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Mike Brown had the Sacramento Kings in his corner for a brief but memorable moment. After guiding the team to its first playoff appearance in 17 years and winning NBA Coach of the Year honors, he appeared set to lead them into a bright future. That’s why the Kings’ sudden decision to part ways with Brown just 31 games into his contract extension shocked many. The Kings, under ownership led by Vivek Ranadive, have had a turbulent history with head coaches, cycling through four in the first four years of his tenure. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line , despite Brown’s success last season, internal rumblings about his future had been brewing for months. Fischer suggests that ownership had started to lose confidence in Brown even after giving him an extension with a significant pay raise. Brown’s firing comes after a disappointing start to this season, with the Kings sitting at 13-18 (before a loss to the Lakers on Sunday). A major factor in the decision appears to be the team’s struggles to find consistency despite the strong performances from De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis . Fischer also notes that internal disagreements regarding player roles — particularly the addition of DeMar DeRozan and how he fit alongside the rest of the roster — could have contributed to the decision. With Doug Christie now stepping in as interim coach, Sacramento’s future remains uncertain. Fischer believes the Kings aren’t done making moves, with the team still actively looking to make trades ahead of the deadline. But one thing is clear: the Kings’ coaching carousel continues, with no end in sight. More NBA | Kings vow to turn around season after Brown dismissal This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.
'My home runs on the power of a lightbulb'
While the controversy surrounding the three key positions in the FIFA Best XI has divided opinions, one team that is certainly pleased with the selection is Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have a rich history of success in football and are known for producing top-quality players. Despite not having as many players in the Best XI as Manchester City, Real Madrid's fans and supporters have taken the announcement in stride, with some even expressing a sense of amusement at the situation. The club's stellar track record and continued focus on excellence have solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the world of football.
Able View Global Inc. (NASDAQ:ABLV) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest
One of the key priorities for the central government in 2025 is to curb speculative activities that drive up housing prices and create market distortions. By implementing stricter regulations and enforcement measures, the government aims to discourage speculation and promote a more balanced and sustainable housing market. This approach is crucial for preventing asset bubbles and maintaining financial stability in the real estate sector.In contrast, Inter Milan may find themselves in a challenging position if they underestimate the threat posed by SS Lazio. The pressure to defend their Serie A title while also making a mark in the Champions League can be a daunting task, particularly with strong opponents like Lazio standing in their way.
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.”
'Fox & Friends' co-hosts discuss Harris County DA Kim OGG's call for the death penalty for the migrants accused of murdering 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray and the incoming administration's plan to crack down on the border. Washington, D.C.-area restaurants once again will not be free from politics as the Trump team prepares to settle into the nation's capital for a second term. Food workers inside the Beltway are prepared to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration, but this is not the first time the administration and allies will have to deal with harassment while sitting down to dinner. In September 2018, Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas, and his wife were harassed at Fiola, an upscale Italian restaurant in Washington, D.C. Protesters confronted them over Cruz’s support for then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious confirmation hearings. Videos circulated online showing demonstrators shouting at the couple, chanting, "We believe survivors." Cruz and his wife eventually left the restaurant due to the altercation. WASHINGTON, D.C., POLITICAL BAR TAKES DOWN REPUBLICAN SYMBOL AFTER FIERCE BACKLASH Ted Cruz was heckled out of a Washington D.C. restaurant by a group of protesters opposing the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh in September 2018. (Smash Racism DC) This incident was part of a broader wave of confrontations involving Trump administration officials and allies over the summer that year. As such, in June 2018, then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen was confronted by protesters at MXDC Cocina Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant in Washington, D.C., over the Trump administration's family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border. Protesters chanted, "Shame!" and called her a "villain," forcing her to leave. Senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller, known for his role in shaping immigration policy, recounted an incident when he went to pick up an $80 sushi order from a restaurant near his apartment that same month. As he left, the bartender followed him outside, called out his name and, when Miller turned around, gave him a double middle finger. He threw away the sushi out of fear someone in the restaurant had tampered with the food, the New York Post reported at the time. DC FOOD WORKERS VOW TRUMP OFFICIALS WON'T FEEL WELCOMED WHEN DINING OUT IN NATION'S CAPITAL President-elect Donald Trump. (Peter Kramer/NBC via Getty Images) Also in June 2018, the owner of The Red Hen restaurant in Lexington, Virginia, asked then-White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders to leave, citing opposition to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies . Industry veterans, bartenders and servers in the nation's capital told the Washingtonian this week that resistance to the Republican figures in the progressive city was inevitable and a matter of conscience. BIDEN ADMIN SETS NEW TARGET TO TRIPLE US NUCLEAR CAPACITY FROM 2020 LEVELS Protesters march in reaction to the upset election of Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the race for President of the United States on Nov. 12, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) "You expect the masses to just ignore RFK eating at Le Diplomate on a Sunday morning after a few mimosas and not to throw a drink in his face?," said Zac Hoffman, a Washington, D.C., restaurant veteran who is now a manager at the National Democratic Club. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Not every liberal hospitality sector worker in the report planned to protest the incoming administration while doing their job, however. A bartender named Joseph said while he was disappointed by the election results, he was looking forward to higher tips with more Republicans in Washington. Fox News Digital's Kristine Parks contributed to this report. Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.The past few years have been among the toughest for businesses in living memory, but you would be hard-pressed to guess that based on the jubilant atmosphere at the 2024 Smart50 Awards . The event, which counts down 50 of the fastest-growing Australian small and medium businesses, is always a high point on the calendar. And it really kicked things up a notch this year, thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors: Optus Business , the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Asana , and Lightspeed Commerce . Of course, these awards wouldn’t exist at all without the small business owners themselves, whose unrelenting adaptability and drive are a constant inspiration. Indeed, as SmartCompany ’s editor-in-chief Simon Crerar noted in his welcome speech, the extraordinary “hustle and smarts” of Aussie SMEs are making the awards harder to judge every year. So, without further ado, let’s look back at a fun-filled evening where Australia’s best and brightest SMEs were dressed to impress and ready to celebrate. A new venue provides an elevated experience This year’s Smart50 Awards were held at Metropolis Events in Southbank—a swanky venue that boasts spectacular panoramic views of the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station. Passing the big, strapping bouncers in their smart black suits and riding the escalator up to the entrance even felt a bit like trotting the red carpet at the Logies. As the guests started to arrive, waiters circled with tasty canapés, and the sense of slightly nervous anticipation was diffused with a drink (or two). Meanwhile, one of the evening’s first surprises was DJ-slash-saxophonist Tom Bunnett, who set an upbeat, almost electric vibe with his mix of funky dance beats layered with smooth, soulful saxophone riffs. Even Melbourne’s notoriously fickle climate seemed enthusiastic about the Smart50 this year, putting on a show of bright sunshine that made the city sparkle through the 9-metre-high windows. Such beautiful weather was slightly at odds with the current business landscape, however. As Crerar observed, the latest ACCI numbers paint a grim picture , revealing a record high of 1,245 insolvency appointments in the July quarter. This is a 44% bump from the mid-2023 figures, and a staggering 122% increase on 2022. Then again, maybe the weather was appropriate after all, since the morning had been grey and gloomy before the clouds parted. And, with the drinks flowing and interest rate cuts in sight, attendees clearly felt they had reason to celebrate. Not only surviving, but thriving Perhaps that’s the biggest takeaway of the night – and business leaders seem fired up for 2025. This is a testament to what the evening’s MC, SmartCompany ’s senior technology journalist, Tegan Jones described as the “scrappy” nature of Aussie entrepreneurs. And it’s a quality that our nation’s economy depends on. As Crerar pointed out in his speech and follow-up article , an overwhelming majority (99.8%) of the 2.6 million businesses in Australia have under 200 staff. Yet they employ more than 75% of all our workers and generate more than 50% of our GDP. Despite these very challenging times, those who attended the awards last Thursday are not only surviving but thriving. In fact, as a group, they made nearly a billion dollars in sales in the last financial year. “This year, those making the Top 50 list made a total of $912 million in revenue in FY24 alone, up from $495 million last year,” Crerar told the room. “This growth points to green shoots of recovery after what we know have been a very turbulent few years,” he added. A real sense of community The incredible resilience and creativity of Aussie SMEs was on full display throughout the countdown and category award presentations . And, once again, the sense of optimism in the room was palpable and infectiously uplifting. By now, you probably know Pay.com.au was the evening’s main prize-winner, having achieved a remarkable 385% growth over the past three financial years. But a few other businesses deserve an honourable mention: There were a lot of laughs when Paire co-founders Nathan Yun and Rex Zhang each took an opportunity during their acceptance speeches to spruik their Black Friday sale. And a sweet exchange when they riffed with The Laundry Lady CEO and founder Susan Toft about their respective appearances on Shark Tank . This moment really highlighted the sense of community that exists among Aussie SMEs. Meanwhile, Yun’s unprompted shoutout to Optus Business and SmartCompany underscored the important role of the organisations whose success is tied up in theirs. After some more mingling, networking and photo ops, the evening was drawing to a close. And thanks to the unwavering support from Optus Business, ASBFEO, Asana, and Lightspeed Commerce, guests left not only with swag bags full of local artisan treats, but also with a renewed sense of possibility for what’s next.
Donald Trump Jr. says he and ex Kimberly Guilfoyle share ‘special bond’: We ‘will never stop caring for each other’
A senior North Korean general has been wounded in Russia’s Kursk region, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Western officials. More than 10,000 North Korean troops are supporting Russian forces in Kursk. Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping to recover the swath of the Kursk region that Ukraine seized in August before President Donald Trump takes office early next year. The United States this week gave Ukraine the green light to use its long-range ATACMS missiles to strike Russian assets in Kursk and said North Korean troops would be fair game. It is unclear how the North Korean general was wounded, the WSJ reported . The United States has sanctioned Gazprombank, Russia’s third-largest lender, and dozens of other financial institutions as President Joe Biden seeks to further curtail the Kremlin’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine before he leaves office in two months. Gazprombank, which plays an important role in facilitating Russian energy exports, was the only remaining large Russian lender not under U.S. sanctions. Washington and Brussels had avoided sanctioning Gazprombank amid concern over possible energy export interruptions. Along with Gazprombank, the United States also announced sanctions on more than 50 other Russian banks conducting international operations, more than 40 Russian securities registrars and 15 Russian finance officials. The United States also warned financial institutions against joining Russia’s version of the international messaging system for banks known as SWIFT. Russia is seeking to attract international banks to its messaging platform to get around U.S. financial sanctions. “Today’s action reaffirms the U.S. commitment to curtail Russia’s ability to use the international financial system to conduct its war against Ukraine and disrupts Russia’s attempts to make cross-border payments for dual-use goods and military materiel,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a November 21 statement. Ukraine backers had been calling on the Biden administration for months to tighten sanctions on Russia’s banking sector, saying the Kremlin was finding ways around existing sanctions to pay for technology imports and other dual-use items. In addition to facilitating energy payments, Gazprombank had been acting as a conduit for the purchase of military goods. The Kremlin also uses Gazprombank to pay Russian soldiers and compensate families for war deaths. “I am grateful to @POTUS and his administration for today’s strong package of financial and banking sanctions targeting Russia’s economy and war chest,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a tweet . Eddie Fishman, a former State Department official and sanctions expert, called the latest announcement a “strong step” toward closing loopholes around Russia’s energy sector, which generates about half of federal budget revenues. Biden will leave office on January 20 to make way for President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to end the war in Ukraine by getting Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down at the negotiating table, something that experts say will be harder done than said. The financial sanctions come at a critical time for Russia’s economy as Putin’s record spending on the war effort drives up inflation and interest rates. The Russian Central Bank last month raised interest rates to 21 percent, the highest in decades, and could continue to ratchet them up with no end in sight to the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin said his military fired a new intermediate-range missile into Ukraine following accusations by Kyiv that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). In a November 21 video statement to the nation, Putin said the use of the new weapon was a response to the United States and the United Kingdom giving permission to Kyiv to fire their long-range missiles into Russia. "In combat conditions, one of the newest Russian medium-range missile systems was tested," Putin said, adding that it was a hypersonic, ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Earlier in the day, Kyiv accused Russia of striking Ukraine with what it said appeared to be an ICBM. The new weapon was part of a larger missile attack on Dnipropetrovsk, home to important military-industrial plants. ICBMs, which are designed to deliver long-distance nuclear strikes, have never been used in war before. "On the morning of November 21, 2024...Russian troops attacked the city of Dnipro (facilities and critical infrastructure) with missiles of various types. In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation," the Ukrainian Air Force said in its statement on Telegram. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram later that the new Russian weapon had "all characteristics -- speed, altitude -- [of an] intercontinental ballistic missile." Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Russia struck Ukraine with an "experimental" intermediate-range ballistic missile that was based on its RS-26 Rubezh ICBM. She said Russia had informed the United States it would be launching the experimental missile shortly beforehand through "nuclear risk reduction channels." She said the new weapon had a smaller warhead that some other missiles Russia has launched into Ukraine. A U.S. official who asked not to be identified told media that Putin was seeking to intimidate Ukraine but added that Moscow only had a few of the "experimental" missiles. The Russian attack comes just days after reports that Ukraine used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles and U.S.-made ATACMS systems to strike military targets deeper inside Russia following the long-sought approval by President Joe Biden. The RS-26 Rubezh is a solid-fueled, road-mobile ICBM currently in development that has been tested with heavier payloads at intermediate ranges. Military analysts said ICBM missiles can be classified as intermediate-range weapons when their payloads are increased and ranges decreased. The main target of the Russian attack was the southeastern region of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine's most important industrial region, and its capital, the city of Dnipro. Ukraine's air force said that besides the ICBM, Russian aircraft also launched a hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile and seven subsonic Kh-101 cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defenses shot down six Kh-101 missiles, the air force reported. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said his region bore the brunt of the Russian attack. "Since early in the morning, the aggressor massively attacked our region," Lysak reported on Telegram, adding that preliminary information showed that an industrial facility was damaged in the regional capital, Dnipro, where two fires were started by the attack. Explosions were also reported in Kremenchuk, in the central Poltava region. Moscow's use of a large number of sophisticated missiles as opposed to the usual drone attacks appears to be in response to Ukraine's gaining approval to use some Western-donated long-range missile systems to strike deeper into Russia. On November 20, Russian military bloggers and a source cited by Reuters reported that Ukraine had fired up to 12 Franco-British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia's Kursk region, part of which has been under Ukrainian control following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian troops in August. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to confirm whether the missiles had been used. Previously, London had given permission to use the Storm Shadows, which have a 250-kilometer range, within Ukraine's territory. Earlier this week, Ukraine reportedly used ATACMS to strike a military facility in Russia's Bryansk region after Biden was reported as giving his OK. The White House has not officially confirmed the approval and Ukraine hasn't directly acknowledged the use of ATACMS on Russian targets. Russia has long warned that Ukraine's use Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike inside its territory would mark a serious escalation of the conflict. On November 21, Moscow said a new U.S. missile defence base in the Polish town of Redzikowo near the Baltic coast, which was opened on November 13 as part of a broader NATO missile shield, will lead to an increase in the overall level of nuclear danger. "This is another frankly provocative step in a series of deeply destabilising actions by the Americans and their allies in the North Atlantic alliance in the strategic sphere," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "This leads to undermining strategic stability, increasing strategic risks and, as a result, to an increase in the overall level of nuclear danger," Zakharova said. Poland rejected the claim, saying there were no nuclear missiles at the base. "It is a base that serves the purpose of defense, not attack," Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski said on November 21. At least 38 people were killed and more than 40 wounded after gunmen opened fire on a convoy of cars carrying Shi'ite Muslims in northwest Pakistan as religious tension in the region rises. Three women and a child were among those killed in the November 21 attack, police told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. The convoy of 200 cars was heading from Peshawar to Parachinar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province near the border with Afghanistan when the unknown gunmen attacked. No one has taken responsibility for the attack, the latest in a series of deadly confrontations in the Kurram region. Police, who were escorting the cars, said the death toll could climb. There were about 700 people in the convoy, according to law enforcement. Tension in Kurram began to heat up after 17 people were killed in an attack on a convoy on October 12. There have been about a handful of deadly attacks since then. Sunnis and Shi'a live together in Kurram and have clashed violently over land, forests, and other property as well as religion over the years, despite government and law enforcement efforts to build peace. Influential Ukrainian tycoon Dmytro Firtash is among eight people targeted by fresh British sanctions that accuse the group, which includes his wife, Lada, of large-scale, international corruption. Angolan-Russian billionaire Isabel dos Santos and Latvian politician and businessman Aivars Lembergs are also among those hit by the new sanctions announced on November 21. The British government accuses Firtash of bribing officials to secure mining licenses for his companies and profiting illegally from Ukraine's gas-transportation system. Firtash is also linked to financier Denys Horbunenko, a resident of the United Kingdom who was added to the sanctions list on November 21 for his association with Firtash. Firtash has faced legal scrutiny in Ukraine over embezzlement and money-laundering accusations involving fraudulent gas-trading schemes. The United States has been seeking his extradition from Austria on charges of bribing Indian officials. Firtash, who gained prominence in the 2000s through his joint venture RosUkrEnergo with Russian energy giant Gazprom, has denied allegations of working in Russia's interests. Dos Santos, daughter of former Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, is Africa's first female billionaire. She is accused of corruption in Angola, where she allegedly exploited her political connections for personal gain. Dos Santos claims she has held Russian citizenship since birth, as she was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 1973 under the former Soviet Union. Lembergs, a former populist mayor of the Latvian city of Ventspils, has been convicted in Latvia of corruption and sentenced to five years in prison. He claims the charges against him are politically motivated. The sanctions are part of a British efforts to combat international corruption and disrupt the financial networks of individuals accused of abusing their power for personal enrichment. The measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restricting these individuals from accessing the U.K.'s financial system or entering the country. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Muhammad Deif, a military commander in the Iran-backed group Hamas, alleging they committed crimes against humanity in the ongoing Gaza war. All three are accused of committing war crimes connected to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, an EU- and U.S-designated terrorist organization that is part of Tehran's network of proxies in the Middle East, and Israel's subsequent military intervention in the Gaza Strip. Iran's backing of Hamas and Hezbollah, another Iran-supported militant group and political party that controls much of the southern part of Israel's neighbor, Lebanon, has sparked fears that the war in the Gaza Strip will engulf the Middle East. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollah’s political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament. The court said the warrants had been classified as "secret" to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of the investigations. Israel, which claims it killed Deif in July, blasted the move as "a dark moment for the ICC." Hamas, which has never officially acknowledged Deif's death, called the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant an "important step toward justice." The ICC said it had issued the arrest warrant for Deif as the prosecutor had not been able to determine whether he was dead. His warrant shows charges of mass killings during the October 7 attack on Israel that left some 1,200 dead, as well as charges of rape and the taking of around 240 hostages in the attack. "The Chamber considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both [Israeli] individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity, from at least 8 October 2023 to 20 May 2024," the ICC said in a statement . "This finding is based on the role of Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant in impeding humanitarian aid in violation of international humanitarian law and their failure to facilitate relief by all means at its disposal," it said. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called the move against Netanyahu and Gallant "absurd" in a post on X, saying it was an attack of Israel's right to self-defense. "A dark moment for the ICC in The Hague, in which it lost all legitimacy for its existence and activity," Sa'ar said. Tehran has yet to comment publicly on the warrants. Neither the United States nor Israel have recognized the ICC's jurisdiction. A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson said Washington "fundamentally rejects" the issuance of the arrest warrants and "the troubling process errors that led to this decision. Meanwhile, the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a post on X that ICC decisions "are binding on all states party to the Rome Statute, which includes all EU Member States." The court said Israel's acceptance of the court's jurisdiction was not required. However, the court itself has no law enforcement levers to enforce warrants and relies on cooperation from its member states. Russian police have conducted searches at the PERMM Museum of Contemporary Art in the city of Perm, as well as at the home of its current director, in connection with a case against former director Marat Gelman , REN-TV reported, citing anonymous sources. The PERMM Museum announced on social media that it would remain closed until 3 p.m. local time due to "technical reasons." Gelman, a well-known art dealer who currently lives in Montenegro, where he owns an art gallery, was placed on Russia’s federal wanted list in December 2022 under a criminal charge, though details of the accusation remain unclear. In an interview with Current Time, Gelman suggested that the charges might be in connection with him "discrediting" the Russian military, a common pretext used against critics of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Gelman has been a vocal member of the Anti-War Committee and a member of the Permanent Committee of the Free Russia Forum. He has repeatedly expressed his support for Ukraine and his opposition to Russia's war efforts. The raid in Perm is part of a broader pattern of increasing pressure on Gelman. In the past week, he was added to Russia's list of "terrorists and extremists," with a designation indicating an ongoing criminal case against him. Critics argue this move is part of a crackdown on anti-war activists and dissenting voices within and beyond Russia. The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad announced on November 21 that 11 people were arrested after being found responsible for the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Serbia's second-largest city. The huge canopy collapsed on November 1, killing 15 people and seriously injuring another two. The accident occurred after the railway station, built in 1964, had been renovated twice in recent years by a consortium of four companies -- China Railway International and China Communications Construction, France's Egis, and Hungary's Utiber. Among those arrested are former Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic, and the ex-director of Railway Infrastructure, Jelena Tanaskovic. They face charges of committing criminal acts against public security, endangering the public, and irregular construction work, the prosecutor said in a statement, adding that they faced up to 12 years in prison. The arrests came after public protests that turned violent demanded the punishment of those responsible amid accusations of corruption that resulted in substandard renovation work on the railway station. In a message on X, Vesic wrote that he had not been arrested, but had "voluntarily responded to the call of the police officers" and "made himself available to police authorities." Vesic, an official from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, resigned after the accident on November 4 but said he did not accept blame for the accident. Tomislav Momirovic, who headed the Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Ministry from 2020 to 2022, submitted his resignation as trade minister on November 20. The same day, Tanaskovic resigned as head of Serbian Railway Infrastructure. Opposition politicians have voiced scepticism about the arrests and demanded that the case be handed over to organized-crime prosecutors. The office of Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has issued a statement condemning the recent extradition from Vietnam to Belarus of Vasil Verameychyk, who fought on the Ukrainian side against invading Russian troops. Verameychyk, who moved to Vietnam after he was denied permission to settle in Lithuania because of he had previously served in the Belarusian Army, was detained in Vietnam earlier this year. Despite international appeals, Vietnamese authorities proceeded with his extradition in late October 2024. Tsikhanouskaya's office described the extradition as a direct consequence of the repressive policies of the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, highlighting the regime's efforts to target opponents beyond its borders. The statement emphasizes the urgent need for stronger international mechanisms to protect human rights, not only for Belarusians fleeing repression but also for those supporting Ukraine in its efforts to repel Russia's ongoing invasion. It calls on the international community to adopt individualized approaches when reviewing cases for international protection, end cooperation with the Belarusian security forces, and suspend bilateral agreements on extradition and legal assistance with Belarus. Additionally, the statement advises Belarusians abroad to remain vigilant against potential actions by Lukashenka's security services. It recommends consulting resources like Pashpart.org to identify countries deemed unsafe for Belarusians at risk of persecution. Russian mathematician and political prisoner Azat Miftakhov has been placed in solitary confinement for seven days. According to a support group for Miftakhov, the decision came after he reported feeling endangered by his current cellmate. In a letter shared by the group, Miftakhov explained that instead of being transferred to another cell, he was put in solitary confinement. It remains unclear whether Miftakhov will be returned to the same cell after completing his time in solitary. His support group says that his cellmate appears to be mentally ill. Miftakhov said that the man had undergone treatment while in pretrial detention but was nonetheless sentenced to more than 10 years in prison and is now being held in a general cell without access to medical care. Miftakhov is currently serving his sentence in a prison in Dimitrovgrad in the Ulyanovsk region. In March 2023, he was sentenced to four years in prison for "justifying terrorism." The charges stemmed from comments Miftakhov allegedly made while serving a previous sentence expressing support for Mikhail Zhlobitsky, who carried out a suicide bombing in 2018 at a Federal Security Service building in Arkhangelsk. Only Zhlobitsky was killed in the bombing. Before this, Miftakhov served five years and nine months on charges of hooliganism for allegedly participating in an attack on a Moscow office of the ruling United Russia party in 2018. He and his supporters have maintained his innocence, stating that he was tortured during the investigation and coerced into signing a confession, which he retracted. In 2019, the Russian human rights organization Memorial recognized Miftakhov as a political prisoner. Vietnam has extradited a Belarusian national who fought as a volunteer in Ukraine on Kyiv's side to Minsk, Belarusian media reported on November 20. The opposition-led Coordination Council said Vasyl Verameychyk, who is a member of the council, was turned over to Belarus on November 14. Verameychyk served in the Belarusian Army for seven years but participated in the 2020 anti-government protests. After the threat of arrest, he fled to Ukraine, where he joined the fighting against Russian forcesand was wounded in April 2022. Nasha Niva news reported Verameychyk moved to Vietnam after he was denied permission to settle in Lithuania because of his former Belarusian Army service. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Belarus Service, click here . European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson told RFE/RL in an interview that she is “optimistic” that Romania and Bulgaria will be fully integrated into the visa-free Schengen travel zone by the end of the year. “Romania and Bulgaria are ready, the Schengen area is ready, so I can’t see any obstacles,” she said. “It’s time to lift internal border controls now.” The interview, conducted on November 19, will be published in full on November 21. In March, both countries joined the Schengen area on a partial basis , allowing visa-free travel for those arriving and departing on flights and by boat to both countries, but not by road. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Romanian Service, click here . Serbian Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic on November 20 became the second government minister to resign following the collapse of a railway station overhang in Novi Sad that killed 15 people on November 1. He didn't mention the tragedy in his resignation statement. Goran Vesic, minister of construction, transport, and infrastructure, resigned on November 5, saying he was quitting for "moral" reasons, without admitting any guilt. Protests have been held in Novi Sad and Belgrade demanding those responsible for the collapse be held to account. The railway station was built in 1964 but recently underwent a renovation. Serbian Railways insisted that work didn’t include the concrete overhang, but some experts disputed that. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Balkan Service, click here . A Ukrainian court has sentenced prominent Russian actor Vladimir Mashkov in absentia to 10 years in prison, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Mashkov was found guilty of undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity and promoting war propaganda. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of Mashkov’s apartment in Odesa, reportedly gifted to him by fans for his role in the TV series Liquidation, which is set in post-war Odesa. The SBU highlighted Mashkov’s participation in pro-Kremlin events, including “concert rallies” advocating aggression against Ukraine, some of which took place in Russian-occupied territories. Mashkov was a trusted ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and served as a senior member of Putin’s election campaign team this year. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . The United States, Germany, and the Netherland -- three key Ukrainian allies -- on November 20 provided details of additional aid to Kyiv as it battles against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which passed the 1,000-day mark this week. The Dutch Defense Ministry said the Netherlands had turned over the final two of 18 promised U.S.-made F-16 fighter warplanes to a Romania training base, where Ukrainian pilots and staff are being taught to fly and maintain the jets. The Netherlands has been one of the main players in a coalition of Western partners to supply Ukraine with the sophisticated F-16s to strengthen its defenses against destructive Russian attacks on military and civilian sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the past hailed the delivery of the warplanes as he pressed allies to step up aid to his country’s stretched military. Separately, the U.S. Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package worth $275 million under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) program. It said the package will provide Ukraine with “additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including munitions for rocket systems and artillery and anti-tank weapons.” “The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to meet Ukraine's urgently needed battlefield requirements and defend against Russian aggression ,” it said. President Joe Biden is scrambling to provide Ukraine with assistance in the face of increased Russian military activity ahead of the return to the White House on January 20 of Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to the massive aid packages of the current administration. The U.S. statement said the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with $61.3 billion in security assistance, including $60.7 billion since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Germany government said it had sent a package of military aid to Ukraine, including armored vehicles, artillery, and drones. Four Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers and seven M109 howitzers were included, along with 41,000 rounds of 155-mm artillery shells. The German government noted that its military assistance is delivered in two different manners -- through federal government funds that are used to finance deliveries of military hardware from industry and, separately, from deliveries taken out of current armed forces stocks. Berlin is the second-largest foreign supplier of military aid to Ukraine since February 2022, behind only the United States. Germany in total has provided 28 billion euros ($29.5 billion) to Kyiv. Meanwhile, multiple media reports have stated the United States has given Ukraine permission to launch long-range ATACMS cruise missiles deeper inside Russia, while unconfirmed reports on November 20 said Kyiv had fired British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory for the first time. Kyiv, Washington, and London have not denied the reports but also have not officially confirmed them. Permission for such strikes had been denied in the past by Western allies amid fears of provoking a wider war. Following the ATACMS and Storm Shadow reports, Ukraine has criticized Germany for refusing to provide its down long-range weapons, the Taurus cruise missile. An Almaty court has found RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, known locally as Radio Azattyq , guilty of disseminating false information, and the court imposed a fine of 184,000 tenges ($371), it said on November 20. The case originated from a complaint filed on November 13 by Shymkent resident Alisher Turabaev. Turabaev alleged that a Kazakh-language video published on Radio Azattyq’s portal on September 13 falsely stated that a prosecutor had requested an eight-year prison sentence for journalist Daniyar Adilbekov on September 12. Turabaev pointed out that court proceedings did not reach this stage until October 16, making the prosecutor’s request impossible at the time. Radio Azattyq acknowledged the error was due to a translation mistake when adapting content from a Russian-language publication. The original Russian report stated that Adilbekov faced "up to eight years in prison" for charges of defamation based on a Telegram post. However, during translation into Kazakh, the phrase was inaccurately rendered as stating that the prosecutor had already "requested eight years." Radio Azattyq expressed readiness to correct the mistake. This marks the second time Radio Azattyq has been fined under Article 456-2 of Kazakhstan’s Administrative Offenses Code. In October 2023, Turabaev successfully filed another complaint against Radio Azattyq, alleging the phrase "Russian-led CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization)” on its Russian-language site was false information. The court fined Radio Azattyq 103,500 tenge ($220) in that case. Details of Turabaev's motives in filing the accusations are unknown. Some people have speculated that he has taken the action on the orders of the authorities. The Dissemination of False Information article was added to Kazakhstan’s Administrative Offenses Code in September 2023 and has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a tool to restrict freedom of speech. The law does not require proof of intent to spread falsehoods, nor does it provide opportunities for corrections or warnings. It also does not require the existence of a victim. Critics have likened the law to Russia’s legislation against "fake news," warning it is being used to silence journalists, activists, and bloggers. Radio Azattyq’s challenges extend beyond legal battles. On January 3, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry denied or refused to renew accreditation for 36 of its employees, citing violations of the Dissemination of False Information law. This dispute was later resolved through mediation. The growing use of Article 456-2 to penalize media and activists has raised concerns about press freedom and the shrinking space for dissent in Kazakhstan. Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, has pardoned an additional 32 political prisoners, according to reports from the pro-government Pul Pervogo Telegram channel, although an estimated 1,300 opposition activists remain behind bars in the country. The identities of those pardoned were not disclosed, but the report said they had all been convicted of extremism, a charge widely used against political activists. The report further identified the pardoned individuals as 24 men and eight women, with nine of them above the age of 50. The pardons released the individuals from serving their full sentences but did not remove their criminal records. Their behavior will continue to be monitored by the Interior Ministry after their release, the report said. This marks the sixth instance of political prisoner pardons in Belarus this year, bringing the total number of individuals set free to 178. Earlier this month , 31 political prisoners were pardoned. In July, the government pardoned 18 people, including Ryhor Kastusyou , the former leader of the opposition Belarusian Popular Front party who had been serving a 10-year sentence and is reportedly in poor health. Additional pardons followed in August (30 individuals), early September (30), and mid-September (37). In mid-November, prominent opposition figure Maryya Kalesnikava , who is serving an 11-year sentence on charges of conspiring to seize power, met with her father for the first time in 21 months. A month earlier, Lukashenka had suggested he might consider pardoning Kalesnikava if she submitted a formal request. However, it remains unclear whether she has accepted the offer. Kalesnikava has previously refused to request a pardon, maintaining her innocence and rejecting the legitimacy of the charges against her. The latest pardons come in the context of a harsh crackdown on dissent following the mass protests in Belarus in 2020, sparked by contested presidential election results. Lukashenka responded to the demonstrations with widespread repression, forcing at least 13,000 people into exile. According to human rights organizations, approximately 1,300 political prisoners remain in Belarusian jails, including politicians, journalists, human rights advocates, and civic activists. Belarus has scheduled its next presidential election for January 2025, with Lukashenka widely expected to be declared the winner. PRISTINA -- European soccer's governing body ordered Kosovo to forfeit its November 15 Nations League match in Bucharest that was abandoned after Kosovar players left the field complaining of "racist" abuse. UEFA on November 20 ruled Kosovo was responsible for the match not being completed. It fined the Kosovo soccer federation 6,000 euros ($6,300). The Romanian federation was also punished for the behavior of Romanian fans. It was ordered to play its first World Cup qualifying home game next year in an empty stadium and was fined 128,000 euros ($136,000) for a variety of offenses, including what UEFA called "the racist and/or discriminatory behavior” of its supporters and "provocative political messages not fit for a sports event." The federation was also fined for its supporters' throwing objects, lighting fireworks, and causing disturbances during national anthems, among other issues, UEFA said . Kosovo’s soccer federation said the fines against the Romanian federation was confirmation of the "validity" of the Kosovo national team's decision to abandon the match. "This decision fully justifies our actions, and we are proud that our national team correctly assessed the situation when it decided to leave the field in protest against these racist chants, provocative political messages, and other discriminatory behaviors," it said of the ruling, which officially meant a 3-0 victory for Romania. It added, however, that it disagreed with the decision that Kosovo should lose points in the league table, indicating it will appeal the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. DigiSport in Romania reported that the Romanian Soccer Federation will await further details from UEFA before deciding on its next actions. The GSP sports site, meanwhile, quoted Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu as welcoming the ruling granting his team the victory, but he said he was stunned by the fines. "Us? Fined? Such a large amount? It's absurd," he was quoted as saying. Kosovo national team manager Bajram Shala had said the decision to abandon the match was made by the Kosovar federation, coach Franco Foda, and the players after "racist calls" against their country. The captain of the Kosovo team, Amir Rrahmani, said Romanian fans chanted, "Serbia, Serbia," and "Kosovo is Serbia," and that he had informed Danish referee Morten Krogh "at least three times" that his team would leave the field. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has been recognized by more than 100 countries, but not Romania and other four EU states -- Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and Slovakia. After Kosovar players departed, the Romanian team remained on the pitch for about an hour before the referee decided to abandon the game after the Kosovo's team refused to return. DigiSport quoted Romanian team captain Nicolae Stanciu as expressing puzzlement that his team continues to play Kosovo, even though the Romanian state does not recognize its independence. "If we as a state do not recognize [Kosovo] and considering what happened in past matches, why do we continue to play against them?" The Danish Defense Command said it is "present" in the area near the Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3, which is anchored off the coast of Denmark and suspected of being involved in recent damage to fiber-optic communications cables in the Baltic Sea. Suspicions have been growing in Western capitals that damage to two key Baltic Sea cables was likely the result of deliberate actions. The Chinese ship, reportedly captained by a Russian naval officer, was sailing from the Russian port of Ust-Luga. It is suspected of having traveled over the area in the Baltic Sea where the cables connecting Sweden and Lithuania are located. European governments and Washington have not tied Moscow directly to the damage, but they have accused Russia of orchestrating "hybrid attacks" on Western infrastructure to punish European countries for their assistance and support for Ukraine's military as it tries to repel invading Russian forces. Some analysts say the ship may have damaged the cables when dragging its anchor. "The Danish Defense can confirm that we are present in the area near the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3. The Danish Defense currently has no further comments," the Danish Defense Command said in a post on X on November 20. Ukraine's allies pointed to past incidents of alleged sabotage by Moscow, especially following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has hit the 1,000-day mark this week amid devastating losses on both sides. Authorities in states bordering the Baltic Sea are investigating the cutting of the cables -- the second connects Finland to Germany -- following similar suspicious occurrences in the sea in recent years. A year ago, Finland said it couldn't exclude that a "state actor" was responsible for damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and a telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea. The pipeline was damaged by an anchor dropped from the deck of the Chinese container ship Newnew Polar Bear. The ship was not detained and sailed away. Moscow has said such allegations are being fabricated by the West to discredit Russia. Chinese officials have not commented on the situation surrounding the Yi Peng 3. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on November 20 that its officers had detained a German citizen on suspicion of involvement in a March explosion that damaged a gas pipeline at a distribution center in Kaliningrad, the capital of Russia's western exclave of the same name. According to the FSB, Nikolaj Gajduk was detained after investigators found 0.5 liters of an unspecified "explosive substance" in his car while he was entering Kaliningrad from Poland. The statement also said that Gajduk had planned to conduct "sabotage acts" at energy facilities in the region, adding that the plan had been "masterminded" by a Ukrainian citizen residing in Germany. Gajduk was charged with terrorism and smuggling explosive substances. The Agentstvo Telegram channel said that Gajduk is a 57-year-old native of Ukraine. German authorities are yet to comment on the situation. T o read the original report by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . Iranian authorities are using executions as "a tool of fear," particularly directed at ethnic minorities, dissidents, and foreign nationals, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on November 20. The rights watchdog highlighted a recent surge in capital punishment sentences against these groups, noting that the verdicts are handed down amid rampant violations of due process. According to Iran Human Rights group, in the first 10 months of this year, at least 651 people were executed in Iran -- 166 people in October alone. HRW noted the case of Kurdish political prisoner Varisheh Moradi, sentenced to death by Iran’s revolutionary court in Tehran on November 10 on the charge of “armed rebellion against the state." Moradi, a member of the Free Women’s Society of Eastern Kurdistan, was arrested in the city of Sanandaj in Kurdistan Province in August last year and kept for five months in solitary confinement in the infamous Evin prison where she was tortured. Her family has not been allowed to visit her since May, the group said. Moradi was not allowed to defend herself, and the judge did not permit her lawyers to present a defense, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported. “Iranian authorities use the death penalty as a tool of fear, particularly targeting ethnic minorities and political dissidents after unfair trials,” said HRW's Nahid Naghshbandi. “This brutal tactic aims to suppress any opposition to an autocratic government through intimidation,” she said. Five other Kurdish men were sentenced to death in recent weeks on charges of “espionage for Israel," HRW said. Four Arab prisoners from Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, are at risk of imminent execution, after being sentenced to death by a revolutionary court with two other individuals for their alleged involvement in the killings of two Basij members, a law enforcement officer, and a soldier. The four -- Ali Majdam, Moein Khonafri, Mohammadreza Moghadam, and Adnan Gheibshavi (Musavi) -- were arrested in 2017 and 2018, according to human rights groups. Afghan citizens in Iran have been targeted, in particular, by death sentences, HRW noted, adding that according to human rights groups, at least 49 Afghan nationals have been executed in Iran this year, 13 in the past month alone. “Iran’s revolutionary courts are a tool of systematic repression that violate citizens’ fundamental rights and hand out death sentences indiscriminately, leaving legal protections meaningless,” Naghshbandi said. “The international community should categorically condemn this alarming trend and pressure Iranian authorities to halt these executions,” she added. Mai Sato, the United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, has also voiced concern about the "alarming" increase in the number of executions. "In August 2024 alone, at least 93 people were executed, with nearly half in relation to drug offences," Sato said on November 1. At least 11 members of Pakistan's security forces were killed and at least four others were wounded in a car-bombing and shooting attack, the country's military said in a statement. The attack occurred late on November 19 in Bannu, a district in the restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, the statement said. Residents told RFE/RL that the sound of gunfire could be heard until late at night. A splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying that 23 members of the Pakistani security forces had been killed, a toll that could not be independently verified. The attack occurred as Pakistan's political and military leadership was meeting in Islamabad to discuss ways to tackle the current surge in militant violence. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, click here . TBILISI -- Hundreds of Georgian police have forced demonstrators for a second night in a row out of the area near Tbilisi State University where they were protesting the results of last month's parliamentary elections and calling for a repeat of the vote. Unlike the previous day , there were no clashes early on November 20 as protesters retreated from the advancing police forces and left the university area, moving to the nearby Melikishvili Avenue in downtown Tbilisi. The protest leaders then announced that they were temporarily suspending their action in order to come up with a new plan. "We have to somehow replan and think about something different, not the same as what we have been doing here," Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change movement, told the demonstrators. On November 19, Georgian police violently dispersed the days-long protest at the university, detaining at least 16 people and taking down the tents where demonstrators had taken shelter from the cold during the night. The Interior Ministry told RFE/RL that the 16 people detained were held for alleged disobedience to the lawful demands of the police and petty hooliganism. Three of them were released on their own recognizance. Tbilisi has been rocked by protests since the elections, with opposition leaders demanding a repeat of parliamentary elections amid claims of widespread fraud and Russian influence during the October 26 polls that were won by the Georgian Dream party, which has been in power since 2012. The latest protests broke out after Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) on November 16 validated the results of last month's disputed elections, despite accusations of widespread fraud and Russian interference. According to the official results, Georgian Dream won 53.93 percent of the vote against 37.79 percent garnered by an opposition alliance. The office of pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili -- who backs the protesters and has refused to recognize the October 26 vote -- said she filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court on November 19, "requesting annulment of the election results as unconstitutional,” although she acknowledged little hope of success. "This is not because I believe in the Constitutional Court -- we all know that no institution in this country is independent any longer and we have received evidence of this repeatedly. Georgia's pro-European opposition has boycotted the new parliament, renouncing its mandates from the October 26 vote, alleging widespread fraud and Russian interference. EU and other Western officials have expressed serious doubts about the elections and perceived irregularities. Georgia has been a candidate for EU membership since last year, but a "foreign influence" law and anti-LGBT measures have stalled that effort. On November 20, the EU Delegation to Georgia issued a statement voicing support for young people who are fighting to protect the country's European values . "Here in Georgia, youth is safeguarding their rights, freedoms and the country's EU future. We stand firmly by them and stress the need to respect their fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly," the EU Delegation said in a message on X on the occasion of "World Children's Day." The United States in July announced that it would pause more than $95 million in assistance to the Georgian government, warning it that it was backsliding on democracy. Dilmurod Ergashev, a Tajik opposition activist who was deported from Germany despite significant concerns about the risk of his detention and torture upon returning to Tajikistan, has been jailed for two months, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on November 20, calling on Berlin to press for his release. An administrative court in Germany ordered Ergashev's deportation on October 28. The 40-year-old is a prominent member of Group 24, an opposition movement that is banned in Tajikistan, and part of the Reforms and Development of Tajikistan movement established by exiled dissidents. His activism has included participating in demonstrations in Berlin, notably during a protest against Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's visit to Germany in September 2023. "Germany should urgently press Tajikistani authorities to release Ergashev or make clear the legal grounds and evidence justifying his detention and ensure that his due process rights are fully respected," HRW said in a statement . "This includes access to appropriate and quality medical care and ensuring that he is not mistreated. Ergashev was deported after a German court dismissed concerns, that he and human rights groups had raised, that he would be detained on arrival in Tajikistan," it said. Ergashev has been in Germany since February 2011 and first applied for asylum on political grounds that same year. Despite several applications, his asylum requests have been consistently rejected. According to his lawyer, German immigration authorities have expressed doubts about the sincerity of Ergashev's commitment to opposition causes. On November 6, The Insider investigative group reported that Ergashev had attempted to commit suicide before being deported from Germany to Tajikistan, citing self-exiled Tajik opposition activist Sharofiddin Gadoev. Germany has faced criticism for similar actions in the past. In 2023, two Tajik dissidents, Abdullohi Shamsiddin and Bilol Qurbonaliev, were deported to Tajikistan, where they were immediately detained and later sentenced to lengthy prison terms on dubious charges related to attempts to overthrow the constitutional order. Reports indicate that Shamsiddin has faced mistreatment while incarcerated. The Tajik government is known for its systematic persecution of opposition members, especially those affiliated with banned groups like Group 24. A recent report by HRW highlighted Tajikistan as a country of major concern regarding transnational repression, noting that the government actively targets critics abroad on charges of extremism and terrorism, leading to severe penalties and mistreatment upon forced return. Given Ergashev's documented activism and participation in protests, he is seen as a clear target for persecution by the Tajik authorities. KYIV -- The White House said it will provide Ukraine with antipersonnel mines to help it fend off Russia’s battlefield advances , despite widespread opposition to such weapons by international rights groups and following heavy usage of similar devices by Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was quoted on November 20 by news agencies as saying during a visit to Laos that the decision to provide the controversial mines was made because of a change in Russian tactics. "They don't lead with their mechanized forces anymore," he said "They lead with dismounted forces who are able to close and do things to kind of pave the way for mechanized forces." Ukraine has a need "for things that can help slow down that effort on the part of the Russians," he added. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Russia had used at least 13 types of antipersonnel mines in Ukraine since February 2022. "Russia has used anti-personnel land mines widely in Ukraine...causing hundreds of casualties and contaminating vast tracts of agricultural land," it said. Rights and humanitarian groups have long criticized the use of antipersonnel mines, saying they pose a danger to civilians. In a statement following the U.S. announcement, HRW said the "decision to transfer antipersonnel land mines risks civilian lives and sets back international efforts to eradicate these indiscriminate weapons.” More than 160 countries have agreed to ban the use of antipersonnel mines, although the United States and Russia are not signatories to the convention . Ukraine ratified the convention in December 2005. When asked in the past about possible use of such mines, Ukraine said it could not comment on the types of weapons utilized during the current armed conflict "before the end of the war and the restoration of our sovereignty and territorial integrity." Antipersonnel mines are hidden in the ground and are designed to detonate when enemy troops walk on or near them. Some reports have said the mines being provided by Washington are "nonpersisent," meaning that after a set period of time they no longer are operational and are rendered harmless. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the decision on the mines, calling them "very important" weapons in the effort to blunt Russian assaults and saying the move would "totally strengthen" Ukraine's frontline troops. Meanwhile, U.S. officials said Washington's embassy in Kyiv will likely resume normal operations on November 21 after having closed earlier on November 20 when it received "specific information" about "a potential significant air strike." Late in the day, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told a briefing that "I can't go into the details of the threat, but we're always keeping a close eye on it. “The embassy is expected to return to normal operations tomorrow," he added. In closing, the embassy urged employees and U.S. citizens in the Ukrainian capital to take immediate shelter if an air-raid alert was announced. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," it said in a statement, without giving any details about the possible strike. The embassies of Italy, Greece, and Spain said they had also shut their operations following the unusual U.S. warning. Spain later said it reopened its facility after a temporarily closing. The Ukrainian military suggested the information the U.S. Embassy was referring to was "fake." "Messengers and social networks...are spreading a message about the threat of a 'particularly massive' missile and bomb attack on Ukrainian cities today." "This message is a fake. It contains grammatical errors typical of Russian information and psychological operations,” it added. It urged residents not to ignore air-raid sirens but also "not to succumb to panic." An air-raid alert was issued for several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, early on November 20 due to the imminence of Russian drone strikes. The U.S. warning came one day after Moscow said Ukraine had used U.S.-made long-range missile systems to strike a weapons depot in Russia's Bryansk region following U.S. President Joe Biden's reported authorization of their use. The White House has not officially confirmed the decision. In another move by the current U.S. administration aimed at aiding Ukraine, Biden has informed Congress that he intends to cancel $4.65 billion in loans to Ukraine, a State Department spokesman said. Zelenskiy did not confirm or deny the use of ATACMS in the attack on Bryansk, saying during a news conference that "Ukraine has long-range capabilities.... We now have a long 'Neptune' (Ukrainian-made cruise missiles) and not just one. And now we have ATACMS. And we will use all of this." On November 20, Ukraine's military intelligence agency said a Russian military command post had been "successfully struck" in the town of Gubkin in Russia's Belgorod region, some 168 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. It did not say what kind of missiles had been used in the attack. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reported the Ukrainian military had also fired a British-supplied Storm Shadow into Russia for the first time, citing an unnamed Western official. Separately, the Ukrainian Air Force said Russian troops attacked Ukraine early on November 20 with 122 drones, 56 of which were shot down over 14 regions -- Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskiy, Sumy, Mykolayiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kharkiv. 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The future of three non-profit organizations at the University of Regina (U of R) is uncertain following a proposal by the students’ union (URSU). URSU’s board passed three motions in a meeting on Sept. 13 to hold a referendum on whether it should continue collecting fees from students to support The Women’s Centre, the UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, and the Regina chapter of Engineering Without Borders Executive Director of the Women’s Centre Jill Arnott is calling the proposal a “targeted attack.” “It's tone deaf,” she told CTV News Friday. “People come to the places they come to because that's where they're comfortable.” All three entities are non-profit organizations – which are not overseen by either the university or the students’ union – but do receive funding from student fees collected by URSU. According to the Women’s Centre, which has operated for 56 years, and UR Pride, which was formed in 2010, less than $12 per student per semester goes to their organizations. Arnott says her organization provides a supportive and gender inclusive environment dedicated to the education of all students regarding women’s’ issues. “I actually can't imagine the impact for the students who utilize this space that are not comfortable in other spaces,” she said. “That's why they come here.” “These service centers have existed for decades for a reason,” said UR Pride Vice-chair Style Stenberg. “They are inherent to the DNA and the lifeblood of this campus.” UR Pride has been in the spotlight for the past year, as the organization led the legal charge, along with Egale Canada, against Saskatchewan’s pronoun policy, and later the Parents’ Bill of Rights. The legal battle between the provincial government and UR Pride remains ongoing. “Our reach is not just University of Regina campus,” Stenberg said. “It’s also Regina and all of southern Saskatchewan.” The Regina chapter of Engineers Without Borders was active on social media as of April 2024. The national organization seeks to create systemic change through community-driven collaboration by mobilizing the engineering community. When attempting to reach the chapter, CTV News learned it is currently inactive. Each organization operates under a compliance agreement with the student’s union which includes holding fair elections, conducting annual meetings and completing yearly audits. URSU claims the proposed referendum stems from the three organizations not complying with their respective agreements. Concerning the Women’s Centre, URSU claims that students have frequently complained about the lack of service and have asked why the union is not taking their complaints seriously. In a response to CTV News, URSU stated that the Women’s Centre has been perpetually closed for the past several years and is not fulfilling its obligations to provide services. “We already are covering for most of the services that [the Women’s’ Centre] was supposed to be providing,” the statement read. “All concerned students have to come to URSU when they find [the Women’s’ Centre’s] door closed for eternity, and that's quite a frequent occurrence in the last four years.” The centre’s board of directors have been unchanged since 2022, according to URSU. The union also claims that the centre does not have a president, only an executive director and has no record of the last time the organization has held an election, general meeting or similar activities. The non-profits have openly criticized URSU’s decision to potentially defund them. “We wanted to have a way to support students and help them be able to continue their education,” Arnott said. “[URSU] doesn’t know [their] demographic very well if [they're] suggesting this is not important.” “This is a time for the student body here at the U of R to really come together and not be divided around this,” Stenberg said. “This isn't an issue of he said she said. This is an issue of unity.” However, URSU maintains its decisions are purely due to the organizations not providing the services they agreed to. “It is noteworthy that these non-compliant service centers only became active when asked to provide deliverables and address compliance issues,” URSU said in a statement. “We are disappointed that some individuals have resorted to name-calling and making baseless claims of a gender-targeted attack. There is no truth to these accusations. The issue is that these service centers are not providing the services they were intended to.” In response to the conflict, U of R administration recognized the importance of the non-profits. “These agencies fully reflect and engage our values of equity, diversity, and inclusion,” the university said in a statement. “Our community is strengthened by their presence and services they offer on our campus.” “While URSU’s operations are independent from the University, their proposed actions will directly and negatively impact members of our community,” the statement added. URSU has not decided when its proposed referendum will take place.
Paul George Suffered No Structural Damage To Knee, Out At Least Next Two GamesNoneAida Bravo and BRAVO STUDIO Registered Nominated for Creative & Visual Arts Awards 2024 12-13-2024 10:36 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Notorial Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/1734098966.jpg Aida Bravo, designer and founder of BRAVO STUDIO Registered , has been honored with a nomination for the prestigious Creative & Visual Arts Awards, organized by the renowned British publication LUXlife Magazine. Recognized for her innovative contributions to branding and design, the nomination acknowledges both her individual artistry and the creative excellence of BRAVO STUDIO Registered as a leader in the beauty and fashion industries. Learn more at thebravo.studio [ http://www.thebravo.studio/ ]. Innovation and Creativity in Design With over 15 years of experience in graphic design, fashion styling, and branding, Aida Bravo has spearheaded the creation of visual identities and design strategies that connect with global audiences. Through BRAVO STUDIO Registered , she has collaborated with clients across various industries, including beauty, fashion, and music, delivering creative solutions that reflect the values and goals of each brand. The nomination at the Creative & Visual Arts Awards underscores Aida Bravo's exceptional ability to craft tailored design solutions that reflect the unique essence of each brand. Known for her dedication to excellence and a keen artistic eye, her work consistently exceeds client expectations, as affirmed by glowing testimonials from satisfied clients and collaborators. International recognition The Creative & Visual Arts Awards, hosted by LUXlife Magazine, celebrate the talent of creative leaders in industries such as graphic design, fashion, and technology. These awards highlight the vital role the creative sector plays in the global economy and its contribution to cultural promotion and innovation. Based in Barcelona, Aida Bravo and BRAVO STUDIO Registered offer services including graphic design, branding, packaging design, and digital content creation; and each project is tailored to highlight the unique identity of each client. For more information, can visit their Instagram profile: @thebravo.studio [ https://www.instagram.com/thebravo.studio ]. Contact: BRAVO STUDIO Registered | hello@thebravo.studio Media Contact Company Name: Aida Bravo Centelles Contact Person: Press Office Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=aida-bravo-and-bravo-studio-nominated-for-creative-visual-arts-awards-2024 ] Country: United States Website: http://www.thebravo.studio This release was published on openPR.Photos: Brooklyn Love Blooms at the Botanic Gardens
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AI misuseSrinagar, Nov 22: The second edition of the Mulfaq winter T-12 Cosco Cup Cricket tournament began Friday at Chandpora Sports Stadium. Organised by the Mulfaq Sports Club, the tournament features 12 teams from the Phaag area. Hashim Makhdoomi, Chief Organizer, highlighted the tournament’s significance, stating, “Such tournaments inspire youth to showcase their talent. Kashmir is full of sporting potential, and we are grateful to the players for this opportunity.” Peer Bilal, a socio-political activist and chief guest, praised the sporting talent in the Phaag area and encouraged players to give their best in every sport. The inaugural match, played between Shoperbag Lions and Burzhama Sports Club, was witnessed by notable local figures including Shabir Gulshion, G M Bhat (Gulam Kak), Gh Mohidin (Nik Maam), and hundreds of sports enthusiasts.Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva, stressed the importance of adapting Artificial Intelligence technologies and strengthening public-private task forces to accelerate the fight versus fraud and scams during a dialogue held at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila at Shangri-La The Fort. GSMA research reveals that 29 percent of Filipino consumers have fallen victim to financial crimes like identity theft and security breaches. Similarly, the Digital Nations report shows a 4,500 percent surge in deepfake cases in the Philippines. The fintech visionary bannered RCBC’s use of AI to elevate the bank’s overall productivity, customer engagement, and management of risks. The emergent innovative technology is taking not only the developed world by storm, but even developing countries such as the Philippines. Villanueva shared that the country’s leading digital challenger bank continues to prioritize upskilling of all its top officers in the field of AI. “In fraud detection, AI's use of anomaly detection and behavioral biometrics has increased accuracy rates to as much as 85 percent. To bolster these efforts, under the leadership of our President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo, we’ve prioritized upskilling—ensuring all senior officers undergo AI certification to strengthen expertise and align with our vision of building a workforce adept in data science and AI,” Villanueva said. Aside from AI-powered initiatives, Villanueva also said that the bank is committed to contributing to collaborative initiatives with other private sector players, members of civil society, and the Philippine government to address the rise of fraud and empower ordinary citizens. “Our collaboration with industry players and government agencies through Fintech Alliance.Ph has been instrumental in championing public awareness and financial literacy. Last year, we launched the “#WagMagpaLokoMagingScamAlerto” campaign. This advocacy promotes financial literacy and fraud awareness through multi-channel efforts, including social media, school partnerships, and community outreach programs,” Villanueva added. Villanueva joined other leaders such as Ret. Justice Andres Reyes Jr., a consultant of the Cybercrime investigation and Coordinating Center, and Mr. John Gonzales, President and CEO, PLDT ClarkTel, and FVP of Strategic Business Development for PLDT Enterprise in a panel discussion entitled “United Against Scams: Technological Solutions and Partnerships” moderated by Ewan Lusty, Director at Flint Global. The one-day summit gathered leaders from the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, Meta, the Asian Development Bank, and RCBC to discuss the critical role of technology and collaboration in safeguarding consumers and sustaining trust in digital platforms.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday thanked the people of Maharashtra for the "historic victory" of the Mahayuti alliance in the assembly elections. He said the people have closed the shops of “fake well-wishers of the Constitution” by voting for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in huge numbers. "Jai Maharashtra ! Heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for this historic mandate," Amit Shah said in a post on X. The home minister said Maharashtra, the holy land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule and Veer Savarkar , had always kept culture and nation supreme along with development. "By giving such a huge mandate to the Mahayuti alliance amidst illusion and lies, the people have closed the shops of those who are fake well-wishers of the Constitution. This victory is the victory of every Maharashtra resident," Shah said. He also mentioned that the Mahayuti alliance's win depicted the victory of “politics of performance” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Amit Shah noted that the people of Maharashtra have shown their faith in the legacy of Mahayuti, development, and the welfare of the poor, and rejected the politics of appeasement. He also congratulated other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers. "Hearty congratulations to all the workers of @BJP4Maharashtra, BJP National President Shri @JPNadda ji, State President Shri @cbawankule ji, Chief Minister Shri @mieknathshinde ji, Deputy Chief Minister Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji and Shri @AjitPawarSpeaks ji for this grand victory," Shah wrote on X. In a separate post, he thanked the people of Jharkhand for voting in high numbers for the BJP. “I express my gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for blessing BJP with the highest percentage of votes. Also, I congratulate all the workers of Jharkhand BJP for their tireless hard work,” Shah wrote on X. The senior BJP leader assured that the saffron party would play a key role as the opposition in the assembly. “For the BJP, fulfilling the aspirations of the tribal society and protecting their identity are the top priorities. The NDA central government is committed to the development, progress and protection of the tribal heritage of the people of Jharkhand and under the leadership of Modi ji, we will continue to work in this direction. The BJP will play the role of a positive opposition in Jharkhand,” he said. He lauded all the NDA winners of the bypolls. “I congratulate all the NDA candidates who won the by-elections held across the country,” he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the country is witnessing a beautiful period of development and trust. This victory of NDA in the Lok Sabha elections, Haryana or Maharashtra assembly elections as well as by-elections makes it clear that the people of the country have unwavering faith in Modi ji. These victorious candidates of NDA will continue to give their utmost contribution in building a developed and self-reliant India," Shah posted on X.
Brazil's Top Court Takes On Regulation Of Social MediaMichigan State flips 3-star DB from West VirginiaBy Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. Related Articles Business | 7 tips to prepare for next year’s taxes now Business | Why car insurance prices are rising so much even though inflation is cooling Business | Buying a house in 2025: your how-to guide Business | Travel scams that can hurt your credit or finances Business | For some FSA dollars, it’s use it or lose it at year’s end “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .
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WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies. The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20. Then-President Donald Trump looks to Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, as she speaks during a Jan. 11, 2018, prison reform roundtable in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack , President Joe Biden’s agriculture secretary who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as his former domestic policy chief. She is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. Rollins, 52, previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Brooke Rollins, assistant to the president and director of the Domestic Policy Council at the time, speaks during a May 18, 2020, meeting with restaurant industry executives about the coronavirus response in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Rollins’ pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House once again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. Trade Representative and head of the small business administration. Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals. Brooke Rollins speaks at an Oct. 27 campaign rally for then-Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has vowed to strip ultraprocessed foods from school lunches and to stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries from using food stamps to buy soda, candy or other so-called junk foods. But it would be the USDA, not HHS, that would be responsible for enacting those changes. In addition, HHS and USDA will work together to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are due late next year, with guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal nutrition programs. ___ Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writers Josh Funk and JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.With what feels like an endless loop of information coming from all angles at all times, it can be hard to discern what beauty advice you should actually take seriously. One of the industries most affected by this is skin care. At any given moment you can find someone spewing misinformation about sunscreens , an aesthetician revealing a new treatment that you have to try, and a board-certified dermatologist explaining why you shouldn't be using a product that one second ago you swore by. All this is to say: it can be confusing to know who to go to for what when it comes to preserving your skin health — especially in the era of TikTok fame and social media virality. So if you too have often wondered what the difference is between skin-care professionals (especially as it pertains to dermatologists and aestheticians), we asked them for you. As it turns out, the main difference is that dermatologists can perform a host of invasive to non-invasive procedures, while aestheticians are more limited to surface-level enhancements. "Aestheticians can cosmetically enhance the appearance of the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, within the scope of practice outlined by their state," aesthetician Ashley White says. "Dermatologists are medical professionals that can legally diagnose abnormalities and prescribe medication to treat specific conditions." To better understand the difference between a dermatologist versus an aesthetician, including which instances you should see one over the other, keep reading. Ashley White is an aesthetician based in Chicago. Tracy Evans MD, MPH , is a board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer specialist, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and the founder of Pacific Skin in San Francisco. Dermatologists vs. Aestheticians The main difference between dermatologists vs. aestheticians is the amount of training required for each field. Allow us to explain more: What Is a Dermatologist? "A dermatologist is a medical doctor who has completed four years of undergraduate school at university or college, four years of medical school, a medical internship, and three years of dermatology residency," dermatologist Tracy Evans MD, MPH, says. "They also take a national board-certified exam." What Is an Aesthetician? Aestheticians on the other hand fall under the umbrella of cosmetology. "Aestheticians complete a cosmetology degree, which is usually one year following high school or college," Dr. Evans says. "They are regulated by the states that they practice in. Some aestheticians can do procedures, such as facials, microblading, microplaning, eyelash extensions, and hair. Some states allow them to do lasers and even injectables, but most do not." When to See a Dermatologist vs. an Aesthetician Though some of the procedures that both specialties have some overlap, there are instances where you should see a dermatologist as opposed to an aesthetician. "For all true skin conditions, you need to be seeing a dermatologist," Dr. Evans says. "This includes everything from eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancers , mole checks." Additionally, any cosmetic procedures that involve cutting or injecting the skin such as fillers, Botox injections , and lasers should be done by a dermatologist. White agrees, adding: "You should be seeing a dermatologist one to two times a year for skin checks, rashes, nodules, and screenings for early signs of skin cancer." She recommends seeing aestheticians for general topical maintenance, like regular facials, LED or chemical treatments, and extractions. This means you'll likely see an esthetician more often than you do a dermatologist. "Aestheticians can provide certain treatments in-clinic to enhance and/or accelerate results like a more even skin tone and little to no breakouts," White says. "Aestheticians typically provide longer time blocks with their clients so they receive extra attention and support during their skin optimization process." Which Is Better: Dermatologist vs. Aesthetician? While it may seem like you have to choose between the two, you don't. "It's actually beneficial to combine skin care and medicine," White says. "Having multiple providers allows you to maintain healthy skin instead of simply just fixing skin that has already been damaged." Simply put, aestheticians provide services that address the appearance of your skin, while a dermatologist help to address its fitness, a process that may require a bit more of an in-depth dive into your medical history, as well as those more cosmetic treatments like filler or lasers. No social media algorithm or product recommendation will ever accurately address the full picture when it comes to your specific concerns, so whether you can only choose one or are creating team of experts, do always make sure to go to a professional when trying to achieve the skin of your dreams. Ariel Baker is a former assistant editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.
Business leaders across the country are struggling to find the best way to manage rising polarization and political disagreement at work . On Tuesday, December 10, Newsweek is hosting a panel event to discuss this thorny topic from all angles. Opening remarks will be delivered by Jim Link, CHRO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest HR professional association, which will also sponsor the event. The discussion, titled "Better Workplaces: How to Foster Inclusion and Civility," will include insights from legal, medical and social psychology experts, and feature advice for professionals in HR, DEI and communications. The national mood has been tense, and people are unhappy. But we still have work to get done, together, every single day. What's complicating matters is that we increasingly have less respect for those on the other side of the aisle politically. A 2022 Pew Survey found that 72 percent of Republicans and 63 percent of Democrats feel that members of the other party are more immoral, and the number of people saying that members of the other party are dishonest, unintelligent or lazy has spiked since 2016. This strain of conflict is common on the internet and in bars, but it's also making its way to watercoolers, factory floors and even the boardroom. A contentious election cycle surely didn't help, but this is a persistent problem, one that impacts us well past Election Day . Maintaining a year-round focus on respectful culture and setting ground rules for political expression and exchange are key, experts tell Newsweek . Tuesday evening's event will also include a video presentation featuring commentary from the winners of the Newsweek -Stubblefield Civility Awards. In partnership with the Stubblefield Institute, we will be recognizing business executives, members of Congress and other community leaders for their exceptional efforts to promote civility in our public discourse. Panelists include: Stephen Paskoff: Paskoff is a former EEOC attorney and the founder and CEO of ELI, or Employment Learning Innovations, a company he has been running since 1986 that trains business leaders and employees so that their cultural values and behavioral standards ensure a productive and legally compliant work environment. He has written extensively on workplace compliance, including the 2016 book CIVILITY Rules! A New Business Approach to Boosting Results and Cutting Risks . Gabriella Rosen Kellerman, MD: The chief innovation officer at BetterUp, a well-being platform with a focus on manager training and coaching, Kellerman leads an interdisciplinary research lab that has been studying employee sentiment around the election and other times throughout the year. She has worked on global mental health policy and interventions for the World Health Organization and is a longtime executive at, and adviser to, health care, coaching and behavior change technology companies. Michael Franklin: Executive director of Speechwriters of Color and leader of an executive communications firm, Franklin is a dynamic member of Gen Z and his field. He worked with AxiosHQ to produce an Election Readiness Guide for business leaders, and his perspectives can also be found in The New York Times , Washington Post , Financial Times , CNN , Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien , Axios and the Los Angeles Times . Kurt Gray, Ph.D.: Author of the upcoming book Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground , Gray is a professor in psychology and neuroscience and an award-winning researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He utilizes interdisciplinary methods to research deeply held beliefs and moral divides. We hope you can join us for this timely and insightful conversation.Arsenal to be 'offered chance to sign £76million-rated PSG star on loan in January' as cover for Bukayo Saka, who is set to be out until MARCH with hamstring tear
3 of the Best Canadian Stocks Investors Can Buy Right NowWILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for Fox Corp. asked a Delaware judge Friday to dismiss a shareholder lawsuit seeking to hold current and former company officials personally liable for the financial fallout stemming from Fox News reports regarding alleged vote rigging in the 2020 election. Five New York City public employee pension funds, along with Oregon’s public employee retirement fund, allege that former chairman Rupert Murdoch and other Fox Corp. leaders deliberately turned a blind eye to liability risks posed by reporting false claims of vote rigging by election technology companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic USA. Smartmatic is for defamation in New York, alleging damages of $2.7 billion. It recently in the District of Columbia against One America News Network, another conservative outlet, over reports of vote fraud. Dominion also filed several defamation lawsuits against blaming its election equipment for Donald Trump’s loss in 2020. Last year, a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion in Delaware for $787 million. The shareholder plaintiffs also allege that Fox corporate leaders ignored “red flags” about liability arising from a 2017 report suggesting that Seth Rich, a Democratic National Committee staffer, may have been killed because he had leaked Democratic party emails to Wikileaks during the 2016 presidential campaign. Rich, 27, was shot in 2016 in Washington, D.C., in what authorities have said was an attempted robbery. Fox News retracted the Seth Rich story a week after its initial broadcast, but Rich’s parents sued the network for falsely portraying their son as a criminal and traitor. Fox News in 2020 for “millions of dollars,” shortly before program hosts Lou Dobbs and Sean Hannity were to be deposed, according to the shareholder lawsuit. Joel Friedlander, an attorney for the institutional shareholders, argued that Fox officials waited until the company’s reporting about Rich became a national scandal before addressing the issue. Similarly, according to the shareholders, corporate officials, including Rupert Murdoch and his son, CEO Lachlan Murdoch, allowed Fox News to continue broadcasting false narratives about the 2020 election, despite internal communications suggesting that they knew there was no evidence to support the conspiracy theories. “The Murdochs could have minimized future monetary exposure, but they chose not to,” Friedlander said. Instead, he argued, they engaged in “bad-faith decision making” with other defendants in a profit-driven effort to retain viewers and remain in Trump’s good graces. “Decisions were made at the highest level to promote pro-Trump conspiracy theories without editorial control,” Friedlander said. Defense attorneys argue that the case should be dismissed because the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit without first demanding that the Fox Corp. board take action, as required under Delaware law. They say the plaintiffs also failed to demonstrate that a pre-suit demand on the Fox board would have been futile because at least half of the directors face a substantial likelihood of liability or are not independent of someone who does. Beyond the “demand futility” issue, defense attorneys also argue that allegations that Fox officials breached their fiduciary duties fail to meet the pleading standards under Delaware and therefore should be dismissed. Defense attorney William Savitt argued, for example, that neither the Rich settlement, which he described as “immaterial,” nor the allegedly defamatory statements about Dominion and Smartmatic constitute red flags putting directors on notice about the risk of defamation liability. Nor do they demonstrate that directors acted in bad faith or that Fox “utterly failed” to implement and monitor a system to report and mitigate legal risks, including defamation liability risk, according to the defendants. Savitt noted that the Rich article was promptly retracted, and that the settlement included no admission of liability. The Dominion and Smartmatic statements, meanwhile, gave rise themselves to the currently liability issues and therefore can not serve as red flags about future liability risks, according to the defendants. “A ‘red flag’ must be what the term commonly implies — warning of a risk of a liability-causing event that allows the directors to take action to avert the event, not notice that a liability-causing event has already occurred,” defense attorneys wrote in their motion to dismiss. Defense attorneys also say there are no factual allegations to support claims that Fox officials condoned illegal conduct in pursuit of corporate profits, or that they deliberately ignored their oversight responsibilities. They note that a “bad outcome” is not sufficient to demonstrate “bad faith.” Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster is expected to rule within 90 days.
Sri Lanka’s sports sector, with its growing global appeal and lucrative investments, is increasingly vulnerable to the threat of money laundering (ML). From cricket’s international spotlight to emerging interest in football and basketball, Sri Lanka’s sports landscape offers vast opportunities for illicit financial activities. As international regulatory bodies tighten their scrutiny on ML risks in sports, Sri Lanka must take proactive steps to fortify its defences and safeguard the integrity of its sports industry. ML in sports is not a new phenomenon. The complex financial transactions that occur from sponsorship deals and player transfers to illegal betting operations can easily be manipulated by criminal syndicates to disguise the origins of illicit funds. As Sri Lanka continues to build its reputation as a regional sporting hub, the country must enhance its control mechanisms and ensure that financial criminals do not exploit its sporting events and institutions. 1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Regulations One of the first steps Sri Lanka can take is further to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) laws as they relate to sports. While Sri Lanka has made progress with measures such as the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Sports Ministry’s oversight committee, there is still room for improvement in addressing sports-specific risks. The country could introduce specialized regulations tailored to the unique financial flows in sports, such as regulating sponsorship contracts, player transfers and even charitable donations linked to sports events. Additionally, Sri Lanka should consider enacting stricter penalties for individuals and organizations found to be complicit in facilitating money laundering through sports. This could serve as a deterrent for those looking to exploit the system and would send a clear message that financial crimes in the sports sector will not be tolerated. 2. Enhanced Financial Transparency in Sports A key challenge in controlling ML in sports is the lack of transparency in financial transactions. To combat this, Sri Lanka could impose more stringent transparency requirements on its sports organizations. By mandating public disclosure of all major sponsorship deals, player transfers, and financial arrangements over a certain threshold, the government can ensure that money trails are easier to trace. For example, Sri Lanka could introduce a system similar to that of European football clubs, where every major financial deal, such as player sales, sponsorships, or media rights agreements, is subject to thorough vetting by financial regulatory bodies. This would reduce the opportunity for criminals to funnel illicit money through inflated contracts and transactions. 3. Improved Monitoring of Betting and Gambling Activities Illegal betting is one of the primary ways in which money laundering occurs in sports, especially in cricket and football. As part of its effort to control money laundering, Sri Lanka should strengthen its regulation of both legal and illegal gambling activities associated with sports. The government can work to close loopholes in the betting industry by enforcing stricter controls on online and offshore betting sites, which often facilitate ML. Establishing partnerships with global organizations such as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Football Federation (FIFA) would help Sri Lanka better monitor betting patterns and identify suspicious activity in real-time. By expanding the scope of its regulatory framework, Sri Lanka can ensure that betting and gambling activities remain free from criminal exploitation. 4. Collaboration with International Financial Institutions and Law Enforcement ML in sports often involves international networks, with illicit money moving across borders. To effectively tackle this problem, Sri Lanka must strengthen its cooperation with global financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. By sharing information and collaborating with international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Interpol, Sri Lanka can improve its ability to track cross-border financial crimes linked to sports. Sri Lanka should also consider implementing joint task forces with neighbouring countries to monitor ML activities within regional sports. This cross-border cooperation would help detect illegal money flows that could otherwise go unnoticed. 5. Investing in Education and Training for Stakeholders Education is another critical area in the fight against money laundering in sports. Athletes, coaches, sports agents, club owners and officials must be aware of the risks posed by illicit financial activities and understand the legal and financial frameworks that govern sports transactions. Sri Lanka should invest in widespread educational programs that train key stakeholders to spot red flags and understand the consequences of money laundering. 6. Use of Technology and Data Analytics The use of technology and data analytics has become essential in detecting and preventing financial crime. Sri Lanka should leverage advanced technologies to monitor financial transactions in real-time, flagging any unusual activity for further investigation. By adopting sophisticated systems that can trace money trails and track suspicious financial movements, the country can improve its ability to prevent money laundering in sports before it occurs. 7. Encouraging Whistleblower Protection and Reporting Finally, creating an environment where whistleblowers feel safe to report suspicious activities is vital in the fight against ML. Sri Lanka should establish a clear, confidential reporting mechanism for anyone within the sports sector who suspects illicit financial activity. This could include a dedicated hotline or online platform where individuals can anonymously report concerns. Furthermore, providing legal protections for whistleblowers would ensure that individuals who expose illegal activities are shielded from retaliation, encouraging more people to come forward and report financial misconduct. Conclusion As Sri Lanka’s sports industry continues to grow, the country must be proactive in addressing the risks posed by ML. Through stronger legal frameworks, enhanced transparency, international cooperation and the use of advanced technologies, Sri Lanka can mitigate the risks of financial crime in sports and safeguard the integrity of its sports sector. With these measures in place, Sri Lanka can ensure that its sporting achievements are built on a foundation of trust, fairness and accountability. NB: The writer is Master of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing – Charles Sturt University Australia. Master of Fraud & Financial Crimes – Charles Sturt University Australia and Telecommunication fraud investigator
NA panel discusses Pakistan's role in climate diplomacy, result of COP-29The Parliamentary Budget Officer says the number of households in need is still rising even though Canada is spending billions of dollars a year to address housing affordability, A new report from the budget watchdog this morning says 2.4 million Canadian households are now in core housing need. That means they're living in unaffordable, unsuitable or inadequate housing. In 2017, Canada unveiled its national housing strategy to help improve access to affordable homes by 2027. But the PBO report says by then, another 200,000 households will be in housing need, largely because incomes haven't kept up with rising utility, rent, mortgage and property tax costs. The report does say without the government's initiatives, there would be about 78,000 more households in need of affordable homes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. MORE POLITICS NEWS Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post Ottawa has sold its stake in Air Canada: sources Housing unaffordability still rising despite billions in government measures: PBO 'I recognize these footsteps': How Trump and 'coyote' smuggling changed life at the border Law firm warns $47.8B First Nations child welfare reforms could be lost with election Only new firearms from buyback program will go to Ukraine, Defence Department says Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton Missing 'lost Canadians' deadline creates 'unknowable' number of new citizens: feds IN DEPTH Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power. 'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties. 'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it. Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports. 'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday. Opinion opinion | Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election? opinion | Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus. opinion | Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place. opinion | Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point. opinion | Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing. CTVNews.ca Top Stories Ottawa has sold its stake in Air Canada: sources Two senior federal government sources have confirmed to CTV News that the federal government has sold its stake in Air Canada. 'I recognize these footsteps': How Trump and 'coyote' smuggling changed life at the border Bent signs bolted to the rail threaten fines and imprisonment should violators cross the boundary into the United States, a warning many people are choosing to ignore simply by walking around the barrier. She took a DNA test for fun. Police used it to charge her grandmother with murder in a cold case According to court documents, detectives reopened the cold case in 2017 and then worked with a forensics company to extract DNA from Baby Garnet's partial femur, before sending the results to Identifinders International. Danielle Smith announces new team to patrol Alberta-U.S. border Premier Danielle Smith says her government will create a team of specially-trained sheriffs tasked with patrolling the Alberta-U.S. border. McDonald's employee who called 911 in CEO's shooting is eligible for reward, but it will take time More than 400 tips were called into the New York Police Department's Crime Stoppers tip line during the five-day search for a masked gunman who ambushed and fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week. Man who set fires inside Calgary's municipal building lost testicle during arrest: ASIRT Two Calgary police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in an incident that saw a suspect lose a testicle after being shot with an anti-riot weapon. Country star Morgan Wallen sentenced in chair-throwing case Country music star Morgan Wallen on Thursday pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour counts of reckless endangerment for throwing a chair from the rooftop of a six-storey bar in Nashville and nearly hitting two police officers with it. Doug Ford says cutting off U.S. energy supply amid tariff threats a 'last resort' Premier Doug Ford says that cutting off the energy supply to the U.S. remains a “last resort” amid the threat of a promised 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods but he is warning that his government is ultimately prepared to use “every tool” in its toolbox “to protect the livelihoods of the people of Ontario.” Ho ho, oh no: Man sought by police goes down chimney and gets stuck A Massachusetts man trying to escape from police shimmied down the chimney. And got stuck. Canada Blizzard warning shuts down large parts of midwestern Ontario It was a day to stay home, if you could, across much of midwestern Ontario due to weather. Doug Ford says cutting off U.S. energy supply amid tariff threats a 'last resort' Premier Doug Ford says that cutting off the energy supply to the U.S. remains a “last resort” amid the threat of a promised 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods but he is warning that his government is ultimately prepared to use “every tool” in its toolbox “to protect the livelihoods of the people of Ontario.” BREAKING | Travis Vader, killer of Lyle and Marie McCann, denied day parole The man who killed an Alberta couple in 2010 has been denied day parole. 'I recognize these footsteps': How Trump and 'coyote' smuggling changed life at the border Bent signs bolted to the rail threaten fines and imprisonment should violators cross the boundary into the United States, a warning many people are choosing to ignore simply by walking around the barrier. Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador announce energy deal to resolve decades-old dispute Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have reached a sweeping deal to develop new energy projects in Labrador and end a decades-old contract that has long been a thorn in the side of Canada's easternmost province. Man who set fires inside Calgary's municipal building lost testicle during arrest: ASIRT Two Calgary police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in an incident that saw a suspect lose a testicle after being shot with an anti-riot weapon. World Companies tighten security after a health care CEO's killing leads to a surge of threats '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. Israeli strike in Gaza kills 25 people as U.S. makes new push for a ceasefire An Israeli airstrike hit the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more, Palestinian medics said, just hours after President Joe Biden’s national security adviser raised hopes about a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. McDonald's employee who called 911 in CEO's shooting is eligible for reward, but it will take time More than 400 tips were called into the New York Police Department's Crime Stoppers tip line during the five-day search for a masked gunman who ambushed and fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week. 'We are in for more terrorism, not less,' warns Canadian terror expert amid Syria's political chaos The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime means the ticking time bomb of prisons holding thousands of suspected ISIS members in northeast Syria has become even more unstable, a Canadian terrorism expert warns. What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why. Rescue group saves 11-year-old girl floating alone in the Mediterranean for days after shipwreck An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone was found floating in the Mediterranean Sea off Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa, believed to be the only survivor of a shipwrecked migrant boat that had departed from the port of Sfax in Tunisia, a humanitarian group said Thursday. Politics Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.' Ottawa has sold its stake in Air Canada: sources Two senior federal government sources have confirmed to CTV News that the federal government has sold its stake in Air Canada. Housing unaffordability still rising despite billions in government measures: PBO The Parliamentary Budget Officer says the number of households in need is still rising even though Canada is spending billions of dollars a year to address housing affordability, Health MAID cases rose to 15,000 in 2023, but growth of cases halved More than 15,000 people received medical assistance in dying in Canada in 2023, but federal statistics show the growth in cases has slowed significantly. Stanley cups recalled over 'burn hazard' A recall notice is in effect for a selection of Stanley travel mugs, warning consumers to 'immediately stop using' them. Some epilepsy patients worry their seizures will return amid medication shortage The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance says an ongoing shortage of an epilepsy medication is leaving some patients worried they'll start to have seizures again if they switch to an alternative. Sci-Tech Male humpback whale makes record-breaking migration A male humpback whale has made an extraordinary journey from South America to Africa — travelling more than 13,046 kilometres — the longest migration recorded for a single whale, a new study found. An autistic teen's parents say Character.AI said it was OK to kill them. They're suing to take down the app Two families have sued artificial intelligence chatbot company Character.AI, accusing it of providing sexual content to their children and encouraging self-harm and violence. The lawsuit asks a court to shut down the platform until its alleged dangers can be fixed. Scientists mapped the world's rivers over 35 years. They found shocking changes The nearly 3 million rivers that weave across the world are experiencing rapid and surprising changes, with potentially drastic implications for everything from drinking water supplies to flood risks, according to a new study. Entertainment 'Vanderpump Rules' star James Kennedy arrested on suspicion of domestic violence Reality TV star James Kennedy was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence, according to the Burbank Police Department. Country star Morgan Wallen sentenced in chair-throwing case Country music star Morgan Wallen on Thursday pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour counts of reckless endangerment for throwing a chair from the rooftop of a six-storey bar in Nashville and nearly hitting two police officers with it. Producers of Netflix hit 'Love is Blind' accused of U.S. labour law violations The producers of Netflix's hit reality dating show 'Love is Blind' have been accused by a U.S. labour board of attempting to strip cast members of their rights to discuss working conditions and speak publicly about their experiences. Business Creditors expected to vote on proposed $32.5B deal with tobacco giants today Creditors are expected to vote today on a proposed settlement that would see three major tobacco manufacturers pay out billions to provinces and territories, as well as smokers across Canada. The Body Shop Canada to close more stores as it prepares for new owner The head of the Body Shop Canada says more stores are due to close as the chain prepares to take on new ownership. Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved. Lifestyle The holidays can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Here’s how to make them fun and exciting again The holidays can be fun and exciting, but you know they can also be cause for stress and anxiety. Indian Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, becomes the youngest ever chess world champion Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion after beating Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in their best-of-14 final in Singapore on Thursday. Stressed about the cost of the holidays? How to talk to loved ones about cutting back Experts say it's common to be stressed about money around the holidays, but talking to friends and family about your budget — and maybe even agreeing to financial caps on gift-giving — can remove a lot of anxiety from the holiday season. Sports Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina Bill Belichick had just been introduced Thursday as North Carolina's next football coach when chancellor Lee Roberts came armed with a gift: a short-sleeved gray hoodie — a bit of a trademark from Belichick's NFL coaching days — bearing a blue interlocking “NC” logo. 'A reasonable compromise': Regina City Council forgives Riders of more than $1M in unpaid rent Regina City Council forgave the Saskatchewan Roughriders of more than $1 million in unpaid rent payments at their meeting Wednesday. Man City crisis deepens with loss to Juventus in Champions League as Barcelona and Arsenal win Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus, as manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and loss of belief. Autos 'Baseball-sized hail': Toronto man owes car rental company $18K after hailstorm A Toronto man is on the hook for about $18,000 after a car he rented over the summer was pelted by baseball-sized hail. GM is pulling the plug on its robotaxi efforts General Motors is pulling the plug on its efforts to develop a fleet of driverless taxis and will focus on driver-assistance features that require a driver to be ready to take control of the car, the company said Tuesday. 80-year-old driver with expired licence accused of going nearly double the speed limit in eastern Ontario Ontario Provincial Police say a man caught stunt driving on Highway 37 near Tweed, Ont. Thursday was 80 years old, and his licence was expired. Local Spotlight 140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning. North Pole post: N.S. firefighters collect letters to Santa, return them by hand during postal strike Fire departments across Nova Scotia are doing their part to ensure children’s letters to Santa make their way to the North Pole while Canada Post workers are on strike. 'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film A professional dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office. Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw. Man, 99, still at work 7 decades after opening eastern Ontario Christmas tree farm This weekend is one of the busiest of the year for Christmas tree farms all over the region as the holidays approach and people start looking for a fresh smell of pine in their homes. Saskatoon honours Bella Brave with birthday celebration It has been five months since Bella Thompson, widely known as Bella Brave to her millions of TikTok followers, passed away after a long battle with Hirschsprung’s disease and an auto-immune disorder. Major Manitoba fossil milestones highlight the potential for future discoveries in the province A trio of fossil finds through the years helped put Manitoba on the mosasaur map, and the milestone of those finds have all been marked in 2024. The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises more than $559,000 for children in need The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising more than $559,000 for children in need on Saturday. Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one. Vancouver Crews search for missing skier at B.C. resort Police and rescue crews are searching for a man who was last seen boarding a ski lift at B.C.'s Sun Peaks Resort Tuesday. Man charged after victim pinned to tree with vehicle in Victoria A 34-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly striking a man with his vehicle and pinning him against a tree in Victoria, causing serious injuries. Star centre J.T. Miller set to return to Vancouver Canucks lineup against Panthers Star centre J.T. Miller will return to the Canucks’ lineup on Thursday when Vancouver hosts the Florida Panthers. Toronto 'Enough is enough': Doug Ford says Ontario could hand encampment drug users $10,000 fines, prison Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs. Video shows suspects armed with sledgehammer break into spa in Markham Three teenagers and a 19-year-old man have been arrested and three more are at large in connection with a series of spa robberies in Markham and Toronto, one of which was captured on security camera. Dog found after vehicle stolen in Toronto A dog that was inside a vehicle when it was stolen in Toronto on Wednesday has been found, police say. Calgary Calgary police to hold news conference following young woman's death Calgary police will hold a news conference Thursday to speak about the death of a young woman found badly injured on Calgary's Nose Creek Pathway on Monday. Danielle Smith approval rating holds steady at 45%: poll A new poll from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds that Alberta Danielle Smith’s approval rating once again remains relatively unchanged. Man who set fires inside Calgary's municipal building lost testicle during arrest: ASIRT Two Calgary police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in an incident that saw a suspect lose a testicle after being shot with an anti-riot weapon. Ottawa Bus parked at OC Transpo depot destroyed by fire Ottawa firefighters extinguished a bus that was fully engulfed in flames while parked at an OC Transpo depot on Thursday afternoon. Two additional arrests made in connection with Val-des-Monts death investigation Police have arrested two additional people in connection with an investigation into a woman's death north of Gatineau earlier this month. Crews begin removing cargo from ship stuck in St. Lawrence River in eastern Ontario Crews have started work on a new attempt to refloat a cargo ship that ran aground in the St. Lawrence River nearly three weeks ago. Montreal Montreal homicide rate dropped by more than 20 per cent in 2023: Statistics Canada Newly released figures from Statistics Canada shows that the rate of homicides in the Montreal area dropped significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year. Quebec to pay 30 times more for power out of N.L. plant after decades-long dispute Quebec and Newfoundland announced today a new arrangement that will see Quebec pay 30 times more for power from the Churchill Falls hydroelectricity plant in Labrador. Montreal suburb declares 'end of deer saga' after killing 105 animals in urban park A Montreal suburb is declaring the 'end of the deer saga' today after completing its plan to cull a growing herd of white-tailed deer in one of its parks. Edmonton BREAKING | Travis Vader, killer of Lyle and Marie McCann, denied day parole The man who killed an Alberta couple in 2010 has been denied day parole. BREAKING | Edmonton police chief to assume leadership roles in Alberta public service, executive council Dale McFee will start a job in the high level of Alberta's government three days after his last day as the chief of Edmonton Police Service in February. Boyle Street health hub scrapped in Old Strathcona After more than two years of preparation and pushback, plans for a new health hub in Old Strathcona have been scrapped. Atlantic Bass River, N.S., bridge partially collapses A bridge in Bass River, N.S., partially collapsed on Wednesday. The wooden structure was under construction when one side gave way and fell into the river. N.S. Premier Tim Houston reveals new cabinet, department names The new cabinet for the Nova Scotia government will have its swearing-in ceremony Thursday afternoon. Deal between Ottawa and N.S. First Nation over contested fishery nearly done: lawyer The lawyer for a Mi'kmaq band that has battled Ottawa over its lobster harvest rights says a deal settling the "centuries-old" fishing dispute is nearly complete. Winnipeg 'Concerning:' Manitoba homicides spiked in 2024 Manitoba RCMP has seen a spike in homicides in 2024. New hammer rule to be tested at next Grand Slam of Curling event As far as curling experiments go, a new rule that will be used at the next Grand Slam competition looks like a doozy. Colleen Bready's Forecast: How long will the extreme cold last? Extreme cold continues to hold its grip on much of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario on Thursday. Regina Sask. premier says collaboration needed to tackle border security and avoid Trump tariffs Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says an “all hands-on-deck approach” is needed to address border security concerns to avoid U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat on products from Canada and Mexico. Three charged after Regina police officer assaulted during break and enter investigation Three people are facing a lengthy list of charges after a break and enter investigation led to a Regina police officer being assaulted and injured Tuesday night. Regina General Hospital parkade set to open, will provide 686 more parking spots The grand opening of a new parkade at Regina's General Hospital was celebrated on Thursday. Staff and visitors to the medical centre will be able to use the new facility on Monday. Kitchener 'Enough is enough': Doug Ford says Ontario could hand encampment drug users $10,000 fines, prison Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs. Marathon budget meeting ends without setting Waterloo Region budget Waterloo Region Council was expected to set the 2025 budget on Wednesday, but after a marathon meeting, councillors left the horseshoe without making a final decision. Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved. Saskatoon Nearly 1,500 people in Saskatoon are homeless, according to the latest count Nearly 1,500 people in Saskatoon are homeless, according to the latest point-in-time (PiT) Count conducted by the city and outside partners. Prince Albert police release photo of suspect in family/grandparent scam The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is releasing a photo of a person of interest in connection with a family/grandparent emergency scam following multiple reports. Sask. premier says collaboration needed to tackle border security and avoid Trump tariffs Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says an “all hands-on-deck approach” is needed to address border security concerns to avoid U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat on products from Canada and Mexico. Northern Ontario BREAKING | Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement. Stabbing in wooded area of Sudbury results in attempted murder charge Sudbury police have charged a man, 28, with attempted murder after a stabbing in wooded area off Leslie Street on Wednesday night. Ottawa has sold its stake in Air Canada: sources Two senior federal government sources have confirmed to CTV News that the federal government has sold its stake in Air Canada. London 'Music is good for the soul': A holiday concert warms spirits inside the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre A holiday concert dubbed ‘Clinic Notes’ warmed hearts inside LHSC’s Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre today. The performance is put on by a group of clinicians, talented in medicine and music. Blizzard warning shuts down large parts of midwestern Ontario It was a day to stay home, if you could, across much of midwestern Ontario due to weather. 40 to 80 cm of snow in some areas: Blizzard and snow squall warnings up across the region Blizzard and snow squall warnings have rolled across much of southern Ontario – with up to 15 centimeters expected today, and blowing snow reducing visibility on roadways. Barrie Significant weather event declared in Owen Sound amid blizzard warning The City of Owen Sound has declared a significant weather event with the region under a blizzard warning on Thursday as lake-effect snow squalls hammer the area. Jack-knifed tractor-trailer in Gravenhurst as squalls continue A jack-knifed tractor-trailer caused lane closures along Highway 11 near Bethune Drive South in Gravenhurst. Teen arrested in connection to threat made toward high school: OPP Provincial police arrested a 17-year-old from Bolton accused of making a threat toward a local high school. Windsor Shots fired in South Windsor, one injured An investigation is underway after the Windsor Police Service said multiple shots were fired at a group of people in South Windsor. One injured in Windsor kitchen fire One person has been injured following a kitchen fire in Windsor. Woman charged after throwing pot of coffee in Chatham business: CKPS Chatham-Kent police charged a woman who allegedly threw a pot of coffee when asked to leave a business in Chatham. Vancouver Island Man charged after victim pinned to tree with vehicle in Victoria A 34-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly striking a man with his vehicle and pinning him against a tree in Victoria, causing serious injuries. Police say 42 vehicles vandalized in 'campaign of destruction' in Nanaimo, B.C. Mounties are investigating after more than 40 vehicles were vandalized in what police described as a "campaign of destruction" across Nanaimo, B.C. Crews search for missing skier at B.C. resort Police and rescue crews are searching for a man who was last seen boarding a ski lift at B.C.'s Sun Peaks Resort Tuesday. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Lethbridge Lethbridge birthday present lands couple $M from $5 Set for Life ticket Some holiday seasons are merrier than others, and this one will be merrier than most for Lethbridge couple Catherine and Darcy Fritz after winning $1 million on a $5 Set for Life Scratch and Win ticket. Lethbridge post-secondary schools trying to help students manage exam stress Southern Alberta students are busy cramming for the final stretch of the exam season --and with all that extra work comes stress. LDE will continue to operate Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, property tax increase deferred The Lethbridge and District Exhibition (LDE) will continue to operate the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre for at least for the next two years. Sault Ste. Marie BREAKING | Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement. Snow squall warnings in the Sault Ste. Marie area, up to 50 cm expected by Friday Snow squall warnings issued for the Sault Ste. Marie area off Lake Superior as 30 to 50 cm of snow is expected by Friday. Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims. N.L. Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador announce energy deal to resolve decades-old dispute Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have reached a sweeping deal to develop new energy projects in Labrador and end a decades-old contract that has long been a thorn in the side of Canada's easternmost province. Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to sign Churchill Falls energy deal Quebec Premier François Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey are scheduled to announce an energy agreement Thursday that could end decades of friction between the two provinces. Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters. Stay Connected
Data Monetization Market: From USD 7.53B in 2023 to USD 16.98B by 2031 11-25-2024 09:40 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology Group Data Monetization Market Market Scope: Key Insights : Data Monetization Market size was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 7.53 billion in 2023 to USD 16.98 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.70% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Discover Your Competitive Edge with a Free Sample Report : https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/data-monetization-market Access the full 2024 Market report for a comprehensive understanding @ https://www.skyquestt.com/report/data-monetization-market In-Depth Exploration of the global Data Monetization Market Market: This report offers a thorough exploration of the global Data Monetization Market market, presenting a wealth of data that has been meticulously researched and analyzed. It identifies and examines the crucial market drivers, including pricing strategies, competitive landscapes, market dynamics, and regional growth trends. By outlining how these factors impact overall market performance, the report provides invaluable insights for stakeholders looking to navigate this complex terrain. Additionally, it features comprehensive profiles of leading market players, detailing essential metrics such as production capabilities, revenue streams, market value, volume, market share, and anticipated growth rates. This report serves as a vital resource for businesses seeking to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market. Trends and Insights Leading to Growth Opportunities The best insights for investment decisions stem from understanding major market trends, which simplify the decision-making process for potential investors. The research strives to discover multiple growth opportunities that readers can evaluate and potentially capitalize on, armed with all relevant data. Through a comprehensive assessment of important growth factors, including pricing, production, profit margins, and the value chain, market growth can be more accurately forecast for the upcoming years. Top Firms Evaluated in the Global Data Monetization Market Market Research Report: Microsoft (US) Oracle (US) Salesforce (US) SAS (US) TIBCO Software (US) IBM (US) Qlik (US) SAP (Germany) ThoughtSpot (US) Sisense (US) Domo (US) Infosys (India) 1010data (US) Reltio (US) DataRobot (US) NETSCOUT (US) Adastra (Canada) Optiva (Canada) Comviva (India) Key Aspects of the Report: Market Summary: The report includes an overview of products/services, emphasizing the global Data Monetization Market market's overall size. It provides a summary of the segmentation analysis, focusing on product/service types, applications, and regional categories, along with revenue and sales forecasts. Competitive Analysis: This segment presents information on market trends and conditions, analyzing various manufacturers. It includes data regarding average prices, as well as revenue and sales distributions for individual players in the market. Business Profiles: This chapter provides a thorough examination of the financial and strategic data for leading players in the global Data Monetization Market market, covering product/service descriptions, portfolios, geographic reach, and revenue divisions. Sales Analysis by Region: This section provides data on market performance, detailing revenue, sales, and market share across regions. It also includes projections for sales growth rates and pricing strategies for each regional market, such as: North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc. Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa This in-depth research study has the capability to tackle a range of significant questions that are pivotal for understanding the market dynamics, and it specifically aims to answer the following key inquiries: How big could the global Data Monetization Market market become by the end of the forecast period? Let's explore the exciting possibilities! Will the current market leader in the global Data Monetization Market segment continue to hold its ground, or is change on the horizon? Which regions are poised to experience the most explosive growth in the Data Monetization Market market? Discover where the future opportunities lie! Is there a particular player that stands out as the dominant force in the global Data Monetization Market market? Let's find out who's leading the charge! What are the key factors driving growth and the challenges holding back the global Data Monetization Market market? Join us as we uncover the forces at play! To establish the important thing traits, Ask Our Experts @ https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/data-monetization-market Table of Contents Chapter 1 Industry Overview 1.1 Definition 1.2 Assumptions 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Market Analysis by Regions 1.5 Market Size Analysis from 2023 to 2030 11.6 COVID-19 Outbreak: Medical Computer Cart Industry Impact Chapter 2 Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries 2.1 Market (Volume and Value) by Type 2.3 Market (Volume and Value) by Regions Chapter 3 Production Market Analysis 3.1 Worldwide Production Market Analysis 3.2 Regional Production Market Analysis Chapter 4 Medical Computer Cart Sales, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2023-2023) Chapter 5 North America Market Analysis Chapter 6 East Asia Market Analysis Chapter 7 Europe Market Analysis Chapter 8 South Asia Market Analysis Chapter 9 Southeast Asia Market Analysis Chapter 10 Middle East Market Analysis Chapter 11 Africa Market Analysis Chapter 12 Oceania Market Analysis Chapter 13 Latin America Market Analysis Chapter 14 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Medical Computer Cart Business Chapter 15 Market Forecast (2023-2030) Chapter 16 Conclusions Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. This release was published on openPR.Julia Bradbury on lifestyle change and going teetotal after cancer diagnosisBeed, Dec 28 (PTI) Thousands of people gathered in Maharashtra's Beed city on Saturday to protest against the brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh as even MLAs from the ruling coalition demanded the sacking of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, former MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, local BJP MLAs Suresh Dhas, Abhimanyu Pawar; NCP MLA Prakash Solanke and NCP (SP) MLAs Jitendra Awhad and Sandeep Kshirsagar participated in the 'aakrosh morcha' or protest march that culminated in a rally. The protesters demanded arrest of Walmik Karad, an associate of Dhananjay Munde, a politician from Beed district. Santosh Deshmukh was allegedly abducted and tortured to death on December 9. While four persons have been arrested, Opposition leaders claimed in the state legislature during the winter session that Walmik Karad was the mastermind of the murder. Karad, named as an accused in a related case of extortion but not for the murder, is still at large. In a related development, social activist Anjali Damania on Saturday claimed that she received a call saying that three absconding accused in the case had been murdered. She shared the information with Beed Police, Damania added. Earlier this week, the activist had alleged that Dhananjay Munde and Karad were joint owners of a tract of land. At the rally in Beed, Vaibhavi Deshmukh, the daughter of the deceased sarpanch, demanded justice for her father. He lost his life while saving a person from the Dalit community, she said. Abhimanyu Pawar, who was an aide of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before he became MLA from Ausa in neighbouring Latur district, said the pain caused by Deshmukh's murder was felt in different parts of Maharashtra. "Even if I am part of the (ruling) dispensation, I want to tell the government that if the accused are not arrested, protests will reach other parts of the state. We want justice for the family of Santosh Deshmukh," he said. BJP MLA Dhas alleged that Munde, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, won assembly election from Parli in Beed district with the help of bogus votes. Notably, the Nationalist Congress Party to which Munde belongs is part of the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. Prakash Solanke, an MLA from the NCP, said some of the accused were still at large even 19 days after the murder, and Walmik Karad too had not been arrested. Dhananjay Munde was the guardian minister of Beed for four of the last five years and until the accused are convicted, Munde should be dropped from the state cabinet so that there is an impartial probe, Solanke said. The Majalgaon constituency which he represents has collected Rs 40 lakh for the Deshmukh family, he informed. Quota activist Jarange said the Maratha community will not keep quiet till the deceased (who belonged to the Maratha community) got justice. "If CM Fadnavis does not want this protest to spread to other parts of the state, the accused should be arrested and action should be taken against those who are supporting them. There is suspicion that the government is shielding the accused," Jarange said. Beed MP Bajrang Sonawane, who belongs to the Opposition NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), also demanded Munde's dismissal from the cabinet. Sambhaji Raje, who is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, demanded that Munde should not be made the guardian minister of Beed. Local Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded resignations of both Dhananjay Munde and his cousin, BJP minister Pankaja Munde. According to police, Deshmukh was apparently killed after he opposed an extortion bid targeting an energy firm which is installing windmills in Beed district. Local NCP leader Vishnu Chate had allegedly demanded Rs 2 crore from the company. Deshmukh tried to intervene, leading to his abduction, torture and death. Chate is among the four arrested accused. Dhananjay Munde, who met chief minister Fadnavis earlier this week, had told reporters that he wanted strict action against all the culprits in the murder case, even if any of them were found to be close to him. But the allegations against him were part of a conspiracy to finish off his political career, he had claimed. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
New spiking offence aims to bring law up to date, minister saysBy DARLENE SUPERVILLE WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he is “so proud” that a women’s health research initiative he launched last year at his wife’s urging has already invested nearly $1 billion because a healthy female population improves U.S. prosperity. “That’s a fact,” he said in closing remarks at the first White House Conference on Women’s Health Research. “We haven’t gotten that through to the other team yet,” Biden said, referencing President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming administration. Trump’s three conservative nominees to the Supreme Court from his first term as president voted to overturn a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion . Democrats campaigned on reproductive rights and women’s health issues in this year’s elections. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, said the president-elect will keep his promise to improve health in the U.S. “President Trump campaigned on making America healthy again for ALL Americans including men, women, and children, and he will deliver on that promise,” Leavitt said in an email. Women make up half of the U.S. population, about 168 million people, but medical research into their unique health circumstances has largely been underfunded and understudied, officials have said. Jill Biden has said she brought the idea for the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research to the president after Maria Shriver, herself a women’s health advocate and member of the influential Kennedy political family, brought it to her. The first lady told the researchers, advocates, and business and philanthropic leaders attending the conference that she will keep pressing the issue after she leaves her role. “My work doesn’t stop in January when Joe and I leave this house,” she said. “I will keep building alliances, like the ones that brought us here today, and I will keep pushing for funding for innovative research.” The first lady said the U.S. economy loses about $1.8 billion in working time every year because of how menopause affects women. And she is interested in learning more about extreme morning sickness during pregnancy. “I heard this a couple weeks ago and I was particularly interested because my own granddaughter was going through the same thing, ’cause we’re going to be great-grandparents,” Jill Biden said. Related Articles Health | Rural governments often fail to communicate with residents who aren’t proficient in English Health | Some breast cancer patients can avoid certain surgeries, studies suggest Health | Company issues recall of cookies sold in CT due to unlabeled coconut. What to know Health | CT nurse admits stealing drug from hospital vials. He replaced it with ‘inert solution.’ Health | CT local health district issues warning to avoid wild and stray animals after rabies found in racoon Granddaughter Naomi Biden Neal and her husband, Peter Neal, are expecting their first child. Since its launch, the women’s health research initiative has attracted nearly $1 billion in federal funding, including from the Defense Department and National Institutes of Health. “In one year, everybody in this room kicked butt,” Shriver said at the conference. “Not until the Bidens did anyone ever think to make women’s health and research a priority for the federal government, so let that sink in.” President Biden closed the conference with a nod to the influence of his wife, who, after her remarks, sat in the front row beside their daughter Ashley Biden, who runs a women’s shelter in Philadelphia. ‘You stepped up kid,” Biden told the first lady. Then he told the audience, “In case you wonder, when she speaks, I listen.”
The number of Australian homes bought by foreigners fell last year, as high stamp duty costs deter potential buyers. The downturn reflects the government’s efforts to reduce foreign investment and cut migration, experts say. The number of foreigners purchasing property in Australia dropped last financial year. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The number of approved residential real estate investments by overseas buyers fell to 5581 in financial year 2024, down from 6576 in 2023 (15 per cent), figures from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) show. The combined value of approved residential real estate proposals from Chinese and Hong Kong buyers (with China the largest foreign-buyer pool in Australia), dropped last financial year from $4 billion to $3 billion. Loading Property portal Juwai IQI co-founder and group managing director Daniel Ho said affordability has unexpectedly become an issue for foreign buyers here. “Foreign buyers pay much more to purchase and to hold property in Australia than local residents and citizens,” Ho said. “They have extra taxes, fees, and duties that local buyers don’t have to worry about.” In Sydney, foreign buyers pay a one-off application fee, a stamp duty surcharge of 8 per cent and an annual land tax surcharge of 4 per cent. Both components will increase to 9 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, from next year. Buyers who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents are restricted in the types of dwelling they can purchase. Foreign investors are limited to new dwellings or off-the-plan sales, to help boost Australia’s housing stock. The combined value of approved residential real estate proposals from Chinese and Hong Kong buyers dropped from $4 billion to $3 billion last financial year. Credit: Steven Siewert Temporary residents can apply for approval to buy an established home to live in for the duration of their stay, or can also buy an established home for redevelopment if it increases the housing stock. Plus Agency managing director Peter Li said the higher fees and taxes compounded the cost of holding property in Australia as a foreigner. Loading “That’s pushing foreign buyers out of the market. Even if you could afford to buy it, you have to be able to afford to keep it, and that’s why people are selling,” Li said. “Overseas purchasers are cash rich, so they have assets overseas – not just Chinese, I’m talking about Persian, Lebanese, Americans, British. Normally, they sell their assets [to buy in Australia]. So the mortgage is not a big concern ... it’s the surcharges.” He said foreign buyers have been declining since the introduction of fees and surcharges in 2017, especially in unit-heavy markets such as Sydney’s Chatswood and Burwood. Li said they could once sell an entire development to foreign buyers before the introduction of the FIRB application fees and surcharges, but would now struggle to sell one in 10 to them. Cuts to migration levels and increasing difficulties in qualifying for permanent residency were driving foreign buyers from Australian real estate, Li said, which he did not think would improve. OH Property Group’s Henny Stier noted fewer foreign buyers in Sydney’s north and north shore. “A lot of new builds and apartments in places like Epping have dropped ... if they’re not buying, then local buyers are not buying them, so they’re sitting around on the market and prices are dropping,” Stier said. It was more difficult to move cash from countries like China and Indonesia where there were strict limits on withdrawals, Stier said. Stier added the Australian government’s attempts to disincentivise foreign investment were working. In Melbourne, the top destination for Chinese buyer interest in Australia, foreign buyers face an 8 per cent stamp duty fee. Foreign buyers are subject to extra stamp duty costs. Credit: Paul Rovere Director at Belle Property Balwyn Robert Ding said overseas buyers were delaying property purchases until they obtain permanent residency, when the increased stamp duty no longer applies. “When someone’s paying $4 million to $5 million [for a property], it’s quite a hefty fee,” Ding said. “What a lot of these foreign buyers do ... is rent or even buy something of a less substantial value. Once they get permanent residency, which usually takes about four or five years, that’s when they start to buy properties.” Ray White Balwyn director Helen Yan has noticed a downturn in Chinese buyers since the start of this year, when the federal government paused applications for the significant-investor visa which requires recipients to invest $5 million in Australia. “That’s why the high-end property [market] has slowed down a lot,” Yan said. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the number of foreigners buying in Australia has probably returned to pre-COVID levels following the post-pandemic housing boom. “Foreign buying was quite weak through the pandemic years because of travel restrictions,” Oliver said. “That sort of slowed down through the pandemic, then there was a bounce back, and I suspect it’s now just settling down after that initial bounce back. “There could also be some cooling associated with the backlash we’re seeing against foreign students, with student visa numbers down, which may have, to some degree, weighed on foreign purchases as well.” Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Property market Sydney house prices Melbourne house prices Foreign investment Alexandra Middleton is a journalist for The Age, reporting on Melbourne's property market. Connect via email . Tawar Razaghi is a journalist working for the Sydney Morning Herald Connect via Twitter . 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Polish foreign minister: Europe must be ready as US rethinks Ukraine strategyBENIN – Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that Christmas represents the values that unite us as a people, regardless of tribe, religion and politics. Governor Okpebholo made the declaration while delivering his message at the Edo Christmas Carol, 2024, held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to Edo State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; former Speakers of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Justin Okonoboh and Francis Okiye; Head of Service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa; other top government officials, party leaders, religious and traditional rulers, Permanent Secretaries, civil servants, among others. Governor Okpebholo noted that Christmas is a season of love and hope, as it reminds everyone of the importance of compassion, generosity and peace. He noted that the event was more than just singing, but represented the values that unite the people regardless of tribe, religion and politics. “It is with great joy that I welcome all of you to this beautiful Christmas Carol as we gather to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ. “It is particularly memorable for me because this is the first time I have the honour of standing before you as Governor during such an event. “Christmas is a time of love, hope, and unity. It is also a season that reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity and peace. “This Carol symbolizes much more than singing and entertainment; it is a testament to the values that bind us as one people, regardless of tribe, religion and political differences. “As we listen to the wonderful voices tonight, let us remember that our strength as a people lies in our diversity. “To our children, may the joy of tonight inspire you to dream big and grow with love and kindness in your hearts. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow. “On behalf of the entire leadership of our beloved State, I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.” Governor Okpebholo in his quest for Edo people to celebrate a unique Christmas, instituted a raffle draw for winners to go home with a mini bus, tricycle, generating sets, sewing and grinding machines, among other items. There were melodious rendition by choirs from various denominations, including the Living Faith Church, Miracle Assembly, Blessed Virgin Mary, Church of God Mission and EL Excess Band. The event also saw a special performance by the Theatre Arts Department from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Leetu Man. Bible lessons were read in pidgin and English languages by various personalities which included the administrator, office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Anani-Okpebholo, representative of wife of Deputy Governor and Edo South representative on the board of SUBEB, representative of vegetable sellers, a returnee and a bus driver, among others. Highpoints of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners in the raffle draw.Aston Villa had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday after a last-gasp effort by Morgan Rogers was chalked off for a foul on Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio. Villa thought it had won it at the death to end a six-game winless streak when Di Gregorio failed to catch a free kick, but Diego Carlos fouled the Juventus keeper as Rogers was lashing the ball into the net, and boos poured out from Villa fans after the final whistle. AS IT HAPPENED: Villa vs Juventus highlights The match was far from a classic, with Juventus seemingly content to keep possession, and both sides squandered chances, with Villa’s best coming from Lucas Digne who hammered a free kick off the crossbar seconds before halftime. Midway through the second half, Francisco Conceicao’s header from a corner looked destined for the back of Villa’s net but goalkeeper Emi Martinez dived to get his fingertips to the ball. Unai Emery’s Villa, which had kicked off its Champions League campaign with three victories and three clean sheets, is ninth in the table after five games, while its Italian visitor, which had only 14 outfield players available on Wednesday, is 17th. Comments Related Topics Juventus / Aston Villa / UEFA Champions League 2024-25 / UEFA Champions League Latest on Sportstar
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TheLuxeList.com Releases its Annual Holiday Gift Guide 2024The US believes journalist Austin Tice is alive after disappearing in Syria in 2012, Biden saysStock futures were flat in overnight trading Sunday evening ahead of the last few trading sessions of 2024. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were flat, while S&P 500 futures edged up 0.04%. Nasdaq-100 futures rose 0.1%. The major averages are heading into the yearend shy of record levels, with the S&P 500 and Dow up more than 25% and 14%, respectively, and on track for the best year since 2021. The Nasdaq has gained more than 31%. The benchmarks are also headed for a winning fourth quarter, with the Nasdaq on pace for its longest quarterly winning streaking since the second quarter of 2021. Despite a losing session for all the major averages on Friday, investors are hoping that stocks will continue to rise into the year-end and the new year, and trigger what's known as a Santa Claus Rally. The phenomenon refers to the market rising into the final five trading days of a calendar year and the first two in January. The S&P 500 has returned 1.3% on average during this period since 1950, according to LPL Financial. This week ushers in a light period for economic data, with the market closed Wednesday in observance of New Years Day. Chicago PMI and pending homes sales data are due out Monday.
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Students interact with agriculture scientists Parvatipuram-Manyam districtHeadlight Market to Illuminate $12.0 Billion by 2031, Driven by Technological Advancements: Allied Market Research 11-24-2024 08:55 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Allied Market Research As per the report published by Allied Market Research, the global headlight market size generated $6.7 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach $12.0 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides an in-depth analysis of top segments, changing market trends, value chains, key investment pockets, competitive scenarios, and regional landscape. The report is an essential and helpful source of information for leading market players, investors, new entrants, and stakeholders in formulating new strategies for the future and taking steps to strengthen their position in the market. 🔰 Download Sample Pages - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A10710 Automotive manufacturers are developing new products to address stringent emission regulations. Greater demand for luxury vehicles, heavy dependence on road for freight movement, and rise in production and sale of vehicles drive the growth of the automotive headlight market. Increasing concerns regarding road safety and government regulations for lighting are the major factors driving the demand for lighting equipment. Factors such as increasing disposable incomes, improving lifestyle, and transportation requirements are contributing in the increase in the production of vehicles, which in turn, is fueling the demand for headlights. Furthermore, increase in demand for advanced technology in vehicles is anticipated to provide a remarkable growth opportunity for the players operating in the headlight market. The report segments the global headlight market on the basis of technology, vehicle type, vehicle propulsion, sales channel, and region. Based on technology, the LED segment held the largest share in 2021, accounting for nearly half of the market. In addition, the segment is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. 🔰 Procure Complete Research Report Now: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/headlight-market/purchase-options On the basis of vehicle type, the passenger cars segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2021, accounting for around three-fifths of the market. In addition, the segment is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 6.7% from 2021 to 2031. Based on vehicle propulsion, the ICE vehicle segment held the largest share in 2021, accounting for more than 90% of the market. However, the electric vehicle segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. On the basis of sales channel, the OEM segment dominated the market in 2021, contributing to more than 90% of the market. However, the aftermarket segment is estimated to showcase the highest CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. The global headlight market is analyzed across several regions such as North America, LAMEA, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The market across Asia-Pacific held the lion's share in 2021, accounting for nearly half of the market. However, the market across LAMEA is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.7% from 2022 to 2031. The global headlight market report includes an in-depth analysis of the prime market players such as Continental AG, De Amertek Corporation, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd, Valeo Sa, KOITO MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD., Koninklijke Philips N.V., J.W. Speaker Corporation, Osram Gmbh, and Zkw Group. 🔰 Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A10710 KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY By technology, the LED segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future. By vehicle type, the passenger cars segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future. By vehicle propulsion, the electric vehicles segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future. By sales channel, the aftermarket segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future. By region, LAMEA is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive 205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. This release was published on openPR.Kinzinger has ‘absolutely no worries’ Trump will try to put him in jailDiffusion Bonding Furnaces Market Driven by Demand for Immersive Technologies Across Industries
By Michelle Conlin and Federico Maccioni NEW YORK/ABU DHABI (Reuters) -Key players in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's new cryptocurrency venture were among high-profile industry figures gathering at a bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as the digital currency sets record highs. Speakers at the two-day event include Trump's son Eric as well as billionaire Steve Witkoff, the new White House envoy for the Middle East and co-founder of World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform launched in September that Donald Trump and his family helped set up. Attendees arriving for the Bitcoin MENA conference were greeted by displays welcoming them to the "golden age of bitcoin", alongside the live price of bitcoin, which last week smashed records when it hit $100,000, buoyed by promises from Trump that he would be the "crypto president". Nick Damico, co-founder of crypto exchange Roxom, was there, sporting one of the "Make Bitcoin Great Again" caps on sale at the conference, which is projected to draw more than 6,000 people. Nehayyan Aldhuhoori, another attendee, said he had "especially come" to hear from Eric Trump. On Tuesday, Eric Trump will deliver the keynote address of the conference and then hold a "whale-only" chat in the VIP lounge, according to the event's agenda. Witkoff spoke on Monday to that more exclusive crowd, which was closed to the press and requires a $9,999 "whale" pass, a nickname for players who have potential to move a market. The Gulf gathering comes at an inflection point for the industry. Trump, once a skeptic, has vowed to make America the new "crypto capital of the planet." The president-elect is World Liberty Financial's "chief crypto advocate", and sons Eric, Don Jr. and Barron are ambassadors, according to the WLF website. Company filings show Donald Trump is entitled to 22.5 billion WLF tokens and a share of its revenue. "The bitcoin conference carries a lot of significance for crypto as it's one of the longest-running conferences focused on bringing our industry together," said Marshall Beard of Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Trump backers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. WHITE HOUSE CRYPTO CZAR Other speakers also have close ties to World Liberty Financial, including Justin Sun, the 32-year-old Chinese founder of blockchain platform Tron. Three weeks after Trump won last month's U.S. presidential election, Sun posted on X that he bought $30 million worth of WLF tokens, making him the venture's largest investor. Sun was charged with crypto-related fraud and securities violations under the Biden administration. Last week Trump named a White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, former PayPal executive David Sacks, a close friend of Trump adviser and megadonor Elon Musk. Technology and digital asset veterans gave millions to U.S. election candidates friendly to the crypto industry, according to analytics firm Breadcrumbs. Trump's 2016 campaign manager, Paul Manafort, will also address the conference. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who served a four-month U.S. prison sentence this year for crypto-tied money-laundering law violations, is holding a whale session. Trump, his family members, other speakers and their firms did not respond to requests for comment. (Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Abu DhabiEditing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes, Megan Davies and Susan Fenton)
Lautaro Martinez ends goal drought as Inter keep pressure on Serie A leadersIndia’s payments regulator is set to decide as early as Monday whether to curb the dominance of Walmart’s PhonePe and Google in the nation’s fast-growing mobile payments market, a move that could reshape how its billion-plus population moves money. The decision centers on UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, a network backed by more than 50 retail banks that has changed how Indians pay for everything from groceries to taxi rides. The platform processes over 13 billion transactions monthly, making it one of the world’s largest digital payment networks. It’s also, by far, the most popular way Indians transact online. At issue is whether the National Payments Corporation of India, which reports to India’s central bank, will enforce a rule limiting companies to handling no more than 30% of all UPI transactions . The rule, first proposed in 2020 , would particularly affect Walmart-owned PhonePe, which handles 47.8% of all UPI payments, and Google Pay, which processes 37.1%. The uncertainty has thrown a wrench into PhonePe’s plans to go public. The startup, valued at $12 billion and backed by Walmart, would be one of India’s most prominent technology IPOs. PhonePe’s co-founder and chief executive, Sameer Nigam, said in August that the startup cannot go public “if there is uncertainty on the regulatory side.” “If you are buying a share at Rs 100 and you price it assuming we have 48-49% market share, then there is an uncertainty about whether it will come down to 30% and by when,” said Nigam (pictured above) at a fintech conference. “We are requesting them [the regulator], if they can find another way to at least solve whatever their concerns are or tell us what the list of concerns is.” The issue also impacts the growth potential of numerous fintech startups that are attempting to make deeper inroads in digital payments. If the regulator imposes restrictions on PhonePe and Google Pay’s ability to onboard new users or puts a check on how many transactions they process, many other startups stand to gain grounds. The regulator is inclined to delay enforcing the cap again or may increase the limit to more than 40%, people briefed on the situation told TechCrunch. The agency has already pushed back the deadline several times, from January 2021 to 2023, and then to 2025, as it struggled with implementation. It has held talks with many stakeholders as recently as last week over the decision. Enforcing a limitation on the market share will impact the consumer experience, some of the people said. The situation highlights India’s efforts to balance technological innovation with market competition. UPI has been a cornerstone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to digitize India’s economy and reduce its reliance on cash. The system allows instant transfers between bank accounts using simple identifiers like phone numbers, making it more accessible than traditional banking services. A market share cap would mark one of India’s most significant interventions in its technology sector, which has attracted massive investments from global companies like Walmart, Google, and Meta. These companies view India, with its young, increasingly digital population, as a crucial growth market.
The Hidden Consequences of Political Wins In Ghana, political victories are often followed by a troubling pattern: public servants, perceived as loyal to the losing party, face harsh treatment. Whether through intimidation or job losses, these individuals find themselves caught in the crossfire of political battles. The aftermath of an election should be a time for unity and nation-building, but for many, it feels like a season of retribution. Fear and Uncertainty When a political party wins, its activists sometimes take matters into their own hands, targeting individuals they believe are aligned with the opposing party. These actions can lead to harassment, forced resignations, or career-ending smear campaigns. It’s a dangerous culture that disrupts governance and erodes trust within public institutions. Time for Change With the current government holding a substantial majority in Parliament, it’s the perfect time for change. New laws must be passed to ensure job security for all public servants, regardless of their political affiliations. Victimisation of individuals based on their political leanings needs to be criminalised, sending a clear message that Ghana is a nation of unity, not division. Building a Nation Together It’s crucial to remember that every Ghanaian plays a part in building the nation. Politics aside, public servants serve all citizens. Partisan victimisation weakens our collective progress and tarnishes the values of democracy. Ghana’s future can only be bright if all Ghanaians are allowed to contribute without fear. Moving Forward as One For Ghana to move forward, we must foster a sense of belonging and respect among citizens. The focus should not be on punishing individuals based on their political party but on creating a fair system where everyone can thrive. It’s time for a shift that ensures no Ghanaian is left behind, regardless of the political party in power.PROSPECT – The town’s first assisted living facility, Heartland at Prospect, will be constructed at the site of the former RegalCare nursing home. The Inland Wetlands Commission approved the application from B&G Ventures IV on Nov. 18 for a 45-unit, 46-bed elderly housing facility at 25 Royal Crest Drive. Soon after that, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special permit for the project. The estimated time to redevelop and construct the facility is 18 months, We Do Life Together CEO and President Chet Doheny said. The former nursing home, which sits on 8.4 acres, was built in 1970. Conditions for the IWC approval include the chain-link fence and existing retaining wall along the northern property line will remain in place, while the temporary parking lot shed, container and canvas structure will be removed. Doheny the assisted living facility apartments will have either one or two bedrooms with a majority to be studio apartments. “We’re trying to keep it affordable for average working person pension,” Doheny said. The new facility will have 30 to 35 total workers, operational 24/7 for people 65 years and older. “Senior-centric living, it’s going to be new look at assisted living,” Doheny said. “There’s going to be AI technology to assist our residents as well as humans to help.” Chesprocott Health District and the state Department of Public Health approved the on-site septic system in June of last year. Doheny said they will use local areas for construction, vendors, restaurants and entertainment as well as utilizing the Prospect Senior Center and Community Center. “We’re not about isolation. We’re about inclusion in the community,” Doheny said. “There’ll be basic care. As their needs become more, we’re going to use local nurses, local doctors.” They also will use as much as they can with energy efficient construction. There will be solar panels in the rear of the building to power the building as well as solar panels on the roof of facility to feed the grid, Doheny said.
In Pictures: Politics frames the debate as Ireland holds five ballots in 2024
ROME, ITALY, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, Friedman Institute has released its analysis report "Libyan Oil and Gas Supply - Italy's Strategic Role in Mediterranean Energy ". Italy is positioning itself as a central energy hub in the Mediterranean, a strategy underpinned by its continued reliance on Libyan oil and gas. According to a recent analytical note published by the Istituto Friedman , Italy stands to benefit from the vast untapped energy resources in Libya, despite the country's ongoing instability. The analysis, titled "La turbolenta Libia: Una grande opportunità per l'Italia", highlights the growing importance of Libyan energy supplies to Italy and the geopolitical challenges and opportunities these pose. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya has made a significant announcement: approximately 70% of Libya's territory remains unexplored for oil and gas resources, suggesting significant growth potential for the sector. Libyan NOC Chairman Farhat Bengdara emphasized the corporation's commitment to developing these resources through international partnerships. Libya already holds the largest proven oil reserves in Africa, with over 48 billion barrels of oil and significant natural gas reserves. Despite these rich resources, Libya remains a high-risk investment destination due to its unstable political and security situation. The country, which fell into chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed revolution that overthrew leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been divided between two rival governments: one in the east and one in Tripoli in the west. In this context, Italy remains one of the primary international stakeholders in Libyan energy, importing substantial quantities of oil and gas despite the volatility of production levels. Italy's Energy Deal with Libya: A Double-Edged Sword The 2023 energy deal between Italy and Libya, worth $8 billion, has stirred considerable debate. Critics, including Libyan political figures and international energy experts, have raised concerns about the agreement's legality and its long-term implications. Experts also pointed out that instability, rising domestic demand, and a lack of investment have seriously hampered Libya's ability to meet foreign gas export needs. The risks associated with the Libyan energy market have been highlighted in the wake of a five-week-old block resulting from a dispute over control of the Central Bank of Libya. This disruption has had a far-reaching impact, particularly on European energy markets. A prolonged reduction in Libyan oil exports could force European stakeholders to reassess their strategic and contractual commitments. Another recent development has been the mobilization of militias in response to one Italian energy company's exploration activities in the Hamada oil and gas field. This incident underlines the risks posed by the ongoing instability in Libya, particularly for foreign investors. A Middle East expert, commented that the incident "highlights the growing risks for their investments in Libya." Despite these challenges, Italy is determined to maintain and expand its role as a key energy player in the Mediterranean region. The country already imports gas through three major pipelines from Azerbaijan, Libya, and Algeria, with additional plans for floating storage and regasification units to import more gas from Egypt and Israel. As Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources, especially in the wake of the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, Italy's strategic location as a Mediterranean energy hub becomes more significant. If countries like Germany decide to increase their imports from Mediterranean producers, Italy could play a crucial role in facilitating these exports, leveraging its infrastructure for storing and transiting natural gas via depleted reservoirs in the Po Valley. However, Italy's ambitions could face challenges from regional powers competing for influence in Libya's energy sector. Countries like Turkey, France, and the United Arab Emirates have already made significant investments in Libya's energy resources and could resist Italy's increasing dominance in the region. As some European media outlets report , Italy is well aware of the potential risks, that's why it took action in securing its oil operations. The Friedman Institute's analysis underscores the critical geopolitical role that Libya's energy resources play in Italy's energy future. Despite the instability and security risks that continue to plague Libya, the potential rewards for Italy are substantial. The country's efforts to secure a central position in the Mediterranean energy landscape, coupled with Libya's untapped resources, could help Italy diversify its energy supply and enhance its geopolitical influence. For further details, please refer to the full analytical note from Istituto Friedman here. Social Links X: https://x.com/FriedmanInst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/istitutofriedman/?locale=it_IT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miltonfriedmaninstitute/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miltonfriedmaninstitute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friedmaninstitute/?hl=it Contact Information Brand: Istituto Friedman Contact: Media team Address: Via degli uffici del Vicario 43, Roma, 00186 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.friedmaninstitute.it/Pep Guardiola has pledged to step aside if he fails to turn around Manchester City’s poor run of form. The City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”
None
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Israeli Innovation Sails Forward: MARINE EDGE at COP29Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet” died Friday at age 73, her family announced on social media. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the Instagram post read. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.” Hussey was spotted by director Franco Zeffirelli, who casted her in his adaptation of the play by William Shakespeare , when she was 15, according to the Associated Press (AP). Zeffirelli first saw her perform on stage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey was awarded a Golden Globe for best new actress for her role as Juliet, the AP reported. Actress Olivia Hussey attending the Artistry in Cinema Awards at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hilton, California, May 27th 1979. (Photo by Frank Edwards/Archive Photos/Getty Images) Hussey was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1951 and went on to live “a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals,” her family’s statement said. A post shared by Olivia Hussey eisley (@oliviahusseyeisley) Decades after the film Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo, brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging sexual harassment , sexual abuse, and the conducting of a nude scene despite the actors being teenagers. The actors, who were 15 and 16 at the time of filming, alleged that they were first told they would be wearing flesh-colored undergarments for a bedroom scene but upon the day of filming , Zeffirelli allegedly changed his mind, according to the AP. The director reportedly told the two they would wear body makeup and that the camera would be positioned a certain way in order to avoid showing nudity. (RELATED: Child Stars Accuse Studio Of Sexual Exploitation Of Minors In Iconic Adaptation Of ‘Romeo And Juliet’). The two alleged they were filmed naked without their knowledge but the case was later dismissed in 2023 by a Los Angeles County judge who said they filed their claim too late and their depiction was not considered child pornography, the AP noted. Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey attend the 50th Anniversary World Premiere Restoration of ‘The Producers’ presented as the Opening Night Gala of the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival at the TCL Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California on April 26, 2018. (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images) Whiting paid tribute to his co-star in the comments of the social media post, “We have shared so much since we were two sweet innocent children clinging onto each other for dear life as every photo of us attests to. You have never been frightened of fighting to fix everything wrong in this world.” “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever,” he continued. Hussey is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, her children Alex, Max, and India and her grandson, Greyson.
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Capital Management Associates Inc raised its holdings in Amazon.com, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report ) by 24.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,141 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,580 shares during the period. Amazon.com makes up about 0.6% of Capital Management Associates Inc’s portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest holding. Capital Management Associates Inc’s holdings in Amazon.com were worth $1,517,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of AMZN. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Amazon.com by 20,897.2% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 39,135,449 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $72,921,080,000 after purchasing an additional 38,949,065 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Amazon.com by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 785,811,114 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $141,744,609,000 after buying an additional 14,724,687 shares in the last quarter. Swedbank AB acquired a new position in shares of Amazon.com in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,239,757,000. Capital World Investors raised its position in shares of Amazon.com by 64.6% in the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 29,359,677 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $5,295,899,000 after buying an additional 11,524,463 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors raised its position in shares of Amazon.com by 8.5% in the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 86,982,857 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $15,689,968,000 after buying an additional 6,810,145 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 72.20% of the company’s stock. Insider Activity In related news, Director Jonathan Rubinstein sold 5,004 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.85, for a total transaction of $1,000,049.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 99,396 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,864,290.60. This trade represents a 4.79 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . Also, SVP David Zapolsky sold 2,190 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $195.00, for a total transaction of $427,050.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 62,420 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $12,171,900. This trade represents a 3.39 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 6,026,683 shares of company stock worth $1,252,148,795 over the last quarter. Insiders own 10.80% of the company’s stock. Amazon.com Stock Performance Amazon.com ( NASDAQ:AMZN – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The e-commerce giant reported $1.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.14 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $158.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $157.28 billion. Amazon.com had a net margin of 8.04% and a return on equity of 22.41%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.85 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Amazon.com, Inc. will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently commented on AMZN. Wedbush boosted their target price on shares of Amazon.com from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Roth Mkm boosted their target price on shares of Amazon.com from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on shares of Amazon.com from $213.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. JMP Securities boosted their target price on shares of Amazon.com from $265.00 to $285.00 and gave the company a “market outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Pivotal Research started coverage on shares of Amazon.com in a research report on Friday, October 11th. They set a “buy” rating and a $260.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, forty-one have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $236.20. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Amazon.com Amazon.com Profile ( Free Report ) Amazon.com, Inc engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, Echo, Ring, Blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content. See Also Five stocks we like better than Amazon.com Stock Splits, Do They Really Impact Investors? The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Asset Allocation: The Key to a Successful Portfolio. Are You Paying Attention to Yours? 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 High Flyers: 3 Natural Gas Stocks for March 2022 FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Receive News & Ratings for Amazon.com Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amazon.com and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
NoneSigma Investment Counselors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Amazon.com, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMZN ) by 0.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 79,141 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock after acquiring an additional 636 shares during the quarter. Amazon.com makes up about 0.7% of Sigma Investment Counselors Inc.’s holdings, making the stock its 26th largest position. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc.’s holdings in Amazon.com were worth $14,746,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Amazon.com by 1.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 785,811,114 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock worth $141,744,609,000 after acquiring an additional 14,724,687 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in shares of Amazon.com by 8.5% in the first quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 86,982,857 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $15,689,968,000 after buying an additional 6,810,145 shares during the period. Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in shares of Amazon.com by 1.5% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 69,686,374 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $13,466,933,000 after buying an additional 1,042,177 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in shares of Amazon.com by 0.4% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 67,745,972 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $13,091,909,000 after buying an additional 289,532 shares during the period. Finally, Capital International Investors raised its stake in shares of Amazon.com by 7.4% in the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 42,370,172 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $7,642,732,000 after buying an additional 2,932,192 shares during the period. 72.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Amazon.com news, CEO Douglas J. Herrington sold 5,502 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.81, for a total value of $1,132,366.62. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 518,911 shares in the company, valued at approximately $106,797,072.91. This trade represents a 1.05 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, insider Jeffrey P. Bezos sold 2,996,362 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $208.85, for a total value of $625,790,203.70. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 917,416,976 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $191,602,535,437.60. This trade represents a 0.33 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last 90 days, insiders sold 6,026,683 shares of company stock worth $1,252,148,795. 10.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets View Our Latest Stock Report on Amazon.com Amazon.com Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of AMZN stock opened at $207.89 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.19 trillion, a PE ratio of 44.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.14. Amazon.com, Inc. has a 1-year low of $142.81 and a 1-year high of $215.90. The business has a 50-day moving average of $194.78 and a 200 day moving average of $186.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Amazon.com ( NASDAQ:AMZN – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The e-commerce giant reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.14 by $0.29. Amazon.com had a return on equity of 22.41% and a net margin of 8.04%. The business had revenue of $158.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $157.28 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.85 EPS. The business’s revenue was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Amazon.com, Inc. will post 5.29 earnings per share for the current year. Amazon.com Profile ( Free Report ) Amazon.com, Inc engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, Echo, Ring, Blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Amazon.com ESG Stocks, What Investors Should Know The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing CD Calculator: Certificate of Deposit Calculator 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 3 Stocks to Protect Your Portfolio from the Coronavirus Contagion FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMZN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Amazon.com, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMZN – Free Report ). 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Hunter Sallis poured in 31 points and Wake Forest needed most of those in a 67-57 home victory against Detroit Mercy on Saturday at Winston-Salem, N.C. Davin Cosby had 11 points as the Demon Deacons (6-1) won their second straight since their only loss, which came a week earlier at Xavier. But it wasn't easy as the visiting Titans (3-3) were persistent as they trimmed a 19-point deficit to nine points with plenty of time remaining (5:54). Orlando Lovejoy led the Titans with 15 points and TJ Nadeau had 13 points and nine rebounds off the Detroit Mercy bench despite shooting 1-for-8 on 3-pointers. Jared Lary added 10 points. Wake Forest doubled up the Titans in 3-point production by making 10 compared to Detroit Mercy's five. But the Demon Deacons took more than half of their attempts (61) from beyond the 3-point arc (35). As a result, they were just 9-for-13 on free throws. The Titans also held a 48-31 advantage in rebounding. Some of that might have been attributed to the absence of Wake Forest center Efton Reid III, who has been dealing with migraines. Detroit Mercy trailed 36-23 at halftime, but Wake Forest couldn't put the Titans away. Sallis shot 12-for-18 from the field and made five 3-point shots. He ended up two points shy of his career-high mark. Sallis came through with clutch shots, including a 3-pointer to go up by 12 with 4:59 left. Cosby had three 3-pointers before hitting his lone 2-point basket with 3:33 left to push the lead back to 14. The Titans shot only 5-for-19 on 3-pointers and they checked in at 33.3 percent overall from the field. Detroit Mercy was charged with 14 turnovers compared to only five for Wake Forest. Detroit Mercy was coming off Wednesday night's victory at Ball State. That outcome marked the team's first true road triumph since February 2023, but the Titans couldn't duplicate it. --Field Level Media‘Samrasta Virasat Kendras’ in major cities: CM
CINCINNATI , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that Stuart Aitken is stepping down as senior vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer, to pursue other professional opportunities. Aitken will remain in his role at Kroger through December 31, 2024 . Mary Ellen Adcock , Kroger's senior vice president of operations, will succeed him as chief merchandising and marketing officer. " Mary Ellen is a respected leader both within Kroger and our industry," said Rodney McMullen , Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Her deep strategic experience in her past 25 years with Kroger in roles of increasing responsibility will continue to drive value for customers and growth for our business and associates." Continuing in their current roles as leaders of the company's operations are senior vice presidents of retail operations Valarie Jabbar and Kenny Kimball , who oversee Kroger operating divisions, and group vice president of retail operations Paula Kash , who leads enterprise retail operations, which includes asset protection, corporate food technology and e-commerce operations. They will now report to McMullen. "On behalf of the Kroger Board and management team, I want to thank Stuart for his work to evolve Kroger's brand while bringing exciting, innovating products to our shelves," said McMullen. "He played an instrumental role in overseeing dunnhumby's integration and establishing 84.51o. We wish Stuart and his family all the best as they embark on a new chapter." About Mary Ellen Adcock Adcock served as Kroger's senior vice president of operations since 2019. In this role, she leads strategic operations for the company's more than 2,700 stores across 35 states supporting more than 416,000 associates and serving 11 million customers every day. Adcock oversees customer experience, associate experience, asset protection, process change and productivity improvement initiatives and is responsible for maintaining the highest food safety and regulatory standards. As senior vice president of operations, Adcock has delivered more than $1 billion in annual operations savings for six consecutive years. This strategic focus on efficiency improvements provided Kroger the ability to reinvest those savings to consistently lower prices for customers and increase wages for associates. Adcock achieved this efficiency goal while also improving the customer and associate experience by developing Kroger's Full, Fresh & Friendly: Every Customer Every Time program. Adcock also played a lead role in operationalizing Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, Kroger's commitment to end hunger in the communities it serves and eliminate waste as a company. She led the organization in achieving 100% store participation in the company's surplus food rescue program for the first time. Adcock joined Kroger in 1999 in the company's manufacturing division, where she held a variety of leadership positions. In 2009, she was promoted to vice president of deli/bakery manufacturing, and in 2012, Adcock became vice president of natural foods. In 2014, she led merchandising and operations for the Columbus division. Adcock was promoted to group vice president of retail operations in 2016 and named as senior vice president of retail operations in 2019. In 2022, Adcock was a Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer. About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are, across our family of companies nearly 420,000 associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-announces-chief-merchandising-and-marketing-officer-succession-302314616.html SOURCE The Kroger Co.Everyone assumed Bill Belichick would pursue a return to coaching, but few anticipated him exploring a college football position. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.
KENILWORTH, N.J. , Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center, a premier 100+ acre campus dedicated to research and development innovations, announced today that Revlon, a global leader in cosmetics and personal care, will relocate its New Jersey -based science and innovation (R&D) lab to the NEST campus. Lise Jorgensen , Revlon's Chief Scientific Officer, said: "Revlon selected NEST for its existing lab infrastructure, which will help us further amplify our innovation capabilities, and provide a state-of-the-art setting to meet our specific R&D needs. This substantial investment in our R&D capabilities marks a critical and exciting step in Revlon's future and reinforces our commitment to develop the most advanced consumer-inspired products for our brands around the world." Revlon's research labs, pilot manufacturing, and office functions will be centralized within a 62,000-square-foot space within the 1.2M SF building now known as 15 NEST, the building that up until recently served as Merck's global research headquarters. Notably, Revlon will be the first tenant to occupy 15 NEST since Merck's departure earlier this year. "Revlon's decision to join NEST is an exciting step towards our vision of a dynamic, collaborative, innovation ecosystem," said Matthew Flath , Onyx Equities' Senior Vice President Asset Management, who oversees the NEST campus. "With their decades-long legacy in beauty and personal care, Revlon complements the forward-thinking research environment at NEST and is helping to establish a community where leading science and technology companies unite to innovate, thrive, and elevate industry standards." Revlon's decision to join NEST comes on the heels of CoreWeave's recent announcement that it plans to lease 280,000 square feet of space on the campus. Both companies cited NEST's ideal location and best-in-class lab and utility infrastructure as part of their selection criteria. Dan Loughlin of JLL and Jonathan Scheinberg of Outshine Properties represented the ownership group of Onyx Equities, Machine Investment Group, and Pivot Real Estate Partners; and Daniel Levine and Daniel Reider from Newmark represented Revlon. To learn more about NEST's growth and the opportunities it offers, visit NESTCenter.com . About Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center Conveniently located in Kenilworth, NJ , the Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center is a 100+ acre campus that is purpose-built and zoned for life science innovation, answering a need for immediately available, turn-key, and customizable office, laboratory, and bio-manufacturing space in the tri-state area. Formerly the global headquarters of Merck, the Onyx Equities-led venture acquired the campus February 2023 and have since begun work with partners Machine Investment Group, Pivot Real Estate Partners, and Outshine Properties to develop it into a hub of research and innovation in the Northeast region of the United States . For more information about NEST, visit www.NestCenter.com . About Onyx Equities, LLC Headquartered in Woodbridge, New Jersey , Onyx Equities, LLC is a leading full-service real estate firm specializing in investment, asset repositioning, and ground-up development. Since its founding in 2004, Onyx has acquired more than $4 billion worth of diverse real estate assets throughout New Jersey , New York , and Pennsylvania , and has executed over $1 billion in capital improvement projects under its signature repositioning program. For more information about Onyx Equities, visit www.OnyxEquities.com . About Machine Investment Group Machine Investment Group is a real estate investment platform focused on investing in opportunistic, distressed, and special situations across all major asset classes in diverse geographies throughout the United States . Machine principals are directly responsible for deploying over $2.0 BN in capital to date. With a strong reputation, solutions-oriented approach, and extensive lender relationships, Machine aims to deliver consistent, opportunistic returns while minimizing losses. For more information, please visit https://machineinv.com/ . About Revlon Group Holdings LLC Revlon Group Holdings LLC ("Revlon") has developed a long-standing reputation as a color authority and beauty trendsetter in the world of color cosmetics and hair care. Since its breakthrough launch of the first opaque nail enamel in 1932, Revlon has provided consumers with high quality product innovation, performance and sophisticated glamour. In 2016, Revlon acquired the iconic Elizabeth Arden company and its portfolio of brands, including its leading designer and celebrity fragrances. Today, Revlon's diversified portfolio of brands is sold in over 100 countries around the world in most retail distribution channels, including prestige, salon, mass, and online. Revlon is among the leading global beauty companies, with some of the world's most iconic and desired brands and product offerings in color cosmetics, skin care, hair color, hair care and fragrances under brands such as Revlon, Revlon Professional, Elizabeth Arden , Almay, Mitchum, CND, American Crew, Creme of Nature, Cutex, Juicy Couture, Elizabeth Taylor , Curve, John Varvatos and Christina Aguilera . Contact: Corrie A. Fisher , media relations Email: Onyx@knbcomm.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/revlon-signs-lease-to-relocate-its-new-jersey-based-science-and-innovation-lab-to-the-northeast-science--technology-nest-center-302310137.html SOURCE Northeast Science and Technology (NEST)Gus Malzahn is leaving his post as UCF's head coach to reunite with Florida State coach Mike Norvell as the Seminoles' offensive coordinator, ESPN reported on Saturday. Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, relinquished his role as FSU's primary playcaller amid a staff shakeup this season. Florida State, 1-7 in the Athletic Coast Conference this season, entered Saturday's season finale against Florida at 2-9 and ranked No. 131 in the nation in total offense. UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn's four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons. Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn -- which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and playcaller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010. Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation. In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn's teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season. --Field Level MediaFury as boss of Keir Starmer's 'viper's nest' union - the GMB - 'bullied and harassed' female staffers and even told one: 'We've got better lawyers than you' By IZZY LYONS and TOM KELLY Published: 17:00 EST, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 17:05 EST, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments The head of Sir Keir Starmer ’s union is embroiled in allegations of harassing and bullying women. Former senior officials claim the GMB – one of Labour’s biggest backers which boasts the Prime Minister among its 500,000-plus members – is a ‘vipers’ nest’, and workers’ subs are ‘used like confetti’ to fight complaints. General secretary Gary Smith, who endorsed Sir Keir for PM, was allowed to run for the role despite four counts of bullying and harassment against a female union rep being upheld in their entirety by an internal GMB investigation in 2020. After securing the £148,000-a-year job, Mr Smith was secretly recorded warning a female employee ‘we’ve got better lawyers than you’ after she brought a sexual harassment claim against another official. Mr Smith admitted that the man the woman had complained about was ‘a scumbag who abused you’, but added: ‘Once you get into a fight with a big organisation, yep, we are going to come out swinging, and we’ve got better lawyers than you, and they’ll be more expensive. That’s just what happens. ‘You put a gun on the table... people just start shooting back.’ The woman signed a settlement agreement with a confidentiality clause before eventually leaving the union. ‘[They] crush anyone who tries to speak up,’ she said. The GMB says Mr Smith’s comments in the recording were taken out of context and that an independent barrister investigated the employee’s experience and found she was ‘politically motivated’ against Mr Smith. GMB head Gary Smith has been accused of harassing and bullying female staff members in the union Sir Keir Starmer with GMB general secretary Gary Smith at the Union's 2023 congress. Details of the PM's membership of the union emerged in the list of ministers' interests published this month Details of Sir Keir’s membership of the GMB emerged in the list of ministers’ interests published this month. It’s not clear why the former human rights lawyer joined the general industry union, but it is likely a nod to his late father’s factory job as a tool-maker. The GMB, which donates more than £1 million to Labour every year, is the UK’s third-biggest union with members from a wide range of industries, including the NHS, social care, retail, schools and local government. Many are in low-paid jobs. The Mail has spoken to numerous former and current GMB workers who likened the union to an ‘old men’s club’. Anne Chandler, an official who claimed she was forced out in 2022 after 25 years, said the GMB was ‘riddled with sexism’. Ms Chandler, 69, lodged a bullying complaint in 2021 against two male colleagues who hatched a ‘wholly inappropriate’ plan to sack her. Her complaint was upheld. The probe found that the two senior male figures told Ms Chandler’s new boss: ‘Your first job will be to sack Anne Chandler.’ In a letter to Ms Chandler, the regional GMB secretary who carried out the investigation admitted: ‘The fact that the two senior organisers are men seeking to influence a third male senior organiser against a woman officer colleague is deeply concerning.’ The two men were disciplined but remain working in the GMB. Ms Chandler said she felt like she had no option but to retire five years earlier than planned, adding: ‘In the end, the pressure became so bad... I just bit the bullet and said, I can’t do this any more. The whole process of the bullying was dreadful, and I’ve witnessed bullying and harassment throughout the organisation.’ Anne Chandler, 69, an official who claimed she was forced out in 2022 after 25 years, said the GMB was ‘riddled with sexism’ A GMB union stand set up during industrial action outside an Amazon warehouse in Coventry in March A female rep in the GMB, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of repercussions, said the union was full of ‘scared people’ who were ‘frightened of being suspended if they say anything’. Another, who has worked in the union movement for three decades, said: ‘The amount of fear from people is just horrible.’ Our shocking exposé comes after a damning 2020 report into the GMB concluded that ‘bullying, misogyny, cronyism, and sexual harassment were endemic’, and branded the union ‘institutionally sexist’. Karon Monaghan KC’s investigation found the GMB was a ‘hostile environment’ for women and said a ‘complete transformation’ in culture and practices was required. When Mr Smith was elected general secretary in 2021, he promised to implement the recommendations of the Monaghan Report in full and was even described as its ‘moral compass’. But members say the situation is worse under him. Paul Maloney, a former regional secretary who worked for the union for 40 years, hit out at Labour’s close affiliation with the GMB. He said: ‘It’s not very ethical that [Labour] are saying we stand for what’s right, and yet we take money from an organisation that will keep doing wrong from within and punishing women.’ A current female rep criticised the use of expensive lawyers such as top firm Carter-Ruck. ‘My members are paying for that,’ she said. ‘They are cleaners and low-paid workers – why should they be paying for Carter-Ruck?’ A spokesman for the GMB said: ‘We categorically deny claims of a bullying culture and do not recognise our union in the accounts of these former members of staff. ‘We now have clear, comprehensive and transparent procedures to fully investigate and effectively deal with any allegation of bullying, sexism or harassment. ‘We do not use non-disclosure agreements and staff leaving the organisation are asked to sign standard settlement agreements, similar to those used by virtually every organisation across the public and private sectors. ‘It is untrue to suggest Anne Chandler was compelled to leave GMB after she chose to retire two years ago. She voluntarily chose to withdraw complaints raised at an Employment Tribunal and has taken no further action.’ Mr Smith and the Labour Party were approached for comment but did not respond. Labour Keir Starmer Share or comment on this article: Fury as boss of Keir Starmer's 'viper's nest' union - the GMB - 'bullied and harassed' female staffers and even told one: 'We've got better lawyers than you' e-mail Add commenthttps://arab.news/j8ntg BUCHAREST, Romania: A little-known, far-right populist took the lead in Romania’s presidential election Sunday, electoral data showed, and will likely face leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in a runoff in two weeks, an outcome that rocked the country’s political landscape. Calin Georgescu, who ran independently, led the polls with around 22 percent of the vote, while Ciolacu of the Social Democratic Party, or PSD, trailed at 20 percent. Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party, or USR, stood at about 18 percent, and George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, took 14.1 percent. After polls closed, 9.4 million people — about 52.4 percent of eligible voters — had cast ballots, according to the Central Election Bureau. The second round of the vote will be held Dec. 8. Thirteen candidates ran for the presidency in the European Union and NATO member country. The president serves a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy and judicial appointments. Georgescu, 62, ran independently and was not widely known. He outperformed most local surveys, sending shockwaves through Romania’s political establishment as he ascended to poll position. After casting his ballot on Sunday, Georgescu said in a post on Facebook that he voted “For the unjust, for the humiliated, for those who feel they do not matter and actually matter the most ... the vote is a prayer for the nation.” Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, told The Associated Press that Georgescu’s unexpected poll performance appears to be a “large protest or revolt against the establishment.” “The mainstream political parties have lost the connection with regular Romanians,” he said. “You don’t have strong candidates or strong leaders ... there are weak candidates, weak leaders, and the parties in general are pretty much disconnected.” Georgescu lacks an agenda, Andrei added, and has a vague and populist manifesto with positions that are “beyond the normal discourse.” His stances include supporting Romanian farmers, reducing dependency on imports, and ramping up energy and food production. According to his website, Georgescu holds a doctorate in pedology, a branch of soil science, and held different 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. Videos posted to his popular TikTok account, where he has amassed 1.6 million likes, depict him attending church, doing judo, running around an oval track, and speaking on podcasts. Ahead of Sunday’s vote, many had expected to see Simion, a vocal supporter of US President-elect Donald Trump, face Ciolacu in the second round. He campaigned for reunification with Moldova, which this year renewed a five-year ban on him entering the country over security concerns, and he is banned for the same reason from neighboring Ukraine. Ecaterina Nawadia, a 20-year-old architecture student, said she voted for the first time in a national election on Sunday and hoped young people turn out in high numbers. “Since the (1989) revolution, we didn’t have a really good president,” she said. “I hope most of the people my age went to vote ... because the leading candidate is not the best option.” Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister. As the ballots were still being counted, Simion said he congratulated Georgescu and that he was “Very happy that approximately 40 percent of the votes of Romanians went toward the sovereign option” and would be in the second round. Andrei, the political consultant, said Romania’s large budget deficit, high inflation, and an economic slowdown could push more mainstream candidates to shift toward populist stances amid widespread dissatisfaction. Ciolacu told the AP before the first-round vote that one of his biggest goals was “to convince Romanians that it is worth staying at home or returning” to Romania, which has a massive diaspora spread throughout EU countries. Other candidates included former NATO deputy general secretary Mircea Geoana, who ran independently and obtained about 6 percent; and Nicolae Ciuca, a former army general and head of the center-right National Liberal Party, which is currently in a tense coalition with the PSD — who stood at 9.3 percent. Geoana, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the United States, told the AP before Sunday’s vote that he believed his international experience would qualify him above the other candidates. Lasconi, a former journalist and the leader of the USR, said she sees corruption as one of the biggest problems Romania faces and that she supports increased defense spending and continued aid to Ukraine.
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A new year could bring new opportunities when it comes to work . But as the cost of living crisis still cripples the country, many people are looking for jobs with higher salaries. Experts at Resume Genius have shared their list of the 10 highest-paying jobs with the least stress. The research describes "low-stress jobs" as ones which include fewer demands, common work hours, supportive environments and manageable workloads. Let's not forget the ones that will allow more flexible working and remote options. Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius, said: “Heading into 2025, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential for job seekers to feel more at ease. “With remote work and hybrid setups becoming the norm, work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred. Our report on low-stress, high-paying jobs shows you don’t have to sacrifice a competitive salary to achieve a healthier work-life balance. With the right role, it’s possible to thrive both financially and mentally.” The jobs listed require an individual to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and were gathered using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the career site O*NET Online. These jobs were then filtered out using O*NET and then cross-referenced against the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. The top 10 jobs ranked by salary: Water source specialists make an average annual salary of £125,371 ($157,740). A water source specialist oversees regional and municipal water supplies to make sure it is clean. Astronomers make an average annual salary of £118,846 ($149,530). There were 23,500 jobs listed in 2023. For education, astronomers are required to have a doctoral or professional degree. Actuaries make a median annual salary of £95,367 ($120,000). Their job involves analysing financial risks using math, statistics, and other financial data. Environmental economists make a median annual salary of £91,982 ($115,730). Those who want to become an environmental economist will need a Master's degree. Their work usually involves dealing with the relationship between the economy and the environment. Mathematicians make a median annual salary of £83,326 ($104,860). Those who are looking to get into the profession will require a Master’s degree. Computer systems analysts usually make an annual salary of £82,500 ($103,800). Normally, their work responsibilities include analysing, designing, and implementing computer systems. Fuel cell engineers make a median annual salary of £79,090 ($99,510). According to Career Explorer, the job requires them to specialise in the design, development, and implementation of fuel cell technology. Remote sensing scientists and technologists make a median annual salary of £73,582 ($92,580). According to Owl Guru, "remote sensing scientists apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyse data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security." Geographers make a median annual salary of £72,231 ($90,880). A Bachelor's degree is needed for the role. Transportation planners make a median annual salary of £65,014 ($81,800). A Master's Degree is required for this role. Job responsibilities for a transportation planner include coming up with solutions to various transportation-related problems.