NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson is named head coach at MarshallBIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RxBenefits, Inc., the employee benefits industry's first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO), announced today that Robert Gamble has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Gamble succeeds Wendy Barnes , who has decided to pursue another professional opportunity. Gamble has also joined the RxBenefits Board of Directors. Gamble , a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmacy benefits industry, has been an integral part of RxBenefits' executive leadership team for the past nine years. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, Gamble led the strategy, technology, operations, and account management functions during a period of significant expansion and growth for the company, including launching new products and entering new market segments. Gamble previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer. "I am proud to take the helm of a company whose sole mission is to be a trusted partner to our clients and transparently deliver pharmacy benefits aligned to their unique goals," Gamble said. "We have a strong leadership team, and more than 1,200 employees focused on helping our clients achieve sustainable savings while delivering robust pharmacy benefits to their members." "Over nearly a decade, Robert has proven his strong ability to drive growth as he has helped scale RxBenefits into the pre-eminent and first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer," said Mark Taber , a Managing Director at Great Hill Partners and member of the RxBenefits Board of Directors. "We are confident that he is the right choice to lead RxBenefits forward, leveraging his deep, nuanced understanding of the industry and company to deliver greater value to clients nationwide." "We're appreciative of Wendy's commitment to the company as well as her efforts to maintain RxBenefits' status as a leading provider of cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions and exceptional service to clients," said John Maldonado , Managing Partner at Advent International and RxBenefits board member. "We're excited for Robert to take on his new role and believe he is well-positioned to lead the RxBenefits team and propel the company to its next phase of growth." "I am grateful for Wendy's leadership over the last two years. She accelerated our momentum and prepared us for our next phase of expansion," Gamble added. "We had a strong earnings year in 2024, continuing our track record of robust financial performance. We also have an ambitious strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. I look forward to what we will achieve and how we will increasingly help our clients contain soaring pharmacy benefits costs while taking great care of their members." RxBenefits continues to grow and innovate to meet its clients' emerging needs for cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions, adding 500 employees just since 2022 while continuing to deliver industry-leading, award-winning customer and member service. About RxBenefits RxBenefits is the nation's first and leading technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO) with more than 1,200 pharmacy pricing, data, and clinical experts working together to deliver prescription benefit savings to employee benefits advisors and their self-insured clients. Serving more than 3 million members , RxBenefits brings market-leading purchasing power, independent clinical solutions, and high-touch service to its customers – ensuring that all plan sponsors, regardless of size, can provide an affordable and valuable pharmacy benefits plan to their employees. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rxbenefits-inc-appoints-robert-gamble-chief-executive-officer-302332862.html SOURCE RxBenefitsDaiwa Securities Group Inc. Purchases 695 Shares of EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE:EPAM)
A coalition of Canadian news media corporations has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the creator of ChatGPT breached copyright and online terms of use to train its artificial intelligence models. The suit, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Friday, marks the latest in a series of legal actions against OpenAI over the use of data and news materials to train AI systems. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages from the AI developer, as well as payment of any profits that it managed to make from using news articles published by the media outlets. Moreover, the plaintiffs are looking for a legal ruling that would ban OpenAI from using their news articles in the future. “OpenAI regularly breaches copyright and online terms of use by scraping large swaths of content from Canadian media to help develop its products, such as ChatGPT,” Torstar, Postmedia, The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Press, and CBC/Radio-Canada said in a joint statement . They emphasized that the company was doing this without getting permission or providing compensation to content owners. “Journalism is in the public interest. OpenAI using other companies’ journalism for their own commercial gain is not. It’s illegal,” the plaintiffs concluded. The lawsuit is latest among similar legal challenges that the AI developer has faced over the past years. Last December, the New York Times filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement. Earlier this year, US billionaire Elon Musk took the company to court over an alleged breach of its original mission to develop AI technology not for profit but for the benefit of humanity. Two weeks ago, the lawsuit was expanded after the tech entrepreneur added OpenAI’s largest financial backer, Microsoft, as a defendant, and accused both of monopolizing the market for generative artificial intelligence and sidelining competitors.
US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlm
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, zero-waste startups are emerging as key players in the fight against climate change and resource depletion. These startups are tackling waste management, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. Here, we delve into the top 10 best zero-waste startups in India for 2025 that are making a significant impact. 1. Bare Necessities Overview : Bare Necessities is a Bangalore-based startup offering sustainable alternatives to everyday products. Their range includes zero-waste personal care and home essentials, all made with natural ingredients and plastic-free packaging. Why It Stands Out : Wide range of eco-friendly products Workshops on zero-waste living Focus on local sourcing and fair trade 2. GreenJams Overview : GreenJams specializes in turning agricultural waste into eco-friendly construction materials like carbon-negative bricks. This startup combines innovation with sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Key Features : Patented Agrocrete® technology Circular economy model Reduces agricultural waste and air pollution 3. Ecowrap Overview : Ecowrap focuses on tackling single-use plastic waste by producing biodegradable and compostable alternatives. Their products are widely used in the food and hospitality industries. Standout Features : Compostable packaging solutions Affordable alternatives to plastic Strong focus on B2B partnerships 4. Refillable Overview : Refillable aims to eliminate single-use packaging by offering refill stations for everyday products like detergents, soaps, and shampoos. Customers can bring their own containers and refill as needed. Why It’s Unique : Reduces packaging waste at the source Convenient refill stations in urban areas Promotes a zero-waste lifestyle 5. Trashcon Overview : Trashcon is revolutionizing waste management with its proprietary technology that segregates mixed waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. The startup works with municipalities and large organizations. Salient Features : Automated waste segregation systems Converts biodegradable waste into compost Offers scalable solutions for urban waste management 6. Loopify Overview : Loopify creates eco-friendly packaging solutions for businesses, emphasizing the use of recyclable and reusable materials. Their innovative designs cater to a variety of industries, from e-commerce to food delivery. Key Offerings : Customizable sustainable packaging Strong emphasis on aesthetic appeal Supports businesses in achieving sustainability goals 7. Boondh Overview : Boondh focuses on menstrual health and sustainability, offering reusable menstrual products like cloth pads and menstrual cups. They also conduct educational programs to promote awareness. Why It Matters : Reduces menstrual waste significantly Affordable and eco-friendly solutions Empowers communities through education and access 8. Brown Living Overview : Brown Living is an online marketplace dedicated to zero-waste and sustainable products. From clothing to home decor, they offer a curated collection of eco-friendly alternatives. Noteworthy Features : Strict vetting process for ethical brands Carbon-neutral shipping Wide range of sustainable products 9. Swaaha Resource Management Overview : Swaaha specializes in waste-to-energy solutions, converting organic waste into renewable energy sources like biogas. They partner with local governments and private entities. Innovative Features : Waste-to-energy plants Training programs for waste workers Helps reduce landfill dependency 10. PadCare Labs Overview : PadCare Labs is addressing the issue of menstrual waste disposal with its unique sanitary waste management solutions. Their technology ensures safe disposal and recycling of used sanitary products. Key Contributions : Reduces health hazards related to menstrual waste Converts waste into reusable materials Strong focus on urban waste management The Impact of Zero-Waste Startups The efforts of these zero-waste startups are paving the way for a greener future. By reducing waste at the source, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and offering innovative solutions, these companies are making it easier for individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Why Zero-Waste Startups Are Thriving How You Can Support Zero-Waste Startups Shop Consciously : Choose products from brands that prioritize sustainability. Spread Awareness : Encourage friends and family to adopt eco-friendly habits. Participate in Initiatives : Support zero-waste programs and workshops in your community. Follow and Learn More : Visit Bare Necessities to explore sustainable products and zero-waste living tips. Conclusion The top 10 zero-waste startups in India for 2025 exemplify the innovative spirit required to combat environmental challenges. From reducing single-use plastics to revolutionizing waste management, these zero-waste startups are reshaping industries and fostering a culture of sustainability. As consumers, supporting these ventures can create a collective impact, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for all.Authoritative Release of the 2024 Top 10 Rankings in the Construction Machinery Industry: Unveiling the Most Influential Products and Companies
AI Progress From Microsoft – Phi-4 Outperforms Human-like reasoner AI Model GPT-4o, Bitcoin RumorInternational Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas officials
World-renowned health innovator will lead global collaboration and health equity work FLINT, Mich. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Insight Health System (Insight), a physician-led organization focused on excellence in health care and community well-being, has named Dr. Maliha Hashmi , a pioneer in the fields of AI-driven prevision care, health equity and wellness advocacy, as the organization's first Global Ambassador. "Dr. Hashmi's unparalleled reputation as a health leader and innovator around the world, combined with her dedication to underserved populations and her commitment to using technology for good, aligns perfectly with Insight's mission focused on providing care that is second to none through love and compassion," said Dr. Jawad Shah , founder and chief executive officer of Insight. "Her leadership will be invaluable in helping Insight shape the future of health care." As Global Ambassador, Dr. Hashmi will be intimately involved in a range of large-scale initiatives aimed at population health, health equity, value-based care and preventative care. She will play a critical role in ensuring that Insight hospitals remain leaders in global health care innovation and advancing patient-centered care while fostering sustainable growth and economic development within the communities they serve. Her strategic vision will ensure that Insight continues to deliver health equity and forward-thinking care for generations to come. Throughout her career, Dr. Hashmi has championed the humanization of technology, ensuring advancements in health care strengthen human connection, compassion and accessibility. Her innovative approach integrates smart systems designed to enhance efficiency, elevate patient care and improve health outcomes – all under the guiding principle of "health care for everyone, everywhere." Dr. Hashmi has earned numerous accolades, including recently being ranked first among the Top 10 Female Innovators and Leaders Globally by Entrepreneur Mirror, and one of the Top 50 Most Influential Muslims in America by EqualityX. She holds advanced degrees from Harvard and MIT and has served as a World Economic Forum Global Future Expert and V20 Delegate for G20. "I am deeply honored to take on this role as Global Ambassador for Insight," said Dr. Hashmi. "My goal is to champion health care for everyone, everywhere, supporting Insight's mission to refine processes, increase efficiency and deliver patient care second to none to communities across the globe. I am excited to drive innovation, compassion and excellence in patient care, making health care accessible and dignified for all." Insight, led by Dr. Jawad Shah , is committed to serving underserved communities through a multidisciplinary approach that balances cutting-edge medical technologies with compassionate patient care. Dr. Hashmi's appointment as Global Ambassador further solidifies Insight's mission to expand the boundaries of health care innovation and equitable service delivery. Follow along with the latest from Insight Health System on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , TikTok and YouTube . Follow updates on Dr. Maliha Hashmi on the following platforms: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-maliha-hashmi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malihahashmiofficial/ About Insight Health System Insight Health System is a physician-led organization focused on pioneering excellence in health care and community well-being. Our expertise is in transforming distressed hospitals into stable, patient-centric care that is second-to-none. With a track record for innovation in health care, research and development, Insight Health System provides the communities we serve with world-class health care services at the forefront of medical technology. Our network currently includes a portfolio of entities encompassing six acute care hospitals (three of which are nonprofit), six surgery centers, 28 clinics, 580 physicians, 10 unions and 4,200 employees. Collectively, Insight Health System hospitals provide nearly 100,000 patient days annually. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insight-health-system-appoints-dr-maliha-hashmi-as-global-ambassador-302332878.html SOURCE Insight Health System
Fears for needy as uncertain charities face cash crunchRxBenefits, Inc. Appoints Robert Gamble Chief Executive Officer
J&J hip implant victims may soon get compensationLumina Gold Announces Concession Extension Until 2049
$2.5 million in opioid grants to aid curb in state crisis
The National Council’s (NC) Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) recommended formalising the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) as a Public Service Broadcaster to ensure its independence and ability to fulfill its public service mandate. The recommendation was part of a Review Report on the State of Media presented by the SCAC at the NC yesterday. The Chairperson of SCAC, Eminent Member Kesang Chuki Dorjee, presented the report. The Committee called for the development of a strategic roadmap to enhance the media’s role in Bhutan. The roadmap would include conducting regular media development assessments, implementing circulation audits, and enforcing stricter Standard Operating Procedures for information sharing. The Committee also recommended an urgent review and amendment of existing legislation to address the challenges posed by digital transformation. This includes revising the Copyright Act (2001), the Industrial Property Act (2001), and particularly the Info Communications Media Act (2018). Other recommendations include drafting and adopting a National Information and Digital Policy, establishing a fair advertisement policy, creating a venture capital framework and payment gateway for the digital economy, and offering incentives and technical support for newspapers to publish in Dzongkha. The SCAC conducted 19 stakeholder consultation meetings with media houses and relevant stakeholders in October this year. The House supported only a few recommendations proposed by the committee, instructing the SCAC to revisit disputed provisions and present the final recommendations on December 5. NC Member from Haa, Dago Tsheringla, said BBS TV coverage is only 70 percent, which needs improvement. He also expressed concerns over the dwindling number of Dzongkha newspapers. Wangdue NC Member Phub Dorji emphasised that while the media is crucial for the country, society has yet to benefit fully from it due to a lack of investment. He said that people are still not aware of responsible social media usage and that media houses face the challenge of balancing profit-making and public service. Bumthang NC Member Kencho Tshering stressed the importance of a Right to Information (RTI) Act. Beside BBS TV, Bhutan currently has seven newspapers, four radio stations, and three over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Additionally, social media usage in the country is extensive The SCAC report also noted Bhutan’s significant decline in the World Press Freedom Index, from 33rd place in 2021 to 147th place in 2023. This decline reflects the political, legal, economic, and sociocultural challenges faced by Bhutanese media. However, the SCAC report indicated that many journalists do not believe in this ranking set by the Reporters Without Borders. The SCAC chairperson highlighted the challenges faced by media houses, including financial instability, outdated regulatory frameworks, limited access to information, and inadequate support for media professionals. A common challenge for journalists is the difficulty of obtaining information, low salaries, and minimal training opportunities. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 60 percent of senior journalists left the profession, leading to an influx of younger and relatively inexperienced journalists. Currently, the average age of journalists in Bhutan is 34 years, with 25 percent having less than one year of experience, and 44 percent being female. Most journalists leave their positions within three years, and media organisations face attrition rates exceeding 50 percent, negatively affecting their credibility and standards. BBS, as the largest media organisation in the country, has faced several challenges over the years. A 2019 internal evaluation found issues such as the lack of an effective news management system, inadequate editorial policies, and a shortage of experienced reporters and editors. High staff turnover has worsened these issues, with many experienced professionals leaving BBS for better career opportunities. In 2022, 87 professionals left, followed by 19 in 2023 and 15 more this year. According to the Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF), there is one newspaper for every 111,032 Bhutanese, but the market can realistically support only three newspapers. Kuensel, Bhutan’s largest newspaper, is 49 percent privately owned, with mounting pressure to increase profits. Challenges include reduced circulation, declining ad revenue, and competition from emerging media firms. Kuensel also faces restrictions in seeking grants and applying for economic stimulus plans. Sustaining Dzongkha content is also challenging due to low demand and limited advertisement. Meanwhile, private newspapers rely heavily on government funding, with about 90 percent of their income derived from it. On top of low salaries, some journalists in private media houses are paid late. The government supports private media through fiscal incentives, such as tax relief and an annual grant of nearly Nu 700,000 from the Media Enterprise Development Budget. Radio stations face issues such as small advertising markets, evolving technological preferences, and lack of funding for digital upgrades. The OTT platforms struggle with outdated regulations, inconsistent implementation, and limited access to funding. About 90 percent of Bhutanese are active on at least one social media platform, spending an average of 163 minutes daily. Issues include cyberbullying, scams, fake news, defamation, and digital addiction. Bhutan also lacks a National Digital Media Literacy Policy and a clear regulatory mechanism for digital platforms.The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
