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BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Get local news delivered to your inbox!No. 22 St. John's, Georgia pack busy schedule with game on Sunday
The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night's games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven't won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaBy Burnett Munthali Malawi is currently facing several interwoven challenges: Firstly, the country’s economy is teetering under the weight of rising inflation, a depreciating currency, and skyrocketing commodity prices. The cost of living has become unbearable for many, with basic necessities slipping out of reach for ordinary Malawians. Secondly, allegations of corruption continue to erode public trust. High-profile scandals and perceived inaction against corrupt officials have fueled frustration among citizens, raising questions about the government’s commitment to accountability. Sadly, the dissatisfaction has spilled into the streets, with protests becoming a common occurrence. Citizens are demanding better services, transparent governance, and meaningful economic reforms. Fourthly, the ruling Tonse Alliance if not the lonely ruling MCP is under strain, with internal divisions and opposition parties gaining momentum as they capitalize on the public’s discontent. The government’s handling of these crises will determine its credibility moving forward. To regain control, it must address key areas: Bold economic policies aimed at stabilizing the economy and supporting vulnerable populations are urgently needed. Stimulus packages, subsidies for essential goods, and policies to attract foreign investment could offer some relief. Malawi is experiencing a severe fuel crisis that has been there for weeks, yet the President, Pastor Lazarus Chakwera, continues to focus on pageantry and empty platitudes. This fuel crisis stems from a shortage of foreign exchange, a consequence of a failing economy driven by... pic.twitter.com/7A6J9m5qvL Swift and decisive action against corruption will be critical. High-profile prosecutions and institutional reforms could help rebuild trust in governance. The government must engage the public openly, acknowledging the challenges while outlining clear, actionable solutions. Citizens need reassurance that their leaders are both aware of their plight and actively working to address it. Failure to respond effectively risks plunging Malawi into deeper turmoil. Public frustration could escalate, leading to widespread unrest and a further erosion of government legitimacy. Political opponents, sensing weakness, may intensify their efforts to discredit the administration, potentially destabilizing the political landscape further. In conclusion, the crises confronting Malawi are daunting, but they also present an opportunity for the government to prove its mettle. Leadership is not about avoiding challenges but navigating through them with vision, decisiveness, and integrity. As analysts have pointed out, the coming months will test whether the government can rise to the occasion or risk losing its grip on the nation’s future. Malawians are watching, and the world is, too. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
WASHINGTON — As president-elect Donald Trump rattles his closest neighbours with threats of tariffs, he is also firming up the team of loyalists to put his plans into action. Trump's team to lead his trade agenda and the American economy include trade lawyers, former advisers and Wall Street executives who have all expressed favourable views of tariffs. "He's choosing a lot of people who are going to be loyal to him and his ideas," said Matthew Lebo, a specialist in U.S. politics at Western University in London, Ont. "And that probably will lead to a lot more volatility than even we saw in the first term." On Tuesday evening, Trump picked Jamieson Greer to be U.S. trade representative. The president-elect said Greer played a key role in the first Trump administration imposing tariffs on China and negotiating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. If confirmed, Greer will oversee the trade pact’s review in 2026. "Jamieson will focus the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on reining in the country's massive trade deficit, defending American manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and opening up export markets everywhere," Trump said in a statement. Greer was the chief of staff to former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer as the trilateral agreement was being crafted to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was torn up last time Trump entered office. Greer's nomination came the day after Trump said he will impose a 25 per cent import tariff on goods coming from Canada and Mexico. He has also announced an additional 10 per cent tariff on goods from China. Trump said the tariffs against Canada and Mexico would remain in place until both countries stop people and drugs, in particular fentanyl, from illegally crossing the border into the U.S. A Canadian Chamber of Commerce report suggested Trump’s previous pledge to impose a 10 per cent levy would take a $30-billion bite out of the Canadian economy. More than 77 per cent of Canadian exports go to the U.S. and trade comprises 60 per cent of Canada's gross domestic product. Some economists have warned across-the-board duties would cause inflation in the U.S., even though Trump campaigned on lowering costs for Americans. Greer was deeply involved in Trump's original sweeping tariffs on China and subsequent negotiations on the U.S.-China Phase 1 trade agreement, online biographies say. In testimony about China's trade agenda at a House trade subcommittee last year, Greer said he believes "good fences make good neighbours, and trade enforcement is an important part of establishing those fences." On Tuesday, Trump also tapped Kevin Hassett to be the director of the White House National Economic Council. The role will be key in fulfilling Trump's campaign promise to fix the U.S. economy. His announcement said Hassett will also "ensure that we have fair trade with countries that have taken advantage of the United States in the past." Hassett served during the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and the president-elect has called him a "true friend." The latest nominations round out an economic team that includes hedge fund executive Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary and Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Wall Street investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, who was tapped for commerce secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Lutnick would oversee a sprawling cabinet agency and Trump's tariff agenda. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump's tariff plans. In an CNBC interview in September he said tariffs are "an amazing tool for the president to use — we need to protect the American worker." Lebo said as Trump prepares to return to office he is removing any person who could prove to be a guardrail or check on his power. "These are people aligned with Trump," Lebo said. "More and more aligned with his campaign rhetoric." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian PressCulture Management Group Reveals Lineup and Programming for Culture Beach Jam 2024 in Accra
Vertical Blender Market Analysis By Top Keyplayers - Doyle Equipment Manufacturing, AGI, EMT, Kason, Adams Fertilizer Equipment, John R Boone, Heilig Mixing Technology, Kemutec, INDPRO Engineering Systems Pvt. Ltd., GIMAT Srl, CrustBuster/Speed King, Inc. 11-27-2024 08:52 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Verified Market Reports The "Vertical Blender Market" is expected to reach USD xx.x billion by 2031, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of xx.x percent from 2024 to 2031. The market was valued at USD xx.x billion In 2023. Growing Demand and Growth Potential in the Global Vertical Blender Market, 2024-2031 Verified Market Research's most recent report, "Vertical Blender Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2030," provides an in-depth examination of the industry that includes insights into the market analysis. Along with competition and geographical research, the report also covers recent developments in the worldwide industry. The market for cosmetic packaging has been rising dramatically in recent years due to a variety of important factors, including rising product demand, a greater client base, and developments in technology. The market is thoroughly examined in this study, along with its size, trends, factors driving and impeding growth, competitive aspects, and potential for expansion. Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Vertical Blender Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=233348&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=210 Vertical Blender Market business report has been produced with a thorough grasp of the business environment that best fits the client's needs. This market analysis can also help businesses understand sustainability initiatives and financial growth. This report's explanation of market drivers and constraints helps readers understand how many factors might affect how much demand a given product has from consumers. All of the leading companies' and brands' company profiles are included in this market analysis. In-depth research and analysis are used to appropriately elaborate on each area in order to produce an accurate Vertical Blender Market survey report. Who is the largest manufacturers of Vertical Blender Market worldwide? Doyle Equipment Manufacturing AGI EMT Kason Adams Fertilizer Equipment John R Boone Heilig Mixing Technology Kemutec INDPRO Engineering Systems Pvt. Ltd. GIMAT Srl CrustBuster/Speed King Inc. Xiecheng Machinery Vertical Blender Market Segmentation Analysis Segmentation analysis involves dividing the market into distinct groups based on certain criteria such as type and application. This helps in understanding the market dynamics, targeting specific customer groups, and devising tailored marketing strategies. Vertical Blender Market By Type Manual Electric Pneumatic Vertical Blender Market By Applications Food & Beverage Pharmaceutical Others Get Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=233348&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=210 Detailed TOC of Global Vertical Blender Market Research Report, 2023-2030 1. Introduction of the Vertical Blender Market ►Overview of the Market ►Scope of Report ►Assumptions 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology of Verified Market Reports ►Data Minin ►Validation ►Primary Interview ►List of Data Sources 4. Vertical Blender Market Outlook ►Overview ►Market Dynamics ►Drivers ►Restraints ►Opportunities ►Porters Five Force Model ►Value Chain Analysis 5. Vertical Blender Market, By Product 6. Vertical Blender Market, By Application 7. Vertical Blender Market, By Geography ►North America ►Europe ►Asia Pacific ►Rest of the World 8. Vertical Blender Market Competitive Landscape ►Overview ►Company Market Ranking ►Key Development Strategies 9. Company Profiles 10. Appendix For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/vertical-blender-market/ Contact us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll-Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 About Us: Verified Market Reports Verified Market Reports is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. This release was published on openPR.
Star Correspondent On Tuesday evening at Ronnie Snavely Gymnasium, the Hampton Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs each recorded wins against Unaka in nonconference basketball action. The Lady Bulldogs secured a hard-fought 53-45 victory, while the boys cruised to an easy 81-40 win. The Lady Rangers jumped out to a 15-8 first-period lead, with Michelle Shields scoring six of her game-high 19 points. However, the Lady Bulldogs rallied in the second quarter to tie the score at 25-25 by halftime. “We made a couple of adjustments after the first quarter,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Dewayne Humphrey said. “We switched to a press defense, and that helped a little bit. Coach Chambers does a great job with his team. He keeps you off balance.” The teams continued to battle through the third period, heading into the fourth quarter tied at 33-33. Unaka (4-2) opened the final quarter with a basket from Lauren Lund, which was quickly answered by a deuce from Piper Helle, who finished with a team-high 16 points. Hampton then went on a seven-point run, with Helle sinking two free throws, Abbie Lunsford adding a basket, and Smith dropping a 3-pointer to take a 42-35 lead at the 4:45 mark. Unaka’s Kalli Shepard hit a 3-pointer to close the gap to 42-38, but Helle responded with a three-point play to make it 45-41. Katlyn Dugger added a basket for the Lady Rangers, but Brea Hicks countered with a 3-pointer for Hampton, extending their lead to 48-43 with 2:19 remaining. “We needed a basket there, and Helle got the bucket and one,” Humphrey said. “We’ve come to expect that from Piper. This was a rough game. We got a couple of bloody noses. It was blood, sweat, and tears out there.” Unaka’s Keyona Hague scored in the paint to make it 48-45, but Hampton (6-2) closed out the game with a free throw from Helle, a basket by Faye Carrico, and two free throws from Hicks. Hampton 81, Unaka 40 Chase Davenport scored a game-high 21 points, leading four Bulldogs in double figures as Hampton routed the Rangers. Tyler Blevins hit four 3-pointers and scored 16 points, while Jayden Nave added two treys and finished with 13 points. Caden Davis chipped in 12 points for the Bulldogs (6-2). In total, Hampton hit 11 3-pointers and dominated the game from the start. The Bulldogs scored 27 first-quarter points and added 33 in the second to take a commanding 60-22 halftime lead. “We came out ready to play,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We had 23 assists, good ball movement, and played pressure defense with balanced scoring. Chase played really well. Jayden had eight rebounds, and Davis had seven assists. I think everyone contributed.” T.J. Good led the Rangers with 15 points, while sophomore post John Hardin added 12. GIRLS FINAL: Hampton 53, Unaka 45 Hampton (53): Helle 16, Eastep 4, Hicks 8, Smith 10, Carrico 9, Lunsford 6 Unaka (45): Lund 8, Shields 19, Campbell 3, Dugger 2, Shepard 7, Sutherland 3, Hague 3 Scoring by quarters: Hampton: 8 17 8 20 — 53 Unaka: 15 10 8 12 — 45 3-point goals: Hampton 3 (Smith 2, Hicks 1); Unaka 7 (Lund 2, Shields 2, Campbell 1, Shepard 1, Sutherland 1). BOYS FINAL: Hampton 81, Unaka 40 Hampton (81): Blevins 16, Nave 13, Smith 2, Robinson 7, Davenport 21, Lunsford 2, Davis 12, Fagan 8 Unaka (40): Good 15, Guess 3, Walsh 1, Wilson 8, Crabtree 2, J. Deyton 2, Lambert 7, Hardin 12 Scoring by quarters: Hampton: 27 33 17 4 — 81 Unaka: 16 6 8 10 — 40 3-point goals: Hampton 11 (Blevins 4, Nave 2, Davenport 3, Davis 2); Unaka 3 (Good 1, Guess 1, Wilson 1).The European Union looks to have clinched political agreement on the team of 26 commissioners who will be implementing President Ursula von der Leyen’s policy plan for the next five years. A final vote is still pending next week, but on Thursday, Politico’s Brussels Playbook newsletter reported a deal in the European Parliament on the appointments, suggesting it’s “now all but guaranteed” that the next European Commission will kick off on December 1. We’ve picked out three commissioner-designates to watch for tech policy moves as the next Commission takes up its five-year mandate, which runs into 2029, with responsibilities across areas like digital infrastructure and tech investment, support for startups, and enforcing the bloc’s laws on Big Tech. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez Executive vice president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Big Tech will be watching Teresa Ribera Rodríguez closely. Once confirmed in post, the Spanish center-left politician is set for a major EVP role in the incoming Commission heading up a climate brief-cum-economic transformation EVP role. But she’ll also be taking over competition enforcement from Margrethe Vestager — a portfolio that’s given the likes of Apple , Amazon , Google , and Meta plenty of headaches over the years. This combined strategic portfolio makes her the most powerful figure in the incoming Commission — on paper, at least. The EU has put a fresh focus on trying to rein in platform power in recent years, thanks to the bloc’s flagship Digital Markets Act (DMA), a popular competition reform that came into force this March. It responds to Big Tech’s market-shaping muscle by applying a set of upfront rules on how they can operate key platforms, doing things like banning self-preferencing and requiring openness and interoperability, which the EU hopes will result in fairer dealing for competitors and tech users. Von der Leyen has previously said enforcement of the digital regime is a priority for her second term as EU chief. As EU competition chief, Ribera Rodríguez is set to wield major decision-making power in tech. She will inherit a clutch of active DMA investigations, including advanced probes of Apple and Meta , where the EU has already said it suspects breaches but isn’t expected to decide the cases until next year. Google’s self-preferencing is also under investigation. Other DMA probes could follow on the seven designated gatekeepers, with Reuters reporting that Amazon will face a probe next year . Penalties under the DMA can reach up to 10% of global annual turnover or more for repeat offenders. But we’ve already seen notable operational changes as tech giants have been forced to offer stuff they can frame as compliance, such as Apple allowing web distribution for iOS apps and Meta creeping toward “less personalized” ads . Expect a lot more service reconfiguring as enforcement steps up, though, and Ribera Rodríguez brings down the DMA hammer. She will also be in charge of classical competition enforcement, which (while typically slower to yield results) has similarly beefy sanctions for violations — an area where the EU recently slapped Meta with a fine of nearly $840 million for tying its online classified ads service to its dominant social network, for instance. Again, the Commission has a number of open cases that Ribera Rodríguez could end up being in charge of wrapping up, such as a long-running probe of Google dominance of the adtech stack . The EU previously said it may need to consider breaking Google up if its suspicions of anticompetitive behavior are confirmed. Such a significant call may ultimately rest on Ribera Rodríguez’s sign-off. Speaking at her confirmation hearing in the European Parliament , where Ribera Rodríguez was questioned by MEPs (members of the European Parliament) earlier this month, she said she’s committed to working on a reform of EU competition policy to further speed up enforcement and wants to improve the Commission’s ability to enforce the DMA. The commissioner-designate also said she will focus enforcement on the worst offenders and pledged to clamp down on acquisitions that prevent innovation (i.e., killer acquisitions), suggesting Big Tech M&A will continue to face a bumpy ride in the EU with knock-on implications for startup exits (and investors). In her own mission letter to Ribera Rodríguez, von der Leyen similarly named “killer acquisitions” and DMA enforcement as key competition priorities, so her confirmation hearing was on script here, instructing the chosen competition chief to “address the challenges and dynamics of digital markets, including platform economies and data-driven business models,” and urging “rapid and effective” DMA enforcement. The EU president has also overtly aligned goals for the green and competition briefs, saying the EU needs a new approach to competition policy that aims to foster scale-ups that can help the bloc decarbonize faster. Additionally, von der Leyen wrote that geopolitical uncertainty must be factored in and competition policy should “reflect the growing importance of resilience in the face of geopolitical and other threats to supply chains and of unfair competition through subsidies.” She asked Ribera Rodríguez to oversee more simplification of EU State Aid rules to support efforts to boost the bloc’s competitiveness via what it’s calling “ Important Projects of Common European Interest ” (or IPCEIs). Here competition policy is being seen as a key lever for supporting emerging tech in strategic sectors, like microelectronics, batteries, and next-gen cloud infrastructure. So the job is tasked with helping to shape a higher tech, more autonomous future for the EU. Since the mission letter was penned, Donald Trump has been confirmed as the next U.S. president, further amping up unpredictability and trade risk for the EU. It will be interesting to see how the incoming competition chief uses antitrust powers as a bolster against external instabilities without, for example, being accused of acting politically/being anti-America by a transactional Trump administration. Henna Virkkunen Executive vice president for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy As well as a tech-focused EVP portfolio, Henna Virkkunen is being handed responsibility for “Digital and Frontier Technologies,” meaning she’s set to get a key role in shaping the bloc’s approach to web technologies and AI, and a lot more besides. But as well as the brief putting a focus on fostering investment to drive innovation and tech uptake — requiring her attention on areas like cybersecurity, digital skills, and infrastructure (and uptake of apps like the EU digital wallet ) — her responsibilities span enforcement of existing digital rules. It will be interesting to see where the liberal-conservative politician brings her A-game. In the case of AI, the EU adopted a risk-based framework for regulating artificial intelligence this summer (i.e., the EU AI Act ). Enforcement is due to start from early next year — with additional compliance deadlines following in the months and years ahead — but von der Leyen’s mission letter puts much more emphasis on “boosting artificial intelligence innovation” than enforcing these freshly inked rules. So, when it comes to AI at least, it appears Virkkunen is being told to prioritize ecosystem growth. Among first-order tasks she’s instructed with are helping get EU supercomputers fit for AI startups to use to train models; devising an “Apply AI Strategy” to boost new industrial uses of AI and improve public service delivery; and helping set up the European AI Research Council, which the Commission has said will “exploit the potential of data.” Other areas where the EU is keen to boost “frontier” tech investment — and therefore where Virkkunen will be expected to move the development needle — include supercomputing, semiconductors, IoT, genomics, quantum computing, and space tech. In a more explicit ecosystem-boosting measure, the EVP will be in charge of introducing an “EU Cloud and AI Development Act.” The bloc wants this to support SMEs by boosting computational capacity as it will be paired with an EU-wide framework to support innovative startups in gaining access to the compute to develop their tech. All of this plays into the “tech sovereignty” theme of the portfolio, which von der Leyen has linked to the overarching goal of driving the bloc’s competitiveness. The structure of Virkkunen’s portfolio means she will also take the lead on steering enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the sister regulation to the DMA. The DSA is an online governance framework that aims to ensure digital services do right by consumers by removing illegal content and not neglecting to enforce their own terms and conditions, with an additional layer of algorithmic accountability rules for larger tech platforms. The bloc has a raft of open DSA probes that Virkkunen is likely to be seeing through to conclusion, including investigations of marketplaces AliExpress and Temu , as well as social media platforms Facebook and Instagram ; TikTok ; and X (Twitter). Penalties for confirmed breaches can reach 6% of global annual turnover. So far the EU’s probe of X is the most advanced, with some preliminary findings announced this summer . But where the investigation finally lands should involve Virkkunen, who is taking up an oversight baton previously wielded by ex-internal market commissioner Thierry Breton, who made himself very visible indeed versus most of the rest of the Commission via some public clashes with X owner, Elon Musk . When it comes to enforcing the bloc’s digital rules, Virkkunen has named protecting children online as a priority. During her hearing with MEPs , she committed to presenting an action plan on cyberbullying and said she would look into “systemic risks,” such as addictive algorithms. Tackling “dark patterns” is also a task in her mission letter, with von der Leyen saying the EVP must work to combat “unethical techniques online” — including addictive design — and social media influencer marketing. Fixing issues with e-commerce is also on the list. So it’s a repeat of existing Commission DSA enforcement priorities . Online disinformation is another clear area of focus, which plays to the “democracy” component of Virkkunen’s EVP title. And this always-tricky issue could create some of the biggest risks for the EVP. Notably, an instruction from the EU president to “work to counter harmful disinformation” is all but certain to bring the bloc into fresh into conflict with Musk, whose platform X contains hateful nonsense of all stripes . So how Virkkunen handles Musk’s inevitable attacks will be essential viewing, especially as the X owner now sits alongside President-elect Trump, bending his ear as a self-styled “ first buddy .” If the EU’s rule of law clash with X hits a crisis point next year, it looks set to be Virkkunen making the call on whether to pull the plug on regional access to the platform, as the DSA contains powers for violating services to be temporarily blocked in extremis. Breton issued several public warnings of the power in a bid to rein in Musk. In the event, Breton himself is now out of power (after clashing with von der Leyen ) and the X owner’s geopolitical influence has scaled exponentially. The EU still hasn’t brought home the DSA probe of X it started almost a year ago, even as the bloc is now facing four more years of Musk-adjacent transatlantic turmoil. So Virkkunen is stepping into a complex (some might say toxic) brew in this particular case. Even as she’s been instructed to deliver “rapid and effective” DSA enforcement. “ Lykkyä tykö! ” (“Good luck!”) as the Finns say. Ekaterina Zaharieva Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva is not an EVP, so hers is a much smaller portfolio, but as commissioner-designate for startups and R&D, she’s likely to become a familiar face in European startup land, and among the wider research community, over the next five years. Among the tasks von der Leyen set for Zaharieva in her mission letter is to work on a “European Innovation Act,” which is slated to streamline the bloc’s regulatory framework; facilitate access to venture capital for “European innovative startups and scaleups”; and provide support measures for testing new technologies, such as regulatory sandboxes. A perennial complaint from industry is that the EU’s love of rulemaking hampers homegrown startups versus unfettered global players, so von der Leyen’s policy plan is keen to sound active on ecosystem support measures. For instance, Zaharieva has been asked to come up with an “EU startup and scale-up strategy” to help grow the local tech ecosystem. In her confirmation hearing , she talked about expanding access to funding and cutting red tape. But, clearly, the devil will be in the details of how she goes about executing those aims. She will also lead on proposing a “European Research Area Act,” which the EU hopes will foster research and innovation by supporting the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge, and technology. Expanding the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Research Council (ERC) are other stated missions. In the case of the EIC, Zaharieva has been specifically tasked with helping to create a network of trusted deep tech investors to push for co-investment with the private sector to grow homegrown innovation. Elsewhere, she will be involved in getting the aforementioned European AI Research Council up and running, which is part of the bloc’s efforts to support growth in the AI ecosystem. During her hearing in parliament earlier this month, Zaharieva also pledged to push EU member states to meet a 3% spending target on research and innovation, saying research and innovation must be at the heart of the bloc’s competitiveness agenda.
NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street got back to climbing after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 gained 0.8% Wednesday to break a two-day losing streak and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged with a dip of 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that the Fed will deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are rising Wednesday after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve . The S&P 500 gained 0.9% and is on track to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 7 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 2:45 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.8% and was heading for a record. Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a 95% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. Wednesday’s report said U.S. consumers paid prices in November that were 2.7% higher than a year earlier. That’s a slight acceleration from October’s inflation rate of 2.6%, but it was exactly what economists were expecting. Another report on inflation at the wholesale level will arrive on Thursday. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year , with the latest coming last week. On Wall Street, Stitch Fix jumped 47.8% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. Albertsons edged down by 0.6% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 0.6%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Mondelez, the company behind Oreo and other food brands, climbed 2.2% after announcing a plan to send cash to shareholders by buying back up to $9 billion of its own stock. The program replaces a prior $6 billion plan, which had about $2.8 billion of capacity remaining and would have otherwise expired at the end of next year. On the losing end of Wall Street, Macy’s fell 2.3% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. Dave & Buster’s Entertainment sank 18.7% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, rose to 4.16% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. ___ AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed. Stan Choe, The Associated PressSanta Clara councilmember who implicated Anthony Becker in 49ers leak says he was ‘confused’
This Is a Threat For Apple, Amazon Has Just Slashed The Latest MacBook Air M3 Price to a Record LowScholastic Corporation Announces Third Quarter DividendNEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on the Company's Class A and Common Stock for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The dividend is payable on March 14, 2025 , to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 31, 2025 . About Scholastic For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children's books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com . SCHL: Financial View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-corporation-announces-third-quarter-dividend-302329290.html SOURCE Scholastic Corporation
The Cowboys made a flurry of roster moves on Saturday, including the activation of rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and veteran offensive tackle Chuma Edoga from injured reserve, per a team announcement. Kneeland, the 56th overall pick in April’s draft, was designated for return on Wednesday after recovering from surgery on a partially torn lateral meniscus . Edoga has been ramping up in practice for a few weeks after a preseason toe injury sidelined him for the Cowboys’ first 10 games. Neither player is expected to start for the Cowboys on Sunday, but they will provide depth on the edge of the trenches on either side of the ball. Kneeland is still hunting for his first career sack at defensive end, while Edoga is likely to serve as a swing tackle behind Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele . To make room on their 53-man roster, the Cowboys placed safety Markquese Bell on injured reserve and waived defensive end K.J. Henry . Bell had to undergo shoulder surgery after a Week 11 injury, while Henry became surplus to requirements with Kneeland’s return. The Cowboys also ruled out All-Pro guard Zack Martin with 2023 undrafted free agent T.J. Bass likely starting in his place. Dallas is also swapping out one All-Pro cornerback for another with Trevon Diggs ruled out and DaRon Bland expected to make his season debut after recovering from a setback from his foot surgery . Bland has played just two games with Diggs over the last two seasons, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota , and he will be the sixth different starting outside cornerback for Dallas this year, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News . Injuries have been a constant issue for the Cowboys this season. On Sunday, the team’s top-five 2024 salary cap hits – totaling more than $100M – will all be sidelined, per ESPN’s Todd Archer . That list includes Martin and Diggs, along with Dak Prescott , DeMarcus Lawrence , and Brandin Cooks , who all remain on injured reserve. Prescott is out for the season , while Lawrence is still rehabbing from a Lisfranc injury . Dallas declined to activate Cooks from injured reserve after he was designated for return earlier this week and progressing towards a return to the field. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.Adeia and Sharp Renew Multi-Year IP License Agreement
BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. People are also reading... For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." Granting wishes The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. Special moment It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Paying athletes Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Washington Commanders win in overtime to clinch play-off berth
ORONO, Maine (AP) — Michael McNair scored 16 points to lead Boston University and Malcolm Chimezie sealed the victory with a layup with 20 seconds left as the Terriers took down Maine 59-56 on Sunday. McNair also had six rebounds for the Terriers (6-7). Kyrone Alexander scored 13 points and added five rebounds. Chimezie shot 4 of 7 from the field and 0 for 3 from the line to finish with eight points. Kellen Tynes led the way for the Black Bears (8-7) with 17 points, four assists and three steals. Maine also got 12 points from Christopher Mantis. Quion Burns had eight points. McNair scored seven points in the first half and Boston University went into halftime trailing 27-19. Alexander scored a team-high 10 points for Boston University in the second half. Boston University outscored Maine by 11 points over the final half. Boston University's next game is Thursday against Lafayette on the road, and Maine visits Bryant on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Week of Live Coverage Brings Free Music to Audiences Anywhere DALLAS , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The JAMBALOO Music Festival is excited to announce a major expansion to its artist lineup and a new partnership with WFAA+ to bring live streaming coverage to audiences nationwide. From February 1st – 8th 2025, the festival will feature performances from a diverse array of local and touring artists across venues throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with WFAA+ offering free, live streaming of the event to viewers everywhere. The lineup for JAMBALOO continues to grow, with the addition of renowned artists such as The Black Angels, Kolton Moore , RJD2, Mystery Skulls, Lou CharLe$, Black Tie Dynasty, and Daiistar. These new performers will join a diverse selection of local favorites and emerging talent at four iconic venues: Ferris Wheelers ( Dallas ), Club Dada (Deep Ellum), Tulips ( Fort Worth ), and Andy's ( Denton ). Alongside the in-person festival experience, JAMBALOO is partnering with WFAA+ to livestream all shows taking place at the Tulips venue in Fort Worth throughout the festival week. This collaboration ensures that audiences around the world can experience the energy of JAMBALOO in real time, completely free of charge. Fans can tune in through WFAA+'s innovative streaming platform, available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other smart devices, bringing the excitement of Tulips' performances directly to their screens. "JAMBALOO is all about celebrating the rich and diverse music scene of the DFW Metroplex, and with the addition of these incredible artists, we're ensuring there's something for every music lover," said Joe Morrison of Mullen & Mullen, a JAMBALOO co-founder. "Partnering with WFAA+ allows us to extend this celebration beyond the venues and into homes across the globe, so everyone can experience the magic of live music, no matter where they are." How to Watch and Attend: Download WFAA+ : Tune in to daily live streams of JAMBALOO performances from February 1-8, 2025 . The WFAA+ app is available for free on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other smart platforms. RSVP for In-Person Shows : Visit the JAMBALOO website to reserve spots for free performances at your favorite venues. About JAMBALOO: The JAMBALOO Music Festival is more than just a music event—it's a celebration of the DFW music scene, with a mission to revitalize the local music community and support independent artists and venues. Kicking off with a JAMBALOO Symposium on February 1 , the festival will offer a week of performances, community engagement, and special events that will leave a lasting impact on the area's cultural landscape. About Our Partners: Mullen & Mullen Law Firm For over 41 years, Mullen & Mullen has been representing injured North Texans, and is committed to supporting the local community and music scene. Website: mullenandmullen.com Spune Productions A leader in Texas music events, Spune Productions curates experiences that bring people together through the power of music. Website: spune.com WFAA+ A next-generation streaming platform, WFAA+ offers live news, special reports, and event coverage. With its cutting-edge technology, it bridges the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern streaming, making it easier than ever for communities to stay connected. Website: WFAA.com KXT 91.7 North Texas' premier public radio station, KXT 91.7 showcases the region's best local and emerging musical talent. Website: kxt.org SOURCE Mullen & Mullen Law FirmConor McGregor embarked on a social media rampage as he called rape accuser Nikita Hand a "vicious liar" after a civil jury found that the MMA fighter sexually assaulted his accuser in a Dublin hotel in 2018. The 36-year-old was found liable by a jury in the High Court in the Irish capital , as $259,002.55 was awarded to the complainant in the civil trial. The allegations were first made by Ms Hand in 2021, with the verdict eventually delivered after six hours and ten minutes of deliberation from the jury on Nov. 22. This followed an eight-day trial, during which the former UFC champion admitted he had consensual sex with Ms Hand, as well as taking cocaine with her. McGregor having since vowed to appeal against the decision , while it was determined by the jury that a second defendant, James Lawrence, was cleared of any wrongdoing after being accused of assault. Every word Conor McGregor's rape accuser said outside court after winning case Conor McGregor loses rape case as UFC star learns jury verdict McGregor has now taken to social media to give his view on the findings of the civil trial, as posted the following message on Twitter/X: "Justice was served for James Lawrence, yes! Deplorable what they done. Nikita Hand, vicious liar! APPEAL! "Two men falsely accused. One vindicated, the other soon to be! Congrats James Lawrence on absolute exoneration! Twice this heinous accusation was put to you and twice it was shown as FALSE! LIES! "It is absolutely disgraceful what they put you through here. Disgraceful! I look forward to seeing you further vindicate yourself and lambast those responsible in court! We know what happened that night! Everyone present knows, yet it was ignored. Every single statement of persons present on the night was ignored. And they all disputed Nikita’s LIES! "However James they did believe you but just in certain parts for some strange reason. And they apparently did not believe Danielle Kealy at all. Laughable! Also with the damages (60k and 188k, interesting choice of figures it seems they didn’t believe Nikita much either. How could they, her original story was she was gang raped by security and chased from the hotel on foot. "Absolute nonsense. How these lies were accepted, I will never know. A court of feeling and opinion, brainwashed in to people via the mainstream media. Not of fact! The reporting in court a laughing stock to everyone present. As clear as day bias. This is not a court of hard evidence and truth." DON'T MISS: UFC president Dana White makes Donald Trump U-turn after election victory Jon Jones handed suspension after brutal ending to UFC 309 fight Dave Portnoy takes aim at Zach Bryan after UFC star gets caught up in feud He added: "It is a kangaroo court of opinions and feelings. We are not done yet. Not by a long shot. No chance. On we fight! Justice and truth will prevail! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! As well as other. Congrats James! Onwards and upwards!" Speaking after the conclusion of the civil trial, Ms Hand issued a statement as she expressed gratitude for the support she has received during proceedings. She said: "I would like to start off by saying I’m overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.” “I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this trial. For every person who reached out to me – a card, a letter, an email, everything – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Thank you, I really appreciate it so much. Ms Hand added: "I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter’s, my family and friends tremendously. It’s something that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. Now that justice has been served, I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family and friends and daughter."
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