
Lehigh travels to Richmond looking for its first playoff win since 2011.
In his year-end press conference on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reflected on a range of issues, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to Russia’s evolving nuclear doctrine and its foreign policy. Putin acknowledged that, in hindsight, Russia should have prepared more systematically for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which he continues to refer to as a “special military operation.” He added that the country should have launched a full-scale invasion earlier, highlighting the lessons learned from the conflict, which has entered its second year. Putin’s statements underscored his belief that Russia was forced to act to protect its sovereignty, particularly in light of what he described as a period leading up to the invasion when the country was at risk of losing its sovereignty. He reflected on how Russia had regained its autonomy since his time in office, contrasting it with the challenges faced during Boris Yeltsin’s presidency 25 years ago. In his view, Russia’s sovereignty had been preserved against overwhelming external pressures. Turning to foreign policy, Putin was asked about the recent developments in Syria, particularly regarding the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He insisted that the situation was “complicated,” but not a defeat for Russia, which had supported Assad militarily throughout the conflict. Putin mentioned that he had not yet spoken with the ousted Syrian leader, who fled to Moscow as rebel forces advanced on Damascus, but intended to do so soon. Russia, he said, would continue its talks with Syria’s new leadership to retain strategic military bases on the Mediterranean coast, which could potentially be repurposed for humanitarian efforts. Putin was also questioned about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting that it had been four years since the two leaders last spoke but expressing readiness to meet him again if Trump desired. In a moment of levity, when asked if he was in a weaker position compared to the incoming U.S. President, Putin quipped, quoting Mark Twain: “The rumours of my death are much exaggerated,” which drew laughter from the assembled journalists. On relations with China, Putin asserted that Russia’s ties with its eastern neighbor had reached unprecedented levels. He described the bilateral cooperation between Russia and China as historically unparalleled, with both nations coordinating actions on the world stage. The majority of Putin’s remarks, however, focused on the war in Ukraine, where he claimed Russia was making progress on the frontlines “every day,” describing his troops as “heroes.” He presented a signed flag from Russian marines fighting in the Kursk region as a symbol of their bravery and commitment. He also emphasized the ongoing construction projects in territories seized from Ukraine, citing improvements in infrastructure, particularly in the Luhansk region, which has been under Russian control since 2014. Putin was pressed on the West’s response to Russia’s nuclear posture, specifically its updated nuclear doctrine, which was passed in November. Under this new policy, Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons against any nation that launches an attack on it, or its allies, if those nations are backed by nuclear powers. The doctrine, he argued, was a necessary safeguard of Russian sovereignty, and he hinted that the West might not fully appreciate the message behind it. On military technology, Putin highlighted Russia’s newly developed intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, which was used in a November strike on Ukraine. He provocatively suggested that Russia should test the missile’s power by firing it at Ukraine, with the expectation that Ukraine’s air defenses, which rely on U.S.-supplied systems, would try to intercept it. When asked about the missile’s name, Putin jokingly admitted, “Honestly, no idea. No clue.” Throughout the press conference, the theme of “Russian sovereignty” was prevalent, with Putin emphasizing that less reliance on foreign partners—especially due to Western sanctions—was one of the key outcomes of the Ukraine invasion. While he claimed that Russia’s economy was stable, he acknowledged that inflation, at 9.1%, was “alarming,” though he pointed to higher growth rates than countries like Germany. He also discussed the country’s economic challenges, noting that it was increasingly reliant on military production to sustain its economy. On domestic issues, Putin touched on a variety of topics, from the difficulties faced by young people in securing mortgages to the rise in telephone scams. However, his remarks underscored the sense of self-sufficiency he believed Russia had achieved, despite the ongoing hardships. The four-hour press conference, titled “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” was tightly controlled, with Putin answering questions from the public, foreign journalists, and pensioners. It was broadcast live across state TV channels and served as an opportunity for the president to assert his narrative on Russia’s role in global affairs, the economy, and the war in Ukraine. As the country faces a challenging year ahead, Putin’s reflections provide insight into his stance on sovereignty, military power, and Russia’s place in the world.44% of IndiaAI Mission funds earmarked for compute capacity over 5 years: MeitY
A proposal to ban a transgender Montana lawmaker from using the women’s bathroom in the state's capitol building failed on Tuesday. The proposed amendment, introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Schillinger of Circle, would have required state legislators to use restrooms based on their biological sex at birth. The amendment needed to receive a majority from House members and Senate members on the joint rules committee to advance. It got enough votes to pass on the Senate side, but not the House. Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, was Montana’s first openly transgender female lawmaker. Rep. SJ Howell, D-Missoula, was the first nonbinary lawmaker. Both were first elected in 2022 and reelected this year. RELATED STORY | Montana transgender lawmaker on Capitol Hill's bathroom ban: 'Do not cede ground' On social media, Zephyr thanked her colleagues — particularly her republican colleagues — who she said “recognized this as a distraction from the work we were elected to do.” Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, one of four Republicans to vote against the proposal, said, “This particular action will have the effect of making people famous in the national news and will not contribute to the effective conduct of our business." This comes after some intense moments last month in Washington after a Republican representative from South Carolina proposed a similar ban on Capitol Hill ahead of the first openly transgender member of Congress, Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Delaware, taking office next year. RELATED STORY | Justices seemingly unmoved to overturn transgender health care ban for minors
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy meet with Republicans to talk spending cuts. They face a steep climb.
Kirk Herbstreit was “really honored” to receive a heartfelt letter from President Joe Biden following the death of his beloved dog Ben last month. In a post shared Wednesday on X, the “College GameDay” analyst uploaded an image of the personal note he received from Biden, who recognized the “comfort and unconditional love” Ben brought to “millions of Americans across our Nation.” “Politics aside-REALLY honored to receive this personal note from @POTUS sharing his appreciation and compassion for the loss of our beloved Ben,” Herbstreit, 55, shared. “I can only hope that Ben knows how many people he touched.” In the letter, dated Nov. 22, Biden offered his condolences and expressed that he knows what Herbstreit is going through. “I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet, and I hope you can find some comfort in cherishing the beautiful memories you shared with Ben,” Biden wrote. Before closing the memo with his signature, Biden remarked of Ben: “He was a good boy.” Ben joined Herbstreit on the road as part of the analyst’s “Thursday Night Football” and “College GameDay” duties for Amazon and ESPN, respectively. Ben became a fan favorite and often made appearances on the field and on broadcasts. Herbstreit spoke about Ben’s health in a September post on X, sharing his four-legged companion underwent “major surgery in late July to remove 2 masses on his spleen and intestine. Both cancerous.” Ben had been diagnosed with leukemia in March. “Been a challenging offseason for Ben but he has had an incredible recovery in the last few weeks. Just so thankful he’s feeling better and able to travel with me. Honestly I think being out and seeing people on the road really helps his spirit and gives him something to look forward to,” Herbstreit told a follower. Herbstreit provided a heartbreaking update on Ben’s progress in early November, revealing he had been “getting worse and worse” following a second “chemo injection” on Oct. 23. Herbstreit confirmed on Nov. 7 that Ben had sadly passed away. “This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go,” Herbstreit penned in an emotional social media post. “I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag. He and I could communicate..he and I understood each other and had each others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion. Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years-a true blessing. Love you Ben.” Herbstreit and his family have received an outpouring of support following Ben’s passing, with “College GameDay” putting together a touching tribute to Ben days later. “Really wanted to thank all of you for the avalanche of love and support you’ve shown Ben,” Herbstreit posted on X at the time. “It gives me and my family such comfort knowing how he impacted so many peoples lives around the country. He was a beautiful and loving soul.” Herbstreit’s pup, Peter, has joined him on the road in recent weeks.
Struggling with NYT Connections Game #559? Dive into our complete guide for December 21, 2024, featuring hints, clues, and step-by-step tips to master the puzzle. NYT Connections: Game #559 hints and answers for December 21, 2024: Are you having issues with NYT Connexions right now? Don’t worry, here are some tips to help you get through it! For this exercise, you have to select four groups of sixteen words each, each with a different level of difficulty. The procedure is gradual and cautious. Every step you take makes it a little more difficult. Here’s how to make it happen: Therefore, you could begin with the easier stages and progress to the more difficult ones. The green, blue, and purple ones are the hardest, while the yellow one is one of the easiest. Although today’s job isn’t very challenging, it does call for focus and a thorough comprehension of social dynamics. Avoid making rash decisions without giving them enough thought. I won’t go into too much depth, but the following tips should help you get started. Have fun and keep in mind that travelling to a different place for a holiday is quite appropriate. NYT Connections hints today If you think you can handle it, keep reading. Try using one of the following words to start each category: YELLOW – BAND GREEN – CASSEROLE BLUE – BUNK PURPLE – BALONEY NYT Connections Clues for December 21 (#559): Yellow Category: LOOP Green Category: COOKING VESSELS Blue Category: KINDS OF BEDS Purple Category: THINGS CALLED “OSCAR” NYT Connections Hints for December 21 (#559): YELLOW – Words for objects or shapes that form a loop or enclosure. GREEN – Common vessels used for cooking in households or kitchens. BLUE – Names for distinct styles of beds. PURPLE – Things famously or colloquially called “Oscar.” Don’t give up if you’ve tried everything; there’s always another method to find the answers. Examples of contemporary solutions that utilise the NYT Connexions include the following: NYT Connections Answers for December 21 (#559): Yellow Category: BAND, CIRCLE, HOOP, RING Green Category: CASSEROLE, CROCK, PAN, POT Blue Category: BUNK, CANOPY, MURPHY, SLEIGH Purple Category: BALONEY, GROUCH, O, STATUETTE Click for more latest Gaming news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Pragya is an accomplished journalist known for in-depth reporting and a keen eye for detail. Delivers insightful and well-researched content that informs and engages readers.
Arabella Advisors Acquires New Assets to Expand Technology-Driven Fiscal Sponsorship Solutions
Two Chinese astronauts accomplished a world-record spacewalk this week, lasting over nine hours, as confirmed by China's Manned Space Agency. This achievement underscores Beijing's rapidly advancing space initiatives. Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong carried out the historic spacewalk from the Tiangong space station, exceeding the previous record set by NASA in 2001. Their tasks included installing debris protection on the station's exterior. China's ambitious space projects continue to progress, with its recent milestones placing it competitively alongside the U.S., including a Mars rover landing and lunar sample retrieval. China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, mirroring efforts by NASA's Artemis program. (With inputs from agencies.)
Why Is Zeta Global Stock Soaring On Wednesday?IIFCL Urges Govt to Include Space Sector in Infrastructure ListMuscat: In a landmark move for Oman’s energy efficiency sector, HASA ENERGY, a prominent provider of energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions, has signed the nation’s first-ever Energy Services Performance Contract (ESCO) with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. This milestone agreement is set to reduce energy consumption by 39% across the Ministry’s buildings, with a notable six-year payback period. This partnership represents a critical advancement for Oman’s rapidly growing energy efficiency market, which is expected to reach 900 million OMR across the GCC region. From Left: Rihab Salim Moosa Al Mayahi, DG of Social Housing and Projects, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning with Eng Muatasam Al-Aulaqi, Co-Founder, HASA Energy. The project is in line with Oman’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes sustainable development, and supports the country’s commitment to global climate goals, as outlined in the COP agreements. Moreover, it is poised to create new employment opportunities in the energy and sustainability sectors, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. A Systematic Approach to Energy Efficiency In an exclusive interview, Eng. Muatasam, Co-Founder of HASA ENERGY, outlined the company’s methodical strategy for driving energy efficiency. “We begin by reducing energy consumption, then move to optimize energy usage, and finally introduce renewable energy solutions,” Muatasam explained. “This structured approach supports Oman’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and we are proud to be playing a role in that transition.” The project will see significant upgrades to the Ministry’s buildings, including the installation of more energy-efficient cooling systems, enhanced water usage optimization, and the integration of solar PV. These improvements, alongside cutting-edge technology, will not only reduce energy demand but also help decrease the carbon footprint of the Ministry’s facilities. “We are collaborating with global technology leaders to install intelligent systems that allow cooling to be used only when necessary, optimizing energy consumption,” Muatasam added. “Through smart building solutions enabled by IoT and machine learning, we’ll also be able to predict maintenance needs, enhance operational efficiency, and further reduce costs.” Commitment to Carbon Reduction and Transparency At the core of this ESCO contract is HASA ENERGY’s commitment to measurable results and full transparency. Mustapha Aanzi, Managing Director of HASA ENERGY, emphasized the importance of the project in achieving real and lasting environmental impact. “Our goal is a 39% reduction in energy consumption, which will result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions,” Aanzi stated. “Throughout the contract’s six-year duration, we will provide detailed updates on both energy savings and emissions reductions, ensuring that we meet our targets and maintain transparency with the Ministry.” Aanzi also stressed that the ESCO initiative aligns with Oman’s long-term sustainability goals as outlined in Vision 2040. “This is a pivotal moment not just for HASA ENERGY, but for the whole ESCO industry,” he said. “It sets a clear path for future public-private collaborations aimed at achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.” Advancing Global Climate Targets Aanzi pointed out that according to forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), achieving the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require the world to expand its renewable energy capacity threefold by 2030. Furthermore, the global annual rate of energy efficiency improvements must increase significantly, from the current 2% to over 4% each year, if these climate goals are to be met. HASA ENERGY is committed to overcoming the operational and financial hurdles that often accompany the energy transition. “Achieving a net-zero building stock requires cooperation across all sectors,” Aanzi explained. “Our focus is on developing local talent, collaborating with global technology innovators, and securing financing to ensure the success of this transition.” Setting the Standard for Sustainable Development in Oman The partnership between HASA ENERGY and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning marks a transformative moment for sustainable urban development in Oman. It establishes a new benchmark for green infrastructure and energy efficiency that will help Oman meet its 2040 environmental and energy goals, setting the nation on the path to be among the regional leaders in sustainability. About HASA ENERGY HASA ENERGY is a prominent provider of energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions based in Oman, with operations across the GCC region. The company specializes in delivering energy-saving projects, renewable energy installations, and smart building technologies to help businesses and government entities reduce their carbon footprints while improving operational efficiency.
A proposal to ban a transgender Montana lawmaker from using the women’s bathroom in the state's capitol building failed on Tuesday. The proposed amendment, introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Schillinger of Circle, would have required state legislators to use restrooms based on their biological sex at birth. The amendment needed to receive a majority from House members and Senate members on the joint rules committee to advance. It got enough votes to pass on the Senate side, but not the House. Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, was Montana’s first openly transgender female lawmaker. Rep. SJ Howell, D-Missoula, was the first nonbinary lawmaker. Both were first elected in 2022 and reelected this year. RELATED STORY | Montana transgender lawmaker on Capitol Hill's bathroom ban: 'Do not cede ground' On social media, Zephyr thanked her colleagues — particularly her republican colleagues — who she said “recognized this as a distraction from the work we were elected to do.” Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, one of four Republicans to vote against the proposal, said, “This particular action will have the effect of making people famous in the national news and will not contribute to the effective conduct of our business." This comes after some intense moments last month in Washington after a Republican representative from South Carolina proposed a similar ban on Capitol Hill ahead of the first openly transgender member of Congress, Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Delaware, taking office next year. RELATED STORY | Justices seemingly unmoved to overturn transgender health care ban for minorsNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2024-- Figure Technology Solutions (“Figure”), a technology platform powering a more efficient and liquid marketplace for financial products, today announced that Macrina Kgil, a seasoned finance executive, joined as Chief Financial Officer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204327766/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) “Macrina is the perfect fit for Figure, given her industry expertise and deep background in public markets and public company finance functions,” said Michael Tannenbaum, Chief Executive Officer of Figure. He continued, “We recently surpassed $1.5 billion in quarterly originations, record revenue, eighty percent year over year growth, and one hundred fifty percent EBITDA growth. Our metrics reflect three primary drivers: the widespread adoption of our increasingly liquid lending marketplace, Figure Connect, coupled with both a diversified product suite and a growing network of embedded lending partners. Our steady growth and ambitious plans called for a CFO of Macrina’s caliber; her financial stewardship will be pivotal to helping Figure achieve our goals.” “I’m thrilled to join Figure and have the opportunity to work alongside a deep executive bench and lead a talented finance team,” said Kgil. ‘’Particularly given my extensive experience in the fintech and blockchain sectors, I am eager to drive our growth and nurture investor confidence. Figure operates at the forefront of innovation, and I believe that we can unlock significant value for all of our stakeholders as we continue our momentum.” Kgil joins Figure from Flow, a residential real estate startup, where she led the finance function globally. Prior to Flow, Kgil was CFO of OneMain Holdings (NYSE: OMF). While there, she helped manage the acquisition of OneMain Holdings from Citigroup, and successfully led the company (as Springleaf Finance) through an IPO, managing the public markets debut as well as subsequently guiding the company as a public filer. Previously, she served as CFO of Blockchain.com and its affiliate Blockchain Ventures Fund I, where she built a robust finance infrastructure across numerous global entities with a strong regulatory and compliance focus. Earlier, she served as VP in the private equity group at Fortress Investment Group and started her career at PwC in the capital market advisory and audit teams. Kgil holds an engineering degree from Seoul National University. She’s a founding member of the F Suite, an executive community of leading CFOs. Kgil reports to Tannenbaum in this newly created role for Figure, following its spin-off earlier this year as a stand-alone company independent of Figure Markets Holdings. Her hiring follows September’s appointment of Ron Chillemi as Figure’s first Chief Legal Officer. About Figure Technology Solutions Founded in 2018, Figure Technology Solutions (“Figure”) is a disruptive and scaled technology platform built to enhance efficiency and transparency in financial services. Its subsidiary, Figure Lending LLC, is the largest non-bank provider of home equity lines of credit; its software has been used to originate more than $12B of home equity lines of credit. Figure’s technology is embedded across a broad network of loan originators and capital markets buyers, and is used directly as well by homeowners in 49 states and Washington, DC. With Figure, homeowners can receive approval for a HELOC in as fast as five minutes and receive funding in as few as five days. To date, Figure has embedded its HELOC in more than 135 partners, including Rate (formerly Guaranteed Rate), CrossCountry Mortgage, Movement Mortgage, Goodleap and many other fintechs, depositories and independent mortgage banks. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204327766/en/ press@figure.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY FINANCE CONSULTING BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINTECH RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SOURCE: Figure Technology Solutions Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/04/2024 03:00 PM/DISC: 12/04/2024 03:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204327766/en