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As the year draws to a close this holiday season and blessed Christmas time, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions of those who work tirelessly to feed, clothe, and sustain us. As a farm journalist, I’m blessed to witness individuals’ dedication, resilience, and innovation across the agricultural industry. Each of you — farmers, suppliers, processors, government workers, and consumers — play a vital role in shaping our food systems and communities. For this, I am deeply thankful. To the farmers: Your commitment to the land and livestock is genuinely inspiring. Whether you’re tending crops or caring for animals, your work embodies the heart and soul of agriculture. Through early mornings, long days, and unpredictable weather, you persevere. Your resilience ensures that there is produce to stock the shelves, tables are full, and communities thrive. As journalism is for me, agriculture is not just a profession — it’s a calling. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. You face challenges head-on, whether it’s market fluctuations, environmental pressures, or labour shortages. Yet, you continue to adapt, innovate, and find solutions. From precision farming techniques to regenerative practices, your efforts pave the way for a more sustainable future. To the suppliers: You keep the wheels of agriculture turning. From seed and equipment providers to technology innovators, your work ensures farmers have the tools they need to succeed. In a world where efficiency and sustainability are paramount, your contributions enable farmers to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. You are partners in every sense, supporting the backbone of agriculture. Your innovation drives progress, whether it’s developing climate-resistant seeds, advancing precision agriculture technologies, or ensuring the availability of critical inputs during challenging times. Your work supports farmers and empowers them to achieve greater success. To the processors: You transform raw products into the goods that nourish us all. Your precision, creativity, and commitment to quality add value to everything agriculture produces. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about creating experiences, sustaining traditions, and supporting health and wellness. You bridge the gap between the farm and the table, and your work is a testament to the importance of every link in the supply chain. Amid supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer demands, you adapt to ensure high-quality products reach markets near and far. Your efforts drive economic growth and unite communities around shared meals and traditions. To the government workers: Behind the scenes, you support the policies and programs that make agriculture viable. Your efforts shape the agricultural sector’s framework from research and development to trade negotiations and food safety regulations. Your dedication ensures Canadian agriculture remains competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing global market. Whether addressing climate challenges, supporting rural development, or fostering international trade, your work lays the groundwork for a thriving agricultural ecosystem. Your commitment to collaboration with industry stakeholders strengthens the foundation of our food systems. To the consumers: You are the reason agriculture exists. Your choices shape the direction of the industry, and your support fuels its growth. Whether buying locally sourced produce, supporting sustainable practices, or simply sharing appreciation for the farmers and workers who make it all possible, you play an essential role in this intricate system. Your connection to the food you consume strengthens the bond between farm and fork. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and sustainability, your voices guide the industry toward practices that align with these values. By choosing to support local farmers, organic options, or fair trade products, you make a tangible impact. As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, take notice of the spirit of gratitude and community that binds us all. Agriculture is a collective effort, and each role is essential. In this season of giving, may we extend our appreciation to those who work tirelessly to ensure that we have enough — not just at the holidays but throughout the year. Let us also recognize the sacrifices made by those in agriculture who often work through the holidays to care for livestock, monitor crops, and ensure the continuity of our food supply. Looking ahead to 2025, let’s remain hopeful and committed to fostering a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive agricultural industry. May we support one another, embrace challenges with courage, and celebrate the big and small victories that make this journey worthwhile. Let us acknowledge the power of community and collaboration as we face future uncertainties. By working together, we can build an agricultural system that not only meets the needs of today but also secures a prosperous future for generations to come. I leave you with this thought from Galatians 6:9: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.” This verse reminds us that perseverance and faith yield rewards, even when the road ahead seems challenging. May this verse encourage us to keep progressing with faith, hope, and perseverance. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to each of you. May your hearts be full, your tables abundant, and your year ahead filled with blessings. Thank you for all you do to make agriculture the vital, vibrant industry it is today. — Harry Siemens is a farm journalist, podcaster, speaker, writer and communicator Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca
Company's first ultra-low power AI module will be commercially available for wearables and various other battery-powered on-device AI applications starting Q1 2025 SANTA CLARA, Calif. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ambient Scientific, The AI Processor Company, announced today its first coin cell battery powered AI module, named the Sparsh-board, targeted for a variety of on-device AI applications such as human activity recognition, voice control, acoustic event detection and more capable of running on a coin cell battery for months of always-on AI operation. Equipped with motion sensors, a digital microphone, BLE module and several other components, the Sparsh module is an extremely powerful and versatile module to enable rapid prototyping of a vast array of battery-powered AI applications. "While traditional MCUs force an undesirable tradeoff between AI performance and power consumption, our ultra-low power AI processor GPX10 ushers a paradigm shift with our groundbreaking analog in-memory computing technology," said GP Singh, Founder and CEO of Ambient Scientific. Product makers can now enable highly accurate and diverse AI applications without compromising on AI performance, battery life, form factor, flexibility and more. Ambient Scientific's exhaustive software stack makes the development of AI applications easier than ever before with support for industry standard AI frameworks such as Tensorflow and keras and a continuously evolving homegrown compiler, capable of supporting essentially all the major types of neural networks. With various sample AI applications and algorithms included, developers can get begin developing AI applications within minutes of downloading our AmbiSense SDK . Current applications being worked on cut across industries, including predictive maintenance, AI-enabled medical devices, wearables, voice controlled toys and more. With increasing demand from product makers, enthusiasts, students and researchers alike, Ambient Scientific plans to launch several reference designs for battery-powered AI applications and similar form factor modules to enable rapid prototyping and fulfill its mission to make AI computing efficient, accessible and affordable for all. Meet Ambient Scientific at CES 2025 Ambient Scientific is excited to unveil its Sparsh AI module at CES 2025 with live demostrations of AI applications running on coin cell batteries such as Fall Detection, voice recognition and more. To explore potential synergies, attendees can schedule meetings CES 2025 with Ambient Scientific at. To learn more about Ambient Scientific, visit our booth at CES 2025 or download our press kit . About Ambient Scientific Ambient Scientific is a fabless semiconductor company pioneering AI hardware and software design to create next-generation low-power processors for edge and on-device AI applications. With a team comprised of Ex-Sun Microsystems, Intel, Broadcom and Google professionals, Ambient Scientific is committed to bringing the power of AI to all, through cutting edge hardware and software products. To learn more about its products, visit www.ambientscientific.ai and follow Ambient Scientific on LinkedIn . Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=0013A00001egpuFQAQ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ambient-scientific-unveils-first-ever-ai-module-powered-by-a-coin-cell-battery-302332996.html SOURCE Ambient Scientific, Inc.Paul Sullivan: Leave it to the Bears to botch a coach firing even your Aunt Martha could see coming
All-star Scottie Barnes returns to Raptors lineup vs. TimberwolvesBy LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
New research has found that a chemical abundant in fruits, vegetables and plant products can suppress the immune response seen in food allergies. It paves the way to developing a natural treatment for this globally increasing problem. Flavonoids are natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, plants and leaves that possess a number of medicinal benefits. In the past, has reported on studies finding that flavonoids may , possess properties, and help make . Now, a new study out of the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) has found that a particular flavonoid, kaempferol, can dampen the body’s allergic response – including food allergies – via its effect on the immune system. Allergic conditions like food allergies, hay fever, eczema and asthma have become much more common. There are a about why this might be the case, but that’s a discussion for another time. The bottom line is this: allergies are rife. In the gut are a subset of specialized antigen-presenting cells called dendritic cells (DCs) that prime immune responses crucial to the development of food allergies. Antigen-presenting cells, or APCs, literally do what their name suggests: present antigens (foreign substances that trigger an immune response) to T cells, activating them. DCs produce an enzyme called retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2), which converts the chemical retinal, derived from vitamin A, to retinoic acid. Retinoic acid then triggers the development of regulatory T cells (T-regs), immune cells that suppress the body’s allergic response. In the present study, the researchers examined around 40 different flavonoids to see if they increased the expression and efficiency of RALDH2 in DCs. They found that kaempferol was the most effective at this, so they studied it more thoroughly. Kaempferol is abundant in tea, beans, broccoli, apples, and strawberries. It’s also found in medicinal herbs like aloe vera, Ginkgo biloba, and rosemary ( ). Kaempferol is a flavonol, a type of flavonoid that is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect and that have associated with a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, tumor growth prevention, and alleviating damage caused by free radicals, among other health benefits. In the lab, the researchers observed that kaempferol-treated DCs produced more RALDH2. Digging deeper, the researchers examined the molecular mechanisms underlying kaempferol’s effects on RALDH2. Focusing on the aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor, which kaempferol targets, they found that the flavonol acted as an antagonist, blocking the AhR receptor and, in turn, accelerating T-reg development. They then moved to testing kaempferol in animal models, inducing food allergy in mice using the ovalbumin (OVA) protein found in egg whites. Administering kaempferol increased the number of T-regs and “significantly suppressed” the physical symptoms caused by the food allergy, namely a decreased body temperature and diarrhea. The researchers will investigate further to see whether these effects can be replicated in human cells. They maintain that kaempferol’s anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effect could be a promising way to treat allergies. “When taken as a daily food, they [flavonoids] are expected to reduce allergies, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases that are caused or aggravated by excessive immune response,” said Professor Chiharu Nishiyama, from TUS’s Department of Biological Science and Technology and the study’s corresponding author. The study was published in the journal . Source:
With each team coming off a come-from-behind win, West Virginia and North Carolina Central square off Tuesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia (6-2) has won two straight games and is in the midst of a 16-day, four-game homestand that kicked off with a 73-60 win over Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Friday night. North Carolina Central (4-7) comes off a 78-77 road win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday night. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with a game-high 26 points against Georgetown as they overcame a second-half deficit with a decisive run. "The way we played in the second half (against Georgetown), I'll take that team everywhere," West Virginia coach Darian DeVries said. "You have to be able to do that every single night, every single possession you don't always get to go on a 16-0 run to pull you out of it. That's where we are still growing as a team." Eduardo Andre was questionable for the Georgetown game after he missed the Mountaineers' 83-76 overtime win against Arizona on Nov. 29. But the fifth-year senior center returned with four points, three rebounds and four blocks. "It was good to have him back in the lineup for a reason," DeVries said. "That presence, especially defensively and the ability to block shots, that's a huge deal for us." Against Gardner-Webb, Po'Boigh King led NCCU with 28 points, well above his 17.4 points per game average, as the Eagles rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to win on a late 3-pointer from Isaac Parson. On offense, the Eagles take care of the ball. They are seventh in the nation in turnover margin at plus-7.5 per game. They seek extra possessions on defense and are second nationally with 18.9 turnovers forced per game "We're good enough, we just need to fine tune some things," NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said. "We've got to cross some T's, dot some I's and close. We can't be a really good basketball team until we get the mindset that when winning time presents itself in the last five minutes, (the other team) has to earn it." --Field Level MediaNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted amid mixed trading Monday, ahead of this week’s upcoming meeting by the Federal Reserve that could set Wall Street’s direction into next year. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, coming off its first losing week in the last four . The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2% to a record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was a laggard and fell 110 points, or 0.3%. Broadcom leaped 11.2% to help lead the S&P 500 for a second straight day after delivering a profit report last week that beat analysts’ expectations. The technology company is riding a wave of enthusiasm about its artificial-intelligence offerings in particular. The market’s main event, though, will arrive on Wednesday when the Federal Reserve will announce its last move on interest rates for the year. The widespread expectation is that it will cut its main rate for a third straight time, as it tries to boost the slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its target of 2%. The question is how much more it will cut rates next year, and Fed officials will release projections for where they see the federal funds rate ending 2025, along with other economic indicators, once their meeting concludes. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also answer questions in a press conference following the meeting. For now, the general expectation among traders is that the Fed may cut a couple more times in 2025, according to data from CME Group. But such expectations have been shrinking following reports suggesting inflation may be tougher to get all the way down to 2% from here. Besides last month’s slight acceleration in inflation, another worry is that President-elect Donald Trump’s preferences for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation down the line. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle has dropped his earlier forecast of a cut by the Fed in January, for example. Beyond the possibility of tariffs, he said Fed officials may also want to slow their cuts because of uncertainty about exactly how low rates need to go so that they no longer press the brakes on the economy. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times so far this year and is heading for one of its best years of the millennium . The economy has held up better than many feared, continuing to grow even after the Fed hiked the federal funds rate to a two-decade high in hopes of grinding down on inflation, which topped 9% two summers ago. On Wall Street, MicroStrategy jumped as much as 7% during the day as it continues to benefit from the surging price for bitcoin , which set another all-time high. But its stock ended the day down by les than 0.1% after bitcoin’s price pulled back below $106,000 after setting a record above $107,700, according to CoinDesk. The software company has been building its hoard of the cryptocurrency, and its stock price has more than sextupled this year. It will also soon join the Nasdaq 100 index. Bitcoin’s price has catapulted from roughly $44,000 at the start of the year, riding a recent wave of enthusiasm that Trump will create a system that’s more favorable to digital currencies . Honeywell rose 3.7% after saying it’s still considering a spin-off or sale of its aerospace business, as part of a review of its overall business. It said it plans to give an update with the release of its fourth-quarter results. They helped offset a drop for Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world’s move into AI. Its stock fell 1.7%. Because it’s grown so massive, with a total value topping $3 trillion, it was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 22.99 points to 6,074.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 110.58 to 43,717.48, and the Nasdaq composite rose 247.17 to 20,173.89. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.39% from 4.40% late Friday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, eased to 4.24% from 4.25%. In stock markets abroad, indexes fell modestly across much of Europe and Asia. They sank 0.9% in Hong Kong and 0.2% in Shanghai after China reported lackluster economic indicators for November despite attempts to strengthen the world’s second-largest economy. South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% as law enforcement authorities pushed to summon impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree, and the Constitutional Court met to discuss whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
NoneNew Mexico's oil income investments now surpass personal income tax revenue
Restoring functionSAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND), a leading platform for digital banking solutions, today announced the appointment of Srini Venkatramani as Head of Product, Technology, and Customer Operations. Srini’s leadership will be instrumental in accelerating Blend’s next phase of growth in the digital banking space. With over 23 years of experience, Srini joins Blend with a proven track record of scaling SaaS businesses, driving product innovation, and delivering accelerated value creation for stakeholders. In his role as Head of Product, Technology, and Customer Operations, he will orchestrate the company's product vision, technology strategy, and operational excellence to ensure exceptional customer outcomes. “I’m excited to join Blend and support its mission to bring simplicity and transparency to digital banking,” said Srini Venkatramani. “Blend’s culture is obsessively customer-centric, and it clearly radiates through the team’s passion for building impactful technology. I look forward to contributing my expertise and taking Blend into its next phase of growth as the industry’s most digitally-robust, efficient, and powerful origination platform.” Srini draws on experience gained from working on three continents, where he has led product, engineering, and customer operations in organizations of various sizes, ranging from $35 million to $80 billion in annual revenue. Most recently, Srini spent five years as Chief Product and Technology Officer at PlanSource, where he spearheaded the development and execution of a multi-year product and operational strategy. Prior to that, Srini was a senior executive at IBM, where he was responsible for overall strategy, P&L management, and cross-functional leadership for the Publishing & Information services industry. “I’m delighted to welcome Srini to Blend’s executive team,” said Nima Ghamsari, Co-Founder and Head of Blend. “With his leadership experience in product and technology and a track record of driving value creation for SaaS businesses, Srini will be invaluable as we continue our evolution into a platform-first company. With his expertise, we’ll be well-positioned to help our customers leverage Blend’s technology to unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater ROI.” Ghamsari added, “I’m also grateful to Erik Wrobel for his outstanding product leadership over the past five years. He has had a remarkable career here at Blend, and we wish him the best in his next chapter.” Erik will depart Blend at the end of this year. In the third quarter of 2024, Blend signed multi-year deals with new customers in both mortgage and consumer banking and accomplished significant milestones for the business, including a 50% year-over-year revenue growth in its Consumer Banking business. Earlier this year, Blend also announced a new strategic partnership with Haveli Investments that included a $150 million investment to advance the company’s goal of driving innovation and delivering lasting value for its customers and shareholders. About Blend Blend Labs Inc., (NYSE: BLND) is a leading origination platform for digital banking solutions. Financial providers— from large banks, fintechs, and credit unions to community and independent mortgage banks—use Blend’s platform to transform banking experiences for their customers. To learn more, visit blend.com . Forward-Looking Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements generally relate to future events, future performance or expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, but are not limited to, quotations of management; our expectations regarding our product roadmap, future products/features, the timing of new product/feature introductions, market size and growth opportunities, macroeconomics and industry conditions, capital expenditures, plans for future operations, competitive position, technological capabilities and strategic relationships, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from the outcomes predicted. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology that concern Blend’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Further information on these risks and uncertainties are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Blend and assumptions and beliefs as of the date hereof. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Blend does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209416327/en/ CONTACT: Press Contact Chloé Demeunynck Corporate Communications press@blend.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING FINTECH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Blend Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209416327/en
Advisors Asset Management Inc. Has $145,000 Stock Holdings in Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:CRDO)Oro-Medonte should expect to face budget challenges next year, council hearsDALLAS , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bestow , a leading technology company in the life insurance industry, has been named one of the Top 100 Financial Technology Companies of 2024 by The Financial Technology Report . This recognition highlights Bestow's innovative approach to modernizing life insurance and its commitment to delivering seamless, high-impact solutions. The Financial Technology Report annually highlights organizations redefining financial services with innovation, influence, and impact. Bestow's inclusion places it among industry leaders, underscoring its role in transforming how life insurance is provided. "This recognition is a testament to our team's relentless focus on creating a better way to offer life insurance," said Melbourne O'Banion, CEO and Co-Founder, Bestow. "Bestow plays a crucial role in driving rapid innovation within the industry, and I'm proud of our team's commitment to our mission." Bestow's proprietary platform removes traditional barriers in the life insurance process, offering a fully digital experience that eliminates the need for medical exams and lengthy paperwork. Its advanced technology enables businesses to quickly integrate life insurance solutions and products into their platforms, helping carriers increase customer growth and profitability. Since its inception, Bestow has been at the forefront of insurtech innovation, leveraging data science and AI, forging strategic partnerships, and developing scalable solutions that empower businesses and broaden access to life insurance. This leadership has solidified its position in the evolving financial technology sector. Earlier this year, Bestow was recognized as one of the Top 25 Insurtech Companies by The Financial Technology Report for its success in partnering with leading carriers to broaden the reach and impact of life insurance solutions. Additionally, CNBC honored Bestow as one of the world's leading insurtech companies of 2024. For more information about Bestow, visit: Bestow.com About Bestow Bestow is on a mission to increase financial stability for everyone. We partner with top life insurance carriers to deploy cutting-edge technology and data solutions that reduce costs, maximize efficiency, and drive growth by streamlining processes from origination and underwriting through administration. To learn more, visit Bestow.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bestow-named-a-top-100-financial-technology-company-of-2024-302333006.html SOURCE Bestow Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Vaxcyte's SVP Mikhail Eydelman sells $457k in stockUK PM Keir Starmer's brother Nick, who had cancer, dies
With each team coming off a come-from-behind win, West Virginia and North Carolina Central square off Tuesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia (6-2) has won two straight games and is in the midst of a 16-day, four-game homestand that kicked off with a 73-60 win over Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Friday night. North Carolina Central (4-7) comes off a 78-77 road win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday night. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with a game-high 26 points against Georgetown as they overcame a second-half deficit with a decisive run. "The way we played in the second half (against Georgetown), I'll take that team everywhere," West Virginia coach Darian DeVries said. "You have to be able to do that every single night, every single possession you don't always get to go on a 16-0 run to pull you out of it. That's where we are still growing as a team." Eduardo Andre was questionable for the Georgetown game after he missed the Mountaineers' 83-76 overtime win against Arizona on Nov. 29. But the fifth-year senior center returned with four points, three rebounds and four blocks. "It was good to have him back in the lineup for a reason," DeVries said. "That presence, especially defensively and the ability to block shots, that's a huge deal for us." Against Gardner-Webb, Po'Boigh King led NCCU with 28 points, well above his 17.4 points per game average, as the Eagles rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to win on a late 3-pointer from Isaac Parson. On offense, the Eagles take care of the ball. They are seventh in the nation in turnover margin at plus-7.5 per game. They seek extra possessions on defense and are second nationally with 18.9 turnovers forced per game "We're good enough, we just need to fine tune some things," NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said. "We've got to cross some T's, dot some I's and close. We can't be a really good basketball team until we get the mindset that when winning time presents itself in the last five minutes, (the other team) has to earn it." --Field Level Media(TNS) — Every day millions of people share more intimate information with their accessories than they do with their spouse. Wearable technology — smartwatches, smart rings, fitness trackers and the like — monitors body-centric data such as your heart rate, steps taken and calories burned, and may record where you go along the way. Like Santa Claus, it knows when you are sleeping (and how well), it knows when you're awake, it knows when you've been idle or exercising, and it keeps track of all of it. People are also sharing sensitive health information on , including online mental health and counseling programs. Some women use period tracker apps to map out their monthly cycle. These devices and services have excited consumers hoping for better insight into their health and lifestyle choices. But the lack of oversight into how body-centric data are used and shared with third parties has prompted concerns from privacy experts, who warn that the data could be sold or lost through data breaches, then used to raise insurance premiums, discriminate surreptitiously against applicants for jobs or housing, and even perform surveillance. The use of wearable technology and medical apps surged in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but indicates that current laws offer little protection for consumers who are often unaware just how much of their health data are being collected and shared by companies. "I've been studying the intersections of emerging technologies, data-driven technologies, AI and human rights and social justice for the past 15 years, and since the pandemic I've noticed the industry has become hyper-focused on our bodies," said Mozilla Foundation technology fellow Júlia Keserű, who conducted the research. "That permeates into all kinds of areas of our lives and all kinds of domains within the tech industry." The report "From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age" recommends that existing data protection laws be clarified to encompass all forms of bodily data. It also calls for expanding national health privacy laws to cover health-related information collected from health apps and fitness trackers and making it easier for users to opt out of body-centric data collections. Researchers have been raising alarms about health data privacy for years. Data collected by companies are often sold to data brokers or groups that buy, sell and trade data from the Internet to create detailed consumer profiles. Body-centric data can include information such as the fingerprints used to unlock phones, face scans from facial recognition technology, and data from fitness and fertility trackers, mental health apps and digital medical records. One of the key reasons health information has value to companies — even when the person's name is not associated with it — is that advertisers can use the data to send targeted ads to groups of people based on certain details they share. The information contained in these consumer profiles is becoming so detailed, however, that when paired with other data sets that include location information, it could be possible to target specific individuals, Keserű said. Location data can "expose sophisticated insights about people's health status, through their visits to places like hospitals or abortions clinics," Mozilla's report said, adding that "companies like Google have been reported to keep such data even after promising to delete it." revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals' mental health conditions on the open market. While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report. In two public surveys conducted as part of the research, Keserű said, participants were outraged and felt exploited in scenarios where their health data were sold for a profit without their knowledge. "We need a new approach to our digital interactions that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to safeguard their bodily data, an issue that speaks directly to human autonomy and dignity," Keserű said. "As technology continues to advance, it is critical that our laws and practices evolve to meet the unique challenges of this era." Consumers often take part in these technologies without fully understanding the implications. Last month, that users submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs and other medical images to Grok, the platform's artificial intelligence chatbot, to seek diagnoses. The issue alarmed privacy experts, but many X users heeded Musk's call and submitted health information to the chatbot. While X's privacy policy says that the company will not sell user data to third parties, it does share some information with certain business partners. Gaps in existing laws have allowed the widespread sharing of biometric and other body-related data. Health information provided to hospitals, doctor's offices and medical insurance companies is protected from disclosure under the , known as HIPAA, which established federal standards protecting such information from release without the patient's consent. But health data collected by many wearable devices and health and wellness apps don't fall under HIPAA's umbrella, said Suzanne Bernstein, counsel at Electronic Privacy Information Center. "In the U.S. because we don't have a comprehensive federal privacy law ... it falls to the state level," she said. But not every state has weighed in on the issue. Washington, Nevada and Connecticut all recently passed laws to provide safeguards for consumer health data. that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data. In California, the California Privacy Rights Act regulates how businesses can use certain types of sensitive information, including biometric information, and requires them to offer consumers the ability to opt out of disclosure of sensitive personal information. "This information being sold or shared with data brokers and other entities hypercharge the online profiling that we're so used to at this point, and the more sensitive the data, the more sophisticated the profiling can be," Bernstein said. "A lot of the sharing or selling with third parties is outside the scope of what a consumer would reasonably expect." Health information has become a prime target for hackers seeking to extort healthcare agencies and individuals after accessing sensitive patient data. Health-related cybersecurity breaches and ransom attacks increased more than 4,000% between 2009 and 2023, targeting the booming market of body-centric data, which is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, according to the report. "Nonconsensual data sharing is a big issue," Keserű said. "Even if it's biometric data or health data, a lot of the companies are just sharing that data without you knowing, and that is causing a lot of anxiety and questions." ©
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Florida on Friday to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A person familiar with the details called it a "positive wide-ranging dinner that lasted three hours.” The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said topics included trade, border security, fentanyl, defense, Ukraine, NATO, China and pipelines, as well as the the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year. Although Trump once called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest” during his first term, ties between the two countries have remained among the closest in the world. Trudeau is the first leader from the G7 countries to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump's nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump's pick to lead the Interior Department, Mike Waltz, Trump's choice to be his national security adviser, and the three men's wives. Also at the dinner were David McCormick, just elected U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, and his wife, Dina Powell, a former deputy national security adviser under Trump, as well as Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, and Katie Telford, Trudeau's chief of staff. McCormick posted a photo on X of the group seated at a round table on the patio of Mar-a-Lago. At the table behind the president-elect a boy can be seen mugging for the camera. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Trudeau said earlier Friday that he would resolve the tariffs issue by talking to Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday after speaking with Trump that she is confident a tariff war with the United States will be averted. “We’re going to work together to meet some of the concerns,” Trudeau told reporters in Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “But ultimately it is through lots of real constructive conversations with President Trump that I am going to have, that will keep us moving forward on the right track for all Canadians.” Trudeau said Trump got elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now he's talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products including potatoes from Prince Edward Island. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully re-negotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. “We can work together as we did previously,” Trudeau said. Trump made the tariff threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at the Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border are few in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after he made his social media posts on the border. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official told The Associated Press this week. A government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. “Canada has reason to fear because Trump is impulsive, often influenced by the last thing he sees on Fox News,” said Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. “He can leverage that by catering to what he thinks will sound and look good to the public rather than to what happens or will happen.” ___ Gillies reported from Toronto. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the U.S. election was Nov. 5, not Nov. 4.Russian police raid Moscow nightclubs in LGBTQ+ crackdown
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Kakko's late goal lifts Rangers past CanadiensSustainability has become a central concern for businesses and industries worldwide in today’s globalized economy. As part of the broader transportation and logistics industry, ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade, promoting economic development, and managing the global flow of goods. However, with growing concerns over climate change, social equity, and the need for transparent governance, port operations have increasingly been pressured to adopt Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. ESG refers to three factors that guide an organization’s strategy and operations to minimize environmental impacts, promote social responsibility and ensure strong governance. The environmental aspect focuses on reducing environmental footprints, the social component emphasizes community engagement and workforce well-being, and governance relates to ethical leadership and transparency. For ports, integrating ESG principles is essential. Ports handle vast volumes of goods, consume significant energy, and impact local communities and ecosystems. Without a systematic approach to sustainability, ports risk reputational damage, failure to meet international standards, and loss of investor confidence. One compelling reason for Sabah Ports to adopt ESG is its potential to attract investment. Investors increasingly prioritize organizations with strong ESG performance. Beyond financial returns, they seek companies to address environmental risks, foster community relations, and ensure robust governance practices. A solid ESG framework can enhance Sabah Ports’ ability to secure funding for expansions or upgrades. Many institutional investors now require companies to meet ESG standards before providing financial support. Aligning with international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), or the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Global capital markets favor green bonds and sustainable investment funds that support environmentally and socially beneficial projects. By adopting ESG-related KPIs such as reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and managing waste, Sabah Ports can position itself as an attractive destination for sustainable investment. This, in turn, provides capital for infrastructure and technological advancements essential for growth and modernization. Beyond funding, ESG principles drive operational benefits and cost savings, enhancing competitiveness in the global market. The environmental aspect encourages reduced resource consumption, energy efficiency, and waste management, leading to cost reductions. Social factors, such as investing in workforce development and community relations, foster productivity and satisfaction. Strong governance practices focused on transparency and ethical decision-making mitigate operational risks and ensure regulatory compliance. For instance, investing in energy-efficient technologies like electric cranes, automated systems, or renewable energy sources can lower operational costs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Waste reduction and recycling programs minimize landfill use, lowering disposal costs and contributing to environmental sustainability. Singapore and Japan forge green and digital shipping corridor for maritime decarbonisation. Adopting ESG also futureproofs operations. As the world embraces sustainable practices, ports must anticipate global trends to ensure resilience. This involves investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood defenses, and preparing for future environmental challenges. By integrating ESG principles now, Sabah Ports can build an infrastructure capable of withstanding future shocks and remain competitive. Several global ports exemplify the benefits of ESG adoption. The Port of Rotterdam leads in green technologies, including shore power for vessels, carbon capture projects, and renewable energy initiatives. These efforts reduce emissions and attract substantial investment from stakeholders supporting green initiatives. Similarly, Singapore’s port excels in digitization and green shipping practices, utilizing automated cargo systems, electric cranes, and green corridors for low-carbon vessels. These innovations enhance efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint, strengthening its global competitiveness. The Port of Los Angeles has improved air quality through zero-emissions technology and green infrastructure projects, yielding cleaner air and better outcomes for its community. For Sabah Ports to measure ESG progress, it must establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with global standards and local realities. Relevant KPIs include: Carbon Emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3): Assess direct, indirect, and supply chain emissions, prioritizing energy efficiency and renewable energy. (Detailed explanations of Scope 1, 2, and 3 will follow in my next article.) Energy Efficiency: Monitor energy consumption per ton of cargo handled and implement energy-saving measures. Shore Power Utilization: Track the percentage of ships using shore power while docked to reduce emissions. Waste Recycling Rate: Measure the percentage of waste recycled or repurposed to minimize environmental impact. Employee Safety and Satisfaction: Evaluate workplace safety incidents, training hours, and employee satisfaction. Community Investment: Allocate revenues to local projects, environmental education, and infrastructure development. As global trade continues to expand and environmental and social concerns grow, the importance of ESG in port operations cannot be overstated. For Sabah Ports, embracing ESG principles offers significant benefits that improved operational efficiency, the ability to attract sustainable investment, enhanced reputation, and long-term resilience against environmental and social risks. Sabah Ports has a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable port operations. By setting clear ESG goals, tracking progress with key performance indicators (KPIs), and learning from global best practices, the port can become a model for sustainable development. This commitment to sustainability will not only boost Sabah’s economy but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, promote social fairness, and uphold ethical standards in logistics. As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainability, Sabah Ports is well-positioned to align with global ESG trends, meet the evolving expectations of investors and stakeholders, and secure its future in a sustainable world. The Malaysian government has demonstrated strong support for ESG adoption, recognizing its importance for both businesses and the economy. Efforts are underway to create a favorable environment for ESG integration. However, challenges remain, including raising awareness and building capacity among SMEs, and developing a comprehensive ESG reporting framework to ensure transparency and accountability.