I recently asked readers of this column if they could recommend nurseries that more of us should know about. In response, Peggy Neiman suggested I visit the San Gabriel Nursery & Florist in San Gabriel, “The employees are delightful and knowledgeable with a wonderful variety of plants and flowers,” she wrote, noting the nursery’s “very interesting history.” The story is indeed interesting, and I’m going to share a summary of that history here that I got from the nursery’s website, but you can read it in full at sgnursery.com . Before doing so, I should mention that I have visited this nursery and can testify to its vast selection of fruit trees, roses and ornamental plants that’s second to none. If you are looking for cut flowers, this is also the place to go since they have a wide selection of exotic flora from which to choose. Garden accessories are also available in generous supply. Unfortunately, San Gabriel is in the citrus quarantine zone so you will have to look elsewhere for these trees. The story of today’s San Gabriel Nursery & Florist begins in 1917, with the arrival by boat of 21-year-old Fred Yoshimura in San Francisco. He had come to America with the dream of starting a business that would enable him to support his family in Japan. The following year brought Yoshimura to San Gabriel, where he lived in a boarding house while working in the gardens that were being planted in San Marino and Pasadena. The enterprising young gardener took cuttings from the plants and with money saved from his gardening jobs was soon able to rent a piece of land and establish Mission Nursery, from which he could sell nursery stock that developed from his cuttings. At this time, sprinkler systems were being installed for the first time and Yoshimura became an expert in this technology, adding to his skills as a gardening professional. Soon afterward, Yoshimura met Mitoko Naito. At the age of 15, she had come to South Pasadena to work in a home as a domestic helper. In 1924, the two young immigrants were married. At the suggestion of one of their customers, Mrs. Yoshimura became one of the first florists in the area, learning flower-arranging skills from this same customer. As their business grew, so did their family, with the Yoshimuras having two boys and two girls, all of whom would help to expand the thriving family business. By the early 1930s, Mission Nursery had 60 employees and business was booming. In addition to selling plants, the nursery installed irrigation systems, fish ponds, and rock gardens. The nursery also imported stone lanterns and benches from Japan which became quite popular, even hiring a man who had spent time in Japan learning how to craft these special Japanese garden accessories. Fred Yoshimura was proud of his heritage and helped those around him gain a better understanding of his culture. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and president of the Nurserymen’s Association. His charitable nature came to the fore in donating truckloads of plants to military bases throughout California. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Fred Yoshimura, along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans, was sent to an internment camp even as his oldest son would be drafted and serve in the United States Army. Once the internment of Japanese Americans began, it was assumed that the nursery would have to be sold. Mrs. Yoshimura was approached by several buyers but rejected their offers which were too low. Finally, Manchester Boddy, publisher of the Los Angeles Daily News, presented a fair offer that was accepted by Mrs. Yoshimura. Not only would Boddy’s offer allow the Yoshimuras to pay off their bank loans, but they would receive monthly payments throughout their internment that made it possible for them to start another nursery business in the future. It should also be noted that while Mrs. Yoshuimura was in the camp, she was hired by the government to run a flower shop. She grew the plants and flowers that were used in floral arrangements for weddings and other events. When the war ended in 1945, the Yoshimuras returned to San Gabriel and established San Gabriel Nursery & Florist across the street from where Mission Nursery stood. That nursery was soon closed when Manchester Boddy took all the inventory to his estate where he started his own nursery business. That estate eventually became Descanso Gardens and visitors there will set their eyes on camellias, azaleas, and Japanese lanterns that were from the stock Boddy acquired when purchasing Mission Nursery from the Yoshimuras. On the nursery’s website, there is a compelling photo of a field of pansies on the San Gabriel Nursery property at that time. In those days, pansies (and other flowers, I am sure) were not purchased in plastic containers. You would go to the nursery and point to the flowers you wanted and they would be dug up for you to take home and transplant into your own garden. It should be noted that Bellefontaine Nursery, in Pasadena, was started in the 1930s by the Uchidas, another Japanese American family. They too were interned during World War II, but with the assistance of friends were able to keep possession of the nursery during the war. You can read the complete history of the nursery and the family behind it at bellefontainenursery.com . California native of the week : Foliage, flowers and hips (fruit) of California wild roses (Rosa californica) are all fragrant and the hips are recommended for making tea. California wild roses will appreciate a bit more moisture than other native plants. While growing in full sun close to the coast, they will benefit from partial shade in hotter, more inland environments. California wild roses make a fine natural barrier because of their nasty thorns that will keep out meandering urban wildlife. Individual plants will grow in a thicket, with each rose bush reaching up to 6 feet tall with a spread of 10 feet. There is a wonderful display of these roses in a planter at the entrance to the Los Angeles Zoo.

Oklahoma's State Department of Education has proposed new standards for instruction within some social science lessons at the K-12 level which would base teaching on biblical ideals . The new standards would impact the teaching of lessons in history, geography, economics and civics instruction, reported The Duncan Banner . They would outline topics that Oklahoma schools are required to teach, but how they are taught and how lesson plans are developed is up to the staff of each institution. Officials supporting the new standards are aiming to have them approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education and the state Legislature by 2025, when the standards for instruction in social studies and science lessons will be reviewed. Oklahoma's academic standards are up for review every six years. "Oklahoma is putting the Bible and the historical impact of Christianity back in school,"State Superintendent Ryan Walters said. "We are demanding that our children learn the full and true context of our nation's founding and of the principles that made and continue to make America great and exceptional." Walters has wanted to "eradicate radical woke influences" since he assumed the role of Superintendent. He stated that public school classrooms must all have a copy of the Bible earlier this year, further ordering that Biblical teachings be incorporated into history, literature and fine arts lessons. Furthermore, his administration spent $25,000 on copies of Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA Bible, which were then distributed to local schools. "These new standards fully and unabashedly answer the mandate that voters demanded upon electing President Trump: no more woke, radical indoctrination. No more racially divisive, hyper sexualized, watered down, weak curriculum that has left us with the worst public education outcomes in our history," Walters said. The new standards are still open to comments and criticism from the public. Originally published by Latin Times.NoneEditor’s Note: The InvestorPlace offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, to Wednesday, January 1 , for the holidays. The Customer Service department will be open for email inquiries only on December 26, 27, 30, and 31. Happy Holidays! Hello, Reader. In the spirit of the holiday season, I’d like to share a small gift with you: a particular stock I’ve been closely watching. It is a battery metals company that I’ve held long-term. And although it’s not garnering the same media buzz as some of its peers, this company recently hit a 52-week high... and I believe it could continue to outperform in the months ahead. Here’s why... Electric vehicles (EVs) and other green technologies require battery metals – like copper, nickel, lithium, and aluminum – and, as such, are creating powerful long-term demand trends. These metals all play a critical role in a megatrend I first highlighted more than four years ago. I called it the “Second Electric Revolution,” which continues to accelerate, particularly in the rapidly expanding EV and energy storage sectors. That spells good news for Alcoa Corp. ( AA ) , the largest U.S.-based aluminum producer. Now, aluminum does not receive the same high-profile attention that other battery metals do, but the solar industry is a prodigious consumer of aluminum, and, as I said, so is the EV industry. Alcoa’s current valuation is cheap enough that the stock could deliver outsized gains, especially if aluminum demand ramps up more quickly and powerfully than investors currently expect. While the price of aluminum fell sharply after the 2022 spike – during the early days of the Ukrainian invasion – the long-term outlook remains strong. A report from the London-based International Aluminium Institute ( IAI ) finds that global aluminum demand will jump about 40% by 2030 – and cleantech industries will power most of that growth. As a result, the report states that aluminum producers will need to ramp up their production from 86 million metric tons in 2020 to 120 metric tons by 2030. According to the research firm Wood Mackenzie, solar industry demand for aluminum could increase from just under 3% of total world consumption to nearly 13% by 2040. In the EV industry, aluminum does not play a significant electrification role, but the body and chassis of each Tesla Model S contains about 410 pounds of aluminum! That’s no accident. Because aluminum is so much lighter than steel, EV manufacturers covet the metal. An aluminum vehicle can travel much farther on a single charge than a steel vehicle can. For this reason, many EV manufacturers are ramping up their aluminum consumption. In fact, aluminum is the fastest-growing material in the automotive market. Wood Mackenzie expects aluminum demand for EVs to hit 2.4 million tonnes by 2025, and then quadruple to nearly 10 million tonnes by 2040. At that point, EV demand for aluminum would total about 12% of the global total. Obviously, these forecasts are merely guesses, but the trend is clear. EV demand for aluminum is ramping higher. And that’s just one source of demand from the cleantech sector. According to the IAI, renewable energy needs will create demand for aluminum to replace existing copper cabling for power distribution. In total, the electric sector will require an additional 5.2 million metric tons by 2030, according to the group. You get the idea. Despite the strong supply-demand dynamics in the aluminum market, the Alcoa share price is reflecting all doom and no boom. However, from this low valuation, Alcoa offers substantial upside potential. Smart Money Roundup Are These AI Stocks Ready for a Comeback? My InvestorPlace colleague Luke Lango has been covering the two waves of the AI Boom in his publications for the past few years. And as the AI Boom accelerates, AI itself isn’t going to take over the world – but businesses using AI will. So I’ve invited Luke here to give us the big picture on the AI Boom... and what it means for the companies building new businesses on top of the AI superhighway (and eventually the AGI highway). The AGI Race Is on... and so Is the Race for the Best AGI Plays When AGI arrives, it could identify problems that humans never even considered, and then create solutions, all on its own. But it could also introduce terrifying new forms of warfare. And because of AGI’s superhuman potential for both good and evil, the U.S. will devote itself completely to winning the AI race. So, I want to not only show you how the U.S. will win this race... but also how you can get in on it. Every Investor Should Own the “Stock of the Decade”... but They Shouldn’t Stop There I recently worked with my InvestorPlace colleagues Louis Navellier and Luke Lango to put together a portfolio of the best of the best AI stocks . And we recently took to the “airwaves” to tell folks all about it. One of those stocks is Nvidia Corp. ( NVDA ), which Louis calls the “stock of the decade.” He will explain why it’s not too late to add NVDA to your portfolio. These Low-Lying AI Companies Are Ready to Explode Most investors missed out on the initial phase of the AI Revolution. However, another wave of AI innovation is coming. In fact, the opportunity here is significantly larger than any previous AI application. I’ll tell you what to expect from this new wave of winners... and where to find some of that opportunity. Looking Ahead In this coming New Year, we believe that a singular event – AI Day One – will kick off the biggest, fastest societal change in human history. It will even make the version of ChatGPT that launched in 2022 look as relevant as a VHS tape. It will also be the biggest investment opportunity of our lifetimes, where we believe the AI Appliers will dominate. These are companies that are not at the forefront of producing the material needed to create AI. Instead, they are employing AI technology within their own products and services. AI appliers are everywhere... and growing by the day. That is why Louis, Luke, and I put our heads together to find the AI Applier stocks that we believe could skyrocket from AI Day One. To learn more about these stocks, you can click here to watch out special broadcast. You’re next Smart Money will be available Thursday. Until then, we wish you a wonderful holiday. Regards, Eric Fry

Amtech Earnings: What To Look For From ASYS

Landmark lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse images and videos (CSAM) traded on Apple platforms CUPERTINO, Calif. , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company's defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so. The plaintiffs are being represented by Marsh Law Firm. Additionally, Heat Initiative is providing some support for this lawsuit as part of the organization's broader Ignite program , which provides legal and advocacy support for victims of child sexual abuse through referrals, research, and funding to empower them to use their voices and hold technology companies accountable. The images and videos of the plaintiffs' childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 "CSAM Detection" technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple's belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal. The full complaint, as well as a fact sheet and other supporting materials, can be found HERE . "The knowledge that images of my abuse are still out there is a never-ending nightmare – Apple could have stopped this, but has chosen not to act," said Jane Doe , a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Apple has the technology to stop this from continuing, yet they knowingly turn a blind eye. This isn't just about my story – it's about standing up for every survivor who deserves safety and dignity. Apple has a responsibility to protect us, and I'm here to demand that they fulfill it." "Today, thousands of brave survivors are coming forward to demand accountability from one of the most successful technology companies on the planet. Apple has not only rejected helping these victims, it has advertised the fact that it does not detect child sex abuse material on its platform or devices thereby exponentially increasing the ongoing harm caused to these victims," said Margaret E. Mabie , Partner at Marsh Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs. "Our clients have endured unimaginable abuse, and yet Apple's top executives continue to ignore their pleas, fully aware that this illegal contraband remains on their platform. By abandoning their state-of-the-art detection program without offering an alternative, Apple has chosen to prioritize its own corporate agenda over the lives and dignity of survivors. This lawsuit is a call for justice and a demand for Apple to finally take responsibility and protect these victims." "Apple wants people to think they are the 'responsible' tech company, and this lawsuit demonstrates clearly that, on this issue, they are not," said Sarah Gardner , Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sex abuse on their platforms. "The plaintiffs and countless other survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst moments imaginable because Apple refuses to implement common sense practices that are standard across the tech industry. They will argue that this is a privacy issue, but they are failing to acknowledge the privacy and basic humanity of the children being raped and sexually assaulted in the videos and images Apple stores on iCloud." In August 2021 , Apple announced it would implement a new "CSAM Detection" feature, which would have identified known child sexual abuse material in iCloud using NeuralHash, a type of hashing technology that Apple developed. However, after the program was announced, Apple executives reversed their decision and ultimately killed the implementation of the program . At the same time, in 2023, five major tech companies collectively reported more than 32 million pieces of child sexual abuse images and videos on their platforms– Apple reported only 267 . The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for Apple to implement basic child safety measures on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claim of negligence and failing to fulfill their duty of care resulting in harms to the plaintiffs stems from two main factors: Marsh Law Firm focuses its legal practice exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and online exploitation. They are a survivor-focused, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented law firm that advocates for clients both in and out of the courtroom to secure justice and hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable abuse accountable. Heat Initiative is a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sexual abuse on their platforms. Heat Initiative sees a future where children's safety is at the forefront of any existing and future technological developments. The Heat Initiative's Ignite program catalyzes impact litigation to hold technology companies accountable to their duty to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms. Contact: press@heatinitiative.org View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-sued-for-knowingly-hosting-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-its-products-failing-to-protect-survivors-302325571.html SOURCE Heat Initiative

Understanding the science behind Hinton and Hopfield's Nobel Prize in physicsIn a strategic move poised to transform Sri Lanka’s home appliance market, Walton Hi-Tech Industries, a leading global innovator in consumer electronics, has joined forces with Monik Trading Ltd., to bring innovative home appliances to Sri Lanka. The announcement was made during an event attended by prominent representatives from both companies and distinguished guests. Special attendees included Commercial Micro Credit Ltd., Assistant General Manager Samitha Priyadarshana, Monik Trading Ltd., Managing Director Wasala Maduwantha Ariyapala, Assistant General Manager Kasun Mahanama, Walton Additional Managing Director and CFO Ziaul Alam, Vice President of the Global Business Division Abdur Rouf.Deputy Company Secretary Enamul Haq, Monik CFO M. N. H. Nashwaq and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias. Kasun Mahanama expressed confidence that this partnership will bring significant benefits to both companies and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth. He emphasised that the collaboration will introduce advanced technology and a wide range of electronic appliances to the Sri Lankan market, improving accessibility for local consumers. “We are excited about the opportunity to offer cutting-edge solutions to enhance the lives of Sri Lankans,” he added. This MoU paves the way for a new era of accessibility and innovation in Sri Lanka’s home appliance market. The partnership aims to make Walton’s high-tech products — ranging from refrigerators and air conditioners to televisions and kitchen appliances — widely available across the island. Known for their exceptional quality and advanced technology, Walton’s appliances promise to cater to the ever-growing demand for energy-efficient, affordable, and stylish home solutions. The Chief Guest, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias, said: “This partnership is undeniably a win-win, promising to reshape the future of home appliances in Sri Lanka while strengthening the ties between two visionary nations.” He further emphasised, “Walton is the love of Bangladesh, and its brand is a symbol of national pride. When Bangladeshis speak of Walton, their faces light up with admiration. Whether it’s a rice cooker or any other appliance, I believe the sky’s the limit for us. I arrived in Sri Lanka just three months ago, and I am confident that by the time I leave, we will be celebrating the success of this partnership. Our nations share a long history of friendship, and we strongly believe in the potential of this collaboration.” Attendees had the opportunity to witness Walton’s impressive line-up, showcasing why the brand has become a global powerhouse in electronics. From refrigerators designed with intelligent inverter technology to sleek, energy-efficient air conditioners, Walton’s products combine practicality, sustainability, and sophistication. Here’s a glimpse of the standout innovations presented at the event: Through its partnership with Walton, Monik Trading is poised to elevate its impact in the local market by offering innovative home appliances that cater to the evolving demands of modern households. Walton, a leader in consumer electronics, brings cutting-edge technology and reliable quality, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with Monik’s commitment to providing the best products to Sri Lankan families This strategic partnership not only strengthens Monik Trading’s brand reputation but also positions it as a key player in shaping the future of home appliance retail in Sri Lanka. By combining Walton’s world-class product offerings with Monik’s local market expertise, the partnership is set to meet the growing demand for advanced, high-quality appliances while enhancing customer satisfaction.yilmazsavaskandag/iStock via Getty Images Flagstar Financial, Inc. ( NYSE: FLG ) is a small-cap bank with a market cap of roughly $4 billion. The company has seen its share price decline along with the rest of the market over the past few You Only Get 1 Chance To Retire, Join The #1 Retirement Service The Retirement Forum provides actionable ideals, a high-yield safe retirement portfolio, and macroeconomic outlooks, all to help you maximize your capital and your income. We search the entire market to help you maximize returns. Recommendations from a top 0.2% TipRanks author! Retirement is complicated, and you only get once chance to do it right. Don't miss out because you didn't know what was out there. We provide: Click for our discounted 2-week free trial! The Value Portfolio specializes in building retirement portfolios and utilizes a fact-based research strategy to identify investments. This includes extensive readings of 10Ks, analyst commentary, market reports, and investor presentations. He invests real money in the stocks he recommends. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of FLG either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.CONWAY — Owen McCown threw for 254 yards and a touchdown and UTSA scored the opening 27 points of the Myrtle Beach Bowl to cruise past short-handed Coastal Carolina 44-15 on Monday. UTSA (7-6) broke away in the second quarter by scoring a touchdown on three straight drives for a 21-0 lead. McCown was 14 of 17 in the first half, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Overmyer. McCown also scored on a 35-yard run after breaking two tackles near the end zone. The other score was a 9-yard touchdown run by Brandon High. Coastal Carolina (6-7) finished the first half with just 140 total yards — 60 coming on the final drive. The Chanticleers punted on five straight drives to begin the game — with the longest possession lasting seven plays for 25 yards. UTSA added short field goals on its opening two drives of the second half, while Coastal Carolina started with two straight three-and-out drives. UTSA ended CCU's third drive on Jakevian Rodgers' first career interception to extend the program's single-game streak with an interception and a sack to 23 games. CCU's first touchdown came on the first play of the fourth quarter when Bryson Graves caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tad Hudson. But UTSA's Chris Carpenter returned the ensuing kickoff for a 93-yard touchdown to make it 34-7. It was the largest margin of victory in the five-year history of the Myrtle Beach Bowl. MISSING KEY PLAYERS Hudson, a third-string quarterback, made his first career start for Coastal Carolina, which was without starter Ethan Vasko and backup Noah Kim. Vasko and Kim combined for 2,353 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. Hudson was 17 of 26 for 173 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns. UTSA rushed for 257 yards and three touchdowns despite being without its top rushers Robert Henry, who entered with a team-high 130 carries for 107 yards and seven touchdowns. McCown, High and Will Henderson III each had a rushing touchdown. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Del Bigtree, a leading voice in the anti-vaccine movement, brought in a record windfall last year for the nonprofit group he founded, according to the latest tax filings. The Informed Consent Action Network, known as ICAN, reported $23 million in revenue for 2023, a 74% increase from the previous year. The group spent nearly $17 million on efforts including legal battles and anti-vaccine advocacy, an increase of about 25% from the year before. The tax documents, obtained by NBC News from ICAN, show the increasing prominence and profitability of the anti-vaccine movement in the ongoing fight over vaccine policies and public health. The pandemic supercharged groups like ICAN , which reported about $3.5 million in revenue in 2019, expanding the audience interested in anti-vaccine content and growing the coffers of those who produce it. Numerous studies have found that vaccines are safe and save lives , and are not linked to autism , but that hasn’t stopped misinformation from spreading. Revenue for Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had been on the rise as well until last year, when it dropped more than 30% , to $16 million. This loss coincided with Kennedy taking a leave from his positions as chairman and chief litigation counsel to launch an unsuccessful presidential bid. But ICAN’s revenue continued to grow, and Bigtree’s profile has risen. The former television producer and anti-vaccine filmmaker, whose organization was known for attention-grabbing stunts and filing freedom of information requests , became communications director for Kennedy’s third-party presidential campaign and advised Kennedy as he prepared for his potential role as secretary of Health and Human Services . Bigtree and ICAN did not respond to requests for comment. Katie Miller, a spokesperson for Kennedy’s transition team who was recently named to join the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, said Bigtree was never involved in the transition, and his views “do not represent Mr. Kennedy’s or President Trump’s administration.” ICAN is not required to disclose individual donors, though tax documents filed last year show large donations from family foundations and donor-advised funds, philanthropic intermediaries that combine and anonymize donations. The group has celebrated what it characterizes as several big wins last year, including litigation that forced Mississippi to grant religious exemptions from vaccines. The group says it plans to pursue a similar strategy targeting the five other states that don’t allow religious exemptions. ICAN relies on individual supporters to fund production of anti-vaccine content, including “The HighWire,” a weekly anti-vaccine and conspiracy-laden internet show hosted by Bigtree that the group describes as its educational arm. Bigtree punctuates the show not with commercials but with impassioned pleas for donations, recently with multimillion-dollar fundraising goals associated with specific legal fights. ICAN’s largest expenditure last year, $6 million, was to the New York law firm Siri & Glimstad, which pursues public records requests, intervenes in state anti-vaccine fights and petitions the federal government to pause or revoke vaccines, including one for polio . Led by Aaron Siri, an attorney and Kennedy adviser, the firm, aided by dozens of attorneys working on vaccine cases, has been paid some $20 million by ICAN since 2017, according to tax documents. Siri defended his work in an email to NBC News, saying his petitions sought increased safety for vaccines and that ICAN’s financial support was “trivial” compared to spending by the pharmaceutical industry. Miller said Siri was no longer involved in the transition and that he does not represent Kennedy’s views. ICAN describes its legal efforts as “advocating for humanity’s right to informed consent.” Experts have described it as an exploitation of the courts. “Again and again, this anti-vaccine group misrepresented both the legal and the factual meanings of court decisions, settlements, and other legal actions to create a narrative to galvanize its followers and influence newcomers,” a 2022 article in the Northwestern Journal of Law and Social Policy read. (Siri called the article “replete with categorically false claims.”) The intent of other spending was less clear. ICAN paid $176,000 for “research consulting” to a U.K. company headed by a chiropractor who has lectured on what he claims are dangers from vaccines and 5G technology. The group also paid $152,000 for consulting to Uncover DC, a news website founded and edited by Tracy Diaz, known online as Tracy Beanz, a popular conspiracy theorist and early promoter in the QAnon movement. Diaz, who describes her site as “actual journalism,” posts news releases for ICAN and writes for the nonprofit’s website as a contributor. Bigtree took home a $234,000 salary from ICAN in 2023, in addition to his income from paid speaking engagements (he says he only charges for ticketed events). Bigtree also earned $350,000 for consulting and communications work on Kennedy’s presidential campaign over the past two years through KFP Consulting, a Texas organization registered to Bigtree. Bigtree now helms a super PAC (MAHA Alliance) and a nonprofit organization (MAHA Action), both short for Make America Healthy Again, a spin on Trump’s MAGA motto adopted by Kennedy after he dropped out of the race and endorsed the ultimately winning candidate. Bigtree acknowledged his multiple streams of income and endeavors on “The HighWire” in November. “I feel incredibly blessed by God that I had all these opportunities converging all at once,” he said.ePadosi Launches Comprehensive Online Platform for Desis in Bay Area, USA 11-26-2024 12:54 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Ranger Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732559909.jpeg ePadosi logo Connecting South Asian Communities with Local Resources and Opportunities ePadosi, a distinguished organization renowned for its multifaceted contributions across various sectors, proudly announces the launch of its new online platform, ePadosi.com, specifically tailored for Desis residing in the Bay Area, USA. This innovative platform is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for the South Asian community, offering a wide array of services and opportunities to connect, engage, and thrive in their local environment. ePadosi.com emerges as a pivotal resource for the Bay Area's South Asian community, providing an extensive range of features that cater to the diverse needs of its users. From local desi business listings to finding roommates and rentals, the platform is a one-stop destination for those seeking to integrate seamlessly into the community. Additionally, users can explore events, classifieds, jobs, deals, and professional services, all tailored to the unique cultural and social dynamics of the South Asian diaspora. The launch of ePadosi.com marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to empower and support South Asian communities living abroad. By offering a platform that is both user-friendly and culturally relevant, ePadosi aims to foster a sense of belonging and community among Desis in the Bay Area. The platform's comprehensive approach ensures that users have access to the resources they need to navigate their daily lives while staying connected to their cultural roots. "ePadosi.com is more than just a platform; it's a community hub that brings together Desis in the Bay Area, offering them the tools and resources they need to succeed and thrive. We are excited to launch this platform and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community," said Alok Dube, CEO of ePadosi. As ePadosi continues to expand its reach and impact, the launch of ePadosi.com in the Bay Area represents a strategic step in the company's broader vision of connecting South Asian communities across the globe. By leveraging technology and community-driven initiatives, ePadosi is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Desis living abroad, ensuring they have access to the support and opportunities they need to flourish. For more information about ePadosi and its new platform, visit ePadosi.com [ https://www.epadosi.com/ ]. Media Contact Company Name: EPadosi Contact Person: Alok Dube Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=epadosi-launches-comprehensive-online-platform-for-desis-in-bay-area-usa ] Country: United States Website: https://www.epadosi.com This release was published on openPR.

Savara Announces New Employment Inducement GrantApple Sued for Knowingly Hosting Child Sexual Abuse Material on Its Products, Failing to Protect Survivors

US President Joe Biden has outlined the next steps to ensure security in the Middle East after Syria’s despotic regime under Bashar al-Assad ended with the dictator fleeing to Russia. Assad and his family fled Damascus for Moscow, with Russian news agencies – TASS and Ria Novosti – confirming the news on Sunday. A Kremlin source told Ria Novosti that Russia has granted Assad and his family members asylum based on “humanitarian considerations”. "Russian officials are in contact with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, whose leaders have guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions on Syrian territory," the source said. Biden said the US approach in the Middle East had “shifted the balance of power” in the region, but there was still more to do to ensure security during “this period of transition”. “Looking ahead, the United States will do the following. First, we support Syria's neighbours, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Israel, should any threat arise from Syria,” he said, adding he will be in discussions with leaders in the region in the coming days. “Second, we will help ensure stability in eastern Syria, protecting any personnel, our personnel against any threats and remain our mission against ISIS must be maintained, including the security of detention facilities where ISIS fighters are being held as prisoners. “We're clear eyed about the fact that ISIS will try to take advantage of any vacuum to re-establish its capabilities to create a safe haven. We will not let that happen. In fact, just today, US forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes within Syria targeting nurses camps and ISIS operatives. “Third, we will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward an independent, sovereign and independent state.” Biden said the Assad regime had fallen “at long last” after more than half a century of “brutal authoritarian rule” by Bashar and his father before him. “It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country. It's also a moment of risk and uncertainty as we all turn to the question of what comes next,” Biden said. “The United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risks. “For years, the main backers of Assad have been around Hezbollah and Russia. But over the last week, their support collapsed, all three of them, because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office.” Biden said after Hamas attacked Israel, Iran launched a multi-front war on the Jewish state, which was a “historic mistake”. The US President said it was “impossible” for Iran and Hezbollah to “prop up” Assad’s regime, adding Russia’s support for Assad had also failed due to the “massive damage” indirectly inflicted by the US in its backing of Ukraine. “The upshot for all this is for the first time ever, either Russia nor Iran or Hezbollah could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria. This is a direct result of the blows that Ukraine, Israel have delivered upon their own self-defence with unflagging support of the United States,” Biden said. Assad has ruled Syria with an iron fist for the past 24 years, having taken over from his father, who ruled from 1971 to 2000. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “historic day” for the Middle East after the collapse of the Assad regime. “The tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers,” he said. “The collapse is the direct result of our forceful action against Hezbollah and Iran, Assad’s main supporters. “It set off a chain reaction of all those who want to free themselves from this tyranny and its oppression.” Mr Netanyahu said the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement had been effectively terminated after the Syrian army abandoned its positions, with Israeli military forces given the order to take over these positions to ensure no hostile force embedded itself along the border of Israel. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement on the “unprecedented” situation and welcomed his departure as the Syrian people had suffered under Assad’s “barbaric regime for too long”. “Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored,” Starmer wrote. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days.” Syrian rebels took to state television on Sunday to announce they had toppled the Assad regime, just hours after they reported having entered the capital of Damascus without any resistance from government troops. "We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," the rebels said, referring to a large military prison on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands. The news led to thousands congregating in the main square in Damascus, waving and chanting "freedom" from a half century of Assad family rule. Footage from social media showed Syrians also celebrating in other cities, with statues of Bashar al-Assad and his father Hafez al-Assad being torn down by crowds in jubilation. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali has called for free elections in the country, pledging to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people in order to support continuity of government. Earlier on Sunday a leader of one of the largest rebel groups, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced they had completed their takeover of Homs (Syria’s third largest city). “Dear brothers, we are living in the final moments of the liberation of the city of Homs, with the permission of Allah Almighty,” Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said in a video message. The rebel leader described the moment as a “historic event” as he called for rebel forces to show mercy to those who laid down their arms. “We advise our brothers in the resistance, as we have previously advised them, to show compassion towards the people. Those who lay down their weapons should be granted safety, and those who flee should not be caught. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,” he said.