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South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

RALEIGH, N.C. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestiQuant, a leading provider of AI-driven, alternative investment solutions, proudly announces the success of its Fall 2024 promotion which raised $13,200 for the International Cancer Care and Research Excellence Foundation, known as iCCARE. Dr. Kristin Schroeder , co-founder of iCCARE, expressed her appreciation stating, "We are extremely grateful for InvestiQuant's support over the past few years. Their donations and commitment have been integral to helping us serve more children and expand the quality and scope of care we provide." Dr. Schroeder added, "We have had momentous success, but there is still a long way to go. We will not stop until we achieve our mission of giving every child the same chance of a cure." In the words of Scott Andrews , CEO of InvestiQuant, "I know of no other opportunity with such an incredible return-on-investment. Success is literally measured in terms of children's lives saved. Having personally reviewed iCCARE's books and operations, and witnessed their life-saving impact on hundreds of children, supporting them is an honor. I encourage all investors to consider supporting iCCARE." Make a direct donation and learn more about InvestiQuant's participation here: https://www.investiquant.com/iccare-thank-you About iCCARE iCCARE is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded to address the lack of cancer care available in many low- and middle-income countries. While pediatric cancer has a survival rate of nearly 85% in many developed countries, cancer care is essentially non-existent in many hospitals across lower income countries. Many of these children have little access to cancer care and will die. iCCARE is working to change that. iCCARE works to deliver and improve on cancer care – including curative therapies, supportive care, and palliative care – at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. In 2014 when iCCARE started working in Tanzania, children with cancer had little hope, the survival rate was only 18%. Today, the survival rate has nearly tripled. Their work is made possible through local and international donations, and an incredibly dedicated team of local volunteers in Tanzania. About InvestiQuant Since 2008, InvestiQuant has armed self-directed investors with institutional-quality, alternative investment strategies and solutions. The company's AI driven, fully automated algorithmic strategies help clients better protect and grow their wealth by empowering their portfolios with the ability to generate attractive returns regardless of the direction of the broader stock market. Unlike most alternative investments, investors maintain 100% visibility, access and control of their capital, 24x7. InvestiQuant's principals are West Point graduates with decades of combined retail and professional trading experience. Prior to InvestiQuant, they built a cloud-based, spend management platform for global enterprises and took it public on the NASDAQ exchange. InvestiQuant is backed by its founders and private investors, many of whom were clients during the 2008 financial crisis. For more information: (844) 447-8723 [email protected] www.InvestiQuant.com P.S. This video helps illustrate why a fight for hope matters. Click to view . SOURCE InvestiQuantTech Stocks Surge Amid Federal Reserve Sentiment and Upcoming Jobs Data

Pennsylvania State University will not charge ex-NFL star over an on-campus incident where he smashed a fan’s phone. The incident took place in November when the retired Philadelphia Eagles center was at Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium for ESPN’s broadcast as they took on Ohio State University. A viral video on X/Twitter showed a man yelling: “Hey, Kelce. How does it feel your brother’s a f***** dating Taylor Swift?” Kelce angrily , saying: “Who’s the f***** now?” A public information officer with the Penn State University Campus Police Department, Jacqueline Sheader, confirmed in a statement to that the investigation is now closed. “The individual in the video footage circulating on social media has not been identified, and no one has come forward to University Police with a related complaint about damage to personal property,” Sheader told the outlet. Following the incident, Kelce appeared on ESPN to for his actions. “I think everybody’s seen on social media everything that took place this week,” he said. “Listen, I’m not happy with anything that took place. I’m not proud of it. In a heated moment, I chose to greet hate with hate and I just don’t think that’s a productive thing, I really don’t. I don’t think it leads to discourse and it’s the right way to go about things. In that moment I fell down to a level that I shouldn’t have.” “The bottom line is, I try to live my life by the golden rule, that’s what I’ve always been taught,” he said. “I try to treat people with common decency and respect, and I’m going to keep doing that moving forward.” During an episode of his podcast with his younger brother, Travis Kelce, featured the two of them also . “You had some f***ing clown come up to you talking about your family,” the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said. “You reacted in a way that was defending your family and you might have used some words that you regret using.” Travis admitted at the time that the incident was “weighing on him” as more people continued to post about what had happened in addition to giving their opinion on it. Jason mentioned that he would only be talking about the incident one more time because he wanted to “stop talking about this really stupid situation.” The retired NFL player admitted he should have stayed quiet and kept walking to avoid giving the man any kind of attention. He said his biggest regret from the situation was repeating the slur that the fan had used. “It’s dehumanizing and it got under my skin and it elicited a reaction. In the heat of the moment, I thought, ‘Hey, what can I say back to him? I’m gonna throw this s*** right back into his face. F*** him,’” Jason said.Google and federal officials are battling it out over a proposal that the tech giant be forced to sell its popular Chrome web browser to restore competition to the online search market. The proposal , filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and several states this week, came after a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over internet search. The landmark decision opened the door to the current showdown over potential remedies that could reshape the tech giant’s multibillion-dollar business. As part of their proposed penalties, Justice Department officials also suggested the judge impose restrictions on Android, Google’s mobile operating system, to prevent it from favoring Google products. The Department of Justice says forcing Google to divest Chrome would create more competition and stop the search giant’s control over a “browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet.” Google pushed back, calling the request an “unprecedented government overreach” that would harm consumers and U.S. tech leadership. “This is to some extent a negotiating dance,” said George Hay, a Cornell University law professor and antitrust expert. “The DOJ is probably trying to get Google to be more cooperative in coming up with remedies that will fix the problem.” Here’s what you need to know: What are U.S. officials proposing? The Justice Department outlined for the judge several possible solutions in its 23-page court filing , including forcing Google to sell Chrome and potentially Android as well if the company does not adequately address its practice of requiring smartphone makers to use Google products embedded in Android. “The playing field is not level because of Google’s conduct, and Google’s quality reflects the ill-gotten gains of an advantage illegally acquired,” the filing says. “The remedy must close this gap and deprive Google of these advantages.” The Justice Department wants to bar Google from entering into exclusive agreements with content publishers, as well as owning or acquiring any interests in search rivals. Publishers should also be able to opt out of having Google use their content to train artificial intelligence tools, under the proposal. And Justice Department officials want advertisers to have more access to data and control over ads that show up in Google search results. The Justice Department is trying to make consumers more aware of choices outside of Google, the world’s most popular search engine. Another potential fix includes requiring Google to display a “choice screen” on every Google browser when a user hasn’t selected a default search engine. What’s Google’s response? Google thinks the government’s proposal goes too far. Instead, the company thinks the government should focus solutions more narrowly on agreements it has with Apple, Mozilla, smartphone manufacturers and wireless carriers that require the companies to favor Google’s search engine over others. Kent Walker, chief legal officer at Google and its parent company, Alphabet, in a blog post called the government’s proposal a “radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America’s global technology leadership.” Google opposes the idea that it should install “choice screens” on its browser and alleges that would hinder people’s abilities to use the company’s products. Will this affect the way I search online? Because Google’s punishment hasn’t been decided, it is too early to say how internet search could be affected. Antitrust experts said it depends on what remedies the judge in the case decides on and whether they withstand scrutiny by an appeals court. Some experts questioned whether any changes, even a forced sale of Chrome, would be effective in getting people to use other search engines. “It will still be there in some way, shape or form, but it may be more subtle in terms of the effects on consumers,” said Shubha Ghosh, a law professor at Syracuse University. It’s unclear who is interested in buying Google Chrome, which Bloomberg reported could be worth up to $20 billion. Could the Trump administration affect Google’s punishment? Possibly. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized Google over allegations that the search giant censors conservative speech, which the company has repeatedly denied. But Trump, who reportedly took a phone call with Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai after he won the U.S. presidential election, has also stopped short of saying he would break up the search giant. “It’s a very dangerous thing because we want to have great companies,” Trump said in an October interview moderated by Bloomberg News. “We don’t want China to have these companies. Right now, China is afraid of Google.” Hay said he doesn’t anticipate Trump will pull the plug on the case, but the Justice Department could soften its proposed remedies. What happens next? Google said it will file its own proposals next month. Court hearings on Google’s punishment are scheduled to begin in April. Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who is overseeing the case, is expected to make a decision on Google’s punishment by August 2025. The Associated Press was used in compiling this report.

Global shares rise after tech stocks pull Wall Street to another record

Two Londonderry Republicans will lead the N.H. House and Senate for the next two years, after being formally voted in by their peers Wednesday. Sherman Packard was reelected House speaker, beginning his third term in the job with a much more comfortable legislative majority than the last term. And Sen. Sharon Carson was chosen to be Senate president, overseeing a 16-8 Republican-controlled chamber and succeeding longtime Sen. Jeb Bradley, who is retiring this year. The elections were part of Organization Day, when newly elected senators and representatives are sworn into office, and the House and Senate choose the secretary of state and state treasurer. Here’s what you need to know. Packard, Carson call for civility Introducing Packard before voting began, Rep. Lisa Mazur, a Goffstown Republican, praised Packard’s legislative priorities. “With his extensive experience, he has championed legislation that supports parental rights, strengthens our economy, safeguards personal freedoms, and ensures that every tax dollar is spent wisely,” she said. Rep. Ted Gorski, a Bedford Republican, drew attention to what he said were Packard’s evenhanded temperament and skills at conflict resolution. “Recently, Sherm and I had a difference of opinion on an issue, and after the issue played out, we were emailing back and forth, and I decided to call Sherm, but Sherm beat me to the punch,” he said. “He actually called me, and we had a great conversation. As the call ended, it was evident to me that Sherm would not harbor any bad feelings, but his goal was to maintain the relationship.” In his own speech, Packard called for civility between members of both parties. “We’ve got two tough years ahead of us,” he said. “Philosophically, in many cases, we are going to have different opinions on subject matter. ... But by God, that doesn’t mean we can’t be civil and friendly and cooperate with each other when we are on the same page.” Packard urged special caution around social media practices, saying he wished Facebook and Twitter — now called X — didn’t exist. And, he said, “my door is open.” Democrats nominated Rep. Alexis Simpson, of Exeter, as speaker. She lost that bid but will be the House Democratic leader, succeeding Rep. Matt Wilhelm, of Manchester, who is continuing to serve as a representative. “Whatever it is, whatever bill you want to pass and send to the governor’s desk, you cannot do it alone,” Simpson said in her own election speech. “None of us can. We need to work together in this body to make the changes that we envision.” Following House rules, the speaker was elected via a secret ballot. With 388 representatives casting votes, 202 votes went to Packard, 162 went to Simpson, 17 were scattered votes for other candidates, and 7 ballots were left blank. Carson, who won by unanimous vote in the Senate, promised to work to “preserve and expand the New Hampshire advantage, ensuring that our state remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and communities flourish.” “I am energized by the work ahead together. We have an opportunity to build on the traditions of civility and collaboration that makes this chamber truly unique,” she said. Sen. Rebecca Perkins-Kwoka, a Portsmouth Democrat and the Senate minority leader, seconded the motion to elect Carson. “I hope there will be things we can work together on this session,” she said. “Such as: We all know our residents need housing. We all know our businesses need workforce. And we all know our families need child care.” Secretary of state and state treasurer stay on The House and Senate reelected Dave Scanlan as secretary of state and Monica Mezzapelle as state treasurer. Neither were contested. Accepting his election, Scanlan said the past two years had been “busy.” “We have had a lot of successes, but the largest one is in preserving the first-in-the-nation presidential primary, which is something that everybody in this room gets behind,” Scanlan said. “We faced the largest challenge to the primary in the primary’s history, and I think the aftermath is still as relevant as it ever has been.” In a nomination speech for Mezzapelle, Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, a Nashua Democrat, praised her “sound professional judgement on borrowing,” which she said had contributed to New Hampshire’s S&P Global Ratings increase from AA to AA+ in March, “which will save the state millions.” “She’s been incredibly successful here with interest coming in $85 million ahead of plan for last fiscal year and $46 million ahead of plan for the current year today,” Rosenwald added. Mezzapelle, who has served in the role since 2020, said the pandemic had provided economic challenges and opportunities for the state. “One of the key takeaways for me is the importance of being prepared,” Mezzapelle said. “The need to assess risks and develop policies and plans that can guide us during good and also not-so-good times.” The first lawmaker resignation The 2025 session has not yet begun, but there is already a special election needed. Rep. Dawn Evans, a Democrat from Somersworth, has resigned her seat because she has moved out of her district. Her resignation letter was read by House Clerk Paul Smith Wednesday. The resignation changes the balance of the House to 221 Republicans, 177 Democrats, and one independent; Somersworth officials will need to schedule a special election to fill the seat soon. New committees As the housing shortage continues unabated, the N.H. House now has a permanent committee dedicated to housing bills. That came about as part of a rule change, and is a response to what Deputy Speaker Steven Smith of Charlestown called a growing need. “I think both sides want this,” he said. “I know the public wants us to do it.” And the Senate has created a new permanent committee, too: the Committee on Children and Family Law. The body did not detail the reasons for the creation of its committee. Tightening ethics rules On Wednesday, the House and the Senate both adopted a set of ethics rules proposed by the Legislative Ethics Committee that will require lawmakers to recuse themselves from far more votes than before. Spurred by a law passed by the Legislature in 2024, House Bill 1388, the new ethics rules prevent lawmakers from voting on bills if they have a personal conflict of interest or if they or a family member could expect to benefit — or suffer — financially if the bill were to pass or fail. A lawmaker who requires recusal is “someone who founded the company or organization,” is “a substantial contributor,” is paid based on the revenues of the organization, has control over the organization’s expenses or budget, or who owns a controlling interest in that organization. While the Senate passed the new rules easily, the House had some hiccups. Some Republican lawmakers requested that the vote be postponed by a month — or tabled — because they said they had not had enough time to read and review the final ethics changes. But those lawmakers failed to achieve the votes necessary to do so and the ethics rules moved ahead.Snow strands hundreds of commuters in J K's Banihal for some it's cricket all rightJagdeep Dhankhar Says "Some Forces" Unable To Digest India's Progress

TransMedics to Host Investor & Analyst Day on December 10, 2024Bitcoin has surpassed the $100,000 mark as the post-election rally continues. What's next?It was 2019 when Tanner Morris and Taurus Jones first arrived on campus as members of the James Madison football program. Morris was set to join an experienced offensive line while Jones was slotting in at linebacker. Both freshmen were ready to join an FCS powerhouse in the Dukes. In hindsight, so much has changed about the program since the two first arrived as true freshmen. Curt Cignetti, who’s now at Indiana, was in his first season as JMU’s head coach. Ben DiNucci was preparing for his second year as the Dukes’ starting quarterback and there was no solidified plan to move to the FBS. Now, after six seasons, the pair has just one game left in Bridgeforth Stadium. “A little surreal, a little bittersweet,” Morris said. “It’s been a long time coming. I feel like, I mean, I’ve been here for six years. I feel like I’ve given everything I’ve got to this university.” Through the first five years with the Dukes, there was a trip to the FCS National Championship, multiple playoff runs and a successful transition to the FBS level. As Jones and Morris were nearing the end of last season and turning their sights on their final year of college football, a coaching change happened. The departure of Cignetti and the arrival of first-year JMU head coach Bob Chesney brought new faces and different practices. For Morris, he welcomed the change. He said he viewed a coaching switch as a learning opportunity on how to handle change in life. For Jones, he said he was weighing his options. He knew what he had at JMU, but decided to enter the transfer portal to see what other opportunities were out there. While Jones did enter the portal, the Dukes stayed present in his mind. “The family, the tight-knit group, the football atmosphere, the fans, the school, everything about it — you don’t get this anywhere else in the country,” Jones said. “You got P4 schools, you got other Group of Five schools, other Sun Belt schools, but JMU, it’s a very special place. And you hear it multiple times, but it’s true when we say that.” JMU has won a lot while Jones and Morris have been on the roster. Since the start of the 2019 season, the Dukes are 60-13 with only three of those losses coming in Bridgeforth Stadium. While there have been big wins like the Dukes’ 70-50 triumph over North Carolina earlier this season or the program’s first-ever win as an FBS program in the season opener in 2022, those aren’t what stick out to Jones. It’s the people. “We won a bunch of games, but the best memories are probably in the locker room,” Jones said. “Joking, laughing with the guys. Every day it’s something new. It’s really something new that you will find funny in there. Those guys are clowns — really.” Jones and Morris have both been around to help make sure the culture of JMU football remains intact even as coaches and players depart the program. There was a standard before they arrived in Harrisonburg and they want to make sure it remains long after they leave, too. When Morris hangs up his helmet for the final time at JMU, he has a few things he wants to be remembered for — all of which play into the standard that’s been set in Harrisonburg. As a football player, he wants to leave a legacy that he was a “student of the game.” Off the field, Morris wants his teammates to remember him as a good person. “Someone that they could approach and have a conversation with, and I would listen no matter what their issues are,” Morris said. “They could come to me with problems that are on or off the field, and I’d be there for them.” In his first season leading the Dukes, Chesney found leadership in players like Morris and Jones. As two sixth-year seniors, Chesney said they both understand the idea of “finality.” There’s no next season for Morris and Jones. They have two games left in a JMU jersey, and just one left in Harrisonburg. Their understanding that time is running out is something Chesney believes is good for younger players. “I think as freshmen and sophomores, it’s the same thing with any high schooler or any freshman in college, you just think four years is so far away,” Chesney said. “You get to be a senior and you walk out there and that is your final year, you certainly understand it. So that group has to be the ones to sort of carry the torch, but also to educate the younger guys that eventually you will be in our shoes and it goes a lot quicker than you think.” Morris and Jones will lead the Dukes into Bridgeforth Stadium one last time on Saturday when the Dukes face off with Marshall. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will air nationally on ESPNU. “It’s been a long six years,” Jones said. “Gave a lot to this program, thankful for everything that it has brought me, excited to go out there and play with the guys on this field one last time.”

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New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino fears that the blatant targeting of Daniel Penny — the U.S. Marine veteran on trial regarding the chokehold death of Jordan Neely in New York City — will turn other good Samaritans away, making the remarks during a Thursday appearance on Breitbart News Daily . “What stood out to me was how politicized the DA office is. She was a disgrace. She was a liar, she was despicable. She actually made it sound as if Daniel Penny had a mission to accomplish that day, and that was to kill poor, poor Daniel Neely,” Paladino said, referencing the mentally ill homeless man who allegedly screamed threats on a train in New York City, prompting Penny and others to intervene. “That is what she made it sound like, but she was hardcore, hardcore, progressive left-wing, tied to Black Lives Matter. She is politicized. She is the DA Bragg’s worst — one of his worst,” she said, noting that Bragg did not come in for the closing arguments of Daniel Penny’s attorney. “No. He came in for the second half of the day after lunch. And we sat there, my chief of staff and I, and he was right across the aisle for me, maybe eight feet from me, and to see this man up close. He’s sickening, and this is what he wants. He came in to listen to her crucify Daniel Penny. And it was — it was horrific. So how this young man sat there. He is a hero,” she said, explaining that Bragg’s office has a mission. LISTEN: “And their mission is that there is no crime in New York, that you don’t pay for crimes in New York, unless they want to race bait you. This was race-baited, make no mistake, because and they shove it in our faces,” Paladino said, explaining that the DA “turned it into something that it wasn’t.” “And with the frustration that you feel watching it, you have to understand there’s 12 people there, right?” she said, holding on to hope that just one has doubt. “And now I’m watching juror that were sitting back, sit up. [I’m] trying to read some body language there, praying for one juror to have the common sense to know that we need these good Samaritans. The police took eight minutes to respond. They were trapped in a subway car. This man came to a rescue. How many good Samaritans is this going to turn away now?” she asked. “People want to jump in and try to help. No, maybe they’re going to sit on the train and keep their earbuds in. Maybe Daniel Penny should have done the same thing, 26 years old today, and they’re going to decide whether or not you’re going to go to jail for 15 years protecting innocent people on a train,” she stressed. People deal with people every single day. You can’t move. The doors don’t open while the train is moving. You can’t get off the train quick enough.” Breitbart News Daily airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

House approves $895 billion defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors

Video: Garrett Nussmeier Will Return to Brian Kelly, LSU; QB to Forego 2025 NFL DraftHERE’S Lewis Hamilton’s new company car. Ferrari 12Cilindri . Dang. When Lewis clocked in at Ferrari on Monday morning, I’d like to think he was straight on the blower for one of these. Naked V12. Wrapped in a polarising designer suit. Right up his street. Now the Italians pronounce 12Cilindri as Dodici Cilindri. Doe-dee-chee. Or don’t-ditch-it. Thankfully, I didn’t. But I did give it a damned good thrashing at Goodyear’s private test track. The bonnet bulges like Santa’s sack because it houses a blockbuster 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 that thumps out 830 horses and revs to 9,500rpm. Eighty per cent of torque is available from 2,500rpm. You can imagine the noise. You can imagine the speed. You can imagine the smell of everything getting hot. Ten out of ten. No notes. Actually, scratch that, dodici out of 10. No notes. The late great Enzo Ferrari once said: “When you buy a Ferrari, you pay for the engine and I will give the rest of the car free.” He’d like 12Cilindri. It’s the only car in the world that looks as good with its bonnet open as it does closed. Take a moment to drink in its beauty. As you would expect from Ferrari, there’s all sorts of trick aero and F1 wizardry going on here to keep things shiny side up. Yet the silhouette of this two-seat berlinetta is simple and sophisticated. Basically, 12Cilindri succeeds the 812 Superfast. But it’s better. The aluminium spaceframe chassis is stiffer. The wheelbase is a smidge shorter. Gear shifts are quicker. The brakes are like anchors. It needs them. You could pay extra for a Burmester sound system. But that would be silly. That howling V12 is the only music you need. It has four-wheel steering and something very Ferrari called Slide Slip Control 8.0 which measures grip levels, even on snotty roads in normal use — and not just on the limit. Now you’re probably thinking race-bred driving thrills equals chiropractor on speed dial. Actually, no. The cockpit is surprisingly comfy with massaging and ventilated seats to soothe your bones. The big glass roof adds to the feeling of space. Three digital screens carry loads of technology including a letterbox-shaped co-driver’s display. But there’s more fun to be had behind the tiller. We like the chunky gearshift paddles. We like the glow-up rev lights on the steering wheel. We like the red F1-style switch to adjust the suspension and attack mode settings. You could pay extra for a Burmester sound system. But that would be silly. That howling V12 is the only music you need. To conclude, then. The £336k Ferrari 12Cilindri is Ferrari at its brilliant best. When you want to play, it is totally up for it. When you stop for a rest, it is Instagram gold. Lewis will love it.New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino fears that the blatant targeting of Daniel Penny — the U.S. Marine veteran on trial regarding the chokehold death of Jordan Neely in New York City — will turn other good Samaritans away, making the remarks during a Thursday appearance on Breitbart News Daily . “What stood out to me was how politicized the DA office is. She was a disgrace. She was a liar, she was despicable. She actually made it sound as if Daniel Penny had a mission to accomplish that day, and that was to kill poor, poor Daniel Neely,” Paladino said, referencing the mentally ill homeless man who allegedly screamed threats on a train in New York City, prompting Penny and others to intervene. “That is what she made it sound like, but she was hardcore, hardcore, progressive left-wing, tied to Black Lives Matter. She is politicized. She is the DA Bragg’s worst — one of his worst,” she said, noting that Bragg did not come in for the closing arguments of Daniel Penny’s attorney. “No. He came in for the second half of the day after lunch. And we sat there, my chief of staff and I, and he was right across the aisle for me, maybe eight feet from me, and to see this man up close. He’s sickening, and this is what he wants. He came in to listen to her crucify Daniel Penny. And it was — it was horrific. So how this young man sat there. He is a hero,” she said, explaining that Bragg’s office has a mission. LISTEN: “And their mission is that there is no crime in New York, that you don’t pay for crimes in New York, unless they want to race bait you. This was race-baited, make no mistake, because and they shove it in our faces,” Paladino said, explaining that the DA “turned it into something that it wasn’t.” “And with the frustration that you feel watching it, you have to understand there’s 12 people there, right?” she said, holding on to hope that just one has doubt. “And now I’m watching juror that were sitting back, sit up. [I’m] trying to read some body language there, praying for one juror to have the common sense to know that we need these good Samaritans. The police took eight minutes to respond. They were trapped in a subway car. This man came to a rescue. How many good Samaritans is this going to turn away now?” she asked. “People want to jump in and try to help. No, maybe they’re going to sit on the train and keep their earbuds in. Maybe Daniel Penny should have done the same thing, 26 years old today, and they’re going to decide whether or not you’re going to go to jail for 15 years protecting innocent people on a train,” she stressed. People deal with people every single day. You can’t move. The doors don’t open while the train is moving. You can’t get off the train quick enough.” Breitbart News Daily airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.6% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 8pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Jude Bellingham absolved Kylian Mbappe of responsibility after the struggling Real Madrid star missed a crucial penalty against Liverpool . Mbappe's poor spot-kick was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher with Los Blancos trailing 1-0 at Anfield. Liverpool went on to seal a memorable 2-0 Champions League success to continue their remarkable start to life under Arne Slot . Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored against stuttering Real, who have been blighted by a number of injuries. MORE TO FOLLOW We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time. We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.vipph apk 。

Trump's tariffs would devastate auto sector, raise consumer costs: industry leaders Auto industry leaders say U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on Canadian goods would have devastating effects for the sector, forcing both Canadian and U.S. consumers to pay higher vehicle prices. Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press Nov 27, 2024 11:59 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association Flavio Volpe speaks to the media at the federal cabinet retreat in Montreal on January 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi Auto industry leaders say U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on Canadian goods would have devastating effects for the sector, forcing both Canadian and U.S. consumers to pay higher vehicle prices. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, said it's unreasonable to apply such a tax to vehicle parts, which may cross the border up to eight times before ending up in a finished vehicle. He noted the auto industry works with single-digit profit margins. "A tariff of 25 per cent is like talking about purple unicorns," said Volpe in an interview. "I think we need to ignore the number, because cars would cease to be made by American companies if that came into effect." Trump sparked backlash among Canadian business and political leaders after posting to Truth Social on Monday that he will sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all products coming to the United States from Canada and Mexico. The incoming president said such a tariff would remain in place until Canada and Mexico stop drugs and people from illegally crossing the borders. Global Automakers of Canada president and CEO David Adams said his organization had "obvious concerns" about the announcement. “A 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada — the largest trading partner of the United States — will negatively impact jobs and livelihoods on both sides of the border across a number of key sectors of our economies. This would also be the case for the automotive industry," said Adams in a statement. "In our view, Canada must act swiftly and firmly to make the case that the U.S. and Canada are stronger and more competitive when we face the global challenges together, not apart.” Volpe said any cross-border tax would increase the cost of components and raw materials that go back and forth between the neighbouring countries. That would lead to a slowdown in production and a supply shortage, prompting higher prices for customers at dealerships. "Everybody would feel it," he said. "First, the American consumer would feel it. But it wouldn't take too long before it would be shared by everybody, meaning everybody in Canada and Mexico as well." During the U.S. election campaign, Trump had promised to introduce a universal 10 per cent tariff on all American imports — a pledge that would reduce the size of the Canadian economy by around one per cent, resulting in $30 billion per year in economic costs, according to previous modelling by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. But asked if he would consider any tariff level digestible for the Canadian auto sector, Volpe replied, "Zero is the maximum." "It's simply because we've built this auto sector together," said Volpe. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix To play Maria Callas, Angelina Jolie had to lean how to breathe again Nov 27, 2024 11:41 AM Travelers who waited until to make Thanksgiving trips are hitting the biggest crowds so far Nov 27, 2024 11:40 AM Alberta's pledge to take over ownership of emissions data 'irresponsible': Guilbeault Nov 27, 2024 11:33 AM Featured Flyer

Salvation Army launches Christmas appeal to help those in needNASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Javon Small scored five of his 31 points in overtime and Tucker DeVries added key free throws late in regulation and finished with 16 points as West Virginia beat No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in the Battle 4 Atlantis on Wednesday. Small's layup with under 2 minutes left in OT gave West Virginia a 79-75 lead. After a Gonzaga miss, Sencire Harris hit two free throws to make it a six-point lead. With 27.1 seconds left, Harris made a steal and scored on a dunk for an eight-point lead, putting the game out of reach. Amani Hansberry scored a career-high 19 points and Toby Okani added 10 for West Virginia (3-2). Braden Huff scored 19 points and Khalif Battle 16 for Gonzaga (5-1). Gonzaga showed its depth, outscoring the West Virginia bench 30-2. West Virginia’s only loss was by 24 points at Pitt, but the rebuild under Darian DeVries is showing promise. Gonzaga turned it over at midcourt late in regulation when Tucker DeVries poked it away from Nolan Hickman and raced the other way before getting fouled. DeVries made two free throws with 5.9 seconds left to tie it at 71-all. Battle inbounded the ball and got it back, but lost control on a drive as time expired. The shorter Mountaineers outrebounded Gonzaga 42-36 and shot 50% in the second half, battling the Zags to a draw in the paint. Nembhard had 12 assists and just one turnover in 43 minutes, but was 1 of 10 from the field. West Virginia will play Louisville on Thursday in the winner's bracket. Gonzaga faces No. 14 Indiana on the consolation side. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:SWX – Free Report ) by 88.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 20,679 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 9,705 shares during the quarter. Franklin Resources Inc.’s holdings in Southwest Gas were worth $1,539,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. UMB Bank n.a. increased its position in Southwest Gas by 67.2% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 398 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares during the last quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC increased its position in shares of Southwest Gas by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 27,125 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $2,001,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares during the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Southwest Gas by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 4,303 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $317,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Southwest Gas by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 9,174 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $645,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Southwest Gas by 37.5% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 789 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.77% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently commented on SWX shares. Bank of America reaffirmed an “underperform” rating and issued a $73.00 target price on shares of Southwest Gas in a report on Friday, December 13th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Southwest Gas from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 25th. Insider Activity at Southwest Gas In other news, major shareholder Carl C. Icahn sold 1,390,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.74, for a total transaction of $106,668,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 9,632,604 shares in the company, valued at approximately $739,206,030.96. This trade represents a 12.61 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Southwest Gas Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:SWX opened at $70.35 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $74.55 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $73.33. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. has a 52 week low of $57.55 and a 52 week high of $80.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.37, a PEG ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.41. Southwest Gas ( NYSE:SWX – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.02. Southwest Gas had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 5.99%. The company had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.12 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.10 earnings per share. Southwest Gas’s quarterly revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Southwest Gas Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 18th will be paid a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.53%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 18th. Southwest Gas’s dividend payout ratio is presently 100.00%. Southwest Gas Company Profile ( Free Report ) Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada, and California. The company operates through Natural Gas Distribution, Utility Infrastructure Services, and Pipeline and Storage segments. It also provides trenching, installation, and replacement of underground pipes, as well as maintenance services for energy distribution systems. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SWX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:SWX – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

vip scdkey Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s 5-2 win at West Ham was “crazy”, but he believes his side have got their momentum back in the Premier League title race. The Gunners have proved reports of their demise have been exaggerated after three thumping wins in the space of a week. Having gone five Premier League matches without a win until they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 last weekend, Arsenal then thrashed Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arsenal close the gap to just six points ahead of Liverpool's game against Man City tomorrow 👀 pic.twitter.com/UkjooTvAjG They then put in another five-star display in a breathless encounter – or first half at least – at the London Stadium. Just as they had in Lisbon, Arsenal had five different scorers, with Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka finding the net. West Ham waited until they were 4-0 down before showing a modicum of fight, with goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri briefly making things interesting. But Saka rolled in a penalty to put Arsenal back in charge and ensure the second half was a non-event. The Gunners can now put their feet up and watch title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City try to take points off each other on Sunday. It was a record-equalling score-line, only the fourth time seven goals have been scored in the first half of a Premier League match. “That tells you how crazy it was,” said Arteta. “A spectacular 30 minutes, straight away showed how much the team wanted it, to score three great goals in different ways and then the fourth. “But then after that we had a period with the quality of them, at 4-2 and it’s game on, the energy changed. And what’s next? So it was great to score the fifth one and we could play a very different game in the second half. “We’ve got some momentum, some flow back, three consecutive wins is great. We’re going to enjoy tonight and watch a good game of football tomorrow. “We are in a great moment. But in football, be on your toes. It’s so competitive. We’ll analyse today and go again tomorrow.” Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui felt Arsenal’s first goal, another inventive corner routine which saw Jurrien Timber barge Lucas Paqueta out of the way before Gabriel headed home, should not have counted. He had no complaints about Trossard’s tap-in from Saka’s cross, or the foul on Saka by a combination of Emerson and Paqueta which allowed Odegaard to add the third from the spot. Arsenal’s fourth came from a mistake from Max Kilman which allowed Havertz to race through. But Lopetegui also felt Lukasz Fabianski’s inadvertent punch on Gabriel, rather than the ball, was not sufficient to give the Gunners a second penalty. “It was a very strange first half – we didn’t deserve two goals and they didn’t deserve five,” he said. “Some very strange things happened. The first goal was a set-piece that we prepared for and it’s a clear foul. We have to do better with the second and third goals. “We scored two goals with positive energy and then the fifth goal, the penalty, in my opinion is not a penalty. The fifth goal killed the match.”

ESPN college football writers Mark Schlabach and Kyle Bonagura unveiled their latest College Football Playoff projections on Sunday, unanimously predicting one team to make the national championship game in January. While both writers' 12-team bracket predictions featured the same 12 teams, the seeds and the paths each team took through the bracket differed slightly. Still, as the playoff picture comes further into focus, both longtime analysts could agree about one team that's continued to separate itself this fall. Oregon, the lone undefeated team remaining in FBS, was included in both writers' projected national championships. While Bonagura had the Ducks facing off against Texas, Schlabach had them taking on Georgia. © Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Both theoretical matchups would put Oregon up against the SEC, a conference it has struggled with historically. Since 2011, the Ducks are just 1-4 against SEC teams. If they want to win their first national championship in school history, they'll need to shake the curse, as both Bonagura and Schlabach have three SEC teams in their projected playoff fields. The Ducks will be in action again on Saturday as they host Washington before heading into the Big Ten Championship Game, which could hold tremendous weight in terms of playoff seeding. If the Ducks win out, they're all but guaranteed the No. 1 seed. If they lose one or both of their next two games, they're more likely to miss out on a bye week. In other words, there's still plenty to be decided about the 2024-25 College Football Playoff field with just one week left in the regular season.

Division 3 state championship preview: Hockomock League rivals Mansfield, North Attleboroto battleNoneRico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players' association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. No further details on Carty's death were provided. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Rosalynn Carter: Everything to Know About Jimmy Carter’s Wife

By JILL COLVIN NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. Related Articles National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game National Politics | About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.Pulp Market to Expand by USD 38.1 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Rising Chemical Wood Pulp Consumption, AI Impacting Market Trends - TechnavioBullets used in the assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO had an engraved message.

(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .Hegseth still seeking support from senators, even as Trump reportedly searches for replacementIllinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) and Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) after the game in which Boswell got a triple double in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Star Wars characters were introduced during a time out in NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. they are part of a cos-play group out of Bloomington, the 501st Legion-Midwest Garrison-332nd Blurgg Squad, and came to the SFC for the Star Wars themed game. They posed for pictures with fans in the upper hallway. Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (24) is congratulated by Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) on his three in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic (13) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Carey Booth (0) and Illinois guard Tre White (22) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) go for a rebound together in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Trent Meacham did the color commentary on the game for the BIG Network in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) brings down a rebound in front of Chicago State's guard Gabe Spinelli (12) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Tre White (22) battles for the ball with Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives around Chicago State's guard Gabe Spinelli (12) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) during a free throw in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) and Chicago State's guard Saxby Sunderland (4) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Chicago State's guard Saxby Sunderland (4) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) and Chicago State's guard Saxby Sunderland (4) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Chicago State's head coach Scott Spinelli in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) both go for a rebound in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) and Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and Chicago State's forward Tehshaundre Cole (20) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. The Illinois bench reacts to Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) three point score in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Carey Booth (0) shoots over Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (24) runs past a ref signaling Kutcher’s three point shot in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard AJ Redd (5) and Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Jake Davis (15) and Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Fans try to get Illinois forward Will Riley (7) to sign merchandise on his way out of the arena in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Kids lean down to slap hands with Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) as they run through the smoke to take the court before the game in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. The Pannhausen bothers from Palatine, L-R-Benjamin, 9, Cameron, 10, and Ryan,7, enjoy cheering for the Illini in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. A party of kids enjoys the Star Wars themed game in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois met little resistance in throttling Chicago State at State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) and Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) after the game in which Boswell got a triple double in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Star Wars characters were introduced during a time out in NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. they are part of a cos-play group out of Bloomington, the 501st Legion-Midwest Garrison-332nd Blurgg Squad, and came to the SFC for the Star Wars themed game. They posed for pictures with fans in the upper hallway. Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (24) is congratulated by Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) on his three in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic (13) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Carey Booth (0) and Illinois guard Tre White (22) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) go for a rebound together in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Trent Meacham did the color commentary on the game for the BIG Network in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) brings down a rebound in front of Chicago State's guard Gabe Spinelli (12) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Tre White (22) battles for the ball with Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives around Chicago State's guard Gabe Spinelli (12) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) during a free throw in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) and Chicago State's guard Saxby Sunderland (4) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Chicago State's guard Saxby Sunderland (4) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) and Chicago State's guard Saxby Sunderland (4) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Will Riley (7) and Chicago State's forward Noble Crawford (11) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Chicago State's head coach Scott Spinelli in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) both go for a rebound in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) and Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and Chicago State's forward Tehshaundre Cole (20) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. The Illinois bench reacts to Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) three point score in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Carey Booth (0) shoots over Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (24) runs past a ref signaling Kutcher’s three point shot in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois guard AJ Redd (5) and Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Illinois forward Jake Davis (15) and Chicago State's forward Dailliss Cox (22) in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Fans try to get Illinois forward Will Riley (7) to sign merchandise on his way out of the arena in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Kids lean down to slap hands with Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) as they run through the smoke to take the court before the game in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. The Pannhausen bothers from Palatine, L-R-Benjamin, 9, Cameron, 10, and Ryan,7, enjoy cheering for the Illini in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. A party of kids enjoys the Star Wars themed game in their NCAA men’s basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. To subscribe, click here. Sign up for our daily basketball newsletter here CHAMPAIGN — Brad Underwood kept up a running dialogue from the Illinois men’s basketball team’s bench on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Center. With his players both on the court and down the bench. With his assistants and staff. And with the officials where the Illini coach was able to play off his questions about certain calls — and non-calls — in a joking manner because his team had such a commanding lead. A tighter matchup might have called for more involved conversations between Underwood and the three-man crew of Tim Comer, Brian McNutt and Bill Jacobson. The steadily growing margin in what eventually became a 117-64 Illinois victory against overmatched, overwhelmed Chicago State meant Underwood could nitpick. The tenor of the conversations with his players still had some bite. Even with a lead that jumped from 10 points just five minutes into the game to 36 at halftime and 53 by the final horn. “I’m a really bad coach in these games,” Underwood said. “I’m a glass-half-empty guy too much. I want the game to be played the right way and played perfectly.” So that’s why Underwood got a bit more vocal at the start of the second half. The 24th-ranked Illini (9-3) actually saw their lead hit 41 points just 90 seconds in, but turnovers by Kylan Boswell and Kasparas Jakucionis and a couple made shots from Chicago State’s Dailliss Cox and Gabe Spinelli pulled a “What are we doing!” from Underwood as he popped up off the bench in frustration. “I didn’t like the start of the second half at all,” Underwood said. “The outcome was never in doubt, but it’s always about playing against ourselves and the standard that we’ve set. That’s really hard to get 18-, 19-, 20-year-old guys to understand that we live by that standard. If you can let it slip once, then you can sure let it slip twice. That’s what sends you home (in the NCAA tournament).” Momentum was a major point of emphasis after Illinois regrouped this week after the Christmas holiday. As in not losing the momentum gained in a Braggin’ Rights win against a good Missouri team in what Underwood called a Sweet 16 or Elite Eight level atmosphere in St. Louis. “After Christmas break, we needed a game like this to keep the momentum going after the Missouri game,” Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic said. “It will help us in the upcoming games.” The focus in the practices leading up to Sunday’s final nonconference game of the year was less on Chicago State (0-15) and more internal. “Trying to focus on the right stuff,” Illinois guard Kylan Boswell said. “Focus on our game plan. More a working on us type of thing going into playing a top team in the nation and a top team in the Big Ten with Oregon.” Underwood didn’t see momentum slipping once the team regrouped after a few days off. Making sure that remained the case was why he made it such a major point of emphasis. Especially with a game against Chicago State nestled in between the emotions of Braggin’ Rights and the resumption of Big Ten play on Thursday night at No. 9 Oregon (12-1). “The outcome of this game, I don’t think, was ever going to be in doubt,” Underwood said after his team, in fact, finished off a 53-point win. “We weren’t too worried about that. (Stressing momentum) was to avoid not being sharp and not getting better. We’ve had 55 or 56 practices to this point, and this group has had very, very few bad ones. “I didn’t want to start that in a game because it’s an opponent where we told them we were going to win the game. I didn’t want them to let up. I wanted that momentum to keep moving forward because now, the rest of them, none of them are going to look like this one.” Sunday’s game ultimately delivered what Underwood wanted on that front. The Illini didn’t just cruise to an easy win. They crushed Chicago State. But even a 117-64 victory wasn’t without one final nitpick from the Illinois coach. The Cougars’ Noble Crawford knocking down a trio of three-pointers and scoring 13 points of his 15 points in the second half was a turn of events Underwood could use as a teachable moment. “I don’t like letting one guy who we’re really trying hard to guard to get going,” Underwood said. “In the Big Ten, the next 19 games we have with Duke in there, one guy can get going like that. I thought we relaxed. I thought we had a couple mental breakdowns. ... We did that a little bit with (Jordan Gainey) in the Tennessee game. We just let a guy get going, and he beat us. We’ve got to be a little more dialed in, a little more focused, on that.”UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — Israel’s yearlong crackdown against Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza is prompting many to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society, while some still find ways to dissent — carefully. Ahmed Khalefa’s life turned upside down after he was charged with inciting terrorism for chanting in solidarity with Gaza at an anti-war protest in October 2023. The lawyer and city counselor from central Israel says he spent three difficult months in jail followed by six months detained in an apartment. It’s unclear when he’ll get a final verdict on his guilt or innocence. Until then, he’s forbidden from leaving his home from dusk to dawn. Khalefa is one of more than 400 Palestinian citizens of Israel who, since the start of the war in Gaza, have been investigated by police for “incitement to terrorism” or “incitement to violence,” according to Adalah, a legal rights group for minorities. More than half of those investigated were also criminally charged or detained, Adalah said. “Israel made it clear they see us more as enemies than as citizens,” Khalefa said in an interview at a cafe in his hometown of Umm al-Fahm, Israel’s second-largest Palestinian city. Israel has roughly 2 million Palestinian citizens, whose families remained within the borders of what became Israel in 1948. Among them are Muslims and Christians, and they maintain family and cultural ties to Gaza and the West Bank, which Israel captured in 1967. Israel says its Palestinian citizens enjoy equal rights , including the right to vote, and they are well-represented in many professions. However, Palestinians are widely discriminated against in areas like housing and the job market. Israeli authorities have opened more incitement cases against Palestinian citizens during the war in Gaza than in the previous five years combined, Adalah’s records show. Israeli authorities have not said how many cases ended in convictions and imprisonment. The Justice Ministry said it did not have statistics on those convictions. Just being charged with incitement to terrorism or identifying with a terrorist group can land a suspect in detention until they’re sentenced, under the terms of a 2016 law. In addition to being charged as criminals, Palestinians citizens of Israel — who make up around 20% of the country’s population — have lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations posting online or demonstrating, activists and rights watchdogs say. It’s had a chilling effect. “Anyone who tries to speak out about the war will be imprisoned and harassed in his work and education,” said Oumaya Jabareen, whose son was jailed for eight months after an anti-war protest. “People here are all afraid, afraid to say no to this war.” Jabareen was among hundreds of Palestinians who filled the streets of Umm al-Fahm earlier this month carrying signs and chanting political slogans. It appeared to be the largest anti-war demonstration in Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack . But turnout was low, and Palestinian flags and other national symbols were conspicuously absent. In the years before the war , some protests could draw tens of thousands of Palestinians in Israel. Authorities tolerated the recent protest march, keeping it under heavily armed supervision. Helicopters flew overhead as police with rifles and tear gas jogged alongside the crowd, which dispersed without incident after two hours. Khalefa said he chose not to attend. Shortly after the Oct. 7 attack, Israel’s far-right government moved quickly to invigorate a task force that has charged Palestinian citizens of Israel with “supporting terrorism” for posts online or protesting against the war. At around the same time, lawmakers amended a security bill to increase surveillance of online activity by Palestinians in Israel, said Nadim Nashif, director of the digital rights group 7amleh. These moves gave authorities more power to restrict freedom of expression and intensify their arrest campaigns, Nashif said. The task force is led by Itamar Ben-Gvir , a hard-line national security minister who oversees the police. His office said the task force has monitored thousands of posts allegedly expressing support for terror organizations and that police arrested “hundreds of terror supporters,” including public opinion leaders, social media influencers, religious figures, teachers and others. “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite ... which harms public safety and our security,” his office said in a statement. But activists and rights groups say the government has expanded its definition of incitement much too far, targeting legitimate opinions that are at the core of freedom of expression. Myssana Morany, a human rights attorney at Adalah, said Palestinian citizens have been charged for seemingly innocuous things like sending a meme of a captured Israeli tank in Gaza in a private WhatsApp group chat. Another person was charged for posting a collage of children’s photos, captioned in Arabic and English: “Where were the people calling for humanity when we were killed?” The feminist activist group Kayan said over 600 women called its hotline because of blowback in the workplace for speaking out against the war or just mentioning it unfavorably. Over the summer, around two dozen anti-war protesters in the port city of Haifa were only allowed to finish three chants before police forcefully scattered the gathering into the night. Yet Jewish Israelis demanding a hostage release deal protest regularly — and the largest drew hundreds of thousands to the streets of Tel Aviv. Khalefa, the city counselor, is not convinced the crackdown on speech will end, even if the war eventually does. He said Israeli prosecutors took issue with slogans that broadly praised resistance and urged Gaza to be strong, but which didn’t mention violence or any militant groups. For that, he said, the government is trying to disbar him, and he faces up to eight years in prison. “They wanted to show us the price of speaking out,” Khalefa said. ___ Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel, Ibrahim Hazboun in Jerusalem, Mahmoud Illean in Umm al-Fahm, and Drew Callister in New York, contributed to this report. Related From Our Partner

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024-- On December 10, 2024, Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) received a letter from the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American” or the “Exchange”) stating that the staff of NYSE Regulation has determined to commence proceedings to delist the Company’s class A common stock, units, and redeemable warrants (collectively, the “Company Securities”), pursuant to Sections 119(b) and 119(f) of the NYSE American Company Guide because the Company failed to consummate a business combination within 36 months of the effectiveness of its initial public offering registration statement, or such shorter period that the Company specified in its registration statement. As a result of the determination, trading of the Company Securities on NYSE American has been suspended. As indicated in the letter from NYSE American, the Company has a right to a review of the delisting determination by the Listings Qualifications Panel of the Committee for Review of the Board of Directors of the Exchange, provided that the Company submits a written request for such review no later than December 17, 2024. The Company is working towards consummating its previously announced business combination with Ace Green Recycling, Inc. If the Company Securities are delisted from NYSE American, the Company intends to seek a listing of the Company Securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC in connection with the consummation of the Company’s proposed initial business combination. About Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II (NYSE American: ATEK.U, ATEK, ATEK WS), incorporated in Delaware, is a special purpose acquisition company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. ATEK is the third SPAC founded by Isabelle Freidheim, who also serves as its Chief Executive Officer, with Kirthiga Reddy as President and Jennifer Calabrese as Chief Financial Officer. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release are not historical facts but may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “intend,” or continue or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology or expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements are based on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s ability to consummate its previously announced business combination and to list the Company Securities on Nasdaq in connection with the consummation of the proposed business combination. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic, political and business conditions; the number of redemption requests made by the Company’s stockholders in connection with a potential business combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company; the risk that the approval of the Company’s stockholders for a potential transaction is not obtained; expectations related to the timing of a potential business combination; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of a business combination; the risk that a business combination may not be completed by the Company’s business combination deadline; costs related to a business combination; and other risks that will be detailed from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on September 27, 2024 and in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. There may be additional risks that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements provide the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. And while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Nothing herein should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that the results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213050198/en/ CONTACT: Bevel PR Athena@bevelpr.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/13/2024 03:56 PM/DISC: 12/13/2024 03:57 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213050198/enGiants’ star receiver says Daniel Jones wasn’t the problem following embarrassing Week 12 loss

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No. 24 Louisville women use 16-0 4th-quarter run to beat Colorado 79-71The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Read More Graceful snaps of Helly Shah Elegant snaps of Malavika Mohanan 10 simple ways you can boost productivity at work Vaani Kapoor's winter formal styling sets the next big fashion trend 10 authors who went viral on social media in 2024 Rasha Thadani's all-black look exudes chic elegance 8 tips to protect home garden in winters Jasmine Bhasin's top 10 ethnic looks How to make South Indian Mutton Ghee Roast for weekend partyBRUGGE keeper Simon Mignolet has urged Rangers to stick by under-fire boss Philippe Clement. The veteran says he’s NEVER worked with a coach who’s better at improving players. 2 Mignolet with Clement while at Club Brugge Credit: Alamy And he says he’ll be amazing if any of the Rangers squad don’t love him the way he and his Belgian mates did. One of Clement ’s first moves after returning for a second spell at Brugge in 2019 was to pay Liverpool £6.4million for Mignolet. They won three straight league titles together – and the 36-year-old said: “He was unbelievable. “We had a great time with him – he’s a really good guy and we're still in touch. He brought me back to the club, we won a lot of medals, so I can only speak really highly of him. read more football stories MONEY TALKS Ex-Rangers star yielding 'several concrete enquiries' from Premier League clubs PERTH GLORY St Johnstone vs Rangers: Get up to £40 in free football bets with talkSPORT BET “I’d stick with him. This guy knows what he's doing. He's shown in the past how good he is. “There is no more hard-working person and I’m sure given the chance he’ll do well for Rangers . “Of course, there will be moments throughout seasons and years when the results are not going your way. I know Glasgow Rangers are a big club and that if results aren't good then there will be pressure, but if there's one guy who's got confidence in Philippe Clement , then it will be me. “We had tough times at Brugge. We’re no different from Rangers , as a big team we always have to win and when sometimes it doesn’t happen you need to come through these moments and become stronger. Most read in Football MONEY TALKS Ex-Rangers star yielding 'several concrete enquiries' from Premier League clubs IN THE HAT Full list of teams in Scottish Cup fourth round draw as Prem big guns enter SOLD FIRM Scott Brown's stunning new £2m mansion used to belong to Rangers supremo FAB FINISH Rangers loan flop scores stunner as he and unsung Scotland star take down Barca “Philippe has proven before that he can do this. Whatever’s happening there, he’ll be really resilient, he’ll fight back and he’ll get those results for his time. A hundred percent, yeah. “He knows the pressure of even losing one game and he knows the way out of it. Kris Boyd names his Player of the Year in NOVEMBER and says Clement's Rangers concerns are far from over “I think there's an important difference between a British-style manager and a Belgian football coach. In Belgium , they will always work hard together with the players on a daily basis to try and improve them, while in Britain, the manager is usually a little bit further away from the team, a little bit above them. “The Belgian coach will always be right there with his players and that was Philippe’s strength. If that is the case at Glasgow Rangers, if they buy into that, I am sure no one will speak in a bad way about him. “I also don’t think he’ll be busy worrying about what people are saying about him. He’ll be focussing on his job , getting about the most important thing, the daily business with his players. “What the public say, what the media say? It won’t matter. He’ll just be the same hardworking guy I know.” Mignolet was speaking after Wednesday night’s showdown with his former Liverpool gaffer Brendan Rodgers ended in a breathless 1-1 Champions League draw at Parkhead. 2 The Belgian champions played some outstanding football before Daizen Maeda’s curling second half strike hauled the Scots back into the game. But he admits his side got their second huge break of the competition with the goal that put them ahead, a bizarre Cameron Carter-Vickers own goal coming off the back of Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings inexplicably handling in his own box after his keeper rolled a free-kick to him in last month’s tie in Belgium . But he laughed: “That’s two lucky goals now, but we’ll take them! “I think it was a fair result, the correct result. Both teams wanted to win and we probably didn't have the chances to get more than a draw. Read more on the Scottish Sun SIP SIP HOORAY Exact time Coca-Cola truck arrives in Scotland tomorrow for Xmas tour FESTIVE CHEER Scots Xmas market tops London's Winter Wonderland as 'most stunning' in UK “First half, we controlled the game. Second half Celtic were the better team with the fans behind them – so, yeah, 1-1 was fair. “A win would have taken us a big step towards the play-off round, but it’s the same for Celtic and we’ll both probably be satisfied.” Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

has rapidly ascended to superstardom in women's basketball, cementing her legacy with an extraordinary college career and earning the . Her popularity is reflected in record-breaking jersey sales, which surged by 500% this season. However, despite her $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, one glaring omission remains: the absence of her promised signature shoe. recently revealed during a Q2 earnings call that 's signature shoe is not expected to launch until 2026. This revelation has sparked an uproar among fans, who took to social media to voice their frustrations. On X, user @nosyone4 shared a clip from the earnings call, igniting debate. "It's crazy that they are waiting until 2026 to release Caitlin's shoe," wrote @kenswift. "The fact it takes three years to put it out makes zero sense to me." Fans Question Nike's Strategy as Paige Bueckers Takes the Lead The delay is particularly puzzling when compared to Nike's treatment of another basketball star, . The college athlete debuted her custom Nike GT Hustle 3 sneaker on December 7, 2024, complete with personalized details and cutting-edge technology. Fans quickly drew comparisons, with some questioning Nike's priorities. " arrives in the WNBA in 2024 and the shoes will be released in 2026. While is in college, she already has her personalized shoes," noted @LMadridista__. "It is clear who is the priority and who is not." 's loyal supporters believe Nike is underestimating her value, with many expressing that the delay undermines her growing influence. " is worth bars of gold to Nike," wrote @scottde07820838. Others warned that the postponement could backfire, with @5tephenRN stating, "If they wait that long, they're fools." Fans also pointed out the inherent risks of delay, such as unforeseen injuries, which could impact the shoe's launch and marketing. Criticism of Nike's overall strategy has also gained momentum. "They should fast-track 's sneaker. It's disrespectful to ice out the hottest new athlete's kicks," commented @FLimaxxx. With Nike's market cap down 32% this year, alienating 's fanbase could further damage its standing. Calls for Accountability and Potential Rival Opportunities The contrast between and has reignited debates among fans. Many see ' prioritized shoe release as an unfair advantage. " is in college and already has her shoes. 's fans? Still waiting," noted one commenter. Rival brands have also taken notice, with whispers that Adidas, which previously courted , may seize the opportunity to make a renewed offer. "Go Adidas," declared one user, reflecting growing discontent with Nike's approach. 's supporters are not staying silent. Many have called for Nike to address the delay and deliver on their promise. Some fans have even proposed boycotting the brand until action is taken. Beyond the issue of footwear, this outcry is about honoring 's contributions to the sport and her role as a trailblazing figure for women in athletics. The pressure is on Nike to act swiftly. For and her fans, the stakes are much higher than just a sneaker-they represent recognition of her impact on the game and her significance as a role model in women's sports.The top Democrat on the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee said on Friday that Republicans in Congress were protecting Elon Musk's Chinese investments by scrapping provisions restricting US investments. Representative Rosa DeLauro said in a letter that Musk, CEO of electric carmaker Tesla, may have upended the government funding process to remove a provision that would regulate US investments in China given his "extensive investments in China in key sectors and his personal ties with Chinese Communist Party leadership, and calls into question the real reason for Musk's opposition to the original funding deal." Musk posted a number of critical posts about DeLauro on X on Friday including one that said she "needs to be expelled from Congress!" President-elect Donald Trump has named Musk, a billionaire, as co-head of a project to cut government costs. Musk helped lead opposition online to a government funding bill that would have included the Chinese investment restrictions. "Musk's investments in China and his ties with the Chinese Community Party have only grown over the last few years with Tesla's Shanghai plant producing about 50% of Tesla's global automobile output," DeLauro wrote. Nearly a quarter of Tesla's global revenue in 2023 drew from sales of Chinese-made vehicles from the Shanghai factory, DeLauro said, adding that Tesla broke ground on a $200 million factory in China to manufacture large batteries critical to its electric vehicle supply chain. She added that proponents of regulating US investment in China "have advocated for the inclusion of large battery manufacturing in the list of technologies subject to outbound investment screening." COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our

In conclusion, the revelation from a fellow Liverpool player offers a glimpse into Mohamed Salah's true state of mind amid the contract dispute. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Salah's happiness and dedication to the team have not wavered, showcasing his professionalism and commitment to Liverpool's cause. As the negotiations progress, fans can take comfort in knowing that Salah's focus remains on achieving success with the club he has come to call home.42 vipph 。

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — If the Giants' franchise-record 10th straight loss proved anything, it's that New York could use a young franchise quarterback. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. showed what a young QB can do on Sunday against the Giants, who need to learn from it. The No. 8 overall pick in the draft, Penix played a nearly flawless game in his first career start to help the Falcons thrash the woeful Giants 34-7 in their best performance in weeks. The Giants gambled in 2019 that Daniel Jones would be their franchise QB and it really never panned out. The one exception was the 2022 season, when the No. 6 overall pick had a career year and led New York to a 9-7-1 record and a playoff berth in the first season after Joe Schoen was hired as general manager and Brian Daboll was named coach. The Giants even won a playoff game. With the release of Jones last month, the Giants (2-13) are now a team without a quarterback who can perform at the level required of an NFL starter. Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock have split the last four starts but neither has provided much of a spark for the league's worst offense. Lock handed the Falcons the game with two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. To turn things around next season, the Giants must find a quarterback. “I’d say it’s very important,” Daboll said Monday. New York is going to have a high pick in the draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in late April. It could even be the No. 1 overall selection. Choosing the right quarterback is going to be hard. There isn't a can't-miss choice in 2025 draft and forcing one early would be a mistake. Unless the Giants are convinced that Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe or someone else is the next franchise player, they have have so many needs that it would be better to wheel and deal and fill as many holes as possible. Even if the Giants take a quarterback in the second round, there's bound to be someone available who has a chance to be better than what they have now. What’s working The calendar. The season ends in less than two weeks. What needs help The franchise is in disarray, and a shakeup appears likely. Daboll's future as the coach is not bright, considering the current skid and two straight losing seasons. Schoen has to share the blame and so do co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, who hired the GM and coach. Stock up LB Darius Muasau. The sixth-round draft pick out of UCLA has started the last three games since Bobby Okereke (back) was hurt and eventually put on injured reserve last week. Muasau had 11 tackles Sunday along with a quarterback hit and a tackle for a loss. He made the defensive calls after LB Micah McFadden left with a neck injury. Stock down Lock. In his starts, Lock has had three interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also lost a fumble on a strip-sack at Atlanta. Lock sustained a shoulder injury during the game and had an MRI on Monday. Injuries Besides Lock and McFadden, S Jason Pinnock (eye) also left the game. C John Michael Schmitz and RB Tyrone Tracy were evaluated for ankle injuries on Monday. Key number 1 — Thanks to the Raiders' victory over the Jaguars, the Giants will have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft with two more losses. Next steps For the ninth and final time, the Giants will try to find a way to win at MetLife Stadium. New York is 0-8 heading into Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Its only other winless season at home was in 1974 when New York played at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut, while Giants Stadium was being built. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Tom Canavan, The Associated PressAs the sun set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the airport tarmac, a moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of the passenger who had passed away. The flashing lights of emergency vehicles served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality, even in the skies above.Hyderabad: 300 Years of Asaf Jahi’s Legacy Revisited

While the current scenario presents challenges for money market funds and investors alike, it also highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in the world of finance. As the market continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to stay vigilant and proactive in managing their investments to secure their financial future.

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Upon receiving these complaints, law enforcement officers initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the institution's marketing strategies. They examined the advertisements, promotional materials, and online content used by the institution to attract patients and generate business. What they found was a systematic pattern of false and deceptive advertising, designed to lure in unsuspecting consumers with promises of quick fixes and miraculous results.

MLB NOTESMeta announced earlier this week that they will introduce "Instagram Teen Accounts". The company said that the accounts will be a "new experience for teens, guided by parents". LiveNOW from FOX host Christy Matino spoke to Vanessa Paz Dennen, Professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies to break it all down. Nearly half of teens said they used social media or online platforms "almost constantly," according to a Pew Research survey. The most popular platforms were YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Facebook and X saw a steep decline in use among teens between 13 and 17 years old. LOS ANGELES - Teens are spending a good chunk of their time consuming online and social media content, according to a recent survey conducted by Pew Research. Nearly half of teens in the United States are online "almost constantly" despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health , Pew said. RELATED: Teens turning to TikTok to self-diagnose mental health issues The teens who were surveyed said their most-used social media platforms included YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. YouTube was the most popular platform as 9 in 10 teens reported using the site, which is slightly down from 2022 when Pew conducted this same survey. Overall, 73% of teens said they visited YouTube daily, and of those 73%, 15% described their use as "almost constant." TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat were also popular among teens with Instagram gaining slightly more popularity since 2022. Sixty-three percent of teens said they visited TikTok daily and of that 63%, 16% said they were on it constantly. Roughly half of teens said they went on Instagram and Snapchat every day with almost 13% of them using those two platforms almost constantly. The platforms that saw a steep decline in use were Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). Across all five platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook) one-third of teens said they were using these sites constantly. RELATED: Half of US teens spend over 4 hours daily on screens, CDC study finds FILE - A teenager looks at a smartphone screen. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) For better or worse, social media has become a medium for people – not just kids – to socialize, relieve stress and seek advice. But it has its dark side. It has become increasingly known that the more time people, especially young people, spend online, the higher the risk of developing mental health problems. Kids who use social media for more than three hours a day face double the risk of depression and anxiety, according to studies cited by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who issued an extraordinary public warning last spring about the risks of social media to young people. In June, Murthy called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms and their effects on young people’s lives, similar to those that are mandatory on cigarette boxes. "Social media today is like tobacco decades ago: It’s a product whose business model depends on addicting kids. And as with cigarettes, a surgeon general’s warning label is a critical step toward mitigating the threat to children," Josh Golin, executive director at Fairplay, an organization that is dedicated to ending marketing to children, said in a statement to The Associated Press in June. RELATED: Doomscrolling costs us 3 days a month, survey finds Social media and screens are everywhere and limiting how much young people consume it can be challenging. About half of teens report at least one sign of problematic social media use, as the American Psychological Association’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Mitch Prinstein, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, wrote in a Q&A on the APA’s website. (Prinstein also co-chaired the advisory panel.) These warning signs include being unable to stop even when they want to, lying in order to continue using social media, failing to keep up with daily routines, schoolwork or relationships, sleep disruptions and stunted activity levels, according to the APA. Experts suggest that before teens should even be allowed to use social media, they should go through a type of "training" for social media literacy. This training could help give young people the skills and knowledge to create a balance in their social media use. "Just as we require young people to be trained in order to get a driver’s license, our youth need instruction in the safe and healthy use of social media," said APA President Thema Bryant. This type of training could help teens think more critically about social media content and be less likely to buy into inaccuracies, generalizations and misinformation, per the advisory. It could also help them deal with online conflicts in a healthy way. Information for this article was gathered from a survey conducted by Pew Research from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024. The Associated Press and FOX News also contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles.50 vipph 。

An Aussie teenager has been sentenced as part of a new law that recognises the death of an unborn child due to criminal conduct in Queensland. Queensland tattoo artist Haylee Loccisano was 26 weeks pregnant when she was involved in a horror crash. Her daughter Celeste was born prematurely and died 30 minutes later. A 17-year-old was charged over the head-on crash, with the court hearing how she crossed over double lines while looking at her passenger’s phone. She was the first Australian to be charged under Sophie’s Law – which involves offenders causing grievous bodily harm to a pregnant person or destroying the life of an unborn child. But the teenager - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was sentenced to just 100 hours of community service and disqualified from holding a licence for six months, a sentence slammed by the victim’s family. Ms Loccisano was seriously injured in the crash. Picture: GoFundMe Outside court, Ms Loccisano told reporters the sentence “wasn’t enough”. “It wasn’t enough for a life to be taken. I just wish that (Celeste) had more justice,” she said. Ms Loccisano’s mother Teresa Burn – who was driving the car when Celeste was killed – told reporters outside of court she felt “disheartened”. “She killed my granddaughter and nearly killed my daughter and she’s just walked away,” she said. “Every day, I think about how I should have had my little granddaughter there. She should be giggling, she should be laughing. “She should be giggling, she should be laughing. There is none of that. It’s all gone. It’s all stolen. “And this young girl gets to live her life. My daughter suffers every day.” Ms Loccisano was also severely injured in the crash and was in a coma for a week, eventually needing eight surgeries. “I just fixated on her the whole time that I remember being aware to focus in and she hadn’t moved,” Ms Loccisano said of the crash. When she woke from the coma, she was told Celeste had died. “It didn’t shock me. I already knew,” she said in a devastating impact statement read in court. “It was unbearable to finally have my daughters in my arms. The little version of me and my husband, but in such a lifeless, limp state. “She had severe purple and blue bruising all over her head, and a broken nose as well as dried up blood in her ears.” Celeste died 30 minutes after being born. Picture: GoFundMe The court had previously heard how Ms Loccisano had had four miscarriages before falling pregnant with her “miracle baby”. Celeste’s father and Hayley’s husband Connor Loccisano took to social media to express his anger at the sentence. “Queensland court system is a failure,” he wrote. The girl’s lawyer, James Godbolt, told the court she plans to study law at university and was “obviously very sorry” for the tragedy. “Nothing can make it right,” he added. W hen was the law introduced? The new legislation – Sophie’s Law – came after a long campaign from parents Sarah and Peter Milosevic, whose unborn baby was killed by a drunk and drug-affected driver in 2014. Ms Milosevic was 39 weeks pregnant when the crash occurred. Haylee Loccisano's baby Celeste was born premature as a result of the crash. Picture: Facebook The couple have expressed their outrage at the sentencing. Picture: Facebook The driver was handed a $950 fine and a licence suspension for five months due to Queensland laws not recognising Sophie’s life as a factor of the sentencing. “Instead of bringing my baby girl home I had to plan her funeral - I was that close to the end of my pregnancy,” Ms Milosevic wrote in a petition about the legislation move. “This petition is to give a voice to a little baby who will never take her first steps.” The new law was brought into parliament in September last year – however, Ms Loccisano’s case is the first time it has been applied. Ms Milosevic has supported Ms Loccisano throughout the case. “I think it’s a free ride,” Ms Milosevic said outside court, according to the ABC. “I don’t think she will learn anything from that. As far as I’m concerned she got away with it.” She also took to social media after the case. “Absolutely so sad. My heart is breaking for Haylee, Connor and family,” Ms Milosevic said. How does it work? Queensland parliament passed the law for the killing of an unborn baby in September 2023, which means it is now recognised as an “aggravating factor” at sentencing for offenders. This means judges are required to consider the fact when handing down a sentence for the offending. The law also allows family members of the unborn child to deliver victim impact statements to the court and expands the eligibility for funeral financial assistance to include the funeral of the unborn child. More Coverage Key question over boy’s school crash death Sarah Keoghan ‘In complete shock’: Parents’ horror ordeal Sarah Keoghan Originally published as First teen sentenced under new Sophie’s Law after baby killed in crash National Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Weather ‘Triple digit’: Rain, hail, storms to pound east After Melbourne was pounded on Wednesday, other cities are now in the way of a vicious weather system that could bring drenching rain and hail Read more News Joe Rogan responds to ABC torching Joe Rogan has hit back at the ABC chairman who fired up over the podcaster in a speech to the National Press Club. Read moreIsra’ila ta shirya kai hari cibiyoyin makaman nukiliyar Iran

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Mumbai, Nov 23 (PTI) The Maharashtra assembly contest saw intense rivalries among several political families including the Sharad Pawar clan in the Baramati constituency. NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar trounced his nephew and debutant politician Yugendra Pawar by over 1 lakh votes, winning the eighth term from the bastion. The resounding victory marks Ajit Pawar settling political scores with his uncle Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule in the first assembly contest after the NCP split in July 2023. Six months back, Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar was defeated by Sule in the Lok Sabha elections from Baramati. Another dramatic family contest played out in the Kannad constituency in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district of the Marathwada region, where Sanjana Danve, daughter of ex-Union minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, successfully contested her debut election on the Shiv Sena ticket. Sanjana faced a personal and political challenge from her estranged husband, Harshvardhan Jadhav who contested as an Independent. Despite the complicated circumstances, she emerged victorious, marking a successful debut in the political arena. Sanjana polled 84,492 votes, defeating Harashvardhan by a margin of 18,201 votes. Her victory added to the growing presence of Shiv Sena in the region, with her brother Santosh Raosaheb Danve, the incumbent BJP MLA, holding on to his Bhokardan seat in Jalna district. In Gadchiroli's Aheri constituency, state minister Dharamraobaba Atram of Ajit Pawar-led NCP faced an unexpected challenge from his daughter, Bhagyashree Atram, who stood as a candidate for NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Despite the personal rivalry, Dharamraobaba proved his political dominance, winning the seat by a wide margin, while Bhagyashree finished in third place. The result underscored the seasoned politician's continued grip on the constituency, as he outpaced his daughter in the contest. Similarly, in the Loha assembly constituency, located in Nanded district, former BJP Lok Sabha member Pratap Patil Chikhalikar contested as an NCP candidate. Chikhlikar defeated his sister Ashabai Shinde, who ran on a ticket from the Peasants and Workers Party. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

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The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority.NextEra Energy Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitors despite daily gains

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Washington, Dec 13 (PTI) The Biden Administration expects bipartisan support for the India-US relationship to continue during the next Trump Administration, the White House has said. "...(There has) been strong bipartisan support for growing this bilateral relationship. I would expect that, that will continue," White House National Såecurity Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here on Thursday. Also Read | 'Maverick Diplomacy': Donald Trump Invites China's President Xi Jinping to Inauguration for 'Open Dialogue' Despite Tariff Threats. Outgoing President Joe Biden, he said, is very proud of how America's bilateral relationship with India has transformed during his administration. "I mean, we have elevated the Indo-Pacific QUAD. I don't know how many meetings he's had now inside the QUAD and bilaterally with the prime minister (Narendra Modi of India). There's an awful lot in our relationship that has improved military to military, communication ... people to people ties, economic ties," Kirby said in response to a question. Also Read | Donald Trump Named Time Magazine’s Person of Year, Rings New York Stock Exchange’s Opening Bell. On what are Biden's expectations from the coming administration on QUAD and other IMEC, Kirby said, "It's going to be up to them to determine how they leverage the Indo-Pacific QUAD." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

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Nate Johnson scores 25 as Akron defeats Alabama State 97-78ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluence Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLNC) (“Fluence” or the “Company”), a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage, operational services, and asset optimization software, today announced the completion of the previously announced offering of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). Fluence also granted the initial purchasers of the Notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a period of 13 days from, and including, the date the Notes are first issued, up to an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes issued on December 12, 2024 include $50.0 million principal amount of Notes issued pursuant to the full exercise by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase additional Notes. The Notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Fluence, will accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears and will mature on June 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. On December 10, 2024, in connection with the pricing of the Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “base capped call transactions”) with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the “counterparties”). In addition, on December 11, 2024, in connection with the initial purchasers’ exercise of their option to purchase additional Notes, the Company entered into additional capped call transactions (the “additional capped call transactions” and, together with the base capped call transactions, (the “capped call transactions") with the counterparties. The capped call transactions cover, subject to customary adjustments, the number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that will initially underlie the Notes. The cap price of the capped call transactions represents a premium over the last reported sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock on the pricing date of the offering of the Notes. The capped call transactions are generally expected to offset the potential dilution to the Class A common stock and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, with such offset subject to a cap, as the case may be, as a result of any conversion of the Notes. In connection with establishing their initial hedge of these capped call transactions, the Company has been advised that the counterparties (i) may enter into various over-the-counter cash-settled derivative transactions with respect to the Class A common stock and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes; and (ii) may enter into or unwind various over-the-counter derivatives and/or purchase the Class A common stock in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes. These activities could have the effect of increasing or preventing a decline in the price of the Class A common stock concurrently with or following the pricing of the Notes and under certain circumstances, could affect the ability to convert the Notes. In addition, we expect that the counterparties may modify or unwind their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions and/or purchasing or selling the Class A common stock or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so (x) during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes or following any redemption or fundamental change repurchase of the Notes, (y) following any other repurchase of the Notes if the Company unwinds a corresponding portion of the capped call transactions in connection with such repurchase and (z) if the Company otherwise unwinds all or a portion of the capped call transactions). The effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of the Class A common stock or the Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of the Class A common stock and the value of the Notes, and potentially the value of the consideration that a noteholder will receive upon the conversion of the Notes and could affect a noteholder’s ability to convert the Notes. Fluence used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions. Fluence intends to transfer the remaining net proceeds of the offering directly to purchase an intercompany subordinated convertible promissory note issued by Fluence Energy, LLC, the proceeds of which Fluence Energy, LLC intends to use for working capital needs, upgrading one of its battery cell production lines from 305 amp hour cells to 530 amp hour cells, and general corporate purposes. The offer and sale of the Notes and any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been, and will not, be registered under the Securities Act or any other securities laws, and the Notes and any such shares cannot be offered or sold except to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes or any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes or any such shares, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum. About Fluence: Fluence Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. The Company’s solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of projects successfully contracted, deployed and under management across nearly 50 markets, the Company is transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding the consummation of the offering of the Notes, the consummation of the capped calls transactions, our future results of operations and financial position, operational performance, anticipated growth and business strategy, future revenue recognition and estimated revenues, future capital expenditures and debt service obligations, projected costs, prospects, plans, and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding expected growth and demand for our energy storage solutions, services, and digital application offerings, relationships with new and existing customers and suppliers, introduction of new energy storage solutions, services, and digital application offerings and adoption of such offerings by customers, assumptions relating to the Company’s tax receivable agreement, expectations relating to backlog, pipeline, and contracted backlog, current expectations relating to legal proceedings, and anticipated impact and benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and related domestic content guidelines on us and our customers as well as any other proposed or recently enacted legislation, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you may identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “grows,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential”, “commits”, or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions and the consummation of the offering of the Notes and the consummation of the capped calls transactions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, our relatively limited operating and revenue history as an independent entity and the nascent clean energy industry; anticipated increasing expenses in the future and our ability to maintain prolonged profitability; fluctuations of our order intake and results of operations across fiscal periods; potential difficulties in maintaining manufacturing capacity and establishing expected mass manufacturing capacity in the future; risks relating to delays, disruptions, and quality control problems in our manufacturing operations; risks relating to quality and quantity of components provided by suppliers; risks relating to our status as a relatively low-volume purchaser as well as from supplier concentration and limited supplier capacity; risks relating to operating as a global company with a global supply chain; changes in the cost and availability of raw materials and underlying components; failure by manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers to use ethical business practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations; significant reduction in pricing or order volume or loss of one or more of our significant customers or their inability to perform under their contracts; risks relating to competition for our offerings and our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; ability to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand recognition; ability to effectively manage our recent and future growth and expansion of our business and operations; our growth depends in part on the success of our relationships with third parties; ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel; risks associated with engineering and construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our energy storage solutions and products, cost overruns, and delays; risks relating to lengthy sales and installation cycle for our energy storage solutions; risks related to defects, errors, vulnerabilities and/or bugs in our products and technology; risks relating to estimation uncertainty related to our product warranties; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; risks related to our current and planned foreign operations; amounts included in our pipeline and contracted backlog may not result in actual revenue or translate into profits; risks related to acquisitions we have made or that we may pursue; events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation, maintenance and shutdowns of our products; risks relating to our impacts to our customer relationships due to events and incidents during the project lifecycle of an energy storage solution; actual or threatened health epidemics, pandemics or similar public health threats; ability to obtain financial assurances for our projects; risks relating to whether renewable energy technologies are suitable for widespread adoption or if sufficient demand for our offerings do not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate; estimates on size of our total addressable market; barriers arising from current electric utility industry policies and regulations and any subsequent changes; risks relating to the cost of electricity available from alternative sources; macroeconomic uncertainty and market conditions; risk relating to interest rates or a reduction in the availability of tax equity or project debt capital in the global financial markets and corresponding effects on customers’ ability to finance energy storage systems and demand for our energy storage solutions; reduction, elimination, or expiration of government incentives or regulations regarding renewable energy; decline in public acceptance of renewable energy, or delay, prevent, or increase in the cost of customer projects; severe weather events; increased attention to ESG matters; restrictions set forth in our current credit agreement and future debt agreements; uncertain ability to raise additional capital to execute on business opportunities; ability to obtain, maintain and enforce proper protection for our intellectual property, including our technology; threat of lawsuits by third parties alleging intellectual property violations; adequate protection for our trademarks and trade names; ability to enforce our intellectual property rights; risks relating to our patent portfolio; ability to effectively protect data integrity of our technology infrastructure and other business systems; use of open-source software; failure to comply with third party license or technology agreements; inability to license rights to use technologies on reasonable terms; risks relating to compromises, interruptions, or shutdowns of our systems; changes in the global trade environment; potential changes in tax laws or regulations; risks relating to environmental, health, and safety laws and potential obligations, liabilities and costs thereunder; failure to comply with data privacy and data security laws, regulations and industry standards; risks relating to potential future legal proceedings, regulatory disputes, and governmental inquiries; risks related to ownership of our Class A common stock; risks related to us being a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules; risks relating to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws; risks relating to our relationship with our Founders and Continuing Equity Owners; risks relating to conflicts of interest by our officers and directors due to positions with Continuing Equity Owners; risks related to short-seller activists; we depend on distributions from Fluence Energy, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses and Fluence Energy, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be limited or restricted in certain scenarios; risks arising out of the Tax Receivable Agreement; unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of tax returns; risks relating to improper and ineffective internal control over reporting to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act; risks relating to changes in accounting principles or their applicability to us; risks relating to estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies; and the factors described under the headings Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Many of the important factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. We qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this press release by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as otherwise required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Contacts: Analyst Lexington May, Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations +1 713-909-5629 Email: InvestorRelations@fluenceenergy.com Media Email: media.na@fluenceenergy.com

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By ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Related Articles National News | Man found guilty of holding down teen while he was raped at a youth center in 1998 National News | What Black Friday’s history tells us about holiday shopping in 2024 National News | New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants National News | Today in History: November 26, Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 begin National News | Walmart becomes latest – and biggest – company to roll back its DEI policies Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.With over five million units sold globally in the past year, Tineco reinforces its leadership in the industry SEATTLE , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Tineco is proud to announce that Euromonitor International, the world's leading independent provider of strategic market research, has recognized the company as the #1 global leader in the household wet & dry vacuum cleaner category*. With over five million units sold between July 1, 2023 , and June 30, 2024 , the honor reflects Tineco's commitment to innovation and quality in the home cleaning sector. Harnessing more than two decades of industry innovation, Tineco began its journey with a single vacuum cleaner. Pioneering industry excellence, a notable moment in company history was the launch of the first-ever smart vacuum to market in 2018, quickly followed by an inaugural smart floor washer in 2019, and an intelligent carpet cleaner in 2022. Today, Tineco products are enjoyed by 14 million users across key markets worldwide, including regions in North America , Europe , and Asia . Tineco is now a globally recognized market leader in smart home appliances across the floor care, kitchen, and personal care categories, with 975 patents and 577 registered trademarks across domestic and international markets. For three consecutive years, the company has also held the title of being the #1 wet & dry vacuum brand on Amazon in the United States , Canada , France , Italy , Australia , and Japan . "At Tineco's inception, we set out to simplify life and household tasks with the help of smart technology. Over the past 26 years, our robust R&D team has made significant investments and a steadfast dedication to setting the standard for excellence in floor care solutions," said Ling Leng , CEO of Tineco. "The honor of being named the #1 global leader in the wet & dry vacuum cleaner category by Euromonitor International is an incredible milestone achievement. This recognition fuels our commitment to continuing to innovate and push boundaries to bring exceptional products to market that enhance the lives of our customers worldwide. Looking ahead, we are laser-focused on making Tineco more accessible by expanding into new markets, introducing new advanced technologies to simplify our customers' lives, and expanding our product lineup to meet diverse needs." Tineco's flagship models, including FLOOR ONE Stretch S6 , PURE ONE Station 5 , and Carpet One Cruiser , combine intelligent features with superior power and user-friendly capabilities to revolutionize cleaning. Tineco's R&D team has carefully engineered each model to address real-world challenges and enhance user satisfaction by incorporating technological advancements and valuable consumer feedback. Specifically: FLOOR ONE Stretch S6: Building off the incredible success of Tineco's social-media viral Floor Washers, which vacuum and mop simultaneously, FLOOR ONE S6 offers exceptional maneuverability. Its 180° tilting design lets the floor washer lay completely flat, compressing its height to just 5.1 inches. Coupled with mini assistive wheels that swivel 45° to the left and right, this makes cleaning under furniture, beds, or in hard-to-reach areas effortless. PURE ONE Station 5: Setting a new standard in stick vacuums, the PURE ONE Station 5 provides a brand new vacuum after each and every clean. Its 3-in-1 Smart Station will entirely self-clean, charge, and store the unit, keeping it in pristine condition for subsequent use. Paired with 175W of powerful suction, this is an indispensable tool for households of all types and sizes. Carpet One Cruiser: The Carpet One Cruiser is designed to transform deep cleaning carpets into a regular household activity. It effectively deep cleans various carpet types and powerfully extracts water to reduce drying times by 50% or more than traditional models. Three levels of SmoothPower tech, bidirectional assist wheels, and repositioned water tanks lessen the unit's weight, making the machine easy to maneuver, suitable for users of all ages and strengths, and ideal for frequent use. A leader in the intelligent floor care category, Tineco smart models are equipped with Tineco's proprietary iLoop technology that adjusts suction power in real-time based on the mess detected, which not only optimizes battery power but also allows the user to visualize cleaner floors on the unit's display ring that will change from red to blue once the surface is clean. Guided by customer insights, all new Tineco models also feature self-cleaning capabilities that significantly streamline maintenance. Tineco products are available globally, with distribution in North America on Amazon, Tineco's official online store, and in over 10,000 major retail locations, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Canadian Tire. To learn more about Tineco and its entire portfolio of intelligent stick vacuums, floor washers, carpet cleaners, and more, please visit us.tineco.com . *Source: Euromonitor International ( Shanghai ) Co., Ltd.; measured in terms of 2023 H2 and 2024 H1 retail sales volume in the world; household wet & dry vacuum cleaners are defined as household cleaners that dispense clean water (or cleaning solution) to wash hard floors and vacuum the dirty water and garbage thereafter; research completed in Nov. 2024 . About Tineco Tineco was founded in 1998 with its first SKU as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has innovated into a global leader offering intelligent appliances across home categories, including floor care, kitchen, and personal care. Tineco is dedicated to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technologies and consistently innovating new devices. For more information, visit us.tineco.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2564357/Tineco_Global_No1_Press_Release_US.jpg

The Pittsburgh Steelers take on what is typically an unenviable task -- traveling on a short week for a Thursday night primetime game. However, a few things are playing in Pittsburgh's favor as Week 12 of the NFL regular season kicks off. Namely, the "trip" to Cleveland is a little more than two hours by road and when the Steelers arrive there, they'll be facing a backup quarterback at the helm of a massively underwhelming 2-8 Browns team. The Steelers (8-2) are coming off a huge win over Baltimore to stay atop the AFC North. And Pittsburgh is beginning to set its sights on potential home-field advantage come playoff time. ODDS AND TRENDS The Steelers are a consensus 3.5-point favorite. That includes at BetRivers, where they have been backed by 80 percent of the spread-line money. Pittsburgh's -195 moneyline to simply win the game has been even more popular, drawing 95 percent of all money wagered. The Browns enter Thursday night having failed to cover the spread in nine of their past 12 games. Meanwhile, the Steelers have covered the spread in every game during their five-game win streak. The 37.0 total points line has seen the Over backed by 65 percent of the money and 70 percent of the total bets. Each of Cleveland's past eight November home games has gone under the total points line. PROP PICKS --Steelers WR George Pickens Over 50 Receiving Yards (-195 at DraftKings): Russell Wilson has thrown six touchdowns in the four games since he took over as the starting quarterback. Two of those have gone to Pickens, who has at least 74 receiving yards in each of those games. There is some concern that Pittsburgh gains a big early lead and turns to a run-heavy attack, but Wilson throws an excellent deep ball and that plays into Pickens' strength. This is the most popular player prop at the book. --Steelers RB Najee Harris Anytime TD (+100 at BetRivers): That potential for a run-heavy approach should benefit Harris, who found the sledding tough against Baltimore with 63 yards on the ground. He was also held out of the end zone for the second time in three games. Keep in mind that Cleveland has allowed only three touchdowns on the ground all season, but the Browns have allowed 12 through the air. Harris has a trio of scores on the ground and receiving through 10 games. KEY STAT The Browns have won the first quarter in five consecutive home games against the Steelers. THE NEWS The Steelers have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday. Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception. Meanwhile, Cleveland continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games. Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2). "It's precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It's the simple things," Winston said. "This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They're going to line up and say, 'Give us your best, we're going to give you our best.'" Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries. INJURY REPORT The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session. Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and was ruled out by the Steelers along with cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring). THEY SAID IT Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special, but he also doesn't want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself. "I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run)," said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. "I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all. "I think that it's not really even just the week, it's just the day, it's just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I've been on, is the moment -- it's never too far away. It's right here, right now. And you're just locked into that." PREDICTION Divisional road games on short weeks typically shape up as a daunting task. That's not the case for the Steelers, who will be hyper-focused to put this one out of reach early before enjoying 10 days ahead of a trip to Cleveland. With a second game against the Browns before a huge game at Philadelphia, this is not an under-manned opponent Pittsburgh will look past. --Steelers 27, Browns 19 --Field Level MediaAngela Merkel’s memoir shows how little she’s learned | GUEST COMMENTARY

vip sports Australia's Social Media Ban Sparks Global Debate

Column: Brady Corbet’s epic movie ‘The Brutalist’ came close to crashing down more than once

To subscribe, click here. CHICAGO — Pat Bryant saw former Illinois wide receiver Brandon Lloyd on the sideline at Wrigley Field before Saturday’s game against Northwestern. Bryant knew the significance of Lloyd’s presence for Illinois’ regular season finale. The senior wide receiver entered the game just one score shy of tying Lloyd and David Williams’ single-season record for touchdown catches. “He contacted us early in the week and said he’d love to come recognize Pat when he broke the record,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “He didn’t say if. He said when he broke the record. It was a pretty cool moment for greatness to recognize greatness.” Lloyd’s trip wasn’t for naught. Bryant hauled in an early third-quarter pass from Luke Altmyer across the middle of the field and weaved his way through the Northwestern defense for a 43-yard touchdown. His 10th of the season, matching Lloyd (2001) and David Williams (1985) for the program’s single-season record. “He was cold; he was jumping up and down,” Bryant said of seeing Lloyd on the sideline before the game. “I was like, ‘Alright, bet. I’m going to give him a show so he’s not too cold for too long.’” Bryant finished Illinois’ 38-29 win against Northwestern with four catches for 70 yards, including his 43-yard touchdown. That puts the Jacksonville, Fla., native jus 16 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. Enough to get a game ball after the win — hand delivered by Lloyd. “That was a special moment,” Bryant said. “He had a great career — not only here, but at the next level as well. Just a baller recognizing a baller.” Bryant’s touchdown catch was actually a busted play. The original play call was to target Zakhari Franklin in the slot against a Northwestern linebacker. A different look from the Wildcats had Altmyer having to improvise before ultimately finding Bryant downfield. “He wasn’t really open either,” Altmyer said. “Pat just made an instinctive play where he turned and spun out the back side. None of it would have happened without my protection up front. They gave me all day back there. ... Glad I could just put it in his area. He did the rest.” Altmyer didn’t know, in the moment, that Bryant’s touchdown catch tied the program’s single-season record. “He didn’t talk about it once, to be honest with you,” the Illinois quarterback said. “That just speaks to the character and guy he is. A lot of guys would be like, ‘I need one more. I need this, that and the other.’ He just wanted to win. That speaks to the unity and brotherhood and love we all have. We don’t care about statistics or whatever it may be. That’s why we’re in the position that we’re in.” Whether Bryant will get the opportunity to break his time with Lloyd and Williams is unclear. Illinois, of course, will play in a bowl game. Whether Bryant plays or not is the question. “I’m soaking this in right now,” Bryant said. “I’ll probably know in a couple weeks. I’m just celebrating this win, come back on Monday, go over the film and fix the things that need to be fixed.” *** Saturday’s win against Northwestern meant Illinois returned to Champaign from Chicago with the Land of Lincoln Trophy. What was a rather empty trophy case in the Illini’s locker room in the Smith Center is a bit fuller now with the Hat joining the Cannon. This is the first time Illinois has beaten both Northwestern and Purdue in the same season since 2010. “Just walking by you don’t really see much in there,” Bryant said of the trophy case. “It’s kind of heart wrecking. Knowing it’s my last season getting both trophies back in the trophy case was very, very huge. I feel like the young guys will begin to understand as they get a little older what it means to win these rivalry games. To get both of those trophies back in my senior year, being a leader and a captain of this team, is very special.” *** Time of possession favored Northwestern in Saturday’s game. The Wildcats had the ball for 34 1/2 minutes compared to Illinois’ 25 1/2. They also out-gained the Illini 442 yards to 382 yards. And still lost by 10. Four takeaways by the Illinois defense — three interceptions and a fumble recovery — made a difference. So did the Illini holding Northwestern to just six points in the first half despite an even wider gap in time of possession. “I think we definitely left some stuff out there,” Illinois safety Matthew Bailey said. “We didn’t play the complete game that we wanted to play as a defense I don’t think. At least from my point of view. The biggest thing about that is not letting them in the end zone. They can be on the field all the way down, but if you hold them to the very end — a bend, don’t break type mentality — you can do good things. Even though they did have the ball and they were driving down the field, guys did a good job of not letting them in the end zone.” *** Xavier Scott, Mac Resetich and Torrie Cox Jr. all had interceptions off one of Northwestern’s quarterback duo of Jack Lausch and Ryan Boe. It was Bailey who ultimately fell on Boe’s fumble after Illinois linebacker Malachi Hood got it out on a strip sack. Not that Bailey was the first on the turnover scene. That was defensive lineman TeRah Edwards, who tried for the scoop and score only to kick the ball toward the sideline instead. Then Edwards shoved Cox aside to still try and recover the fumble only for Bailey to secure the loose ball. “(Edwards) didn’t say anything to me after, but it was a funny moment for sure,” Bailey said. So did the Illinois safety snake the fumble recovery? “Kind of,” Bailey continued with a big smile. “Just a little bit, but obviously we’ve got to get the ball back.” *** Hood finished Saturday’s game with two sacks and two forced fumbles. The redshirt sophomore, who missed all of the 2023 season after tearing his Achilles in training camp, has gone from playing in a single package defensively against Michigan last month to getting significant snaps at linebacker beyond Illinois’ third-down “turbo” package. “It was pretty surreal, but at the same time we work for moments like these,” Hood said. “Coach believed in me. Preparation meant opportunity and it equaled success. I’m happy, but I’m not surprised.” Hood’s expanded role is not one he would have expected three-plus months ago heading into this season. The Plainfield native was quick to credit his coaches — namely linebackers coach Archie McDaniel. “This season has been kind of a blur,” Hood said. “I kind of came in thinking I would just do special teams, and he really believed in me. He and our graduate assistant Grant Morgan have really helped me out through this process and gave me the confidence I can play and can play at a high level.” *** The temperature at kickoff Saturday in Chicago was well below freezing. Even further below if you went by the “feels like” temperature that barely cracked double digits. Everyone had their own way of dealing with the cold. “It’s the first time I’ve worn socks, I think, since Russell Wilson’s wedding if I’m not mistaken,” Bielema said. “I don’t wear socks very often, but I threw them on (Saturday). My little toes were numb when I walked in the building.” “I’m a Florida boy,” Bryant added. “I won’t lie to you. I took a little pre-workout before the game. It had me warm for about a quarter, but once it wore off you just get out there and run around a little bit and get your blood flowing. “Try to stay on that bench as long as possible and keep the guys close and tight. But it’s football. You play football in any weather. You’ve just got to go out there and embrace it if you love the game.”Judge rejects request to sideline SJSU volleyball player

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One night last month, near the end of the Chicago International Film Festival, a particularly long line of moviegoers snaked down Southport Avenue by the Music Box Theatre. The hot ticket? This fall’s hottest ticket, in fact, all over the international festival circuit? Well, it’s a 215-minute drama about a fictional Hungarian Jewish architect who emigrates to America in 1947 after surviving the Holocaust. The film’s title, “The Brutalist,” references several things, firstly a post-World War II design imperative made of stern concrete, steel, and a collision of poetry and functionality. Director and co-writer Brady Corbet, who wrote “The Brutalist” with his filmmaker wife, Mona Fastvold, explores brutalism in other forms as well, including love, envy, capitalist economics and how the promise of America eludes someone like the visionary architect László Tóth, played by Adrien Brody. Corbet, now 36 and a good bet for Oscar nominations this coming January, says his unfashionable sprawl of a picture, being distributed by A24, is also about the “strange relationship between artist and patron, and art and commerce.” It co-stars Felicity Jones as the visionary architect’s wife, Erzsébet, trapped in Eastern Europe after the war with their niece for an agonizingly long time. Guy Pearce portrays the imperious Philadelphia blueblood who hires Tóth, a near-invisible figure in his adopted country, to design a monumental public building known as the Institute in rural Pennsylvania. The project becomes an obsession, then a breaking point and then something else. Corbet’s project, which took the better part of a decade to come together after falling apart more than once, felt like that, too. Spanning five decades and filmed in Hungary and Italy, “The Brutalist” looks like a well-spent $50 million project. In actuality, it was made for a mere $10 million, with Corbet and cinematographer Lol Crawley shooting on film, largely in the VistaVision process. The filmmaker said at the Chicago festival screening: “Who woulda thunk that for screening after screening over the last couple of months, people stood in line around the block to get into a three-and-a-half-hour movie about a mid-century designer?” He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with Fastvold and their daughter. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length. Q: Putting together an independent movie, keeping it on track, getting it made: not easy, as you told the Music Box audience last night. Money is inevitably going to be part of the story of “The Brutalist,” since you had only so much to make a far-flung historical epic. A: Yeah, that’s right. In relation to my earlier features, “The Childhood of a Leader” had a $3 million budget. The budget for “Vox Lux” was right around $10 million, same as “The Brutalist,” although the actual production budget for “Vox Lux” was about $4.5 million. Which is to say: All the money on top of that was going to all the wrong places. For a lot of reasons, when my wife and I finished the screenplay for “The Brutalist,” we ruled out scouting locations in Philadelphia or anywhere in the northeastern United States. We needed to (film) somewhere with a lot less red tape. My wife’s previous film, “The World to Come,” she made in Romania; we shot “Childhood of a Leader” in Hungary. For “The Brutalist” we initially landed on Poland, but this was early on in COVID and Poland shut its borders the week our crew was arriving for pre-production. When we finally got things up and running again with a different iteration of the cast (the original ensemble was to star Joel Edgerton, Marion Cotillard and Mark Rylance), after nine months, the movie fell apart again because Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We couldn’t get any of the banks to cash-flow the tax credit (for location shooting in Poland). It’s completely stable now, but at that time the banks were nervous about whether the war would be contained to Ukraine or not. And then we finally got it up and running in Budapest, Hungary. Q: That’s a long time. A: Every filmmaker I know suffers from some form of post-traumatic stress (laughs). It sounds funny but it’s true. At every level. On the level of independent cinema, you’re just so damn poor. You’re not making any money, and yet from nose to tail, at minimum, a movie always takes a couple of years. With bigger projects, you might have a little more personal security but a lot less creative security with so many more cooks in the kitchen. Either route you choose, it can be an arduous and painful one. Whether you’re making a movie for a million dollars, or $10 million, or $100 million, it’s still “millions of dollars.” And if you’re concerned about the lives and livelihoods of the people working with you, it’s especially stressful. People are constantly calling you: “Is it happening? Are we starting? Should I take this other job or not?” And you have 250 people who need that answer from you. Every iteration of the project, I always thought we were really about to start in a week, two weeks. It’s just very challenging interpersonally. It’s an imposition for everyone in your life. And then there’s the imposition of screening a movie that’s three-and-a-half-hours long for film festivals, where it’s difficult to find that kind of real estate on the schedule. So essentially, making a movie means constantly apologizing. Q: At what point in your acting career did you take a strong interest in what was going on behind the camera? A: I was making short films when I was 11, 12 years old. The first thing I ever made more properly, I guess, was a short film I made when I was 18, “Protect You + Me,” shot by (cinematographer) Darius Khondji. It was supposed to be part of a triptych of films, and I went to Paris for the two films that followed it. And then all the financing fell through. But that first one screened at the London film festival, and won a prize at Sundance, and I was making music videos and other stuff by then. Q: You’ve written a lot of screenplays with your wife. How many? A: Probably 25. We work a lot for other people, too. I think we’ve done six together for our own projects. Sometimes I’ll start something at night and my wife will finish in the morning. Sometimes we work very closely together, talking and typing together. It’s always different. Right now I’m writing a lot on the road, and my wife is editing her film, which is a musical we wrote, “Ann Lee,” about the founder of the Shakers. I’m working on my next movie now, which spans a lot of time, like “The Brutalist,” with a lot of locations. And I need to make sure we can do it for not a lot of money, because it’s just not possible to have a lot of money and total autonomy. For me making a movie is like cooking. If everyone starts coming in and throwing a dash of this or that in the pot, it won’t work out. A continuity of vision is what I look for when I read a novel. Same with watching a film. A lot of stuff out there today, appropriately referred to as “content,” has more in common with a pair of Nikes than it does with narrative cinema. Q: Yeah, I can’t imagine a lot of Hollywood executives who’d sign off on “The Brutalist.” A: Well, even with our terrific producing team, I mean, everyone was up for a three-hour movie but we were sort of pushing it with three-and-a-half (laughs). I figured, worst-case scenario, it opens on a streamer. Not what I had in mind, but people watch stuff that’s eight, 12 hours long all the time. They get a cold, they watch four seasons of “Succession.” (A24 is releasing the film in theaters, gradually.) It was important for all of us to try to capture an entire century’s worth of thinking about design with “The Brutalist.” For me, making something means expressing a feeling I have about our history. I’ve described my films as poetic films about politics, that go to places politics alone cannot reach. It’s one thing to say something like “history repeats itself.” It’s another thing to make people see that, and feel it. I really want viewers to engage with the past, and the trauma of that history can be uncomfortable, or dusty, or dry. But if you can make it something vital, and tangible, the way great professors can do for their students, that’s my definition of success. “The Brutalist” opens in New York and Los Angeles on Dec. 20. The Chicago release is Jan. 10, 2025. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 seasonThe Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hosted a panel discussion titled, “Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) and contemporary challenges” at the LKI Lighthouse Auditorium on 19 December 2024. It was attended by diplomats, representatives of international organisations, senior officials of relevant Ministries and agencies, military personnel, leading researchers and university students. Delivering the keynote address at the event, the Foreign Affairs Ministry Additional Secretary for East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa Yasoja Gunasekera underscored the urgent need for global action to regulate Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons Systems. She emphasised that while AI has become integral to numerous sectors, its growing presence on the battlefield raises profound concerns regarding its application in weapon systems. The Additional Secretary recalled that it was under the Chairmanship of Sri Lanka in 2015, that the high contracting parties to the convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) agreed to elevate the discussion of LAWS from an informal expert led discussion to a State-led dialogue, leading to the establishment of the first meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) at the 2016 CCW Review Conference. She noted that in addition to actively engaging in the GGE, in October 2021 Sri Lanka together with a wide cross regional group of 70 states co-sponsored the first Joint Statement on LAWS at the UNGA and supported the adoption of “the Pact for the Future” by the UNGA in September 2024. Sri Lanka strongly supports the negotiation of a legally binding instrument to prohibit and regulate LAWS and supports the UN Secretary General and the President of the ICRC’s joint appeal to establish new rules on AWS by 2026. Earlier welcoming the gathering, LKI Executive Director Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha said the event was intended to salute the role played by the ICRC which commemorated the 75th anniversary of the operation of the Geneva Conventions, without which the world might have been a different place. He recalled the ICRC’s contributions to Sri Lanka since establishing a presence in 1989, particularly during the armed conflict – escorting food and civilian convoys to the North and the East, facilitating immunisation drives, passing messages between the parties in conflict and enabling the return of the wounded and the dead on both sides, and post conflict assistance in mine clearance, disaster response, and in the search for missing persons. Across time, the ICRC had also played an important role in training the security forces on IHL compliance and engaged in prison visitations and supported the improvement of prison conditions. He observed that the theme of the discussion chosen on disarmament, besides being one where the ICRC and Sri Lanka closely collaborated globally, is the focus of several ongoing research endeavours of the LKI in recent times, along with ICT and its contemporary challenges. Delivering the opening remarks, ICRC Sri Lanka Head of Delegation Severine Chappaz focused on the continued relevance of IHL. Stressing that the main responsibility to apply IHL in good faith lies with States to mitigate human suffering, she underlined the importance of making IHL a national and international political priority. She also emphasised on aspects of IHL that are particularly relevant to Sri Lanka, including the post-conflict application of IHL, which applies specifically to the issue of missing persons, their right to be searched for, the right of their families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones and the obligation to prevent people from going missing. She also referred to the significance of national integration of IHL where the National IHL committee of Sri Lanka plays a key role, training the armed forces in IHL, and the dissemination of IHL through academic and religious circles. In her remarks, Sri Lanka’s international engagement in the promotion and development of IHL, notably in the field of disarmament regulations, was also recognised. ICRC Regional Legal Advisor Prof. Andrei Kozik highlighted the novel humanitarian and legal challenges posed by technological developments including AI and AWS. Delving into the subject, he drew attention to the unique characteristics of AWS that heighten risks for civilians and raise challenges for IHL compliance. In his presentation, Prof. Kozik also clarified the ICRC’s position on AWS, stating that the ICRC calls for new rules that prohibit the use of “unpredictable” and “anti-personnel” autonomous weapons systems. It was noted that in this context, “unpredictability” refers to the discriminatory nature of AWS weapons while “anti-personnel” refers to autonomous weapons designed or used to target humans directly. The ICRC’s report titled “International Humanitarian Law and the challenges of contemporary armed conflicts” was referenced as a source to obtain an overview of some of the challenges for IHL posed by contemporary armed conflicts. The report broadly underscores the humanitarian consequences that could result from the potential loss of human control over the use of force in armed conflict. Sri Lankan Coordinator for the Global Campaign “Stop Killer Robots” Yanithra Kumaraguru underscored the critical role of ethics in shaping both the legal frameworks and the development of autonomous weapons, especially in areas where current laws may not provide clear guidance. She highlighted several key ethical concerns, including the challenge of ensuring that autonomous weapons comply with international humanitarian law principles and also questioned whether machines could reliably make life-and-death decisions without human biases, stressing the risks of errors that could lead to violations of human dignity. She further discussed the “moral accountability gap”, an ethical concern that extends beyond legal frameworks and asked whether responsibility for actions taken by autonomous weapons lies with designers, operators, or no one at all emphasising the dehumanising consequences of delegating such critical decisions to machines. Stressing the fact that some advocates for autonomous weapons argue that these technologies could lead to greater precision and fewer civilian casualties, Kumaraguru countered that those technological limitations, the unpredictable nature of conflict and the human realities of conflict make such claims overly idealistic. Defence Ministry Director of Media and Spokesman, and Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) Head Colonel Nalin Herath while acknowledging the ethical challenges posed highlighted the transformative impact of AI on modern warfare emphasising its potential for operational efficiency, noted how such weapons are reshaping combat strategies and in distinguishing civilians from military targets. He raised concern about the growing access of non-state actors to advanced technologies, which heightens unpredictability in conflicts and cautioned against the dangers posed by AI in terms of misinformation and disinformation. Stressing the absence of a global consensus on regulating AI in warfare, he called for caution and cooperation to ensure ethical use of AI and to prevent its misuse. National Innovation Agency (NIA) Chief Innovation Officer and Pugwash Sri Lanka Past President Prof. Ajith De Alwis addressed the dual-use nature of science, technology, and innovation, particularly in the context of autonomous weapons systems and AI. He noted that since the wright brothers’ revolutionary invention of flight in 1903 which within a decade was quickly adapted for bombing, historically technology had been weaponised. He pointed to the futility of questioning whether blame can be apportioned to autonomous weapons used in wars, what is more crucial is that states create the conditions to prevent wars from taking place in the first place. He emphasised the need for better prioritising of the use of AWS, rather than banning per se, and advocated for leveraging AI and autonomous systems for humanity’s benefit rather than their weaponisation. Pointing to the climate issue where time was running out and the emission trajectories being put into wrong trajectories by all the conflicts going on, he asked that researchers must be persuaded to become more socially responsible, as the scientists who walked out of the “Manhattan Project” which pursued the creation of the atomic bomb. He also advocated strengthening a UN led global mechanism supporting whistle blowing and asked that we push ourselves to value humanity more - touching on the Pugwash principles. Ambassador Aryasinha who moderated the panel discussion, reflecting on the challenges faced as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative in Geneva in presiding over the CCW during Sri Lanka’ Presidency of the CCW in 2015/2016 which secured a consensus to commence the discussion of LAWS at the level of States parties nearly a decade ago, regretted that movement had been slow and that many relevant States needed for effective regulation of AWS, opposed or remained ambivalent in supporting such regulation. While the ethical and legal arguments were not in doubt, greater moral persuasion and compromise would be needed to also carry those who already possess or are on the verge of possessing AWS from using them, as war fronts expand and armies seek to minimise casualties. During an almost hour-long discussion that followed, the audience pointed to the absence of a universal definition, highlighted gaps in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the politicisation of AWS, the advances and limitations in distinguishing combatants from non-combatants, opaque decision-making, the ethical and legal issues concerned and the slow pace of regulation. They also impressed on the need for a Sri Lanka national policy on AI and AWS, suggested that smaller nations like Sri Lanka press for reforms to protect weaker states. Members of the panel explored the tension between technological innovation and ethical responsibility, emphasising alignment with IHL principles like distinction and proportionality. They underscored transparency in AI’s “black box” decision-making, gaps in IHL related to espionage and information warfare, and the relevance of Article 36 of the Geneva Conventions in reviewing new weapons. The session concluded by stressing collaboration, culturally informed ethical considerations, and practical, legally binding measures to balance technological advances with human oversight.

When Microsoft introduced its Copilot+ PC initiative, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chipsets were the first to receive Microsoft’s official blessing. They’ve so far proven to be very fast and efficient and give Windows laptops a boost against Apple’s MacBooks . They’re also a bit less expensive than Intel machines, a side benefit that shouldn’t be ignored. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a good example. It’s still a midrange machine coming in between $850 and $1,000, so it’s not inexpensive. But you’ll pay a few hundred dollars more for Intel, in many cases. And the IdeaPad 5x is an attractive laptop in some important areas, not the least of which is in its performance and battery life. It might not make our list of the overall best laptops , but it has a number of strong points that make it worth considering, especially for laptops under $1,000 . Specs and configuration As with many of the early Qualcomm laptops, there aren’t a bunch of configuration options with the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1. The entry-level model is $850 for a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chipset, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch FHD+ OLED display (the only option). For $895, you can upgrade to a 1TB SSD. An active pen is a $20 option. When Lenovo originally offered the laptop for review, it was priced at $679. That would be a very attractive price for this laptop, and Lenovo says a sale price like that might show up around the holidays. A list price of $850 is attractive enough, though, when some other Qualcomm laptops list for more. An example is the HP OmniBook X at $1,090 with a 14-inch IPS display but a faster Snapdragon X Elite chipset. That machine is currently on sale for $780, though. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x starts at $1,080 with OLED and a Snapdragon X Elite. Then there are Intel Lunar Lake laptops to consider, such as the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 that lists for $1,450 with a higher-res 2.8K OLED display and an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V that’s on sale for $1,000. The bottom line is that the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a good value even at full price, and if you manage to grab one on sale, you’re getting a pretty good bargain. Design It’s rare that I come across a poorly built laptop lately. Granted, I’ve been reviewing mostly midrange or premium laptops where you expect decent builds, but it wasn’t that long ago when even laptops close to $1,000 could suffer some poor quality. The IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is constructed of a mix of aluminum and plastic, but it didn’t have any bending, flexing, or twisting in the lid, keyboard deck, or chassis. It certainly didn’t feel like a laptop partially made of plastic, and I wouldn’t say the more expensive OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 — an extremely well-made laptop — was all that noticeably better. The MacBook Air 13 , which nobody would call poorly made, has a lid that’s more flexible. There was also a time when a laptop that was 0.69 inches thick would have been considered very thin. Today, that’s getting into the chunky range, but it’s certainly nothing to complain about. The top and side bezels are small enough, but the bottom chin is pretty big, which isn’t uncommon for 2-in-1s that need a hinge that can switch from clamshell to media, tent, and tablet modes. It’s a small enough laptop and it’s fairly light at 3.28 pounds — again, perfectly fine if not a class leader. Interestingly, Acer has borrowed the reverse notch housing the webcam and infrared camera from Lenovo, which compares to Apple’s display notch that’s a lot more divisive. There’s not a lot to say about the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 in terms of its aesthetics. Many laptops have a certain look today — that is, they’re minimalist without any standout design features or bling. And that’s OK. For many people, a laptop isn’t a fashion statement, and while the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is notably better looking, who cares? The IdeaPad 5x looks just fine in its single dark gray color way, and unless you really want your laptop to stand out in the coffee shop, you likely won’t really care one way or another. Keyboard and touchpad The IdeaPad 5x has Lenovo’s standard keyboard with its easily-identified sculpted keycaps and good spacing. The switches vary from machine to machine, and these are light and springy. I like the keyboard, and it was comfortable when I typed up this review. I could quibble and say Apple’s Magic Keyboard is better, but this one’s very good nonetheless. The touchpad is just OK, though. First, it’s not all that large, with plenty of space on the palm rest for a larger version. And it’s mechanical and not haptic, which is expected at this price. It’s serviceable, but doesn’t stand out compared to much better haptic touchpads on MacBooks and the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14. The display is touch- and pen-enabled, of course, and my review unit included the active pen. It worked well for writing and drawing on the display, although as usual the 14-inch convertible 2-in-1 isn’t nearly as comfortable for such uses as a thin and light tablet like the iPad Pro. Connectivity and webcam There’s plenty of connectivity, including a good mix of legacy ports. The only problem is that there are no high-speed ports, which is a bit surprising. Other Qualcomm laptops have USB4, but there’s none of that here. There’s a microSD card reader, which is a plus. And wireless connectivity is fully up-to-date. The webcam is a 1080p version, which is the new standard. It’s good enough to support the full range of the enhanced version of Microsoft Studio Effects software, and the neural processing unit (NPU) exceeds the 40 tera operations per second (TOPS) requirement Microsoft set for its Copilot+ PC initiative. That means the IdeaPad 5x will support the full range of AI features as they roll out with reasonably fast and efficient on-device performance. Performance The IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 uses the slowest Qualcomm Snapdragon X chipset, the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100. It’s an 8-core chipset running at 3.2GHz boosting to 3.4 GHz (single-core) and with a 1.7 TFLOPS Adreno GPU. That’s down from the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite running at 3.4GHz with a boost to 4.0GHz (dual-core) and with a 3.8 TFLOPS or faster GPU. It’s up against the 8-core Intel Lunar Lake chipsets that represent Intel’s response to Qualcomm’s more efficient ARM-based chipsets. Of course, running on ARM requires Windows on ARM, which will run some software in emulation that will slow things down, and compatibility issues remain possible. As we can see from our comparison group, the Qualcomm chipsets are faster than Intel’s across the board, while AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 chipset is faster still but not at all aimed at efficiency. The Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 may be the slowest chipset in Qualcomm’s stable, but it’s still meaningfully faster than Intel — at least in CPU performance. Its Adreno GPU is considerably slower, though, even given some variation in the Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics. As we can see, even the entry-level discrete GPU in the Asus ProArt PX13 is a lot faster. What this means is that the IdeaPad 5x is plenty fast for even demanding productivity users. It won’t make gamers or creators, who rely on fast GPUs, very happy. And also notably, the MacBook Air M3 is just as fast in its CPU cores while being a lot faster in its GPU cores. The MacBook Air won’t get the M4 chipset until next year, but that will give it another significant boost. Battery life Even though it’s fast, the Qualcomm’s primary purpose is to offer better efficiency in Windows laptops. That’s Intel’s objective with Lunar Lake, as well. And both platforms succeed, offering up very solid battery life especially when the chipsets aren’t working as hard. The IdeaPad 5x has an OLED display that’s also just FHD+ resolution, which gives it a little more efficiency but awesome quality (see below). The Dell XPS 13 9350 and XPS 13 9345 both had an FHD+ IPS display while the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 had a 2.8K OLED panel. The IdeaPad 5x will easily last a full day of normal work, and even into a second day. Prior to these new chipsets, only Apple Silicon laptops like the MacBook Air M3 could make the same kind of claim. Arguably, the MacBook Air has the longest battery life all around, but there’s no longer nearly as great a delta between Windows and macOS. We’ll have to wait until the M4 chipset hits the MacBook Air in 2025 to see if Apple extends its lead. Display and audio I love OLED displays. They just look so much better out of the box than IPS displays, even though that technology has gotten a lot better over the last several years. OLED’s colors are so much brighter and blacks are so much inkier, that even a 14.0-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display that I’d usually dislike as not being sharp enough looks great. That’s what Lenovo put in the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1, and it was a great choice. My colorimeter liked the display. Colors were incredibly wide at 100% of sRGB, 98% of AdobeRGB, and 99% of DCI-P3, and accuracy was great at a Delta-E of 1.34 (less than 1.0 is excellent). Contrast was high at 25,920:1 with the usual near-perfect blacks, and the panel was more than bright enough at 381 nits. I’ve seen many brighter displays, including other OLED panels, but this is still more than bright enough for all but working outside under direct sunlight. Again, I do like higher resolution than FHD+ with a 14-inch display, but I doubt that many people will complain. And a lower resolution helps offset OLED for better battery life, which I saw in the battery life results. Audio is provided by four speakers: two upward-firing and two downward-firing. Sound was very clear, with crip mids and highs and zero distortion. The only problem was the system didn’t get very loud, and bass was pretty faint. It’s not the best nor the worst audio you’ll find on a 14-inch laptop, where Apple’s MacBook Pro 14 is the standout performer. A solid laptop at an attractive price At $850, the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 is a great laptop. It has a very good OLED display, so long as you’re OK with the resolution. It’s also quite fast and gets excellent battery life. It’s well-built with an aesthetic that’s kind of boring but certainly isn’t ugly. I wish it had a haptic touchpad, and it doesn’t have a fast USB4 port. But the best thing is, it’s entirely possible that you’ll be able to grab the IdeaPad 5x at an even greater deal at under $700. At that price, the laptop becomes even more than just an easy recommendation.Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90Ducks forward Trevor Zegras underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. He’s estimated to return to the lineup in six weeks. Zegras has already missed three games with the injury, which he suffered on Dec. 4 against the Golden Knights. The 23-year-old fell awkwardly following a faceoff in the defensive zone, collapsing on his leg while skating backward away from the dot. He did not return to the game and landed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported Tuesday that Zegras was seeking a second opinion on how to move forward from the then-undisclosed lower-body issue but evidently quickly decided on surgery. As such, he’ll likely miss a tad more than if he opted to try to rehabilitate the tear without a surgical procedure, but this decision carries far less risk for re-injury. The team anticipates his knee will return to full strength when he’s back in the lineup shortly before the season pauses for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Eric Stephens of The Athletic relays. Zegras will now miss significant time for the second season in a row with a lower-body issue, even if it’s not as long of an absence as initially feared. The 2019 ninth overall pick missed 20 games in the early going last year with an undisclosed lower-body issue before undergoing ankle surgery in January that cost him another 31 contests. Those injuries largely offered an explanation for Zegras’ poor production last season, even when he was in the lineup. His 15 points in 31 games worked out to a 40-point pace over a full season, a stark downturn from the career-best 23 goals and 65 points he’d put up the year before. It’s been more of the same in 2024-25, managing just 10 points in 24 games before landing on the shelf. He’s averaging 16:57 per game as he’s bounced around the top nine, the lowest since his rookie season, and he’s also logged a career-worst 45.5 CF% at even strength. Zegras is the second Ducks forward to undergo meniscus surgery in the first few months of the campaign, joining fellow top-nine piece Robby Fabbri on IR. While neither had been particularly productive in the early going — Fabbri had only two goals in 14 games before getting hurt — it’s still not an easy thing to swallow for a Ducks team scoring 2.37 goals per game, second-worst in the league. A six-week return timeline puts Zegras back in the lineup on Jan. 23 against the Penguins, meaning he’s slated to likely miss another 20 games while recovering. The New York native is in the second season of a three-year, $17.25M deal. This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

Knight stops 20 shots, Florida rolls past Carolina 6-0 for 2nd win over 'Canes in as many days

The 2024 War on the Rocks Holiday Reading List

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By DIDI TANG The Associated Press — The economic and technological rivalry between the United States and China has come to the drone market , where Chinese-made flying devices are a dominant player. Lawmakers in Washington are seeking to ban new sales of drones from two dominant Chinese manufacturers, arguing they could be used to spy on Americans and that the low-cost models are hurting the U.S. drone industry. A defense bill that passed Congress last week would bar new Chinese drones from DJI Technology and Autel Robotics should a review find them to pose an “unacceptable” risk to U.S. national security. But American users, from police officers to farmers, mappers and filmmakers, have come to rely on Chinese-made drones, especially those by DJI. Here are things to know about the debate. Lawmakers say the drones pose a national security threat Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be U.N. ambassador, has led House efforts to ban new Chinese drones, saying Americans have become too dependent on them. “It is strategically irresponsible to allow Communist China to be our drone factory,” she argued. It was the role of drones in everyday life that drove Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., to get Congress to restrict the purchase of Chinese drones by federal agencies. Those restrictions were included in a bill that Democratic President Joe Biden signed last year. Scott has compared Chinese drones to spy balloons that could “gather data or carry harmful payloads” across America, posing risks to military bases, critical infrastructure and natural resources. Drones made by DJI dominate the US market DJI, named in the bill, is the best-known Chinese drone brand. The company has the lion’s share of the global drone market and is a dominant player in the U.S. market. Its drones have been used by first responders to locate disaster victims, mappers to survey roads and utility lines, mosquito control officers to reach swarms of larvae, and filmmakers to capture aerial footage. Founded in 2006 and based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, DJI makes devices that are known for their affordability and high performance. They are even used on the battlefield in Ukraine by both sides, even though DJI does not make military drones. As U.S.-China relations soured, DJI drones have come under scrutiny. The U.S. government has put the company on several blacklists citing human rights concerns as well as alleged links to the Chinese military. DJI has denied any wrongdoing, and is suing the Pentagon over the designation that it is a Chinese military company. U.S. customs officials have also blocked some DJI shipments over concerns that the products might have been made with forced labor. DJI has called it “a customs-related misunderstanding.” DJI has also expressed concern about the review of Chinese drones included in the defense bill., saying it doesn’t allow the company to defend itself. It called for “a fair right of reply to any findings.” Users say Chinese drones can’t be easily replaced At the Interior Department, the ban on foreign-made drones has resulted in a “loss of opportunities to collect data on landscape, natural and cultural resources, wildlife and infrastructure,” according to a September report by the Government Accountability Office. Michael Robbins, president and chief executive officer of AUVSI, an advocacy group for unmanned vehicles such as drones, argues against an immediate ban. Instead, the group has urged the government to support the domestic drone-making industry through investment so it can catch up with its Chinese competitors in both capability and cost. Related Articles Business | Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings Business | Lancaster man used drone to deliver fentanyl, other drugs — one user died, prosecutors sayThe president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society won’t seek re-election following a first term marked by infighting and low morale across the union’s operational ranks. Shortly after the final bell rang for winter break, Nathan Martindale took to social media to announce he will carry out his two-year appointment that ends in the spring and step away from labour relations after that. “After many conversations with my family and deep reflection on their needs, I have made the decision to not run for a second term as MTS president,” he wrote in a post uploaded to Facebook Friday. Martindale, a special education resource teacher in Winnipeg, has spent the last 12 years in full-time union roles. Since the turn of the century, all of his predecessors — including former presidents James Bedford, Norm Gould, Paul Olsen, Pat Isaak, Brian Ardern and Jan Speelman — have served two consecutive terms. Bedford told the Free Press he does not know details, aside from surface-level ones, but his friend and former colleague’s departure, as well as other recent high-profile exits from MTS, suggests “something’s gone badly off the rails.” Between 2011 and 2017, Martindale represented colleagues in the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association. He later joined the union’s governing board better known as “PX” — internal shorthand for the MTS provincial executive. “I have often been required to be out of town, as well as attend numerous evening and weekend obligations, all of which have taken me away from my family,” he wrote on his personal social media page. “With the ongoing needs of my family, including supporting my child with Type 1 diabetes, I know it is now time to prioritize being present for them.” Martindale first assumed an interim president role on Feb. 24, 2023 — the day of Bedford’s mid-term retirement — before he won an internal election that spring. Per union bylaws, PX members are each elected to serve a two-year appointment. The president and vice-president are eligible for re-election for one additional term. Other members can serve up to three consecutive terms. Martindale was not made available for an interview on the subject. His office indicated the union leader is not taking any reporter calls over the holidays. Among many congratulatory comments and messages of thanks that users made on his post, Bedford wrote that it was an honour to work alongside Martindale. His original comment — which has since been edited — also stated, “It is unfortunate that you will likely be replaced by someone less caring, less experienced, and less dedicated to representing all members.” It was liked by a number of union representatives, including Jonathan Waite from the Seine River Teachers’ Association, PX member Sean Giesbrecht and Chris Darazsi, president of the local in the River East Transcona School Division. Lise Legal, president of the Pembina Trails Teachers’ Association, replied with a demand for Bedford’s “beyond disrespectful” sentence be deleted. The public exchange was made against the backdrop of a third-party probe into the union’s embattled headquarters on Portage Avenue. Bedford said he made the comment out of frustration that his “extraordinarily dedicated” successor is leaving and “a great team” is falling part. The union’s work environment became “highly political” during his tenure from 2019 to 2023, he added. MTS hired a consulting firm at the start of the school year to investigate workplace culture, harassment and morale concerns raised by staff members who are in charge of servicing more than 16,600 public school teachers. Three different people have assumed the executive director role — the non-partisan counterpart to Martindale, and senior leader in charge of managing members of Teamsters Local Union 979 — over the last 13 months. Teamsters Canada spokesman Christopher Monette, who has been critical of MTS leaders for failing to provide a harassment-free work environment and viewing staff as “adversaries,” declined to weigh in on internal politics Monday. “MTS has made efforts over the past months to address workplace concerns. While encouraging, we believe it is too early to provide a final assessment and will reserve further comments for now,” Monette said in an email. He noted that Teamsters continues to pursue outstanding grievances related to workplace issues that will be brought to an arbitrator in the new year. Martindale’s lengthy social media post touted negotiating the first provincewide collective agreement for teachers, navigating the classroom complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and joining the Manitoba Federation of Labour as highlights during his time at MTS. He also acknowledged the union’s success in “slamming the door” on Bill 64, controversial Progressive Conservative proposed legislation that sought to eliminate Manitoba’s elected school boards in 2021.

Before Christa McAuliffe was an astronaut, she was a vibrant teacher in New England keen on showing her students how everyday people left extraordinary marks on U.S. history. Nearly four decades later, a new documentary focuses on how she still inspires others and less on her fate aboard the space shuttle Challenger. “Christa: From Ordinary to Extraordinary” from New Hampshire PBS explores her close relationship with the state and its capital, Concord, where she was picked from more than 11,000 applicants to be the nation’s first teacher in space. “You say ‘Christa’ in New Hampshire, everyone knows exactly who you’re talking about,” Gov. Chris Sununu says in the film. Its release Dec. 19 came three months after a bronze statue of McAuliffe was unveiled at the Statehouse, on what would have been her 76th birthday. The documentary features interviews with community members, footage of scenes such as a Main Street parade for McAuliffe, and some of her comments — including her parting speech to Concord High School seniors in 1985. It reflects the pride and joy felt by residents then and now for an enthusiastic teacher who loved learning and telling stories. McAuliffe was 37 when she died, one of the seven crew members aboard the Challenger when the space shuttle broke apart on live TV on Jan. 28, 1986. The documentary briefly touches on the tragedy. “We all want to be remembered for who we were, what we cared about, what we loved, what we did, and not how we died,” Jeanne Gerulskis, the recently retired executive director of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, says in the film. McAuliffe taught social studies at Concord High School beginning in 1983. She created a course on the history of American women that’s still taught there today. People in the documentary said she wanted students to see the role ordinary people, particularly women, can play in history. McAuliffe saw herself as one of them. A lover of field trips, she looked forward to bringing back her thoughts and journal from the shuttle mission “like a woman on the Conestoga wagon pioneering the West,” she said in an interview. Holly Merrow, a former student of McAuliffe’s in the women’s history class, feels the documentary embodies her spirit of wanting to inspire children. “We felt like we were going to space, as well,” Merrow, now a teacher in Maine, said about McAuliffe at a recent screening of the film. The documentary also talks about the importance of telling children who McAuliffe was. In New Hampshire, many children learn about government beginning in fourth grade. They visit the Statehouse. McAuliffe’s statue stands near the entrance, a good starting point for a discussion. It’s the first statue added to the grounds in more than a century, and the first woman. At Concord High School, Kimberly Bleier teaches social studies in a room where McAuliffe once taught. In the film, she says she often reminds herself that “there’s a lot of responsibility there” to ensure that what McAuliffe brought to the school, such as her love of hands-on learning, is still remembered and talked about. Bleier currently teaches Street Law, a general introduction to the legal system that emphasizes criminal and juvenile law. McAuliffe taught that class, too. Bleier was a sixth grader when she watched the shuttle launch on television. She recalled how devastating it was. “I don’t want to watch the shuttle blow up again,” she said. “I want to watch her. I want to hear her.”Former reality star Gerry Turner may be dealing with an incurable form of cancer, but that and his highly publicized divorce aren't keeping him from seeking romance and connection still. Gerry confirmed he had been diagnosed with a rare slow-moving form of bone marrow cancer earlier this year. As a result, he wound up no longer “prioritizing” his marriage to Theresa Nist. Theresa has since released her own statement about his diagnosis and their split. While f ans have since apologized for the things they’ve said about him since learning of his diagnosis, Gerry is now sharing that he is looking more towards his future–and hasn’t given up on finding love . Golden Bachelor fans pologize for treatment of Gerry Turner after cancer news Inside how Gerry Turner's cancer diagnosis led to divorce as Theresa speaks out In a new interview, he admitted that despite his diagnosis, he has continued to date since he and Theresa split up. In fact, he also does have someone new in his life that he is currently seeing. Speaking to Fox News Digital , Turner, 73, made the reveal. “I have dated a bit, off and on,” he said. “Currently, you know I am dating someone, and I will continue my search to find my partner for the rest of my life.” Admitting it was a bit early to officially label the relationship, he also admitted it was a “refreshing” change from his past, as the current person in his life wasn’t familiar with his fame, and wasn’t invested in social media. “There is a certain freedom involved, a certain acceptance for who I am,” he said. “Almost a humorous lack of understanding of where I’ve come from in the last year, year and a half. It’s really quite refreshing to have someone who hasn’t seen all the history in a relationship with me. They didn’t watch the show. They’re not interested in what’s on social media. They don’t care.” Don't miss: Gerry Turner admits Theresa marriage was 'nt priority' after cancer diagnosis [LATEST] Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner was diagnosed with cancer weeks before split [UPDATE] Charles Ling could be weapon to help 'failing' Golden Bachelor franchise [INSIGHT] It comes after he and Theresa famously divorced just three months after their televised wedding ceremony, which itself came just a month after they revealed their engagement to the world on the Golden Bachelor finale. At the time, they shared that distance and inability to agree on a place to live was the main reason that they split up, but Gerry now admits that his diagnosis was one of the factors that ultimately led him to decide to split from her. “...the truth of the matter is that when I got that news and I got over that period of time where I just felt like I had just been gut punched, I realized the things that were the most important. I kind of fell back to the old habits, the old familiar feelings of a family and my two daughters and thinking about when my wife passed away and how that affected not just me, but my girls,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s all completely logical, but sometimes feelings aren’t logical,” he added. “But the bottom line is that it had a huge impact on my thinking about my relationships with Theresa and that marriage.”Belichick's bid to reshape UNC football latest sign of pro influence on college levelvipph 11 。

Nendah Tarke scores 24 to help Towson defeat Morgan State 64-60Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose economic reforms made his country a global powerhouse, has died at the age of 92, current leader Narendra Modi said Thursday. India "mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders," Modi posted on social media platform X shortly after news broke of Singh's passing. "As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives." Singh was taken to a hospital in New Delhi after he lost consciousness at his home on Thursday, but could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 9:51 pm local time, according to a statement by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, is credited with having overseen an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. "I have lost a mentor and guide," opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a statement, adding that Singh had "led India with immense wisdom and integrity." "Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," said Gandhi, a scion of India's powerful Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and the most prominent challenger to Modi. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the opposition in parliament's upper house, said "India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature." President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X that Singh will "always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility." Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in India and never held elected office before taking the vast nation's top job. He won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD. Singh worked in a string of senior civil posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies including the United Nations. He was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history. In his first term Singh steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending India the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the United States that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. Known as "Mr Clean", Singh nonetheless saw his image tarnished during his decade-long tenure when a series of corruption cases became public. Several months before the 2014 elections, Singh said he would retire after the polls, with Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul earmarked to take his place if Congress won. But Congress crashed to its worst-ever result at that time as the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Modi, won in a landslide. Singh -- who said historians would be kinder to him than contemporary detractors -- became a vocal critic of Modi's economic policies, and more recently warned about the risks that rising communal tensions posed to India's democracy. bjt/mlm

Kendrick Lamar Calls Out Lil Wayne For Lack Of Support After Super Bowl AnnouncementMarc-Andre Fleury’s game still blooms in new Wild roleA rescheduled fixture from round 11 of the 2024-25 League One season sees Leyton Orient and Huddersfield Town go head-to-head against each other at Brisbane Road on Tuesday evening. The teams have made contrasting starts to the current campaign, with the visitors firmy in contention for a place in the playoffs as things stand, while their hosts are currently embroiled in a relegation battle. © Imago After losing each of their opening four league matches, Leyton Orient went on a downward spiral for the next two months, during which they managed just four wins from 12 matches across all competitions. However, Richie Wellens 's men have since turned things around, embarking on a three-game winning streak across league and cup duty prior to their goalless stalemate against Stevenage Town at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday. Despite their resurgence in recent weeks, the Os are 21st in the League One table , one point adrift of safety, albeit with two games on hand on Crawley Town, who currently sit just outside the relegation zone. A chance to win game number four on the bounce in front of their fans now awaits Leyton Orient off the back of victories over Colchester United, Rotherham and most recently Blackpool in the three home outings prior. However, the hosts have historically struggled in games against the visitors having failed to win any of the most recent eight editions of this fixture, although Tuesday's clash will be the first meeting between the teams since 2015, and Leyton will be hoping for a change in fortunes. © Imago Unlike Leyton Orient, Huddersfield flew out of the blocks with four wins from their first four matches, after which they went on a dry patch, losing seven of their subsequent eight matches across all competitions. Michael Duff 's men would finally return to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Barnsley on October 5, and that has formed the basis for an upturn in form that has yielded five wins and two draws from their eight matches since. Last time out, The Terriers claimed a 2-1 triumph over Charlton Athletic at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday thanks to goals from Matthew Pearson and David Kasumu either side of Matthew Godden 's equaliser. Seeking an instant return to the Championship after their relegation last time out, Huddersfield are fifth in the standings at the moment, five points shy of automatic promotion with a game in hand but also level on points with the teams just outside the playoff places. Currently with the joint fourth-best defensive record in the division, only behind Wrexham, Wigan and Exeter, Tuesday's visitors have fared well at the back but certainly have a higher gear to find at the top end of the pitch. © Imago Leyton's Ollie O'Neill was shown his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Stevenage, making him ineligible to play any part here due to a one-game suspension. Charlie Kelman looks set to become the biggest beneficiary of O'Neill's absence as he is set to return to the lineup after having to settle for a cameo last time out. Twenty-five-year-old David Kasumu has now found the back of the net in consecutive matches for Huddersfield and will be looking to deliver the goods once again. Matthew Pearson and Rhys Healey are major doubts for the away side here after both coming off with injury scares before the half-time whistle against Charlton. Leyton Orient possible starting lineup: Keeley; Currie, Happe, Beckles, James; Warrington, Pratley; Kelman, Galbraith, Perkins; Agyei Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup: Chapman; Lonwijk, Lees, Helik; Miller, Kasumu, Kane, Wiles, Spencer; Koroma, Radulovic All indications point to a victory for Huddersfield, but Leyton Orient will be keen to put up a decent fight on their home ground. Nonetheless, we are tipping the visitors to carry the day and come away with maximum points when all is said and done. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

WACO, Texas (AP) — Georgia's Dasha Vidmanova and Columbia's Michael Zheng won NCAA singles tennis titles on Sunday. Vidmanova, a 21-year-old senior from the Czech Republic, beat DJ Bennett of Auburn 6-3, 6-3 for the Bulldogs' first women's singles championship since 2010 and the fourth singles champion in program history. Vidmanova is the only Bulldog in program history to win both the NCAA singles and doubles titles after winning the doubles with Aysegul Mert last season. It was the second consecutive season Georgia had a women’s tennis player reach the title match after Anastasiia Lopata lost to Alexa Noel of Miami last year. Bennett is the first player in Auburn’s program history to reach the finals in the event, besting Fani Chifchieva’s semifinalist finish in 2008 that was the previous best finish for a Tiger. Zheng, a 20-year-old junior from Montville, New Jersey, beat Ozan Baris of Michigan State 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to become the first Ivy League player to collect an NCAA men's singles crown since 1922. The final between Zheng and Baris was the first men's NCAA tennis singles final between two Americans since 2017. Zheng, the first men’s Ivy Leaguer to win the title since Yale's Lucien Williams over a century ago, is the first player to reach back-to-back finals on the men’s side since Steve Johnson of USC in 2011 and 2012. TCU’s Pedro Vives Marcos and Lui Maxted earned the men’s doubles championship while Virginia’s Elaine Chervinsky and Melodie Collard won the women’s doubles title. Vives Marcos and Maxted beat Gavin Young and Benjamin Kittay of Michigan 6-3. 6-7 (8-6), 1-0 (10-2). The 10-point tiebreaker to determine the national champions featured five service breaks, including four by the Horned Frogs, who scored the final six points to seal their title. Young and Kittay became the first doubles runners-up in Michigan men's tennis history. Chervinsky and Collard beat UCLA's Olivia Center and Kate Fakih — both freshmen — 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-5) in the final to win the first NCAA Doubles title in program history. The Cavaliers' duo won each of their five matches at the championships in a third-set 10-point super tiebreaker. More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennisClimate Change in the Himalayas

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Evolution: What Will Humans Look Like in 50,000 Years?Eddie Howe claimed he would not swap Alexander Isak for any other striker after he scored for a fifth straight Premier League game in Newcastle United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa. ( More Football News ) Having scored a hat-trick in Newcastle's 4-0 win at Ipswich Town on Saturday, Isak converted Jacob Murphy's cross to put the Magpies 2-0 up after 59 minutes on Boxing Day. Anthony Gordon and Joelinton were also on target for Newcastle, who had a further three goals disallowed as Villa collapsed following Jhon Duran's first-half red card. Isak is just the sixth Newcastle player to score in five or more consecutive Premier League appearances, after Alan Shearer (three times), Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, Papiss Cisse and Joe Willock. He has seven goals in total in those matches, and 24 in the Premier League in 2024. Only Shearer, with 27 in 2002, has ever netted more for Newcastle in a single calendar year. With the Swede firing as Newcastle finish the year on a high, Howe feels he is irreplaceable for the Magpies. "I love Alexander Isak, he has unbelievable quality. He's the right age, has the right athletic profile, I signed him and love him. I wouldn't swap him for anyone," he told Amazon Prime. BY Stats Perform "Tonight, I will go back and watch the game again and see where we can improve. We go to Manchester United on Monday with real quality and confidence." Newcastle got off to a flying start at St James' as Gordon curled a wonderful finish home within 80 seconds of kick-off, the earliest goal in a Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League since 2014, when both Adam Johnson (30 seconds for Sunderland) and Harry Kane (57 seconds for Tottenham) scored within a minute. "It's a brilliant goal from Anthony," Howe said. "He's capable of that and it was great to see that go in as he has been working hard on his finishing and wants more goals. "Yes, it was 11 versus 10 but the game was never done at 1-0 and we showed good characteristics, we were adapting with the ball and managed the situation very well. "I'm delighted with the win. We were never comfortable until the second goal and I have to complement the players and how well they are playing, it is a good set of results and performances. "We looked like we could score at any moment, the attacking players have their confidence back which is great to see and we look in a great place." Howe did feel, however, that Newcastle were fortunate to see Duran sent off following a tussle with Fabian Schar, which saw the Villa striker slip and scrape his studs down his opponent's back as the pair fell to the ground. "I thought it was maybe harsh, that was my gut feeling," Howe said of the dismissal. "I was a little surprised the red card came out."

Belichick's bid to reshape UNC football latest sign of pro influence on college levelThe 17th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto is being observed today. Benazir Bhutto (b. June 21, 1953, d. December 27, 2007) was a Pakistani politician who is considered a modern Muslim political leader of South Asia as she became the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world. She had been in office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan twice (1988–90 and 1993–96). After a long round of discussions between Pervez Musharraf, the then military ruler, and Benazir, regarding the future power-sharing formula, she managed to return back to Pakistan. She landed in Karachi from Dubai in October 2007 after eight years of self-imposed exile. At the time of her assassination on 27 December 2007 at Rawalpindi, she was making a bid for a third term as the Premier of Pakistan. She was assassinated by a suicide bomber named Bilal, a 15-year-old, who had reportedly been asked to do so by the Pakistani Taliban. Subsequent years since she was assassinated by extremist groups have revealed more about how the Pakistani state apparatus works and who and why some groups of assassins had actually ordered to kill her. It was her commitment to promoting democratic ideals combined with her unweaving conviction to end militancy in Pakistan that contributed to her unfortunate murder. Her commitment to promoting democracy and reconciliation was neither acceptable to the undemocratic forces of Pakistan nor to militant groups within Pakistan and across the borders. Today’s Pakistan is divided on ethno-regional biases. It experiences religious extremism, unstoppable terrorism, political polarisation, and a divided society. Such a divided society has given rise to political instability that eventually contributes to economic instability. In these critical times, what seems an appropriate way to commemorate the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto is to recall her message of cooperation and reconciliation that is necessary for promoting democratic norms and democratic governance in the country. Bitterness And The Path To Reconciliation She was a stanch supporter of adherence to uphold the essence of the Constitution of Pakistan. Evidence to her commitment to the constitutional supremacy is manifested in her words which she delivered while she was giving her speech at Governor’s House Lahore on December 25, 1988. She resolved that “ the real foundation of a country is its Constitution. It safeguards the rights of the provinces as well as those of the masses .” She not only encouraged the notion of cooperation from within the society and politics of Pakistan but also furthered the idea of reconciliation between Islam and Democracy and between the West and Pakistan to bridge the two polities and to clear the misconceptions that had been bone of contention between the West and East She further denounced coming into power with the support of illegitimate and undemocratic forces. She believed in coming into power with the support of the people of Pakistan as she reinforced that “ I believe in coming into power through people’s power and through the vote of the confidence of the people’s representatives. Therefore, the respect for the office of the Prime Minister is not mere respect for a particular office but denotes respect for the masses that have elected her .” In the same speech, she did not support the politics of confrontation, which for her promotes political instability combined with political hatred, and she always promoted reconciliation and cooperation as she reiterated that “ we do not want confrontation and, we have never, by ourselves, created a situation of confrontation...we want to create unity in the country, which is divided into linguistic groups .” Similarly, she not only encouraged the notion of cooperation from within the society and politics of Pakistan but also furthered the idea of reconciliation between Islam and Democracy and between the West and Pakistan to bridge the two polities and to clear the misconceptions that had been bone of contention between the West and East. She rejected the idea revolving around the inevitability of confrontation between Islam and the West that was triggered by Samuel Huntington’s work The Clash of Civilisations , the thesis that people’s cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world. Benazir resolved to reconcile the West and Islam and she suggested Muslims adopt modernity that will, for her, not only end extremism from within Pakistan but also build friendly relations with religious ‘others’. SCBAP President Pays Tribute To 1971, 2014 Martyrs, Urges National Reconciliation She has been a proponent of eradicating religious extremism from within Pakistani society in particular and from the Islamic world in general She contended in her classic work titled Benazir Bhutto: Reconciliation, Islam Democracy and the West , over the issue of divide between the West and Islam that “ the clash is not certainly over theology...fundamentally, it is all about whether the Muslim people can survive and prosper in a modern ear or whether linkages with traditional interpretations of the sixteenth century will free them in the past...if the Muslims can adjust to the political, social and economic environment we will not only survive but flourish...if modernity is dogmatically resisted, the existence of Muslims as viable community will become vulnerable ,” p., 275. She also desisted from the military rule in the country and always promoted democracy as a system of governance in Pakistan and beyond. She argued that future of the Muslims across the globe depends on promoting democracy because “ it does not only replace the dictatorship but also it weakens the forces of extremism and militancy”. She further opines that “if the extremism and militancy are defeated, our planet can avoid the cataclysmic battle that pessimists predict is inevitable, ” p., 284. She has been a proponent of eradicating religious extremism from within Pakistani society in particular and from the Islamic world in general as she propounded that “ much of what I think needs doing to defeat Islamic extremism centers around what I think must be done to strengthen democracy among Islamic societies, ” p., 284. Another important democratic notion that she continuously advanced was women's emancipation and their economic empowerment. She advocated women's socio-political rights as she believed that the economic empowerment of women was essential for building a vibrant middle class that is considered a backbone of any modern polity for promoting prosperity and democratic governance. She always encouraged women to be educated and to be economically independent. She propounded that “ a true measure of liberation from traditional roles and traditional subordination by the men is the extent to which the women are economically self-sufficient .” To further augment her argument in favour of women’s economic independence, she maintains that “ economic independence brings political independence, and political independence within the family encourages pluralism and democratic expression and organisation outside the family ,” p., 289. Remembering Mummy Jennifer: The Irish Roots Of An Untiring Advocate For Balochistan - II Amongst others, she promoted the right to freedom of expression. In her address to a party in the honor of a journalist at Lahore, she maintained that “ we lay great emphasis on freedom of expression and freedom of thought...let me inform you of our Government policies that we would like to have as little as possible the State interference .” Similarly, she emphasised the equality of all citizens and their equal rights, as embedded in the Constitution of Pakistan, irrespective of their ethno-religious orientation and gender. In addressing medical students at Karachi, she said “ we have no allusions to abstract freedom. There are millions of Pakistanis, whether they are religious minorities or not who are deprived of their necessities of life. We envisage freedom in terms of raising the equality in our people’s life .” Benazir Bhutto stood resolved to promote democratic ideals and to advocate the politics of cooperation and reconciliation. She always desisted from dictatorship, militancy, and religious extremism, whose alliance took her life because she could prove a catalyst force for change and she had greatly forged a conviction to end religious extremism and rediscovered the agenda for tolerance, reconciliation, pluralism and democratic governance in the country. She was a renaissance woman who offered a way out of extremism. Thus, it is high time for the policy-makers in general and the claimants of Benazir’s political legacy to not only recall her democratic ideals but also to take some practical policy measures to overcome the menace of a divided society and polarised politics in Pakistan.

Far-right populist surprises in Romanian presidential election appearing set to enter runoff

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Marcus Adams Jr.'s 25 points helped CSU Northridge defeat Utah Tech 89-79 on Sunday night at the Stew Morrill Classic. Adams added five rebounds for the Matadors (4-1). Keonte Jones added 23 points while shooting 8 of 15 from the field and 5 for 10 from the line while they also had nine rebounds and three blocks. Scotty Washington had 19 points and went 7 of 14 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range). The Trailblazers (1-5) were led by Hakim Byrd, who posted 23 points. Utah Tech also got 15 points from Noa Gonsalves. Samuel Ariyibi finished with 14 points and three blocks. The Matadors play Denver and Utah Tech takes on Montana when the event wraps up on Monday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

A local organization focused on addiction recovery is celebrating more than four decades of work in Ottawa and the thousands it helped along the way. On Sunday, the city declared Nov. 24 as Serenity Renewal for Families Day, named after the organization. Two nuns who were teachers started the addiction recovery centre in 1986 after they saw a gap in services that were needed for families. The centre provides counselling and programs dedicated to helping those with substance abuse issues along with their entire families, including children. Catherine, a woman who wished not to use her full name, shared her inspiring story of how the program helped change her life and how she is working to do the same for others. Feelings of isolation when dealing with addiction is something she understands well. "This time in my life I was in total crisis," Catherine said. "I felt judged by a lot of people in my life, and I was just in a place of despair." She says she struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, and it wasn't until she found the organization that she saw a way forward "The services they offered, it was unheard of to me," she said. "I didn't really know that something like what they were offering was available to me and I felt genuinely excited to get involved with their organization and have a chance at recovery." Catherine says the centre has a non-judgemental approach. She told the story of when she missed her first appointment, thinking she'd be cast aside, but found she was still welcomed. Today, she provides workshops with the organization to help others who need the same. Director Neil Leslie says its what makes the organization unique. "It gives ways for people to explore why it is they feel, act and react the way they do," he said. "It creates a safe space for not only for the person who's in recovery from addictions but also the family members surrounding them that are affected by their recovery." Donors and supporters all gathered on Sunday to mark the day. Leslie says the need for their services is growing and it wouldn't be possible without donors. "If it wasn't for them, we can't do what we're doing," he said. Catherine says she wants everyone to feel seen and heard the way she was. "You are valuable, you are a valuable human being," she tells people in recovery. "We want you to recover and the reason why I'm here doing these workshops with you is because I can share my real-life experiences." Ottawa Top Stories Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Police lay more charges against pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Ottawa Ottawa addiction recovery organization celebrates 41 years Sandy Hill apartment building evacuated for high levels of carbon monoxide Indigenous boy donating hair to cancer patients, raising money for Kemptville hospital Hawkesbury, Ont. OPP officer charged with assault Mixed reaction from Ottawa business owners, customers on GST exemption Ottawa councillor violated Code of Conduct for daycare incident last summer, integrity commissioner concludes CTVNews.ca Top Stories Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday. ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. 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Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup Jannik Sinner clinched Italy’s second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor. Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live Atlantic ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. Nova Scotia retirement community asks people to ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ The Berkeley retirement community is asking people to “Be a Santa to a Senior” by making a donation until December 9 at one of their four locations in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Man arrested in Saint John, N.B., for weapons offences Saint John Police Force in Saint John, N.B., arrested a 30-year-old man for weapons related offenses on Saturday. Toronto Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario? 'It's an optimistic space:' Inside Toronto's new drug withdrawal centre Joshua Orson sits on the edge of a bed in a bright, clean room, thinking about his journey from addict to health-care worker. Routes to avoid during the 120th Santa Claus Parade on Sunday The 120th Santa Claus Parade is back in Toronto on Sunday and will bring along some road closures. Montreal Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday. Two suspicious fires in Rawdon Provincial police (SQ) are investigating two suspicious fires on the same street within 24 hours in the municipality of Rawdon. Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Taykwa Tagamou Nation, a Cree First Nation located within Treaty 9, has filed a statement of claim against the Province of Ontario and Newmont, a mining company that owns properties in Timmins. Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved. More carrots pulled from grocery store shelves in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an expanded recall on carrots over risks of E. coli O121 contamination, according to a notice issued Friday. Windsor How a senior's efforts to craft hats for students knitted his community together A Windsor, Ont., man knitting hats for kids in need has inspired his neighbours to make sure more than just ears are staying warm. Increased police presence in Tecumseh Tecumseh will see more police around Ryegate Drive and Lemire Street, as per OPP. CPKC Holiday Train coming to Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex If you were hoping to see the CPKC Holiday Train this year, you’re in luck! The train is chugging through Canada and the U.S., stopping in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex on Monday. London World Champion Jennifer Ogg of London, Ont. among inductees in Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame When Jennifer Ogg signed up an Ironman race in Cozumel, Mex., she had no idea that months later, she’d get the call to be inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. Two displaced in $200,000 house fire The London Fire Department was on scene of a house fire in the city on Sunday. Three people in hospital due to collision Kitchener Kitchener auto repair shop hosts fundraiser for children with disabilities, joined by hockey legend Wendel Clark An auto repair shop based in Kitchener held a special fundraiser Saturday to help children and youth with physical disabilities, with former Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark in attendance. Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap Groups representing post-secondary institutions say this may just be the tip of the iceberg, as dramatic drops in international student enrolment exacerbate some schools' existing budget shortfalls. Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario? Barrie Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree: OPP An overnight crash in Tiny Township is under investigation, where a car allegedly crashed into a tree and both occupants were taken to hospital. First snowfall hits region Simcoe Muskoka saw its first signs of snow of the season Sunday morning, with a mix of flurries and rain leading to worsening road conditions and police reporting multiple collisions. Local high school basketball team wins provincial championship The Maple Ridge Ravens girls’ basketball team won a gold medal at the Girls AAA OFSAA Championships this weekend in Brampton, defeating the Mother Teresa Spartans 46-42 in comeback fashion. Winnipeg Winnipeg postal workers still collecting letters to Santa amid ongoing strike Here's how Winnipeg families can still deliver their letters to Santa amid the ongoing Canada Post workers' strike. Have you seen Bostyn? Winnipeg police search for missing teenager Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a 15-year-old girl who went missing Saturday afternoon. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Calgary Festival of Lights kicks off 38th year as snow arrives just in time For a while there, Lions Festival of Lights chair Otto Silzer was worried there wouldn’t be any snow to decorate the light show. Snowfall warning lifted but flurries remain in Sunday forecast The snowfall warning for Calgary has been lifted after a Saturday snowstorm socked the city, but there are still flurries in the forecast for Sunday. Revival of Pospisil, power play fuels Flames to 4-3 shootout win over Wild A week ago, the Calgary Flames were winning despite Martin Pospisil's slump and the NHL club's weak power play. Edmonton Electric cars a 'hot commodity' in Alberta despite misconceptions Electric vehicles are off Alberta car lots, despite what experts say are some ongoing misconceptions about the technology. Podkolzin snaps scoring slump in Oilers win over Rangers Vasily Podkolzin vowed there's more to come after his first goal with the Edmonton Oilers. Podkolzin scored the game’s first goal and Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist for the Oilers in a 6-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. Regina Regina slammed with second snowstorm inside a week Regina is digging itself out yet again – mere days after it was slammed with the first major snowfall of the season. Dinosaur discovery reveals more about ancient Saskatchewan Researchers from McGill University have discovered a first of its kind fossil specimen for Saskatchewan. Navy wife brings together local authors for inaugural book fair Sixteen local authors and book publishers gathered Saturday for the first ever Regina Bookwyrm’s Book Fair, organized by a Navy wife. Saskatoon Saskatoon schools will be closed Monday following heavy snowfall Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday due to heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. Saskatoon digs out from another snowfall Saskatoon residents are digging out from another major snowfall that blanketed the city overnight. 'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption Some local businesses say the federal government’s recent plan to pull back GST on several items is a positive initiative, but it should have been rolled out earlier in the holiday season. Vancouver Vancouver Police Board member resigns over social media posts A member of the Vancouver Police Board was asked to resign after social media posts surfaced that made her continued service on the oversight body “untenable,” according to the chair. Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Widow of Chinese businessman who was executed for murder can sell her Vancouver house, court rules A murder in China and a civil lawsuit in B.C. have been preventing the sale of multiple Vancouver homes, but one of them could soon hit the market after a court ruling. Vancouver Island BC Hydro says power almost fully restored after B.C. windstorms British Columbia's electric utility says it has restored power to almost all customers who suffered outages during the bomb cyclone earlier this week, but strong wind from a new storm has made repairs difficult in some areas. Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay ConnectedBy JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vance is taking on an atypical role as Senate guide for Trump nominees The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Mar-a-Lago scene is a far cry from Vance’s hardscrabble upbringing Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” Vance is making his voice heard as Trump stocks his Cabinet While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance will draw on his Senate background going forward Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Bill Belichick spent time after his NFL exit talking with college coaches wanting his thoughts on managing new wrinkles at their level that looked a lot like the pros. The two-minute timeout. The transfer portal as de facto free agency. Collectives generating name, image and likeness (NIL) money for athletes becoming like a payroll. The impending arrival of revenue sharing. It didn't take long for Belichick to envision how a college program should look based on his own NFL experience. "I do think there are a lot of parallels," Belichick said. And that's at least partly why the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach is now taking over at North Carolina. Years of rapid change at the have only increased the professionalization of college football across the country, with schools adjusting staffing to handle growing duties once seemingly more fitting for a pro team. UNC just happens to be making the most audacious of those bets, bringing in a 72-year-old who has never coached in college and asking him to build what amounts to a mini-NFL front office. But plenty could follow. "I really think there's going to be some of those guys that maybe don't have a job in the NFL anymore," Kansas State general manager Clint Brown said, "and now that this is going to be structured in a way where there is a cap that that's going to be something they're interested in." The rapid changes in college athletics have fueled that, notably with players able to transfer and play right away without sitting out a year and be paid through NIL endorsement opportunities in the past five years. Recruiting is now just as much about bringing in veteran talent through the portal as signing recruits out of high school, mirroring the NFL with free agency and the draft, respectively. And a bigger change looms with revenue sharing, the result of a $2.78 billion legal settlement to antitrust lawsuits. Specifically, that model will allow the biggest schools to establish a pool of about $21.5 million for athletes in the first year, with a final hearing in that case set for April 2025. It will be up to schools to determine how to distribute that money and in which sports, though football's role as the revenue driver in college sports likely means a prominent cut everywhere as a direct parallel to a professional team's salary cap. Throw all that together, and it's why coaches are adjusting their staffs like Florida's Billy Napier interviewing candidates to be the Gators' general manager. "We're built to do it now," Napier said. "The big thing here is that we're getting ready to be in a business model. We have a cap. We have contracts. We have negotiation. We have strategy about how we distribute those funds, and it's a major math puzzle. "We're going to build out a front office here in the next couple of months, and it's primarily to help us manage that huge math problem," Napier added. "There'll be a ton of strategy around that. I'm looking forward to it." Still, that also explains why Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, the former head coach of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, said: "This job as a head coach is a juggernaut. There's way more to do here than I had to do in the NFL." And it explains why the Tar Heels are betting on Belichick to be the right fit for today's changing climate. "If I was 16 of 17 years old, a coach who came at you and won how many Super Bowls? And he said, 'Come play for me,'" said New York Giants offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, now in his third year out of UNC. "I mean, that's pretty hard to turn down now, especially in this day and age, he's telling you to come play for him and he's offering you some money, too. I mean, you can't go wrong with that choice." The timing worked for UNC with Belichick, who was bypassed for some NFL openings after leaving the New England Patriots last year and instead spent months taking a closer look at the college game. Those conversations with coaches — some in the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, he said Thursday — made him understand how the changes in college aligned with his pro experience. "College kind of came to me this year," Belichick said. "I didn't necessarily go and seek it out." And his mere presence in Chapel Hill makes a difference, with athletic director Bubba Cunningham saying his "visibility" would likely allow the team to raise prices for advertising such as sponsorships and signage. Belichick is also hiring Michael Lombardi, a former NFL general manager and executive, as the Tar Heels' general manager. Cunningham also said the plan is for Belichick to continue his appearances on former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning's "Manningcast" broadcasts during Monday Night Football as well as ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" — all giving the coach the chance to promote himself and the program. Yet these steps to reshape football at North Carolina comes with a rising price. Belichick will make $10 million per year in base and supplemental pay, with the first three years of the five-year deal guaranteed, according to a term sheet released by UNC on Thursday. That's roughly double of former coach Mack Brown, whose contract outlined about $4.2 million in base and supplemental salary before bonuses and other add-ons. Additionally, Belichick's deal includes $10 million for a salary pool for assistant coaches and $5.3 million for support staff. That's up from roughly $8.1 million for assistants and $4.8 million for support staff for the 2022 season, according to football financial data for UNC obtained by The Associated Press. And those figures from 2022 under Brown were already up significantly from Larry Fedora's tenure with the 2017 season ($4 million for assistant coaches, $2.3 million for support staff). There is at least one area where the Tar Heels are set for Belichick's arrival: facilities. UNC spent more than $40 million on its football practice complex with an indoor facility (2018) as the biggest project, while other projects include $3 million in upgrades to the locker room and weight room (2019), $14.5 million on renovations to the Kenan Football Center (2022), even $225,000 on Brown's former office (2021). Now it's up to Belichick to rethink the approach to football here for the changing times. "We're taking a risk," Cunningham said. "We're investing more in football with the hope and ambition that the return is going to significantly outweigh the investment." AP Sports Writers Tom Canavan in New Jersey; Mark Long in Florida; and Eric Olson in Nebraska; contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on NVO Options

CHICAGO (AP) — Cairo Santos had a field goal blocked — again. DeAndre Carter muffed a punt in the second half. And those were just the special teams mistakes for the struggling Chicago Bears. Santos' blocked field goal and Carter's turnover were part of another sloppy performance for Chicago in its fifth consecutive loss. The pair of miscues helped set up two of Minnesota's three touchdowns in a 30-27 overtime victory . The Bears (4-7) closed out a miserable three-game homestand after they won their first three games of the season at Soldier Field. They were in position to beat Green Bay last weekend before Santos' 46-yard field goal attempt was blocked on the final play of the Packers' 20-19 win . “It’s tough. ... When things just aren’t going your way, you gotta put your head down and just keep going to work,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “It’s not easy to do but that’s kind of where we’re at.” Chicago and Minnesota were tied at 7 when Caleb Williams threw incomplete on third-and-4 at the Vikings 30 early in the second quarter. Bears coach Matt Eberflus sent Santos out for a 48-yard attempt, but it was knocked down by defensive lineman Jerry Tillery. “I think it was the penetration with the trajectory of the ball,” Santos said. “Had the ball started 3 or 4 inches to the right of both those guys' hands, I think it still goes in through the uprights.” Brian Asamoah returned the blocked kick 22 yards to set the Vikings up with good field position. Sam Darnold then capped a six-play, 53-yard drive with a 5-yard TD pass to Jalen Nailor for a 14-7 lead with 6:29 left in the first half. It was the third blocked field goal for Santos this year, the most for Chicago in a single season since it also had three blocked in 2012. Santos also had a 43-yard try blocked in the fourth quarter of a 35-16 victory over Jacksonville on Oct. 13. The Bears became the first NFL team to allow three blocked field goals in a season since the Browns and Ravens each had three blocked in 2022. “Whenever that happens two games in a row we’ve got to make sure we take a hard look in terms of the protection, the technique and who we have in there,” Eberflus said. “So it's going to be a big thing to look at.” Chicago trailed 17-10 when it forced a Minnesota punt midway through the third quarter. Carter warned his teammates to get out of the way, but it hit the ground and bounced off the inside of his right leg before it was recovered by Bo Richter at the Bears 15. The Vikings turned the mental error into Aaron Jones' 2-yard touchdown run and a 24-10 lead. “Gotta get out of the way of the ball. That’s on me,” Carter said. “I let the team down today. Game shouldn’t have been in the situation it was in. I felt bad for the guys.” Santos and Carter both played a role in a late rally for Chicago. Carter had a 55-yard kickoff return, and Santos got an onside kick to work before making a tying 48-yarder on the final play of regulation. But the Bears stalled on the first possession of overtime, and Darnold drove the Vikings downfield to set up Parker Romo's winning 29-yard field goal. “We're losing in the most unreal situations,” Bears receiver DJ Moore said. “Now it's like the luck's got to go in our favor at some point.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

THE Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) is set to take over Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDS) after buying the stakes of various shareholders in a deal worth P2.32 billion. In an e-mailed statement late Thursday, the PSE said it would buy 3.87 million PDS shares at P600 each for a 61.92% stake as part of its plan to unify local capital markets. The bourse has a 20.98% stake in PDS. The deal cost was based on the P3.75-billion enterprise value of PDS. PDS owns fixed income exchange operator Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. and Philippine Depository & Trust Corp. The PSE signed term sheets with the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) for its 28.83% stake, as well as with Mizuho Bank Ltd. for its 0.08% stake. The market operator also signed share purchase agreements to acquire Singapore Exchange Ltd.’s 20% stake, Whistler Technologies, Inc.’s 8% stake, San Miguel Corp.’s 4% stake, Investment House Association of the Philippines’ 0.65% stake and Golden Astra Capital, Inc.’s 0.36% stake. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

I’m A Celeb’s GK Barry and girlfriend Ella Rutherford get matching tattoos amid marriage rumoursHow did Wordle originate? Where can you play Wordle? How to play Wordle? Wordle Hints and Answers Today Wordle Hints and Clues for December 28, 2024 Wordle, December 28, 2024: Word of the Day Today's Wordle word is ‘DECRY’. How to play Wordle Wordle Hints and Clues for December 27 Wordle Hints and Clues for December 26 Wordle FAQs The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity. Read More Latest Mobiles Samsung Galaxy A16 5G ₹15,899 Lava O3 Pro ₹6,999 Vivo X200 5G ₹65,999 Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 5G ₹54,999 Lava Yuva 4 ₹6,999 Poco C75 5G ₹7,999 Tecno POP 9 4G ₹6,499 Itel Color Pro 5G ₹9,199 Vivo Y18T ₹9,499 Lava Blaze 3 5G ₹10,999

M2M Satellite Communication Market New Trends, Size, Share, Top Companies, Industry Analysis, Advance Technology, Future Development & Forecast - 2028 12-13-2024 07:26 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Marlink (France), Viasat (US), Thales (France), ORBCOMM (US), Iridium Communications (US), Globalstar (US), Orange (France), EchoStar (US), Intelsat (US), Rogers Communications (Canada), SES (Luxembourg), Gilat (Israel), Telia (Sweden), Kore Wireless (US) M2M Satellite Communication Market by Offering (Hardware, Software Types, Services), Technology (Satellite Constellation (LEO, MEO, GEO), Data Transmission, VSAT, AIS), Vertical (Maritime, Military & Defense) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028. The M2M (Machine-to-Machine) satellite communication market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/m2m-satellite-communication-market-33741729.html?utm_campaign=m2msatellitecommunicationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] is projected to expand significantly, increasing from USD 15.5 billion in 2023 to USD 28.7 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% during the forecast period. Key factors fueling this growth include the growing demand for advanced data communication, the rapid proliferation of IoT technologies, and the rising need for efficient monitoring and remote management of connected devices. Download PDF Brochure@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=33741729 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=33741729&utm_campaign=m2msatellitecommunicationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] By offering the services segment to account for higher CAGR during the forecast period. A vast range of services are available on the M2M satellite communication market to connect and manage devices across multiple industries. Data services which allow for seamless information exchange between distant devices enable real-time monitoring and control. By facilitating instantaneous communication in locations with limited terrestrial network coverage voice services ensure consistent voice connectivity. Effective asset tracking and environmental monitoring are made possible by satellite services such as telemetry and remote monitoring which take advantage of satellite networks worldwide coverage. Security services protect sensitive information by addressing the need for strong data protection and secure communication. Business services make sure companies get the most out of their M2M deployments by providing ongoing support project management and consulting. By Technology, Satellite Constellation is expected to hold the largest market size for the year 2023. Broad coverage and improved communication service dependability are offered by satellite constellations. Without the need for human intervention machine-to-machine (M2M) communication entails the exchange of data between devices or systems satellite constellations enable worldwide connectivity for this purpose. A single. A noteworthy instance is the implementation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations in which several tiny satellites function in synchronized orbits at comparatively low altitudes. Devices from different industries can communicate with each other seamlessly thanks to the constellations interconnectedness. encompassing environmental monitoring transportation and agriculture. The energy and utilities vertical is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. M2M satellite communication provides a reliable means of real-time data transmission and control when energy assets are spread throughout distant and frequently difficult environments. Utility companies can remotely manage and optimize their energy distribution networks thanks to satellite communication technology which enables seamless connectivity of devices like sensors smart meters and monitoring equipment. This is especially important for power grid operations as M2M solutions guarantee constant data flow supporting fault detection managing grid stability and reacting to fluctuating energy demands. Europe is expected to hold the second-largest market size for the estimated year. The M2M satellite communication market in Europe is characterized by the collaborative efforts of major countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain and others. Germany, with its robust space industry, leads in secure satellite communications with programs like SPAINSAT NG, showcasing advancements in military capabilities. French initiatives like the military satellite Syracuse 4B and its satellite constellation collaboration with India are a prime example of innovation and international partnerships. Because of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation and the SICRAL 3 secure communications system Italy is a major player in defense communication and Earth observation. Other European countries like the Netherlands Switzerland and Sweden have expertise in areas like precision engineering scientific research and Earth observation which enhances the overall M2M satellite communication landscape. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=33741729 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=33741729&utm_campaign=m2msatellitecommunicationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Unique Features in the M2M Satellite Communication Market One of the standout features of M2M satellite communication is its ability to provide seamless global coverage, including remote and inaccessible regions where terrestrial networks are unavailable. This capability makes it indispensable for industries like maritime, aviation, and oil and gas, which operate in isolated locations. Satellite communication ensures robust and reliable data transmission, even in challenging environments or during natural disasters. Its resilience to ground-based disruptions, such as network outages, makes it a preferred choice for mission-critical applications. The market is uniquely positioned to support the growing number of IoT devices worldwide. With satellites capable of handling massive volumes of data, M2M communication enables seamless integration with IoT ecosystems, facilitating efficient data collection and analysis. M2M satellite communication supports a wide range of industries, from agriculture to transportation. Its applications include fleet management, environmental monitoring, remote asset tracking, and precision farming, showcasing its adaptability to diverse use cases. Many satellite systems now focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. The adoption of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies and solar-powered satellite terminals reduces the environmental impact while ensuring continuous operation in remote areas. Major Highlights of the M2M Satellite Communication Market The proliferation of IoT devices is a major driver of the market. With billions of devices requiring constant connectivity, M2M satellite communication plays a vital role in enabling real-time data transfer across vast and remote areas. Industries such as agriculture, energy, and logistics are increasingly relying on satellite communication for remote monitoring and management of assets. These solutions ensure operational efficiency and reduce costs by providing accurate, real-time data. The shift toward low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is a game-changer. These satellites provide lower latency, higher data speeds, and enhanced coverage compared to traditional geostationary satellites, significantly boosting market potential. Innovations such as miniaturized satellites, high-capacity transponders, and AI-driven analytics are reshaping the industry. These technologies enable cost-effective solutions and expand the range of applications for M2M satellite communication. The adoption of energy-efficient satellite systems, including solar-powered terminals and low-power communication networks, reflects the industry's commitment to sustainability. This approach is particularly beneficial for long-term deployments in remote locations. M2M satellite communication is becoming indispensable in sectors like defense, healthcare, and disaster management. Its reliable connectivity ensures uninterrupted operations and facilitates critical missions in challenging scenarios. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=33741729 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=33741729&utm_campaign=m2msatellitecommunicationmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Top Companies in the M2M Satellite Communication Market The major M2M satellite communication hardware, software and service providers include Marlink (France), Viasat (US), Thales (France), ORBCOMM (US), Iridium Communications (US), Globalstar (US), Orange (France), EchoStar (US), Intelsat (US), Rogers Communications (Canada), SES (Luxembourg), Gilat (Israel), Telia (Sweden), Kore Wireless (US), Honeywell (US), Qualcomm (US), Telesat (Canada), Wireless Logic (England), Outerlink Global Solutions (US), Nupoint Systems (Canada), Businesscom Networks (US), Semtech (US), Yahsat (UAE). These companies have used both organic and inorganic growth strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, and partnerships to strengthen their position in the M2M satellite communication market. Marlink (France): Marlink, headquartered in France, is a global leader in providing satellite communication solutions and managed services. Specializing in maritime, enterprise, energy, and government sectors, Marlink offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity solutions. These include VSAT, L-band, and hybrid network solutions, ensuring reliable and secure communication both at sea and on land. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Marlink continues to deliver cutting-edge satellite communication services to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele. Viasat (US): Viasat, based in the United States, is a prominent global communications company renowned for its satellite-based broadband and connectivity solutions. Serving residential, commercial, and government clients, Viasat provides high-speed internet, M2M communication, and networking services. Their advanced satellite technology enables reliable connectivity in remote and underserved areas, empowering users with fast and robust communication capabilities. Viasat's commitment to innovation drives its mission to connect the world with high-quality satellite services. Rogers Communications (Canada): Rogers Communications, one of Canada's leading telecommunications companies, offers a wide array of communication services nationwide. From wireless and cable to internet and M2M communication solutions, Rogers serves both consumer and business sectors across Canada. With a strong focus on reliability and customer satisfaction, Rogers provides M2M solutions tailored to various industries such as transportation, utilities, healthcare, and retail. Their commitment to connectivity excellence positions Rogers as a trusted provider in the Canadian telecommunications landscape. SES (Luxembourg): SES, headquartered in Luxembourg, is a global satellite operator at the forefront of the satellite communication industry. With an extensive satellite fleet, SES provides communication services worldwide, including video broadcasting, data connectivity, and government applications. SES's robust network infrastructure enables reliable and scalable communication solutions, serving diverse industries with satellite-enabled connectivity. As a leader in satellite technology and innovation, SES continues to push the boundaries of communication excellence to meet the evolving needs of its global customer base. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=m2m-satellite-communication-market-new-trends-size-share-top-companies-industry-analysis-advance-technology-future-development-forecast-2028 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/m2m-satellite-communication-market-33741729.html This release was published on openPR.‘Pulling people apart’: Renewed tension between Canadian Jewish groups, United Church sparked by Gaza