PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. “Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” lawyer Jason Bologna said in a statement. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.” Miller, a three-year starter from South Philadelphia, transferred to Virginia Tech this spring. However, the Hokies released him last month due to what the program called “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.” Bologna declined to confirm that a federal investigation had been opened, as did spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that authorities were investigating whether Miller bet on games he played in at Temple, and whether he adjusted his performance accordingly. “Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead," Bologna said. Miller scored eight points — about half his season average of 15.9 — in a 100-72 loss to UAB on March 7 that was later flagged for unusual betting activity. Temple said it has been aware of those allegations since they became public in March, and has been cooperative. “We have been fully responsive and cooperative with the NCAA since the moment we learned of the investigation,” Temple President John Fry said in a letter Thursday to the school community. However, Fry said Temple had not received any requests for information from state or federal law enforcement agencies. He vowed to cooperate fully if they did. “Coaches, student-athletes and staff members receive mandatory training on NCAA rules and regulations, including prohibitions on involvement in sports wagering," Fry said in the letter. The same week the Temple-UAB game raised concerns, Loyola (Maryland) said it had removed a person from its basketball program after it became aware of a gambling violation. Temple played UAB again on March 17, losing 85-69 in the finals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. League spokesman Tom Fenstermaker also declined comment on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballGlobal Workload Scheduling Automation Software Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-IBM Corporation, CA INC, ASG Technologies Group INC, Advanced Systems Concepts INC, Cisco Systems INCWide receiver Dallas Wilson, a five-star Class of 2025 prospect, signed with Florida. The move came just days after he asked Oregon to release him from his commitment. He signed with the Ducks on Dec. 4, the first day of the early signing period. The 247Sports composite ranks Wilson, a Florida product from Tampa Bay Tech, as the No. 4 wide receiver and No. 20 overall player in the class. Florida announced his signing with a video posted to social media Sunday night. Wilson had been committed to the Ducks since Jan. 17, 2023, taking an official visit there in June 2024 and one to Florida on Nov. 22. But The Athletic reported last week that Wilson's agent, Vernell Brown of EL1TE Sports Management Group, said Wilson changed his mind to remain closer to an ill family member, adding NIL money was not a factor. A 6-foot-3 speedster, Wilson also runs track and was part of his school's 4x400 relay team that qualified for the state competition in his junior year. --Field Level Media
The Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) convened for its fourth meeting of 2024 on Sunday at the CBO Headquarters. During the meeting, the board approved the Regulations for the Banking Deposits Protection Law, as well as the Regulatory Framework for Open Banking. In a statement to the Oman News Agency, the CBO highlighted that it continues to take all necessary steps and measures to ensure that regulatory and supervisory frameworks support innovation in a safe and sustainable manner, enhancing the efficiency of the financial system. As part of its financial technology (fintech) roadmap, the CBO stated that open banking will play a significant role in advancing the development of innovative financial products. Open banking allows for the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate secure data sharing between banks, fintech companies, and other licensed institutions. This will empower consumers with greater control over their financial data and provide them with access to tailored services that meet their diverse banking needs. During the meeting, the CBO board also approved the 2025 annual budgets for the Central Bank of Oman, the Oman Credit and Financial Information Centre (Mala’a), and the Banking Deposits Protection Scheme. Furthermore, the board reviewed a number of reports, including the financial soundness indicators for banks, a report on the CBO’s financial position, and the performance of the reserves and foreign investments held by the CBO. The board also discussed the quarterly report on the prospects and challenges for stability in the Omani economy, along with the outlook for average economic growth. Additionally, the board reviewed the executive summary of achievements made under the project to enhance the efficiency of the CBO’s monetary policy, a report on cash liquidity in the banking sector, and the 2024 annual report of Mala’a. Finally, the board reviewed various topics on the agenda and made the necessary decisions.NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global wasabi market size is estimated to grow by USD 466.1 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.68% during the forecast period. Rising awareness about health benefits of wasabi is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising sales of wasabi online. However, side effects on overuse of wasabi poses a challenge. Key market players include Beaverton Foods Inc., Clearspring Ltd., Connors Greens LLC, Eden Foods Inc., Half Moon Bay Wasabi Co., J.R. Kelly Co., Kelchner Food Products, Kikkoman Sales USA Inc., KINJIRUSHI Co. Ltd., McCormick and Co. Inc., Mountain View Wasabi, MUSO Co., Ltd., Oregon Coast Wasabi, Pacific Coast Wasabi Ltd., Real Wasabi LLC, S and B Foods Inc., Shima Wasabi, Tamaruya Honten Co. Ltd., TasFoods Ltd., The Good Bean Inc., The Wasabi Co., and ZHUHAI KINGZEST FOOD CO. LTD.; Yamasa Corporation; Eden Foods; Wingreens Farms; Wasabi Essentials Ltd.; World Wasabi Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Sauce and Powder), Application (Food and beverages and Medical and nutraceuticals), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa), Product Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Beaverton Foods Inc., Clearspring Ltd., Connors Greens LLC, Eden Foods Inc., Half Moon Bay Wasabi Co., J.R. Kelly Co., Kelchner Food Products, Kikkoman Sales USA Inc., KINJIRUSHI Co. Ltd., McCormick and Co. Inc., Mountain View Wasabi, MUSO Co., Ltd., Oregon Coast Wasabi, Pacific Coast Wasabi Ltd., Real Wasabi LLC, S and B Foods Inc., Shima Wasabi, Tamaruya Honten Co. Ltd., TasFoods Ltd., The Good Bean Inc., The Wasabi Co., and ZHUHAI KINGZEST FOOD CO. LTD.; Yamasa Corporation; Eden Foods; Wingreens Farms; Wasabi Essentials Ltd.; World Wasabi Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Wasabi, the peppery condiment known for its distinctive taste and nasal tingling sensation, is experiencing in popularity due to increased awareness of its health benefits. The consumption of wasabi extracts and food preparations, such as noodles and soups, is on the rise in both the nutraceutical and medical industries. Wasabi's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects are being studied for their potential in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. E-commerce businesses and online shopping platforms are making it easier for consumers to access fresh wasabi in various forms, including sauce, powder, bottles, tubes, and pouches and sachets. The food service industries are also embracing this trend, with sustainable agricultural practices and technology development, such as artificial intelligence, enhancing the production and packaging of wasabi. The rhizome, leaf, and petiole of the Wasabia japonica plant contain bioactive compounds like isothiocyanates, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and digestive properties. The gastronomy and pharmaceuticals industries are exploring innovative uses for these compounds, including in the treatment of arthritis and improving gut health. Authenticity and high-quality ingredients are essential in the Japanese cuisine, where wasabi is a staple condiment in restaurants. Cultivation methods and cultural significance are also important considerations, with geographical cultivation areas playing a role in the authenticity and flavor profile of the wasabi. The market for imitation products is growing, but consumers are increasingly demanding real, high-quality wasabi. The e-commerce sector presents a significant opportunity for businesses to boost their profits as more consumers opt for online shopping. Convenience and time savings are key drivers, with customers preferring to pay for purchases using credit or debit cards instead of making time-consuming store visits and standing in queues. This trend has led many companies to target internet-savvy customers and enter the expanding online retail market. The global retail e-commerce sales are projected to reach over USD3.5 trillion in 2020. E-commerce offers consumers a wide selection of food products and reduces operating costs for businesses, making it an attractive business model. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This wasabi market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Sauce- The wasabi sauce segment holds a significant share in the global wasabi market. Key players in this sector include Mountain View Wasabi, MUSO Co., Ltd., and Oregon Coast Wasabi, known for producing conventional wasabi sauces. American consumers favor wasabi sauce for its ability to enhance flavor without compromising food nutrients. The global palate is expanding, with consumers exploring diverse culinary traditions, potentially driving wasabi market growth. Kikkoman Sales USA , Inc. Recently introduced a creamy textured Wasabi Sauce, adding a spicy twist to regular dishes. Wasabi sauce elevates sandwiches, veggies, steaks, burgers, chicken, fish, salad dressings, and dips. Pasteurized and manufactured in the US, Kikkoman Wasabi Sauce adheres to top quality standards. The rise in social gatherings and dining occasions fuels wasabi sauce consumption, particularly with raw fish dishes like sushi and sashimi, as well as zaru soba, yakiniku, and yakitori. Therefore, the wasabi sauce segment is poised to propel the expansion of the global wasabi market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Wasabi, the Japanese horseradish derived from the Wasabia japonica plant, is gaining increased awareness for its numerous health benefits. Its peppery smell and pungent taste, caused by the presence of allyl isothiocyanate and other isothiocyanate compounds, make it a popular condiment in various food preparations such as noodles, soups, sushi, sashimi, and tempura. The nutraceutical and medical industries have recognized the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of wasabi extracts. These properties contribute to preventing cancers, treating arthritis, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Wasabi is also rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and digestive properties, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. The consumption of wasabi not only enhances the flavor of dishes but also provides numerous health benefits. Its unique properties make it a valuable ingredient in the food industry and beyond, with potential applications in the medical field as well. Market Research Overview Wasabi, the peppery condiment known for its distinctive pungent flavor and nasal tingling sensation, is experiencing in popularity due to increased awareness of its numerous health benefits. Derived from the Wasabia japonica plant, wasabi is more than just a staple condiment in Japanese cuisine. Its rhizome, leaf, and petiole contain bioactive compounds, primarily isothiocyanates, which offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and digestive properties. The consumption of wasabi in various food preparations, such as noodles and soups, is on the rise, fueled by the nutraceutical and medical industries' interest in its potential health benefits. Wasabi extracts are being explored for their ability to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as improve gut health and treat arthritis. E-commerce businesses and online shopping platforms have made it easier for consumers to access fresh wasabi in various forms, including sauce, powder, bottles, tubes, pouches, and sachets. Sustainable agricultural practices and technology development, including artificial intelligence, are also playing a role in ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality wasabi. Despite its cultural significance and authenticity, the market for wasabi is not without challenges, including the prevalence of imitation products and the need for innovative packaging materials to maintain its freshness and potency. The gastronomy and pharmaceutical industries are at the forefront of exploring the full potential of this versatile and health-promoting ingredient. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio 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: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wasabi-market-to-grow-by-usd-466-1-million-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-health-awareness-and-ai-powered-insights---technavio-302326129.html SOURCE Technavio
Jeffrey Fleishman | (TNS) Los Angeles Times The national furor in recent years around banning books on race and gender in public schools is intensifying as President-elect Donald Trump threatens to shut down the Department of Education, emboldening conservatives to end “wokeness” in classrooms. Battles over books in school libraries have become emblematic of the country’s larger culture wars over race, historical revisionism and gender identity. A new report by PEN America found book bans increased by nearly 200% during the 2023-24 school year, including titles on sexuality, substance abuse, depression and other issues students face in an age of accelerating technologies, climate change, toxic politics and fears about the future. Book censorship has shaken and divided school boards, pitted parents against parents, and led to threats against teachers and librarians . It is part of an agenda driven by conservative parental rights groups and politicians who promote charter schools and voucher systems that could weaken public education. The issue goes to the heart not only of what students are taught but how federal and state education policies will affect the nation’s politics after one of the most consequential elections in its history. “It’s not just about taking a book off a shelf,” said Tasslyn Magnusson, an author and teacher from Wisconsin who tracks book censorship across the U.S. “It’s about power and who controls public education. It’s about what kind of America we were and are. We’re trying to define what family is and what America means. That comes down to the stories we tell.” She said she feared Trump’s return to the White House would further incite those calling for book bans: “I don’t have lots of hope. It could get a lot worse.” Over the last year, PEN counted more than 10,000 book bans nationwide that targeted 4,231 unique titles. Most were books dealing with gender, sexuality, race and LGBTQ+ storylines. The most banned title was Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes,” about a school shooting that included a short description of date rape. Florida and Iowa — both of which have strict regulations on what students can read — accounted for more than 8,200 bans in the 2023-24 school year. “This crisis is tragic for young people hungry to understand the world they live in and see their identities and experiences reflected in books,” Kasey Meehan, director of PEN’s Freedom to Read Program, said in a statement. “What students can read in schools provides the foundation for their lives.” Trump’s calls to close the Department of Education would need congressional approval, which appears unlikely. Although public schools are largely funded and governed by state and local institutions, the department helps pay to educate students with disabilities, provides about $18 billion in grants for K-12 schools in poor communities and oversees a civil rights branch to protect students from discrimination. But Trump’s election has inspired conservative parental groups, including Moms For Liberty and Parents Defending Education, to strengthen efforts to limit what they see as a liberal conspiracy to indoctrinate children with books and teachings that are perverse, amoral and pornographic. Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, has criticized schools that she says spend too much time on diversity and inclusion when only about one-third of U.S. children are reading at grade level: “We’re talking about public school libraries and content for kids,” Justice told NewsNation after Trump’s victory. “I think it’s very clear that there are certain things that are appropriate for kids, certain things that are appropriate for adults. We’re just getting back to commonsense America.” Trump’s threat to deny federal funding to schools that acknowledge transgender identities could affect curricula and the kinds of books school libraries stock. During his rally at Madison Square Garden in October, Trump — who has has accused schools of promoting sex change operations — said his administration would get “transgender insanity the hell out of our schools.” Vice President-elect JD Vance has accused Democrats of wanting to “put sexually explicit books in toddlers’ libraries.” Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, told Newsmax that she was excited about Trump’s calls to remake education and “clean up a lot of the mess” he has inherited from the Biden administration. Trump “has centered parental rights back in his platform, which is incredible. He has prioritized knowledge and skill, not identity politics,” she said. “American children deserve better, and it is time for change.” In nominating Linda McMahon to be his secretary of Education, Trump appears to be pushing for more conservative parental control over what is taught and read in classrooms. A former professional wrestling executive, McMahon chairs the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-connected organization that has criticized schools for teaching “racially divisive” theories, notably about slavery and a perspective about the nation’s founding it views as anti-American. “Today’s contentious debates over using classrooms for political activism rather than teaching a complete and accurate account of American history have reinvigorated calls for greater parental and citizen involvement in the curriculum approval process,” the institute’s website says. Culturally divisive issues, including race and LGBTQ+ themes, cost school districts an estimated $3.2 billion during the 2023-24 school year, according to a recent study called “The Costs of Conflict.” The survey — published by the Institute for Democracy, Education and Access at UCLA — found that battles over books and teaching about sexuality and other topics led to increased expenses for legal fees, replacing administrators and teachers who quit, and security, including off-duty plainclothes police officers. “Are we really going to spend our tax dollars on these kinds of things?” asked Magnusson. “After Trump was elected, I saw a bunch of middle-class white ladies like me who were saying, ‘This isn’t America.’ But maybe it is America.” One school superintendent in a Western state told the study’s researchers that his staff was often consumed with correcting misinformation and fulfilling public record requests mainly from hard-line parental rights activists attempting to exploit cultural war issues to discredit the district. “Our staff are spending enormous amounts of time just doing stupid stuff,” the superintendent said. “The fiscal costs to the district are enormous, but [so are] the cultural costs of not standing up to the extremists. If someone doesn’t, then the students and employees lose. ... It’s the worst it’s ever been.” The survey found that 29% of 467 school superintendents interviewed reported that teachers and other staff quit their profession or left their districts “due to culturally divisive conflict.” Censoring books in school libraries grew out of opposition to COVID-19 restrictions. A number of conservative parental groups, including Moms for Liberty, which invited Trump to speak at its national convention in August, turned their attention to lobbying against “liberal indoctrination.” Their protests against what they criticized as progressive teaching on sexuality and race were focused on increasing conservative parental control over a public education system that was struggling at teaching children reading and math. That strategy has led to a national, right-wing effort that is “redefining government power to restrict access to information in our schools,” said Stephana Ferrell, co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project. “This movement to protect the innocence of our children believes if children never read it in a book they won’t have to know about it and can go on to lead harmonious lives. But books teach us cautionary tales. They instruct us. You can’t protect innocence through ignorance.” School districts across the country have removed “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George Johnson, which are about gender identity and include graphic depictions of sex, along with titles by renowned writers such as Toni Morrison, Kurt Vonnegut, George Orwell, Maya Angelou and Flannery O’Connor. Related Articles National Politics | Trump promised mass deportations. Educators worry fear will keep immigrants’ kids from school National Politics | Trump team says Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal brokered by Biden is actually Trump’s win National Politics | How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke Surveys show that most Americans do not favor censorship. The Florida Freedom to Read Project and similar organizations around the country have called for thorough public reviews of challenged books to prevent one scene or passage from being taken out of context. Moderate and liberal parents groups over the last two years have also become more active in school board politics. They have supported school board candidates who have defeated those backed by Moms for Liberty in Texas, Florida and other states. “People say the pendulum will swing back,” said Ferrell. But, she said, conservatives want to “stop the pendulum from swinging back.” Picoult is accustomed to conservatives attempting to censor her. Her books have been banned in schools in more than 30 states. Published in 2007, “Nineteen Minutes” explores the lives of characters, including a girl who was raped, in a town leading up to a school shooting and its aftermath. “Having the most banned book in the country is not a badge of honor. It’s a call for alarm,” said Picoult, whose books have sold more than 40 million copies. “My book, and the 10,000 others that have been pulled off school library shelves this year, give kids a tool to deal with an increasingly divided and difficult world. These book banners aren’t helping children. They are harming them.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. 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