
Wales coach Gatland to learn fate in coming daysATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. People are also reading... “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
All the talk regarding the Detroit Pistons has been about their much-improved roster. That talent will be tested tonight, as their best player will be sidelined. Cade Cunningham will miss the game against the Orlando Magic due to a left sacroiliac joint sprain. He suffered the injury during the Pistons’ 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when he drove to the rim, drew contact, and fell on his back. Grabbing his tailbone as he rolled onto his stomach, Cunningham eventually got up to knock down two clutch free throws, giving the Pistons a 109-107 lead late in the fourth quarter. This is a significant loss for a Pistons team currently on a two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Magic have been playing well, winning seven of their last eight games, including a 119-118 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite missing Paolo Banchero since October 30th with a right oblique injury, the Magic have shown resilience, with Franz Wagner leading the charge. This is their first matchup this season; the Magic dominated the Pistons in last year’s series 4-0 with a 17.5-point margin. As the Pistons prepare for the tough task ahead, which players need to step up, and what do they need to do to secure a victory against this tough Magic team? Let’s dive in. Can Pistons Bounce Back Against Magic Without Cunningham? Who Needs To Step Up For The Pistons To Defeat The Magic Jaden Ivey Without Cunningham in the lineup, Jaden Ivey will assume point guard duties. However, he enters this game amid his worst stretch of basketball this season, averaging just 11.5 points on 6/23 shooting over his last two games. Yet, in 20 games without Cunningham last season, Ivey rose to the occasion, averaging 18.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds on 42.5/38.2/66.7% shooting. With the confidence Ivey has displayed this season—and the freedom he typically enjoys when Cunningham is out—expect a big game from him. Jalen Duren Jalen Duren was expected to have a breakout season, but his performances have been inconsistent so far. His last two games highlight this variance: on his 21st birthday , he dominated with 15 points and 22 rebounds (12 offensive), yet in the following game, he posted just five points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes. Duren is more than capable of being a consistent double-double threat; he just needs to believe in his ability. With Isaiah Stewart’s increased production as of late, this could be the fuel Duren needs to solidify his place in the starting lineup. Tobias Harris After a shaky start to the season, Tobias Harris seems to be finding his stride. He played his best game of the year Thursday night, scoring 26 points on 10/16 shooting, including 6/9 from three. Harris has a proven ability to elevate his aggressiveness when needed. For the Pistons to win tonight, Harris will have to bring that same level of intensity and efficiency. Keys To Victory Defend the Three-Point Line Despite having a much-improved defense overall, the Pistons struggle to defend the three-point line. Teams are shooting 37.5% against them from deep, ranking Detroit 26th in the league. Opponents make 13.8 threes per game against the Pistons, placing them 19th . While Detroit does a solid job of limiting attempts (ranking ninth with 36.7 per game), when opponents find their rhythm, it often spells trouble. The Magic, however, are one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams. They average just 11.8 makes per game (fifth worst) on 38.2 attempts (11th most) and shoot a league-low 30.9% from deep. Offensively, the Magic are among the weakest teams in the league, scoring only 106.8 points per game. If the Pistons can keep Orlando’s offense in that range, they’ll have a strong chance to win. Attack the Defense What the Magic lack offensively, they make up for on defense. Opponents score just 103.2 points per game against Orlando, the fewest in the league. Their 105.9 defensive rating ranks third in the NBA. Across all positions, the Magic boast elite defenders who excel at disrupting opponents. The Pistons must attack Orlando’s defense early and often. This approach could help a Detroit team that ranks 26th in the league in free-throw attempts (20.5 per game) and 29th in free-throw makes (15.6 per game). Capitalizing on these opportunities will be essential to overcoming the Magic’s defensive prowess. Slow Down Franz With Banchero sidelined, Franz Wagner has stepped up to carry the Magic’s offensive load. He’s riding a wave of confidence after sinking the game-winning three against the Lakers on Thursday. While Wagner shot just 28.1% from three last season, he has improved to 35% this year. Wagner’s contributions extend beyond scoring. He averages 5.4 assists, second on the team, and 5.6 rebounds, ranking fourth. To slow him down, Detroit’s perimeter defenders must stay disciplined, contest shots, and limit his space to establish a rhythm. The Final Word The Pistons face a challenging task without Cade Cunningham, particularly against a Magic team thriving on defensive intensity and balanced contributions. For Detroit to end its losing streak, players like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris must step up. Defensive discipline on the three-point line and an aggressive offensive approach will be key. Containing Franz Wagner and forcing the Magic into inefficient possessions could tip the scales in Detroit’s favor. A win tonight would boost confidence and showcase the Pistons’ resilience and depth without Cunningham. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.Origin Investments' Multilytics®️ Report: Year-Over-Year Class A Multifamily Rent Growth Returns to Historical Levels, Will Continue Positive Trajectory Indefinitely
They were all exceptional – Mikel Arteta loved seeing Arsenal run riot in LisbonThe absurdly rich get richer. On the heels of a World Series the Dodgers are back to their spending ways, this time dishing out a reported $182 million dollars to land former Padres ace Blake Snell. According to numerous reports the agreement is for five years, and features deferred money, no opt outs, a limited no trade clause and a $52 million signing bonus. 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are The Padres weren't likely going to be in a position to spend north of $30 million a year on the lefty, but now have to deal with the sting of Snell joining their rivals' loaded roster. Snell clearly did not want to repeat his last round of free agency. After winning the 2023 National League Cy Young in San Diego he waited until March to sign with the Giants. His late arrival led to a clunky start to 2024. In typical Snell fashion he had a tremendous finish. Over his last 14 starts he posted a 1.23 ERA, striking out 114 in 80.1 innings. Opponents hit just .123 off of him, posting a .382 OPS. The soon-to-be 32-year-old did not face the Padres in his lone year in San Francisco, but that will change now that he is in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. Last November Snell claimed his second Cy Young. He led all Major League starters with a 2.25 ERA, striking out a career best 234 batters. Over his last 23 starts he gave up just 19 runs. The bigger concern now is both rivals' pursuit of 23-year-old Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki. Both San Diego and Los Angeles are expected to be contenders to sign Sasaki once January 15 rolls around.Alex Jones keeps Infowars for now after judge rejects The Onion's winning auction bid
REVIEW The affection between the good and green witches of Oz has already been magnified tenfold by Wicked: Part I . I can admit I was wrong. I didn’t think the Wicked movie could yank my heart into my throat with the force of the stage musical. And I thought the two-part split betrayed a lack of faith in moviegoers’ imaginations. Theatre audiences have been sitting through both acts with a mere concessions break where Hollywood is serving up a whole year. But the most intoxicating element of Wicked – the affection between the good and green witches of Oz – has already been magnified tenfold by the first instalment, which is essentially Mean Girls meets Harry Potter with an abrupt swerve into political espionage that will be better served by the sequel (more on that later).Saturday, November 23, 2024 Delta celebrates 100 years at CES 2025 with a groundbreaking keynote at Sphere Las Vegas, showcasing innovation and future visions led by CEO Ed Bastian. Delta Air Lines will mark its 100-year anniversary at CES 2025 with an innovative keynote at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The event, on January 7, will be led by CEO Ed Bastian and showcase a blend of technology and storytelling to celebrate the airline’s legacy and future vision. The keynote will highlight Delta’s century-long journey in aviation and its future strategy to enhance human connections through technology. “Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s people that make true innovation possible,” said Bastian. “We’re on the brink of a new era, and I can’t think of a better way to demonstrate how the Delta team will leverage cutting-edge advancements to propel our next century of flight.” This is Delta’s third CES appearance and second keynote. The airline debuted in 2020 when Bastian became CES’s first airline keynote speaker. In 2023, Delta announced free onboard Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members. The 2025 event at Sphere will elevate Delta’s CES presence further using immersive technologies. Delta’s keynote will use Sphere’s state-of-the-art features to create a sensory experience. The Exosphere, the world’s largest LED screen, will showcase Delta’s story. Inside, attendees will experience the highest-resolution LED display and Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by HOLOPLOT. Delta will offer expedited CES badging for SkyMiles members at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport from January 5-7, ensuring a seamless start for attendees.
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NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global fitness app market size is estimated to grow by USD 55.86 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.78% during the forecast period. Empowering health management amid rising incidence of chronic diseases is driving market growth, with a trend towards innovative coaching platform approach with integrated video workout features. However, failing in user engagement and retention poses a challenge.Key market players include Adidas AG, Alphabet Inc., Apple Inc., ASICS Corp., Azumio Inc., BetterMe Ltd., Diverse Retails Pvt. Ltd., Fiit Ltd., Fitness Connection, Fooducate Ltd., Garmin Ltd., Jefit Inc., MINDBODY Inc., Nike Inc., PEAR Sports LLC, Polar Electro Oy, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Squats Fitness Pvt. Ltd., Under Armour Inc., Wahoo Fitness LLC, WellDoc Inc., and YAZIO GmbH. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Fitness apps have become a major trend in the health and wellness industry, with mobile subscribers turning to these digital platforms for convenient, personalized fitness solutions. Advanced features such as activity tracking, calorie counting, and diet monitoring are driving the highest retention rates. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning enables customized fitness plans and nutrition guidance. In-app fitness, online training, and virtual fitness classes offer flexibility for users, while wearable technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers help monitor progress. The future of fitness is here, with personalized plans, mental well-being education, and health and hygiene awareness. Regulatory frameworks ensure safety and quality, making fitness apps a popular alternative to conventional gyms and fitness studios. In-home fitness equipment and smart devices offer additional convenience. Personal training fees are now affordable with subscription models, making professional guidance accessible to all. Join the Health Works Collective and Future Fitness to stay ahead of the curve. The global fitness app market is witnessing an emerging trend with the integration of advanced coaching platforms. These platforms offer video workout and video-on-demand (VOD) features, enhancing user experience with more interactive and personalized fitness routines. Major companies are developing innovative coaching solutions to cater to the growing demand for convenience, flexibility, and expert guidance. The integration of video functionality into coaching platforms signifies a shift towards more effective and engaging fitness experiences. This trend is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the fitness app market during the forecast period. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Fitness apps have revolutionized the way we approach health and wellness. With features like activity tracking, calorie counting, and diet monitoring, these apps help users stay aware of their fitness levels. Advanced features, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, provide personalized fitness plans and nutrition guidance. In-app fitness and virtual training offer convenience for those who prefer working out at home. Smart devices like laptops, Phones, tablets, and wearable technology enable seamless integration. However, regulatory frameworks ensure health and hygiene standards are met. Despite the competition from conventional fitness studios, gyms, and personal training, fitness apps boast the highest retention rates due to their affordability and accessibility. Future Fitness and Health Works Collective lead the market with advanced technology and education. Online platforms offer subscriptions for mental well-being, workout routines, and personalized diet charts. The future of fitness is here, and it's in your hands. The global fitness app market faces substantial hurdles in maintaining user engagement and retention. Although the number of initial downloads can be impressive, keeping users engaged over an extended period proves to be more challenging. This issue is exacerbated by the multitude of competing apps, causing user churn as individuals seek out new features and experiences. To sustain engagement, providing fresh and captivating content, such as innovative workout routines, challenges, and motivational rewards, is essential. Neglecting to do so may result in users losing interest or abandoning the app. Furthermore, delivering a smooth user experience and addressing technical concerns promptly is vital for retaining trust and loyalty. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This fitness app market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Female 1.2 Male 2.1 Lifestyle monitoring 2.2 Health monitoring 2.3 Others 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Fitness apps have revolutionized the way we approach health and wellness, offering convenient and customized solutions for users. These apps provide a wide range of features, from in-app fitness classes and online personal training to activity tracking and diet charts. Virtual fitness has gained immense popularity, allowing users to access workouts and training sessions from the comfort of their homes. Subscriptions offer flexible plans for unlimited access to these features. Awareness of fitness and mental well-being is at an all-time high, leading in demand for fitness apps. Regulatory frameworks ensure the safety and effectiveness of these apps, while smart devices, laptops, phones, and tablets make accessibility a breeze for smartphone users. Health and hygiene are prioritized with features like virtual classes and contactless payments. Personal training and group classes are available online, catering to various fitness levels and goals. Stay tuned for more updates from the dynamic world of fitness apps. Fitness apps have revolutionized the way we approach health and wellness, offering advanced features like activity tracking, calorie counting, and diet chart monitoring. These apps cater to both in-home and virtual fitness experiences, allowing users to access workout routines and personalized fitness plans from their smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable devices. In-app education and nutrition guidance provide valuable insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while machine learning and artificial intelligence help tailor plans to individual needs. Virtual fitness training offers convenience and flexibility, with personal training available online at lower costs than conventional studios or gyms. Mental well-being is also prioritized, with features promoting mindfulness and stress management. With the highest retention rates among mobile subscribers, fitness apps are the future of health and fitness, adhering to regulatory frameworks and promoting health and hygiene. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Gender Female Male Application Lifestyle Monitoring Health Monitoring Others Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioAurora activity is just getting started. Here's why the best northern lights are yet to come.
An illegal alien is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in Jefferson County, Colorado. The news comes as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) has vowed to protect illegal aliens in the sanctuary city from President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation program. Jesus Alberto Pereira Castillo, a 20-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela, was arrested on Nov. 19 by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl back in August of this year. Art of the Deal! Trump Threatens Mexico and Canada with Tariffs; Guest John Carney According to police, Castillo had been living in the basement apartment of his employer’s residence. On the evening of August 29, Castillo allegedly forced himself onto his employer’s 14-year-old daughter and sexually assaulted her. This week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed that Castillo first crossed the southern border near El Paso, Texas in September 2023. He was released into the United States interior soon after, where he resettled in the suburbs of Denver. Castillo’s arrest comes as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) has swept national headlines after promising to protect illegal aliens from Trump’s deportation program that is expected to start early next year. “More than us having [the Denver Police Department] stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there,” Johnston told the Denverite . “It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You’d have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants.” Johnston’s suggestion that he would be willing to go to jail to protect illegal aliens in his city sparked a fierce response from Trump’s border czar, Thomas Homan. “Me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing. He’s willing to go to jail, I’m willing to put him in jail,” Homan told Fox News. ICE agents have placed a detainer on Castillo, who remains in police custody. John Binder is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at jbinder@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter here .Radical Jaguar rebrand and new logo sparks ire online NEW YORK (AP) — A promotional video for a rebrand of British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits — and no car. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, is slated to launch Dec. 2 during Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric model. But Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India’s Tata Motors Ltd., has been promoting it online. The Jaguar brand is in the middle of a transition to going all-electric. “Copy Nothing,” marketing materials read. “We’re here to delete the ordinary. To go bold. To copy nothing.” Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations DALLAS (AP) — The nation is set to mark 61 years since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade passed through downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Even after over six decades, conspiracy theories about what happened that day still swirl and the desire to follow every thread of information hasn’t waned. President-elect Donald Trump made promises over the summer that if reelected he would declassify the remaining records. At this point, only a few thousand of millions of pages of records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released. And those who have studied what's been released so far say that the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations even if the remaining files are declassified. Bitcoin is at the doorstep of $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, rising above $98,000 for the first time Thursday. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. NFL issues security alert to teams and the players' union following recent burglaries The NFL has issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union following recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets. Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State has won a closely watched trademark fight over an online retailer’s use of its vintage logos and images. A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages earlier this week over products made and sold by the firms Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc. Penn State accused the firms of selling counterfeit clothing and accessories. The defendants said their website makes clear they are not affiliated with Penn State. At least a dozen other schools have sued the defendants on similar grounds, but the Pennsylvania case was the first to go to trial. Defense lawyers declined to comment on the verdict and whether they planned an appeal. Has a waltz written by composer Frederic Chopin been discovered in an NYC museum? NEW YORK (AP) — A previously unknown musical work written by composer Frederic Chopin appears to have been found in a library in New York City. The Morgan Library & Museum says the untitled and unsigned piece is the first new manuscript of the Romantic era virtuoso to be discovered in nearly a century. Robinson McClellan, the museum’s curator, says he stumbled across the work in May while going through a collection brought to the Manhattan museum years earlier. He worked with outside experts to verify the document's authenticity. But there’s debate whether the waltz is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. Volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupts for the 7th time in a year GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland is spewing lava from a fissure in its seventh eruption since December. Iceland's seismic monitors said the eruption started with little warning late Wednesday and created a long fissure but looked to be smaller than eruptions in August and May. Around 50 houses were evacuated after the Civil Protection agency issued the alert, along with guests at the famous Blue Lagoon resort, according to the national broadcaster. The repeated eruptions over the past year have caused damage to the town of Grindavík and forced people to relocate. Australian teen and British woman who drank tainted alcohol in Laos have died, bringing toll to 5 VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — An Australian teenager and a British woman have died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos in what Australia’s prime minister said was every parent’s nightmare. Officials earlier said an American and two Danish tourists also had died following reports that multiple people had been sickened in town popular with backpackers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng, Laos, for treatment in a Thai hospital. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand. Later Thursday, Britain said a British woman also died and the media in the U.K. identified her as 28-year-old Simone White. US ahead in AI innovation, easily surpassing China in Stanford's new ranking 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 have made an attempt by measuring the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across a variety of dimensions, from how much research and investment is happening to how responsibly the technology is being pursued to prevent harm. Following the U.S. and China were the United Kingdom, India and the United Arab Emirates. Pop star Ed Sheeran helps favorite soccer team sign player before getting on stage with Taylor Swift It turns out British pop star Ed Sheeran is also good at recruiting soccer players. Sheeran is a minority shareholder at English soccer team Ipswich Town and it needed his help over the summer to get a player to join the club. Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton tells a Soccerex industry event in Miami: “Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, just before he stepped on stage with Taylor Swift. Hopefully that was a key part in getting the player across the line.” Ashton didn’t disclose the player in question, saying only: “He’s certainly scoring a few goals.”The DS created a roadmap for leaving the console wars. When history repeats itself, it’s usually not fun. The phrase conjures images of failed conquests and fallen empires , victims of unlearned lessons. Sometimes, though, history repeats itself in a good way, as the lessons of the past are learned and internalized. And for the most famous video game company on the planet, history often reveals the future. On November 21, 2004, the Nintendo DS launched into a gaming landscape awfully similar to the one Nintendo found itself in when releasing its first handheld, 1989’s Game Boy. In ‘89, common wisdom suggested it would have trouble competing against bigger, better handhelds made by Atari and Sega capable of impressive graphical displays. The Nintendo DS faced similar scrutiny as the long-awaited Sony portable, the PSP, was being developed simultaneously. In both cases, history proved Nintendo right, and the lessons learned shaped the company’s future. The Nintendo DS became one of the most successful gaming platforms ever. With lifetime sales exceeding 154 million units worldwide , it remains the second-best-selling console in history, surpassed only by Sony's PlayStation 2. Its appeal stemmed from its groundbreaking dual screens and touch controls, and backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance titles, which offered players a unique experience while maintaining ties to Nintendo’s strong handheld legacy. Introducing such groundbreaking features wasn’t a new move for Nintendo. There’s a direct line from legendary Nintendo designer Gunpei Yokoi, who spearheaded the Game Boy project, and the bells and whistles that made the DS a breakout success. Yokoi developed a design philosophy, Kareta Gijutsu no Suihei Shikō — loosely translated as “lateral thinking with withered technology” — that reasoned it was better to develop new uses for existing technology rather than engineer new tech. Nintendo’s Game Boy became a success because of its technical limitations, not despite them. Atari and Sega dropped beefy handhelds capable of graphics teeming with colors. Nintendo gave consumers a dim, greyish-green screen. Why? Yokoi considered how to get the most from his batteries, not just his screen, giving the Game Boy a vastly superior battery life. The Nintendo DS would take a similar approach with its touchscreen. Creative advertising helped gamers imagine the possibilities of a touchscreen interface. It’s hard to imagine life without the touchscreen, but they were rare in 2004. It wasn’t exactly new or experimental technology, but it didn’t enjoy widespread adoption until Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007. Nintendo’s role in touchscreen proliferation is often overlooked, but based on volume alone, the DS made tens of millions of consumers comfortable with the tech. It’s a clear example of Yokoi’s philosophy at work, and the feature-filled DS design reflects innovative thinking with similar technologies like microphones and styluses. The total picture of these combined features gives us a glimpse into what would become Nintendo’s future. As Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime explained in 2004, the DS showcased a new philosophy: the interface. “What we are saying, and I passionately believe this, is that the future of gaming is about the interface and the innovation in the interface that we provide for gamers,” Fils-Aime said when the DS launched . “That's what's going to get the future gamers excited versus simply focusing on technology for technology's sake.” Nintendo’s next three major consoles — the Wii, Wii U, and Switch — all put interface at the forefront of design. Most of these innovations, like the Wii’s motion controls and the Switch’s portability, generated a lot of excitement among fans, but the DS also found success with game developers. Adding a useful second screen to a classic game immediately showed what the DS was capable of. Critics approached the DS with skepticism, as its clamshell design and stylus-driven interface seemed unconventional. However, its launch titles quickly demonstrated the hardware’s potential. Super Mario 64 DS , a reimagining of the Nintendo 64 classic, showcased how the second screen could enhance gameplay with maps and touch-based controls. WarioWare: Touched! and Feel the Magic: XY/XX leaned into the device's design, delivering quirky, touch-focused experiences that appealed to early adopters. A lineup of genre-defining titles soon followed. Games like Nintendogs targeted casual audiences, while Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! and its sequel popularized “edutainment,” making the DS a hit with non-traditional gamers. The Pokémon series maintained its dominance, with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl selling over 17 million copies combined. Mario Kart DS became a standout multiplayer experience, introducing online play to the series for the first time. The DS library of over 2,000 games included critically acclaimed entries such as The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass , Animal Crossing: Wild World , and New Super Mario Bros. , the latter becoming the platform's best-selling game with over 30 million copies sold. The Nintendo DS redefined handheld gaming and, with an interface-driven focus that popularized touchscreens, arguably set the stage for the smartphone revolution. It used the foundational principles that drove the Game Boy’s success and innovated in ways that would define Nintendo’s approach to the 21st century. It left rivals behind, content to let Microsoft and Sony fight their graphical arms race. With the Wii and the Switch, history repeated one of its most enduring lessons: the real winners in wars, console or otherwise, are the ones who never fight them. Video Games Technology NintendoRavens linebacker Roquan Smith, who suffered a hamstring injury and hasn't practiced all week, is listed as questionable for Monday's game.