Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, GallupJimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup
Justin Trudeau fails to win assurances over trade tariffs after talks with Donald Trump
A Republican senator has warned his colleagues must “step up” to appoint Donald Trump’s cabinet picks or face recess appointments. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee was on ABC’s This Week that the idea of recess appointments “is and should be on the table”, adding that previous presidents in modern history including Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton had utilized the constitutional clause allowing appointments when the Senate is not in session. The process would likely set up court battles and fray Trump’s relationship with GOP leaders — all while allowing him to confirm controversial choices despite concerns. “This is a constitutionally available tool,” Hagerty told Jon Karl. “What we want to see is the Democrats co-operate with us. But if the resistance movement gets as heavy as it was... I’ve been through the confirmation process myself. I turned in my paperwork on the 21st of January, I didn’t get confirmed until July.” But when Karl pointed out that Republican votes were the issue, and asked if the president-elect would use recess appointments to force through major positions, Hagerty reiterated his point with a message to other GOP senators. “What he [Trump] wants to do is see these appointments made quickly,” Hagerty replied. “I think everything should be on the table. I think if my colleagues understand that they will know they need to step up and move expeditiously to get these cabinet members confirmed.” The concept of recess appointments is a controversial one, and comes with restrictions: the appointments are temporary, and only last until the end of the applicable calendar year. They would also require the Senate to not be in session — something that members of the upper chamber of Congress could resist. The Senate has never triggered a recess simply for the purpose of allowing a president to make such appointments. But it still leaves open the possibility that Trump could make recess Cabinet appointments during one of the Senate’s scheduled breaks, including the August recess later in 2025. And the president-elect himself has made clear that he plans to utilize the tactic. “Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner,” he wrote on Truth Social. Republican Senator John Thune was chosen to be the GOP’s new majority leader when the Senate convenes in January. An ally of Mitch McConnell, Thune is an institutionalist and is not likely to wield the power of the Senate to suit Trump’s whims. On policy matters and most votes, however, he’s expected to toe the White House line. The Senate is set to be held by a solid GOP majority come next year; the president’s control is not absolute, however, and he has already seen his pick for attorney general go down in flames. The chamber won’t vote on his picks until next year, but resistance from almost a half-dozen Republicans sunk the bid of Matt Gaetz to lead the Justice Department. None of Trump’s other nominees have withdrawn yet, though a number of Republican senators appear publicly skeptical towards the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence (DNI). Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, is also coming under increased scrutiny as new revelations have come out surrounding a sexual assault case he was involved in. Hegseth has denied that the encounter described in the allegations was nonconsensual. On the right, Trump is also taking flack from traditional conservatives over his nomination of a candidate for secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemerm, who supported the Pro Act — a piece of pro-union legislation that failed to pass Congress under Joe Biden’s presidency.PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’Charlotte 39, FAU 27
Minnesota looks to stop skid vs. Bethune-CookmanMANILA, Philippines — A Muslim lawyer and head of the Moro Ako Party urged the government to hold the region’s first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections next year as scheduled in accordance with the law. “This is clearly stipulated in the BARMM law—the first-ever BARMM Parliamentary elections must be held on May 12, 2025,” said Moro Ako Party president lawyer Najeeb Taib, adding that the law does not allow any postponement or delay. READ: What to know about first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament elections Taib also noted that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority was given six years to complete the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to BARMM, and that this timeline is now due. READ: Marcos on calls to suspend BARMM polls: It is being studied “The Bangsamoro people have professionals across sectors who are capable of governing, if given the opportunity,” he added. Taib’s party is fielding 27 candidates in next year’s elections. The filing of candidacies came as 16 regional political parties competed for 80 seats in the BARMM parliament. The 2025 elections are a critical milestone in the region’s development. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .
Andrej Stojakovic made 11 free throws to help craft a team-high 20 points, freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson had his second consecutive big game off the bench and Cal ran its winning streak to three with an 83-77 nonconference victory over Sacramento State on Sunday afternoon in Berkeley, Calif. Wilkinson finished with 16 points and Rytis Petraitis 13 for the Golden Bears (5-1), whose only loss this season was at Vanderbilt. Jacob Holt went for a season-high 25 points for the Hornets (1-4), who dropped their fourth straight after a season-opening win over Cal State Maritime. Seeking a fourth straight home win, Cal led by as many as 12 points in the first half and 40-33 at halftime before Sacramento State rallied. The Hornets used a 14-5 burst out of the gate following the intermission to grab a 47-45 lead. Julian Vaughns had a 3-pointer and three-point play in the run. But Cal dominated pretty much the rest of the game, taking the lead for good on a Petraitis 3-pointer with 14:50 remaining. Stojakovic, a transfer from rival Stanford, went 11-for-15 at the foul line en route to his third 20-point game of the young season. Cal outscored Sacramento State 26-17 on free throws to more than account for the margin of victory. Coming off a 23-point explosion in his first extended action of the season, Wilkinson hit five of his 10 shots Sunday. The Golden Bears outshot the Hornets 47.2 percent to 43.1 percent. Joshua Ola-Joseph contributed 10 points and six rebounds, Mady Sissoko also had 10 points and Petraitis found time for a team-high five assists. Holt complemented his 25 points with a game-high eight rebounds. He made four 3-pointers, as did Vaughns en route to 18 points, helping Sacramento State outscore Cal 30-21 from beyond the arc. EJ Neal added 16 points for the Hornets, while Emil Skytta tied for game-high assist honors with five to go with seven points. --Field Level MediaNone
NoneThe gaming world was thrown into a frenzy yesterday with the surprise announcement of Bloodborne 2 at the PlayStation Showcase. While many fans rejoiced at the prospect of returning to the gothic horror of Yharnam, the reveal trailer has sparked a heated debate, dividing the community on whether this sequel is a dream come true or a potential nightmare. FromSoftware, the acclaimed developers behind the original Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series, are known for their challenging yet rewarding gameplay, intricate world-building, and cryptic storytelling. 1 However, the trailer for Bloodborne 2 has left fans with more questions than answers, fueling speculation and anxieties in equal measure. The trailer, clocking in at just under two minutes, showcased a grim and desolate world, ravaged by a mysterious plague. Familiar elements like gothic architecture, grotesque creatures, and blood-soaked weaponry were present, but a noticeable shift in tone and aesthetics has many concerned. Some fans have praised the darker, more oppressive atmosphere, while others worry it strays too far from the Lovecraftian horror that defined the original. The combat, a core element of the Soulsborne experience, appeared faster and more aggressive, incorporating new weapons and abilities. This change has been met with both excitement and apprehension, with some welcoming the evolution of the combat system while others fear it might sacrifice the deliberate and methodical approach that made Bloodborne unique. A New Hunter, a New Era? One of the most significant points of contention revolves around the apparent absence of the Hunter, the protagonist from the original Bloodborne . The trailer introduces a new character, clad in unfamiliar attire and wielding a different arsenal. This has led to widespread speculation about the sequel’s connection to its predecessor. Is this a direct continuation of the story, a prequel exploring Yharnam’s past, or perhaps a standalone narrative set in the same universe? The lack of clarity has left fans grappling with uncertainty, with some eager to embark on a new adventure while others yearn to revisit the beloved Hunter and unravel the remaining mysteries of Yharnam. Adding fuel to the fire is the perceived departure from the original’s art style. While the gothic architecture remains, the color palette seems muted and desaturated, leaning towards a more bleak and oppressive aesthetic. Some argue this complements the grim narrative hinted at in the trailer, while others feel it loses the vibrant, almost ethereal quality that made Bloodborne’s world so captivating. The character designs have also drawn criticism, with some of the new creatures appearing less inspired and more generic compared to the original’s unique and terrifying bestiary. Combat Evolved: Innovation or Betrayal? The trailer showcased glimpses of the combat system, and the changes are evident. The new protagonist appears more agile and aggressive, utilizing a wider range of movement and attack options. New weapons, including a transforming scythe and a pair of clawed gauntlets, were also featured, hinting at a more diverse and dynamic combat experience. While some fans are excited by the prospect of a faster and more fluid combat system, others worry it might compromise the strategic depth and deliberate pacing that defined Bloodborne’s gameplay . The original game demanded patience, precision, and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns. The fear of losing accumulated “Blood Echoes” (the game’s currency and experience points) encouraged a cautious and methodical approach. The trailer’s emphasis on speed and aggression has raised concerns that Bloodborne 2 might cater to a more action-oriented audience, potentially alienating fans who appreciated the original’s challenging but rewarding learning curve. The Ghost of Miyazaki: A Directorial Shift? Adding another layer of complexity to the debate is the absence of Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary director behind Bloodborne and other FromSoftware classics. While Miyazaki is overseeing the project in a supervisory role, the directorial reins have been passed to a new, yet-to-be-revealed director. This has understandably caused anxiety among fans who consider Miyazaki’s creative genius to be integral to the Soulsborne experience. Miyazaki’s games are renowned for their intricate level design, interconnected world-building, and subtle storytelling that encourages player interpretation and analysis. The fear is that a new director, even under Miyazaki’s guidance, might not capture the essence of what made Bloodborne so special. However, others argue that a fresh perspective could inject new life into the franchise, potentially leading to innovative ideas and unexpected twists. A Divided Community: The Wait for Answers The announcement of Bloodborne 2 has ignited passionate discussions across online forums, social media platforms, and gaming communities. Reddit threads are filled with debates about the trailer’s implications, with users dissecting every frame and analyzing every detail. YouTube is flooded with reaction videos and analysis, with content creators offering their perspectives on the sequel’s potential and pitfalls. The division within the fanbase is palpable. Some are cautiously optimistic, hoping that FromSoftware will deliver another masterpiece that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor. Others are more skeptical, expressing concerns about the changes showcased in the trailer and the potential impact on the core gameplay experience. The lack of concrete information and the ambiguity surrounding the sequel’s narrative and gameplay mechanics have only fueled the uncertainty and amplified the divide. Here’s a breakdown of the key points of contention: Looking Ahead: Hope and Trepidation Despite the anxieties and uncertainties, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement surrounding Bloodborne 2. The prospect of returning to a world inspired by gothic horror and Lovecraftian lore is enticing, and FromSoftware’s track record of delivering challenging and rewarding gaming experiences instills confidence. However, the developer faces a significant challenge in meeting the high expectations set by Bloodborne . The original game wasn’t just a critical and commercial success; it was a cultural phenomenon that resonated with players on a deep level. It’s understandable that fans are protective of its legacy and wary of any changes that might compromise its unique identity. Ultimately, only time will tell whether Bloodborne 2 will live up to its potential and unite the divided fanbase. Until then, the speculation and debate will continue, fueled by every new piece of information and every cryptic teaser released by FromSoftware. One thing is certain: the world is watching, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Bloodborne saga.
Aaron Rodgers insists there's nothing uncertain about his status for the New York Jets' game Sunday at Buffalo. “There's no way I'm not playing,” the quarterback said during a video call Tuesday. Rodgers acknowledged he has “a little MCL” issue in a knee, but added: “I've had a lot worse. I lucked out. I avoided major stretchage of the MCL.” Rodgers was hurt in the Jets’ 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday but remained in the game. “I’m gonna play,” Rodgers said of the game against the Bills. “It feels pretty good.” Rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu’s promising first season is over, though, as the first-round pick was placed on injured reserve with an injury to the plantar fascia in his left foot. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said earlier Tuesday that it was “just too early to tell” what Rodgers' availability might be, but he was optimistic about the 41-year-old quarterback's chances. “If I’m a betting man," Ulbrich said, “I’m betting on Aaron Rodgers to play.” Rodgers said he didn't need an MRI on the knee, the latest ailment in what has been an injury-filled season. He earlier dealt with knee, hamstring and ankle issues that hindered his play at times. One of the four-time MVP's goals entering the season was playing in all 17 games after being limited to four snaps in his debut last year because of a torn Achilles tendon. “I definitely felt like at midseason that was going to be difficult,” Rodgers said of playing in every game. “But right now, it looks like, for sure, 16. And hopefully get through this one and get to 17.” The Jets held a walkthrough Tuesday and their next full practice is Thursday, giving Rodgers some extra time to recover. Rodgers has 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season, and he's one TD throw from becoming the fifth player in NFL history with 500 for his career in the regular season. While his plans for the final two games appear clear, his playing future beyond this season is uncertain. Rodgers has another year left on his deal with the Jets, but the team is looking for a new general manager and head coach. Whether the quarterback will be part of the new regime's plans will be a major storyline this offseason. During an appearance Monday on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers suggested he could be released the day after the regular season ends. He said there's also a chance he could be retained but acknowledged he's going to take some time to decide if he even wants to play in a 21st NFL season. “I think anything is truly possible,” Rodgers said Tuesday of potentially being released. "Whether it happens or not, I’m sure that there will be decisions that, I don’t think there will be surprises where there’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t know what we want to do with certain people.’ I think there’s going to be some decisions that want to be made the day after the season or a couple days after the season, so I don’t know. I’m just not naive. “There’s not zero percent in my mind. I don’t think it’s a high percentage. I think there’s probably a conversation to be had, but I’m just not naive to that being a zero percent chance. I think it’s more than a zero percent chance and less than a certainty, so somewhere in the middle.” Rodgers said he hasn't spoken recently to owner Woody Johnson and doesn't necessarily think the lack of any indication of whether he's wanted back means he won't be. “I would be surprised if there was a conversation now because there’s so many uncertainties,” he said. “There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be part of hiring the head coach, so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach." Rodgers added that if he's told the Jets want him back, it would mean they see him as an important part of trying to change the culture of a team that hasn't made the postseason in 14 years. “That’d be special to hear that,” he said, “but if they don’t, again, no offense at all will be taken.” Olu Fashanu’s season is over Fashanu had a solid first NFL season after being the 11th overall draft pick in April out of Penn State. He began the year as veteran Tyron Smith's backup before filling in at right tackle for two games when Morgan Moses was injured. Fashanu, who played only left tackle in college, also stepped in at right guard for an injured Alijah Vera-Tucker against Houston. When Smith was lost for the season with a neck injury last month, Fashanu took over as the starter and excelled in five starts. He was hurt midway through the fourth quarter against the Rams and was seen on crutches in the locker room after the game. Ulbrich said he believed Fashanu would need surgery, but the team later clarified that a procedure won't be required. “It's unfortunate,” Ulbrich said. “He's having a great rookie season. But at the same time, these injuries sometimes give you an opportunity to step back and really start absorbing some of the information as you were kind of thrown into the fire. He'll use it as an opportunity to grow, I know that.” Kicking carousel The Jets signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad and he'll compete with Anders Carlson for the job this week. Ulbrich said Greg Zuerlein, on IR since late October with a knee injury, also could be in the mix. Carlson, the fourth kicker used by the Jets this season, missed an extra point and a 49-yard field goal try late in the fourth quarter against the Rams. He is 8 of 10 on field goal tries and 9 for 11 on extra points in five games with New York. “We'll see how it goes and we'll put the best guy out there,” Ulbrich said. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated PressBlockmate Ventures Announces Closing of Strategic Investment and Incentive GrantLate kickoff return TDs by Turpin and Thomas spark the Cowboys as they end their 5-game skid
Cambridge, MA, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2024 IOF-ADA Forsyth International Orthodontic Symposium, held in Cambridge, MA, USA, on October 5-6, brought together thought leaders from around the globe to discuss the latest innovations and advancements in orthodontics. This milestone event marked the first of three joint symposia by the International Orthodontics Foundation and ADA Forsyth Institute to promote global innovation in orthodontics. With 20 lectures and two fireside discussions led by 30 experts from 24 international institutions, the symposium attracted 111,000 online views from 52 countries and regions, in addition to the sold-out venue audience. Last year, the symposium was held in Hong Kong (Asia), and next year, it will take place in Madrid (Europe). IOF’s transition from Asia to the Americas and then to Europe demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that voices from different academic schools of thought are heard on a global stage. As Donald Huang, Co-chairman of the Board of IOF and Partner and Managing Director of CareCapital Group, stated, “Each year, IOF selects a city embodying innovation and progress for our annual symposium. From Hong Kong's vibrant skyline to Boston's rich history and cutting-edge healthcare, we've connected with remarkable minds.” Innovation in orthodontics and beyond The 2024 symposium brought together some of the most influential thought leaders in orthodontics, each sharing valuable insights that will shape the future of the field. Experts discussed how the latest advancements in technology influence daily clinical practices and how these innovations will continue to evolve. Contributions from notable figures such as Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, Executive Director of the American Dental Association, and renowned materials scientist and MIT Professor Michael Cima, a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, provided a forward-looking view on how orthodontic technologies will impact both clinicians and patients alike. "ADA Forsyth’s mission is to serve and help people globally,” Dr. Cohlmia said in his presentation which opened the conference. “The orthodontic research and innovation communities must rise to the challenge of revolutionizing orthodontic treatment with new technologies." Prof. Cima shared that science is about making the “unknown” known, and engineering is about making the “impossible” possible, as he highlighted the role of each in driving change. He described his cutting-edge work creating a precision drug delivery device for epilepsy that could potentially inspire new therapeutic procedures in dentistry. Over the course of the two-day symposium, leading experts shared their latest innovations in areas such as orthodontic appliances, AI-assisted personalized treatment, novel tools for sleep apnea monitoring, complex-case management, and tele-orthodontics. The symposium also highlighted significant innovations such as Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), and the use of AI and VR in orthodontic education, and clinical practice. AI-driven diagnostic and planning tools are providing orthodontists with new ways to improve care, making treatments more precise and accessible. Experts share best practices and limitations to integrate some of these technologies into clinical workflow, offering practical solutions that enhance treatment efficiency and patient outcomes. AFI-IOF Partnership aims to revolutionize oral health Though the core missions of AFI and IOF are different, both are committed to expanding education and collaboration while empowering the use of new technologies to revolutionize access and quality of oral health care. Through continuous efforts in education, research, and building a global platform for communication, IOF is breaking geographical barriers and making significant strides in enhancing patient care worldwide—whether in developed nations or in developing regions. During this year's symposium, three IOF members from the United States, Italy, and Syria shared their moving stories, recounting how the IOF has transformed their lives. Donald Huang remarked, “As we connect with members globally, we found many inspiring stories. Their stories remind us of the profound difference we make as educators, mentors, and professionals in this field. Our true measure of success lies not in numbers, but in the hearts we've touched – confident children, purpose-driven orthodontists, and transformed lives.” Dr. Kang Ting, Executive Director at the IOF and Adjunct Faculty at AFI affirmed IOF’s commitment to education in his speech: "We believe that freely accessible high-quality global education and research opportunities are not just for our professionals, but truly for the benefit of patients worldwide and the public interest. It is a vision that welcomes and includes all, regardless of background or location." Dr. Wenyuan Shi, CEO of AFI, identified the collaboration with IOF as one of the first of many such partnerships, representing AFI’s commitment to expanding access to oral health care globally: “We are working to promote advancement of cutting-edge technologies and research in the field, through collaborative projects with international partners, including joint training programs for postdocs and joint symposia.” Earlier this year, the Institute signed partnerships with Dubai Health and Seoul National University, to improve international collaboration and further education in oral health research and innovation. 2025 Symposium: Emerging Technology for Interdisciplinary Care The 2025 AFI-IOF International Orthodontics Symposium in partnership with UCM, will convene at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Spain, on June 27-28, 2025. With the theme Emerging Technology for Interdisciplinary Care , this symposium marks the first tri-party collaboration in its history, bringing together IOF, a global academic organization; AFI, a leading North American dental research institute; and UCM, one of Europe’s foremost research universities, to create a global forum for knowledge exchange. Through this unique alliance, the symposium will gather experts in orthodontics from across Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions to delve into advancements in orthodontic innovation and explore intersections with disciplines such as materials science and computer science. This exchange promises a dynamic fusion of diverse academic perspectives that will further elevate orthodontic practice worldwide. Company: International Orthodontics Foundation Limited Contact Person: Brandon Kan Email: brandon.kan@iofglobal.org Website: https://www.iofglobal.org Telephone: +862155821505 City: HongKong Address: Unit 1603, 16/F Tower 1, Silvercord 30 Canton RD TST KL, HongKong Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of KISS PR or its partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. KISS PR makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.Stocks shook off a choppy start to finish higher Monday, as Wall Street kicked off a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 ended 0.7% higher after having been down 0.5% in the early going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also recovered from an early slide to eke out a 0.2% gain. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Gains in technology and communications stocks accounted for much of the gains, outweighing losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.7%. Broadcom climbed 5.5% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2% and PepsiCo slid 1%. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 12.7%, while Nissan ended flat. Eli Lilly rose 3.7% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.5% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. All told, the S&P 500 rose 43.22 points to 5,974.07. The Dow gained 66.69 points to 42,906.95. The Nasdaq rose 192.29 points to 19,764.89. Traders got a look at a new snapshot of U.S. consumer confidence Monday. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a roughly 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets closed mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’