Bathinda: Dera Beas head meets Giani Harpreet Singh, Rakhraslots 。

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks won her reelection bid Wednesday after a recount confirmed her lead, helping her party pad its thin majority in the U.S. House and retain control of all four of Iowa’s congressional seats. Miller-Meeks said in a post on the social platform X that she was “deeply honored” after she defeated Democrat Christina Bohannan in a rematch of 2022, when Miller-Meeks won by 7 percentage points. The margin this year was much tighter — Miller-Meeks' lead over Bohannan was less than a percentage point, or fewer than 1,000 votes. “I am now looking forward to getting back to work in Washington to lower prices at the gas pump, grocery store and on prescription drugs, secure the border and help farmers," said Miller-Meeks, who represents the 1st District, which includes the eastern part of the state and a swath of south-central Iowa, including Johnson County, home to University of Iowa in Iowa City. Miller-Meeks earned a first term in Congress representing Iowa’s 2nd District when she defeated Democrat Rita Hart by just six votes in 2020. The Associated Press called this year's race at 4:02 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Miller-Meeks had declared victory earlier, but the AP had not yet called the race because the margin was close enough that it could prompt a recount. Bohannan's campaign on Nov. 14 requested a recount , as any candidate is allowed to do, saying in a statement that the recount will make certain “that every voter is heard.” She congratulated Miller-Meeks in a message on X after the vote count was completed. “Although this is not the result we wanted, I am so proud of our campaign,” she wrote. “We exceeded all expectations and turned a district that many pundits thought was unwinnable into one of the very closest races in the country.” The request was made for a recount in each of the district’s 20 counties. Because the margin was less than a percentage point, the state — not the candidate — pays for the costs associated with the recount. Miller-Meeks’ campaign accused Bohannan and other Democrats of being “election deniers," and Republicans have said Bohannan is wasting taxpayer dollars. “This is a delaying tactic to thwart the will of the people,” the Miller-Meeks campaign said in a Nov. 14 statement. “A recount won’t meaningfully change the outcome of this race as the congresswoman’s lead is mathematically impossible to overcome.” Republican incumbents held onto Iowa’s three other congressional seats, maintaining GOP control over the entirety of Iowa’s congressional delegation. The sweep in 2022 represented the first time in three decades that Iowa had an all-Republican delegation, emblematic of the sharp rightward shift in the state not long after former President Barack Obama carried Iowa in 2008 and again in 2012. Obama won with solid support from the eastern counties along the Mississippi River that have mostly backed Trump since and bolster Miller-Meeks' in her district as well. Two competitive congressional races in Iowa this year — the 1st and 3rd Districts — brought millions of dollars in paid advertising to the state from national campaign arms for House Republican and Democrats. Zach Nunn fought off the challenge from Democrat Lanon Baccam in the 3rd District, which includes much of the Des Moines metro area. Republican incumbents Ashley Hinson in the 2nd District and Randy Feenstra in the 4th District won decisively. Hinson defeated Democrat Sarah Corkery. Feenstra defeated Democrat Ryan Melton.

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , who passed away on Thursday, will be remembered for steering India through a transformative decade of economic growth and development. From 2004 to 2014, under his leadership, India achieved an average growth rate of 7.7%, evolving into a nearly two trillion-dollar economy and solidifying its position as a global economic power . According to a statement released by Congress, by 2014, India ascended from the tenth-largest to the third-largest economy globally, significantly improving the living standards of millions. Reports indicate that India’s economic trajectory under Manmohan Singh peaked in FY07, achieving an extraordinary GDP growth rate of 10.08% at factor cost—the highest since the 1991 economic liberalisation. Revised calculations using the FY12 base year series further underscored the strong expansion post-FY04, highlighting the transformative impact of Singh's economic policies . This economic journey began during his tenure as finance minister from 1991 to 1996, when he spearheaded India’s economic liberalisation. In his landmark budget speech in July 1991, Singh had said, “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come. The emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea.” His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a rights-based governance model, which institutionalised the Right to Food, Right to Education, Right to Work, and Right to Information, revolutionizing Indian politics and empowering citizens, the statement read. Academic and professional eminence Singh's academic journey began with an Economic Tripos at Cambridge University in 1957, followed by a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962. He joined India’s government as an Economic Advisor in the Commerce Ministry in 1971, quickly rising to Chief Economic Advisor in 1972. Over the decades, he held key positions, including: Secretary in the Finance Ministry Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Secretary-general of the South Commission in Geneva Chairman of the University Grants Commission His contributions also extended to serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (1998–2004). Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .History will be kinder to me...: Remembering Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reformsThis $18 Roku HD streaming device is my impulse purchase for Black Friday

First treatment in 50 years for serious asthma attacks is ‘game-changer’

In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, the concept of Zephon Factions is set to revolutionize player alliances and strategic dynamics in the virtual realm. Emerging from the intersection of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies, the announcement of Zephon Factions promises a new era of gaming experiences defined by adaptability and immersive narratives. At the heart of Zephon Factions is a sophisticated AI that enables dynamic faction evolution . Unlike traditional game factions that remain static, Zephon Factions will evolve based on player interactions and the overarching storyline. These factions are designed to adapt and reconfigure themselves in real time, responding to in-game events and player behavior, allowing for a more personalized and engaging gameplay experience. What sets Zephon Factions apart is its use of adaptive storytelling . This feature allows the game’s narrative to shift and change, creating a living storyline that reacts to the choices and actions of its players. As a result, no two gameplay experiences will be the same, adding an element of unpredictability that enhances replay value and player engagement. Looking to the future, Zephon Factions could redefine how players perceive alliances and adversaries in games. By continuously learning and evolving, these factions can offer unprecedented levels of strategic depth and emotional investment. As more details emerge, the gaming community remains eagerly poised to explore the boundaries of what Zephon Factions can bring to the virtual world. Zephon Factions: Transforming the Future of Online Gaming In the dynamic world of digital gaming, Zephon Factions represents a groundbreaking leap forward with innovative technologies offering unparalleled gaming experiences. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates its launch, Zephon Factions promises not only to redefine player alliances but also to reshape the strategic dimensions of gaming itself. Key Features of Zephon Factions 1. Dynamic Faction Evolution: Zephon Factions introduces a groundbreaking feature where factions evolve in real-time. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence, these factions adapt based on player interactions and storyline developments. This results in an ever-changing landscape where players can experience unique and personal gameplay matches. 2. Adaptive Storytelling: Unlike traditional games, where narratives remain static, Zephon Factions features a living storyline that evolves with player decisions. This adaptive storytelling enhances replayability, ensuring that each visit to the game offers a fresh and unpredictable adventure. Pros and Cons Pros: – High Replay Value: With evolving storylines, players are encouraged to explore multiple scenarios. – Enhanced Engagement: The game’s ability to adapt to player actions fosters deeper emotional investment. – Strategic Depth: Dynamic factions add layers of complexity to strategic gameplay. Cons: – Complexity for Beginners: New players might find the evolving dynamics challenging to grasp initially. – Resource Demands: The advanced AI and VR technologies behind Zephon Factions require significant processing power. Potential Controversies As with any innovative technology, Zephon Factions may face scrutiny regarding its reliance on AI-driven narratives. Concerns about AI predictability or fairness could arise, prompting discussions about transparency and player autonomy in game design. Market Trends and Predictions The introduction of adaptive storytelling and dynamic factions represents a significant trend in the gaming industry, where immersion and personalization are prioritized. As developers look toward the future, games like Zephon Factions will likely pave the way for more interactive and responsive gaming ecosystems, potentially influencing broader trends within the market. Future Innovations Speculation is rife about further enhancements to Zephon Factions, including potential integrations with augmented reality (AR) and expanded multiplayer features that could further revolutionize the gaming experience. As technology continues to evolve, Zephon Factions is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of innovation within the virtual realm. For more information about Zephon Factions and its future developments, make sure to stay updated by visiting credible gaming platforms and news sources.

NoneLeicester City sit inside the relegation zone for the first time after their valiant effort at Premier League leaders Liverpool failed to yield any points. City had dropped into the bottom three when Wolves beat Manchester United earlier on Boxing Day, with only victory enough to lift them out. And a shock looked on when Jordan Ayew netted in the sixth minute. But while City defended heroically at times, the in-form table-toppers’ dominance eventually paid off, with Cody Gakpo striking on half-time, and then Curtis Jones and Mo Salah netting in the second period. Despite defeat to his old rival Arne Slot, and despite City’s position in the table, it was a showing that Ruud van Nistelrooy will take heart from. After the torment Danny Ward suffered against Wolves, there was little surprise that van Nistelrooy opted to change his goalkeeper. With Mads Hermansen still sidelined by a groin problem, Jakub Stolarczyk was brought in for his first start of the season. That was true too for Patson Daka, the Zambian starting in place of the injured Jamie Vardy. Harry Winks, in for Oliver Skipp, was the third fresh face into the line-up. In the fog at Anfield, City settled into their shape deep in their own half immediately and just three minutes had been played when Stolarczyk was tested for the first time. But in a confidence boost to the Pole, the defence as a whole, and the City fans, he denied Salah with his thigh and then dived at cvJones’ feet to excellently scramble the ball away. The City gameplan was to be compact and counter, and with their first foray forward, they stunned Anfield. Stephy Mavididi surged down the left then found enough space away from Trent Alexander-Arnold to play in a low cross that found Ayew. The Ghanaian, whose inclusion over Facundo Buonanotte had caused a stir among supporters, did brilliantly to bounce off Andy Robertson, spin and finish into the bottom corner. City settled back into their shape but continued to look dangerous when they ran forward at pace. Mavididi should have set up Daka for a golden chance for a second, but over-hit his through ball. Given the level of Liverpool pressure, City defended their box well, but there were still chances. Robertson flicked a cross onto the post and then, after a brief respite for City, Salah clipped the crossbar. It looked like City might be halfway to a victory, but in added time at the end of the first period, Gakpo cut inside James Justin and curled a brilliant effort into the far corner from 20 yards. It would have stung van Nistelrooy that little bit more, with Gakpo one of his star players during his time as PSV manager. Liverpool immediately reasserted their dominance after half-time and within five minutes, they had a second. Alexis Mac Allister scampered down the inside right channel and cut the ball across for Jones to slam in. Liverpool kept attacking and so, despite trailing, City continued to play on the counter-attack. And they had a golden chance for an equaliser when Mavididi crossed and Daka escaped Virgil van Dijk’s attention, only for the striker to mis-hit his shot. Liverpool felt they needed a third goal to kill the game, and thought they had it when Gakpo lashed in, only for a lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside. They did get their third 10 minutes from time, Salah bending into the bottom corner. Here's how we scored the players. Jakub Stolarczyk: Even in defeat, he produced the performance that van Nistelrooy, the defence, and the fans needed. He produced a superb double save early on, especially in diving at Jones’ feet and made a few decent stops thereafter. He looked confident at corners too, punching a few away. 7 James Justin: Early on, he was a great outlet for Stolarczyk and advanced down the right well, making City’s rare forays forward quicker and more threatening. But defensively, he was just beaten by Gakpo far too often, the Dutchman skipping by him far too easily for the first Liverpool goal. 5 Conor Coady: It was a backs-to-the-wall effort and that’s something he thrives in. So many times he was in the right place to head or boot clear crosses. He remains van Nistelrooy’s main man at the back. 7 Jannik Vestergaard: He lost Nunez on a couple of crosses but was quick to close down shots from the edge of the box. The pace of Liverpool’s attack looked too much for him at times in the second half, but it was his passes that were more likely to set up City’s best counters. 6 Victor Kristiansen: It’s hard to criticise him too much against one of the best-performing players in world football, but he did struggle to keep tabs on Salah at times, especially on back-post crosses. Never lost heart though. 5 Harry Winks: His calmness on the ball ensured that City did have a chance of building counters from their own half. He was caught out by Liverpool’s lightning quick press on occasion, but when he did get passes away, they usually found a man in space. 6 Boubakary Soumare: There were occasional bursts forward, but otherwise it wasn’t his night. He spent a lot of the night chasing and never quite reached a point where he was halting Liverpool’s dominance. 5 Jordan Ayew: He produced an excellent, touch, turn and finish to give City hope of an almighty shock. But he didn’t do much beyond that, neither helping out the defence that often, nor making a difference at the top end. 6 Bilal El Khannouss: It’s not what he’s usually in the team to do, but he was absolutely terrific in his defensive work in the first half, picking up loads of loose balls, tracking back really well and flying in to clear the box. He was tidy on the ball, if not spectacular, but grew quiet in the second half. 6 Stephy Mavididi: He was the best outlet for the counters, but while he crossed for Ayew’s goal and Daka’s big second-half chance, he over-hit a through ball to the striker for what would have been a superb opportunity for 2-0. He did look a little out of ideas at times too. 6 Patson Daka: He chased really hard, annoying Liverpool defenders and the crowd with his speed, persistence and winning of free-kicks. But when his big chance came, he fluffed his lines. 5 Oliver Skipp: He was fine, passing reasonably well and doing his fair share of defensive work. But he just doesn’t get on the ball as often as Winks does. 5 Facundo Buonanotte: Tried to weave his way in and out of Liverpool players, but they hunted in packs and he got nowhere. Still, that won’t stop the calls for him to start. 5 Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Not on the pitch for long enough to make an impact. N/A Caleb Okoli: The above is true for Okoli too, who came on late in the match. N/A

Haiti’s health minister loses his job after a deadly gang attack on a hospital in the capitalPrime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated the Mahayuti alliance for the historic sweep of Maharashtra, and warned those who in the pursuit of "opportunistic politics" lose sight of their core values. At the BJP headquarters in Delhi where hundreds of supporters had arrived to celebrate the Maharashtra win, PM Modi referred to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance as something that was stitched at the last minute for selfish reasons. "The people of Maharashtra have stopped the conspiracy hatched by the Congress and their friends. Maharashtra has given a verdict - ek hai toh safe hai is India's mantra," PM Modi said, alluding to the need for a stable and safe government with no vested interests pulling it in all directions. PM Modi said the Congress can no longer win elections on its own, and whenever it loses, the party drags others down as it sinks, referring to the numbers in Maharashtra. "The Congress is all about the family. No matter how much hard work a party worker puts in, the family will take all credit. There are many senior citizens who have seen the old Congress. They are searching for it today," PM Modi said. The Mahayuti or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 236 of the 288 assembly seats, while the MVA comprising the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party managed to get only 48 seats. In Jharkhand, however, the NDA could not breach the INDIA fortress held by Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The Nintendo eShop is a treasure trove of indie darlings, innovative experiences, and overlooked sequels. With so many releases vying for your attention, it’s easy for some real gems to slip under the radar. Whether you’re a seasoned Switch veteran or a newcomer to the console, this list of 60 hidden gems from 2024 will help you unearth some digital diamonds and expand your gaming horizons. This year saw a diverse range of titles hit the eShop, from cozy life simulators and challenging roguelikes to mind-bending puzzle games and captivating narratives. We’ve dug deep to uncover the games that deserve a spot on your Switch, offering a mix of genres and experiences to cater to every type of player. So, grab your console, charge those Joy-Cons, and get ready to discover your next gaming obsession ! Action & Adventure RPGs Platformers Puzzle & Strategy Simulation & Life Sim Shooters Rhythm & Music Sports & Racing Visual Novels & Narrative Adventures Horror Multiplayer Unique & Experimental This list is just a starting point. There are many other hidden gems waiting to be discovered on the Nintendo eShop. So, take some time to browse the store, read reviews, and try out some demos. You might just find your next favorite game!vip slots 。

Ajit Pawar, who parted ways with his uncle last year and was seeking an eighth term from this seat in Pune district. Baramati: Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar on Saturday won from his traditional Baramati assembly constituency by defeating his nephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar by more than one lakh votes. The 65-year-old politician, thus, settled the score with his uncle Sharad Pawar (83), inflicting on him the first-ever defeat in this family bastion. Though Sharad Pawar himself was not in the fray, the high-stakes contest was being seen as a battle between him and Ajit. Ajit Pawar, who parted ways with his uncle last year and was seeking an eighth term from this seat in Pune district, polled 1,81,132 votes while Yugendra Pawar polled 80,233 votes. He, thus, defeated his younger brother Shriniwas' son by 1,00,899 votes. Five months ago, Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) had triumphed in Baramati in the Lok Sabha elections, with incumbent MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule defeating Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra by a margin of 1.5 lakh votes. Both the NCP factions did not leave a single stone unturned during the assembly campaign, and even Sharad Pawar's wife Pratibha Pawar and Sule's daughter Revati were seen campaigning for Yugendra, while Ajit Pawar brought his mother on stage during his concluding rally in Baramati. While Sharad Pawar told the people of Baramati that they needed a new leadership, alluding to Yugendra Pawar whom he described as a highly-educated candidate, Ajit cautioned people not to fall prey to the "emotional pitch" by the senior Pawar. The deputy chief minister also highlighted his development record in the area, and vowed to make Baramati "the number one tehsil in the country". After Saturday's results, Ajit Pawar, who along with several other NCP legislators sided with the BJP-Shiv Sena government in 2023, could claim to be the real political heir of his estranged uncle who founded the NCP in 1999. Sunetra Pawar, now a Rajya Sabha member, thanked the people of Baramati for reposing their faith once again in `Dada' (elder brother in Marathi, as Ajit is fondly called). Sharad Pawar, 83, started his political career in Baramati where he contested his first assembly election in 1967, and so far, he or a candidate backed by him had never tasted defeat in the constituency. Following the split in the NCP in 2023, Ajit Pawar managed to get the party name and symbol from the Election Commission of India, forcing the Sharad Pawar faction to rename itself as NCP(SP) with a new symbol -- 'Man Blowing Turha'. With his party winning 37 seats (out of the 59 it contested) so far and leading on four seats, Ajit in a post on X on Saturday evening said, "Our victory today makes our shoulders heavy with the huge responsibilities the people of Maharashtra have bestowed upon us for the next 5 years. We shall spend every moment working to fulfil their aspirations. We shall not spend a single moment speaking against anyone, we will speak only and only for the development of Maharashtra and the welfare of its people." Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Published 20:15 IST, November 23rd 2024APC's RETM Sustainable Packaging Portfolio Expands with Another Designed for Recycle Technology COLUMBUS, Wis. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American Packaging Corporation (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, announced another expansion of APC's RETM Sustainable Packaging portfolio, with the addition of new high performance, paper-based packaging technologies that are targeted for curbside recyclability, while providing excellent product protection levels that extend shelf life, protect product flavor, and maintain product freshness. In repulping tests conducted by Western Michigan University , over 85% of APC's high performance paper packaging is recovered. This recycle-ready technology is targeted to offer a positive end-of-life alternative for conventional, non-recyclable packaging structures such as Paper/PE/Foil/PE laminate structures and can be used in both heat seal and cold seal packaging formats. APC's high performance paper provides both sustainable and eco-friendly benefits offering greater than 30% reduction in carbon footprint. The technology offers several features and benefits, including PVDC-free, grease and aroma resistant, and high MVTR and OTR barriers. These performance attributes make APC's recycle ready, high performance paper packaging suitable for stand up pouches and flat pouches especially for dry goods such as seasonings, spices, coffee, powdered drinks and drink enhancements, cookies, crackers, cereal bars and baking mixes. APC's new designed for recycle, high performance paper technology was unveiled at Pack Expo Chicago 2024 at APC's Lounge & Learn event. For more information about APC's recycle ready, high performance paper packaging and samples, please contact American Packaging at info@americanpackaging.com or 515-733-1406. About American Packaging Corporation : Founded in 1902, American Packaging Corporation is a recognized leader in the flexible packaging industry. Family-owned, APC distinguishes itself by investing in state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities, delivering packaging innovation, promoting sustainable products and practices, and focusing customer delight. Today, APC operates six Centers of Excellence in the United States and employs approximately 1,300 talented, motivated professionals. For more information, please visit https://americanpackaging.com/ MEDIA CONTACT Teri Meadow , Director of Corporate Marketing American Packaging Corporation E-mail: TMeadow@americanpackaging.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-packaging-corporation-advances-recycle-ready-high-performance-paper-packaging-302326752.html SOURCE American Packaging Corporation

The price of bitcoin surged past $100,000 for the first time on Thursday, continuing a post-election run buoyed by the pro-crypto promise of the incoming Trump administration. On Election Day, bitcoin — one of the most popular decentralized digital assets available — was worth $69,374, according to the cryptocurrency trading platform Coinbase. Within a month, it had spiked more than 44 percent. Other cryptocurrencies like ethereum and XRP also shot up during that period.Cryptocurrencies’ sudden increase in value is a sign of investor optimism about President-elect Donald Trump’s policies and those of his picks to head several key regulatory agencies, some of whom have explicitly promised deregulation of the crypto industry. “That bitcoin hit the $100,000 mark reflects the expectation of both political support and regulatory latitude under the incoming administration,” said Ramaa Vasudevan, an economics professor at Colorado State University who has been critical of crypto. “The nomination of crypto-enthusiasts for administrative posts is a clear signal of the embrace of bitcoin and crypto triggering the flood of money into these markets.” Bitcoin’s rally is also a product of its increased legitimacy. Trump’s election may have sparked its rally, but the financial establishment’s embrace of the asset in recent months provided the tinder. While bitcoin was once a niche curiosity, it is now a mainstream digital currency that everyday Americans can now buy through reputable retail investment accounts. Even if bitcoin ultimately turns out to be a bubble, as many economists have argued it may, these investment vehicles have assured it some staying power.The policies of the incoming Trump administration are fueling optimismTrump has been an ardent cryptocurrency supporter throughout his most recent presidential campaign, and his choices to lead key government agencies related to its regulation reflect that enthusiasm. Bitcoin hit its highest valuation ever following the nomination of Paul Atkins on Wednesday to head the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is in charge of regulating tradable securities like stocks. Atkins was previously an SEC commissioner for six years during former President George W. Bush’s administration.Atkins is “not necessarily the sort of burn-it-all-down type of nominee that Trump has decided upon for other positions,” Molly White, a cryptocurrency researcher and critic, told Vox. “He’s fairly establishment; he has the SEC background, but he also was a very strong advocate for deregulation when he was in the SEC and certainly since then.” Atkins is also a co-chair of the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s Token Alliance, an industry lobbying group that advocates for lax regulation of cryptocurrencies.Perianne Boring, the CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, is rumored to be one of Trump’s top picks for another key position: head of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which makes rules around the trading of futures and commodities. Currently, cryptocurrency is under the purview of the SEC, but the Trump administration is reportedly weighing regulating it as a commodity instead. If that change is made, cryptocurrency would come under the purview of the CFTC, which is often seen to be more hands-off in its approach to regulation. Billionaire crypto enthusiast David Sacks, whom Trump named Thursday as his crypto and AI czar, will be tasked with helping formulate crypto and AI policy from the White House. In that role, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, Sacks will work closely with both the SEC and CTFC to develop a legal framework to regulate crypto.Trump himself is also connected to cryptocurrency via his family’s cryptocurrency and trading venture World Liberty Financial. Pro-cryptocurrency groups spent $245 million in this year’s elections, more than any other industry, to support candidates across the country seen as friendlier to crypto. All of that likely means that the regulatory landscape under a Trump administration will be much friendlier for crypto following heavier regulations and a slew of lawsuits against crypto companies during current SEC chair Gary Gensler’s tenure. “The recent wave of investment in the crypto space is largely driven by the growing belief that years of regulatory uncertainty and lawfare may finally be giving way to clarity,” said Christian Catalini, founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab.Gensler’s SEC cracked down on trading platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken, arguing that the buying and selling of cryptocurrency should have the same oversight as something like a stock or bond, and that investors should have access to the same kinds of information about crypto companies as they would have about a company that they are buying stock in. Crypto trading platforms and associated companies, however, argue that crypto tokens aren’t the same as stocks and therefore shouldn’t have the same regulations applied.The SEC has brought lawsuits against several major crypto platforms, including Coinbase, which are ongoing. But they could be dropped under the Trump administration, and regulation around bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is likely to change significantly under Trump.Under a Trump regulatory regime, cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and Coinbase could operate with less threat of litigation, making it easier for people to trade on their platforms. Enthusiasts say this will spur innovation in the industry, but it could also mean that individual traders using such platforms are more exposed to fraud, theft, and the volatile nature of the currency.Bitcoin has become an established digital assetOver the past five years, and particularly following the downfall of crypto trading platform FTX in 2022, the narrative around cryptocurrency’s utility has changed. Now, it’s being touted more as an investment instrument rather than a form of currency that can be used like cash, White said. And that pivot is also helping its valuation. In January, the SEC gave the green light to the first bitcoin exchange-traded funds (or ETFs) in the US. ETFs are baskets of financial instruments (such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or in this case, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin or ethereum) that are bought and sold on a regulated stock exchange.ETFs offer anyone indirect access to cryptocurrency, if they choose to invest. Put simply, if the value of bitcoin increases, so does the value of these ETFs — but because of the bundled nature of ETFs and their presence on a regulated exchange, investors are more insulated from loss if bitcoin’s value declines. Firms including BlackRock, Invesco, Fidelity, Grayscale, and Ark Invest have rolled out bitcoin funds, which offer new investors, especially those who might be more risk-averse, easy ways to purchase or gain exposure to cryptocurrency.Previously, investors had limited options for trading bitcoin. They could go on a cryptocurrency exchange to directly buy bitcoin, but then would have to figure out how to safely and conveniently store it long-term. (Cryptocurrency held on an exchange can be vulnerable to theft, while crypto stored offline is safer but difficult to trade.) They could also invest in risky bitcoin futures, agreeing to buy or sell the currency at a later date at a certain price. Now, ETFs offer an establishment-backed option.“While no one can predict the exact inflection point or when the price will stabilize, the long-term driver of bitcoin’s rise is its evolution — not just as digital gold, but as a foundational layer of global financial infrastructure,” Catalini said.However, Vasudevan said that there is still reason to believe that crypto’s climb won’t last forever. Bitcoin has surged before, only to crash precipitously. In November 2022, bitcoin’s value dropped 20 percent, to below $16,000, in a matter of days after the spectacular downfall of the crypto exchange FTX. The concern remains that the price of crypto is based purely on speculation, rather than any inherent value.“This has all the makings of another bubble, one that is being stoked by the prospect of a more favorable regulatory environment and the possibilities it is opening for new products and funds that can draw in more and more people into these markets,” Vasudevan said.

Lions star Sam LaPorta's NFL record broken by Brock Bowers in Week 14 | Sporting News

Following SMU’s 34-31 loss to Clemson in Saturday’s ACC Championship game, many expected the Alabama Crimson Tide to sneak into the 12-team College Football Playoff field on Sunday. However, the playoff selection committee threw a slight curveball Alabama’s way when it put the 11-2 Mustangs in the playoff bracket and left the Crimson Tide out. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.NoneHow to watch Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams: TV channel, streaming info

None

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 3:39 p.m. EST

Stock Market Cools Off In Higher Volume As AppLovin Posts A Sell Signal. Here's Why A Pullback Is Highly Probable.While This High-Yield Dividend ETF Holds 75 Stocks, Its Top 2 Comprise 16.5% of Its Total Holdings

NoneCHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sen. Randy Smith said he had 10 grandkids waiting to hear the news about their pappy. On Sunday evening, after three hours of deliberation and two rounds of voting, he’d been nominated as the next Senate president by his Republican colleagues. He described himself, minutes after the vote, as “shocked, overwhelmed, humbled.” “I’m not your typical Senate President type ... I’ve been a blue collar working class,” said Randy, R-Tucker, a former coal miner who chairs the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee. Smith’s district includes a portion of Mineral County, and he is an Oakland, Maryland, native. “I just give God all the glory ... and evidently God wanted me in this house and in this position, or I wouldn’t be here tonight.” Smith, 64, was first elected to the Senate in 2016 after serving two terms in the House of Delegates. Before politics, he spent more than two decades working as section foreman at a mine. “I think that has gave me the confidence in my leadership skills,” he said. The Senate president vote occurred in a closed-door meeting on the Senate floor, so it’s unknown which Republicans voted for Smith or how many votes he received. Ahead of the vote, the race had narrowed to Smith and two other candidates: Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam and Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha. Smith said he “beat all odds” to win the race for the top position. In West Virginia, the Senate President also serves as the lieutenant governor. “I didn’t have any super PACs, no money ... I had heavy hitting lobbyist groups that were, you know, working against me. You know that they don’t want to see me there, because they know I can’t be bought,” he said. Smith hasn’t yet named committee leaders but noted that he didn’t promise his fellow GOP senators anything in order to secure the Senate president appointment. He said that, while it had been a difficult few weeks of politics leading up to the vote, he still considered Tarr and Takubo friends. “Even tonight, they were the first to congratulate me,” he said. Smith will succeed Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, who lost reelection in the May primary to Tom Willis. Blair has served as Senate president since 2021. Smith described himself as conservative and said that West Virginia’s overwhelming support of Republicans in the November election spoke for the kinds of policies they’d like to see passed in the Senate. He has his own ideas of things he’d like to see prioritized, like supporting small businesses, continuing Gov. Jim Justice’s focus on fixing roads and improving the state’s broadband infrastructure. But, Smith said Caucus priorities will guide his Senate. “All of us represent a district, and everyone will be free to vote what’s for their district or what their moral values are, and there’ll never be any repercussions from me,” he said. “It’ll be determined by the body, you know, if we have 18 votes, it’ll run, and it’ll pass. Some things I’ll vote against, because I don’t believe in it.” In 2022, Smith made national headlines after he announced legislation that would have offered vasectomies or tubal ligations to anyone convicted of a drug-related crime in exchange for shorter prison time. Republicans in the House of Delegates also had their closed-door Caucus vote on Sunday, opting to keep Roger Hanshaw in his role as House Speaker. He was unopposed. Hanshaw, R-Clay, began serving in the role in 2018 and has been in the Legislature since 2014. He is an attorney. The House and Senate GOP caucuses will present their nominees for a vote by the full chambers on Jan. 8. Newly-elected members — 14 in the House and 7 in the Senate — will be sworn in on that same day. House Democrats will keep Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, as Minority Leader after first electing him to the position in 2023. Hornbuckle, a financial adviser and basketball coach, has been a member of the House since 2014. There will be nine Democrats in the House in 2025, down from the current 11 following November election results. The Senate will have just two Democrats next year with Majority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, continuing his current term. Senator-elect Joey Garcia will replace long-time lawmaker Mike Caputo, D-Marion, who is retiring.

Turin, Italy Juventus Stadium Saturday New Zealand 29 (Cam Roigard, Will Jordan, Mark Tele’a, Beauden Barrett tries; Barrett 3 conversions, penalty), Italy 11 (Tommaso Menoncello try; Paolo Garbisi 2 penalties). HT: 17-6

OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpassAmerican Packaging Corporation Advances Recycle Ready High Performance Paper Packaging

Dynasties fall, Fadnavis rises & BJP shakes off LS jitters. Maharashtra, Jharkhand & bypoll takeawaysNone

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. They were also prime trolling opportunities for Trump. Throughout his first term in the White House and during his campaign to return, Trump has spun out countless provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. There were his belittling nicknames for political opponents, his impressions of other political figures and the plentiful memes he shared on social media. Now that's he's preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. On Sunday, Trump turned a photo of himself seated near a smiling first lady Jill Biden at the Notre Dame ceremony into a social media promo for his new perfume and cologne line, with the tag line, “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!” The first lady’s office declined to comment. When Trudeau hastily flew to Florida to meet with Trump last month over the president-elect's threat to impose a 25% tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S., the Republican tossed out the idea that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. The Canadians passed off the comment as a joke, but Trump has continued to play up the dig, including in a post Tuesday morning on his social media network referring to the prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.” After decades as an entertainer and tabloid fixture, Trump has a flair for the provocative that is aimed at attracting attention and, in his most recent incarnation as a politician, mobilizing fans. He has long relished poking at his opponents, both to demean and minimize them and to delight supporters who share his irreverent comments and posts widely online and cheer for them in person. Trump, to the joy of his fans, first publicly needled Canada on his social media network a week ago when he posted an AI-generated image that showed him standing on a mountain with a Canadian flag next to him and the caption “Oh Canada!” After his latest post, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Tuesday: “It sounds like we’re living in a episode of South Park." Trudeau said earlier this week that when it comes to Trump, “his approach will often be to challenge people, to destabilize a negotiating partner, to offer uncertainty and even sometimes a bit of chaos into the well established hallways of democracies and institutions and one of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic.” Even Thanksgiving dinner isn't a trolling-free zone for Trump's adversaries. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump posted a movie clip from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with President Joe Biden and other Democrats’ faces superimposed on the characters in a spoof of the turkey-carving scene. The video shows Trump appearing to explode out of the turkey in a swirl of purple sparks, with the former president stiffly dancing to one of his favorite songs, Village People’s “Y.M.C.A." In his most recent presidential campaign, Trump mocked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, refusing to call his GOP primary opponent by his real name and instead dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious.” He added, for good measure, in a post on his Truth Social network: “I will never call Ron DeSanctimonious ‘Meatball’ Ron, as the Fake News is insisting I will.” As he campaigned against Biden, Trump taunted him in online posts and with comments and impressions at his rallies, deriding the president over his intellect, his walk, his golf game and even his beach body. After Vice President Kamala Harris took over Biden's spot as the Democratic nominee, Trump repeatedly suggested she never worked at McDonalds while in college. Trump, true to form, turned his mocking into a spectacle by appearing at a Pennsylvania McDonalds in October, when he manned the fries station and held an impromptu news conference from the restaurant drive-thru. Trump’s team thinks people should get a sense of humor. “President Trump is a master at messaging and he’s always relatable to the average person, whereas many media members take themselves too seriously and have no concept of anything else other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “President Trump will Make America Great Again and we are getting back to a sense of optimism after a tumultuous four years.” Though both the Biden and Harris campaigns created and shared memes and launched other stunts to respond to Trump's taunts, so far America’s neighbors to the north are not taking the bait. “I don’t think we should necessarily look on Truth Social for public policy,” Miller said. Gerald Butts, a former top adviser to Trudeau and a close friend, said Trump brought up the 51st state line to Trudeau repeatedly during Trump’s first term in office. “Oh God,” Butts said Tuesday, “At least a half dozen times.” “This is who he is and what he does. He’s trying to destabilize everybody and make people anxious,” Butts said. “He’s trying to get people on the defensive and anxious and therefore willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise entertain if they had their wits about them. I don’t know why anybody is surprised by it.” Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

777 slots The Atlanta Hawks were fined $100,000 by the NBA on Tuesday after a league investigation into star guard Trae Young missing an NBA Cup game two weeks ago. The NBA found the Hawks violated the league's Player Participation Policy when the 26-year-old American missed a November 12 contest at Boston. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.None

Why some brewing companies are producing more hop-forward ales and light-bodied lagers( MENAFN - Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA)) Muscat – Oman, an Arab country in the Gulf, will host one of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 4.0 industry centers. A cooperation agreement on this matter was signed on Monday (16) between the WEF and the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information technology of Oman, supported by the country's Ministry of Economy, according to a news report published by state news agency ONA . Called C4IR, referring to the term Fourth Industrial Revolution, also used to describe Industry 4.0, the center will be the sixth of its kind established in the Middle East in cooperation with the World Economic Forum-the 22nd globally. The center is scheduled to start operating in the first quarter of next year, according to ONA. The center is an initiative by the WEF to drive the development and application of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, in countries. It operates in a network, collaborating with governments, businesses, academia, and civil society for the responsible adoption of technologies. The agreement was signed by Ali Amer Al Shidhani, undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for communications and information technology, and Sebastian Buckup, head of networks and partnerships and member of the Executive Committee at the WEF. Al Shidhani said the move constitutes a step forward in the ministry's ongoing efforts to transfer knowledge, localize technology and consolidate Oman's position as a regional hub for technology and innovation. Read more: Oman seeking Brazilian firms for free trade zones Translated by Guilherme Miranda The post Oman to establish center for 4IR appeared first on ANBA News Agency . MENAFN16122024000213011057ID1109000141 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Tim Davis and Family Build a Legacy with Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in North Branch, Minnesota'Irrelevance Is Worse Than Death': How This CEO's Competitive Drive Resulted in a Global Powerhouse AI StartupCould Nolan Arenado be traded to AL playoff team?

Moxie Launches Compliance Defender to Simplify Regulatory Compliance for Medical Aesthetic PracticesLeague fines Hawks $100,000 for Young missing NBA Cup game

Earlier this week, Hodder & Stoughton released High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul by decorated writer and cultural custodian, Marcus J. Moore . Moving deliberately between reportage, personal memoir and wider social commentary, High And Risin g documents the non-linear journey of the era-defining hip-hop trio from Long Island, New York. De La Soul – Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer, David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, and Vincent “Maseo” Mason – broke through with the release of their 1989 album, ‘ 3 Feet High & Rising ’. The biography covers this seminal release, but also their non-conformist spirit, their galvanizing storytelling and use of trippy, techicolour imagery, and their far-reaching influence on rappers all along the hip-hop continuum, including The Roots, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar. High And Rising digs deeper and excavates how the trio chafed under the pressures of an industry-in-flux, covering their legal battles around sampling: only last year, after a bitter legal fight, did their music become available on streaming services. Completed in the wake of Dave’s passing, Moore connects one of hip-hop’s greatest triumphs with a story of kinship and soulful self-discovery. In the below extract from the book, Moore reflects on De La’s effect on the culture and sense of self of his POC community: — Everyone from my aunts to my cousins understood De La, even if they couldn’t explain what it was they liked about the music. De La has always been around me and my family, soundtracking discovery. That De La was just there and I can’t exactly remember how they arrived pretty much speaks to why we’re here, right? Regardless, I’ve always felt that by the mid-’90s De La fans had to work a little harder to defend the group. In the late ’80s, when the goodwill was paramount, it was easy to categorize their work as buoyant and playful. But in the Stakes Is High era, when put up against actual dark records, it played like Onyx, Wu-lang, or Mobb Deep lite. Why listen to the so-called hippy dudes when you can play All We Got Iz Us or Hell on Earth? The community around De La was beginning to shrink, and the group almost came off as an underground act that only a few heads knew about. Don’t believe me? Listen to Pos. “I made girls’ brown eyes blue at will,” he said on “Wonce Again Long Island” from the album, “until my ass was no longer mass appeal.” To that end, I can’t help but fixate on Pos’s visceral reaction to his peers in the mid-’90s. The sheer frustration in his voice when talking to Rap City, the look of consternation on his face, the push and pull of honesty and diplomacy in the way he spoke. In one quote, told to Joe Clair in an interview, he expressed anger about the way he’s viewed as an MC. It was the first time I remember seeing Pos feel a way about being underrated. It’s not like he was wrong, but in years past—at least publicly—he would’ve shrugged it off and just kept making the music he’d always made. My ear fixates on the song “Long Island Degrees,” where Dave took aim at the Notorious B.I.G.’s mental state. “I got questions about your life if you’re so ready to die,” he said, referencing the Brooklyn MC’s debut album Ready to Die. What happened to the love, the excitement, the bliss? De La disappeared after the release of Stakes Is High and stayed out of sight until the turn of the millennium. There was no grand reason for why they left. It was just time to revisit the drawing board and start working on the next album. In their absence, hip-hop became even more commercialized, a lot chillier. It wasn’t until recently that some critics decided they pegged the album all wrong. Twenty years later, after the allure of the shiny-suit era wore off, they realized— as Slate put it—that the LP was one of “concern rather than conservatism, walking a tightrope between the productive uses of history and the simplistic allures of nostalgia. Even now as I revisit Stakes Is High, I wrestle with the same nostalgia referenced in the Slate review. In ’96, as I struggled with the passing of my grandfather and the gradual passing of my grandmother, there was something comforting about listening to three dudes trying to reconcile their emotions for public consumption. Even as I struggle with pronounced grief following the recent passing of my mother, the album feels like a balm in this time of uncertainty. Not that the group said anything on the LP directly related to death, but it reminds me of days gone by, when she would take interest in the music I liked, even if it didn’t speak to her. She encouraged me to listen to De La. She liked the bass line on Nas’s “Shootouts,” the timbre of Mos Def’s voice on his late-’90s work, the soul sample on Ghostface Killah’s “Camay.” She didn’t dig the lyrics, but she didn’t police my absorption of them. As I play Stakes Is High in 2023, the visions come rushing back. I see us in that old house in Landover, me in the back room hunched over a boombox. Most importantly, I see her. I hear her. I appreciate her willingness to let me rap, to let me run the streets with my friends and collaborators Troy and Thomas while still keeping a close eye on my movements. My love of hip-hop largely comes from her, simply because she let me explore records like Stakes. The album still feels like a private conversation in hushed tones. When my grandmother passed in ’97 and I had to navigate without one of my greatest protectors, I found myself listening to De La–adjacent rappers, reveling in the same poetry. A year later, Mos Def and the Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli formed the duo Black Star and released their debut album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, to decent fanfare. I went up for that record, not just because it was dope but because it was the closest thing to De La— and, in turn, my family—that I could hold on to at the time. In hindsight, it’s easy to look back and wonder why people didn’t like mid-’90s De La. But they meant something different to me. They helped me through the roughest parts of my life, connecting me to the past and reminding me to lean on love. In grief, sadness can quickly grow to anger. Tears turn to clenched fists and notions that you have nothing to lose. De La was medicinal, the reset I needed and still need. High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul is out now via Hodder & Stoughton. — Marcus J. Moore is a music journalist, editor, curator, pundit, professor, and author of The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America. He co-leads the jazz-focused ‘5 Minutes That Will Make You Love...’ series at The New York Times. His work has appeared in The Nation, The Atlantic, Bandcamp Daily (an editorial platform he helped launch), CLASH, NPR, Pitchfork, TIME, Entertainment Weekly, TIDAL, GQ, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone.

Chris Clarke appointed practice leader of Homeland Security & Law Enforcement; Bryan Miller to lead newly combined Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice MCLEAN, Va. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Guidehouse, a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors, has named Shannon White the new leader of its Defense & Security segment effective Jan. 1, 2025 . White succeeds John Saad , who has been named President of Guidehouse. Additionally, Chris Clarke will take on White's former role as Guidehouse's Defense & Security's Homeland Security & Law Enforcement practice leader. White brings a wealth of expertise in the national security sectors, along with a proven ability to deliver complex, high-impact solutions. With a track record of driving innovation and meaningful results, she has been instrumental in shaping Guidehouse's growth and impact across its diverse portfolio. Under her leadership, the Defense & Security segment will continue to focus on delivering mission-critical solutions to address the nation's most pressing defense and security challenges. "Shannon is a passionate leader whose experience will be invaluable as we continue to support purpose-driven initiatives to preserve security across the U.S.," said John Saad , President of Guidehouse. "Her strategic vision and expertise will accelerate Guidehouse's growth through transformative engagements with our clients in the defense, national security, and public sectors." Chris Clarke , Homeland Security & Law Enforcement practice leader Clarke, a partner at the firm, brings over 20 years of experience engaging with clients on complex challenges, with a focus on risk management and financial transformation. He has worked extensively across the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Intelligence Community leading hundreds of consultants to deliver a range of services in support of solving strategic challenges for Guidehouse clients. Bryan Miller , Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice leader To position the firm for additional growth and to align with the evolving needs of its clients, Guidehouse has combined Defense & Security's Defense & Intelligence and Diplomacy & Development practices into a newly combined Defense, Diplomacy, & Intel (DDI) practice under the leadership of Bryan Miller . Miller, a partner at the firm, has over 20 years of industry experience focused on delivering strategy, supply chain and transformation programs to the U.S. Government. "This new structure strengthens our capabilities and provides a more cohesive approach to serving these interconnected client missions," added Saad. "Chris and Bryan are remarkable leaders with unmatched expertise in navigating the complexities of public safety and national security. We congratulate them on these new roles and are confident they will drive tremendous value for our clients and teams." Named a Military Friendly® Employer for six consecutive years, Guidehouse's Defense & Security segment serves U.S. diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement, and defense agencies. Backed by proven success in helping clients compete, deter, and win, the firm delivers mission-critical optimization, technology modernization, and financial management solutions. About Guidehouse Guidehouse is a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors. Guidehouse is purpose-built to serve the national security, financial services, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure industries. Disrupting legacy consulting delivery models with its agility, capabilities, and scale, the firm delivers technology-enabled and focused solutions that position clients for innovation, resilience, and growth. With high-quality standards and a relentless pursuit of client success, Guidehouse's more than 18,000 employees collaborate with leaders to outwit complexity and achieve transformational changes that meaningfully shape the future. guidehouse.com Media Contact: Cecile Fradkin, cfradkin@scprgroup.com , Guidehouse View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guidehouse-names-shannon-white-leader-of-defense--security-segment-302332867.html SOURCE GuidehouseMbale Heroes, Bright Stars lock horns in bottom of the table clash

N. Iowa 90, Pittsburgh 74

Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail a third time as he awaits sex trafficking trialCharles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Raises Stake in CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA)

Washington Commanders release 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes

Ottawa Senators (10-11-1, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Los Angeles Kings (13-8-3, in the Pacific Division) Los Angeles; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Kings -123, Senators +102; over/under is 6 BOTTOM LINE: The Ottawa Senators visit the Los Angeles Kings after Adam Gaudette's two-goal game against the San Jose Sharks in the Senators' 4-3 win. Los Angeles has a 13-8-3 record overall and a 7-2-1 record in home games. The Kings have conceded 65 goals while scoring 71 for a +6 scoring differential. Ottawa is 10-11-1 overall and 4-6-0 on the road. The Senators have allowed 71 goals while scoring 70 for a -1 scoring differential. Saturday's game is the second time these teams meet this season. The Senators won the last meeting 8-7 in overtime. Gaudette scored two goals in the win. TOP PERFORMERS: Anze Kopitar has seven goals and 20 assists for the Kings. Adrian Kempe has six goals and five assists over the past 10 games. Brady Tkachuk has 11 goals and 12 assists for the Senators. Gaudette has scored five goals over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 5-5-0, averaging 2.4 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.5 penalties and 8.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game. Senators: 4-5-1, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.9 assists, 4.1 penalties and 9.6 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game. INJURIES: Kings: None listed. Senators: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .As snow blankets the Colorado mountains, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity: the winter hut trip. Whether you’re a skier or a snowshoer, a hut trip offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain hut. From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails in Summit County, Colorado’s winter hut trips provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels. Huts fill up fast, so check each property’s for pricing and availability. Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers. At 11,700 feet, the hut sits at treeline with low-angle glades below and open slopes above. While intermediate powder skiing is available out the back door of the hut, owner Travis Mohrman said the terrain is best suited for experienced backcountry skiers. Mohrman estimates that 15% to 20% of the groups visiting Opus Hut do so with guides. “They’re not personally comfortable with the terrain or they’re not from the area,” Mohrman said. “They guides are knowledgeable about local conditions — what the snow is, what’s safe and what’s not safe.” The cabin accommodates up to 20 people in five rooms. Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms. The hut features solar-powered lighting and 110-volt outlets for charging electronic devices. It also has filtered drinking water, hot and cold tap water, and indoor composting toilets. It provides full bedding and clean sleeping bag liners. During winter, the hut has four to six employees who sleep in a separate cabin. They prepare meals with natural, organic, and, when possible, locally grown products. The hut accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets–just be sure to inform the staff beforehand. It also offers beer, wine, and a limited selection of spirits for purchase. “You can travel much lighter if you don’t have to bring in your food,” said Mohrman, who took over the hut three years ago. “You don’t have to focus on the upkeep of being in the backcountry.” Reservations for Opus Hut open Aug. 1. “The winter fills up quick,” Mohrman said. “Every winter weekend books in the first five minutes.” Nestled at 11,200 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is the perfect base for exploring world-class skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Located between Silverton and Ouray, it’s is accessible during the winter via a half-mile backcountry over-snow approach. Campfire Ranch is an ideal choice for novices. While other Colorado hut systems require you to carry your own food, bring sleeping bags, and live off-grid, this one provides food service, solar-powered electricity, Wi-Fi, and bedding. The dog-friendly cabin accommodates eight people. “We took a hospitality approach to remove barriers to entry for people who want to have the experience but don’t have the gear or the knowledge,” said Katrin Meiusi, director of marketing for the properties. Campfire Ranch first opened a campground on the Taylor River in Almont near Crested Butte. RVs are not permitted at the campground, which is open from May to October. Amenities include unlimited firewood, clean bathrooms, and drinkable well water. The 38 backcountry huts managed by the non-profit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association are connected by 350 miles of trails among some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states. All huts, some of which accommodate up to 17 people, have kitchens with propane burners for cooking — propane is provided. They provide pots, pans, potholders, dishware, cooking and eating utensils, a percolator or French press for coffee, salt and pepper, paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and trash bags. Some huts have ovens and propane grills. All huts provide lighting from on-site solar power, propane or a generator. A few huts also have outlets for charging small devices such as phones. The huts have either an outhouse or an indoor bathroom with toilet paper supplied. All huts include mattresses and pillows, but you must bring your sleeping bag and pillowcase. Summit Hut Association operates five backcountry huts open for winter from November to May. Francie’s and Janet’s cabins are also open for summer use from July to September. All huts have solar-powered lights, fully stocked kitchens, and wood-burning stoves. Francie’s, Janet’s, and Sisters’ cabins have saunas and indoor toilets. The association hosts its annual Backcountry Ball fundraiser in October at The Maggie on Peak to kick off the season. The event includes dinner, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds help maintain the network of backcountry cabins.

777 slots game 。

The 11 weirdest things humans did to robots in 2024

Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picks

BBC Four debuted a new special edition of classic Doctor Who serial The War Games tonight (23rd December) – but alongside a brisk re-edit of the 1969 black-and-white epic, now colourised, came a surprising plot twist. The original story – the last in Patrick Troughton's original run as the Second Doctor – features a villainous character known as the War Chief (played by Edward Brayshaw), a member of the Doctor's own race gone rogue. Though classic Doctor Who villain The Master would not officially appear on the show for another two years – making his debut in 1971's Terror of the Autons – some fans have long theorised that The War Chief could have been an earlier incarnation of the character... After all, both are errant Time Lords with natty facial hair and a penchant for teaming up with alien aggressors for their own ends. Though the theory has been addressed in various spin-off media – with various stories either confirming or quashing the idea – the special edition of The War Games seems to have added more fuel to the fire... In one of the story's most famous scenes, the Doctor (Troughton) and the War Chief lock eyes for the first time and instantly recognise each other, blowing the Doctor's cover. The re-edited version of the scene, however, features a new musical score, with the familiar sounds of The Master Vainglorious – composer Murray Gold's theme for The Master – played during the dramatic confrontation. Doctor Who fans watching the broadcast on BBC Four were quick to spot and seize on this implication that the War Chief is, in fact, The Master after all... The additions to the original story didn't stop there, either – viewers also noticed that when the War Chief meets his 'demise' at the climax, shot down by the alien War Lords, a regeneration sound effect had been added... "Did I just hear the regeneration sound effect when the War Chief is being taken away?" wrote one fan , while another added , "The Regeneration sound being added just after the War Chief got zapped was a nice little touch." Of course, for those fans who want to believe that the War Chief and The Master – played by Roger Delgado when he eventually materialised in 1971 – are two separate beings, these new edits don't entirely prove anything one way or another. All the same, we suspect that 'The War Chief is the Master' truthers will be counting this one as a win... Read more: Doctor Who casts Rose Ayling-Ellis in scariest season 15 episode: "It's absolutely terrifying" Doctor Who's Tom Baker poses in rarely seen pictures from Radio Times archive Doctor Who: The War Games in Colour is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. Doctor Who will return to BBC One on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25th December) at 5:10pm. Previous seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer . Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast .Stablecoins Explained: Why They’re Key to Bridging Cryptocurrencies and Legacy Finance

The streets of Tucson have recently been filled with an unexpected sight: groups of people dancing in complete silence as they loop downtown. Welcome to the world of Silent Adventures, a quirky yet captivating combination of the trendy silent disco paired with a walk through downtown Tucson with the vibes and feeling of a discotheque. Silent discos — where participants, usually in a venue of some sort, don wireless headphones to listen to music, leaving the surrounding area blissfully quiet — have found a home in Tucson. Silent Adventures Tucson provides the music, headphones and everything needed for a unique way to experience a walk through downtown Tucson. “Silent discos are perfect for Tucson,” said co-organizer Aria Levin. “We have this fantastic combination of beautiful weather, outdoor space and a love for music. It’s a way to bring people together without disturbing the peace of our city.” The experience begins with attendees picking their adventure through Silent Adventures’ website . While most of the tours are ticketed, some are free for the public. The adventures are 60 minutes long, open to all ages and include different themes for each adventure like “Disney or (an) early 2000s theme,” Levin added. After picking your adventure and showing up, attendees pick up their headphones from the group organizers before being led on a guided tour of downtown Tucson while dancing along the way and being shown specific dances by the guide. “All the music centers around the theme of the adventure,” Levin said. “It’s the most fun game of ‘follow the leader’ we can do. Whoever is leading the adventure has a microphone that projects into the headphones and they will give dance moves for the group to do as we’re going along the mile loop.” While on the tour, the group also stops along the way to do fun activities like a dance-off, fashion show and “other silly things that keep the party alive,” Levin added. The tour ends at the same spot it started, and the adventures take place in the afternoons so attendees can explore more of downtown or grab dinner when they are done. For many, the allure of silent discos lies in the freedom they provide, Levin added. Without the loud thumping bass or shouting over the noise of a traditional nightclub, people can dance as they please, socialize without screaming or simply enjoy the music at a comfortable volume. The flexibility also makes these events family-friendly, and they’ve quickly gained popularity among diverse crowds ranging from college students to families with young kids and even to older dance enthusiasts. The adventures are 60 minutes long, open to all ages and include different themes for each adventure like “Disney or (an) early 2000s theme,” Levin added. “It’s really fun when we have kids and families on the adventures. We keep it very fun for everyone,” Levin said. “With our themed adventures, we want to get as many groups of people out as possible.” Silent Adventures started in Scotland by two DJs and quickly expanded throughout Europe. After Levin’s co-organizer, Bridget Gee, attended an adventure in summer 2023, she knew she wanted to bring the adventures to Tucson. Gee got together with Levin and organized with Silent Adventures founders to bring the experience to the United States. Tucson is the first location in the U.S. for Silent Adventures. “I think Tucson is embracing it because it fits into our laid-back, community-focused culture,” Levin said. “People are excited about trying something new, and the silent disco allows for a more personal experience.” Upcoming adventures include a free dance, rage-therapy adventure Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., followed by a ticketed ‘80s- and ‘90s-themed adventure at 4:30 p.m. To check for other adventures, visit their website or keep up with them on Instagram . In December, Silent Adventures will also be hosting tours in Winterhaven for the neighborhood’s annual Festival of Lights. “It’s so fun doing adventures in Winterhaven,” Levin said. “We have a fun Christmas playlist, we dance through Winterhaven and it’s a fun new way to experience Winterhaven especially if you’ve been before.” Silent Adventures also rents out their equipment to people who want stationary silent discos for birthday parties, wedding celebrations and more. “Our goal with starting Silent Adventures in Tucson was to bring good sober family fun to the Tucson community,” Levin said. “It’s such a different experience and people always tell us it’s a unique and fun way to experience a city tour.” With the success of silent discos in Tucson, it seems likely that the trend will continue to grow, potentially becoming a fixture in the city’s already diverse scene. Whether it’s a low-key Disney dance party with the kids or an all-out rave with friends, Tucson’s Silent Adventures is showing no signs of slowing down. For now, the rhythm of Tucson’s disco dancers pulses in the silence — every beat felt, but never heard. CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert ! What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more. Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

slots to go The state of emergency was declared in response to escalating protests and civil unrest in several parts of the country. During this period, the police were tasked with maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of the public. However, reports have emerged suggesting that the chief of the police agency may have overstepped the bounds of his authority and violated the rights of citizens in the process.

Back to the land

13-year-old anime fighting game randomly announced for PC - EventHubsSituated in the rapidly developing Fengtai District, the Southwest Suburb Residential Land boasts a prime location with excellent transportation links, proximity to essential amenities, and a promising potential for future development. With a total area of over 100,000 square meters, the land parcel is zoned for residential use and is expected to accommodate a mix of high-end apartments, luxury villas, and innovative community facilities.

No. 5 UCLA snaps No. 1 South Carolina's 43-game win streak

jili slots Eagles seek 7th straight win while Rams try to keep pace in crowded NFC West raceHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Ashlon Jackson scored a career-high 30 points and No. 14 Duke defeated No. 10 Kansas State, 73-62 on Monday, in the semifinals of the Ball Dawgs Classic. The Blue Devils (6-1) overcame an early 11-point deficit behind Jackon’s shooting hand to advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the game between No. 9 Oklahoma and DePaul. Jackson, who has scored in double figures in all six of Duke’s games, shot 12 of 19 (63.1%) from the floor, including 6 of 9 (66.7%) from 3-point range. Reigan Richardson added 16 points for the Blue Devils. Kansas State (5-1) was led by Ayoka Lee, who had 16 points. Serena Sundell scored 15 and Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to add 11 for the Wildcats. Kansas State: With her 16-point performance, Lee needs 48 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05) for the Kansas State career scoring record. Wecker scored 2,333 points. Lee, the 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is averaging 15.3 points. Duke: Jackson hit her season average of 13.3 points by the 3:54 mark of the second quarter when her pull-up jumper gave her 14. The junior guard was 8 of 11 from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and had 20 points by halftime. With the Blue Devils trailing by six midway through the second quarter, Jackson triggered a 15-0 run with 13 of the team’s points to help Duke take a lead they’d never relinquish. Duke will face the winner of No. 9 Oklahoma-DePaul on Wednesday in the championship game, while Kansas State will face the loser in the consolation game. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turnA Sydney draftee from South Australia will wear the number 23 made famous by Lance Franklin

Debt brake impedes survival

UTICA — Woodland Farm Brewery opened in January 2016 in Marcy with the goal of brewing great beer, creating a space for community and giving people a place to escape the craziness of the world with good company and a pint. They will celebrate nine years of brewing in Marcy on Saturday, Jan. 4, with get-togethers, music and new beer at the brewery. Woodland has made a few memories and a few gallons of beer over the years and it only makes sense to celebrate with a couple of their musical staples and some tasty brews. Since opening, Woodland has added a kitchen, expanded the size of their taproom and brewing capacity, and opened a second taproom at the historic Hulbert House in Boonville — bringing back to life a taproom with 210 years of history. They’ve focused on easy-drinking and approachable beers that can be enjoyed by newcomers to craft beer and experienced drinkers with everything from crisp, clean, German-inspired lagers to barrel-aged beers and everything in between. Remsen Social Club will be bringing the “brewgrass” to the party at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, filling the taproom with strings and howls. Foot-stomping punk rock bluegrass pairs especially well with Woodland’s beers. Uncle Charlie and the Meatballs rock the taproom at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 with their own brand of blues and rock jams. A Woodland anniversary isn’t complete without some barrel-aged goodness, so they’ll be releasing Honey Bourbon Batch on Saturday. This Scottish Wee-Heavy was aged for three years in a honey bourbon barrel for plenty of caramel, sweet honey, warm bourbon and oak. Taste it on tap along with some of their favorite anniversary beers from the cellar that will also be on tap.

Ireland rugby star Erin King named Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year at World Rugby awardsPing An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ( OTCMKTS:PANHF – Get Free Report ) was the target of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 8,318,600 shares, a growth of 29.0% from the November 30th total of 6,449,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 41,593.0 days. Ping An Healthcare and Technology Stock Performance PANHF stock opened at $0.82 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $1.47 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.31. Ping An Healthcare and Technology has a fifty-two week low of $0.80 and a fifty-two week high of $2.40. About Ping An Healthcare and Technology ( Get Free Report ) See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ping An Healthcare and Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ping An Healthcare and Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .With the world distracted by conflicts elsewhere, the Syrian civil war flares up again

Horace Ekow Ewusi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Cape Coast North, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly widows, as Ghana prepares for the December 7 elections. Ewusi made the pledge during a meeting with over 300 widows in the constituency, where he took the opportunity to discuss key issues, provide financial support, and renew his promise to assist those in need. “Helping the vulnerable, especially widows, is a principle I deeply believe in. It is our collective responsibility to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive,” Ewusi said. He assured the vulnerable communities in Cape Coast North that he is dedicated to helping them overcome the challenges they face. Ewusi urged constituents to vote for him as their Member of Parliament and for NPP flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia as president in the upcoming polls. “I have already begun supporting the people, and if elected, I will do even more. Vote for me and Dr. Bawumia on December 7, and we will continue to improve the lives of our people,” he stated. The parliamentary candidate also assured the public that the elections will be free, fair, transparent, and peaceful, calling on Ghanaians to avoid electoral violence.Shares of Versarien plc ( LON:VRS – Get Free Report ) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.03 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.04 ($0.00), with a volume of 15767909 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.03 ($0.00). Versarien Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of £908,700.00, a PE ratio of -0.98 and a beta of 1.13. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is GBX 0.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 0.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 655.61, a quick ratio of 1.67 and a current ratio of 1.58. About Versarien ( Get Free Report ) Versarien plc provides engineering solutions for various industry sectors in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Technology Business and Mature Business. It offers Nanene, a few-layer graphene; Polygrene, a graphene enhanced polymer; Hexotene, a few-layer hexagonal boron nitride nano-platelet powder; and graphene-based nanomaterials for energy storage devices, as well as a range of electrically conductive graphene inks for various printing processes, substrates, and applications under the Graphinks name. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Versarien Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Versarien and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Stanford knocks off Cal in both teams' ACC openernn777 slots 。

The United States Department of State: Providing Gear for 18-Year-Old Citizens of Ukraine Joining the FightWhile addressing the media, President Zelensky emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers and their families, stating that "we must never forget the price that has been paid for our freedom and sovereignty." His heartfelt words resonated with many Ukrainians who have been directly affected by the conflict and who continue to bear the brunt of its consequences.

Benfica and Estrela Amadora return to action on Saturday when they go head to head at the Estadio da Luz in the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal. Both sides have already met once this season, with As Aguias claiming a 1-0 victory in their Primeira Liga clash back in August thanks to a first-half strike from Orkun Kokcu. © Imago Benfica turned in a performance of the highest quality in their final outing before the international break as they thrashed rivals Porto 4-1 in the latest edition of the heated O Classico on November 10. After Alvaro Carreras and Samuel Omorodion scored for either side to end the first half level, veteran forward Angel Di Maria put on a show in the second half as he scored either side of Nehuen Perez 's 61st-minute own goal to inspire the hosts to a comfortable victory. Prior to that, Benfica saw this run of three back-to-back victories across all competitions come to an end on November 6, when they were beaten 1-0 by German powerhouse Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena courtesy of Jamal Musiala 's 67th-minute effort. With the result against Porto, Bruno Lage 's men have now picked up eight wins and one draw from their 10 Primeira Liga matches to sit third in the standings, eight points adrift of league leaders Sporting Lisbon, albeit with one game in hand. Benfica now turn their focus to the Taca de Portugal, where they kicked off their quest for a record-extending 27th title with a 2-0 third-round victory over Campeonato de Portugal outfit Pevidem on October 19 courtesy of a brace from German midfielder Jan-Niklas Beste. © Imago Estrela Amadora, on the other hand, avoided an upset in the Taca de Portugal third round on October 19 when they needed extra-time to secure a 3-1 victory over third-tier Anadia at the Estadio Municipal Engenheiro Sílvio Henriques Cerveira on October 19. Yan Maranhao struck in the 25th minute to put Anadia in front before Pedro Gaio inadvertently netted a 92nd-minute own goal to level matters and take the tie to extra-time, where Rodrigo Pinho and Andre Luiz hit the target to turn the game on its head. Estrela Amadora head into this weekend's clash off the back of snapping their three-game winless run in the Primeira Liga on November 11, when they edged out Nacional 2-0 at the Estadio Jose Gomes thanks to late goals from Paulo Moreira and 26-year-old Kikas . Jose Faria 's men have struggled for consistency in the league this season, losing six of their 11 matches so far while claiming two wins and three draws to collect nine points and sit 15th in the standings, just one point above the bottom three. While Estrela will be looking to pick up from where they left off against Nacional and march on in their cup quest on Saturday, they face the daunting challenge of taking on a Benfica side who have won each of their previous seven encounters since November 2008. © Imago Benfica remain without the services of 23-year-old forward Tiago Gouveia , who has been out of action since coming off with a shoulder injury in the 1-0 victory over Estrela Amadora back in August. He is joined on As Aguias' injury table by teenage forward Gianluca Prestianni , who has missed each of the last seven matches since sustaining an ankle injury back in October. Luxembourg international Leandro Barreiro picked up a thigh problem while on international duty against Northern Ireland on November 18 and the 24-year-old is ruled out of Saturday's clash. As for Estrala, Bruno Brigido was forced off injured midway through the game against Nacional last time out and the 33-year-old goalkeeper is a doubt for the trip to the Estadio da Luz. Should he fail to shake off the injury, former Porto man Francisco Meixedo should start between the sticks, with Danilo Veiga , Ferro , Miguel Lopes and 35-year-old Ruben Lima forming the back four. At the opposite end of the pitch, we expect Rodrigo Pinho and Jovane Cabral to form the two-man attack while Igor Jesus and Brazilian midfielder Leo Cordeiro should retain their roles at the centre of the park. Benfica possible starting lineup: Trubin; Bah, Araujo, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Luis; Di Maria, Kokcu, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis Estrela Amadora possible starting lineup: Meixedo; Veiga, Ferro, Lopes, Lima; Bucca, Jesus, Cordeiro, Nilton; Pinho, Cabral Following their emphatic victory over Porto last time out, Benfica will look to keep the juggernaut rolling this weekend as they take on an Estrela side who have struggled for consistency this season. Given the gulf in quality and depth between the two teams, and their contrasting form, we fancy Lage's men to come away with the desired result in normal time. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

The future of the Syrian situation remains uncertain as the country continues to grapple with a protracted and devastating civil war. Over the past decade, Syria has been torn apart by violence, internal strife, and foreign interventions, leading to the displacement of millions of civilians and the widespread destruction of infrastructure. As the conflict enters its eleventh year, many questions remain about how the situation will evolve and whether a change in political power could become a reality.The resolution to expedite Yoon Suk-yeol's arrest has also highlighted the growing influence of social media and online activism in shaping public opinion and political discourse. Citizens are taking to the internet to express their support or opposition to the resolution, with hashtags and memes quickly spreading across digital platforms. The power of social media to amplify voices and mobilize public opinion is evident in the intense debate surrounding Yoon's impending arrest.

As Puji continues to shine on the pitch, rumors of a potential return to the European football scene have started to circulate. Barcelona, in particular, has expressed interest in exercising their buy-back option to bring Puji back to the Camp Nou. The prospect of Puji donning the iconic Blaugrana colors once again has sent waves of excitement through the football world, with fans eagerly anticipating his potential reunion with his former club.As automotive technology continues to advance rapidly, safety remains a top priority for car manufacturers around the world. The latest C-NCAP results have just been officially released, showcasing the exceptional safety performance of the Ideal L6 Model. The Ideal L6 has not only met but exceeded expectations, setting a new standard for safety in the automotive industry.

House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsBUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania is reeling after a little-known, far-right populist secured the first round in the presidential election, beating the incumbent prime minister. Calin Georgescu, who ran independently, will face reformist Elena Lasconi in a Dec. 8. runoff after most local surveys predicted he would win less than 10% of the vote. Georgescu, 62, was ahead after nearly all ballots were counted with around 22.95%. According to local media, Georgescu in the past has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a man who loves his country” and called Ukraine “an invented state.” He has also sparked controversy for describing Romanian fascist and nationalist leaders from the 1930s and 1940s as national heroes. Lasconi, of the progressive Save Romania Union party, or USR, followed with 19.17%. She beat by a slim margin incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party, or PSD, who stood at 19.15%. Lasconi on Monday warned that Romania is now in “a historical confrontation between preserving Romania’s young democracy ... and those who want to return Romania to the Russian sphere of influence.” She added: “Let us be very clear, Calin Georgescu is an open admirer of Vladimir Putin. He is open against NATO and the European Union ... He is for Romania’s isolation, which he calls neutrality ... And without NATO we are at the mercy of Russia.” Georgescu on Monday denied charges of being an extremist as “false, totally fake” and said he is “completely dedicated” to the Romanian people. “We remain directly linked to European values, but we must find our (own) values,” he said. “I’m not an extremist, I’m not a fascist, I’m a Romanian who loves his country.” Many observers have attributed Georgescu’s success to his TikTok account , which has 3.7 million likes and 274,000 followers. He gained huge traction and popularity in recent weeks. It is the first time in Romania’s 35-year post-communist history that the country’s most powerful party, the PSD, doesn't have a candidate in the second round of a presidential race, underscoring voters’ anti-establishment sentiment. Ciolacu's shocking defeat prompted him to submit his resignation as party leader on Monday. After polls closed on Sunday, the Central Election Bureau said 9.4 million people — about 52.5% of eligible voters — had cast ballots. Georgescu won 43.3% of the vote in Romania's large diaspora, while Lasconi got 26.8%. Romania's president serves a five-year term in the European Union and NATO member country and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy and judicial appointments. According to his website, Georgescu holds a doctorate in pedology, a branch of soil science, and held positions in Romania’s environment ministry in the 1990s. Between 1999 and 2012, he was a representative for Romania on the national committee of the United Nations Environment Program. His campaign positions included supporting farmers, reducing import dependence and ramping up local energy and food production. Georgescu's rising popularity will be tested when he faces Lasconi, who may attract more moderate voters who initially choose other candidates. Lasconi, a former journalist, told The Associated Press ahead of the vote that she saw corruption as one of Romania's biggest problems and expressed support for increased defense spending and continued aid to Ukraine. If she wins the final vote, she will be the first female president in Romania's history. Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister.

Jaylen Blakes, Maxime Raynaud and Oziyah Sellers combined for 35 points in a 47-point, first half explosion Saturday afternoon and Stanford ran away from California for an 89-81 Atlantic Coast Conference road win in Berkeley, Calif. Raynaud and Blakes finished with 20 points apiece for the Cardinal (8-2, 1-0 ACC), who won their first ever game in ACC competition. Andrej Stojakovic had a game-high 25 points and Jovan Blacksher Jr. added 14 for the Golden Bears (6-3, 0-1), who dropped their second in a row after a 6-1 start. Playing just its second true road game of the season, Stanford scored 14 of the game's first 18 points and never looked back. Raynaud and Ryan Agarwal hit 3-pointers in the run. Blakes had 14 points, Raynaud 11 and Sellers 10 in the first half, which ended with Stanford in front 47-31. Cal was still down 81-65, after two free throws by Stanford's Chisom Okpara with 3:58 remaining before making a little run. Mady Sissoko converted a three-point play and Rytis Petraitis and Joshua Ola-Joseph connected on consecutive 3-pointers in a 9-0 flurry that made it a seven-point game with still 2:13 to go. It got as close as six when Stojakovic drilled a 3-pointer with 1:21 left, but Okpara and Blakes dropped in late layups to keep the hosts at arm's length. Seven of the nine Cardinal who saw action hit at least half his field goal attempts, led by Raynaud's 8-for-15 and Blakes' 7-for-13. Stanford finished 52.6 percent as a team. Both were deadly from the 3-point line as well, with Raynaud going 4-for-6 and Blakes 2-for-4. With Sellers adding 3-for-6, the Cardinal made 11 of their 23 attempts (47.8 percent) from beyond the arc. Raynaud also found time for five blocks, while Agarwal and Aidan Cammann shared Stanford rebound honors with seven. Blakes complemented his 20 points with a team-high six assists and two blocks. The Cardinal registered 19 assists on 30 baskets, while Cal had just five on its 30 hoops. Agarwal and Okpara each also scored in double figures with 11 points. Facing his old team for the first time after transferring to Cal over the summer, Stojakovic shot 11-for-25. The Golden Bears finished at 42.3 percent overall and 38.1 percent (8 of 21) on 3-pointers. Ola-Joseph and Sissoko, who had 11 points, were the game's leading rebounders with eight apiece. -Field Level MediaThe news of Quique Setien being appointed as the new manager of Chinese Super League club Guoan FC has sent shockwaves through the football world. Setien, who previously managed FC Barcelona, is known for his tactical acumen and adherence to possession-based football. However, his tenure at Barcelona was marred by internal strife and clashes with key players, most notably defender Gerard Pique.

After an intensive search operation conducted by the police, the young woman was discovered in a remote location outside the city. She was reported to be physically unharmed but visibly shaken by the ordeal. Details surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, with authorities indicating that they are withholding information in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Title: Foreign Media Discussed the Issue of LeBron James' Playing Time!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a playground for iconic superheroes and thrilling storylines that have captivated audiences worldwide. With the recent news of Chris Evans returning as Captain America in Avengers 5 and reuniting with his longtime co-star Robert Downey Jr., fans are buzzing with excitement and anticipation.The consequences of infighting among anti-government forces can be devastating for the overall resistance movement and the civilian populations caught in the crossfire. Diverting resources and manpower towards internal conflicts weakens the ability of rebel forces to mount effective resistance against government forces, prolonging the conflict and increasing the suffering of innocent civilians.

Furthermore, Waterdrop Credit recommended that the man take additional precautions to safeguard his personal information and prevent further misuse. This includes regularly monitoring his credit reports for any suspicious activity, using strong and unique passwords for financial accounts, and being cautious about sharing personal information online or over the phone.

The ceremony commenced with an opening address by Mr. Zhang Wei, CEO of the China Barter Trading Service Platform. In his speech, Mr. Zhang highlighted the importance of barter trade as a time-honored method of commerce that has long been practiced in China. He emphasized the platform's mission to modernize and streamline the barter trading process, making it more efficient and accessible to a wider range of businesses.

Haitians massacred for practicing voodoo were abducted, hacked to death: UNtadhana slots 。

China to help Pakistan in blue economy: PM“Wanted” posters with the names and faces of health care executives have been popping up on the streets of New York. Hit lists with images of bullets are circulating online with warnings that industry leaders should be afraid. The apparent targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the menacing threats that followed have sent a shudder through corporate America and the health care industry in particular, leading to increased security for executives and some workers. In the week since the brazen shooting , health insurers have removed information about their top executives from company websites, canceled in-person meetings with shareholders and advised all employees to work from home temporarily. An internal New York Police Department bulletin warned this week that the online vitriol that followed the shooting could signal an immediate “elevated threat.” Police fear that the Dec. 4 shooting could "inspire a variety of extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence," according to the bulletin, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “Wanted” posters pasted to parking meters and construction site fences in Manhattan included photos of health care executives and the words “Deny, defend, depose” — similar to a phrase scrawled on bullets found near Thompson’s body and echoing those used by insurance industry critics . Thompson's wife, Paulette, told NBC News last week that he told her some people had been threatening him and suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Investigators believe the shooting suspect, Luigi Mangione , may have been motivated by hostility toward health insurers. They are studying his writings about a previous back injury, and his disdain for corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Mangione’s lawyer has cautioned against prejudging the case. Mangione, 26, has remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday . Manhattan prosecutors are working to bring him to New York to face a murder charge. UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said this week it was working with law enforcement to ensure a safe work environment and to reinforce security guidelines and building access policies, a spokesperson said. The company has taken down photos, names and biographies for its top executives from its websites, a spokesperson said. Other organizations, including CVS, the parent company for insurance giant Aetna, have taken similar actions. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. has announced that its investor day will be held online, rather than in-person as originally planned. Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm, said last week it was temporarily closing its six offices for security reasons and would have its employees work from home. Heightened security measures likely will make health care companies and their leaders more inaccessible to their policyholders, said former Cigna executive Wendell Potter. “And understandably so, with this act of violence. There’s no assurance that this won’t happen again,” said Potter, who’s now an advocate for health care reform. Private security firms and consultants have been in high demand, fielding calls almost immediately after the shooting from companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing and finance. Companies have long faced security risks and grappled with how far to take precautions for high-profile executives. But these recent threats sparked by Thompson's killing should not be ignored, said Dave Komendat, a former security chief for Boeing who now heads his own risk-management company. “The tone and tenor is different. The social reaction to this tragedy is different. And so I think that people need to take this seriously,” Komendat said. Just over a quarter of the companies in the Fortune 500 reported spending money to protect their CEOs and top executives. Of those, the median payment for personal security doubled over the last three years to just under $100,000. Hours after the shooting, Komendat was on a call with dozens of chief security officers from big corporations, and there have been many similar meetings since, hosted by security groups or law enforcement agencies assessing the threats, he said. “It just takes one person who is motivated by a poster — who may have experienced something in their life through one of these companies that was harmful," Komendat said. Associated Press reporters Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco, contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

United Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Ritholtz Wealth Management’s Josh Brown created a new index that tracks the most popular stocks in some of the hottest themes of the market . What To Know: Last Tuesday on " The Compound & Friends " podcast, Brown set the stage for unveiling the “Degen Dow.” “I think that if we were to make a list of the biggest themes of 2024, one of those themes would have been degeneracy,” Brown said. It’s tough to say precisely how the word “degen” came to be, but some believe it originates from the term “degenerate gambler” in sports betting and gambling culture, according to The Wall Street Journal. It’s also used by crypto traders and meme-stock traders who often make risky short-term bets based on momentum and steer clear of traditional ways of assessing investments. Brown put together a list of the top stocks used as trading vehicles by “degen” traders using platforms such as Robinhood, Stocktwits and Reddit’s WallStreetBets . The list includes high beta Bitcoin BTC/USD -related names, gaming and gambling companies, AI names, space theme plays, Cathie Wood favorites and president-elect Donald Trump -related stocks. “All the major degen food groups are represented,” Brown said. Here’s a look at all of the stocks that made it into the “Degen Dow.” Archer Aviation Inc ACHR AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc AMC Applovin Corp APP Coinbase Global Inc COIN Carvana Co CVNA Trump Media & Technology Group Corp DJT DraftKings Inc DKNG Flutter Entertainment Plc FLUT Geo Group Inc GEO GameStop Corp GME Hims & Hers Health, Inc HIMS Robinhood Markets, Inc HOOD Lucid Group, Inc LCID MARA Holdings, Inc MARA MicroStrategy Inc MSTR NVIDIA Corp NVDA PagerDuty, Inc PD Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR Roblox Corp RBLX Reddit, Inc RDDT Riot Platforms, Inc RIOT Rivian Automotive, Inc RIVN Rocket Lab USA, Inc RKLB Rumble Inc RUM Super Micro Computer Inc SMCI SoFi Technologies, Inc SOFI SoundHound AI, Inc SOUN Tesla, Inc TSLA Unity Software Inc U Vistra Corp VST Why It Matters: Brown equal-weighted the basket of stocks in the index to track performance. The index actually declined more than 80% from the highs in late 2021, but it has formed a base and appears to be breaking out to the upside with gains of nearly 50% since the start of the year. “Look how it’s like turning up ... this thing is ripping into year-end,” Brown said, to which his co-host Michael Batnick replied, “I want to get long.” Brown noted Nvidia and Reddit are the only two names on the list he currently owns. Read Next: GameStop Q3 Earnings: Revenue Miss, $4B+ Cash, No More Offerings Planned In Fiscal Year Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- Tivic Health® Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVC), a health tech company developing and commercializing bioelectronic medicine, today released its annual CEO letter to shareholders. Dear Fellow Shareholders: As we conclude 2024 and look forward to 2025, I’d like to take this opportunity to recap some of the important developments this year and share some of our expectations for 2025. Improvements in Commercial Business: Tivic’s Future is in Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) While we continue to improve the performance of our commercial business, some of the most important news this year pertains to our focused entry into Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). VNS has been steadily emerging as a transformative technology in medicine, mostly based on surgically implanted simulators. Polaris Research forecasts that the VNS market will be worth $21B in the next five years, growing at a CAGR of 10.6%. Implanted stimulators have been approved for—or are nearing approval for—treatment of depression, epilepsy, chronic stroke rehabilitation and rheumatoid arthritis in the US and additional conditions overseas. The companies behind these devices are driving both practitioner awareness and adoption and reimbursement pathways. Our strategy is to build on this momentum, focusing on achieving the same or better results using non-invasive stimulation approaches. Our non-invasive cervical approach to VNS (ncVNS) offers a less capital-intensive pathway to market while generating similar biological and clinically meaningful effects. In fact, our non-invasive VNS system has shown best-in-industry effects on outcomes like heart rate variability and achieved “comparable-to” or “better-than” results when compared to invasive implants. In May 2024, we completed a pilot study with Feinstein Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine and demonstrated that our ncVNS approach was able to drive clinically meaningful changes in brain, cardiac, and nervous system activity, consistent with vagus nerve engagement. We are now underway with our second collaborative study that is designed to further optimize ncVNS parameters and their impact on vagus nerve activation. This includes electrode positioning, frequency, and amplitude of stimulation. Results thus far have been positive, increasing confidence as we plan to move into clinical trials with the target populations of medical interest in 2025. These investments to tune the device specifications have both yielded meaningful improvements in efficacy markers and created new intellectual property (IP) that we are protecting on a global scale. The study has been fully enrolled and data from the study will be announced following study completion next year. In parallel with our clinical work, we have worked with seasoned advisors to aggressively evaluate the VNS landscape. This in-depth analysis has involved both primary and secondary research and uncovered targeted opportunities for our ncVNS approach exceeding $30B in annual market opportunity. Today, Tivic has a robust U.S. and international IP portfolio that includes a total of 16 issued patents and 10 pending patents spanning the U.S., Europe, India and China. We expect to continue to grow this base, for broad international protection of our innovations. We are confident that our investment in research and development, combined with a deep understanding of the regulatory processes, commercial drivers and medical needs, will serve us well as we transform Tivic to drive greater degrees of success. Equally as important, we are seeing positive trends in the industry as a whole. Industry awareness of VNS and the accompanying insurance coverage continues to improve. We expect that patient demand for these drug-free therapeutics, supported by appropriate financial access, will accelerate as information about VNS makes its way into mainstream media. VNS and bioelectronic medicine more broadly are expected to play a growing role in the future of healthcare. Looking back at 2024: Company Priorities for 2025 Looking at both the improvements in the base business and the advances we made with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), we have a lot to be proud of in 2024. I am even more pleased we accomplished all of this while slashing our net operating loss by more than 30%. As we look to 2025, We anticipate that the advancement of our clinical programs for ncVNS will be key to increasing long-term shareholder value. In addition, the board and I continue to evaluate a range of options to maximize shareholder returns, including taking the necessary steps to ensure we regain Nasdaq listing compliance. I would like to recognize the exceptional efforts of the lean and dedicated Tivic Health team. I thank them for their relentless drive and hard work. Together, with our investors, collaborators, and supporters, we are striving to build a company that can transform the future of medicine and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of people around the world. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all of you in 2025. Sincerely, Jennifer Ernst Chief Executive Officer About Tivic Health Tivic Health is a commercial health tech company advancing the field of bioelectronic medicine. Tivic Health’s technology platforms leverage stimulation of the trigeminal, sympathetic, and vagus nerve structures. Tivic Health’s non-invasive and targeted approach to the treatment of inflammatory chronic health conditions gives consumers and providers drug-free therapeutic solutions with high safety profiles, low risk, and broad applications. Tivic Health’s first commercial product ClearUP TM is an FDA approved, award-winning, handheld bioelectronic sinus device. ClearUP TM is clinically proven, doctor-recommended, and is available through online retailers and commercial distributors. For more information visit http://tivichealth.com @TivicHealth Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Tivic Health Systems, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumption that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties relevant to the company, and other important factors, see Tivic Health’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024, under the heading “Risk Factors”; as well as the company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and Tivic Health Systems, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223565460/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact: Hanover International, Inc. ir@tivichealth.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH MEDICAL DEVICES BIOMETRICS NEUROLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CLINICAL TRIALS BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Tivic Health Systems, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 04:54 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 04:54 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223565460/en

How Labor lost the argument over nuclear powerChiefs top Panthers in Mahomes-led 30-27 road win

TikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US banThe 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. 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. 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.” Russell Hedrick, a North Carolina farmer, flies drones to spray fertilizers on his corn, bean and wheat fields at a fraction of what it would cost him to use a conventional ground spreader. A drone spreader costs $35,000, while a ground sprayer would cost $250,000, he said. As a volunteer rescuer, Hedrick uses thermal drones to search for people trapped by mudslides and cargo drones to send water and baby formula to those who are stranded — something he did after Hurricane Helene. “I am not going to say I won’t love to have U.S. drones, but I don’t see the American drones as anywhere close to the DJI drones in terms of reliability, ease of use, and just the user-friendly software,” Hedrick said. “The U.S. drones are not as good as DJI ones but cost twice as much.” 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.

German authorities say the AfD is far-right extremist and endangers German democracy. According to the US tech billionaire said such ideas about Germany's AfD are "clearly false." Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday restated his backing for Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD ), calling the party the "last spark of hope" for the country, in an op-ed published by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. His remarks triggered anger among German politicians, with the country seven weeks away from a snap federal election . Shortly after the piece went online, the editor of the opinion section, Eva Marie Kogel, wrote on X that she had submitted her resignation, with a link to the commentary. What did Elon Musk say? Musk used his commentary to expand on his post on X last week claiming that "only [the] AfD can save Germany." In the editorial, he said the far-right party was the "last spark of hope" for the country. "The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel , the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!" Musk said in the piece. Calls for EU to sanction Elon Musk for 'interference' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In 2021, Germany's domestic intelligence agency classified the AfD at the national level as a suspected extremist organization. Musk went on to claim that the AfD adopts strong positions on issues relating to economic recovery, energy supply and migration control. "The AfD, even though it is described as far-right, represents a political realism that resonates with many Germans who feel that their concerns are ignored by the establishment. It addresses the problems of the moment — without the political correctness that often obscures the truth," the tech billionaire continued. Musk also said the AfD was "committed to a controlled immigration policy that gives priority to integration and the preservation of German culture and security. This is not about xenophobia, but about ensuring that Germany does not lose its identity in the pursuit of globalization." Welt am Sonntag reporters shoot back at Musk op-ed The future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, contradicted the billionaire's statements in his own op-ed, posted next to Musk's. Burgard said: "Musk's diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong." Other Welt journalists also posted their disapproval publicly on X. German far-right AfD rallies after Christmas market attack To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Musk's comments seen as timed for snap election Musk's backing of the AfD has sent shockwaves through Berlin, with some lawmakers this week accusing the SpaceX chief of interfering in German politics . On Saturday, former health minister and a lawmaker for the center-right CDU party, Jens Spahn, wrote on X: "Elon Musk says, look beyond the labels of the AfD. Now, let's do it then: The AfD wants to leave NATO, reactivate Nord Stream 2, and is anti-US, pro-Putin and pro-Russia. Is that what the USA wants? A Germany that turns towards Russia and away from the USA? The AfD wants to leave the Eurozone , our by far largest trading partner. We conduct ~40% of our trade within Eurozone. Without the Euro and the EU, the German economy would completely collapse." Spahn said the AfD had also been against the construction of the Tesla factory in Grünheide. Break-up of ruling coalition triggers early elections Germany is set for a snap election on February 23 after the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed last month. The three parties in the coalition had disagreed for more than a year on major policy issues, including the 2025 budget. The AfD is now running second in opinion polls with around 19% support, behind the conservative CDU/CSU alliance with more than 30%. However, Germany's mainstream parties have all ruled out working with AfD at the national level. mm/dj (AFP, DPA)