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rich9 link Mark Zuckerberg (Image: AP/David Zalubowski) PAYING FOR NEWS Despite the prime minister experiencing yet another bruising week of news coverage, the announcements show no sign of letting up (perhaps there’s an election looming or something). Yesterday we got the childcare subsidies news and today the Albanese government is set to provide details on a plan to force big tech companies to pay for Australian journalism. The Nine newspapers first reported the plans, saying the scheme “seeks to punish platforms such as Facebook for refusing to sign content deals, raising the prospect of a financial penalty if they do not contribute to local news”. The papers say Anthony Albanese is expected to release the plan today with the hope it will pressure social media companies to honour a “bargaining code” with publishers or face the risk of being forced to pay to keep operating in Australia. Meta has previously warned it will no longer pay Australian news companies for content after deals signed with media companies expired earlier this year and threatened to block news content if forced to pay. Google has voluntarily renewed previous agreements but Meta has said it will not, Guardian Australia recalls. The Australian reports that in order to stop platforms from pulling news content to avoid the levy, the proposed scheme will capture companies based on revenue rather than whether or not they use Australian news content. The paper says it understands the threshold for turnover being considered is in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars. It also says a lengthy consultation period is expected after the announcement. With many places reporting Albanese’s latest social media announcement, the wait goes on for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear power costings which we were promised this week. My colleague Anton Nilsson points out the Coalition leader is running out of time if he wants to show us his workings before the weekend. Anton reported yesterday : “One well-connected journalist at a major publication speculated to Crikey that if the news is indeed to be communicated this week, it will have to be done on Thursday with an embargo to lift for publication on Friday.” So who knows, we may be able to finally reveal those sought-after costings in tomorrow’s Worm . Or perhaps not. As we wait, Guardian Australia has led overnight on energy experts claiming the cost of building nuclear power plants in Australia could be more than double what the CSIRO has previously suggested. The experts have flagged CSIRO’s estimate is benchmarked to costs in South Korea, a country with a long-running nuclear program, which is “likely to substantially underestimate the ultimate costs of building reactors in Australia”. Tennant Reed , climate and energy director at the Australian Industry Group, is quoted as saying: “The actual costs in these Western countries are a great deal higher [than GenCost’s estimate]. We should have that in mind when looking at what the costs might turn out to be here.” Some journalists have speculated that Dutton may wait until next week to make his nuclear announcement given the news cycle this week has once again been bad for the PM. On that theme, the AFR reports the Albanese government has “no chance” of hitting its migration target this financial year and is expected to revise its net migration forecast next week. Abul Rizvi , a former deputy secretary of the Immigration Department, is quoted as saying that in October net migration was about 100,000 people higher than it needed to be to meet the target of 260,000 for the year. The paper said that “students, who make up around half of the net migration total, continue to arrive in large numbers, although that is expected to start moderating in the coming months”. Speaking to Guardian Australia , Rizvi predicted a “very embarrassing” time for the government, with data today expected to show the 2023-24 net overseas migration forecast was “missed by a long, long way”. “In next week’s [mid-year economic and fiscal update] they’re going to have to revise the net overseas migration projection upwards very significantly,” he said. BANNING PROTESTS Albanese has received continuing criticism over his government’s response to the Melbourne synagogue attack last Friday. Following anti-Israel vandalism in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Wednesday, the PM announced $8.5 million would be spent on the redevelopment of the Sydney Jewish Museum, the ABC reports. He added: “There’s no place for antisemitism in this country or anywhere else for that matter. This is an attack on people because they happen to be Jewish.” As part of his response he also said he would back state governments banning protests outside places of worship, which according to Guardian Australia was quickly criticised by civil liberties groups. “I certainly support the banning of demonstrations outside any place of worship. I cannot conceive of any reason, apart from creating division in our community, of why someone would want to hold a demonstration outside a place of worship,” Albanese said Countering, Timothy Roberts , president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, said he was concerned “kneejerk reactions” were being offered in response to negative media coverage instead of providing “measured leadership”. “With all due respect [Albanese] hasn’t given this a moment’s thought. The prime minister’s comments do not reflect what are often highly complex issues that intersect with power,” he said. The AFR flags even widely supported measures are not without their headaches for Albanese, with the Coalition saying it is unlikely to back the removal of the activity test that requires parents to have a job, look for work or study, in return for childcare subsidies. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor claims the proposal would add demand to a sector where supply was already a problem. “Australia needs solutions to our collapsing economy, not more subsidies and more big government,” he said. “Families are already struggling to access childcare. This risks making the situation worse.” Elsewhere, AAP flags the Australian Bureau of Statistics will release an update on the Australian jobs market today. The jobless rate in October was at 4.1% for the second month in a row, with the newswire stating: “The 15,900 employment gain was below expectations, and followed consistently strong employment growth in months prior. In November, Westpac economists expected the labour market to continue its very gradual unwinding.” Meanwhile, Bloomberg reckons Elon Musk’s net worth has now surpassed $400 billion (A$630 billion). ON A LIGHTER NOTE... A whale has made global headlines after making one of the longest and most unusual migrations ever recorded. In 2017, the male humpback whale was spotted off Colombia in the Pacific Ocean and then in 2022 it was seen near Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, the BBC reports, a distance of 13,000km. Ekaterina Kalashnikova from the Tanzania Cetaceans Program called the journey “truly impressive and unusual even for this highly migratory species”. Experts think the reason for the epic trip could be due to food stocks being depleted by climate change or a very long search for a mate. Ted Cheeseman , co-author of the research published in Royal Society Open Science , said the odyssey was almost twice the typical migration, The Guardian reports. In terms of how the whale would have been received after travelling so far out of its usual area and population group, Cheeseman said: “When he showed up, was it like, ‘Oooh, sexy foreigner with a cool accent’?” Say What? It’s beyond human scale, so we need to start to lean in heavily on AI, and we’re using it across a number of areas. Benjamin Lamont The Australian Federal Police’s manager for technology strategy and data said the AFP had “no choice” but to lean into using AI to search seized phones and emails. CRIKEY RECAP Reserve Bank declares war on facts, along with the economy BERNARD KEANE and GLENN DYER Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock (Image: AAP/Steven Saphore) This is not a central bank that understands what’s going on in the economy. It is not a bank that understands (from the vantage point of its comfortable Martin Place digs in Sydney) how ordinary Australian workers and small businesses without the security of a government job and generous pay and super are struggling. It is not a bank genuinely curious about what is driving phenomena like inflation. It is not a bank that wants to know if its ideological model of the world accords with reality. It is, however, a bank that is actively harming the national interest. Surely Rupert and Lachlan won’t roll the dice again STEPHEN MAYNE We’re all used to the Murdoch empire’s endless holy wars against perceived enemies or progressive causes. But when it comes to his own children, surely Rupert Murdoch has a limit to abusing his power and stripping their privileges. After copping a 93-page shellacking from Nevada probate commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr , Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch should give this scandalous family control grab a rest and instead embrace the peace sentiment from James, Elisabeth and Prudence, who jointly said yesterday they hope they can “move beyond this litigation to focus on strengthening and rebuilding relationships among all family members”. And what does Rupert’s big-noting celebrity lawyer Adam Streisand do in response? He immediately declares a plan to appeal. Talk about tone-deaf. It’s fair to say that James Murdoch , who turns 51 on Friday, won’t be getting any birthday wishes from father Rupert and older brother Lachlan, who reportedly spent some time together in Australia. Paul Fletcher’s retirement took local Libs by surprise, as party faithful play down teal threat ANTON NILSSON “There’s never a good time to go, but as he signalled in his statement, he’s just looking to take a holiday and then go into the private sector,” one Liberal said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal party matters. Nevertheless, the sudden announcement struck some local party colleagues as curious. “It was very surprising — he had already begun campaigning for reelection and has been working the local crowds very hard,” one source said. “He’s invested a lot into this so it came as a shock.” Boele managed to cut the Liberal margin in Bradfield by 12.3% at the 2022 election after the party previously held it on a very safe 16.6% margin. READ ALL ABOUT IT Greens staffer reprimanded for suggesting synagogue arson may have been ‘false flag’ ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) ($) How Saudi Arabia steamrolled Australia’s 2034 World Cup hopes ( The Age ) ($) Former female employees detail alleged sexual harassment in class actions against Rio Tinto and BHP (ABC) Labor to pay $2.3bn to controversial US prison operator subsidiary to run onshore detention ( Guardian Australia ) Syrian rebel fighters set fire to tomb of Bashar al-Assad’s father (BBC) Argentina: Has Javier Milei proved his critics wrong? ( The Financial Times ) ($) THE COMMENTARIAT The PM has been shown how to respond to antisemitism, but not by Peter Dutton — Alexandra Smith ( The Sydney Morning Herald ): News Corp did not hold back in attacking Albanese’s tennis match, although Opposition Leader Peter Dutton did. After all, the Coalition does not have a great track record when it comes to going missing in action. Albanese’s hit of tennis was no match for Scott Morrison’s family holiday to Hawaii as Australia burnt. But it does bring into question the prime minister’s political judgment and his ability to be agile when it matters. The roles of prime minister and premier are very different. While the leader of Australia needs to respond to issues of national and international significance, state leaders are more practised in day-to-day crisis management. Bushfires, flood, train breakdowns. They are bread and butter for a premier. Regardless, Albanese looks increasingly flat-footed compared with Minns’ quick reactions. Women in immigration detention are trapped in a system designed for men. Many have not hugged a family member in years — Lorraine Finlay ( Guardian Australia ): Picture this. It has been months since you last saw or hugged a loved one, including your children. You are a survivor of domestic violence but are now living next door to men who are sex offenders. You speak little English. And your life in detention has no end date. This is a common experience for women in Australia’s immigration detention system. Their visas have either lapsed or been revoked, or they never had one in the first place after arriving here in a way deemed to be illegal. In Australia, women make up a small number, roughly 6%, of people in immigration detention. These women are wedged into a system which operates predominantly with men in mind, with their separate and specific needs widely overlooked.ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces launched an operation Tuesday night to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of Khan supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former prime minister began a “long march” from the restive northwest to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing nighttime operation, and police are also seeking to arrest Bibi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorized the police to respond as necessary,” Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they fire bullets again, we will respond with bullets,” he said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan’s party around their shoulders or wore its tricolors on accessories. Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information Minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. He said the government did not want Bushra Bibi to achieve her goal of freeing Khan. “She wants bodies falling to the ground. She wants bloodshed,” he said. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed. Pakistan's Stock Exchange lost more than $1.7 billion Tuesday due to rising political tensions, according to economist Mohammed Sohail from Topline Securities. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report.Netflix getting set to air NFL on Christmas DayNone

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Gas Detection Equipment Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 24, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! The "Gas Detection Equipment Global Market Report 2024" reveals significant growth in the gas detection equipment market globally. This market increased from a valuation of $4.39 billion in 2023 to $4.8 billion in 2024, indicating a robust compound annual growth rate CAGR of 9.3%. Notably, certain triggers have facilitated this progress, including strong economic development in emerging markets, rapid industrialization, and an extension of oil and gas pipelines. What Does the Market Forecast Look Like for the Gas Detection Equipment Industry? The gas detection equipment market foresees robust growth in the forthcoming years. The market is predicted to surge to $6.67 billion in 2028, manifesting a CAGR of 8.6%. The forecast period's growth is anticipated to be spurred by factors such as a burgeoning petrochemical industry, escalating awareness to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, and patronage from governmental initiatives. Major trends on the horizon include the launch of cloud-based solutions, IoT and artificial intelligence's integration with gas detection, partnerships and collaborations, drone-based gas monitoring, and the incorporation of laser technology. Take a closer look at these projections in the comprehensive sample report: What Are the Key Growth Factors in the Gas Detection Equipment Market? An escalating demand for natural gas and petroleum is projected to strongly boost the growth of the gas detection equipment market. Both natural gas-a blend of hydrocarbon-rich gases-and petroleum-a liquid mixture used to create oil, diesel fuel, among other products- are expected to amass greater demand as global populations rise. This has led to an uptick in exploration and production activities, thus using more gas detection equipment to ensure worker safety in an industrial environment. For example, in April 2023, the US Energy Information Administration reported that oil consumption rose by 5.3 million barrels per day in 2021. It suggests that the increased demand for natural gas and petroleum is a significant factor driving the gas detection equipment market. Investigate the full report for a more in-depth analysis: Who Are the Major Players in the Gas Detection Industry? Key industry players reported in the gas detection market include Honeywell International Inc., RIKEN KIKIE, Draegerwerk AG & Co. KgaA, ABB, MSA Safety Inc.,New Cosmos Electric Co. Ltd., Siemens AG, Fortive, Emerson Electric Co, Hanwei Electronics Group Corporation, and many others. These companies, and others, undertake strategic positioning within the market to gain competitive advantages, such as developing innovative products and solutions. What Are the Emerging Trends in the Gas Detection Equipment Market? Major companies in the gas detection equipment market are focusing on a diverse range of high-end technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the capabilities of gas detectors, providing several advantages and benefits such as the collection of real-time data, analyzing it using advanced AI algorithms, and providing more accurate and actionable insights into gas levels, potential hazards, and safety conditions. How Is the Gas Detection Equipment Market Segmented? The gas detection equipment market segmentation includes: - By Product Type: Fixed Gas Detector, Portable Gas Detector - By Technology: Semiconductor, Infrared IR, Laser-Based Detection, Catalytic, Photoionization Detector PID, Other Technologies - By End-Use: Oil And Gas, Chemicals And Petrochemicals, Water And Wastewater, Metal And Mining, Utilities, Other End-Uses What Are the Primary Regional Insights in Global Gas Detection Equipment Market? North America dominated the gas detection equipment market in 2023. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to display the most rapid growth during the forecast period. The regions analyzed in the report include Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Browse Through More Similar Reports By The Business Research Company: Biofuels Global Market Report 2024 Gas Separation Membrane Global Market Report 2024 Oil And Gas Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. Please contact us at The Business Research Company: Call us at: Americas +1 3156230293 Asia +44 2071930708 Europe +44 2071930708 You can reach us through email at ... Stay updated with us on: LinkedIn: YouTube: Global Market Model: global-market-model Oliver Guirdham The Business Research Company +44 20 7193 0708 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN23122024003118003196ID1109025237 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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What: 2024 Cisco Virtual Annual Meeting of Stockholders When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 8:00 a.m. PST Listen and Watch: A live audio (including closed captioning) webcast of the meeting with synchronized slides will be available online. Cisco stockholders of record as of October 10, 2024 , can vote and ask questions online during the meeting. Visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CSCO2024 to attend. Online Annual Report: View Cisco's 2024 Annual Report and Proxy at www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/annual-reports.html Replay: A replay of the Annual Stockholder Meeting with synchronized slides will be available on the Cisco Investor Relations website at investor.cisco.com within 24 hours of the conclusion. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco . Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks . Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cisco-to-host-2024-virtual-annual-meeting-of-stockholders-302316943.html SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.(The Center Square) — California’s senators have sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting last-minute federal funding for the state’s high-speed rail project before the Trump administration takes office in January. This move comes amid concerns that the incoming administration might pull federal funding from the now $135 billion project, and use California as a national example for redirecting federal funds from Democratic priorities. Once complete, the project is supposed to carry passengers from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours, with one-way tickets priced at $86. It’s unclear how competitive this will be with air travel; one-way flights booked more than two weeks in advance currently cost $59 on Southwest, which includes two checked bags. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), proposed by the incoming Trump administration, aims to reduce what it views as wasteful government spending, recently spotlighted the project, and Congressmen Kevin Kiley, R-California, announced his bill to eliminate federal funding for the endeavor. Amid the state’s financial foes, a pause or withdrawal of federal funding could leave the state with no choice but to put the project on hold. During the spring, the California High Speed Rail Authority requested the use of state rainy day funding to plug the $8 billion to $10 billion funding shortfall for the system’s initial $30 billion to $33 billion, 171-mile segment connecting the cities of Bakersfield and Merced in the relatively sparsely populated Central Valley. But with the state’s legislative analyst now finding the state has “no capacity” for new spending and projecting annual deficits will soon rise to $30 billion, enhanced state support for the project is unlikely, leaving federal funding as the only option to fill the gap. The letter , signed by Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and Reps. Pete Aguilar, Zoe Lofgren, and Jim Costa, requests an additional $536 million to join $134 million in state funds to complete a 30%, or preliminary, design of one tunnel in Southern California and one tunnel in Northern California. The letter also recounted the federal government’s existing $6.8 billion in support for the project, and $22 billion from California for the project thus far. “By preparing for future final design and construction of complex tunnels in this corridor, the Project will advance both state and federal goals to improve safety, expand economic strength and global competitiveness, address equity issues, and implement sustainability practices to confront climate change,” wrote the federal legislators. “These investments will continue to support living wage jobs, provide small business opportunities, and equitably enhance the mobility of communities in need – including disadvantaged agricultural communities – all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” In 2012, the state legislative analyst’s office found the bullet train would increase overall greenhouse gas emissions for the first 30 years of its operation, putting the project’s emissions impact — and state funding based on emissions reductions — into question. Kiley, who is aiming to pass a bill in Congress ending federal support for the project, said even if a grant is approved, he hopes to keep that money away from California’s bullet train. “A small group of CA Democrats is asking Biden to send even more money for High-Speed Rail ... before Congress can pass my bill to deny further funding,” said Kiley on X. “If Biden complies, we will make sure that the grant is promptly revoked.” Because U.S. Congress holds “power of the purse,” Kiley’s bill could allow the federal government to withhold any further funding from the project – even spending that is already approved. However, it's less clear whether the Trump administration could unilaterally halt funding. As a discretionary grant under the Department of Transportation, such a decision might fall within its authority, but political and legal challenges could arise.

Today’s energy sparks passion and connection. Whether single or in a relationship, embrace heartfelt conversations and meaningful gestures to strengthen bonds. Some may experience intense emotions, while others find joy in simple, tender moments, creating opportunities for growth and deeper love. Aries:Nostalgia fills the air as you reconnect with memories of past love. A chance encounter with an old flame could leave you questioning current priorities. Be mindful of what truly makes your heart happy. Taurus:Love blossoms through shared intimacy today. Simple acts, like preparing a meal together, can deepen your bond. Don't shy away from expressing gratitude—it will work wonders. Gemini: Social gatherings bring thrilling opportunities for connection. Sparks might fly in unexpected places, but tread carefully to discern fleeting attraction from meaningful interest. Cancer: Emotional depth defines the day. A heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one could bring clarity to unresolved issues. Trust your instincts to guide the interaction. Leo: Your fiery confidence is irresistible today. Plan a bold romantic gesture or surprise someone special to reignite passion. The day rewards those who act fearlessly in love. Virgo: Reflection is key today as you evaluate your relationship dynamics. An honest discussion about future goals could bring you closer to your partner or open new romantic paths. Libra: Unexpected romantic surprises may add excitement to the day. Be open to spontaneity—a surprise outing or heartfelt confession could lead to joyful moments. Scorpio: Deep emotions rise to the surface, offering a chance to connect on a profound level. Sharing your vulnerabilities may strengthen bonds with your partner or attract a new love interest. Sagittarius: A lighthearted, adventurous mood sets the tone. Whether single or committed, embrace playful experiences that deepen your connection and create unforgettable memories. Capricorn: The day invites you to focus on creating meaningful memories with your partner. Even small gestures, like a handwritten note, can have a lasting impact on your relationship. Aquarius: A moment of introspection helps clarify your feelings about someone special. Let go of lingering doubts and embrace honest communication to deepen the connection. Pisces: Romance flourishes in creative spaces. Whether painting, cooking, or writing, expressing your emotions through art can create a magical bond with someone close. Also See: Horoscope Predictions for 2025Aries Horoscope 2025Taurus Horoscope 2025Gemini Horoscope 2025Cancer Horoscope 2025Leo Horoscope 2025Virgo Horoscope 2025Libra Horoscope 2025Scorpio Horoscope 2025Sagittarius Horoscope 2025Capricorn Horoscope 2025Aquarius Horoscope 2025Pisces Horoscope 2025 Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Astrology and around the world.

2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animalsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Londynn Jones scored 15 points, making all five of her 3-pointers, and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday, ending the Gamecocks’ overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories. The Gamecocks (5-1) lost for the first time since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat them in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points and Tessa Johnson scored 14 for the Gamecocks, whose road winning streak was third-longest in Division I history. It was the first time UCLA took down a No. 1 team in school history, having been 0-20 in such games. The program's previous best wins were over a couple of No. 2s — Oregon in 2019 and Stanford in 2008. Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points as one of five Bruins in double figures. UCLA (5-0) dominated from start to finish, with the Bruins' suffocating defense preventing the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. South Carolina: The Gamecocks trailed by double-digits at halftime for the first time since Dec. 21, 2021, against Stanford, according to ESPN. Chloe Kitts, who averages a team-leading 14 points, finished the game with 2 points on 1 of 7 shooting. UCLA: The Bruins led 43-22 at halftime. Eight different players scored and contributed to 11-0 and 7-0 runs in the first and second quarters as they shot 52% from the field. The first quarter set the tone for a game in which the Gamecocks never led. They missed their first nine shots and were 4 of 18 from the floor in the quarter. UCLA ran off 11 straight points to take a 20-10 lead into the second quarter. The Bruins dominated the boards, 41-34, and held the Gamecocks well under their scoring average of 80.2 points. South Carolina travels to Florida to meet Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tipoff on Thanksgiving. UCLA travels to the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Hawaii to play UT Martin on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz County Bank SCZC , a top-rated community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz County , is pleased to announce that Alison Voorhees has joined as Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing. Ms. Voorhees is responsible for all aspects of marketing and maintains her office at the Bank's 75 River St., Santa Cruz, Ca. location. Ms. Voorhees has a more than 20-year marketing background with extensive experience in branding, rebranding and creative direction, business and creative writing, corporate and executive communications, strategic business and marketing campaigns, media partnerships and community relations. She is a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP), Certified Digital Marketing Professional and Professional Certified Marketer (PCM ® ) in Digital Marketing. Her attention to creative excellence includes internal and external communications, data storytelling, marketing technology and automation tools and overall brand and integrated marketing strategy with a multi-channel approach. Krista Snelling , Santa Cruz County Bank President and CEO, commented, "Alison brings a wealth of bank marketing experience and fresh perspectives to help us continue our mission of serving the community with excellence. We are confident that under her leadership our brand, built over the past two decades, will continue to flourish and evolve in exciting ways that remain true to our roots." Early in her career, Ms. Voorhees established herself as an effective campaign and event coordinator, a strategic business and marketing planner, a dedicated team leader and a committed community partner. Ms. Voorhees most recently ascended to the role of Vice President, Marketing Strategy Manager for Capital City Bank where she also previously served as Assistant Vice President, Advertising Manager and Public Relations Specialist. Prior to a career in banking, she worked in fundraising and special events for Orlando Ballet and Opening Nights Performing Arts as well as in sales and marketing support for Ben Nye Company. Of this new opportunity, Ms. Voorhees said, "Joining a talented team of leaders at such a beloved community banking institution is a dream move for my career. I am honored to be entrusted with taking up the marketing mantle to shape the future of the Santa Cruz County Bank brand and beyond." Ms. Voorhees holds a Master of Arts in Global Communications from the University of Southern California , a Master of Science in Global Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English from Florida State University . She also obtained a graduate certificate in Publishing and Editing from Florida State University and a certificate in Principles and Practices for Advertising Ethics from the Institute for Advertising Ethics. An avid community volunteer in the arts, elder care, literacy, placemaking, workforce development and youth sports, Ms. Voorhees has relocated to Santa Cruz from Tallahassee, Fla. ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK AND WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANCORP Founded in 2004, Santa Cruz County Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of West Coast Community Bancorp, a bank holding company. The Bank is a top-rated, locally operated and full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, Ca. with branches located in Aptos , Capitola , Cupertino , King City , Monterey , Salinas , San Luis Obispo , Santa Cruz , Scotts Valley and Watsonville . Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The Bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, asset-based lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local nonprofit organizations. Visit sccountybank.com for more information. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to the successful integration with 1st Capital Bancorp post-merger, achieving the targeted cost savings and synergies within expected time-frames or at all, retaining employees and customers, fluctuations in interest rates (including but not limited to changes in depositor behavior in relation thereto), inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, health of the real estate market in California, Bancorp's ability to effectively execute its business plans, and other factors beyond Bancorp and the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. Bancorp undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/santa-cruz-county-bank-hires-alison-voorhees-as-senior-vice-president-director-of-marketing-302316435.html SOURCE Santa Cruz County Bank © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng. But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes, we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES. But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE, first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance, try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE. And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK. It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album, with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION, perched on the EIFFEL TOWER, singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND, rugby player ILONA MAHER, and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK, who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON's “DEMURE, MINDFUL” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN, arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN, dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG, who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT, the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON, SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP. As for MOO DENG, she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch. And THAT brings us back to ... “WICKED”! Director JON M. CHU’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go.

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