Bristol's 21 lead Hampton past Loyola (MD) 76-68phmacao vip 。

Australia has defended the independence of the top international court after it issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, former defence minister and a Hamas commander. The International Criminal Court (ICC) found there were reasonable grounds that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant bore criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes. This includes allegations of using starvation as a method of warfare and directing attacks against civilians in Gaza. The warrants are not a finding of guilt. The ICC rejected Israel’s challenge that it didn’t have jurisdiction over the matter. Australia respects the independence of the ICC and its important role in upholding international law. Australia is focused on working with countries that want peace to press for an urgently needed ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/SeHLuAk83Z — Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) November 21, 2024 Australia respects the independence of the ICC and its “important role in upholding international law”, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said. “We have been clear that all parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law,” she said in a statement on X. Senator Wong reiterated calls for civilians to be protected, hostages to be released, aid workers to be protected and for more humanitarian aid to flow. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said it was troubling that the court had targeted “an elected member of a democracy, of a sovereign nation-state, trying to protect his country from terrorists”. The ICC ruled it had jurisdiction to investigate the situation in Palestinian territories and that states couldn’t challenge the jurisdiction prior to a warrant being issued, “thus Israel’s challenge is premature”. Senior coalition figures have repudiated the court’s argument it has jurisdiction, arguing Australia’s position should be in line with the United States, which rejected the ruling. “They’re supposed to be working with nation states and their legal systems, not seeking to supplant them,” Senator McKenzie said of the ICC. “We would be looking to obviously stand with the United States on this issue.” However, the US isn’t an ICC member state – while Australia is – and Washington previously welcomed a warrant issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin for atrocities in Ukraine. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the European Commission foreign affairs representative Josep Borrell said they would comply with the ruling. An arrest warrant was also issued for Hamas’ military wing commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri for the crimes against humanity of murder, extermination, torture, and rape and other forms of sexual violence. There were reasonable grounds to believe he was also responsible for the war crimes of murder, cruel treatment, torture, taking hostages, outrages upon personal dignity, and rape and other forms of sexual violence, the court found. The decision by the independent court showed international humanitarian law needed to be upheld through fair and impartial judicial processes in all circumstances, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said. “Our collective mind and focus should be on the victims of international crimes in Israel and in the State of Palestine,” he said in a statement after the warrants were issued . Situation in the State of Palestine: #ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejects the State of Israel’s challenges to jurisdiction and issues warrants of arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. Learn more ⤵️ https://t.co/opHUjZG8BL — Int’l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) November 21, 2024 Arrest warrants for the leader of Hamas in Gaza and the former head of its political bureau were withdrawn following confirmation of their deaths. The official death toll in Gaza has eclipsed 44,000, according to the local health ministry, with tens of thousands more missing or believed to be buried under rubble. Israel’s war in Gaza was sparked by listed terror group Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023 that killed 1200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, according to Israel’s tallies. Almost 100 hostages are still missing, with 35 believed to be dead.For audiophiles like me, 2024 was a year filled with exciting new releases and innovations in the world of high-fidelity audio. From groundbreaking headphone technology to the resurgence of vinyl, it was a year that catered to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike. But as the year draws to a close, all signs point to 2025 being even bigger and better. Let’s delve into why 2024 was such a fantastic year for sound enthusiasts and what we can expect in the coming year. This article will explore the key trends and releases that defined 2024 in the audiophile world and provide insights into what we can anticipate in 2025. We’ll cover everything from advancements in wireless audio and spatial sound to the continued growth of vinyl and the rising popularity of high-resolution audio streaming. Get ready to turn up the volume and dive into the exciting future of audio! 2024: The Year in Audio Wireless Audio Takes Center Stage: 2024 saw significant strides in wireless audio technology. Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive and LDAC continued to push the boundaries of wireless sound quality, bringing it closer than ever to wired fidelity. Personally, I was blown away by the improvement in my listening experience when I upgraded to a pair of headphones with aptX Adaptive. The difference was truly noticeable, especially when streaming high-resolution audio. Spatial Audio’s Immersive Rise: Spatial audio, with its ability to create a 3D soundscape, truly came into its own this year. Apple’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music, along with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, offered immersive listening experiences that redefined how we enjoy music. I remember listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon in spatial audio for the first time, and it felt like I was rediscovering the album. The way the sound enveloped me was simply breathtaking. Vinyl’s Resurgence Continues: Vinyl records continued their impressive comeback in 2024. New turntables, cartridges, and phono preamps flooded the market, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Even mainstream artists embraced the format, with many releasing special vinyl editions of their albums. I finally took the plunge this year and invested in a decent turntable setup, and I haven’t looked back. There’s something truly special about the ritual of listening to vinyl. High-Resolution Audio Streaming Gains Momentum: Streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, offering high-resolution audio , saw increased adoption. Audiophiles are increasingly demanding higher quality audio, and these services delivered. I’ve been a Tidal subscriber for a while now, and I love the option to stream Master quality recordings. The clarity and detail are simply unmatched by standard streaming services. Looking Ahead to 2025: The Future of Sound Lossless Audio Goes Mainstream: Apple Music’s adoption of lossless audio in 2023 paved the way for wider acceptance of high-fidelity streaming. We can expect more streaming services to follow suit in 2025, making lossless audio the new standard. This is fantastic news for audiophiles, as it means easier access to high-quality music without the need for large local libraries. AI-Powered Audio Personalization: Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the audio experience. We can expect to see AI-powered headphones that automatically adjust sound profiles based on individual preferences and listening environments. Imagine headphones that learn your favorite genres and tailor the sound accordingly! This is an exciting prospect for personalized audio experiences. The Metaverse and Immersive Audio: As the metaverse continues to develop, immersive audio will play a crucial role in creating realistic and engaging virtual environments. Expect to see advancements in binaural audio and spatial sound technologies that transport users to another world. I’m particularly interested in seeing how this technology evolves in the gaming sector, where immersive audio can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Sustainability in Audio: With growing concerns about environmental impact, the audio industry is likely to focus on sustainability. We can anticipate more eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes in the production of audio equipment. I’m eager to see companies adopt sustainable practices and offer products that are both high-quality and environmentally conscious. The Rise of Independent Audio Brands: While established brands continue to innovate, we can expect to see a rise in independent audio companies offering unique and specialized products. These smaller companies often push the boundaries of audio technology, offering innovative designs and features that cater to niche markets. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting audio brands, and I think 2025 will be a great year for discovering hidden gems. My Predictions for 2025 2024 was a landmark year for audiophiles, with advancements across various aspects of audio technology. However, 2025 promises to be even more groundbreaking, with AI-powered personalization, immersive soundscapes, and a continued focus on high-fidelity audio. As an audiophile, I’m excited to see how these trends unfold and how they will shape the future of our listening experiences. Bring on the next wave of audio innovation!

We all want power and control over our own lives. The irony of power and control over others is that it almost always results in violence and destruction of the other. We see this on the interpersonal level, when someone trying to control their partner usually results in domestic violence. We see this on the international stage with wars between countries: Isreal's desire to control the Palestinians is destroying Gaza; Putin's desire to control Ukraine is destroying Ukraine. Here in our country, power over results in discrimination and bias against others we fear and try to control, resulting in their misery and death. The ultimate irony is that power and control over others also destroys those who try to control. We're likely to see lots of politically controlling actions with the new federal administration over women, immigrants, and other marginalized communities who already lack control over their own lives. Tim Wernette Foothills Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star. Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!Colts Notebook: Richardson again delivers in clutch

By Victor Edozie Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday declared open the 2024 Public Service Games which is featuring over 10,000 athletes and officials drawn from the sports teams of Federal Ministries Departments and Agencies across the country. The elaborate opening ceremony was held at the Sharks stadium, Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex, Moscow road, Port Harcourt. Gov. Fubara, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, assured the participants of the State’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment for the success of the games. He said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 43rd edition of the Public Service Games codenamed Simplified Rivers Games 2024 here in Port Harcourt. “As you compete in the various events, I urge you to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals. It is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity. “So I encourage you to give your very best to support one another and to embody the values of fairplay, sportsmanship and excellence.” In his address, the President of the Federation of Public Service Games, Mr Amaebi Aloku, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their generosity and enthusiasm in hosting the event. Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, hailed the Rivers State government for hosting the event, thanking the state governor for the warm hospitality. Walson-Jack, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged all participants to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship as the competition unfolds. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians have been finally approved to earn Dollars from home, acquire premium domains for as low as $1500, profit as much as $22,000 (₦37million+). Click here to start.$1 million per homer? $27,000 a point? $229 per second? Sports is loaded with money oddities If Juan Soto replicates his 2024 performance throughout his $765 million, 15-year deal with the Mets, he'll make roughly $1.2 million for every home run he hits. He's hardly the only superstar athlete earning outrageous sums for each of his accomplishments. Some NFL quarterbacks make more than $3 million per game. Stephen Curry could make roughly $161,000 per 3-pointer. This past regular season, Lionel Messi earned $229 for every second he was on the field with Inter Miami.

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After being shot in both legs by a Hamas sniper in Gaza, Israeli reservist and New York native Aaron Bours is among the many soldiers pioneering the use of cutting-edge rehabilitative technologies that have been a result of Israel’s war with Hamas . Bours, now 34, moved from Long Island to Israel as a teenager to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and ended up staying in the country. He describes his first entry into Gaza — weeks after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel — as stepping into a Tolkien-esque apocalyptic landscape. “It’s like Mordor or the Upside Down of ‘Stranger Things,’ ” he told The Post. Just two weeks into his service, Bours was shot while trying to rescue his commanding officer, who was killed at the scene. He barely survived, crawling to safety while dragging his smashed leg. From the initial fear of amputation to transitioning to a wheelchair and then crutches and now to a cane, Bours credits Israel’s medical professionals and technology for his recovery and saving his legs. In fact, Israel’s war in Gaza has spurred a wave of healthcare innovations that are reshaping both mental and physical recovery for soldiers and civilians. From surgical robots that remove bullets and shrapnel to 3D-printed prosthetics tailored for rapid deployment, to a battlefield burn treatment developed from pineapples, these technologies are redefining modern medicine and saving lives. The need is dire: Since the war began,12,000 soldiers have entered the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation department, with 40% sustaining limb trauma and a third facing psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis. At the forefront of Israel’s rehabilitation push is Sheba Medical Center in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan, the Middle East’s largest hospital. Here, rehabilitation efforts ranging from augmented and virtual reality to AI-driven PTSD treatments are being both researched and deployed as injuries from Gaza — and more recently, Lebanon — continue to mount. Video-game therapy At Sheba’s new Immersive Rehabilitation Room, Bours, who lost over three inches of bone in his right leg, has been busy mimicking a monkey catching bananas. The space, like a video game reimagined for therapy, projects real-life scenarios onto walls and floors embedded with sensors. “I broke a sweat like I hadn’t done in many months. It’s fun, so the results are that much better,” Bours said of the primate-inspired workout. Therapists design these patient-customized scenarios to prepare them for civilian life — anything from navigating a simulated mall to meditating on a virtual beach. “What we aim to do is practice daily activities, and this technology allows us to bring the outside world into the therapy room,” said Maya Ehrlich, a Sheba rehabilitation psychologist and coordinator. She explained that, while much of the video rehab technology existed prior to the war, its use has been expanded for wartime rehabilitation. For soldiers who’ve required amputation, phantom pain often occurs when the brain repeatedly sends signals to move a limb that no longer exists, interpreting the lack of response as pain. The MyMove system by Israeli startup 6Degrees alleviates that pain by “tricking” the brain into believing the missing limb is moving. Patients wear lightweight bands and a VR headset, engaging in games where a virtual version of their limb performs actions. This reactivates the brain’s motor and sensory circuits to reduce pain and a reliance on medications. Clinical trials show 88% of users report significant pain relief. Advanced 3- D printing Another key wartime development is in the realm of three-dimensional printing, which now enables the rapid production of customized prosthetics and implants. Although the technology existed previously, it has been integrated into hospitals to create prosthetics in hours rather than weeks. At Sheba Medical Center’s 3D Center, a precisely designed skull model was manufactured to help surgeons reconstruct the facial structure of IDF officer Omri Rosenblit, who was severely injured in Khan Yunis when a building collapsed on him. The technology also helped restore his vision. In another case, a 3D-printed personalized implant (PSI) by Synergy 3DMed helped reconstruct the shattered skull of a military dog injured during a Gaza operation. Surgeons fitted the piece of the missing skull seamlessly — much like completing a puzzle — resulting in the dog’s full recovery. Robo ts and AI Surgical robotic technology also isn’t entirely new but has been updated in a groundbreaking way at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem after the Oct. 7 attacks. A robotic guidance system by Israeli company Medtronic was used to remove a bullet lodged in a soldier’s sacrum — the bone at the base of the spine — avoiding paralysis, nerve damage, and lead poisoning. The minimally invasive procedure took just 90 minutes, which is a fraction of the time required for traditional surgery. Artificial Intelligence powers Aidoc, a medical imaging system transforming real-time emergency care by quickly identifying and prioritizing critical trauma cases. It played a key role in saving a 23-year-old Nova massacre survivor who was shot in the eye, with the bullet lodged in her brain. Aidoc mapped the bullet’s path in seconds and sent a push notification to an endovascular surgeon, enabling him to prioritize her treatment and save her life. Kemtai is an online workout tool that transforms physical therapy by turning any device with a camera into a personal trainer. The AI-driven platform tracks key body points via smartphone or laptop cameras, offering real-time feedback on exercise form and technique. The technology helps medical providers monitor injured soldiers’ progress and adjust treatment plans remotely. Another innovation is EyeCon, currently being tested at Rambam Medical Center in the northern city of Haifa, the primary hospital treating soldiers and civilians injured in Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon. Comprising a headband, earphone, and camera, EyeCon is helping bring soldiers out of comas by enabling them to communicate through eye gestures like blinking. The system uses EEG electrodes to monitor brain waves and eye muscle activity, translating these signals into prompts that allow patients with limited consciousness to express their needs and ultimately help pull them back into consciousness. Battlefield innovations Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, has introduced whole blood transfusions on the battlefield, making the IDF the first military to implement this life-saving practice. By delivering comprehensive blood components — red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma — at the point of injury, survival rates for soldiers suffering massive bleeding and trauma have reached an unprecedented 93%. According to Professor Eilat Shinar, MDA’s director of blood services, the practice could save lives globally, from victims of gun violence to car accident casualties. Also on the battlefield, the IDF has begun using chip-bearing dog tags to improve care for wounded soldiers. Medics input treatment details and vital signs through tablets, and the data stays with the patient, ensuring seamless handovers between medics, evacuation teams, and hospital staff. Revolutionary PTSD treatment With over a third of soldiers in rehabilitation battling PTSD, the psychological toll of war is expected to cost Israel’s economy upwards of $53 billion in the next five years. To address this, the Defense Ministry has launched grants to support AI-driven mental health solutions. One such innovation is LIV, a GenAI-powered platform at Sheba that eases the strain on overburdened mental health professionals. Patients interact directly with LIV, sharing their feelings and experiences as the system guides them with questions and prompts. Using tools rooted in classic psychology, LIV helps patients explore their emotions while simultaneously gathering clinical data. By the time patients meet with a psychiatrist, LIV’s detailed summaries allow doctors to focus on decision-making rather than lengthy intake sessions. Researchers at the Samueli Initiative for Responsible AI in Medicine and the Psychological Trauma Research Lab at Tel Aviv University have developed a self-guided version of the Immediate Stabilization Procedure (ISP) — a therapist-led, early intervention for trauma — into another self-guided app. The platform, based on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), is designed to prevent PTSD from developing after a traumatic event. Microsoft Israel R&D volunteered a team of engineers to bring this system to life. Pineapple miracles Anat Iosub Amir, director of healthcare investment at Israeli venture capital fund OurCrowd, said that many of these new technologies emerging from the war have applications far beyond the battlefield. “The war was the spark, but these technologies can grow into much bigger markets,” she said. “The unique technology developed for phantom pain in amputees, for example, could easily be adapted for broader pain management, physical therapy needs, or even gaming.” The new Israeli technologies are also primed for use well beyond Israel’s borders. Last year, for instance, the US Department of Defense invested $15 million in the Yavne-based firm MediWound to develop a new version of its treatment, NexoBrid, which has been heavily deployed in Gaza. Based on enzymes extracted from the stems of pineapple plants, NexoBrid removes dead skin cells from severe burns and was recently approved by the FDA for use in children. The company has just completed a new manufacturing facility and plans to increase production levels by six-fold in the coming year; its stock has also almost doubled. After five months as an inpatient at Sheba, Bours is now home with his wife, whom he married just weeks before Oct. 7, but still returns for intensive therapy three times a week. Despite his journey, Bours refuses to give in to self-pity. “We’re a survivalist nation,” he said. “We have to be because otherwise we’d die.”

Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned the Washington national security establishment.Jinnah and Iqbal: Bridging Islamic principles with progressive statecraft Jinnah adhered to Islamic principles to guide creation of welfare state, blending idealism with practicality Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said on November 8, 1945, “Personally, I believe that in modern times, essential key industries ought to be controlled and managed by the state.” Jinnah envisioned a welfare state founded on Islamic principles, which emphasise social justice and equality. In Muslim Modernism: The Case for Naya Pakistan,«Nadeem Farooq Paracha argues that the progressive and modern elements of Islam, combined with political philosophy, resonate with modern skills and techniques. Muhammad Ali Jinnah adhered to Islamic principles to guide the creation of a welfare state, blending idealism with practicality. A welfare state undertakes all essential responsibilities for its citizens, ensuring that all are treated equally. Addressing the All-India Muslim League (AIML) Planning Committee in Delhi on November 5, 1944, he said, “It is not our purpose to make the rich richer and to accelerate the process of the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few individuals. Our ideal should not be capitalistic but Islamic.” Jinnah speaks of the Islamic ideals, which mean basic social protections which Islam provides to its citizens. Mustafa Abdullah Kuyateha argues in “Islam and Social Welfarism: The Role of Islamic Social Interventions,” “The ‘theory of infaq’ emphasises spending one’s wealth and resources in the course of Allah.” This epitomises the Islam that Jinnah spoke about when he said that the Pakistan movement is not directed at making the rich richer but at fostering equality, with accumulation strictly banned. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah bridged idealism and practicality to achieve the goal of a welfare state. Recorded on February 26, 1948, in his speech to the people of America, Jinnah pointed out some basic social principles of Islam that would form the foundation of Pakistan. First, he believed that democracy is the basis of the Islamic political system. Social justice is the cornerstone of the Islamic welfare state, along with justice and fair play for everybody. Jinnah said, “In any case, Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Parsees, but they all are Pakistanis.” Jinnah stressed and focused on the practicality of Islam’s ideal principles. Even in the same speech, Jinnah said that the tenets of Islam, though 1300 years old, are still applicable. Muhammad Ali Jinnah believed that Pakistan would be a Muslim state guided by Islamic principles. Jinnah’s approach in this regard is ideal. However, when one studies Allama Iqbal’s explanation of a Muslim state, it becomes clear that Jinnah’s understanding of political Islam was closely aligned with the concept of a modernist or progressive state. This is because Allama Iqbal considered Ijtihad the essence of movement and reform. In Arshia Javed’s The Need of Ijtihad for Sustainable Development in Islam, it is stated, “Ijtihad is the key to providing an Islamic interpretation of modern developments and circumstances.” Allama Iqbal believed that without Ijtihad, the Muslim political system would stagnate and fail to meet modern challenges. In his book The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, Allama Iqbal emphasises the significance of Ijtihad in Islam. Muhammad Ali Jinnah echoed similar thought in his vision of political Islam for Pakistan. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran 13:11). Allama Iqbal further elaborated, “The teaching of the Quran that life is a process of progressive creation necessitates that each generation, guided but unhampered by the work of its predecessors, should be permitted to solve its problems.” Pakistan is not merely a country but a vision or program that Jinnah aimed to direct toward a state that would revive the genuine principles of Islam. It is now upto new generations of politicians to turn his vision into reality.Gov Alia declares two-week public holidays for Benue workersIntroduction This GT Alert highlights significant energy sector developments in Latin America from September and October 2024. A. Argentina The Argentine Wholesale Electricity Market Administration Company (CAMMESA) opened a new Renewable Energy Term Market (MATER) call to award up to 880 MW in transmission capacity, depending on the projects submitted. This third-quarter call offers less capacity than in previous rounds, especially in areas with better wind and solar resources. Key points: 209 MW will have full dispatch priority. Up to 881 MW will use the Referential “A” mechanism, with up to 8% curtailment. Capacity distribution will depend on project technology and location. For instance, the Misiones, NEA, and Litoral regions will receive most of the available capacity. B. Brazil Brazil has recently strengthened its commitment to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Aiming to diversify its energy matrix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and meet its climate goals, the country has promoted solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen and nuclear energy initiatives. Brazil has also implemented new policies and projects seeking to ensure long-term energy security and emissions reduction. Key developments from September and October 2024 include: C. Chile The modification to Chile’s Public Transport Subsidy Law aims to accelerate electric truck adoption across the country, closing the gap between Santiago and other regions. Óscar Moreno, in charge of electromobility at Chile’s Regional Public Transport Division, explained how the new regulation facilitates collaboration with regional governments and provides a framework for financing and operating electromobility projects. Key Changes: In summary, the Subsidy Law modifications have the potential transform the electromobility landscape in Chile, allowing a faster expansion of electric trucks in the regions, with a regulatory framework that enhances financing, management, and operational flexibility. Chile’s Minister of Energy Diego Pardow presented changes to the bill extending electricity subsidies to 4.7 million users. The modifications address energy sector concerns, particularly regarding the Small Means of Distributed Generation (PMGD), energy generation plants with a maximum total capacity of 9 MW, impact. Key points include: The amendments seek to balance the electricity subsidy with energy sector financial stability. D. Colombia The FES 2024 focused on Colombia's energy transition to more sustainable sources, emphasizing the country's environmental commitments. Key agreements include: 1. Accelerating the Energy Transition – Emissions reduction : Increase the share of non-conventional renewable energies (solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro) in Colombia's energy matrix. – Diversifying the energy matrix : Reduce fossil fuel dependence by integrating energy storage technologies and smart grids to optimize distribution. 2. Renewable Energy Infrastructure Development – Investment incentives : Create incentives to encourage energy infrastructure investment in areas with high renewable potential, such as Guajira for wind energy and other solar areas. – Strengthening transmission infrastructure : Modernize and expand the electricity transmission infrastructure to ensure renewable energy efficiently reaches consumption centers. 3. Developing Sustainable Energy Projects in Rural Areas – Access to energy in non-interconnected regions : Prioritize rural electrification using renewable technologies such as solar panels and small hydroelectric plants. – Energy autonomy : Promote decentralized energy generation models for rural community energy autonomy. 4. Decarbonization and Climate Change Commitments – Carbon neutrality goal : Achieve carbon neutrality in the energy sector by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. – Promote energy efficiency : Implement policies that seek to improve energy efficiency in various sectors and promote using cleaner technologies. 5. Strengthening Regulation and the Regulatory Framework – Regulatory reforms : Review and update energy regulations to encourage clean energy investment and promote competition in the market. – Tax and financial incentives : Create tax incentives and financing mechanisms for companies that invest in renewable energies and clean technologies. 6. Research, Innovation, and Technological Development – Innovation incentives : Promote investment in researching and developing clean technologies, such as renewable energies, energy storage, and smart grids. – Public-private collaboration : Encourage public-private collaboration to develop new energy technologies and create innovation centers. 7. Energy Justice and Equity – Universal access : Ensure that all Colombians have access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. – Fair and regulated tariffs : Implement policies to avoid tariff mismatches and protect vulnerable users, especially in rural areas, from disproportionate tariff increases. E. Guatemala Empresa Eléctrica de Guatemala S.A. (EEGSA), part of the EPM Group, has enhanced its 1-24 EEGSA Open Tender to cover its short-term energy needs. The tender includes two blocks: Block B (107 MW for the seasonal period 2025-2026) and Block C (155 MW for a five-year contract starting in 2025 or 2026). Objectives and Key Changes: EEGSA seeks to increase the competitiveness of the auctions, which were held on Nov. 20 and 27, 2024. Process improvements include greater flexibility for bidders, allowing for power variation throughout the supply years and the possibility of starting supply in 2025 or 2026. The range of permitted technologies expanded to include hydroelectric, biomass, coal, bunker and petroleum coke, with the aim of attracting more generators and diversifying energy sources. Specific Improvements: Power flexibility: Bidders will be able to adjust the power they deliver over time. Block C modality expansion: Two new modalities were introduced in Block C to facilitate more generating plant participation. Technological diversification: The bidding process was opened to more technologies to increases competitiveness and offer more options to cover the country's energy needs. Strategic Objectives: Guarantee competitive and stable tariffs, seeking a sustainable energy matrix that aligns with the energy transition. The company emphasizes that, thanks to these efforts, it has achieved tariffs 30% lower than those of the first tender, despite the impacts of climatic phenomena and the Russia-Ukraine war. The process also included a period for receiving clarifications and possible adjustments until early November, seeking to ensure transparency and a competitive process. The tender responds to the need to meet energy demand with a focus on sustainability and diversifying energy sources. The Guatemalan Renewable Energy Association (AGER) identified 3,700 MW of potential renewable capacity for incorporation between 2024 and 2040. To achieve this, AGER recommends improving transmission infrastructure, simplifying administrative procedures, and fostering institutional cooperation and government support. Long-term tenders have been key to the success of the country's energy transition, allowing new renewable plant construction and reducing electricity tariffs. AGER proposes prioritizing renewable sources in tenders, separating them by technology, and allowing operating plants to accelerate clean energy incorporation. In addition, they suggest including storage systems to improve the electricity system’s flexibility and efficiency. With these measures, Guatemala could strengthen its regional leadership in renewable energies. F. Honduras In October 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Honduras to evaluate its energy sector, focusing on tariff schedules and the 1500 MW tender. The Regulatory Energy Commission (CRE) noted that they are in the final phase of approving the distribution tariffs and advancing transmission tariffs regulation, with a provisional tariff expected December 2024. The IMF expresses concern over delays of the 1500 MW tender, which will be carried out under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, in which investors finance plant construction for 15 years before transferring them to the Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica (ENEE). However, ENEE's financial problems and uncertainty about investment recovery remain key challenges. The IMF also highlighted progress in reducing ENEE’s electricity losses, but stressed the need to continue structural reforms, such as reducing ENEE's payment arrears through bonds and improving government coordination. In the long term, the goal is to attract investment to expand generation capacity and ensure adequate energy supply. The IMF agreed with the Honduran authorities to move forward with these reforms, but the economic policies necessary to complete the financing agreement must be approved by the IMF Executive Board in the coming weeks. G. Mexico On Sept. 10, 2024, Mexico's Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) published Agreement A/108/2024 in the Official Gazette of the Federation, establishing the General Administrative Provisions on Electromobility (DACGME). The provisions aim to regulate the connection of charging infrastructure for electric and hybrid electric vehicles to the National Electric System (SEN). The DACGME address important issues such as (i) the technical and administrative requirements that end users must comply with to connect their charging infrastructure to the SEN, (ii) the minimum information that end users and suppliers must provide to the Electromobility Platform, as well as (iii) the procedures to ensure continuity, reliability, and security in the electricity supply. On Oct. 31, 2024, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo published a decree amending the fifth paragraph of Article 25, the sixth and seventh paragraphs of Article 27 and the fourth paragraph of Article 28 of Mexico’s Consitution (CPEUM) in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), regarding strategic areas and companies. The most relevant aspects of the reform include: (i) Article 25 (ii) Article 27 (iii) Article 28 (iv) Transitory Articles On Sept. 30, 2024, the CRE's Governing Body held an extraordinary session to approve the Agreement by which the General Administrative Provisions were issued for the Integration of Electric Energy Storage Systems to the National Electric System (DACG). The DACGs establish the modalities and general conditions under which the integration of Electric Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to the National Electric System (SEN) will be carried out in an orderly and economically viable manner, and have three specific objectives: (i) to establish the general conditions applicable to the ESS, as well as to define the modalities for integrating the ESS to the SEN; (ii) to establish the general requirements to be met by the interested parties in integrating the ESS and to participate in any of its modalities; and (iii) to establish the interconnection/connection procedure to be observed by those interested in integrating the ESS. For more information, see our October 2024 GT Alert . H. Panama On Oct. 2, 2024, Panama's National Assembly approved in first debate a bill that seeks to promote green hydrogen as an energy source in the country. The law assigns the National Energy Secretariat (SNE) the responsibility of regulating and developing strategies for producing, transporting, and using green hydrogen, excluding La Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos (ASEP) from the permitting process to simplify procedures and attract investment. Panama has ambitious goals, such as producing 500,000 tons of green hydrogen by 2030 and 2 million tons by 2040. The law also declares of national interest the production and industrialization of green hydrogen and offers incentives to companies that invest in this sector. The next step will be for the bill to pass to second and third debate in the National Assembly, and then the Executive Branch will have 150 days to regulate the law and put it into practice. This initiative is part of Panama's energy transition strategy and seeks to position it as a leader in the development of clean energy in the region. I. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has issued a new Request for Proposals (RFP Tranche 4) to procure 500 MW of renewable generation capacity and 250 MW of energy storage (with four or six-hour duration options) on a long-term basis. This process is part of a broader effort under the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which seeks to procure a total of 3,750 MW of renewable energy and 1,500 MW of storage. The solicitation is aimed at shovel-ready projects, i.e., those ready to begin construction. Key features of the RFP: Acquisition objectives: – 500 MW of renewable energy. – 250 MW of energy storage with a duration of four to six hours (1,000+ MWh). Maximum price: – Renewable energy: $125/MWh. – Four-hour storage: $25,000/MW-month. – Six-hour storage: $33,750/MW-month. Evaluation process: – Proposals will be evaluated primarily on price. – Cheaper projects that meet the requirements will be favored. – The evaluation process will be more streamlined compared to Tranche 3. Comparison with Tranche 3: Tranche 3 (cancelled): sought 1,000 MW of renewable energy and 500 MW of storage while Tranche 4 seeks 500 MW of renewable energy and 250 MW of storage, with the possibility of acquiring more depending on market response. In Tranche 3, no maximum price was set; in Tranche 4, a price limit has been set, as explained above. Deadlines and participation: Deadline for submission of proposals: Nov. 25, 2024. Eligible projects: Shovel-ready projects will be prioritized, meaning that they must have already secured permits and financing. This new procurement process is designed to secure competitively priced renewable energy and storage projects, with a focus on construction-ready projects and a more streamlined evaluation than in previous solicitations. J. Dominican Republic The National Energy Commission (CNE) has issued Resolution CNE-AD-0005-2024, which modifies the previous CNE-AD-0004-2023, and establishes new conditions for renewable energy projects with storage. The main objective is to integrate battery storage systems (BESS) in renewable energy projects to guarantee the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI)’s stability. Key points: Projects over 20 MWac must have a storage system equivalent to 50% of its capacity, with a four-hour minimum duration. Projects larger than 200 MWac require prior CNE technical evaluations to ensure feasibility and positive impact on the SENI. The CNE may reject projects from related companies that attempt to use the same energy injection point in order to avoid excessive generation concentration. This resolution seeks to strengthen energy storage infrastructure, promote sustainability, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and position the Dominican Republic as a leader in the regional energy transition. Read in Spanish/Leer en Español.

Haid has 24 as Cent. Conn. St. beats Quinnipiac 84-80NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) resulting from allegations that Light & Wonder may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Light & Wonder securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29678 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On September 24, 2024 , the Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article entitled "Slot manufacturer scores major win against Las Vegas -based rival." The article stated that "Aristocrat Technologies Inc.'s request for a preliminary injunction in its trade-secret and copyright infringement lawsuit against Light & Wonder" had been granted, and that the "order prohibits [Light & Wonder] from the 'continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialization of Dragon Train,' which Aristocrat claims uses intellectual property developed for its Dragon Link and Lightning Link games." On this news, Light & Wonder's common stock fell 19.49% on September 24, 2024 . Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rosen-law-firm-encourages-light--wonder-inc-investors-to-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation--lnw-302327948.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter TodayLetters for Dec. 11: US economy may be thriving, but it didn’t resonate with voters

A Warzone squad is commemorating a teammate who passed away with a touching tribute highlighting their favorite spot on Verdansk, what they called their ‘Happy Place.’ When Warzone was in its heyday , it often felt like everyone you knew was dropping in on a daily basis. Undoubtedly helped by the global crisis at the time, it became a massive sensation in the Battle Royale genre, hooking millions for months on end. Looking back fondly on those times, one squad is looking to immortalize a teammate of theirs in a heartwarming way. Taking to Reddit to share their story, a player explained how, much like “most of us did in 2020,” their friendship circle was obsessed with Warzone. One member of the squad “suddenly passed away” roughly two years ago, however, and now, the team is looking to commemorate them in a unique way; by printing out and framing a unique design of their favorite spot on Verdansk. Honoring a fallen Warzone teammate “We played Warzone together whilst going through a tough year,” Reddit user ‘ lilhagan ’ said. “It was one of the best gaming memories I think we as a friendship group have. Staying up like we were 14 years old again, just being together and having a laugh.” While there were certainly plenty of highlights from their sessions over the months, one thing came to mind above all else. Their teammate often referred to one specific point of the map as their ‘Happy Place.’ Funnily enough, no one is quite sure why they labeled it as such. “It wasn’t because we would win starting from there,” the Redditor joked. “Maybe it was because we always had a laugh when we landed there.” Related: Their goal is to design a custom memento to frame on their wall. A high-resolution picture of their Happy Place on Verdansk, fit with all of their gamertags at the bottom of the piece. Specifically, they outlined how the Happy Place was in the 2020 version of Verdansk, not the 1984 iteration that followed. It “was an awesome place to land,” they concluded."We the People" competitions require student competitors to write and present speeches that address key issues of government, the Constitution and world politics. After their four-minute presentations, students face six minutes of questions from a panel of expert judges. Students are required to answer extemporaneously without referring to notes or materials. The “We the People” Constitution Program is sponsored by the Justice Resource Center (JRC) in partnership with the Law, Youth, and Citizenship Committee of the New York State Bar Association. “I am proud of the performance of Johnstown students in New York City this year and the hard work they did preparing for the competition,” said Sean Russo, a social studies teacher and "We the People" coach. “In their reflections after the event, the students told me that they now have a much better understanding of government. They also feel their public speaking skills and overall confidence has improved through this experience.” In addition to the overall team placing fifth statewide, students Nicholas Valachovic and Austin Harrington won the Unit 2 award at the competition, Russo said. James Madison High School in Brooklyn won top place in this year's "We the People" competition. In 2020, Johnstown High School's team of seniors Calyer Fagan, Brianne Hansen and Kiersten Pelosi was awarded top honors in of the disciplines.

Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of commentary online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• The long lines on election days across countries and continents suggest dynamic democracies. But despite the calendar aligning for a record-setting number of people worldwide eligible to vote this year, democracy itself is actually imperiled. That’s the clear conclusion from Freedom House, which said in its annual “ Freedom in the World ” report that “flawed elections and armed conflicts contributed to the 18th year of democratic decline.” The “breadth and depth of the deterioration was extensive,” the think tank reported, adding that “political rights and civil liberties were diminished in 52 countries, while only 21 countries saw improvements.” That analysis was amplified in a similarly grim report from the Economist Intelligence Unit, which starkly stated that “conflict and polarization drive a new low for global democracy.” This dire data corresponds with, and may have been caused by, a commensurate retreat in media freedom, as evidenced by Reporters Without Borders’ annual World Press Freedom Index , which warned that “press freedom around the world is being threatened by the very people who should be its guarantors — political authorities.” Indeed, if democracy were a stock, “it would have suffered something of a price correction over the last 20 years,” said Richard Haass , the president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. Haass, a veteran envoy who served Republican and Democratic administrations, was speaking via video on Tuesday night at a Minnesota Peace Initiative forum called “The World Votes: Global Democracy at a Crossroads.” The event, held in Minneapolis at Norway House (fitting, considering Norway held the top spot in the World Press Freedom Index and along with fellow Scandinavian nations is ranked as the world’s most free by Freedom House), drew a capacity crowd with many more online to hear from Haass, me and three other panelists: Chad Vickery , vice president of global strategy and technical leadership at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems; Aram Gavoor , a former Justice Department official and current professor at the George Washington University Law School; and Thomas Hanson , diplomat-in-residence at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Haass cited several factors for his clear-eyed diagnosis of democracy, including technological transformations that have ushered in an unsettled media landscape. “We live in one of the odd moments in history where there’s never been greater access to information and never been greater access to disinformation,” Haass said, adding that citizens don’t know if information is “accurate, fully accurate, partially accurate or essentially inaccurate.” That’s to autocrats’ advantage, asserted Gavoor, who said that this country’s competitors “have sought to exploit the U.S. democratic system for quite some time.” The “age of technology, especially with social media,” he said, has “taken on a dramatically different dimension.” Mentioned as additional direct democratic threats were distributed denial-of-service attacks and “strategic foreign mis- and disinformation campaigns that oftentimes are quite opportunistic and play on various doubts in the minds of Americans.” Gavoor gave this good news, however: “The federal government has actually gotten quite adept and capable with regard to identifying foreign mis- and disinformation to the extent that there are significant bodies that exist to combat these things,” like the National Security Council and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. But the threat to democracy from domestic disinformation is an even greater challenge, Gavoor said. And, he added, wherever the disinformation originates, the objective is similar. “Keep in mind that the end goal is not just to disrupt an American election or to cause a particular candidate to be advantaged or not. The end goal is to undermine the entire system of American governance and the faith in American democracy and perhaps greater softening of the resolve to maintain a democracy.” Disinformation is just one component corroding democratic norms within some countries, said Vickery. “We’ve learned how autocracy works: First, you have to win an election by popular vote, usually running against the elites in your country.” Next, he said, “you change the election laws, you game the system to make sure you can win again and not be challenged again.” “But then the third thing is you need to harass civil society in many places” — places like Norway House, he said. “After that, you need to pack the courts with judges who are going to support you, and then you want to enrich your cronies with corruption and then you buy up newspapers and television and make this propaganda machine.” If the democracy-tending attendees at Norway House were any indication, that’s not about to happen here. Indeed, the citizen engagement on display was considered a model by moderator Janet Dolan, who co-created the Minnesota Peace Initiative with her husband, William Moore. The other panelists concurred on Dolan’s admiration, and that along with a free press, such civic involvement should be inviolate in this country and the others it tries to inspire toward a democratic form of government. But the beacon that former Foreign Service officers like Hanson projected and protected on behalf of this country may not shine as bright in recent years. “I think many people in the world perceive that the American model of democracy is less compelling than it was, and that makes our work globally much more challenging,” said Hanson, who added, “and we’re beginning to see other narratives of contestation on democracy and on elections.” Hanson, who will hold his highly anticipated and attended Global Minnesota “ 2025 U.S. Foreign Policy Update ” on Jan. 23, began by saying he was “struck by the dichotomy between an agreed ‘recession of democracy’ and an unprecedented number of elections” this year. “I think that shows how elections nowadays are being used to legitimize variants of democracy.” Many “managed democracies around the world hold elections if they predetermine who can participate. This is the case in Russia. This is the case in Pakistan.” And, he added, “I hate to say it, but at the local level in our own country our two parties go to great lengths to prevent any third-party candidate from participating, which is a minor example of what I’m describing.” According to Vickery, those democracies, however managed or free and fair, have had results that can be categorized as “change-of-status elections” like in the U.S., U.K., South Africa, North Macedonia, Botswana, Senegal and others. Next are elections “solidifying power,” such as in Indonesia and Mexico. And more hopefully, there are examples of “bounce-back” democracies that through elections or civic action have gone “in the right direction,” including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. While not as many will queue to choose their leaders next year, Vickery noted that there will be 102 elections in 68 nations affecting 1.2 billion citizens worldwide. So for many, 2025 will truly be an election year, even if globally it isn’t quite a year of elections like 2024. But democracy “is about more than voting,” said Haass. “We the citizens, we the people, have the obligation, and I would argue the self-interest, to exercise our democratic rights, to stay informed, to stay involved, and to make sure that those who are entrusted with outsized political power comport themselves and act consistent with the law, and act consistent with the norms that make our democracy what it is.” What it is can be credited in no small part to the kind of civil, civic engagement from groups like the Minnesota Peace Initiative and the involved, inspiring citizens attending Tuesday’s event.Alberta invested $150M for new affordable housing development