DELAND, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Johnson scored seven of his 26 points in overtime to lead Mercer to an 89-83 victory over Stetson on Sunday. Johnson had five rebounds and three steals for the Bears (5-4). Alex Holt added 23 points and seven rebounds. Ahmad Robinson scored 16. Robinson made the first of two free throws with 1 second left to force overtime tied at 73. The Hatters (1-8) were led in scoring by Jordan Wood, who finished with 23 points and two blocks. Josh Massey added 22 points and eight rebounds. Mehki also had 14 points and six assists. The Hatters extended their losing streak to eight in a row. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Dr Bharti Gupta The invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 by Pakistan, under the guise of tribal invaders is referred to as the “Kashmir War of 1947-48” or the “First Indo-Pak War”. It is one of the pivotal events in Indian history. This confrontation saw several crucial battles that significantly shaped the territorial boundaries and political scenario of Jammu and Kashmir. The bravery and sacrifices of soldiers in these battles not only safeguarded Jammu and Kashmir from falling into enemy hands but also solidified its Accession to India. The British planned the invasion under the codename Operation Gulmarg. One of the most credible accounts of this conspiracy is provided by Major General O. S. Kalkat in his book – The Far-Flung Frontiers. On page 41, point 10, he writes: “A force of 10 Lashkars was to operate in the Poonch, Bhimber, and Rawalakot areas with the intention of capturing Poonch and Rajouri, and subsequently advancing towards Jammu.” Under this plan, attacks were initially concentrated in the Jammu province, targeting border areas such as Hiranagar, Suchetgarh, Bhimber, Mirpur, Kotli, and Poonch in September. The strategy was to create a diversion by focusing on Jammu, ensuring the state forces believed the primary threat was there. Meanwhile, no immediate action was taken at Muzaffarabad. This deliberate delay was designed to maintain the element of surprise and shift the state’s attention toward Jammu. Once the conditions were deemed favourable, the plan aimed to seize Kashmir by advancing through the Muzaffarabad route during the night of October 21-22. This strategic manoeuvre underscores the calculated nature of the invasion which can be appropriately labelled as the Jammu & Kashmir War of 1947-1948. Muzaffarabad was a key town that provided access to the rest of the Kashmir Valley, through Baramulla. The attack aimed to capture Srinagar, the state’s summer capital, and force its accession to Pakistan. The4th Jammu and Kashmir Infantry was deployed to defend Muzaffarabad that included the vital Domel Bridgewhich delayed the move of enemy forces of 6000 by a day, a vital day which saved Kashmir, commanded by Colonel Narain Singh.Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Colonel Narain Singh organized a spirited defence with a few people. The local betrayal, however, by some State Forces personnel sympathetic to the invaders severely weakened the defence. After fierce fighting, the invaders captured Muzaffarabad. However, his steadfast resistance delayed the attackers but could not prevent the fall of Muzaffarabad.The fall of Muzaffarabad opened the route for the invaders to proceed towards Baramulla and Srinagar. After the fall of Muzaffarabad on 22nd October 1947 Maharaja Hari Singh ordered Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Chief of Staff of the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces, to defend Uri. Maharaja Hari Singh issued a direct order to Brigadier Singh, instructing him to hold the enemy at Uri “at all costs and to the last man.”Brig. Rajinder Singh with 100 gallant soldiers, fought four battles atGarhi, Uri, Mahura and Rampur-Buniyar to hold 6,000 invadersfrom October 23rd to 26th October, 1947. His leadership during this critical period was instrumental in delaying the advance of the invaders, thereby providing crucial time for the Maharaja to accede to India and for Indian forces to arrive in defence of the State. He saved Kashmir and earned the title of ‘Saviour of Kashmir’ and was awarded the first Maha Vir Chakra of Independent India. The battleground of Garhi – 23rd October While Brigadier Rajinder Singh’s orders were to defend Uri, his forces were engaged in delaying actions starting from Garhi, a strategic location before Uri. Colonel Prithi Singh led the immediate defense of Garhi, Brigadier Rajinder Singhtook command of the overall strategy.Subedar Duni Chand played a pivotal role in the battle of Garhi. Duni Chand led his men in fierce close-quarter engagements. Prithi Singh’s actions, alongside those of Subedar Duni Chand and others, were critical in slowing the enemy’s advance.Garhi quickly became indefensible as the enemy deployed across a broader front, including the heights dominating the road and the withdrawal route toward Uri. Recognizing this, Brigadier Rajinder Singh decided to pull back and occupy a more strategic fallback position to halt the enemy’s advance and impose further delays. During the battle of Garhi, Brig. Rajinder Singh, finding appropriate time, rushed to Baramulla to inform Maharaja Hari Singh about the impending threat from Pakistan that he had observed. This made the Maharaja and the P.M., Meharchand Mahajan inform Delhi about the magnitude of the threat and the emphasis on the immediate dispatch of the army. The battleground of Uri- 23rd October The town of Uri, situated along the vital road to Srinagar, served as a crucial defensive position. The small defending force, after withdrawing from Garhi, took positions on the right bank of the Uri Nullah, covering the Uri Bridge along the road. These troops had been on the move for over 24 hours, traversing the distance from Srinagar to Garhi and back to Uri, enduring the gruelling march without food or supplies. Brigadier Rajinder Singh devised a strategy to hold off the enemy throughout the day and withdraw close to midnight, aiming to occupy a rear position by the following daybreak. With this plan in mind, he organized the defences of Uri for October 24. The troops worked tirelessly through the night to strengthen their positions and make the defence as formidable as possible under the challenging circumstances. By the morning of October 24, preparations were completed to demolish the bridge over the Uri Nullah. However, the demolition was deliberately delayed to ensure the safe passage of refugees fleeing from Muzaffarabad and traveling through Garhi toward Srinagar via Uri. Brigadier Rajinder Singh further facilitated their movement by providing two vehicles to transport them safely. As planned, the bridge was demolished, halting the enemy’s immediate progress. In the meantime, the enemy, on the other side of the demolished bridge, began looting the belongings that remained in the homes of the locals. Following the demolition of the Uri bridge during the Battle of Uri, the invaders faced significant delays and obstacles in their advance. However, their knowledge of the terrain allowed them to adapt and continue moving forward without vehicles.Recognizing the enemy’s movements and the critical situation, Brigadier Rajinder Singh decided to withdraw to Mahura. The battleground of Mahura-24th- 25thOctober On the night of October 24, 1947, the first vehicle of Brigadier Singh’s retreating column reached Mahura around 10:30 PM. Mistaken for enemy forces, the staff at the Mahura power station cut the electricity supply, plunging Srinagar into darkness. It was Dussehra night, and to maintain public calm, Maharaja Hari Singh continued the traditional celebrations as though nothing unusual was happening. The formalities of the Dussehra Durbar were carried out, followed by dinner, powered by the palace generator. Meanwhile, negotiations for the state’s accession to India were underway. The Maharaja’s composed leadership during this turbulent time exemplified his resolve and commitment to safeguarding his people. At dawn on October 25, the enemy launched a ferocious assault on Brigadier Singh’s forces at Mahura. Reinforcements from the Jammu Brigade are believed to have bolstered the defences. Despite being outnumbered, the defenders inflicted heavy casualties on the invaders, successfully repelling the attack. However, the enemy soon employed flanking tactics, attempting to encircle the position. By midday, the invaders launched another intense attack on the Mahura defences. Despite fierce resistance, the small garrison was eventually outflanked as over 1,000 Pathans assaulted the frontlines while another large contingent maneuvered over the hills. By evening, with the position no longer defensible, Brigadier Rajinder Singh was forced to withdraw to a new defensive line at Rampur-Buniyar. Meanwhile, on receiving the vital information from the Maharaja and the P.M, the Govt. of India sent V.P. Menon and Col. Manekshaw to assess the situation. On reaching 25th in Kashmir, V.P. Menon realized that the situation is much worst than what was reported so he advised the Maharaja to leave for Jammu immediately. He stayed there in Kashmir to make sure that the Maharaja should leave for Jammu the same night to materialize the accession of J&K with India as this was the condition set for any Military support by the GoI. The battleground of Rampur-Buniyar (26th October) Brigadier Rajinder Singh deployed his small contingent of soldiers at Rampur Buniyar. The strategy was not to hold Rampur Buniyar indefinitely but to delay the invaders long enough for the Maharaja to finalize the Instrument of Accession and for Indian troops to arrive in Srinagar. The invaders launched a relentless attack, attempting to overwhelm the defenders with sheer numbers and firepower.Brigadier Singh led from the front, personally overseeing the defence and inspiring his troops to fight with unwavering courage.Despite the defenders’ valiant efforts, their position was eventually overrun due to the overwhelming strength of the enemy. During the fighting, Brigadier Rajinder Singh was fatally wounded. True to the Maharaja’s command, Brig. Rajinder Singh laid down his life on the battlefield, becoming the first senior officer to make the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Jammu and Kashmir. The resistance at Rampura Buniyar delayed the invaders long enough to allow the Maharaja to formally sign the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. This delay also ensured that Indian troops could be airlifted to Srinagar on October 27, just in time to secure the city. The events of October 27, 1947, were pivotal in shaping the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir. After the Pakistanis overran Garhi,Uri, Mahura and Rampura Buniyar, they arrived in Baramulla by 6 a.m. with the objective of rapidly advancing toward Srinagar. However, instead of maintaining their momentum, the invaders paused in Baramulla, indulging in widespread looting, violence, and destruction, which significantly delayed their march. They plundered the wealth of local residents, regardless of religion, and subjected the town to chaos. The invaders committed heinous atrocities, including massacres and violence against women. They targeted hospitals, churches, and other places of refuge. Notably, the invaders attacked the St. Joseph’s Convent Hospitalin Baramulla and brutally murdered patients, nuns, and priests. On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh had signed the Instrument of Accession at Amar Mahal Jammu where he was born on 23 Sept 1895 legally making Jammu and Kashmir a part of India.In response, the Government of India ordered the immediate deployment of troops to Srinagar to protect the valley from falling into enemy hands. The first Indian Army troops, comprising the 1st Sikh Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, were airlifted from Palam Airport in Delhi at 6:30 a.m. on October 27, 1947. The initial Dakota aircraft landed at Srinagar airfield at 9:40 a.m.This operation marked the beginning of India’s military intervention in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947 conflict.Upon landing, Indian troops quickly moved to secure the Srinagar airport. Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai moved to Baramulla to engage the invaders and slow their progress further, while reinforcements continued to arrive. The arrival of the Indian Army on October 27 marked a turning point. The balance of power shifted as the organized and well-equipped Indian forces began pushing back the invaders, eventually driving them out of the valley. These four battles in 1947 were not just military engagements; they were decisive turning points that secured the future of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India. These confrontations showcased unparalleled bravery, strategic ingenuity, and selfless sacrifices by the defenders, including legendary figures like Brigadier Rajinder Singh, LtColonel Prithi Singh, Subedar Duni Chand,Narain Singh, and countless unsung heroes. Their resistance against overwhelming odds delayed the advancing Pakistani hordes, allowing time for the Instrument of Accession to be signed and for Indian forces to arrive and protect the valley. Had the valley fallen to the Pakistanis, its rich cultural heritage, diversity, and the aspirations of its people would have been suppressed under a regime plagued by political instability and authoritarian rule. Instead, the sacrifices of the defenders and the people of Jammu &Kashmir ensured that the region became part of a vibrant and progressive democracy that fostered opportunities for growth, education, and development. One wonders what would have happened if Kashmir and the State had not been saved by Brigadier Rajinder Singh and his handful of Dogra Forces and if J&K had not been acceded by Maharaja Hari Singh. Kashmir would have been like Mirpur and Muzaffarabad and the Chinese would have been at Lakhanpur. The people of Jammu and Kashmir owe their future and the prosperity of generations to come to the valiant soldiers who stood firm against overwhelming odds. Their sacrifices not only ensured the region’s integration into a nation that values pluralism and collective progress but also secured the freedom and opportunities its citizens enjoy today. This gratitude should transcend mere historical recognition, standing as a lasting tribute to the vision and courage that shaped Jammu and Kashmir’s destiny-guided by the foresight of Maharaja Hari Singh and the indomitable leadership of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, the Saviour of Kashmir. Acknowledgement: The information has been received directly from the Oral history shared by Major General Goverdhan Singh Jamwal who is the first and the last General of the J&K State Forces of Maharaja Hari Singh, and from his book titled, “Valour and Betrayal, Last Man Last Round Battles of Brig Rajinder Singh, MVC”. (The author is Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Central University of Jammu)Nine of the dreamiest Aussie dining venues to add to your 2025 bucket listCarnage In Kurram And The Writing On The Wall
It's time for "Sunny Side Up," the good news broadcast, with your host, David Pogue! Good morning! Well, you may remember 2024 as a year of bad news. For example ... what am I doing? Why would I remind you?!? But there was also GREAT news this year that you might have missed. We begin with ... murder hornets! Murder hornets These giant bugs arrived in Washington state four years ago from Asia . They can wipe out entire hives of honeybees, and even kill people. If they were to spread, that would be bad news. So, authorities set up traps, tip lines, and tiny tracking devices, and by December 18, entomologist Sven Spichiger announced: "Now we can officially say that eradication has been achieved, and it's a significant victory." Score: Humanity 1, Nightmare 0. "Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say Overdose reduction But zero is only one good number; 20,000 is another – 20,000 Americans who didn't die of drug overdoses in 2024, compared to last year's total – a 17% decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . "The really great news is that we've seen a historic decline in overdose deaths in the past year – the largest decline in overdose deaths ever recorded in history," said Magdalena Cerdá, a professor of epidemiology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. So, why did this happen? "We have a lot of hypotheses," Dr. Cerdá said. "One of them is that there's been a really concerted investment in access to naloxone, which is a drug that can be used to reverse overdoses. Also, what we've seen is a shift from people injecting drugs to people smoking drugs. There's also been a decline in people just using drugs, like fentanyl, among adolescents and young adults." Within epidemiology circles, is this a big deal? "Absolutely!" she said. "Of course, there's still more than 90,000 people who died of an overdose in the past year; that's unacceptably high." The friendly skies once again Remember New York's LaGuardia airport? The one with low ceilings, narrow corridors, and not enough gates for today's big planes? It was dim and dingy. It was "hailed" as the worst airport in the United States. In 2015, then-Vice President Joe Biden famously remarked, "I must be in some third world country," when talking about one of America's busiest airports. So, in 2015, they started building a whole new airport, in stages, over and around the old one, and then demolished the original without ever shutting down the airport! The move to upgrade U.S. airports ("Sunday Morning") Speaking from LaGuardia, airport critic David Pogue has his verdict: "Well, one thing's for sure: It's not dim and dingy anymore! Now, it's big, bright and airy, flooded with natural light, more efficient security, super-cool art, including a computer-controlled waterfall. And the planes are now closer to the runways, so there's less sitting on the ground." The critics sing a different song now. They call it the best airport in America! At this point, there's only one thing left to do: Start the whole thing again, at JFK Airport! Artificial intelligence AI has been in the news almost daily this year – mostly about how scary it is . What gets less coverage is how AI is predicting the weather better ... adjusting traffic lights more efficiently ... and diagnosing diseases more accurately . But the biggest AI story of the year might just be AlphaFold. Its purpose is to map the shapes of proteins — infinitesimal, folded-up molecules, too small to see with a normal microscope. "For a long, long time, we've tried to figure out, 'What are the shapes of these?'" said John Jumper, director of the AlphaFold project at Google's DeepMind division. "Because if you get the wrong shape, you often get disease." Jumper says that if we knew the shapes of the proteins that cause many of the worst diseases, we could start making drugs to fix them. Before AlphaFold, the shape of a protein was determined through a laborious process: "Maybe a year of time, maybe $100,000 in expense to get a single answer, to get just one," Jumper said. But AlphaFold works thousands of times faster; this year, it finished calculating the shapes of all 200 million known proteins . The scientific world went crazy! The Breakthrough of AlphaFold 3: Revolutionizing Biological Research (Sidecar) 'It will change everything': DeepMind's AI makes gigantic leap in solving protein structures (Nature) Why AlphaFold 3 is stirring up so much buzz in pharma (PharmaVoice) Better yet, Google then offered its discovery to the world for free . Over 2 million researchers are already using it to tackle malaria, cancer, Parkinson's, COVID, diabetes, and much more. Jumper said, "I am certain that we have saved or will save lives with AlphaFold. We will have medicines that we didn't have because of this technology." This year also brought a little good news especially for John Jumper: He just won the 2024 Nobel Prize for chemistry ! Still more good news! Well, I'm afraid that's all the time we have. We won't be able to mention the 24 states that raised their minimum wage this year ... How the U.K. shut down its last coal plant ... How you can now renew your passport online ... The 800 school districts now using electric school buses , for cleaner air and fewer child asthma cases ... The first successful return from the dark side of the moon ... How the hole in the ozone layer is healing faster than anyone expected ... Or the postal service's new mail trucks . They may have a little bit of a platypus vibe, but they finally offer airbags, air conditioning, side doors for unloading, anti-collision systems – and most of them will be electric. Have a joyous new year, and remember: Bad news breaks suddenly, but good news happens everywhere, all the time. Good morning, everyone! For more info: Washington State Department of Agriculture Magdalena Cerdá, professor of epidemiology, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine AlphaFold (Google DeepMind) Story produced by Annie Iezzi. Editor: Emanuele Secci. David Pogue is a six-time Emmy winner for his stories on "CBS Sunday Morning," where he's been a correspondent since 2002. Pogue hosts the CBS News podcast "Unsung Science." He's also a New York Times bestselling author, a five-time TED speaker, and host of 20 NOVA science specials on PBS. For 13 years, he wrote a New York Times tech column every week - and for 10 years, a Scientific American column every month.The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday dismissed an attempt to revive the criminal case against Donald Trump, accused of illegally retaining classified documents. Prosecutors decided not to pursue the appeal, leading to the dismissal as Trump readies for his Jan. 20 return to the White House. The action follows a unilateral decision by a federal judge to dismiss another case implicating Trump in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Special Counsel Jack Smith emphasized a longstanding Justice Department policy forbidding the prosecution of a sitting president as the rationale for dropping the cases. In a separate ruling, a Florida judge previously removed Smith, claiming his appointment as special counsel was improper. While Trump denies any wrongdoing, prosecutors indicated their intent to appeal against this ruling concerning two associates of Trump also charged in the case. Both aides, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, alongside Trump, have pleaded not guilty to these accusations. (With inputs from agencies.)
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. households won't be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying they are "going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened additional tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire . Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy , including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as his pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we're not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are -- things do -- things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better health care for less money.”AAA video games struggle to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of realistic graphicsHyderabad: The All India Industrial Exhibition also known as Numaish will now open on January 3 instead of January 1. This decision comes after union government declared a seven-day national mourning after the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Exhibition Society Secretary B Surender Reddy confirmed that all preparations are in place for the smooth running of the 45-day event with traders from across the country showcasing their merchandise. To ensure visitor safety, the exhibition society will implement comprehensive security measures, including CCTV surveillance, security personnel, an on-site police station, and fire safety protocols. Speaking to Siasat.com , B. Surrender Reddy, the secretary of the society revealed that the ticket price for Numaish will rise from Rs 40 to Rs 50, marking a hike of Rs 10 as compared to the last time. This year’s Numaish in Hyderabad will also feature special days dedicated to ladies and children. ‘Ladies Day’ will be observed on January 9, and ‘Children Special’ will take place on January 31. Beginning with just 50 stalls, it has today evolved into one of the biggest industrial exhibitions in the country. the exhibition, which blends shopping with commerce, business, recreation, and relaxation, is expected to draw even more visitors despite the hike in price. During Hyderabad’s Numaish 2023, a mobile app was rolled out for exhibition visitors with four language options for its users including Telugu, Hindi, Urdu and English. Citizens may download Numaish from Apple and Android app stores to explore and shop, access fun zones, and remain updated on various events in Hyderabad. In addition to facilitating navigation for the visitors, the app will also help track the missing kids at the children’s booth.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100
Depa will lead on the discovery and deployment of emerging technologies to help address business challenges and shape the future with confidence Brings deep experience in identifying new ways that can practically help business transformation through an innovation mindset and culture shift LONDON , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The EY organization announces today the appointment of Joe Depa as the new EY Global Chief Innovation Officer, effective immediately. Within this role, he will spearhead applied innovation to help improve service delivery and guide EY teams to address and solve business challenges. Depa joins the EY organization at a pivotal moment, as a range of emerging technologies are reshaping businesses and industries, creating a multitude of new challenges and opportunities. To keep pace, the EY organization is continuing to make significant investments in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and blockchain, and most recently formed the EY.ai Global AI Advisory Council. In his new role, Depa will be leading the organization's global innovation strategy. This will include overseeing efforts to successfully implement emerging technologies for tangible business applications, both internally and across work of EY member firms with clients. Raj Sharma, EY Global Managing Partner of Growth and Innovation, says: "At this time of constant disruption, success would require a forward-thinking approach and willingness to make bold decisions, which are at the heart of an innovative mindset. We're thrilled to have Joe's deep experience and knowledge around AI and data to lead on our strategic approach to innovation so that EY teams can help clients shape their future more confidently." Throughout the last decade, Depa has worked closely with C-suite leaders and boards to bring innovative products and services to market, improve client and employee experiences, and help enhance operational efficiencies through technology. Most recently, he served as the inaugural Chief Data and AI Officer at a leading university and health care organization. At the university, he helped to promote AI literacy, launch a responsible AI governance program and enable a secure data foundation. Prior to that, he acted as Senior Managing Director and Global Lead for Data and AI at a global multinational professional services company, where he led a team of AI strategists and data engineers in developing and implementing new products and services. Joe Depa , EY Global Chief Innovation Officer, says: "I'm truly excited to join an organization that is 'All in' on its commitment to the transformative potential of emerging technologies. I look forward to working with the EY teams and clients to help empower them to apply innovation in bold, new ways that help create value for clients through data, AI and emerging technologies to make the world a better place." A renowned thought leader in the field of AI, Depa has been recognized as one of the "Top 50 Global Leaders" by World Summit AI and has received Fast Company's "World Changing Idea" award, among other accolades. For more information, visit: ey.com. About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients. SOURCE EYGS LLPWelcome to OncLive On Air ® ! I’m your host today, Jax DiEugenio. OncLive On Air is a podcast from OncLive ® , which provides oncology professionals with the resources and information they need to provide the best patient care. In both digital and print formats, OncLive covers every angle of oncology practice, from new technology to treatment advances to important regulatory decisions. In today’s episode, supported by Natera, we had the pleasure of speaking with Stacey A. Cohen, MD, a physician and an associate professor in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, as well as an associate professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. In our exclusive interview, Dr Cohen provided insights into the evolving role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in clinical decision-making for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly through findings from the CIRCULATE-Japan GALAXY trial (UMIN000039205). She highlighted how ctDNA has emerged as a strong prognostic factor for recurrence risk in CRC and explored its potential to guide therapy escalation or de-escalation. She also discussed the heterogeneity in the patient population included in the CIRCULATE-Japan GALAXY study and how ctDNA negativity correlates with improved disease-free and overall survival. Additionally, Dr Cohen outlined what data are still needed to integrate ctDNA testing into routine clinical practice and how sustained vs transient ctDNA clearance may influence treatment and surveillance strategies moving forward. ___ That’s all we have for today! Thank you for listening to this episode of OncLive On Air , supported by Takeda. Check back on Mondays and Thursdays for exclusive interviews with leading experts in the oncology field. For more updates in oncology, be sure to visit www.OncLive.com and sign up for our e-newsletters. OncLive is also on social media. On X, follow us at @OncLive. On Facebook, like us at OncLive, and follow our OncLive page on LinkedIn. If you liked today’s episode of OncLive On Air , please consider subscribing to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many of your other favorite podcast platforms,* so you get a notification every time a new episode is posted. While you are there, please take a moment to rate us! Thanks again for listening to OncLive On Air . *OncLive On Air is available on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audacy, CastBox, Deezer, iHeart, JioSaavn, Listen Notes, Player FM, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, RadioPublic, and TuneIn.
OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence company and maker of popular chatbot ChatGPT, has officially announced its reasons for transitioning into a for-profit organization, lays out plans. The company via a post on its website noted that the significant shift in its corporate structure was necessitated to ensure the long-term success of its mission, which is to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) benefits all of humanity. This transition involves restructuring OpenAl’s existing for-profit arm into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), designed to balance the interests of shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader public. The move reflects the organization’s evolving priorities, focusing on sustainable operations, robust fundraising capabilities, and a renewed commitment to its mission. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . OpenAl was founded in 2015 as a non-profit research lab with the ambitious goal of advancing Artificial intelligence in ways most likely to benefit humanity. In its early years, the AI startup operated without commercial revenue, relying on donations and grants to support its work. However, as it became clear that building AGI required massive computational resources and capital, the organization recognized the need for a new approach. “ Our stated goal was advancing digital intelligence in the way most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return.” A non-profit structure seemed fitting, and we raised donations in various forms including cash ($137M, less than a third of which was from Elon) and compute credits and discounts ($1.8M from Amazon and $50M or more from each of Azure and Google Cloud)”, the company wrote. In 2019, OpenAl introduced a unique hybrid structure: a for-profit entity controlled by the non-profit, designed to raise the substantial capital necessary to pursue AGI research while ensuring that profits would flow back to support the non-profit’s mission. This structure facilitated significant investments, including an initial round of over $100 million and a $1 billion partnership with Microsoft. Over the past decade, OpenAl has transformed from a research lab to a pioneering technology company. The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 brought Al into the hands of millions, showcasing the potential of large language models in everyday life. Today, over 300 million people use OpenAl’s products weekly for learning, productivity, and more. Recent advancements, including the o-series models introduced in 2024, have demonstrated new reasoning capabilities that further the path toward AGI. Meanwhile, OpenAl’s influence has extended beyond its products, driving innovation across the Al ecosystem and inspiring other organizations to advance Al safety and accessibility. As OpenAl moves into 2025, the need for significant additional capital has become clear. The Board estimates that hundreds of billions of dollars will be required to develop the infrastructure, compute, and talent necessary for the AGI economy. To attract this level of investment, the organization needs to simplify its structure, making it more appealing to conventional investors. The new plan involves converting OpenAl’s for-profit arm into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation. This structure, already adopted by many mission-driven organizations, ensures that OpenAl’s decisions will balance profit motives with its commitment to benefiting humanity. Under the proposed structure, the non-profit arm will remain a cornerstone of OpenAl’s mission. The non-profit will retain significant shares in the newly formed PBC, valued by independent financial advisors, providing it with unprecedented resources to pursue charitable initiatives. These initiatives will focus on areas such as healthcare, education, and science, furthering the goal of ensuring Al benefits everyone. OpenAl’s mission is no longer confined to building a single AGI system, Instead, it envisions a continuous journey of contributing to the development of a new Al-powered economy. By evolving its structure, OpenAl aims to lead this transformation while ensuring that the benefits of Artificial Intelligence are widely shared. With this transition, OpenAl is poised to become more than a lab or startup, it is set to emerge as a sustainable, enduring organization committed to advancing Al’s capability, safety, and positive impact on the world.
NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”Madrid ranks No 2 in best places to investPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying that India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that his thoughts are with Dr Manmohan Singh’s family, his friends, and his countless admirers. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” he wrote on X. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic... pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP “Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, AIIMS informed. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda also expressed condolences over the demise of former PM Singh, calling it a loss for the nation. Nadda said that Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. “The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh Ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti,” JP Nadda. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha expressed his deepest condolences to Singh’s family and called him blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. “A world-renowned economist and the architect behind the liberalization of the Indian economy, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji steered India through difficult times and into a new era. An Oxford-educated economist, he spearheaded India’s 1991 economic reforms and led the nation as Prime Minister with quiet determination, proving that intellect and integrity can drive transformative change. I join the nation in mourning the passing of one of our most distinguished statesmen. His legacy will endure and inspire generations to come. I consider myself blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, Sir. Om Shanti,” the AAP leader, posted on X. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving 33 years in the house. Manomohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, served two terms as Prime Minister of India—from 2004 to 2014. He took the oath of office for the first time in 2004, after Congress won the 2004 Lok Sabha election against Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA. He served his second term from 2009 to 2014. He was then succeeded by PM Narendra Modi in 2014. Comments
Peaky Blinders creator says the upcoming film ‘won’t be the end’ for the drama
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying that India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that his thoughts are with Dr Manmohan Singh’s family, his friends, and his countless admirers. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” he wrote on X. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic... pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP “Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, AIIMS informed. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda also expressed condolences over the demise of former PM Singh, calling it a loss for the nation. Nadda said that Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. “The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh Ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti,” JP Nadda. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha expressed his deepest condolences to Singh’s family and called him blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. “A world-renowned economist and the architect behind the liberalization of the Indian economy, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji steered India through difficult times and into a new era. An Oxford-educated economist, he spearheaded India’s 1991 economic reforms and led the nation as Prime Minister with quiet determination, proving that intellect and integrity can drive transformative change. I join the nation in mourning the passing of one of our most distinguished statesmen. His legacy will endure and inspire generations to come. I consider myself blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, Sir. Om Shanti,” the AAP leader, posted on X. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving 33 years in the house. Manomohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, served two terms as Prime Minister of India—from 2004 to 2014. He took the oath of office for the first time in 2004, after Congress won the 2004 Lok Sabha election against Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA. He served his second term from 2009 to 2014. He was then succeeded by PM Narendra Modi in 2014. Comments
Utter the words ‘Trafford Centre’ during the festive period and you'll get a couple of different reactions. The first is more akin to a glint in the eye - the serious shoppers who are happy to take on the mammoth queues whether it’s Christmas Eve or the crack of dawn on Boxing Day. Then there’s those that would rather be tucked up in bed re-watching Gavin and Stacey and picking at the remnants of the Quality Street tin than heading out to the shops at this time of year. Each to their own, but this Boxing Day I was interested to see what would transpire as the Trafford Centre opened its doors for the annual sales event. In 2024, shoppers are expected to spend £3.7bn on Boxing Day. This is only up 1.3% on 2023, with many opting to snap up their bargains online. Here , many sales begin at midnight on Christmas Eve rather than 7am or 9am, so shoppers don’t even have to leave the comfort of the sofa to grab the latest smart watch or designer bag. It matches a trend for last year, where a rise in online shopping is offset by a fall in those heading out to the shops. And while for some families it may be a time-honoured tradition to go to the Trafford Centre for a day out following lots of food and drink on Christmas Day, there’s no denying that habits have changed over the last few years. Boxing Day Sales 2024 at the Trafford Centre (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) It comes just days after it was confirmed that the UK economy flatlined between July and September and may be on track to have stagnated over the entire second half of the year. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed growth in the third quarter was revised down to zero, after an initial estimate of 0.1%. Growth in April to June was also adjusted down from 0.5% to 0.4% with the ONS saying the downgrades were driven by bars and restaurants, as well as legal firms and advertising companies, performing less well than anticipated. It’s a word that I have never used to describe the Trafford Centre in all my years of visiting, but arriving just after seven thirty this morning, it was totally peaceful. Its marble aisles virtually empty except for a large queue forming outside the bath bomb store, Lush, it almost felt like somewhere I wanted to be. The Lush sale at the Trafford Centre, Boxing Day 2024 (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Give it a few hours, and the serene atmosphere would give way to the usual order of screaming children, shoppers packed like sardines and long queues for the biggest stores. But for a couple of hours, the Trafford Centre might just have been the calmest place in Greater Manchester. At the front of the queue for Lush was Julie who got up at 5am to make her way down to the shopping centre. Unlike other stores, Lush’s calling card is that it only does one big sale a year and offers 50%, which means it attracts big crowds. Someone savvy to this is Julie, who knows exactly how to work the sale. “I’ve come for the past three years specifically for Lush as it offers 50%,” she tells me as if letting me into a big secret. The Lush sale at the Trafford Centre, Boxing Day 2024 (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) It may be plastered on the window behind us, but she knows how to get in and out and back home before the masses arrive. “The Snow Fairy - it’s the scent they bring out from September to Christmas - and they sell it off half price after Christmas. “Yes I do stockpile it a bit, I buy enough for the year and I still have a little bit left. I never really do the sales really except maybe for NEXT when my children were younger. I can’t deal with all these people, you just grab what you need and get out.” While the majority of shops are open this year, there are a few exceptions. This year, M&S, NEXT and Beaverbrooks are all closed, while John Lewis is open for the first time in three years and is one of only two in the UK open today. Georgia and Katie were first in line for the Selfridges Boxing Day sale (Image: MEN) That said, there’s not a queue outside the retailer. Early doors, other than Lush, it’s Selfridges where we find people ready and waiting to grab a bargain. Front in the queue are Georgia and Katie who are here to try and get some handbags. From Ramsbottom and Macclesfield respectively, they've been coming down every Boxing Day for over a decade now. "There's no brand really in mind, it's just a free-for-all really," they tell me. Leon with his Boxing Day purchases (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) "It used to be heaving in here and it would say 'almost free' on the windows here because the discounts were so good but they're not as big anymore. It's still nice to get a discount though." Once done here, they'll head to the Selfridges in Manchester City Centre too, to see if they can grab anymore bargains. Meanwhile, Leon passes us on his way out of the shop full of beans with his purchases from the morning. He's bought himself some clothes from Zara, a tracksuit from JD Sports, and two pairs on trainers. "One thing about me is I love shopping on Boxing Day, Christmas Day is for kids, so this is my Christmas," he beams before skipping off to the next shop." Megan Bell bagged to bargains from Lush, Boots and Zara (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Also here to bag a bargain is Megan Bell and her mother-in-law who come every year. She's bagged a Men's Valentino set from Boots, which should have been £73 and was reduced to £43. "We got here at 7am and I've also spent £101 in Lush on the Snow Fairy stuff, set, shower gels and saved 50%." She admits that while they enjoyed it, the Boxing Day sales have changed a lot. "I think the shopping experience has changed since Covid really, people shop online a lot more now. "It's early but it's pretty quiet now, people can get deals before and after Christmas as well." Boxing Day Sales 2024 at the Trafford Centre (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Her views are shared by Sharon from Liverpool who is here visiting her daughters. "I love coming here but we've just been saying it's not the same as it used to be," she says. "It used to be hammered in here, rammed with people, but I got in really easily today." Some reckon it's a case of retailers launching sales earlier than before. As well as Black Friday deals, some shops are launching their sales on Christmas Eve. There's also lower consumer confidence and people spending less due to to the cost-of-living crisis. Sapna Kumar is shopping with a friend and tells me they've always come down to the sales since the Trafford Centre opened, but she's noticed a big shift over the last few years. Boxing Day Sales 2024 at the Trafford Centre (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) "Consumer buying is not happening, people do not have the money," she explains. "People do not have the disposable income so they're not splurging as much. The sales also started a lot earlier this year and a lot of people will have bought online. " I think people are scared to spend because things have become so much more expensive but also the quality had dropped." Her sentiments are echoed by Aashiyana and her daughter, who says they can't find 'good things to buy', and that she's surprised that there's not any 'good deals'. Aashiana and her daughter outside Selfridges (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) " I think it’s been better in previous years. I honestly think it’s the worst year I’ve seen. It used to be really good in previous years, but this year we can’t see anything." Despite it being quieter, it hasn't stopped shoppers from picking up some some bargains or simply spending the Christmas money burning a hole into their pockets. Tom and Tori are heading to Iceland tomorrow so needed coats. They picked up one from Patagonia inside Selfridges for full price, while over at Sephora Tori manages to get a perfume for £70 instead of £130 as a gift. Elsewhere, Nicole and her daughter Peyton have nabbed a very fine looking Moncler coat for £750, which was reduced by £500. Tom and Tori were out looking for coats ahead of a trip to Iceland (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) As the morning progresses, the shopping centre begins to take on a more familiar look and feel. The usual queues form with those who fancy a day out shopping rather than bagging a bargain. In fact, the biggest queues into the afternoon are for coffee shops like Blank Street and Starbucks, while the food court is packed out. There's no doubt some of the early worms will have bagged a bargain today, but the Boxing Day sales of today, are very different to the ones some of us will have been used to growing up. Now, with the early arrival of online sales - and the general move to online - it doesn't quite feel like you're getting the same bargain, especially when you can now access sales before Christmas Day. When I used to go to Kendals on Deansgate with my mum and gran growing up, it felt like a real sense of occasion. Yes, it could be a little mad, with people clambering over one another to grab the last designer bag or limited-edition fit, but with smaller stock and genuinely good deals to be had, it was all part of the fun. Today, with sales starting earlier, the migration to online retail and less disposable income all round, it feels a little flat. By midday, it's certainly busy inside the Trafford Centre, but it's no worse than a Saturday afternoon at any other time of year. It's left me wondering if the mad Boxing Day sales are quickly becoming a thing of the past.HAMMOND, Ind.-- Casey King plucked trash along the Parrish Avenue side of Briar East Woods, stuffing a white trash bag as we waited for others of Save Briar East Woods before Christmas. Joey Hinds soon joined with his own white trash bag. Then Ken Rosek arrived with fire and passion, pulling out maps of the proposed Governor’s Parkway Railroad Overpass Project, whose construction swath would gut this unique piece of urban wilds. A dune ridge, centerpiece of the woods, makes Briar East Woods unique. It’s a farthermost ridge remnant of the old Tolleston strandplain on Lake Michigan, probably from 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. The ridge itself is black oak savanna. The edges of the 35-acre woods are more disturbed with maples and other plants of disturbed habitat. Mayor Tom McDermott’s office sees the overpass as a bypass to a busy railroad corridor “plagued” by trains stopped for extended periods. His office also noted, “The overpass is also slated to include a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, and the structure will also help fire and police response times in the Hessville section of the city.” Those trying to save Briar East Woods think other options accomplish the same things and would not gut the woods. Maybe the feds agree, so far full funding has not come. The political pissing match doesn’t interest me, how people value, or don’t, their wild urban spaces does. Briar East Woods is rich with wildlife from red foxes fed by neighbors, deer rutting in the fall, snapping turtles, green frogs, barred owls and eagle flyovers. The day I toured, no squirrels flitted about, but I saw dozens of dreys, as befits a black oak savanna. Same goes for plant diversity. But so far there are no dramatic biological finds that would halt a project. When Rosek spoke from growing up, it reminded me getaway space is the other major value of urban wilds. At Briar East Lake, he walked on sketchy ice and reminisced, “I always make it a point to ice skate here. There is where I learned to play hockey.” As we walked back, a man carrying groceries cut through on a trail, showing what the woods meant to him. As small as the woods is, there’s an extensive trail system. A few steps on, Rosek stood on the highest point in Hammond, then pointed down the ridge slope, “This was our sledding hill.” Getaway wild spaces enrich our lives and deliver memories, especially for kids. Near the end, King and I looked for flowers on a good patch of witchhazel. It was time. Trying to save Briar East Woods draws on creative power more than brute force. Filmmaker Jana Abouhashem’s “Save The Briar Woods East Documentary,” packed Joy Bomb Social Center on Nov. 3 for the premier. It’s now on YouTube. Rosek, a fan of Jens Jensen and the landscape architect’s work with Humboldt Park, dreams similarly for Briar East Woods, a park he would consider “the gem of Northwest Indiana, if it’s done right.” Or a roadway bypass.
Sports on TV for Sunday, Dec. 29NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into BioAge Labs, Inc. BIOA for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in BioAge, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc . Why is BioAge being Investigated? BioAge Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutic products for metabolic diseases, with a primary focus on obesity. The company's lead product candidate, azelaprag, is an orally available small-molecule agonist of the apelin receptor (APJ), designed to enhance weight loss. During the relevant period, the company stated that azelaprag was well-tolerated in 265 individuals across eight Phase 1 clinical trials and that following the company's IPO it was "well-equipped to advance our clinical programs[.]" The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed On December 6, 2024, BioAge announced that it discontinued its STRIDES Phase 2 trial for azelaprag, citing safety concerns, after liver transaminitis was observed in subjects receiving azelaprag. The company stated that the decision to discontinue the STRIDES Phase 2 study of azelaprag "became clear" due to "the emerging safety profile of the current doses tested[.]" This news caused the price of the company's stock to decline over 76%, from a closing price of $20.09 per share on December 6, 2024, to $4.65 per share on December 9, 2024. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in BioAge you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
One day after Hurley’s meltdown, No. 2 UConn loses againShares of Rokmaster Resources Corp. ( CVE:RKR – Get Free Report ) traded down 25% during mid-day trading on Saturday . The stock traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. 396,000 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 182% from the average session volume of 140,187 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. Rokmaster Resources Stock Down 25.0 % The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 103.54. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is C$0.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.02. The firm has a market cap of C$2.45 million, a P/E ratio of -0.30 and a beta of 2.99. Rokmaster Resources Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Rokmaster Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North, Central, and South America. It explores for zinc, lead, silver, copper, gold, and polymetallic deposits, as well as precious metals. The company holds a 100% in the Duncan Lake property comprising 35 contiguous mineral claims that covers an area of 3,929 hectares; and a 55% interest in the Big Copper property located in the Slocan Mining Division in southeast British Columbia, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Rokmaster Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rokmaster Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
