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The U.S. leads the world in developing artificial intelligence technology, surpassing China in research and other important measures of AI innovation, according to a newly released Stanford University index. There’s no surefire way to rank global AI leadership but Stanford researchers made an attempt by measuring the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across various dimensions, from how much research and investment is happening to how responsibly the technology is being pursued to prevent harm. “The gap is actually widening” between the U.S. and China, said computer scientist Ray Perrault, director of the steering committee that runs Stanford’s AI Index. “The U.S. is investing a lot more, at least at the level of firm creation and firm funding.” The California-based university’s Institute for Human-Centered AI — which has ties to Silicon Valley’s tech industry — released the report as government AI officials from the U.S. and several allies met in San Francisco to compare notes on AI safety measures. Here’s which countries made the top 10: The U.S. ranks No. 1 on Stanford’s list and has consistently held that position since 2018 when it overtook China. It far outpaced China in private AI investment, which hit $67.2 billion in the U.S. last year compared to $7.8 billion in China, according to the report. It also leads in publishing responsible AI research. It’s no surprise that the home of commercial AI powerhouses such as Google and Meta, along with relative newcomers like OpenAI and Anthropic, produced many notable AI models that influence how the technology is being developed and applied. The U.S. also gets some points for having a number of AI-related laws on the books, though Congress has yet to pass any broad AI regulations. China requested far more patents than any other country regarding generative AI, the U.N. intellectual property agency said this year. Stanford researchers counted that as one measure of China’s strong growth in AI innovation but not enough to lead the pack. Still, the report says that “China’s focus on developing cutting-edge AI technologies and increasing its R&D investments has positioned it as a major AI powerhouse.” China’s universities produced a large number of AI-related research publications and it has commercial leaders developing notable AI models, such as Baidu and its chatbot Ernie. Coming in at No. 3 is the UK, which also ranked high in research and development, and educational infrastructure due to top computer science universities churning out a skilled AI workforce. It’s also home to Google’s AI subsidiary DeepMind, whose co-founder recently won a Nobel Prize; and “had more mentions of AI in parliamentary proceedings” than any other country. Last year, the UK hosted the world’s first international AI safety summit. Close behind the UK was India, thanks to a “strong AI research community,” improvements in economic investments tied to AI and a robust public discourse about AI on social media, according to the report. The UAE’s deliberate focus on AI appears to have paid off in the Middle Eastern nation’s fifth-place score. It was one of the top locations for AI investments. Microsoft this year said it will invest $1.5 billion in UAE-based tech firm G42, which is overseen by the country’s powerful national security adviser. Based in Abu Dhabi, G42 runs data centers and has built what’s considered the world’s leading Arabic-language AI model, known as Jais. Rounding out the top 10 are France at No. 6, followed by South Korea, Germany, Japan and Singapore. France, home to the buzzy AI startup Mistral, ranked high in AI policy and governance. Both it and Germany are part of the European Union’s sweeping new AI Act that places safeguards on a range of AI applications based on how risky they are. The EU also follows the U.S. in developing a plan to expand semiconductor production within the bloc. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The chancellor of the Australian National University, Julie Bishop, has made a strong defence of ANU vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell's role with Intel Corporation. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue The main union at the ANU had said there was a potential conflict of interest because Professor Bell was a vice-president and a senior fellow at Intel Corporation. She severed the link in November. In September, Intel won a US$3.5 billion (A$5.6 billion) contract to manufacture computer chips for the US military. "The involvement of ANU's vice-chancellor with Intel thus raises significant questions around potential implications under Australia's tight laws on foreign interference and defence security," a letter signed by the leadership of the National Tertiary Education Union to Education Minister Jason Clare said. But the ANU chancellor has written to the university's governing council saying the links with the American corporation were well-known - and, indeed, an asset for the university. "We considered her ongoing association would continue to enhance her international profile and networks for the benefit of ANU," Ms Bishop wrote to her fellow ANU council members. "I was, and remain satisfied, that it was appropriate for the vice-chancellor to maintain her association with Intel, given the limited nature of the role, the due diligence I had undertaken on behalf of the council, and her ongoing commitment to abide by the disclosure requirements." But the Australian Financial Review reported last week that members of the ANU's "governing body say they have no recollection of an agreement for new vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell to continue working for global technology company Intel ever being mentioned". Ms Bishop said in her letter to the ANU council that the committee that appointed Professor Bell to the vice-chancellorship was aware of the Intel link. "Professor Bell's role at Intel was disclosed in detail to that committee, was prominent in her CV, her written application and the candidate report, and was discussed during her presentations to the committee." Vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell, left, and chancellor Julie Bishop. Pictures by Gary Ramage, Sitthixay Ditthaovng The role of chancellor and vice-chancellor of universities, including the ANU, is often likened to that of the chairperson of a company board and the chief executive. They are equals who work in tandem. Both have been embattled recently as the ANU tries to get its deficit of spending over income down, including through making staff redundant . Professor Bell took a 10 per cent cut to her salary of just over $1 million dollars as part of the measures to reduce ANU's ongoing costs by $250 million by early 2026. But a plea to staff to forego a pay-rise was rejected by the staff. Ms Bishop, a former federal Liberal minister, was criticised for the blunt way she portrayed the cuts as staff prepared to vote. Some at the university thought her response hardened staff attitudes. She was asked by The Canberra Times if it was fair of the university to ask staff to give up their pay rises when they believed they had not caused its financial problems. "It depends to whom you refer," Ms Bishop replied, "because many members of staff have been part of the inefficiencies that the university is now seeking to address." On Tuesday last week, a group of ANU alumni wrote to the Australian National Audit Office , stating it had "extensively consulted with ANU alumni and staff". "In view of the crisis engulfing the ANU, we request, that as a matter of urgency, the Australian National Audit Office undertake a financial audit and an audit of the governance of the ANU," the letter said. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Steve Evans Reporter Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues." Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues." More from Canberra Forget the stink: why you should just eat the bugs in your backyard 9m ago No comment s 'Refuse to be that player': Kyrgios bullish on eve of his comeback tournament 9m ago No comment s Bishop defends ANU vice-chancellor's 'appropriate' links with Intel Corporation 9m ago Konstas to debut at MCG, Head not certain to play Government considering new penalties for dodgy legal claims after PwC saga No comment s Person with infectious measles stopped off at a Riverina service station Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... WEEKDAYS The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Loading... DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Loading... WEEKDAYS The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Loading... 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Johnstown students earn top honors at 'We the People' competition in NYC

International Civil Aviation Day aims to raise global awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of states, as well as ICAO’s unique role in fostering cooperation and establishing a global, rapid transit network for the benefit of all. With the adoption of Agenda 2030 by the UN and nations worldwide, a new era in global sustainable development has begun. In this context, the role of aviation as a key driver of global connectivity is more crucial than ever, aligning with the Chicago Convention’s objectives to view international flight as a fundamental enabler of global peace and prosperity. In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly declared 7 December to be International Civil Aviation Day. The day has been celebrated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) since 7 December 1994, marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries, the ICAO Council establishes a special theme for the celebration of International Civil Aviation Day. In the years between these anniversaries, the Council selects a single theme to cover the entire four-year period. The Council has decided that the theme for the period leading up to 2023 will be: ‘Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development.’ Aviation is a mode of transportation that enables people to travel quickly between locations. As technology continues to evolve, advancements in aviation must be implemented for the benefit of people worldwide. As a developing country, Myanmar allocates its budget to upgrading airports and aviation facilities, with the private sector also working to enhance aviation services for the public. The government’s aviation services include air traffic control, navigation, and airport services for international flights. As a result, government organizations are striving to provide better services and facilities for both domestic and international flights. In today’s technological era, everyone must enjoy fundamental human rights. No one has the authority to infringe upon the rights of others. People around the world must unite in solidarity, offering support to one another in overcoming challenges, particularly in the transportation sector. Myanmar, for its part, has always refrained from any destructive actions in aviation services and remains ready to assist other countries by providing aviation support for disaster relief. To date, Myanmar and its neighbouring countries continue to cooperate in maintaining aviation services for their people, contributing to the global development of aviation.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Tuesday the government "would not accept any pressure" from the new US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or release its party founder Imran Khan. When questioned about potential pressure from the Trump administration in view of its loyalist Richard Grenell's tweet demanding Imran's release, Sanaullah replied: "We would not work under pressure of Donald Trump [...] if any intervention is made then we would consider it as interference in our sovereignty." Grenell, who has been picked by Trump as "envoy for special missions" earlier this month, had called for release of former premier Imran — who remains incarcerated at the Adiala jail since August last year — via writing "Release Imran Khan" on X last month. The premier's aide, who is also one of the members of the government's negotiation committee, further said that they did not commence dialogue with the major opposition party due to Trump. He stressed that negotiations should be held bilaterally between the treasury and the opposition. He also said that Pakistan had witnessed ups and downs in its bilateral ties with the US, however, Islamabad would not accept anything against its national interests. To another question, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader replied that the federal government would not create obstacles if the Imran Khan-founded party seeks "conclusive and time-bound" talks. He, however, said that it won't be possible if both sides agreed on all demands during the talks, adding that the government was not in haste to summon meetings immediately. He was pointing towards the recent statement of the embattled PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan in which he sought government's “timeframe” in connection with progress on their demands after the latter met Imran at Adiala Jail today. “Dialogues should be held within [a specified] timeframe,” Gohar said, quoting the incarcerated PTI founder, urging the incumbent government to make progress. The PTI founder expressed his satisfaction over initiating the negotiation process, he added. Responding to a question, the PTI chairman said that matters related to the civil disobedience movement were not discussed in the meeting. The development came a day after the ruling coalition and the PTI came to table to defuse political tensions in the cash-strapped country. Negotiating committees, formed by the government and the PTI, conducted their much-hyped meeting in a conducive environment and resolved to continue dialogue process a day ago. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who presided over the meeting, had said that the next session will be held on January 2 and PTI’s team would present a charter of their demands in the huddle.AP Business SummaryBrief at 6:41 p.m. ESTAdam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years'

At least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank around the city of Tulkarem on Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, including three people it said were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a second somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Israel's bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage by Palestinian militants. Around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza , although only two thirds are believed to still be alive. Here’s the latest: NUR SHAMS REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank — The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank on Tuesday. The ministry reported three of the dead were killed by airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. An Associated Press photojournalist captured images of Israeli forces detonating an explosive device planted by Palestinian militants during a raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Israel has carried out several large-scale raids in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. While airstrikes were once rare in the West Bank, they have grown more common since the outbreak of war as Israeli forces clamp down, saying they aim to prevent attacks on their citizens. Israeli fire has killed at least 800 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, Palestinian health officials say. In that time, Palestinian militants have launched a number of attacks on soldiers at checkpoints and within Israel. SAYDNAYA, Syria — A large crowd of Syrians gathered near a historic monastery in Saydnaya on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing green lights. Tuesday's celebration offered a rare moment of joy in a city scarred by over a decade of war and an infamous prison , where tens of thousands were held. Families and friends stood beneath the illuminated tree — some wearing Santa hats, others watching from rooftops — while a band played festive music and fireworks lit up the sky “This year is different, there’s happiness, victory and a new birth for Syria and a new birth for Christ,” said Houssam Saadeh, one attendee. Another, Joseph Khabbaz, expressed hope for unity across all sects and religions in Syria, dismissing recent Christmas tree vandalism as “isolated incidents.” Earlier in the afternoon, pilgrims visited the historic Our Lady of Saydnaya Monastery, one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, believed to be built in the sixth century. In Homs, a similarly grand Christmas tree was illuminated as security officers patrolled the area to ensure a safe and peaceful gathering, according to Syria’s state media. UNITED NATIONS -- Recent attacks on hospitals in North Gaza, where Israel is carrying out an offensive, are having a devastating impact on Palestinian civilians still in the area, the U.N. humanitarian office says. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed deep concern at reports that the Israeli military entered the Indonesian Hospital on Tuesday, forcing its evacuation. The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, also expressed deep concern at attacks reported in recent days in and around the two other hospitals in North Gaza that are minimally functioning – Al Awda and Kamal Adwan. OCHA said the Israeli siege on Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and parts of Jaballiya in North Gaza continued for a 79th day on Tuesday, and while the U.N. and its partners have made 52 attempts to coordinate humanitarian access to besieged areas in December 48 were rejected by Israel. While four missions were approved, OCHA said the U.N. and its partners faced impediments as a result of Israeli military operations and “none of the U.N.-coordinated attempts to access the area have been fully facilitated.” Throughout the Gaza Strip, OCHA said that Israeli authorities facilitated just 40% of requests for humanitarian movements requiring their approval in December. WASHINGTON — A leading global food crisis monitor says deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in north Gaza as soon as next month. The U.S.-created Famine Early Warning System Network says that’s because of a near-total Israeli blockade of food and other aid in that part of Gaza. The finding, however, appears to have exposed a rift within the Biden administration over the extent of starvation in northern Gaza. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, disputes part of the data used in reaching the conclusion and calls the intensified famine warning “irresponsible.” Northern Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its 14-month war with Hamas militants. UNITED NATIONS — Israel’s foreign minister has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to condemn recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and to condemn the group's Iranian allies for allegedly providing the group with weapons. Gideon Saar said in a letter Tuesday to Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the council presidency this month, that the Houthis are violating international law and council resolutions. “This Iranian-backed terrorist group continues to endanger Israel’s and other nations’ security, as well as the freedom of maritime navigation, in flagrant violation of international law,” Saar said. “All of this malign activity is done as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.” The U.S. Mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to an email asking when the council meeting will be held. The Houthis have said they launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea – and on Israel -- with the aim of ending Israel’s devastating air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli war in Gaza followed Hamas’ deadly October 2023 attacks in southern Israel. TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli military investigation has concluded that the presence of troops inadvertently contributed to the deaths of six hostages killed by their Hamas captors in Gaza. The hostages' bodies were discovered in a tunnel in late August, an event that shook Israel and sparked some of the largest anti-war protests since the war began. The investigation found that the six hostages were killed by multiple gunshots from their captors after surviving for nearly 330 days. The Israeli military’s “ground activities in the area, although gradual and cautious, had a circumstantial influence on the terrorists’ decision to murder the six hostages,” the report found. According to the investigation, the Israeli military began operating in the area where the hostages were being held in southern Gaza about two weeks before their discovery, under the assumption that the chances of hostages in the area was medium to low. On August 27, hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi was found alone in a tunnel , causing the Israeli military to halt operations for 24 hours to determine if there could be other hostages in the area. The military discovered the opening leading to the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were located on August 30. A pathological report estimated the six hostages were killed on August 29. The six hostages killed were Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin , whose American-Israeli parents became some of the most recognized spokespeople pleading for the hostages’ release, including addressing the Democratic National Convention days before their son’s killing. “The investigation published tonight proves once again that the return of all hostages will only be possible through a deal,” the Hostages Families Forum said in response to the investigation. “Every passing moment puts the hostages’ lives in immediate danger.” JERUSALEM — The Israeli negotiating team working on a ceasefire returned from Qatar to Israel on Tuesday, the prime minister’s office said, after what it called “a significant week” of talks. After months of deadlock, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to reach a deal. According to Egyptian and Hamas officials, the proposed agreement would take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel says Hamas is holding 100 hostages, over one-third of whom are believed to be dead. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “some progress” in efforts to reach a deal, but added he did not know how long it would take. CAIRO — Israeli soldiers took control of a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. Some of the patients had to walk to another hospital while others were driven by paramedics, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi. He did not specify how many patients had evacuated. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. The army later said its soldiers had left the hospital. The military said it had assisted with evacuating the patients and had not ordered the hospital closed. However, al-Wahidi said only one doctor and maintenance person were left behind. The Indonesian Hospital is one of three hospitals left largely inaccessible in the northernmost part of Gaza because Israel has imposed a tight siege there since launching an offensive in early October. The Israeli army said Tuesday’s operation at the Indonesian Hospital came after militants carried out attacks from the hospital for the past month, including launching anti-tank missiles and planting explosive devices in the surrounding area. The Health Ministry accused Israel of “besieging and directly targeting” the three hospitals in northern Gaza. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said Israeli drones detonated explosives near the hospital and that 20 people were wounded, including five medical staff. The Israeli military declined to comment on the operation around the hospital. DAMASCUS — Scores of Syrian Christians protested in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, demanding greater protections for their religious minority after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama a day earlier. Many of the insurgents who now rule Syria are jihadis, although Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and spent years depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. It remains unclear who set the Christmas tree on fire Monday, which was condemned by a representative of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who visited the town and addressed the community. “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations," the HTS representative said in a video widely shared on social media. "The Christmas tree will be fully restored by this evening.” On Tuesday, protesters marched through the streets of Bab Touma in Damascus, shouting slogans against foreign fighters and carrying large wooden crosses. “We demand that Syria be for all Syrians. We want a voice in the future of our country,” said Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church as he addressed the crowd in a church courtyard, assuring them of Christians’ rights in Syria. Since HTS led a swift offensive that overthrew President Bashar Assad earlier this month, Syria’s minority communities have been on edge, uncertain of how they will be treated under the emerging rebel-led government. “We are here to demand a democratic and free government for one people and one nation,” another protester said. “We stand united — Muslims and Christians. No to sectarianism.” DOHA — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that ceasefire negotiations to end the war in Gaza were ongoing in Doha in cooperation with Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators. “We will not leave any door unopened in pursuit of reaching an agreement,” said Majid al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday. Al Ansari added that rumors the ceasefire would be reached before Christmas are “speculation.” The ceasefire negotiations come at a time when winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. Families of the approximately 100 hostages who have been held for 445 days in Gaza are also worried their loved ones will not survive another winter. In a press conference, al-Ansari also called on the international community to lift sanctions on Syria as quickly as possible on Tuesday. “The reason was the crimes of the previous regime, and that regime, with all of its authority, is no longer in place, therefor the causes for these sanctions no longer exist today,” he said. DAMASCUS, Syria — American journalist Austin Tice is believed to be still alive, according to the head of an international aid group. Nizar Zakka, who runs the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization, said there has never been any proof that Tice, who has been missing since 2012, is dead. Zakka told reporters in Damascus on Tuesday that Tice was alive in January and being held by the authorities of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad. He added that U.S. President Joe Biden said in August that Tice was alive. Zakka said he believes Tice was transferred between security agencies over the past 12 years, including in an area where Iranian-backed fighters were operating. Asked if it was possible Tice had been taken out of the country, Zakka said Assad most likely kept him in Syria as a potential bargaining chip. Biden said Dec. 8 that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, although he also acknowledged that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. TEL AVIV, Israel — Hannah Katzir, an Israeli woman who was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, and freed in a brief ceasefire last year, has died. She was 78. The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the families of people taken captive, confirmed the death Tuesday but did not disclose the cause. Her daughter, Carmit Palty Katzir, said in a statement that her mother’s “heart could not withstand the terrible suffering since Oct. 7.” Katzir’s husband, Rami, was killed during the attack by militants who raided their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her son Elad was also kidnapped and his body was recovered in April by the Israeli military, who said he had been killed in captivity. She spent 49 days in captivity and was freed in late November 2023. Shortly after Katzir was freed, her daughter told Israeli media that she had been hospitalized with heart issues attributed to “difficult conditions and starvation” while she was held captive. TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's military said the projectile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, but it set off air raid sirens overnight in the country's populous central area, sending residents looking for cover. Israel’s rescue service Magen David Adom said a 60-year-old woman was seriously wounded after being hurt on her way to a protected space. There was no immediate comment from Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. It was the third time in a week that fire from Yemen set off sirens in Israel. On Saturday, a missile slammed into a playground in Tel Aviv, injuring 16, after Israel’s air defense system failed to intercept it. Earlier last week, Israeli jets struck Yemen’s rebel-held capital and a port city, killing nine. Israel said the strikes were in response to previous Houthi attacks.The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has revealed many Americans’ fury and frustrations with their health insurance coverage. They have taken to social media to relay their stories, even as others have said they like their coverage . CNN would like to talk to readers about their experiences using their health insurance, both good and bad, for a future story.ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (the “Fund”), a closed-end fund traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FINS, today declared a distribution of $0.109 per share for the month of December 2024. The record date for the distribution is December 17, 2024, and the payable date is December 31, 2024. The Fund will trade ex-distribution on December 17, 2024. The Fund seeks to pay a distribution at a rate that reflects net investment income actually earned. A portion of each distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net investment income, including but not limited to short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, or return of capital. As required by Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice will be distributed to shareholders in the event that a portion of a monthly distribution is derived from sources other than undistributed net investment income. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of these distributions will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its fiscal year and will be made after the Fund’s year end. The Fund will send to investors a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will define how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Angel Oak does not provide tax advice; shareholders should consult their tax advisor. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect a fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” ABOUT FINS Led by Angel Oak’s experienced financial services team, FINS invests predominantly in U.S. financial sector debt as well as selective opportunities across financial sector preferred and common equity. Under normal circumstances, at least 50% of FINS’ portfolio is publicly rated investment grade or, if unrated, judged to be of investment grade quality by Angel Oak. ABOUT ANGEL OAK CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC Angel Oak Capital Advisors is an investment management firm focused on providing compelling fixed-income investment solutions to its clients. Backed by a value-driven approach, Angel Oak Capital Advisors seeks to deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns through a combination of stable current income and price appreciation. Its experienced investment team seeks the best opportunities in fixed income, with a specialization in mortgage-backed securities and other areas of structured credit. Information regarding the Fund and Angel Oak Capital Advisors can be found at www.angeloakcapital.com . Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and ongoing expenses of an investment carefully before investing. For more information please contact your investment representative or Destra Capital Advisors LLC at 877.855.3434. © 2024 Angel Oak Capital Advisors, which is the investment adviser to the Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203558524/en/ CONTACT: Media: Trevor Davis, Gregory FCA for Angel Oak Capital Advisors 443-248-0359 trevor@gregoryfca.comCompany : Randy Chrisman, Chief Marketing & Corporate IR Officer, Angel Oak Capital Advisors 404-953-4969 randy.chrisman@angeloakcapital.com KEYWORD: GEORGIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203558524/en

TEXAS, USA — The Texas Supreme Court on Friday overturned a lower court ruling that would have made state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in a whistleblower lawsuit at the heart of impeachment charges brought against him in 2023 . The court on Friday said Paxton’s office does not dispute any issue in the lawsuit by four former Paxton employees and agreed to any judgment in the case. “In a major win for the State of Texas, the state Supreme Court has sided with Attorney General Paxton against former OAG employees whose effort to prolong costly, politically-motivated litigation against the agency has wasted public resources for years," a statement from Paxton's office said. An attorney for one of the plaintiffs declined immediate comment, and a second attorney did not immediately return a phone call for comment. The former employees allege they were improperly fired or forced out for bringing to the FBI allegations that Paxton was misusing his office to protect a friend and campaign donor, who in turn, they said, was helping the attorney general to conceal an extramarital affair. The Supreme Court ruling noted that the Texas governor and Legislature have expressed a desire to hear testimony from the witnesses prior to agreeing to appropriate funds to settle the lawsuit. The court said forcing Paxton, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster, Chief of Staff Lesley French Henneke and senior advisor Michelle Smith to testify earlier could improperly be used for legislative purposes in deciding any appropriation. Under the preliminary deal , Paxton agreed to apologize to the former employees for calling them “rogue” employees, settle the case for $3.3 million and ask the state to pay for it, prompting the state House to reject the request and begin its own investigation, leading to the vote to impeach him. Paxton was ultimately acquitted after a Senate trial. The Supreme Court termed its ruling conditional upon the lower trial court complying with the decision, while saying it is “confident the trial court will comply” with the order.

BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY / ACCESSWIRE / December 6, 2024 / Tharimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq:THAR) ("Tharimmune" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to pioneering therapies in immunology and inflammation, today announced it has entered into a securities purchase agreement to raise gross proceeds of approximately $2.02 million through a private placement. The agreement includes the issuance of 961,446 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents) and warrants to purchase up to an additional 480,723 shares of common stock. Each share (or common stock equivalent) is priced at $2.10 and is accompanied by a warrant. The warrants will have an exercise price of $2.031 per share, becoming exercisable six months after issuance and expiring five and one-half years from the date of issuance. The closing of this transaction is expected on or about December 9, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Strategic Investors and Placement Details The financing was led by Gravitas Capital and SDS Capital Group, alongside other biotechnology-focused private investors. President Street Global served as the exclusive placement agent for the offering, ensuring seamless execution of the transaction. After deducting placement agent fees and other offering-related expenses, the Company intends to allocate the net proceeds toward clinical development, including advancing its flagship TH104 development program, as well as general working capital. Advancing Innovation in Biotechnology This financing reinforces Tharimmune's commitment to advancing its portfolio of therapeutic candidates. TH104, the Company's lead clinical asset, is designed to address chronic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare and challenging autoimmune liver disease. Regulatory Details The securities in this private placement were offered under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D thereunder. The shares of common stock and underlying warrants are not registered under the Securities Act or state securities laws. The Company has agreed to file a resale registration statement covering these securities to enable their future trading upon registration or qualification under applicable laws. About Tharimmune Tharimmune, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies in immunology, inflammation, and oncology. The Company's lead product candidate, TH104, leverages a unique transdermal buccal film technology designed to address inflammatory conditions, including pruritus associated with PBC. Tharimmune is also advancing TH023, an oral TNF-alpha inhibitor, and exploring novel multi-specific biologics targeting solid tumors. Through a licensing agreement with OmniAb, Inc., the Company harnesses cutting-edge antibody discovery platforms to target specified disease markers. Learn more at www.tharimmune.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding the timing and design of Tharimmune's future Phase 2 trial, Tharimmune's strategy, future operations, future financial position, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "depends," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences, include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other periodic reports filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this release. Subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's views to change; however, the Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release. Contact Information Tharimmune, Inc. ir@tharimmune.com Alliance Advisors IR Tirth T. Patel tpatel@allianceadvisors.com 212-201-6614 SOURCE: Tharimmune, Inc. View the original on accesswire.comAdam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years'Pierpont aviation facility project at NCWV Airport still on track, officials say

He delves inside with images of staircases, ceilings, tiles, chimneypieces and the only green organ in Ireland, found at St Fintan’s Church in Durrow, Co Laois , featuring angels carrying a family crest. His choice includes ruins of castles, mansions and the remains of a humble gate lodge. O’Byrne has also edited A Vanishing World: The Irish Country House Photographs of Father Browne (Messenger Publications, €25.00). Black-and- white interiors of 20 houses and castles, including those at Lismore, Dromoland, Dunsany, and Malahide , are brought back to life through the remarkable photographic legacy of the Jesuit priest and amateur photographer Fr Francis Browne . Historical context and personal anecdotes by O’Byrne enrich the visual narrative of these houses which were taken at a time when the buildings were not open to the public. [ Ireland’s beautiful ruined buildings and abandoned architectural grandeur Opens in new window ] The cultural historian and writer Peter Harbison, who died in May 2023, produced an unrivalled legacy of scholarly books on Ireland but also left behind a posthumous publication, Medieval Mayo: Churches and Abbeys (Mayo County Council, €25). Archaeology and built heritage were a fascination and the book showcases a selection of the county ’s religious stone monuments created during 1,000 years from AD 600 to 1600. Early medieval sites from 13 locations such as Caher Island, Inishglora and Mayo Abbey are discussed, before focusing on the late medieval, AD 1200-1500. This period, which includes two of the most important centuries in Ireland’s ecclesiastical history, covers the religious orders of the Cistercians, Augustinian Canons and friars, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Franciscans. A wider tour of the country and its built heritage is highlighted in For the Love of Ireland’s Buildings: Treasures from fifty years of the Roadstone Calendar (O’Brien Press, €29.99) by Michael Lunt. The calendar, which celebrated the best of the country’s architecture and engineering, hung in many homes. Browse the pages to discover atmospheric workers’ cottages, mansions, lighthouses, harbours and bridges. Pen portraits from the original Roadstone calendars by the architect Sean Rothery, writer Bernard Share and maritime historian John de Courcy Ireland, outline historical and environmental details. The architectural embroidery of the materials that make these buildings does not always receive due attention, but Brickmaking in Ireland: A Gazetteer by Susan Roundtree (Wordwell €40), is filled with insight into brickfields which in the 19th century were found in every county. Most brick in Irish buildings was made locally and there is a rich social and industrial aspect associated with their production. This book may encourage readers to visit some of the areas discussed, such as the spectacular Gothic ruin Duckett’s Grove, near Carlow town. Despite its roofless state, the granite stone masonry is in excellent condition and is extensively lined with brick. Several hundred photographs, many in colour, are interspersed throughout the text showing disparate facade styles such as polychromatic exterior, diaper patterning or terracotta detail; the endpapers comprise decorated bricks stamped with the names of the companies. The fabric of buildings and the bricks that made them is a fascinating story and it is fair to say that this superb study will be the standard textbook on the subject for many years to come. [ Brick by brick – An Irishman’s Diary on the brickworks of Ireland Opens in new window ] The enthusiasm for colourising books continues apace. Timeless Colours: Waterford (Merrion Press, €22.99) by Ian Hannigan, celebrates the history of the Déise with more than 100 images from 1840–1960. Through a combination of artificial intelligence technology and historical research, the author steps back in time bringing alive the past with a new energy. Wide shots feature The Clock Tower, Broad Street, and The Mall, while numerous buildings such as the Granville Hotel, and a variety of shopfronts are reanimated. At The Home and Colonial Stores, shop assistants proudly stand outside their premises. A beautifully lit shot shows a sausage-making room at the Denny factory while another features workers baking the famed Waterford “blaa” at Adair’s Bakehouse. Other highlights include the Dromana Hindu-Gothic Gate near Villierstown – the best surviving example of this style of architecture in Ireland – which is afforded a freshly coloured and evocative new lease of life, and Robert French’s original photograph of The Square in Portlaw, the Quaker Model Village. There are few better places for uncovering local history than churches and their surroundings, and Andrew Ziminski’s Church Going: A Stonemason’s Guide to the Churches of the British Isles (Profile, £25) brims with enthusiasm. The author, who is a conservator and restores gravestones, states that he has probably visited more churches than the Archbishop of Canterbury. The book is divided into three parts: In and Around the Churchyard, the Church Exterior, and the Church Interior. Sections on Gothic architecture cover gargoyles and grotesques, battlements and buttresses, parapets and pinnacles. On one of his visits to Ireland on a frosty winter morning, Ziminski singles out the high cross at Monasterboice as being the most remarkable of all Irish crosses: “When the low sun introduced a dramatic contrast of light and shadow across the carvings, which reveal themselves in sparkling sequence as the sun’s rays pass from east to west.” He has a passion for bullaun stones, the cylindrical hollows cut into boulders for devotional purposes, where the water in them is said to have curative qualities. There are, he states, a total of 837 bullaun stones throughout Ireland, while 360 Ogham stones survive in open country and churchyards. At the early monastic site of Kilmalkedar on the Dingle Peninsula, with its bullauns and holed Ogham standing stone, the author notes the unusual free-standing Mass dial cut from a single upright stone in the eighth century. On a visit to Strandhill on Sligo Bay he is enthralled by the story of how St Patrick is believed to have lost a tooth at Killaspugbrone church. It has said to have been kept there for many years until a reliquary was made in the 12th century that allowed it to be carried around the countryside for public veneration. The reliquary is now in the National Museum in Dublin. Another area of interest is in Sheela-na-gigs found in Ireland and Britain, and the author even uncovers a rare Séan-na-gig on the Hebridean island of Harris. Paul Clements is a contributor to The Irish Times

World’s oldest surviving market running for 1,000 YEARS holds its final Christmas meat auction before it CLOSESHow major US stock indexes fared Friday, 12/6/2024

Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 PalestiniansUwill Founder & CEO Michael London Named Innovator in Healthcare“Squid Game” Season 2 review: More brutal, aggressive, and bizarre than the originalCentoni, EVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco, Brings Proven Expertise in Elevating Customer Success PLEASANTON, Calif. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Workday, Inc . (NASDAQ: WDAY), a leading provider of solutions to help organizations manage their people and money , today announced the election of Liz Centoni, executive vice president and chief customer experience officer at Cisco, to its board of directors. Centoni is a seasoned leader who has a passion for leveraging technology to drive customer success and deliver unparalleled experiences. Throughout her career, Centoni has been spearheading initiatives that have significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. "Liz's passion for championing customer success aligns perfectly with our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, making her an ideal addition to our Board," said Carl Eschenbach , CEO, Workday. "Her expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that we continue to exceed customer expectations as we innovate and grow." Centoni has held a range of senior engineering and strategy roles during her 24 years at Cisco. In 2024, she led the company's $28 billion acquisition of Splunk, positioning Cisco at the forefront of the AI revolution. Centoni was also instrumental in developing Cisco's responsible AI framework, and has advocated for equity in tech at events including World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting. She is an active mentor and sponsor of underrepresented groups, including serving as Cisco's global executive sponsor for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program. "Joining Workday's board is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a company that shares my passion for empowering people and organizations through innovative technology and AI," said Liz Centoni , executive vice president and chief customer experience officer, Cisco. "I'm eager to leverage my experience to further strengthen Workday's customer-centric approach and contribute to its continued growth." Centoni's appointment is effective as of today. About Workday Workday is a leading enterprise platform that helps organizations manage their most important assets – their people and money . The Workday platform is built with AI at the core to help customers elevate people, supercharge work, and move their business forever forward. Workday is used by more than 10,500 organizations around the world and across industries – from medium-sized businesses to more than 60% of the Fortune 500. For more information about Workday, visit workday.com . © 2024 Workday, Inc. All rights reserved. Workday and the Workday logo are registered trademarks of Workday, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding Workday's plans, beliefs, and expectations. These forward-looking statements are based only on currently available information and our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. If the risks materialize, assumptions prove incorrect, or we experience unexpected changes in circumstances, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not rely on any forward-looking statements. Risks include, but are not limited to, risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K and other reports that we have filed and will file with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. Workday assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by law. Any unreleased services, features, or functions referenced in this document, our website, or other press releases or public statements that are not currently available are subject to change at Workday's discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at all. Customers who purchase Workday services should make their purchase decisions based upon services, features, and functions that are currently available. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/workday-appoints-liz-centoni-to-its-board-of-directors-302321567.html SOURCE Workday Inc.

What to consider when exchanging currencyCaitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Wemby at The Garden. LeBron vs. Steph. The NBA's Christmas Day lineup, as always, has star power LeBron James made his Christmas debut in 2003. Victor Wembanyama was born 10 days later. That’s right: James has been featured on the NBA’s big day for longer than Wembanyama has been alive. And on Wednesday the league’s oldest player and brightest young star will be big parts of the holiday showcase. It’s another Christmas quintupleheader, with Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks, Minnesota going to Dallas for a Western Conference finals rematch, Philadelphia heading to Boston to renew a storied rivalry, James and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and Denver playing at Phoenix. Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Steelers and Ravens will edge the Texans on Christmas Day Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins It was the most surprising first-round pick in a long time when the Atlanta Falcons chose Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall selection in the NFL draft last April. That came just six weeks after the Falcons had signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million in guarantees. But that move is no longer a head-scratcher after Penix's solid starting debut in place of a benched and turnover-prone Cousins. Several teams have fared well with new quarterbacks this season including the Steelers, Broncos, Vikings and Commanders. Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could start a trend in skiing. And pro sports in general ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could be the start of a trend in ski racing. The 40-year-old American standout had replacement surgery in April and returned to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years last weekend. She says her knee feels “amazing" and that "it’s something to seriously consider for athletes that have a lot of knee problems.” Her surgery was the first of its kind in World Cup skiing. Vonn had a robot-assisted surgery in April with part of the bone in her right knee cut off and replaced by two titanium pieces. She was planning her comeback a month later. Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship moments No. 8 and third-seeded Boise State is preparing for its third trip to the Fiesta Bowl. This time it's in a playoff quarterfinal against No. 5 and sixth-seeded Penn State on New Year’s Eve. Boise State's first appearance on the national stage was in a memorable victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007. But former coach Chris Petersen said the victory in that bowl three years later over TCU was even more meaningful for the program. Players have mixed feelings about being on the road on Christmas as NFL adds more holiday games OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Games on Christmas aren’t new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL’s longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. That's been met with mixed feelings among the players. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley says there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum’s house. Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. Embiid ejected after drawing 2 technicals in game against Wembanyama and Spurs PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the first half of Monday night’s game against San Antonio after drawing two technical fouls. Referee Jenna Schroeder ejected Embiid with 2 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter. The seven-time All-Star received the first technical for arguing with Schroeder, and received another technical — and ejection — from Schroeder before any more game time elapsed. Embiid was close to Schroeder, but it wasn’t clear from replays whether he made contact with the official. An enraged Embiid charged toward the officials after the ejection and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, head coach Nick Nurse and several assistants. Nikki Glaser uses Prime Video's NFL postgame show appearances to help prepare for Golden Globes INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nikki Glaser has become a familiar face to football fans this season. Her breakthrough performance at the Tom Brady Roast on May 5 paved the way for five appearances on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” postgame show. Glaser said before last Thursday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers that doing her “Late Hits” segment was a no-brainer following her success at the Brady roast. Leaving Thunder, Bucks off the NBA's Christmas game list has those teams feeling snubbed Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference and has a MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Milwaukee has the NBA’s leading scorer in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They were the teams that made their way to the NBA Cup final. By any measure, they’re both very good teams. And neither will play on Christmas Day this year. Bah, humbug. The NBA faces the same challenge every summer, figuring out which 10 teams will get the honor of playing on Christmas Day. But the Bucks and Thunder are right to feel snubbed.

Health experts call for a return of social distancing as cases surge across UK this Christmas

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS): Samajwadi Party (SP) legislator Rais Shaikh has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the state government to hold the long-overdue elections to local bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), before March 7, 2025. The letter, also addressed to Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, highlights the prolonged delay in restoring democratic governance to local bodies across Maharashtra. In his letter, Shaikh stressed that the BMC, the largest local government body in Asia, has been functioning without elected representatives since March 7, 2022, when its previous term ended. The current administrator is set to complete three years in office by March 7, 2025. "It is not a matter of pride for Indian democracy that the financial capital of the country has been run for so long without people's representatives," he stated. Shaikh also pointed out that elections to 29 municipal corporations, 228 municipal councils, 29 Nagar Panchayats, 26 Zilla Parishads, and 289 Panchayat Samitis in the state remain pending. He demanded that these elections, including those for the BMC, be conducted without further delay to uphold democratic principles. Following the state Assembly elections, political parties are preparing for local body elections, including those for the BMC, which is the wealthiest civic body in the country. On February 2, it presented a Rs 59,954.75 crore budget for the year 2024-25. However, sources indicate that these elections are unlikely to take place before April due to ongoing Supreme Court cases concerning the number of wards, the number of councillors per ward, and the process for the wards' formation. Elections for all 29 municipal corporations in the state, as well as approximately 280 nagar parishads and nagar panchayats, are still pending. These local bodies are currently being managed by administrators. In some cases, elections for municipal corporations have been delayed for 2 to 3 years. Notably, the BMC has been under the administration of an appointed official for two and a half years, following the expiration of its term in March 2022.Watch: Christmas light show dazzles Monmouth, and every other town within miles

Qualcomm CFO Akash Palkhiwala sells $484,616 in stockWall Street's main indexes all closed higher on Tuesday, with gains in megacap and growth stocks bolstering benchmarks in a truncated Christmas Eve session. Both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite scored four straight sessions of gains, with the S&P 500 taking its winning streak to three sessions, marking the first day of the seasonal Santa Claus rally. The Dow had skidded for 10 straight sessions earlier this month, its longest losing streak since 1974. With megacap stocks having outsized influence on markets, their performance is often a key driver of indexes. When coupled with reduced trading volumes and few other catalysts, as many investors take time off for the holidays, this is even more pronounced. All the so-called Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks climbed on Tuesday, led by the 7.4% jump in Tesla shares. The automaker's best one-day gain in six weeks helped push the consumer discretionary index 2.6% higher. It was the top gaining sector in the S&P, with all 11 ending in positive territory. Elsewhere, chip manufacturers were also buoyant. Broadcom and Nvidia rose 3.2% and 0.4%, respectively, while Arm Holdings climbed 3.9%, recouping most of the losses suffered the previous day from losing a court case. Growth names rose despite U.S. Treasury interest rates remaining elevated - the benchmark 10-year note yielded around 4.61% on Tuesday, its highest level since May. Traditionally, higher debt costs crimp growth stocks. However, the long-term themes around technology development, including advancements in artificial intelligence, overshadow any near-term moves in Treasuries, said Charlie Ripley, senior investment strategist for Allianz Investment Management. "This reinforces that view that the sector is going to remain strong, and should be well into the new year," he said. The S&P 500 climbed 65.97 points, or 1.10%, to 6,040.04 points, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 266.24 points, or 1.35%, to 20,031.13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 390.08 points, or 0.91%, to 43,297.03. Stock markets shut at 1:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and will be closed for Christmas on Wednesday. After a stellar run to record highs following the November U.S. election, which sparked hopes of pro-business policies under President-elect Donald Trump, Wall Street's rally hit a bump this month as investors grappled with the prospect of higher interest rates in 2025. The Federal Reserve eased borrowing costs for the third time this year last Wednesday, but signaled only two more 25-basis-point reductions next year, down from its September projection of four cuts, as policymakers weigh the possibility of Trump's policies stoking inflation. Allianz's Ripley said the themes which had driven the market higher in the past two months remained intact, and actions by the Fed had not killed the rally. "Heading into 2025, things are set up with good positioning," he said, noting factors including economic outlook, consumption in the U.S. and the labor market. Crypto-related stocks traded higher on Tuesday, with Microstrategy, Riot Platforms, and MARA Holdings all climbing between 4.7% and 8.1%, as the price of bitcoin advanced. NeueHealth soared 75% after the healthcare provider said New Enterprise Associates, its largest shareholder, and a group of existing investors will take the company private in a $1.3 billion deal. American Airlines' shares edged up 0.6% after trading lower for much of the session. The carrier briefly grounded all its flights in the United States on Tuesday due to an unspecified technical issue. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Seoul, December 30: Transportation safety authorities of the United States plan to help their South Korean counterparts with a probe into the cause of a deadly Jeju Air plane crash that claimed 179 lives, according to a US official on Monday. The accident took place early Sunday, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216 veered off the runway while belly-landing and collided with a fence at the Muan International Airport in Muan County, about 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The crash of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft killed 179 people, with two others having been rescued, reports Yonhap news agency. South Korea Plane Crash: Death Toll Rises to 47 After Jeju Air Flight 2216 Carrying 181 People Catches Fire During Landing at Muan International Airport. In an email statement sent to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has formed a team with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to support South Korean authorities with the investigation. "The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators, that includes the FAA and Boeing, to assist the Republic of Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) with their investigation into the Dec. 29 Jeju Air crash," Donnell Evans, a communications official at the FAA, said. The South Korean government also confirmed the participation of U.S. authorities. "In relation to the accident investigation, the U.S. NTSB has decided to participate, and discussions are under way regarding the participation of Boeing and the engine manufacturer CFM International," Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau at the South Korean transport ministry, said during a press briefing. South Korea Plane Crash: Jeju Air Flight 2216 Burst Into Flames After Skidding off Runway at Muan International Airport, Killing at Least 28 (See Pics and Videos). An official at South Korea's ARAIB, operated under the country's transport ministry, said earlier the flight data recorder recovered from the aircraft has been damaged. "If we have difficulty decoding it here, then we may have to send it to the NTSB," the official said. "They have cases from all over the world to analyze, so it could take quite a bit of time." The accident marked the deadliest aviation disaster in the country since 1997, when a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam, killing 225. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).