US Senate chaplain Barry Black hospitalized after brain bleed

Vanuatu's teen swimmers make a splash with personal bests at World Championships

Corning Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitorsNoneHost of Britain’s favourite companies line up to slam Labour’s Budget amid fears tax grab could result in job cuts

NoneWASHINGTON (AP) — The Commerce Department's efforts to curb China's and Russia's access to American-made advanced computer chips have been “inadequate” and will need more funding to stymie their ability to manufacture advanced weapons, according to a report published Wednesday by the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The Biden administration imposed export controls to limit the ability of China and Russia ability to access U.S.-made chips after Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. The agency's Bureau of Industry and Security, according to the report, does not have the resources to enforce export controls and has been too reliant on U.S. chip makers voluntarily complying with the rules. But the push for bolstering Commerce's export control enforcement comes as the incoming Trump administration says it is looking to dramatically reduce the size and scope of federal government . President-elect Donald Trump has tapped entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” to dismantle parts of the federal government. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. BIS’s budget, about $191 million, has remained essentially flat since 2010 when adjusted for inflation. “While BIS’ budget has been stagnant for a decade, the bureau works diligently around the clock to meet its mission and safeguard U.S. national security,” Commerce Department spokesperson Charlie Andrews said in a statement in response to the report. Andrews added that with “necessary resources from Congress” the agency would be "better equipped to address the challenges that come with our evolving national security environment.” In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, chair of the subcommittee, pointed to news reports of the Russian military continuing to acquire components from Texas Instruments through front companies in Hong Kong to illustrate how the export controls are failing as an effective tool. Texas Instruments did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “While Congress must provide BIS more resources to undertake its critical mission, it is long past time for BIS to make full use of the enforcement powers Congress has conferred upon it and take aggressive steps to cut the flow of U.S. semiconductors into the Russian war machine,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal in a separate statement added that he was calling on "Commerce to take immediate action and crack down on the companies allowing U.S.-made semiconductors to power Russian weapons and Chinese ambition.” It's not just Texas Instruments that's the issue. The subcommittee in September published a report that found aggregated exports from four major U.S. advanced chip manufacturers nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022 to Armenia and Georgia. Both of those countries are home to front companies known to assist Russia in acquiring advanced chips made in the U.S. despite export controls. China, meanwhile, has created “vast, barely disguised smuggling networks which enable it to continue to harness U.S. technology,” the subcommittee report asserts. Washington has been gradually expanding the number of companies affected by such export controls in China, as President Joe Biden’s administration has encouraged an expansion of investments in and manufacturing of chips in the U.S. But Chinese companies have found ways to evade export controls in part because of a lack of China subject matter experts and Chinese speakers assigned to Commerce's export control enforcement. The agency's current budget limits the number of international end-use checks, or physical verification overseas of distributors or companies receiving American-made chips that are the supposed end users of products. Currently, Commerce has only 11 export control officers spread around the globe to conduct such checks. The committee made several recommendations in its report, including Congress allocating more money for hiring additional personnel to enforce export controls, imposing larger fines on companies that violate controls and requiring periodic reviews of advanced chip companies’ export control plans by outside entities. ___ Boak reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Aamer Madhani And Josh Boak, The Associated Press

Diamondbacks Spring Training tickets go on sale Friday(The Center Square) – Prosecutors introduced secretly recorded audio and video along with a troubled star witness at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis returned to the Everett McKinley U.S. Courthouse Monday. Solis is facing one federal count of bribery under a deferred prosecution agreement. The ex-alderman began cooperating with federal investigators in 2016. Separately Monday, former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Madigan codefendant Michael McClain enter the federal court building in Chicago Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. U.S. government attorney Diane MacArthur first introduced a recording of Madigan and Solis nearly two years before the alderman started cooperating with the government. The recording involved a conversation with Chinese developer, See Wong, who wanted to build a hotel on a parcel of land in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. The land was owned by the state of Illinois at the time, but Solis said a zoning change would be required from the city in order for a hotel to be built. At Madigan’s request, Solis said he facilitated the meeting on Aug. 8, 2014, at Madigan’s law firm, Madigan and Getzendanner, about the land along Wentworth Avenue between Archer Avenue and Cermak Road. Madigan’s law partner, Bud Getzendanner, discussed how successful the firm had been in working with hotels to make sure they were not taxed more than necessary. ”A large component of your expense for hotels is real estate taxes,” Getzendanner said during the recorded meeting. Getzendanner said the firm charged 12.5% of the tax savings obtained. Madigan told Wong and an interpreter about the quality of service his firm provided. “We don’t take a second seat to anybody,” Madigan said. The developer then asked for a picture with Madigan and Solis. Solis told the group that Wong would benefit from working with Madigan. “If he works with the Speaker, he will get anything he needs for that hotel,” Solis said on the recording. Solis testified that he meant the city would provide the zoning change the developer needed from the city if the developer hired Madigan’s law firm. Solis said the zoning change was approved, but the proposed hotel was never built. MacArthur asked Solis about the bribery charge he is still facing, which Solis said involved the redevelopment of a property in Chicago from a restaurant to a residential building in 2015. Solis said two problems prevented the project from moving forward: labor unions’ perceived lack of representation in the development and residents' concerns in the ward. The former alderman admitted that he solicited a campaign contribution from the developer or from one or more of the developer’s vendors while the project’s zoning change was still under consideration. Solis said he believed the developer was on board and that he would be getting donations from the developers’ vendors. The zoning change was approved by the city council, Solis said. He testified he solicited and accepted campaign contributions from other developers who had matters pending before the city council’s zoning committee. Solis then testified about about a variety of things like massages that turned sexual, trips to Las Vegas, tickets to professional sporting events, no-paperwork six-figure loans he'd paid back. He even admitted to an extramarital affair he had with an interpreter. Solis said he was separated from his wife for about five years and their house went into foreclosure. He also confessed that he lied to a collection agency by saying he was out of work. MacArthur asked Solis about his sister, Patti Solis Doyle, who worked on campaigns for former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, D-New York. Solis Doyle also managed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008. Solis said his sister was involved in a hotel project in which the developer offered her $100,000. Solis said his sister offered to split the sum with her brother. As chairman of the city’s zoning committee, Solis said he told his sister he could not accept money regarding a hotel development. Solis said his sister told him there would be another way she could compensate him. The former alderman said he did receive funds from his sister for referring her to his friend Brian Hynes’ state vendor assistance program. Monday afternoon, Solis testified that FBI agents visited his home on June 1, 2016, and played audio and video recordings. After considering an attorney, Solis said he decided to cooperate with the FBI a few days later and agreed to let investigators tap his phone. Solis also said he told an attorney friend that he was cooperating with the FBI in regard to an investigation of an organization he was involved in. Solis said he made recordings for several investigations he was involved in as part of his deferred prosecution agreement. He began communicating with Madigan after receiving a voicemail message on June 12, 2017. Solis said he discussed the Chinatown land deal, his interest in getting a state board appointment, and referring clients to Madigan’s law firm while cooperating with the government from June 2016 to December 2017. Solis admitted that he was not really interested in a state board appointment, but he raised the issue with Madigan at the direction of law enforcement. Solis said he began communicating with Madigan codefendant Michael McClain about the Chinatown parcel in the fall of 2017. He said he had to continue to perform his duties as an alderman while cooperating with the FBI because of “the farce” that he was involved in. Solis discussed a 2017 redevelopment project that required a zoning change involving a Union West development in Chicago’s West Loop. MacArthur played a recording, dated June 12, 2017, of Madigan asking Solis about the development. During the call, Solis told the speaker he would try to arrange an introduction for Madigan with the developers. In a subsequent call, Solis promised to arrange a meeting and said, “I think these guys get it, the quid pro quo and how it works.” When MacArthur asked Solis why he said that, Solis said he didn’t know and said it was “dumb.” MacArthur asked Solis if he used the words “quid pro quo” at the direction of law enforcement. “No,” Solis said. Union West developer Andrew Cretal agreed to meet with Madigan and told Solis, “confidentially,” that his company was working with Goldman Sachs as an equity partner and that he would “circle back” with Solis. MacArthur played a recording of Madigan privately telling Solis not to use the words, “quid quo pro.” The conversation immediately preceded the meeting Cretal and the Union West group had at Madigan's and Getzendanner’s law office. During the meeting, Madigan repeated to Cretal’s group what he had said to See Wong. “We don’t take a second seat to anybody,” Madigan said. Solis said he met with Madigan again privately after the meeting with the intention of discussing the Chinatown parcel. Solis said he had been having frequent meetings about the land with potential developers. During the recording, Solis said that nothing could really happen until the state transferred the land. Connie Mixon, professor of Political Science and director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, served as an expert witness at the corruption trial of longtime Chicago Democrat Ed Burke, who served on the city council from 1969 to 2023. A jury convicted Burke in December 2023 on 18 counts of racketeering, bribery, attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Mixon said that Solis also testified as a cooperating witness during Burke’s trial. “It seemed as if, in the sentencing for the Burke trial, the judge did take a bit of exception to the fact that Solis, who also had potential criminal charges, was essentially getting away without any sort of repercussions,” Mixon told The Center Square. Mixon described Solis as a damaged witness. “He’s absolutely damaged, but as much as he’s damaged, you have the words on the wiretap. Having the defendants’ words played in the courtroom, they are really the witness against themselves when you have those wiretaps,” Mixon explained. Before the jury was seated Monday morning, prosecutors said they would provide the court with revised jury instructions by Dec. 3. Judge John Robert Blakey said he could deny admittance of new materials after that date if he deemed them to be untimely. Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning in Chicago.

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access . It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.His name has over the past few years in Cameroon become as familiar as the cause he leads. Or rather, crusades for. And so intricate is the connection those who have been keeping an eye on his activities easily make. Between him and what he expends his energy on. Toiling to ensure courteous discourse in social media use in Cameroon. Void of hate, misinformation, disinformation ...and all other deliberate attempts to distort the facts. Or create tensions, discord, threaten social cohesion and national unity . Ngala Desmond Ngala is the Country Project Manager of Defyhatenow Cameroon and the founder of Civic Watch Cameroon - both of them charities. On Friday, December 13, 2024, Ngala Desmond successfully defended a PhD thesis in Conflict Resolution in the University of Buea, Cameroon . On the topic, “New Media as Driver of Hate Speech in Pluralistic States within Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Cameroon.” His research focused on addressing hate speech and its role in fostering conflict in society. A skilled political and humanitarian analyst with over six years of professional experience in research, advocacy , and project management , Dr Ngala Desmond has a passion for peacebuilding and a commitment to combating hate speech . He has become a recognized leader in conflict resolution and humanitarian initiatives in Cameroon and beyond. Ngala holds a Master’s degree in Political Science with specialization in International Relations from the University of Yaounde II, Soa . And a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the same institution. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to various organizations, including Defyhatenow Cameroon, where he has been Country Project Manager since 2019. In this role, he has defined project goals, led initiatives to mitigate hate speech, and collaborated with UNESCO and other stakeholders to promote peace. Additionally, Ngala Desmond has served as a Project Manager for the Binka Development and Cultural Association , championing child protection and education initiatives. And as a Political Analyst for DPC SA, Cameroon, where he produced detailed analyses of Africa’s political landscape. His commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding extends to his work as a speaker and trainer. He has delivered insightful presentations at prominent events, such as META’s Online Approach to Curbing Violent Extremism, Elections Cameroon ’s workshop on hate speech during electoral periods, and UNESCO’s sessions on peacebuilding. Dr Ngala possesses advanced research and data analysis skills, strong advocacy and communication skills, tested expertise in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. As well as an in-depth knowledge of the African political landscape. In the following interview, Dr Ngala Desmond Ngala talks about his research interest in new media hate speech. Its findings, recommendations and who stands to benefit from the study: How do feel after successfully defending a PhD thesis in the University of Buea on December 13, 2024 on the topic, "New Media as Driver of Hate Speech in Pluralistic States within Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Cameroon"? I feel an immense sense of relief and accomplishment after years of very hard work and dedication, ending up in the successful defence of my thesis. Tackling the critical issue of hate speech in the context of new media in the specific case of Cameroon has been both challenging and rewarding. I am incredibly proud of the work I have done, and I am grateful for the invaluable support from my advisors, colleagues, family, and friends throughout this journey. Having renowned professors acknowledge my research has further deepened my pride, as it reinforces the belief that my work contributes to nation-building. This experience has enhanced my understanding of the role new media plays in shaping discourse within pluralistic societies. I hope my findings will foster meaningful discussions and solutions regarding hate speech in Cameroon and beyond. How long did it take you to defend the thesis? It took me less than five years to complete the research on hate speech, as gathering accurate data was often quite challenging. However, through patience and dedication, I was able to accomplish the important task. What, according to you, is the significance of the topic you chose to research on? The significance of the study lies in its profound exploration of hate speech regulations and mitigation within diverse societies, particularly in the context of Cameroon. At this specific point in time, there is a pressing need to prevent disagreements and conflicts that can arise due to hate speech. This will contribute to harmonious coexistence among various social groups. The research aimed to provide a comprehensive investigation into hate speech regulation and mitigation, addressing various aspects, ranging from scientific advancement to sociocultural insights and political implications. By so doing, it strove to foster more harmonious coexistence among diverse social groups and offered valuable insights for policymakers, academics, media organizations and the civil society. What did you set out to discover? And what were the key findings? Our primary focus was to explore the role of new media in promoting and influencing hate speech within the diverse societal landscape of Cameroon. Specifically, we aimed to understand the extent to which new media serves as a platform for hate speech, assess its impact on inter-communal relationships, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional mechanisms established by the Cameroonian government to regulate the issue. Our findings revealed a significant concern: a staggering 394 out of 401 respondents indicated that Cameroonian politicians actively utilize hate speech when addressing the public through various media channels, highlighting the pervasive nature of the phenomenon. This overwhelming consensus suggests that new media not only facilitates the spread of hate speech, but also plays a critical role in shaping public discourse in Cameroon. Furthermore, we found that the dissemination of hate speech through new media has a detrimental effect on inter-communal relationships, fostering division and mistrust among different ethnic groups. Lastly, our evaluation of existing regulatory frameworks indicated that they are largely ineffective in curbing hate speech, emphasizing the urgent need for more robust policies and enforcement mechanisms to address this pressing issue. What then did you recommend as the possible solutions to the problems identified? The major recommendations of the study include a call for the immediate implementation of Law N° 2019/020 of 24 December 2019, which amends provisions of Law No. 2016/7 of 12 July 2016, specifically addressing contempt and hate speech. Also, lawmakers should lobby for stronger regulations on hate speech and hold social media companies accountable. This is intended to ensure stricter enforcement against hate speech in Cameroon. The study also recommends the creation of a clear and comprehensive regulation to effectively address hate speech, particularly within the context of new media. The research lays emphasis on the need for educational initiatives that raise awareness on the risks of hate speech, focused on fostering mutual respect and understanding in a multicultural and pluralistic society like Cameroon. Similarly, it highlights the need for collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector to develop holistic strategies to combat hate speech. While highlighting the need to analyse hate speech in various languages to capture a comprehensive picture. What were the limitations of your study? I encountered a number of challenges in carrying out the research. While the study makes a valuable contribution to understanding the role of new media in the proliferation of hate speech, it is also important to acknowledge its limitations. The study is primarily focused on Cameroon. Though it provides valuable insights into the Cameroonian context, the findings may not be directly generalizable to other Sub-Saharan African c...Packers, Seahawks always have memorable encounters

A voting machine firm suing Fox News now wants to probe Murdoch family trust fight

Jason Stockwood steps back from GTFC board after mayoral candidate announcementDUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--dez 18, 2024-- A GC Aesthetics® (GCA), uma empresa privada de tecnologia médica que fornece soluções estéticas e de reconstrução para os mercados globais de saúde, tem o orgulho de anunciar o início de um importante estudo clínico multicêntrico e prospectivo na Europa para avaliar e confirmar a segurança, a eficácia e a satisfação das pacientes com o inovador implante mamário redondo opaco e liso PERLETM. Este comunicado de imprensa inclui multimédia. Veja o comunicado completo aqui: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218802886/pt/ GC Aesthetics' Perle Breast Implant feature a proprietary surface technology (BioQTM) and GCA’s industry-leading gel technology (EmunomicTM Breast Tissue Dynamic Gel). (Photo: Business Wire) Esse amplo estudo reúne os principais cirurgiões do NHS e de clínicas particulares do Reino Unido, como também de consultórios particulares de toda a Europa, garantindo um conjunto sólido e diversificado de dados que aborda indicações cosméticas e reconstrutivas. “Gerando evidências clínicas de alta qualidade, nosso objetivo é fornecer informações incomparáveis sobre o desempenho e os benefícios para os pacientes do implante PERLETM, estabelecendo um novo padrão para a tecnologia de implantes mamários e o cuidado com os pacientes”, disse Chris Brotherston, chefe de Garantia da Qualidade / Assuntos Regulatórios e Assuntos Clínicos da GC Aesthetics. O PERLETM é uma linha altamente inovadora de implantes mamários lisos e opacos que apresenta uma tecnologia de superfície proprietária (BioQTM), a tecnologia de gel líder do setor da GCA (EmunomicTM Breast Tissue Dynamic Gel), além de uma versão aprimorada dos recursos de segurança que sustentam o excelente histórico de segurança de longo prazo da GCA. “O PERLETM é um implante único e inovador, e dados de longo prazo sobre segurança e eficácia ajudarão pacientes e clínicos a tomar decisões informadas com confiança. O estudo PERLETM envolve uma coleta sólida e extensa de dados com um grande tamanho amostral”, comentou a Sra. Nabila Nasir, cirurgiã consultora de mama e oncoplástica MBBS, BSc, FRCS. Compromisso estratégico com a inovação e soluções baseadas em evidências “Este estudo demonstra a abordagem da GCA para crescimento sustentável e criação de valor por meio de inovação clinicamente validada. Os resultados não apenas fortalecerão nosso portfólio de produtos, mas também reforçarão a reputação da GCA por entregar soluções de alta qualidade, seguras e centradas no paciente. Ao investir em pesquisa clínica rigorosa e de longo prazo, a GCA continua se posicionando como um parceiro confiável para prestadores de cuidados de saúde e mulheres ao redor do mundo”, concluiu Carlos Reis Pinto, CEO da GC Aesthetics. Como parte do foco estratégico da GCA em inovação e avanços clínicos baseados em evidências, esse estudo destaca o compromisso de atender às necessidades em evolução de pacientes e cirurgiões em todas as partes do mundo. O texto no idioma original deste anúncio é a versão oficial autorizada. As traduções são fornecidas apenas como uma facilidade e devem se referir ao texto no idioma original, que é a única versão do texto que tem efeito legal. Ver a versão original em businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218802886/pt/ CONTACT: Fara Naomi Macias Diretora de Marketing - GCA faramacias@gcaesthetics.com press@gcaesthetics.com KEYWORD: EUROPE IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM INDUSTRY KEYWORD: WOMEN SURGERY HEALTH MEDICAL DEVICES HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CONSUMER CLINICAL TRIALS OTHER HEALTH SOURCE: GC Aesthetics Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/18/2024 05:54 PM/DISC: 12/18/2024 05:54 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218802886/ptMinisters told ‘incompetence’ at Met Office led to underestimation of Storm Bert

Green is poised to help scale Mechanized AI's revolutionary technology and drive operational excellence as the company enters a phase of rapid growth. ATLANTA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mechanized AI , a pioneer in the enterprise AI and application modernization space, proudly announces the designation of Amy Green as its new Chief Operating Officer. With over 15 years of industry experience, Green brings a wealth of expertise in operations, professional services and technology product marketing to the trailblazing enterprise AI and application transformation startup. Her appointment underscores Mechanized AI's commitment to combining groundbreaking technology with top-tier leadership to maintain its competitive edge in the marketplace. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The use of artificial intelligence has grown across industries globally, but there is still some confusion over how to properly use the technology at work. In Singapore, 52% of employees are using artificial intelligence in their jobs, according to Slack's Workforce Index , which in August surveyed over 17,000 workers across 15 countries, including 1,008 in Singapore. The demand for AI talent in the country has grown. There has been a 4.6x increase in generative AI-related job postings in the city-state between September 2023 and September 2024, according to Indeed . But despite the fact that demand for AI talent has surged in Singapore, 45% of the employees in the country report feeling uncomfortable admitting to managers that they are using the technology for workplace tasks. For those who reported feeling that way, top reasons included the fear of being seen as "incompetent," "lazy" or "cheating," according to Slack's report. "Workers are excited about AI, but they're uncertain about how to use it in the workplace, and this uncertainty is standing in the way of broader AI adoption," Christina Janzer, ​​senior vice president of research and analytics at Slack, told CNBC Make It . "Too much of the burden today has been put on workers to figure out AI. It's important that leaders not only train workers to use AI, but encourage employees to talk about it and experiment with AI out in the open," said Janzer. Businesses should also create the time and space necessary for this experimentation, and encourage employees to share what they learned with colleagues for inspiration, she said. They can also lead by example by openly demonstrating how they are using the technology in their own jobs. Additionally, employers should provide guidance on which AI tools are "approved and trusted" to be used within their businesses, and which tasks these tools can be used for, Janzer told CNBC Make It. "Without clear guidance, workers are confused about when it is socially and professionally acceptable to use AI at work — and are keeping their usage under wraps," according to Slack's report. Despite the uncertainty, employees in Singapore still seek to improve their AI skills. In fact, 88% "feel an urgency to become an AI expert," according to the report. However, the majority (63%) of workers in the country have spent less than five hours in total learning how to use artificial intelligence. Ultimately, "employers will need to solve the gap in training and get clear about AI guidelines, as current employees and new professionals entering the workforce will gravitate to more supportive workplaces," according to Slack's research. Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC's online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.

PACS Investors Have Opportunity to Lead PACS Group Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

Revlon Signs Lease to Relocate its New Jersey-based Science and Innovation Lab to The Northeast Science & Technology (NEST) CenterPublished 5:40 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 By Data Skrive The Portland Trail Blazers (6-9) are keeping their eye on five players on the injury report, including Jerami Grant, ahead of their Saturday, November 23 game against the Houston Rockets (11-5) at Toyota Center. The Rockets have listed zero injured players. The game begins at 8:00 PM ET. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Get the latest news sent to your inbox In their last matchup on Wednesday, the Rockets secured a 130-113 victory over the Pacers. Alperen Sengun scored a team-high 31 points for the Rockets in the win. The Trail Blazers’ last game was a 109-99 loss to the Thunder on Wednesday. Shaedon Sharpe scored 21 points in the Trail Blazers’ loss, leading the team. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Below is a delayed version of our flagship newsletter, Yassas, Victoria from Techpoint here, Here's what I've got for you today: Bamboo gets US licence, unlocking stock markets for Africans Bamboo, a Nigerian investment app that lets Africans trade U.S. stocks, just a U.S. broker-dealer licence through its affiliate, Bamboo Securities L.L.C. This makes Bamboo the first Nigerian fintech to achieve such a feat, opening up exciting possibilities for retail and corporate investors across Africa. With this licence, Bamboo can now collaborate with African brokers and businesses to offer seamless access to the U.S. stock market. Basically, companies can now partner with Bamboo to give their clients the chance to invest in U.S. stocks, making the global market even more accessible to Africans. Why is this such a big deal? Africa’s wealth management market has long been underdeveloped, with only a fraction of global wealth held on the continent despite its vast population. Bamboo’s move directly challenges this narrative, aiming to democratise investing by making the global stock market accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Since its launch in 2019, Bamboo has been a pioneer in this space, serving over 300,000 users who can now invest in thousands of U.S. and Nigerian stocks. But it’s not stopping there — Bamboo is expanding into remittances with its new app, “Coins by Bamboo,” designed to help Nigerians in the diaspora send money back home quickly and cheaply. Tyme’s $150M push into the big leagues Nubank just into South Africa’s Tyme Group as part of a $250 million Series D funding round, which also saw contributions from M&G Catalyst Fund and existing shareholders. The cash injection will help Tyme expand into Southeast Asia, with plans to set up shop in Vietnam and Indonesia. Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. This investment is a big deal for Nubank — it’s their first move outside Latin America, showing just how hot Africa’s fintech scene has become on the global stage. Tyme Group, which runs TymeBank, has been making waves since its South African launch in 2019, backed by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital. The bank has already racked up over 10 million customers in South Africa and another 5 million in the Philippines. And by the end of 2023, it even hit its first profit, proving its digital-only banking model works like a charm in emerging markets. Thanks to this new funding, Tyme is now a unicorn (valued at over $1 billion), joining the ranks of South Africa’s tech elite. But Nubank’s involvement isn’t just about the money — they’re now a 10% stakeholder in Tyme. For context, Nubank is the world’s largest digital bank by market value, worth $56 billion since its 2013 launch. Their expertise is expected to give Tyme a major boost as it scales its operations in Southeast Asia. Tyme isn’t stopping anytime soon. After launching GoTyme in the Philippines, they’re gearing up to open a digital bank in Vietnam, already supported by 300 tech staff in the country. Their goal? To crack the top three retail banks in South Africa within three years while making waves in Southeast Asia. This investment also highlights how Africa’s fintech space is growing fast. Revenues are expected to hit $60 billion by 2030, driven by key markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya, with the sector growing at an annual rate of 32%. In short, Nubank’s move into Tyme isn’t just about backing a promising digital bank; it’s a play on the massive potential of emerging markets in Africa and Asia. Exciting times ahead for fintech! Talk of the town is that a South African digital infrastructure company Host Africa is into Nigeria, seeking regulatory approval to acquire GO54 (formerly WhoGoHost) for an undisclosed amount. The deal involves Host Africa taking over everything essential to GO54’s operations — intellectual property, equipment, furniture, contracts, domains, and more. This will allow the company to offer its web hosting, cloud services, and domain registration solutions to Nigerian customers. What’s the deal about? The acquisition is being executed through a Sale of Asset Agreement, which transfers all GO54’s key assets to Host Africa. To make this work, Host Africa has set up a local subsidiary, Host Africa Nigeria Limited, which was registered in October 2024, according to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) filings. This move marks Host Africa’s entry into Nigeria’s fast-growing digital services market — a smart play, given GO54’s track record of steady revenue growth, a diverse customer base, and a solid product portfolio. Why it matters: Host Africa sees GO54 as the perfect way to build an affordable one-stop shop for Nigerians’ digital needs. From retail to enterprise clients, the company plans to make online services more accessible. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has already backed the deal, calling it a win for Nigerian consumers. According to the FCCPC, the acquisition will not only boost local tech talent but also accelerate online adoption across Nigeria. Cassava’s $90M equity funding Cassava Technologies is making big moves with a $90 million equity investment to power its growth in emerging markets. This comes just five months after the company launched its AI unit, focused on improving digital services across Africa. The funding round, led by DFC, Google, and Finnfund, gives Cassava the financial boost it needs to keep pushing its mission to bridge Africa’s digital divide. CEO Hardy Pemhiwa called it a game-changer, saying the investment supports the company’s goal of expanding digital infrastructure in over 30 markets. On top of that, Cassava’s subsidiary, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, locked in $220 million in refinancing for its South African Rand term loan. With backing from Standard Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank, and the IFC, the funding gives them room to grow and enhance their services. Cassava has also streamlined its operations into an all-in-one digital platform, offering broadband, cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, fintech, and more. This move sets them up to deliver cutting-edge solutions across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin America. With Google now on board as a shareholder, alongside longtime partners like Econet Group and British International Investment, the company is gaining serious backing to take its vision global. Between the fresh funding, AI innovation, and plans to close the digital gap, Cassava is doubling down on its mission to connect and transform Africa. In case you missed it What I'm watching Opportunities Have a wonderful Wednesday! for Techpoint Africa.

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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and Borno State government have fine-tuned measures that would ensure more access to student loan programme by students in the state. The measures were endorsed by both parties when the Managing Director of NELFund, Akintunde Sawyerr, visited Borno State to engage with students, educators, and government officials, on the benefits of the NELFund initiative. Mr. Sawyerr emphasized on President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing education in the country, stating that the loan programme was designed to also reduce unproductivity and unhappiness amongst Nigerians students, which often lead to broader societal issues. He added that the loan’s modalities include creating an online profile as a prerequisite for application, clarifying that the loan is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period, thus making it accessible and flexible for students. Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, in his remarks, reiterated the state government’s commitment to facilitating student access to the loan, hence announced the establishment of a dedicated desk officer for NELFund in the state-own institutions. Wakilbe added that the initiative will guide students throughout the application process and ensure they fully understand the benefits of the loan which, he described, as a low-risk grant, and encouraged all eligible students to take advantage of the programme. Meanwhile, during the interactive session, students asked several questions seeking further clarification, and the Managing Director provided detailed responses, thus shedding more light on the programme and its benefits.Garden Edging Market is Thriving Worldwide with EverEdge, EasyFlex, Vigoro 12-18-2024 11:50 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Garden Edging Market HTF MI recently introduced Global Garden Edging Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are Dimex, Master Mark Plastics, EverEdge, EasyFlex, Vigoro, Sure-Loc Edging, Suncast, Border Concepts, GardenPath, Vigoro, Pure Garden, Emsco. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/4310630-garden-edging-global-and-china-top-players-market?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global Garden Edging market is expected to grow from 2.5 Billion USD in 2024 to 4 Billion USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2032. The Garden Edging market is segmented by Types (Metal, Plastic, Rubber, Wood), Application (Residential, Commercial, Landscaping, Parks) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: Covers the production and sale of materials like metal, plastic, stone, and timber used to create garden borders for aesthetic and functional purposes. Growth is supported by rising DIY landscaping trends and increased consumer spending on outdoor home improvement projects. Dominating Region: • North America Fastest-Growing Region: • Asia-Pacific Market Trends: •Eco-Friendly Edging, Custom Designs, Modular Systems Market Drivers: •Gardening Trends, DIY Landscaping, Urban Gardening Market Challenges: •Durability Issues, Competition from Alternative Solutions, Cost Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/4310630-garden-edging-global-and-china-top-players-market?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of Garden Edging market segments by Types: Metal, Plastic, Rubber, Wood Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: Residential, Commercial, Landscaping, Parks Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of Garden Edging Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=4310630?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Garden Edging Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/4310630-garden-edging-global-and-china-top-players-market?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Garden Edging Market: Chapter 01 - Garden Edging Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global Garden Edging Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global Garden Edging Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global Garden Edging Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide Garden Edging Market Chapter 08 - Global Garden Edging Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global Garden Edging Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - Garden Edging Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global Garden Edging Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global Garden Edging market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global Garden Edging market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Garden Edging market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Contact Us: Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketintelligence.com Connect with us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.

Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money convictionBrewster Academy of Wolfeboro is among six high school basketball programs that will play in the second edition of the NBA and Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Scholastic Showcase this weekend. Each team will play two games in Las Vegas as part of the NBA Cup semifinals and championship weekend. The games will be on Friday, Sunday and Monday and all of them will be aired on the NBA app. Other participating teams are AZ Compass of Chandler, Arizona, Link Academy of Branson, Missouri, Long Island Lutheran High School of Brookeville, New York, Montverde (Florida) Academy and Sunrise Christian Academy of Bel Aire, Kansas. Brewster will play AZ Compass in the showcase's opening game on Friday night at 7 and play again on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Montverde Academy.