From the season’s outset, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said Minnesota would leave itself the flexibility to close games with whatever lineup the coaching staff felt was needed to secure a victory. Sometimes, he noted, he’d get the choice right. Surely, there would be other times when he wouldn’t. “Hopefully, I do way more than I don’t,” Finch said this week. Sunday evening, however, was a checkmark in the “not right” column, at least based off the result. The Timberwolves didn’t score in the final 4:47 of their loss to Golden State. Finch said this week that Mike Conley’s inclusion in the closing lineup would’ve added organization to the equation. But he was quick to add that, with the ill-advised shots Anthony Edwards was taking, may not have mattered. Finch also reiterated what he said after the game, that Nickeil Alexander-Walker was playing “so well,” so he was hesitant to take him off the floor. “Maybe the other thing I could’ve done was go small,” Finch said, “but we’ve not really done that a ton.” That was the cry of many Wolves’ followers on social media on Sunday. Minnesota has proven rather inept at late-game offense when Conley isn’t on the floor. But all recognized Alexander-Walker had also earned the opportunity to close. You certainly won’t take Edwards off the floor in those situations, and the Wolves wanted Jaden McDaniels on the floor to guard Steph Curry. That left Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert as the only options to take off the court in favor of Conley, and that would’ve left Minnesota small. And, as Finch noted, the Wolves simply haven’t gone small this season. Like, at all. None of Naz Reid, Randle or Gobert have played more than 17 minutes this season without another big man next to him. It’s not something the Wolves practice, either. McDaniels said he’s only repped minutes at the four in practice when one of the bigs have been unavailable. Still, Finch said it wasn’t that he was “uncomfortable” rolling out a small-ball look Sunday. “But I worry a lot about rebounding. We struggle to rebound with our bigger lineups, at times. So, I know our smaller lineups have really struggled,” Finch said. “That’s some of the reason not to go small is really rebounding issues. But I think our guys are comfortable playing in all different combinations. But I haven’t really thought about going small, necessarily.” Indeed, Minnesota is just 12th in the NBA this season in defensive rebounding rate, grabbing 71.3% of opposing missed shots. The glass was especially an issue Sunday, as Golden State grabbed 14 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points. But it’s worth noting many of those came by guards in situations in which size was no factor on the play. McDaniels said he’s comfortable playing any position, including the power forward slot. And Minnesota certainly has the wing depth to roll out more small ball lineups if the situation ever called for it. There could be a playoff matchup that does just that, though Finch noted it could also go the other direction where the Wolves’ advantage would be to lean bigger. Versatility rules come April and May. But the Wolves don’t seem overly urgent to trot out any small-ball looks just to see how they perform at this juncture in the campaign. “Usually, it’s better with Naz at the four (than me),” McDaniels said. There is, however, at least one proponent of doing a little experimenting: Conley. “I think (small ball) kind of promotes a different level of spacing and speed to the game. You’re going to have to rely on guard-guard situations, guard pick and rolls,” Conley said. “Maybe me setting the screen and roll, Just creating different advantages for ourselves, as opposed to our typical offense or typical flow of things. I would love to see it, maybe — see how it works.”how to stream bet plus 。

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- Roland Corporation , a global leader in professional music products, has announced bold carbon reduction targets as part of its commitment to building a decarbonized society where artistic culture can flourish. In alignment with the Paris Agreement international treaty on climate change, Roland aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and value chain—paving the way for a sustainable future that supports creativity, music, and artistic expression. Reduction Targets Reduction targets are set in line with the concept of SBT*, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality as declared in the Paris Agreement in mind. *SBT (Science Based Targets): Corporate greenhouse gas emission reduction targets consistent with the levels required by the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. Current Progress and Results Total CO2 emissions in FY2023 were reduced by 12% from the previous year, and Roland will continue its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions further. Roland is dedicated to transparency in its ESG initiatives. Comprehensive ESG data is publicly available, showcasing Roland’s progress and commitment. Roland has also disclosed data on the content of its environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) initiatives. For more information, see " ESG Data " in Roland's Sustainability section below. https://www.roland.com/global/sustainability/ Roland is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and leading by example in the music industry. Through these efforts, Roland aims to nurture a sustainable world where creativity, music, and artistic culture can continue to thrive. To learn more, visit Roland.com . About Roland Corporation For more than 50 years, Roland’s innovative electronic musical instruments and multimedia products have fueled inspiration in artists and creators around the world. Embraced by hobbyists and professionals alike, the company’s trendsetting gear spans multiple categories, from pianos, synthesizers, guitar products, drum and percussion products, DJ controllers, audio/video solutions, gaming mixers, livestreaming products, and more. As technology evolves, Roland and its expanding family of brands, including Roland Cloud, BOSS, V-MODA, Drum Workshop (DW), PDP, Latin Percussion (LP), and Slingerland, continue to lead the way for music makers and creators, providing modern solutions and seamless creative workflows between hardware products, computers, and mobile devices. For more information, visit Roland.com or see your local Roland dealer. Follow Roland on Facebook , Twitter ( @RolandGlobal ), and Instagram ( @RolandGlobal ). View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223420756/en/ CONTACT: Press: Farrah Monroe Max Borges Agency 240-483-6671 roland@maxborgesagency.com Company: Rebecca Genel Media Relations Manager Roland Corporation +1 (323) 890-3718 rebecca.genel@roland.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTERTAINMENT ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY MUSIC CLIMATE CHANGE SOURCE: Roland Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 01:00 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 01:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223420756/enNone

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Undercover FBI agents were not present during the 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Donald Trump supporters, a Justice Department watchdog said Thursday in a report debunking a popular right-wing conspiracy theory. "We found no evidence in the materials we reviewed or the testimony we received showing or suggesting that the FBI had undercover employees in the various protest crowds, or at the Capitol, on January 6," Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz said in an 88-page report. Thousands of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 in a bid to prevent congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory. Right-wing media and even some Republican lawmakers have spuriously claimed that undercover FBI agents provoked the attack on Congress, which followed a fiery speech by Trump in which he falsely claimed the election had been stolen. The inspector general said that while no undercover FBI agents were present at the Trump rally or the Capitol, 26 FBI informants known as confidential human sources (CHS) were in Washington at the time. Three of the informants had been tasked with reporting on domestic terrorist suspects while the others were there on their own. "None of these FBI CHSs were authorized to enter the Capitol or a restricted area, or to otherwise break the law on January 6, nor was any CHS directed by the FBI to encourage others to commit illegal acts on January 6," the report said. The inspector general also said there had been an intelligence-gathering failure by the FBI ahead of the January 6 attack. "While the FBI undertook significant efforts to identify domestic terrorism subjects who planned to travel to the Capital region on January 6," the report said, "the FBI did not take a step that could have helped the FBI and its law enforcement partners with their preparations. "Specifically, the FBI did not canvass its field offices in advance of January 6, 2021, to identify any intelligence, including CHS reporting, about potential threats to the January 6 Electoral Certification," it said. FBI deputy director Paul Abbate was quoted as saying this was a "basic step that was missed" in "understanding the threat picture prior to January 6." Trump was impeached by the Democratic-majority House of Representatives following the attack on the Capitol, but acquitted by the Senate. He is to return to the White House on January 20 after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. More than 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the assault on Congress. Trump has lauded them as "patriots" and "political prisoners" and pledged to pardon many of them when he returns to the White House. cl/stLittle signs statement backing Trump immigration and deportation policiesA devastating report from the United Nations highlights the brutal actions of the Wharf Jeremie gang, responsible for the deaths of at least 207 individuals in Haiti's Cite Soleil earlier this month. Originally estimated at 187, the death toll has been revised upward to include at least 134 men and 73 women, primarily elderly residents accused of witchcraft. Leading the attacks was gang leader Monel "Mikano" Felix, who, after his child fell ill, blamed locals for using Voudou to cause the sickness. Many of the victims were abducted from Voudou temples and ceremonies. These gruesome acts have further destabilized the Caribbean nation, already entrenched in severe gang violence and humanitarian crises. In control of a crucial area near Haiti's ports for 15 years, the Wharf Jeremie gang tried to obliterate evidence of their crimes by seizing mobile phones, incinerating bodies, and disposing of them at sea. With over 5,300 killed since January and more than 12,000 lives lost since 2022, Haiti's security and socio-political landscape remain perilous. (With inputs from agencies.)

Quantum Unveiled: Revolutionizing Finance with Advanced Quantum-Safe Security and AI Compliance on CoinstoreDrones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base. The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use, and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. What does it take to become a drone pilot? To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a “mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Are drones allowed to fly at night? Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Are drones a hazard? Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023. Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Will drone rules get tougher? Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it’s up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It’s a brand new technology that’s not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” ___ Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.

NoneAs the largest fastener exporter to North America , Taiwan's fastener makers drive innovation to power key industries like AI, aerospace, EV, and construction. TAIPEI , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is unveiling several case studies to illustrate how Taiwan leads production worldwide of high-value, high-precision fasteners, powering the aerospace, AI, electric vehicle, and construction industries. For assistance finding and collaborating with Taiwan's leading innovators, please visit: https://en.innovation.taitra.org.tw/suppliers?cat=fasteners-and-hands-tools Or email: [email protected] Taiwan's lead in hardware fasteners In the US, growing AI, aerospace , electric vehicle , and construction industries are driving high demand for various high-quality parts, including advanced fasteners. As the largest fastener exporter to North America , Taiwan leads the way globally in fasteners with a half-century-old industry. Taiwan is also the third largest exporter globally, accounting for around 13 percent of global production , according to Fastener Europe . The majority of its metal exports are metal fasteners, such as screws, nuts, and bolts. With over 1,800 fastener manufacturers, Taiwan has a highly developed industry — further advanced by its Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI), established in 1969. Holding together high-growth industries Taiwan's world-class fastener makers, including the renowned CPC Fasteners International Co., Ltd. and Fivetech, are empowering key industries with specialized fasteners tailored to each sector: CPC : Known for advanced fasteners used in construction and infrastructure projects. Fivetech : Specializes in precision fasteners for electronics, AI, and automotive applications. Leading through innovation and customization The advantages of Taiwan's fastener makers are that their deep expertise enables them to provide advanced innovation and extensive customization. A one-stop shop with 25 years of experience, CPC implements automation and cutting-edge machinery to create precision-engineered screws at scale, using innovative materials and designs. The company has its own manufacturing plant and in-house R&D capabilities to offer unique, customized solutions, focusing on long-term customer success. Driven by the slogan "small screws make great buildings," its tailored solutions for the construction industry include bi-metal screws, zinc die casting capped screws, and stainless-steel capped screws. With a global client base across 30 countries, Fivetech has a robust R&D team dedicated to enriching servers and data centers worldwide with tool-less, user-friendly mechanical components. For example, its captive screws are a tool-free solution for fastening servers, storage, cooling, and other hardware for data centers, particularly those used for AI. They provide engineers with easy maintenance, locking, and unlocking; prevent the loss of small parts in data centers; and offer a high degree of customization. A key partner worldwide More broadly, Taiwan's business community has several advantages to offer: Technological capabilities : Robust R&D and patented, proprietary technologies Trustworthy and reliable : Highly sensitive to and diligent about protecting partner intellectual property Customer-centric : Flexibility and customization for specific needs Compatible with friendshoring efforts : With operations and networks worldwide for business continuity Helping international buyers access the best of Taiwan When searching for a supplier or partner overseas, companies often struggle with finding a suitable company that is trustworthy and reliable, and then communication can pose additional challenges. To accelerate this process and foster impactful synergies, TAITRA serves as a resource and facilitates collaborating with the island's most unique, forward-looking startups and enterprises. The organization solves the pain points of international buyers with the following services: Consultations on needs and matching services: https://en.innovation.taitra.org.tw/contact-us Extensive list of companies available online for free: https://en.innovation.taitra.org.tw/suppliers?cat=fasteners-and-hands-tools Pre-vetting and screening companies as reliable and trustworthy Facilitating communication and ensuring successful contact is made To ensure buyers collaborate with high-integrity businesses, TAITRA has established real-time, borderless services through a comprehensive trade network of over 60 overseas offices in more than 40 countries worldwide, and the organization holds cooperation agreements with over 500 international trade-related sister organizations. SOURCE INNOVATION HUB, TAITRAStock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow record