NEW YORK , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global industrial robotics market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.71 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.26% during the forecast period. Demand for industrial robots is driving market growth, with a trend towards integration of IoT with robotics. However, lack of skilled workers to operate industrial robots poses a challenge.Key market players include ABB Ltd., b m surface systems GmbH, Comau Spa, DENSO Corp., Durr AG, FANUC Corp., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., MIDEA Group Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., NACHI FUJIKOSHI Corp., OMRON Corp., Relay Robotics Inc., Rethink Robotics GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, Rockwell Automation Inc., Seiko Epson Corp., Shenyang Xinsong Robot Automation Co. Ltd., Staubli International AG, Teradyne Inc., and Yaskawa Electric Corp.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Industrial robotics market is witnessing significant trends in automation, with robots taking over repetitive tasks in various sectors. France , India , South Africa , and the Middle East are key regions driving this development. Companies like Yaskawa Electric and Denso are at the forefront of this industry, providing productivity-enhancing technologies for material handling, welding, and SCARA robots. Automation solutions are essential for industries dealing with manufacturing processes that require precision, consistency, and flexibility. Robots are being integrated into production lines for tasks such as painting, soldering, and assembly, addressing the labor shortage. Industry 4.0 is pushing the role of robotics technology to new heights, with advancements in artificial intelligence, sensors, and integration capabilities. The robot market is forecasted to grow, with China and India being major players. Cobots and machines with multiple axes are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Production lines in the U.S., Brazil , and Singapore are adopting automation solutions to enhance efficiency and product quality. Deployment of automation solutions in supply chains and assembly lines is a trend, with competition driving down costs and improving delivery times. Robots are being used to monitor and program operations, ensuring consistency and safety in manufacturing processes. The future of industrial robotics lies in the integration of robotics technology with artificial intelligence, allowing machines to learn and adapt to their environment. This will lead to more advanced automation solutions, meeting the needs of industries and enhancing the role of robots in manufacturing processes. The Industrial Robotics Market is experiencing significant growth due to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing processes. IoT allows for seamless data transfer between devices, leading to increased automation in industries. Smart and wireless devices, along with cloud technology, are driving the future of industrial robots, such as articulated robots. These robots offer real-time performance data, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Vendors are responding to market competition by offering IoT-enabled articulated robots, providing valuable insights for optimizing industrial operations. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The Industrial Robotics Market is experiencing significant growth as automation becomes a necessity for businesses to increase productivity and efficiency in various sectors. In France , for instance, the manufacturing industry is at the forefront of this development, with sectors like material handling, welding, and painting adopting robots for tasks that require precision and consistency. Companies like Yaskawa Electric and Denso are major players in this market, providing automation solutions that integrate sensors and artificial intelligence for flexibility and product quality. The market for industrial robots is diverse, with types ranging from SCARA and Cartesian robots to cobots and robots for tasks like soldering and welding. The robot market in China and India is forecasted to grow due to the need for automation and the shortage of labor. In South Africa and the Middle East , industries are deploying robots to improve capacity and reduce labor costs. Manufacturing processes in the U.S., Brazil , and Singapore are also adopting robotics technology to enhance production lines and improve delivery consistency. Robots are being used in assembly lines, material handling, and even in vehicle manufacturing. The role of robotics technology in Industry 4.0 is becoming increasingly important as machines become more interconnected and require monitoring and programming for optimal efficiency. Despite the benefits, challenges remain, including the initial costs of deployment and maintenance. The competition in the market is fierce, with companies striving to offer the most advanced technologies and capabilities. The future of industrial robotics lies in the integration of artificial intelligence and advancements in safety features, making robots an essential tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in today's manufacturing landscape. Industrial robots offer numerous advantages in manufacturing processes, including enhanced accuracy and productivity. However, the market growth is hindered by the challenge of acquiring a skilled workforce. End-users face difficulties in finding workers with the necessary qualifications to operate and maintain robotic technology. Industrial robots require a high level of technical expertise, making it essential for operators to have a solid understanding of data exchange between the robots and the assembly line. Unfortunately, not all workers possess the required skills, limiting the adoption of robots in industrial settings. Consequently, there is a pressing need for training programs to upskill the workforce and prepare them for the integration of advanced robotics in manufacturing facilities. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This industrial robotics market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Articulated 1.2 SCARA 1.3 Cylindrical 1.4 Others 2.1 Electrical and electronics 2.2 Automotive 2.3 Metal and machinery 2.4 Pharmaceuticals 2.5 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Articulated- Articulated robots are a prominent segment in the industrial robotics market, providing adaptability and flexibility across numerous industries, including automotive, metals and machinery, and pharmaceuticals. These robots, which mimic human arm movements through multiple rotary joints, enable them to navigate confined spaces and execute intricate tasks with precision. The 6-axis robot, offering six degrees of freedom, is the most widely used configuration for articulated robots. Renowned for their high accuracy and dexterity, these robots are employed for applications such as material handling, welding, painting, and assembly. In the automotive sector, they are frequently utilized for tasks like spot welding, which necessitates precise placement at various locations on a car body. The size and configuration of the robot determine its payload capacity, ranging from entire car bodies to tiny electronic components. The expanding capabilities and performance of robotics technology are expected to drive the growth of the global industrial robotics market's articulated segment throughout the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Industrial robotics is revolutionizing manufacturing processes by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity, and improving product quality. Technologies such as SCARA robots, cobots, and industrial vehicles are transforming material handling, welding, soldering, painting, and other sectors. The role of industrial robots extends beyond factories, with applications in manufacturing processes for various industries. Development in robotics is at the forefront of Industry 4.0, integrating sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for greater flexibility and consistency in production lines. Capacity and precision are key benefits, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency. Maintenance and integration with supply chains are crucial considerations, with forecasts predicting continued growth in the robot market. Production lines and assembly lines are becoming smarter and more automated, leading to cost savings and improved client satisfaction. Market Research Overview Industrial robotics is a dynamic and evolving market that focuses on automating various tasks in manufacturing processes. This sector encompasses technologies such as SCARA, welding, material handling, and painting robots, among others. The market is witnessing significant growth in sectors like automotive, electronics, and food and beverage, driven by the need for increased productivity and consistency. France , India , South Africa , and the Middle East are among the regions experiencing rapid development in industrial robotics. Technologies like Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, and sensors are at the forefront of this growth, enabling machines to learn and adapt, and providing flexibility in production lines. The role of robotics in manufacturing processes is becoming increasingly important as labor costs rise and the need for precision, efficiency, and flexibility grows. Robots are being deployed in a variety of industries, from material handling and welding to soldering and painting. The market for industrial robots is expected to continue growing, with forecasts indicating a significant increase in sales over the next few years. The robot market in China and India is expected to see particularly strong growth, driven by the scale of their manufacturing industries and the need for automation solutions. The deployment of industrial robots is not without challenges, however. Maintenance and integration into existing production lines can be complex, and there is a shortage of skilled labor to program and operate the machines. Despite these challenges, the benefits of industrial robotics, including increased capacity, improved product quality, and reduced labor costs, make it a vital part of modern manufacturing processes. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Articulated SCARA Cylindrical Others End-user Electrical And Electronics Automotive Metal And Machinery Pharmaceuticals Others Geography APAC Europe North America South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioSubscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - OpenAI officially made their much-anticipated AI video-generation tool, Sora, available to the general public on Monday. Also Read Japan unveils AI plan to tackle Anime and Manga piracy Sora Turbo, the latest version, provides significant speed improvements over the February preview model, which was limited to a handful of select users, and it makes it possible to generate 22-second HD videos. However, because of regulatory issues, the tool is still inaccessible in the UK and European markets. The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, stressed the company's resolve to overcome these obstacles, saying “We're going to try our hardest to be able to launch there,” Yahoo reports. Our holiday gift to you: Sora is here. https://t.co/UhdmYuGHtT pic.twitter.com/ljoruQsfO0 — OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 9, 2024 Similar to OpenAI's DALL-E image-generation tool, Sora lets users create videos by entering text prompts. Additionally, users may produce content by combining scenes, adding to already-existing videos, or turning images into videos. The tool is accessible in full to ChatGPT Plus and Pro members, while basic users are limited to producing 50 standard-definition movies every month. Also Read Facial Recognition technology drives over 500 arrests in London With issues like uncanny realism and trouble with complicated sequences, the tool is still in its infancy. OpenAI team lowered user expectations by emphasizing that the technology is not yet ready to create full-length movies with ease. In response to worries about abuse, OpenAI product lead Rohan Sahai acknowledged the concerns, saying “We have a big target on our back as OpenAI,” while striking a balance between this obligation and encouraging artistic expression. Moreover, OpenAI claims it has included safeguards like visual watermarks and verification metadata to prevent abuse, especially with worries linked to deepfakes. A passionate about the Gaming Industry with a career of over 5 years in the field, I write about current trends and news in the Game Development business and how it impact the industry and players. Laith has recently started a new position at Al Bawaba as a freelance business writer. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Also Read Iran warns Israel of heavy prices after assassinating Reza Moussavi in Damascus Subscribe
Malema speaks against infiltration of the EFF, takes jab at ZumaAfter absorbing their worst defeat of the year , the San Jose Sharks will be looking for a response Saturday against the Florida Panthers. The Sharks reverted to some bad habits during their 8-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, as they strayed from their identity and were generally outworked from start to finish. The seven-goal loss was the Sharks’ most lopsided of the season, unceremoniously ending a three-game winning streak. While the Sharks have been playing better hockey l ately, the loss in Tampa offered a blunt reminder that they can still get embarrassed when their details and competitive level are not where they need to be, particularly against playoff-caliber teams. “Break out pucks, defend hard, box out, you name it,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters when asked about the defense’s shortcomings. “What a defenseman’s responsibilities are, we could have done a lot better.” The forward group wasn’t let off the hook, either. “Didn’t pay a price,” Warsofsky said. “You watch (the Lightning), they’re blocking shots. (Mikey) Eyssimont), (Luke) Glendining (when it’s) 8-1. And that’s the price to pay to win games in this league and that’s what we’ve got to learn.” The Sharks have done a fairly good job this season of responding after blowout defeats. After an 8-3 road loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 18, they returned home and played a much more competitive game two days later against the Colorado Avalanche in a 4-1 loss. Two days after getting blown out 7-3 by the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 26, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit in the final five minutes of the third period against the Utah Hockey Club and won 5-4 in overtime. Now the Sharks face the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers, who, before Friday, were the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.78 goals per game. Florida entered Friday tied for first place in the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I’m not deflated. It’s an 82-game season,” Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said after Thursday’s loss. “We’ve got another game in a couple of days and another opportunity to play a really good hockey team and surprise them. So it’s not deflating, but it’s definitely not something that’s acceptable, so we’ve got to be better.” The Sharks have lost 10 straight games to the Panthers, with their last victory in South Florida coming on Dec.1, 2017. The Sharks might have to face the Panthers without rookie forward Will Smith, who did not practice Friday. Warsofsky told San Jose Hockey Now that Smith is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, although it remained unclear when the 19-year-old was injured. Against the Lightning, Smith played late into the third period and finished with 15:50 in ice time. Smith has 11 points in 23 games this season and has recently been playing on a line with Mikael Granlund and Klim Kostin. Regardless of who plays against the Panthers, the Sharks still need to prove that they can consistently produce a strong performance against quality opponents. “We’ll obviously take a look at everything and talk within the group and figure it out,” Sharks winger Luke Kunin said, “so it doesn’t happen again.” GOODROW RETURNS: Forward Barclay Goodrow, who has been on injured reserve since Nov. 28 with an upper-body ailment, skated Friday, per San Jose Hockey Now. Goodrow was injured by a high hit from Ridly Greig in the Sharks’ Nov. 27 game against the Ottawa Senators. He is questionable to play against the Panthers. TEDDY BEAR TOSS: The San Jose Barracuda are hosting its annual Teddy Bear Toss at Tech CU Arena on Saturday when it plays the Coachella Valley Firebirds at 6 p.m. Fans are urged to bring stuffed animals to the game and throw them on the ice after the Barracuda scores its first goal. The Barracuda will then distribute some of the stuffed animals to children at local Kaiser Permanente hospitals, as well as other kids who might not get a gift during this time of year. The AHL franchise is also joining forces with San Jose-based Working Partnerships USA, which, per the team, helps to tackle “the root causes of inequality and poverty by leading collaborative campaigns for quality jobs, healthy communities, equitable growth, and a vibrant democracy.” For Saturday’s game, the Barracuda will also wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, with part of the proceeds going to Working Partnerships. The team is also giving away Barracuda stockings to the first 1,500 fans in the building.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., filed a joint resolution proposing a Constitutional amendment to establish term limits for U.S. Supreme Court justices. The amendment would institute nonrenewable, 18-year terms for new U.S. Supreme Court justices, with a new term starting every two years. The senators’ amendment aims to restore confidence in the court, eliminate political gamesmanship from the nomination process, and reinforce judicial independence. The proposed amendment would not adjust the tenure of sitting justices, but rather institute a transition period to maintain regular vacancies as current justices retire. During that period, 18-year terms will begin every two years, regardless of when a current justice leaves the bench. Once a current justice retires, the newly appointed justice will serve out the remainder of the next open 18-year term. The amendment would not change the overall number of justices on the court.
BEIJING , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Baijiayun Group Ltd ("Baijiayun" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RTC), a one-stop AI video solution provider, today announced that it has entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (the "SEPA"), with YA II PN, Ltd. ("YA"), a fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the the SEPA, YA is committed to purchase up to $50 million (the "Commitment Amount") of the Company's Class A Ordinary Shares (the "Shares") at any time during the two-year period following the execution date of the SEPA, by delivering written notice to YA (an "Advance Notice"). Pursuant to the SEPA, YA will advance to the Company, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as set forth therein, the principal amount of up to $15 million (the "Pre-Paid Advance"), which will be evidenced by convertible promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes", together with the "SEPA", the "Offering") in four tranches. The first Pre-Advance, in the principal amount of $3,000,000 , was advanced December 6, 2024 in connection with the execution of the SEPA, and is subject to a 10% discount to the principal amount of such Promissory Note. If there is no balance outstanding under the Promissory Notes, the Company will have sole discretion to sell the Shares to YA from time to time by issuing Advance Notices to YA following the effectiveness of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registering the Shares issuable pursuant to the SEPA and the satisfaction of other customary conditions. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the offering of the Shares pursuant to the SEPA for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Company and the Investor have entered into a registration rights agreement on the date hereof (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company shall register the resale of the Shares issuable pursuant to the SEPA. The foregoing does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties to the SEPA, the Promissory Notes, the Registration Rights Agreement, or of the transactions contemplated thereby and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such documents, the copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K on December 6, 2024 . D. Boral Capital LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the Offering. About Baijiayun Group Ltd Baijiayun is a one-stop AI video solution provider with core expertise in SaaS/PaaS solutions. Baijiayun is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality video experiences across devices and localities and has grown rapidly since its inception in 2017. Premised on its industry-leading video-centric technologies, Baijiayun offers a wealth of video-centric technology solutions, including Video SaaS/PaaS, Video Cloud and Software, and Video AI and System Solutions. Baijiayun caters to the evolving communications and collaboration needs of enterprises of all sizes and industries. For more information, please visit ir.baijiayun.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements." These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the parties' perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The words "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend," and "plan" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and shareholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from the expectations as a result of a variety of factors. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are hard to predict or control, that may cause the actual results, performance, or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information provided herein represents the Company's estimates as of the date of this press release, and subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's estimates to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking information in the future. Therefore, this forward-looking information should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates of its future financial performance as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the documents the Company has filed or furnished or may file or furnish with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation. For investor and media enquiries, please contact: Company Contact: Ms. Fangfei Liu Chief Financial Officer, Baijiayun Group Ltd Phone: +86 25 8222 1596 Email: ir@baijiayun.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baijiayun-announces-up-to-15-million-convertible-promissory-notes-and-50-million-standby-equity-purchase-agreement-302325234.html SOURCE Baijiayun Group Ltd
Generative Artificial Intelligence AI Chipset Global Market Projected to Reach $86.24 Billion by 2028 with 27.9% GrowthReport blames BLS leadership for poorly-protected US economic data releases
By FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.
The Atlanta Hawks were fined $100,000 by the NBA on Tuesday after a league investigation into star guard Trae Young missing an NBA Cup game two weeks ago. The NBA found the Hawks violated the league's Player Participation Policy when the 26-year-old American missed a November 12 contest at Boston. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
TikTok is inching closer to a potential ban in the US. So what's next?Grid Studio Black Friday deals are live with original iPhone frame, Game Boy, and more
Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery's podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him,” Young wrote. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. RELATED STORY | Bela Karolyi, polarizing coach who helped shape USA gymnastics, dies at 82 In 1983, Woolery began an 11-year run as host of TV’s “Love Connection,” for which he coined the phrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” a two-fingered signature dubbed the “2 and 2.” In 1984, he hosted TV’s “Scrabble,” simultaneously hosting two game shows on TV until 1990. “Love Connection,” which aired long before the dawn of dating apps, had a premise that featured either a single man or single woman who would watch audition tapes of three potential mates and then pick one for a date. A couple of weeks after the date, the guest would sit with Woolery in front of a studio audience and tell everybody about the date. The audience would vote on the three contestants, and if the audience agreed with the guest’s choice, “Love Connection” would offer to pay for a second date. Woolery told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2003 that his favorite set of lovebirds was a man aged 91 and a woman aged 87. "She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette. He was so old he said, ‘I remember wagon trains.’ The poor guy. She took him on a balloon ride.” Other career highlights included hosting the shows “Lingo," “Greed” and “The Chuck Woolery Show,” as well as hosting the short-lived syndicated revival of “The Dating Game” from 1998 to 2000 and an ill-fated 1991 talk show. In 1992, he played himself in two episodes of TV’s “Melrose Place.” RELATED STORY | Actor Tony Todd, known for his role in the movie 'Candyman' and other films, dies at 69 Woolery became the subject of the Game Show Network’s first attempt at a reality show, “Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned,” which premiered in 2003. It shared the title of the pop song in 1968 by Woolery and his rock group, the Avant-Garde. It lasted six episode and was panned by critics. Woolery began his TV career at a show that has become a mainstay. Although most associated with Pat Sajak and Vanna White, “Wheel of Fortune” debuted Jan. 6, 1975, on NBC with Woolery welcoming contestants and the audience. Woolery, then 33, was trying to make it in Nashville as a singer. “Wheel of Fortune” started life as “Shopper’s Bazaar,” incorporating Hangman-style puzzles and a roulette wheel. After Woolery appeared on “The Merv Griffin Show” singing “Delta Dawn,” Merv Griffin asked him to host the new show with Susan Stafford. “I had an interview that stretched to 15, 20 minutes,” Woolery told The New York Times in 2003. “After the show, when Merv asked if I wanted to do a game show, I thought, ‘Great, a guy with a bad jacket and an equally bad mustache who doesn’t care what you have to say — that’s the guy I want to be.’” NBC initially passed, but they retooled it as “Wheel of Fortune” and got the green light. After a few years, Woolery demanded a raise to $500,000 a year, or what host Peter Marshall was making on “Hollywood Squares.” Griffin balked and replaced Woolery with weather reporter Pat Sajak. “Both Chuck and Susie did a fine job, and ‘Wheel’ did well enough on NBC, although it never approached the kind of ratings success that ‘Jeopardy!’ achieved in its heyday,” Griffin said in “Merv: Making the Good Life Last,” an autobiography from the 2000s co-written by David Bender. Woolery earned an Emmy nod as host. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery served in the U.S. Navy before attending college. He played double bass in a folk trio, then formed the psychedelic rock duo The Avant-Garde in 1967 while working as a truck driver to support himself as a musician. The Avant-Garde, which tourbed in a refitted Cadillac hearse, had the Top 40 hit “Naturally Stoned,” with Woolery singing, “When I put my mind on you alone/I can get a good sensation/Feel like I’m naturally stoned.” After The Avant-Garde broke up, Woolery released his debut solo single “I’ve Been Wrong” in 1969 and several more singles with Columbia before transitioning to country music by the 1970s. He released two solo singles, “Forgive My Heart” and “Love Me, Love Me.” Woolery wrote or co-wrote songs for himself and everyone from Pat Boone to Tammy Wynette. On Wynette’s 1971 album “We Sure Can Love Each Other,” Woolery wrote “The Joys of Being a Woman” with lyrics including “See our baby on the swing/Hear her laugh, hear her scream.” RELATED STORY | LA news anchor and 'real-life hero' Chauncy Glover dies 'unexpectedly' at 39 After his TV career ended, Woolery went into podcasting. In an interview with The New York Times, he called himself a gun-rights activist and described himself as a conservative libertarian and constitutionalist. He said he hadn’t revealed his politics in liberal Hollywood for fear of retribution. He teamed up with Mark Young in 2014 for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and soon became a full supporter of Donald Trump while arguing minorities don’t need civil rights and causing a firestorm by tweeting an antisemitic comment linking Soviet Communists to Judaism. “President Obama’s popularity is a fantasy only held by him and his dwindling legion of juice-box-drinking, anxiety-dog-hugging, safe-space-hiding snowflakes,” he said. Woolery also was active online, retweeting articles from Conservative Brief, insisting Democrats were trying to install a system of Marxism and spreading headlines such as “Impeach him! Devastating photo of Joe Biden leaks.” During the early stages of the pandemic, Woolery initially accused medical professionals and Democrats of lying about the virus in an effort to hurt the economy and Trump’s chances for reelection to the presidency. “The most outrageous lies are the ones about COVID-19. Everyone is lying. The CDC, media, Democrats, our doctors, not all but most, that we are told to trust. I think it’s all about the election and keeping the economy from coming back, which is about the election. I’m sick of it,” Woolery wrote in July 2020. Trump retweeted that post to his 83 million followers. By the end of the month, nearly 4.5 million Americans had been infected with COVID-19 and more than 150,000 had died. Just days later, Woolery changed his stance, announcing his son had contracted COVID-19. “To further clarify and add perspective, COVID-19 is real and it is here. My son tested positive for the virus, and I feel for of those suffering and especially for those who have lost loved ones,” Woolery posted before his account was deleted. Woolery later explained on his podcast that he never called COVID-19 “a hoax” or said “it’s not real,” just that “we’ve been lied to.” Woolery also said it was “an honor to have your president retweet what your thoughts are and think it’s important enough to do that.” In addition to his wife, Woolery is survived by his sons Michael and Sean and his daughter Melissa, Young said.WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill rallied around Pete Hegseth , Trump’s Pentagon pick, on Thursday even as new details surfaced about allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The GOP embrace of Hegseth came as another controversial Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz said it was clear he had become a “distraction" amid pressure on the House to release an ethics report about allegations of his own sexual misconduct. An attorney for two women has said that his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. People are also reading... 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At the same time, his transition has so far balked at the vetting and background checks that have traditionally been required. While few Republican senators have publicly criticized any of Trump's nominees, it became clear after Gaetz's withdrawal that many had been harboring private concerns about him. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” After meeting with Hegseth, though, Republicans rallied around him. “I think he’s going to be in pretty good shape,” said Wicker, who is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee in the next Congress. Republican senators' careful words, and their early reluctance to publicly question Trump's picks, illustrated not only their fear of retribution from the incoming president but also some of their hopes that the confirmation process can proceed normally, with proper vetting and background checks that could potentially disqualify problematic nominees earlier. Gaetz withdrew after meeting with senators on Wednesday. Sen. Thom Tillis said Gaetz was “in a pressure cooker” when he decided to withdraw, but suggested that it would have little bearing on Trump’s other nominees. “Transactions — one at a time,” he said. As the Hegseth nomination proceeds, Republicans also appear to be betting that they won't face much backlash for publicly setting aside the allegations of sexual misconduct — especially after Trump won election after being found liable for sexual abuse last year. Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance on Thursday in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” A 22-page police report report made public late Wednesday offered the first detailed account of the allegations against him. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, said the incident was “fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false.” Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 as part of a confidential settlement to head off the threat of what he described as a baseless lawsuit, Palatore has said. Wicker played down the allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News host, saying that “since no charges were brought from the authorities, we only have press reports.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said after his meeting with Hegseth that he "shared with him the fact that I was saddened by the attacks that are coming his way.” Hagerty dismissed the allegations as “a he-said, she-said thing” and called it a “shame” that they were being raised at all. The senator said attention should instead be focused on the Defense Department that Hegseth would head. It's one of the most complex parts of the federal government with more than 3 million employees, including military service members and civilians. Sexual assault has been a persistent problem in the military, though Pentagon officials have been cautiously optimistic they are seeing a decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who will be the No. 2 Republican in the Senate next year, said after his meeting with Hegseth that the nominee is a strong candidate who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” Senate Republicans are under pressure to hold hearings once they take office in January and confirm nominees as soon as Trump is inaugurated, despite questions about whether Trump’s choices will be properly screened or if some, like Hegseth, have enough experience for the job. Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, who will be the top Democrat on the panel next year, said the reports on Hegseth “emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the FBI on the background of all the nominees.” It takes a simple majority to approve Cabinet nominations, meaning that if Democrats all opposed a nominee, four Republican senators would also have to defect for any Trump choice to be defeated. Trump has made clear he’s willing to put maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to give him the nominees he wants – even suggesting at one point that they allow him to just appoint his nominees with no Senate votes. But senators insist, for now, that they are not giving up their constitutional power to have a say. “The president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit, but the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent,” said Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. In the case of Gaetz, he said, “I think there was advice offered rather than consent.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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