Trump invited China's Xi to his inauguration even as he threatened massive tariffs on BeijingThe release of macOS 15.2 Sequoia marks a significant milestone for Mac users, introducing a range of features and enhancements designed to streamline productivity, boost creativity, and improve overall user experience. This update focuses on leveraging advanced AI technologies, refining native app functionality, and enhancing system-wide performance to deliver a more intuitive and efficient computing environment. The video below from Half Man Half Tech gives us a detailed look at all of the new features in macOS 15.2 Sequoia. One of the 15.2 is the introduction of the . This powerful tool empowers users to create stunning visuals using simple text prompts or existing photos, offering a variety of styles such as animation, illustration, and photorealism. Seamlessly integrated into apps like Freeform and Messages, Image Playground simplifies the process of generating and sharing high-quality images for various purposes, such as: Designing custom illustrations for presentations Creating photorealistic images for projects Generating engaging visuals for social media posts With Image Playground, users can unlock their creative potential and produce professional-grade visuals with ease, saving time and effort in the process. macOS 15.2 takes Siri to new heights by integrating , significantly enhancing its conversational abilities and expanding its range of capabilities. Users can now rely on Siri for a variety of tasks, including: Drafting emails and documents Generating images based on text descriptions Answering complex questions with improved accuracy Additionally, the update introduces a redesigned Siri icon and the option to access limited features anonymously, ensuring a more personalized and secure user experience. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, managing tasks, or seeking information, Siri’s expanded capabilities make it an indispensable tool for Mac users. Finding desired content across various macOS apps is now more intuitive than ever, thanks to the implementation of in the search functionality. Users can locate specific items using everyday phrases, such as: “Beach photos from last summer” in the Photos app “90s upbeat songs” in Apple Music “Productivity apps for task management” in the App Store This natural language search capability streamlines navigation, valuable time and effort when accessing their favorite content. macOS 15.2 brings notable improvements to built-in apps, aligning them with user needs and preferences: Improved album organization and easier access to favorites Search by genre, mood, or actor for a tailored viewing experience Discover songs by mood, artist, or decade Enjoy personalized recommendations and refined category searches Benefit from HTTPS upgrades, customizable backgrounds, and better bookmark management These enhancements ensure that users can enjoy a more personalized and efficient experience when using their favorite native apps. macOS 15.2 introduces several system-level enhancements designed to streamline user workflows and improve device connectivity. Notable features include: Adjust screen sizes and use hotspot support Monitor energy usage with a yellow battery icon Simplify the process of trusting devices when connecting iPhone to Mac These improvements contribute to a more seamless and efficient computing experience, allowing users to focus on their tasks without interruptions. With macOS 15.2, Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity and security. The update expands accessibility features, such as: Manage notifications with ease Now available in more regions On the privacy front, location app has been enhanced, ensuring user data remains secure when sharing item locations with others. macOS 15.2 improves compatibility with the latest Apple accessories, including: Magic Keyboard Magic Trackpad Magic Mouse Apple Vision Pro headset These enhancements ensure a seamless and reliable user experience when integrating various devices with macOS. In addition to new features, macOS 15.2 addresses several bugs to enhance system stability and performance. Issues such as backup crashes and missing stickers or emojis have been resolved. Furthermore, battery life has been optimized, contributing to a smoother and more reliable operating system. macOS 15.2 also includes features tailored to specific user needs, such as: Selective screen sharing for enhanced presentations Improved audio transcription and organization Stay informed with curated content Higher-quality video editing and production in Final Cut Pro and iMovie These additions cater to the diverse requirements of Mac users, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the update in their own unique way. macOS 15.2 Sequoia represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the Mac operating system. By integrating innovative AI technologies, refining native app functionality, and enhancing system-wide performance, this update delivers a more intuitive, efficient, and personalized computing experience. Whether you’re a creative professional, a casual user, or someone who values seamless device integration, macOS 15.2 offers a wealth of features and improvements designed to elevate your productivity and unleash your potential. Source & Image Credit:
Sports on TV for Sunday, Dec. 15GameCenter live: No. 9 St. Cloud State at No. 16 UNDCHICAGO , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Courte Partners, LLC ("GCP"), a private equity real estate investment firm focused on building industry-leading companies within niche real estate sectors, announced today that its sixth investment fund, Green Courte Real Estate Partners VI, LLC and its affiliates, acquired Cottages of Monroe , a 51-unit active-adult cottage community located in Monroe, Georgia , just east of Atlanta . The acquisition increases GCP's national senior living portfolio, which is managed by the firm's wholly owned operating platform, True Connection Communities, to 20 communities containing approximately 3,200 units. Matt Pyzyk , Managing Director at GCP, said, "We are excited to expand our portfolio and enter the Atlanta market with the acquisition of Cottages of Monroe , which has earned a strong local reputation and consistently maintained high occupancy rates. This gated community has been a key target for us due to its attractive location and the desirability of its single-story cottage product. With this acquisition, our senior living portfolio now includes approximately 650 cottages. We are actively pursuing opportunities to acquire or develop similar communities to expand our senior cottage portfolio." Randy Griffin , one of Green Courte's counterparties in the transaction, added, "We've had a long-standing relationship with GCP. They approached us directly and were able to structure a deal that accomplished our objectives. We were pleased with the timeline and outcome of the transaction." About Green Courte Partners, LLC Green Courte Partners, LLC is a Chicago -based private equity real estate investment firm focused on building industry-leading companies within niche real estate sectors. The firm has active investments in the following sectors: active-adult/independent senior living, land-lease communities, industrial outdoor storage, and near-airport parking. The firm combines focused investment strategies with a disciplined approach to transaction execution, operations, and asset management. Green Courte's goal is to invest in high-quality real estate assets that will generate attractive risk-adjusted returns over a long-term holding period. For additional information, please visit Green Courte's website at www.GreenCourtePartners.com . About True Connection Communities True Connection Communities operates a high-quality portfolio of 20 active-adult and independent senior living communities, containing approximately 3,200 units located in 11 states, to meet the growing needs of Americans over the age of 55 seeking an active and engaged lifestyle. To deliver an exceptional resident experience, the company focuses on five key offerings: custom-designed fitness and wellness programs, creative chef-prepared meals made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, social activities designed for a life on the move, innovative educational programs, and state-of-the-art technology. To learn more, visit www.TrueConnectionCommunities.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/green-courte-partners-acquires-active-adult-community-located-in-atlanta-georgia-msa-302330844.html SOURCE Green Courte Partners, LLC
For eight incredible years, Kathryn and I have greeted every day with enormous gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of North Dakota as governor and first lady. We have been rewarded with a deeper sense of love and appreciation for this exceptional place where we were born, where we became a family and where we embarked on an immensely rewarding journey into public service. Our two terms in office have reaffirmed what we already knew: North Dakota truly is the best of America. From the farm fields to the oil fields, North Dakotans work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. Agriculture and energy form the bedrock of a robust and increasingly diverse economy that has continued to expand across manufacturing, technology, health care, aerospace, retail, tourism and other areas. ADVERTISEMENT Our abundant natural resources are the envy of the nation, from the rich soils of the Red River Valley to the bountiful oil and gas deposits of the Bakken, to the highly productive lakes, rivers, grasslands and Badlands teeming with fish and wildlife. On our first day in office, in our first meeting with cabinet agency leaders, and in my first State of the State address, I issued this challenge: Anything being done simply because “that’s the way we have always done it” should be and must be rigorously and respectfully questioned. And no matter what, we must have the courage to admit that we can always do better. In the ensuing years, we harnessed the power of technology to reinvent government processes to be more efficient, responsive and cost-effective for taxpayers. We engaged our tribal nations in new and unprecedented ways, strengthening relationships built on understanding and mutual respect. We prioritized behavioral health and reduced the stigma of the disease of addiction, inspiring thousands to find hope in recovery. We encouraged and supported cities of all sizes in their efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure that can attract and retain a skilled workforce. We empowered teachers with policies and tools to support innovative education. We provided historic tax relief and diversified our economy to make our state more competitive and resilient. Through it all, we fought to protect the freedoms and safety that make our state a great place to live, work and raise a family. Working with the Legislature, Lt. Govs. Tammy Miller and Brent Sanford, and other state and local officials, we expanded Second Amendment rights. We passed “Back the Blue” policies and programs to support our peace officers, firefighters and first responders. We made huge strides toward making North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation. This work — firmly rooted in the values of courage, curiosity, gratitude and humility — was fulfilling beyond measure. It’s as President Theodore Roosevelt said: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” We caught the prize, and the last eight years have been filled with work worth doing. We owe North Dakota’s positive outlook to the private-sector innovators and entrepreneurs, the bold leaders and risk-takers, the teachers, nurses, laborers and other workers on the front lines, and the outstanding efforts of dedicated Team ND members who strive every day to ensure that state government lives up to our purpose statement: Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success. Our state has never been stronger. Our future has never been brighter. Thank you for being an important part of our state’s ongoing success, and thank you for giving Kathryn and me this opportunity to serve the great state of North Dakota! ADVERTISEMENT Gov. Doug Burgum is the 33rd governor of North Dakota. His second four-year term in office concludes Dec. 14.
Federal appeals court declines to temporarily block ban on TikTok, teeing up showdown at SCOTUS over controversial law
UPI Achieves 15,547 Crore Transactions Worth INR 223 Lakh Crore From January to November in 2024RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been notified that TRC Capital Investment Corporation (TRC Capital) has commenced an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer, dated November 12, 2024, to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Merck common stock at $96.38 per share. The offer price is approximately 4.32% below the closing price of the Merck common stock on November 11, 2024 ($100.73), the last trading day before the date of the offer, and approximately 3.48% below the closing price of the Merck common stock on November 21, 2024 ($99.86), the day prior to this release. Merck does not endorse TRC Capital’s offer and recommends that Merck shareholders reject the offer and not tender their shares in response to TRC Capital’s unsolicited mini-tender offer. This mini-tender offer is at a price below the closing price for Merck’s shares (as of the day prior to this release) and is subject to numerous conditions, including TRC Capital’s ability to obtain financing. Merck is not associated in any way with TRC Capital, its mini-tender offer or the offer documentation. TRC Capital has made similar unsolicited mini-tender offers for shares of other publicly traded companies. Mini-tender offers seek to acquire less than 5% of a company's outstanding shares. This lets the offering company avoid many of the disclosure and procedural requirements the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires for tender offers. As a result, mini-tender offers do not provide investors the same level of protections as provided by larger tender offers under U.S. federal securities laws. On its website , the SEC advises that the people behind mini tender-offers “frequently use mini-tender offers to catch shareholders off guard” and that investors “may end up selling at below-market prices.” The SEC's website also contains important tips for investors regarding mini-tender offers. Like TRC Capital’s other offers, this one puts individual investors at risk because they may not realize they are selling their shares at a discount. Merck urges shareholders to obtain current stock quotes for their shares of Merck common stock, to review the terms and conditions of the offer, to consult with their brokers or financial advisers, and to exercise caution with respect to TRC Capital’s mini-tender offer. Merck shareholders who have already tendered are advised they may withdraw their shares by following the procedures for withdrawal described in the TRC Capital offer documents prior to the expiration of the offer, which is currently scheduled for 11:59 a.m. EST on December 11, 2024. Merck encourages brokers, dealers, and other investors to review the SEC’s letter regarding broker-dealer mini-tender offer dissemination and disclosure. Merck requests that a copy of this news release be included with all distribution of materials related to TRC Capital’s offer for shares of Merck common stock. About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site ( www.sec.gov ). View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122275388/en/ CONTACT: Media Contacts:Robert Josephson (203) 914-2372 robert.josephson@merck.comMichael Levey (215) 872-1462 michael.levey@merck.comInvestor Contacts:Peter Dannenbaum (732) 594-1579 peter.dannenbaum@merck.comSteven Graziano (732) 594-1583 steven.graziano@merck.com KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH FINANCE GENERAL HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Merck & Co., Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 04:17 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 04:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122275388/enTrade Finance Market Size, Share 2024, Impressive Industry Growth Report 2031
NoneRobotics company RobotLAB recently opened up a new warehouse and showroom in Las Vegas, offering up their four-foot-tall synthetic creations to the city’s casinos, resorts, and restaurants. According to the Dallas-based company, the robots can clean hotel rooms, serve up cocktails, provide security services, and give information and directions. Not only that, the ‘bots can also sing, dance, and give fist bumps. “Robots bring automation to repetitive tasks — such as serving food, cleaning, and more,” RobotLAB Las Vegas partner Ketan Vaidya tells Mashable. “Instead of employees doing low value, back-breaking work, robots can do it, so that employees can focus their attention on providing excellent service to their customers.” While some Vegas visitors may blanch at the idea of robot housekeepers and synthetic concierges, the novelty and potential trickle-down cost savings may lessen the impersonal sting — and robots in Vegas are not exactly new, as synthetic bartenders have operated in the city for years . More difficult for RobotLAB, and similar companies hoping to make moves in the service industry, is how human workers already doing said “low value” work will greet their potential robot replacements. In Las Vegas, the powerful UNITE HERE Culinary Workers Union Local 226 has been anticipating companies like RobotLAB setting up shop and demanded “innovative technology language” in their contracts with the Strip’s big resort casinos. Celebrating at RobotLAB's new Las Vegas location. “The Culinary Union negotiated a strong contract in 2018 to win innovative technology language that protects workers when the company brings in new technology and has been utilized to bargain over software, use of devices, and automation,” Bethany Khan, spokesperson and director of communications & digital strategy for UNITE HERE, tells Mashable. “In 2023, those rights were protected and expanded.” The most recent contract guarantees advanced notification when new technology is introduced that may impact jobs and an increase in service recognition pay, extended health care, and pension fund contributions for workers laid off due to technology changes, according to Khan. RobotLAB has not publicly inked a deal with a notable Strip property, but Vaidya says they are having “conversations with several casinos.” As Khan points out, all the big resorts on the Strip — like Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, and the Bellagio — are unionized, meaning RobotLAB must meet with UNITE HERE representatives for demos and conversations before automatons are taking your luggage or making your bed. For now, RobotLAB is finding success in Vegas with restaurant chains like Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and Sourdough & Co., which are utilizing the company’s delivery and serving robots. Smaller businesses may gravitate to RobotLAB's robots through their leasing options, which Vaidya says go for between $20-40 a day. As far as purchase price, Vaidya says "costs vary depending on solution" but KLAS reported the robots can cost "as much as a new car." RobotLAB Las Vegas General Manager Jacob Fisher believes the products will create human jobs along with replacing them, telling KLAS, “There’s always going to be a person needed to maintain and service the robots. So we are just going to have robot conductors.” Fisher's response is probably cold comfort to most UNITE HERE members, but the union did obtain language in their 2018 contract that ensures unionized casino-resorts provide "mandatory free re-training to use new technology for current jobs" and "access and mandatory free job training if there are new jobs that are created due to automation and technology," according to Khan.Formula 1 expands grid for new American team in 2026
Stock Music Market to Grow by USD 650.4 Million from 2023-2028, Report on AI Redefining Market Landscape - TechnavioOwaisi slams religious surveys, accuses govt of targetting waqf properties
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASP Isotopes Inc. (NASDAQ: ASPI) and certain of its most senior executives are now entangled in a securities class action, alleging the company deceived investors by making false and misleading statements about its advanced nuclear fuel technologies. Hagens Berman urges investors in ASP Isotopes who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now . Class Period: Oct. 30, 2024 – Nov. 26, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Feb. 3, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/aspi Contact the Firm Now: ASPI@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 ASP Isotopes Inc. (ASPI) Securities Class Action: The suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that ASPI misled investors about the viability and potential of its Aerodynamic Separation Process (ASP) and Quantum Enrichment technologies. The complaint alleges that ASPI overstated the effectiveness of its enrichment technologies, the development potential of its high assay low-enriched uranium facility, and the performance of its nuclear fuels operating segment. The truth emerged on Nov. 26, 2024, when a scathing report by Fuzzy Panda Research revealed that ASPI's technology was outdated and unlikely to be commercially viable. The report accused ASPI of using "old, disregarded laser enrichment technology" to falsely position itself as a cutting-edge nuclear fuel company. It also alleged that ASPI had employed individuals to promote its stock and that former executives of Centrus Energy had deemed its technology "virtually worthless.". Following the release of the report, ASPI's stock price plummeted 23% in a single trading day. These events have prompted shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman to open a probe. “We are investigating whether ASPI may have misled investors about the true commercial prospects for its ASP and Quantum Enrichment technologies," said Reed Kathrein, a partner leading the investigation. If you invested in ASP Isotopes or have knowledge that may assist the firm’s investigation, submit your losses now » If you’d like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the ASP Isotopes case and our investigation, read more » Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding ASP Isotopes should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email ASPI@hbsslaw.com . About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman’s team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw . Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895None
NoneFrom the season’s outset, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said Minnesota would leave itself the flexibility to close games with whatever lineup the coaching staff felt was needed to secure a victory. ADVERTISEMENT Sometimes, he noted, he’d get the choice right. Surely, there would be other times when he wouldn’t. “Hopefully, I do way more than I don’t,” Finch said this week. Sunday evening, however, was a checkmark in the “not right” column, at least based off the result. The Timberwolves didn’t score in the final 4:47 of their loss to Golden State. Finch said this week that Mike Conley’s inclusion in the closing lineup would’ve added organization to the equation. But he was quick to add that, with the ill-advised shots Anthony Edwards was taking, may not have mattered. ADVERTISEMENT Finch also reiterated what he said after the game, that Nickeil Alexander-Walker was playing “so well,” so he was hesitant to take him off the floor. “Maybe the other thing I could’ve done was go small,” Finch said, “but we’ve not really done that a ton.” That was the cry of many Wolves’ followers on social media on Sunday. Minnesota has proven rather inept at late-game offense when Conley isn’t on the floor. But all recognized Alexander-Walker had also earned the opportunity to close. You certainly won’t take Edwards off the floor in those situations, and the Wolves wanted Jaden McDaniels on the floor to guard Steph Curry. That left Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert as the only options to take off the court in favor of Conley, and that would’ve left Minnesota small. And, as Finch noted, the Wolves simply haven’t gone small this season. Like, at all. None of Naz Reid, Randle or Gobert have played more than 17 minutes this season without another big man next to him. ADVERTISEMENT It’s not something the Wolves practice, either. McDaniels said he’s only repped minutes at the four in practice when one of the bigs have been unavailable. Still, Finch said it wasn’t that he was “uncomfortable” rolling out a small-ball look Sunday. “But I worry a lot about rebounding. We struggle to rebound with our bigger lineups, at times. So, I know our smaller lineups have really struggled,” Finch said. “That’s some of the reason not to go small is really rebounding issues. But I think our guys are comfortable playing in all different combinations. But I haven’t really thought about going small, necessarily.” ADVERTISEMENT Indeed, Minnesota is just 12th in the NBA this season in defensive rebounding rate, grabbing 71.3% of opposing missed shots. The glass was especially an issue Sunday, as Golden State grabbed 14 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points. But it’s worth noting many of those came by guards in situations in which size was no factor on the play. McDaniels said he’s comfortable playing any position, including the power forward slot. And Minnesota certainly has the wing depth to roll out more small ball lineups if the situation ever called for it. There could be a playoff matchup that does just that, though Finch noted it could also go the other direction where the Wolves’ advantage would be to lean bigger. Versatility rules come April and May. But the Wolves don’t seem overly urgent to trot out any small-ball looks just to see how they perform at this juncture in the campaign. ADVERTISEMENT “Usually, it’s better with Naz at the four (than me),” McDaniels said. There is, however, at least one proponent of doing a little experimenting: Conley. “I think (small ball) kind of promotes a different level of spacing and speed to the game. You’re going to have to rely on guard-guard situations, guard pick and rolls,” Conley said. “Maybe me setting the screen and roll, Just creating different advantages for ourselves, as opposed to our typical offense or typical flow of things. I would love to see it, maybe — see how it works.” ADVERTISEMENT ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
NoneThe Venetian Resort Las Vegas Announces 2024 Venetian Appreciation Award Distribution Recognizing the Resort’s Annual Performance and Team Member Contributions