day. Related News Kano unveils milk collection centres 21-year-old suspected thug arrested in Kano Police arrest key suspect in Kano youth clashes “I also took the medication and then it affected me in my legs. From then, I couldn’t use my legs again,” Hafsat said. ‘Our condition robbed us of education’ Also suffering a similar fate, 29-year-old Sa’adatu Tijani, said before she was given the drug at the hospital when she had meningitis, she walked around without any problem. But after the Pfizer medication, she described how her legs began to get bad to the point that she could no longer hold on to things firmly or do things that required energy. “It was as if my legs were cut off,” she told News Central TV. “After I was discharged from the hospital that was trying to treat me afterwards to no avail, I started learning how to move, stand, sit, and do other things that require the use of my limbs again. “My aunt carried me on her back and took me back to the hospital gate and told them how my condition has been worsened, but they refused to let us in saying it is not their business. Each time I remember it, my heart breaks.” The 29-year-old lamented that her condition forced her to quit going to school and also prevented her from getting married. “Anyone who has interest in marrying me or comes close, finds out that I’m disabled and then they will change their minds,” Tijani added. Also speaking in the documentary, Tijani’s father, Mr Mukhtar Danjuma, said his encounter with Pfizer had been a nightmare following the permanent disability to his daughter. “It’s been more than 22 or 25 years. Since then, we haven’t got any solution. We had to bring her back home to start treating her with Hausa alternative medicine when the orthodox medicine didn’t seem to be working.” Sharing a similarly grim reality, another victim, Mamman Abdullahi, revealed, “Unlike my siblings, I couldn’t attend school or hold a job. I’ve also become permanently dependent on medication. Every day, I visit the orthopedic hospital for my treatment.” A fraction of compensation Many parents endured the heartbreak of losing their children. Among them is Ismaila Danbuzu, whose daughter, Hadija Ishmael, passed away in 1996 after being administered Trovan in Kano. Although Pfizer had argued that the meningitis, and not its antibiotic, had led to the death of 11 children and harm to dozens of others, in 2009, it reached a tentative out-of-court settlement with the Kano State Government worth $75m. It was also reported that in 2011 Pfizer compensated each of the victims and the families affected with $175,000. Danbuzu said he only received $7,000 (an equivalent of N2.4m) instead of the $175,000 promised. “We need help. We need all the support to collect the remaining balance,” he said. “I was paid N2m and a few fractions not up to N40,000. They even called all the victims including myself in and they conducted a DNA test on us,” Tijani disclosed. “They said they would pay us $10,000, but they paid us only $7,000,” Asabe Bala, the mother of a victim alleged. A social justice advocate, Linus Usman, said Pfizer should have reached out to the victims during the compensation one after the other through their relatives, the hospital and the government. “It was gathered that some were not even aware of any compensation at any time,” Usman added. Former AGF speaks Commenting on how the Federal Government sought to get justice for the victims, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), explained that the issue started before his appointment in 2007. He noted that his predecessor was quite aware of the matter which happened in Kano, and that the state government had sought the support of the Federal Government to bring the directors of Pfizer and other officials who were directly involved to stand trial in Kano State. Aondoakaa said, “The president directed the request to my office and we gave them the support they needed. The Kano State government engaged a very competent and accomplished lawyer, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who later became the Vice President. “The matter was a federal offence so we requested to apprehend the officials and send them back to Nigeria for trials. We also obtained a warrant of arrest from the Federal High Court and the warrant was given to the office of the AG which I also sent to the Interpol to apprehend the officials.” Explaining what happened to the full compensation promised by Pfizer, the former AGF further stated, “When I came as AGF, Pfizer officials came to me and the compensation they were trying to offer Kano State government was N100,000 per person. They based it on the fact that if a Nigerian policeman died while on duty, his compensation is N100,000. “That made me a little pissed off. I told the officials that the children that died, some of them could have been the president of Nigeria, some could have been the richest man in Africa or the world or they could have been Secretary-General of the UN. So, cutting the lives of children short with an unauthorised medical trial cannot be compared to the Nigerian Police Force. “They said they would build a children hospital but I told them to go build a children hospital in Kano and whatever was paid was also paid to the Kano State Government.” When News Central asked the state Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, if he had information on what was paid to Kano State, he replied, “I don’t know if Kano State was given money in cash, but I knew that a hospital was built of about millions of dollars, I can’t remember the figure.” The state Director of Public Health, Imam Wada, described the incident as the “most unfortunate phase in the history of Kano, Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Health which we don’t want to be repeated ever.”

Dolby Laboratories executive sells $841,907 in stockBuffalo Next: Buffalo Niagara Partnership sees new home as a 'hub'Wyoming's Lauterwasser, Partyka named to All-Conference team

Ford Motor Co. stock remains steady Wednesday, still outperforms market

Injuries pile up, 49ers uncertain QB Brock Purdy can return SundayThe Lewis and Clark County commissioners have approved a $79,277 contract for a consultant to develop a master plan to expand nearly 30 acres of landscaped area of the historic Forestvale Cemetery. The work by Steiner Thuesen of Billings, according to the contract, includes general project management, site survey, stakeholder meetings, drainage assessment and recommendations, water availability analysis, development of conceptual layouts, final master plan development, cost estimates and recommendations for phasing of construction and implementation. The work to the property south and west of the existing cemetery is to be completed by Jan. 2, 2027, county engineer Dan Karlin said at Tuesday's commissioners meeting. Forestvale Cemetery north of Helena. In response to a question from Commissioner Tom Rolfe, Karlin said he expected the plan to be completed much shorter than two years, but when drafting contract proposals, they need to account for contingencies. The additional year is to allow for any snags. “It shouldn’t take two years, it should be less than a year,” he said. Karlin said the work was not difficult, but time-consuming. He expected the survey portion for the 30 acres alone to cost more $10,000. He said a water analysis would be done. There are multiple wells out there, but there may be questions as to whether another well is needed. It could also require legal analysis. Karlin said irrigation systems would be reviewed and they would determine if existing systems could be made more efficient and whether a new system be tied in. And he said there would be some “interesting” road design considered for the existing road network. A veteran is honored and remembered with flowers and a flag at Forestvale Cemetery. He said there would be several meetings to make the master plan meets the vision of Forestvale board and Historic Preservation Committee. Karlin said it is a time-intensive and hands-on investment. He said the Forestvale board and county has been planning for this expansion and the budget has set aside nearly this amount. “Our forecasting is matching up quite nicely for what we anticipated and what eventually came to us in a scoping fee,” he said. Karlin said Steiner Thuesen has worked with the Department of Defense on military cemeteries and has worked on municipal and private cemeteries as well. “They are very well qualified for this type of work,” he said. Bob Richards, Forestvale supervisor, said Wednesday the expansion is needed. "We’re starting to run out of room in the currently developed cemetery area," he said noting Forestvale has had 16,205 burials. Richards said that hopefully within the next few years they can get the new area prepped, looking nice and ready for sale. The cemetery at 490 Forestvale Road is about 21/2 miles north of the Helena city limits and consists of 148 acres with about 50 acres now developed, according to county officials. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since Feb. 21, 1990. According to a 2003 tour guide of the cemetery posted on the website “Helena As She Was,” it was founded in 1890 by a group of investors as the Helena Cemetery in an area a local newspaper at the time described as "bleak and unattractive and too remote" from town. It was designed by Helena civil engineer Harry Wheeler, who used the theme of the cemetery as a "rural park" Several governors and other prominent people from Montana history have been buried there, as well as actress Myrna Loy. The cemetery includes a Chinese section, reflecting their presence and social status in Montana's history. A plaque explains the history of China Row at Forestvale Cemetery. The cemetery underwent a $107,000 upgrade in 2024 that included demolition and excavation as well as the addition of asphalt paving, a culvert extension, more parking spots, new signage and a sidewalk that leads from the parking area through the gated pedestrian entrance. The project was included in a county capital improvement plan. A November 2022 windstorm toppled more than 30 trees and unearthed several markers as well. For more on Forestvale Cemetery, go to https://www.lccountymt.gov/Community/Forestvale Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Assistant editor/reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Elon Musk has already been selected for a role in Donald Trump 's cabinet for his upcoming presidential term, but Whoopi Goldberg is feeling skeptical about it. During the Thursday, Nov. 21 episode of The View , the actress and TV personality shared her unfiltered opinion on what Musk's political involvement will be under Trump, who already said Musk will lead the so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" or DOGE. But Goldberg, for one, isn't buying it. 🤩🤩 SIGN UP for Parade's Trending News newsletter & we'll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments & celebrity news everyone is talking about 🗞️🗞️ Instead, the 69-year-old Sister Act star insisted that Musk is going to be Trump's "actual" vice president, rather than his real running mate, J.D. Vance . "I believe Elon Musk is the actual vice president," she said during Thursday's broadcast . "Yes, I believe that. Because I think J.D. Vance, he’s kind of an interim. But I believe that Musk is the real actual vice president. He’s making decisions, he’s doing things. So I think, ‘Why doesn’t he have to give up X?' I’m musing." NEARLY 40% OF YOUNG AMERICANS GET NEWS FROM INFLUENCERS? #TheView co-hosts discuss a new Pew Research Center report and weigh in on the mass exodus from Elon Musk's social media site "X." pic.twitter.com/IDIjPlPN7T It's worth noting that Musk, a native of South Africa, is not legally eligible for the vice president role, as he is not a natural-born citizen of the U.S., which is a requirement for the position. Goldberg—along with the rest of her co-hosts—haven't been shy to share their honest thoughts on the political atmosphere this year, especially during the height of Trump's campaign for the presidency against Vice President Kamala Harris . Goldberg has previously voiced her decision to refrain from even saying Trump's name, which is something she said is "not going to change," even when he becomes the 47th U.S. president in January 2025. Next: Whoopi Goldberg Steps in During Tense Moment Between Co-Hosts on 'The View'

Ashley Cain slammed for ‘showing off his wealth’ as he reveals huge new car and houseGuest Opinion: Still figuring out Medicare open enrollment? good luck

t.l ako sayo Carleton University faces backlash for employing professor convicted in 1980 Paris synagogue bombingAP News Summary at 6:01 p.m. ESTCommunity connections, the space in the downtown Millennium Library that provides support to the homeless population, will close at the end of this month when city funding comes to an end. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Community connections, the space in the downtown Millennium Library that provides support to the homeless population, will close at the end of this month when city funding comes to an end. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Community connections, the space in the downtown Millennium Library that provides support to the homeless population, will close at the end of this month when city funding comes to an end. The municipal government hasn’t included funding in the 2025 budget released Wednesday. Finance committee chairman Jeff Browaty said the community connections space posed a safety concern for library staff and the public. “We continue to see some challenges at the downtown Millennium Library, most recently involving an edged weapon,” he said, adding the funding was always due to expire in accordance with the city’s multi-year budget. Winnipeg police reported on Dec. 1 that a woman was arrested after she tried to take a knife into the library. After she was denied entry, she pulled out the knife and threatened two male security guards, police said at the time. The move to end funding was called “extremely short-sighted” by Manitoba Library Association program coordinator Kirsten Wurmann. “These folks come into the library whether community connections exist or not,” Wurmann said. “It actually makes the entire library safer for the community and for the staff.” The annual cost of the hub is $614,000. Its staff includes 4.2 full-time equivalent library staff, a librarian, two community safety hosts and three part-time library service assistants. Their contracts will not be renewed. Community safety hosts are trained in security and trauma crisis work. Wurmann said the space is an alternative for people who do not want to enter the library through metal detectors or need to spend more time with employees seeking information. From October 2023 to September 2024, the space handled 24,296 information requests, while all other Millennium Library service desks combined handled 29,701 requests. The quarterly report shows all Winnipeg libraries recorded 384 safety incidents from July to September. The Millennium library accounted for 211 of those encounters. There were 112,181 visits to the downtown library from July to September — up from 108,227 visits from April to June. Wurmann said a library needs to reflect the community that it is in and eliminating the space will only hurt downtown. “It just doesn’t make sense and it goes against everything that the city has said that (it is) committed to,” she said, referencing the city’s poverty reduction strategy that calls the space valuable. Community connections staff made 928 referrals to outside agencies and resources from October 2023 to September 2024. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Browaty said safety hosts will continue to be stationed in the library to handle social service requests. Coun. Evan Duncan has called for the space to move out of the library due to the safety risk to the public, but Coun. Cindy Gilroy said the move would be wrongheaded. “I’ve witnessed it myself. Issues are de-escalated before they arise in the library and a lot of the times, the security guards just do not have the same level of approach and de-escalating that the community connectors have,” Gilroy said. Gord Delbridge, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 which represents library workers, called on other levels of government to help pay for and expand the space. nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca Nicole Buffie is a multimedia producer who reports for the city desk. Born and bred in Winnipeg, Nicole graduated from Red River College’s Creative Communications program in 2020 and worked as a reporter throughout Manitoba before joining the newsroom in 2023. . Every piece of reporting Nicole produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 9 December 2024 at 22:30 EET Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 09.12.2024 Espoo, Finland – On 9 December 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows: * Rounded to two decimals On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million. Total cost of transactions executed on 9 December 2024 was EUR 3,645,000. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 210,777,220 treasury shares. Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement. On behalf of Nokia Corporation BofA Securities Europe SA About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 40 803 4080 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com Attachment Daily Report 2024-12-09HEART/NSTA Trust set to revolutionise operations

Chelsea’s surprise defeat by Fulham meant victory over the Foxes stretched their lead to seven points, with a match in hand, with the halfway point of the campaign fast approaching. But Slot is maintaining his level-headed approach despite the clamour growing around their chances of adding another title to the one won in 2020. Tonight's goalscorers 💪 pic.twitter.com/xn9sfZbVow — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2024 “If you are in this game for a long time like the players and I am then 20 games before the end you don’t look at it as there are so many challenges ahead of you,” he said after Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah scored to turn around an early deficit following Jordan Ayew’s strike. “Injuries and and a bit of bad luck can happen to any team, it is far too early to be already celebrating – but it is nice for us to be where we are. “I don’t think there was any easy win for us in any of these games; it could have been an easy win against Tottenham but we conceded two and it was then 5-2 – that tells you how difficult it is to win even when you have all your players available. “That is why we have to take it one game at a time. The league table is something of course we are aware of but we always understand how many games there are to go.” Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy felt his side held their own until Salah scored in the 82nd minute. “I think we were in the contest for a result for a long time,” he said. “Three-one was the turning point in the sense the game was done there to get a result. “I think the 60th minute I remember a chanced for Daka to score the equaliser so we were in the game to get a surprising result. “We did well, we did what we could: a good start with the goal but if you speak of a turning point, 3-1 with Salah, the game was done.” Van Nistelrooy left goalkeeper Danny Ward out of the squad after he struggled in the defeat to Wolves and was jeered by his own fans. “The change in goal was one to make and the conversation with Wardy was impressive, the way he was thinking of the team and the club,” added the Dutchman. “I insisted on a conversation and of course it is a private conversation but what I want to share is the person and the professional he is. “I was impressed with that and his willingness for the team and the club to do well. “Really tough what happened for him. We are professionals but human beings as well, when frustration is being directed towards one person that is difficult.”

Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against Trump

Republican lawmakers want the Biden administration to preserve documents related to Nippon Steel's ( OTCPK:NPSCY ) planned $14 billion acquisition of US Steel ( NYSE: X ). The lawmakers are expressing "serious concern" that politics may have colored an ongoing national security review of the steel deal

Matt Gaetz says he won’t return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general

Canada Post strike threatens to impact healthcare charity, and patients, this holiday seasonMichigan aims to cap lost season by beating Ohio StateA court challenge over a Stormont vote on extending post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland has been dismissed, and the Assembly debate will go ahead as planned on Tuesday. Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.

Jim Rossman | Tribune News Service Cord cutting used to refer to abandoning pay TV and putting up an antenna to watch free over-the-air TV. Then cord cutting expanded to include streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and individual streaming sources. Now we also include streaming bundles, like YouTube TV or Hulu Live or DirecTV Stream. These bundled services mimic cable and satellite service, in that they have hundreds of channels. The ease or complexity of the cord cutting experience depends on how you have things set up. Let’s take a look at some gift options for your favorite cord cutter. DirecTV Gemini Air As far as I know DirecTV is the only streaming bundle service that offers its own hardware. The Gemini Air is a small dongle that plugs into an HDMI port on your TV. It is paired with a remote control to allow for easy navigation. If you were an AT&T U-Verse TV customer, the Gemini Air/DirecTV Stream experience will be very familiar. The Gemini Air is a rarity in that it has number buttons. DirecTV Stream has the option of turning on channel numbers in the guide. I’ve used DirecTV Stream with my Roku TV and with the Gemini Air and the Air makes navigating the huge list of channels much easier. The Gemini Air runs the Google operating system, so you can see and use all your other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max and more. You can also load apps and games from the Google Play store. The Gemini Air connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and it can stream 4K content to your TV. The remote control has a microphone so you can use your voice to search or interact with Hey Google’s voice assistant. DirecTV Stream customers can get a free Gemini Air from AT&T with their service. Additional units are available for $120. Google TV Streamer (4K) There are lots of smart TV brands. Some run on the Roku operating system, some run Google TV and some use their own brand of smart TV apps. If you’d like to add Google TV to any set, you can get Google’s new TV Streamer (4K) for just $99 from store.google.com. The small device connects to your TV’s HDMI port. It also can connect to your home’s internet via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection. The Google TV interface is not tied to any specific streaming service. You can use any streaming service or app that’s available on the Google Play store. It features a simple remote with voice control and the Google TV Streamer is also a hub and controller for Matter and Thread home devices that work with Google’s home ecosystem. TabloTV If you use an over-the-air antenna for watching your free local channels, I’m betting you’d like the option to record those channels. TiVo used to be the best/easiest way to record OTA TV, but they’ve discontinued their OTA recorders. A great alternative is from TabloTV, which is a small box that you connect to your TV antenna. The TabloTV does not directly connect to your TV. Instead it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, and the antenna signal is wirelessly sent to any TV or compatible device in your home. Your TV picks up the signal through a free app, which is compatible with smart TV brands like Samsung, LG, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or Android TV. This method is extremely handy if you don’t want to be bothered running an antenna wire from your attic or roof all the way to your TV. It’s also great if you want to use an indoor antenna, but your TV is not situated in a room that faces the broadcast towers. You can place the antenna and TabloTV where you get the best reception. The TabloTV comes in two models – with either two or four tuners. This means you can record or watch two or four shows at a time. TabloTV has onboard storage to record up to 50 hours of shows, but you can plug in any USB hard drive and expand to record thousands of hours of programming. You can also bundle a TabloTV with an OTA antenna if you like, or you can use your own antenna. Two things to know, there are no ongoing subscription costs for guide data, and there is no streaming service integration. You will need another way to add in streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. TabloTV models start at $99.95 for the two tuner model at tablotv.com. The four-tuner model is $139.95, but they may be on sale during the holidays. ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Mums and babies dying during childbirth increases for the first time in a decadeLast week, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) appeared to be against Donald Trump's announced nominee for the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth . But on Monday, Ernst met with him again and now pledges her support . “Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks," she writes in a statement. ALSO READ: 'It's offensive': Multiple senators object to Trump's plan to usher in Pete Hegseth Ernst is a survivor of sexual assault who has tried to stop sexual assaults in the military. She is also reportedly a top contender for the role should Hegseth's nomination fail. Hegseth's nomination has been plagued by revelations he was accused of rape in 2017 and amid accusations he has a drinking problem. He has also advocated against having women in combat roles. Hegseth claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual. His attorney, Tom Parlatore, has said his client entered into a confidentiality agreement with the accuser. "As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources," Ernst said. Other lawmakers have demanded that he swear not to drink while under the position after concerns that he was an alcoholic from former and current Fox colleagues. Ernst, a former Army National Guard member and a retired lieutenant colonel, indicated Thursday she wasn't ready to support Hegseth. A spokesperson for Ernst told Newsweek: "As Senator Ernst has said, she is not seeking to be secretary of defense, there is no 'campaign' against Pete, and is continuing the vetting process." Her comments led to social media backlash from MAGA allies, including Charlie Kirk, the founder of the nonprofit conservative Turning Point USA. "People in Iowa have a well-funded primary challenger ready against her. Her political career is in serious jeopardy," he threatened on X. Read the full statement here.

Oracle Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial ResultsTupac went out on top. His 1996 release All Eyez on Me is a sprawling, double disc classic. "How Do U Want It," one of the album's best known singles, shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996. The song has seen renewed interest recently, thanks to a dance challenge that has been sweeping social media. The challenge has seen men and women two step to a particular lyric from Tupac's first verse. "Love the way you activate your hips and push your a*s out," he raps. Not everybody loves the challenge, though. It's difficult to scroll through TikTok without seeing at least one person attempting the Tupac challenge. It seems like a good thing on the surface, to reintroduce the rapper's music to a new generation. Some feel the dance challenge is not appropriate for the children who are attempting it. There's been a lot of social media users who believe underage kids should not be dancing to a lyric instructing them push their "a*s out." Especially given Tupac's dubious history with sexual assault allegations. The rapper was convicted of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. for "forcibly touching the woman's buttocks" in 1994. Not the best association. Read More: Lil Xan Ordered To Pay $27K After Threatening Tupac Fan With A Gun There was a sect of Tupac fans who took a different stance, however. They believed that using a Tupac song for a dance challenge diminishes the rapper's legacy. One irate Twitter user went as far as to theorize that 'Pac would be fuming to find out what his song was being used for. "If Tupac knew u ni**gas was shaking y'all a*s to that song he a be pissed," they wrote. It's worth noting the "How Do U Want It" rapper started his artistic career as a dancer. He even performed in a high school production of The Nutcracker . Furthermore, Tupac knew the importance of making songs that catered to different demographics. Part of the reason why he connected with so many listeners was the range of song topics he dished out. 'Pac could rap about dead loved ones on "Life Goes On" or despair on "Heartz of Men." But he could also turn around and give listeners a party anthem like "How Do U Want It" or "California Love." He contained a multitude of tastes and thematic interests.ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January, a White House spokesman said on Monday. "The president promised that he would attend the inauguration of whomever won the election," said Andrew Bates, senior deputy press secretary at the White House. "He and the First Lady are going to honor that promise and attend the inauguration." (Reporting by Heather Timmons on Air Force One and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese)

Since winning the election, President-elect Donald Trump has been talking about immigration, border security and government efficiency . But in California farm country, his comments about water are also getting top attention. The Golden State grows three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts and more than a third of its vegetables, largely thanks to a complex network of dams and canals that funnel water to the state’s fertile Central Valley. In recent years, farmers have faced more limits on how much water they can access from this network because of environmental concerns, as well as on how much groundwater they can pump after years of overuse and drought. Now, farmers are hoping the second Trump administration will ensure more stable water flows to their fields from the federally managed Central Valley Project and a plan for future water supplies. Trump recently posted on his Truth Social platform a criticism of the “rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, rather than using it, free of charge, for the towns, cities, & farms dotted all throughout California.” “It is the number one issue,” said Jason Phillips, chief executive of the Friant Water Authority, which represents more than a dozen irrigation districts serving a large swath of the crop-rich valley. “You only need labor and you only need the products and the equipment and everything else to grow food if you have water.” California relies on water supplies from the Central Valley Project and the state-run State Water Project. The federal project provides 5 million acre-feet of water to farms each year and 600,000 acre-feet to cities, as well as water to maintain water quality in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which provides critical habitat to fish and wildlife. During the prior Trump administration, government officials issued rules to allow for a greater flow of water to California farms. The move was blasted by environmental groups. The Biden administration pushed back on those decisions and has been working on new rules aimed at balancing farming with protections for endangered wildlife, such as the Delta smelt, a tiny fish that is an indicator of the health of California’s waterways , and Chinook salmon. In recent years, California farmers said federal water allocations have been more limited than they feel is necessary after two years of ample rain boosted the state’s reservoirs. The state previously grappled with a yearslong drought that in 2022 saw the driest January-to-March period in at least a century, with scientists saying weather whiplash will likely become more common as the planet warms. That is a big concern of environmentalists and commercial fishermen, who want to see less water diverted to agriculture and more flowing to the Delta. Salmon fishing has been banned off the California coast for the past two years because of dwindling stocks, and critics say Trump’s prior decisions moving water away from salmon-spawning areas are to blame. “They delivered all the cold water behind Shasta Dam. It literally cooked the baby salmon before they were hatched,” said Barry Nelson, policy advisor to the Golden State Salmon Association, a nonprofit focused on restoring California salmon. “ Math is a brutal master , and we’ve hit physical limits on the amount of water we can take from the Bay Delta, and the sign of that is the collapse of the ecosystem.” Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a long-time Trump critic, recently called on California lawmakers to gear up ahead of another Trump presidency to safeguard the state’s progressive policies . We have launched our year-end campaign. Our goal: Raise $50,000 by Dec. 31. Help us get there. Times of San Diego is devoted to producing timely, comprehensive news about San Diego County. Your donation helps keep our work free-to-read, funds reporters who cover local issues and allows us to write stories that hold public officials accountable. Join the growing list of donors investing in our community's long-term future. Environmental advocates, however, contend Newsom has not done enough to improve the situation in the Delta for fish and wildlife. During Trump’s prior administration, Newsom opposed his rules for water flows, filing a legal challenge , but since then, put forth his own rules, which Jon Rosenfield, San Francisco Baykeeper’s science director, said “were never that much different.” Competing demands on California’s water have led to numerous battles over who gets how much. Advocates for fishermen, environmental interests and farmers all say more must be done to shore up future water supplies. But what that looks like depends on who is asked, with proposed solutions spanning from more conservation to expanding water storage to technological upgrades. Aubrey Bettencourt, who oversaw Department of Interior water policy during the prior Trump administration, said she would like to see the system updated to respond to swings in climate rather than setting water releases based on the calendar. One of the issues, she said, is not how much water you get but knowing how much water you will get. “It makes it very hard to plan, not just as a farmer, but as a city manager,” she said. “I would expect an emphasis on restoring operational certainty.” The incoming Trump administration has discussed a series of economic policies that could also affect agriculture, including tariffs that could wind up affecting some exports and push up input costs for growers, according to a recent Rabobank report. But when it comes to water, many farmers in California are hopeful. Daniel Errotabere, a third-generation farmer and previous Westlands Water District president whose family grows tomatoes, garlic and almonds, is among them. As California ramps up limits on groundwater pumping, it is even more important to ensure a stable flow of surface water to grow the food the country is counting on, he said. Farmers have had to fallow fields and often don’t plant as much as they could because of water uncertainty, he said. “If electricity was delivered this way, there’d be a revolt,” Errotabere said. “This is not any way to operate resources.” Get Our Free Daily Email Newsletter Get the latest local and California news from Times of San Diego delivered to your inbox at 8 a.m. daily. Sign up for our free email newsletter and be fully informed of the most important developments.Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou accused Premier League referees of refusing to make important decisions after Moises Caicedo avoided a red card in their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea . Caicedo was fortunate to escape punishment after catching Pape Matar Sarr with his studs in a 50-50 challenge in the first half. Referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and did not even brandish a yellow card for the Ecuadorian. VAR checked the incident for a potential red card, but it was deemed not to be a use of 'excessive force', which is required for the video assistance system to overturn the on-field decision. When asked about the controversy after the game, the Australian claimed officials are refusing to act decisively on big decisions and are leaving it to VAR officials to decide matches. "That's what is happening in the game now, referees are leaving it to other powers that be to make decisions," Postecoglou said. "There were a couple [of decisions] that didn't go our way but there's nothing we can do about that. It's out of our control." He added: "I've said it before... but I don't think technology has helped our game. Instead of one person being in control, it feels like no one is in control.” The Premier League 's Match Centre released a statement to explain why Caicedo was not dismissed for the lunge. It read: "VAR checked for a potential red card following a challenge by Caicedo on Sarr and confirmed the referee’s call of no serious foul play." Upon seeing the replay, Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher was adamant that the £115million star should have been dismissed. "I mean that is unbelievable. I don't like seeing people sent off, but I was certain that was going to be a red card," Carragher said. "They've got away with a huge one there Chelsea ." To make matters worse for Spurs, Caicedo played a part in the third goal and generally had a major influence on Chelsea 's comeback in the second half. Spurs raced into an early two-goal lead through Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski before Jadon Sancho pulled one back for the Blues. The midfielder was then felled in the box by Yves Bissouma and Cole Palmer dispatched the penalty to make it 2-2, before Enzo Fernandez gave Chelsea the lead. Palmer scored a brilliant panenka late on to make it 4-2 after Sarr brought him down, before Son Heung-min added a consolation in stoppage time.

There can be a lot of ups and downs when it comes to navigating one's love life, especially when it seems like dating apps are the only way to meet anyone nowadays. I've definitely learned some tips from my friends about dating, so I'm curious to know: ladies, what dating tips have you learned from other women that have helped you with your dating life? Maybe you learned to always drive separately to a first date instead of getting picked up. That way, you can choose when you want to leave, and your date doesn't know where you live. Maybe you learned a beauty tip, like where to put perfume so that the scent lasts longer: putting a dab of vaseline on your pulse points and spraying the perfume there so it sticks and stays on. Maybe you were told not to worry so much about whether or not the other person likes you but to first think about whether you like them. Not only has it made you more self-aware while dating, but it's also a time saver. Or perhaps you learned from a woman in your life that if you're dating to marry, forget the small talk on the first date and get to the nitty-gritty, like their political views, what they think about marriage, and more. It's better to be honest upfront than be disappointed later if your views don't align. Whatever the case, if you have a dating tip that you learned from another woman that you'd like to share, comment down below! Or, if you'd like to anonymously submit your tip, you can use this form !

Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injuryThe Future of Leadership: Why AI literacy is non-negotiable for African boardsANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan's defense of the national championship has fallen woefully short. The Wolverines started the season ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, making them the third college football team since 1991 to be ranked worse than seventh in the preseason poll after winning a national title. Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) failed to meet those modest expectations, barely becoming eligible to play in a bowl and putting the program in danger of losing six or seven games for the first time since the Brady Hoke era ended a decade ago. The Wolverines potentially can ease some of the pain with a win against rival and second-ranked Ohio State (10-1, 7-1, No. 2 CFP) on Saturday in the Horseshoe, but that would be a stunning upset. Ohio State is a 21 1/2-point favorite, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and that marks just the third time this century that there has been a spread of at least 20 1/2 points in what is known as "The Game." Michigan coach Sherrone Moore doesn't sound like someone who is motivating players with an underdog mentality. "I don't think none of that matters in this game," Moore said Monday. "It doesn't matter the records. It doesn't matter anything. The spread, that doesn't matter." How did Michigan end up with a relative mess of a season on the field, coming off its first national title since 1997? Winning it all with a coach and star player contemplating being in the NFL for the 2024 season seemed to have unintended consequences for the current squad. The Wolverines closed the College Football Playoff with a win over Washington on Jan. 8; several days later quarterback J.J. McCarthy announced he was skipping his senior season; and it took more than another week for Jim Harbaugh to bolt to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, most quality quarterbacks wanting to transfer had already enrolled at other schools and Moore was left with lackluster options. Davis Warren beat out Alex Orji to be the team's quarterback for the opener and later lost the job to Orji only to get it back again. No matter who was under center, however, would've likely struggled this year behind an offensive line that sent six players to the NFL. The Wolverines lost one of their top players on defense, safety Rod Moore, to a season-ending injury last spring and another one, preseason All-America cornerback Will Johnson, hasn't played in more than a month because of an injury. The Buckeyes are not planning to show any mercy after losing three straight in the series. "We're going to attack them," Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer said. "We know they're going to come in here swinging, too, and they've still got a good team even though the record doesn't indicate it. This game, it never matters what the records are." While a win would not suddenly make the Wolverines' season a success, it could help Moore build some momentum a week after top-rated freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. "You come to Michigan to beat Ohio," said defensive back Quinten Johnson, intentionally leaving the word State out when referring to the rival. "That's one of the pillars of the Michigan football program. "It doesn't necessarily change the fact of where we are in the season, but it definitely is one of the defining moments of your career here at Michigan." AP Sports Writer Mitch Stacy in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold a former president accountable while he ran for another term. In court filings, Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in one of their filings. Smith’s team said it left intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters’ violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The separate case involving classified documents was widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. Get local news delivered to your inbox!