Janel Drozd grew up wanting to be a nurse. Circumstances when she was younger diverted her toward a career in transportation, so when she got the chance to go back to school for nursing, Drozd, of Griffith, got right on it. She proudly counted herself among some 300 candidates who crossed the dais Saturday during Purdue Northwest’s Fall graduation ceremony December 14. On Monday, she started the first day of her new career as a neuro nurse at a local hospital. “My grandmother who raised me had several health issues, so I was always interested in working in healthcare because of her,” Drozd said. “My grandmother was epileptic, and my great-grandmother passed away from a ruptured brain aneurysm, so anything neuro really interests me.” Soon-to-be graduates file into Purdue Northwest’s afternoon commencement ceremony in Hammond on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) Keynote speaker Wayne Breitzke, a 2009 graduate and founder of Valparaiso-based marketing firm WeCreate Media, told the graduates that rather than give them questionable advice, he wanted to share three mindset shifts that propelled him to where he is today. One was that asking what you’re getting from a job is not the right question. “‘What are the salary perks? Will there be free coffee? Can we wear sweatpants? Do we even need pants?’ Yes, you need pants,” he said. “But what I’m getting at is instead of asking what I’m getting, you should be asking ‘What am I becoming?’ No plan has you being average, so be above-average. Have an intensity to win and above-average kindness.” Graduates also can’t predict the future, and that’s true, but the future also looks a lot like the past in a lot of ways, so you can plan for it, according to Breitzke. “Think of the Chicago Bears: ‘This is our year!’ typically becomes, ‘There’s always next year.’ You can’t control the seasons, but you can prepare how to react,” he said. Purdue University Northwest alumnus and founder and CEO of WeCreate Media, Wade Breitzke, performs the keynote speech during the school’s Fall commencement ceremony in Hammond on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) Finally, everyone has a gift, and your imagination is a preview to what’s possible. “You know how you tell someone a great idea, and they kind of tell you, ‘I don’t see it?’ That’s because it just wasn’t planted in their brain,” he said. “Your dreams are meant to guide you. Life is going to test your imagination, but life isn’t what happens to you; it’s how you respond.” Since Drozd already graduated from PNW once, she had an idea what school was going to be like, and her nursing program was as tough as she expected. She loved it anyway. “It was also such a wonderful and supportive environment. I can’t say enough good things about it,” she said. Purdue University Northwest chancellor Kenneth C. Holford applauds for students during the school’s afternoon commencement ceremony in Hammond on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) Terra Morgan, of Park Forest, Illinois, was having fun striking poses with her family after the ceremony. Morgan went back to school to get her bachelor’s in Marketing, digital marketing and sales after serving a stint in the U.S. Navy. “The Navy helped me with structure and being around other people. I had some great teachers,” she said. “I’m going to miss a lot of people.” There were 650 candidates who received degrees this fall, including 463 baccalaureate degrees, 184 master’s degrees and three earning Nursing doctorates, PNW spokesman Kale Wilk said in a release. College of Technology graduate Anthony Vazquez is presented a chancellor medallion by his father, Jose Vazquez, during Purdue Northwest’s afternoon commencement ceremony in Hammond on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune) Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.Gender Reassignment Surgery Market to grow by USD 369 Million from 2024-2028, driven by more people opting for surgeries, Report on AI's role in market transformation - Technavio
Prologis Declares Quarterly DividendChuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83By HALELUYA HADERO The emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put merchants , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s ChatGPT , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is illegal in the U.S. , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, medical care and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the sale or purchase of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and Booking.com launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. The FTC’s rule banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to spot fake reviews by watching out for a few possible warning signs , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.”
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 16, 2024-- EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (“EVgo” or the “Company”) announced today that EVgo Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of LS Power Equity Partners IV, L.P. (“LS Power”), intends to offer for sale in an underwritten public secondary offering 23,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Shares”) of the Company. LS Power expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,450,000 Class A Shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. No Class A Shares are being sold by the Company. LS Power will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of Class A Shares in the offering, and the Company will not receive any proceeds from this offering. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Morgan Stanley and Evercore ISI are acting as lead book-running managers for the offering. The Company has filed a registration statement (including a base prospectus) and a preliminary prospectus supplement relating to these securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The registration statement became effective on August 25, 2022. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement (including the accompanying base prospectus), copies of which may be obtained, when available, from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com and postsalemanualrequests@broadridge.com , Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282-2198, or by telephone: (866) 471-2526 or email: Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com , Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, and Evercore Group, L.L.C., Attention: Equity Capital Markets, 55 East 52nd Street, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10055, or by telephone at (888) 474-0200 or email: ecm.prospectus@evercore.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful without registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About EVgo EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) is one of the nation’s leading public fast charging providers. With more than 1,000 fast charging stations across 40 states, EVgo strategically deploys localized and accessible charging infrastructure by partnering with leading businesses across the U.S., including retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, gas stations, rideshare operators, and autonomous vehicle companies. At its dedicated Innovation Lab, EVgo performs extensive interoperability testing and has ongoing technical collaborations with leading automakers and industry partners to advance the EV charging industry and deliver a seamless charging experience. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements 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 Exchange Act, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “going to,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern the Company’s expectations, strategy, priorities, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the completion, timing and size of the public offering and LS Power’s expectation to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to the ability of EVgo and LS Power to complete the proposed offering on the anticipated terms or at all, market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions related to the proposed public offering. Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company’s financial results are included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in EVgo’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 as well as its other filings with the SEC, copies of which are available on EVgo’s website at investors.evgo.com , and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and EVgo does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216664249/en/ CONTACT: For Investors: investors@evgo.comFor Media: press@evgo.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EV/ELECTRIC VEHICLES BATTERIES ALTERNATIVE VEHICLES/FUELS GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET TECHNOLOGY AUTONOMOUS DRIVING/VEHICLES AUTOMOTIVE OTHER TRANSPORT AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING TRANSPORT MANUFACTURING SOURCE: EVgo Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/16/2024 04:10 PM/DISC: 12/16/2024 04:10 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216664249/enPet Insurance Market Expected to Reach $38.3 Billion by 2033
The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse?Some news on Friday's I'm A Celebrity left viewers pretty disappointed ahead of the final. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly had some news to share just as the final four stars were revealed for Saturday's penultimate episode. With Celebrity Cyclone looming ahead of Sunday night's final, viewers were ready and waiting for the action to commence. But just under 24 hours to go, Ant and Dec has some slightly annoying news to share. Just as the episode was about to end, the pair announced to fans that the show wouldn't be on at the usual time on Saturday night. Instead it would be airing at "a later time" due to the return of another show on ITV1. You Bet! hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern is a reboot of a past game show. The episode starts at 8:15PM, finishing at 9:30PM which means I'm A Celebrity won't be airing in its normal 9PM time slot. Instead Ant and Dec revealed the show would be on at 9:30PM - and the news did not go down well with viewers. Fans shared their upset over the time change, knowing it would mean a late finish for the episode. That said, the episode is only scheduled for an hour and five minutes, with a 10:35PM finish. Taking to X, one viewer said: "9.30!!???" Another added: "9.30pm start tomorrow gunna be a late night," with a sad face emoji, while a third fan posted: "9.30??? PM??? You’re having a laugh." It comes as GK Barry left Ant and Dec a little taken aback as she made a fix claim about the ITV series. As she left the jungle on Friday night in a double elimination, the social media star made a comment about who should win the show. She went on to claim that if said person did not win, it would be "a fix". Ant immediately interjected and called this claim out, as GK laughed at the drama she had caused. GK, real name Grace, had just left the camp after the public vote off with Coronation Street star Alan Halsall . In her exit interview with Ant and Dec she claimed her time on the show "was hell" and worse than she could have imagined. She made it clear she'd never be back, discussing the hunger and the boredom, as well as missing her loved ones. But as Ant and Dec asked her who she wanted to win the show, they got more than they bargained for. Loose Women star GK quipped that Reverend Richard Coles should win the show, after their new found friendship won over fans. She then declared the star "has got to win", suggesting otherwise "it's a fix". Ant immediately shouted out as Dec didn't know how to react as the trio laughed. Ant screamed out: "No... how would it be a fix? People vote," as he pointed to the cameras. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! airs every night at 9PM on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .At today’s morning skate, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that goaltender Thatcher Demko will be returning to action as a backup for tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be Demko’s first time suiting up for an NHL game since he was sidelined with an injury back in the first round of the 2024 Playoffs against the Nashville Predators. Since his injury, the Canucks have tried several different options in net and found a useful one in the offseason by signing Kevin Lankinen. Lankinen has been exactly what the Canucks have needed in the absence of their starting goalie and has a 12-3-3 record and a spot on Finland’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off . With Demko finally returning, this will bring stability to the Canucks crease and the two goalies could be one of the best tandems in the league. Demko’s Return Is What the Canucks Need Demko’s play in the net is exactly what the Canucks need to climb back up in the standings. The American netminder has been the Canucks’ staple in the crease for almost the past five seasons and was a big reason for their success last regular season. He helped lead the Canucks to a first-place finish in their division and had he not gotten hurt in the first round, maybe the team could have beaten the Edmonton Oilers and gone farther than the second round. He now returns to Vancouver’s lineup with the Canucks in a comfortable position as the third-place team in the Pacific Division and with his goaltending partner Lankinen stealing games for the Canucks. With Demko now returning, the Canucks have a great opportunity to have one of the top goaltending tandems in the NHL. The team’s plan will most likely be to send Arturs Silovs down to the American Hockey League (AHL) so he can play some games with the Abbotsford Canucks and Vancouver will run with Demko and Lankinen as their two goalies. If they play up to their potential, both are starting-calibre goaltenders in the NHL. Lankinen has proven this season that he is far and away the Canucks best goalie when Demko is hurt and Demko has been Vancouver’s starting goalie for the past several years. This tandem could be what pushes the Canucks back into the conversation of Stanley Cup contenders as these two goalies will help them win games and will give them saves that perhaps they were not getting when Demo was out. Perfect Timing This news couldn’t have come at a better time for the Canucks. The team has been treading water for most of the season and hasn’t been able to string together a solid win streak since winning four games in a row back in October. The club hasn’t met that same success since the season started and some of that has been due to their goaltending situation as Silovs has not played as he did during the playoffs last season. With Demko arriving now, the Canucks are primed to start rattling off some wins in consecutive order and get back to being one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The best teams in the modern NHL are the ones that have two goalies who could be starters or at least two that you feel comfortable playing in front of. The best example of this was when the Boston Bruins had Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark as their tandem for the past two seasons. In 2022-23, they both helped the Bruins set the record for most wins in a single season and both goalies were a big reason for it as the players in front of them knew that the person between their goalposts could give them a chance to win. If Lankinen and Demko can be close to as good as those two were, the Canucks are going to shoot up the standings and be a much better team than they have shown so far this season. Demko’s return will be a boost to the Canucks as he is a veteran on the team but it will also help them win more games. If he can work well with Lankinen and become a good tandem with him, Vancouver is primed for another run at the Stanley Cup. This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina Democratic Party sued on Friday to block the potential removal of tens of thousands of ballots tallied in an extremely close state Supreme Court race, saying state election officials would be violating federal law if they sided with protests initiated by the trailing Republican candidate. The lawsuit filed in Raleigh federal court comes as attorneys for Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin also went to state courts on Friday to attempt to force the State Board of Elections to act more quickly on accusations contained in the protests. The board tentatively planned to hold a public hearing on the protests next Wednesday, according to a board email provided with Griffin's motion. Griffin wants a final decision from the board earlier. Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs leads Griffin by 734 votes following a machine recount of over 5.5 million ballots cast in their Nov. 5 election. A partial hand recount began this week and is nearly complete. But Griffin, joined by three other GOP state legislative candidates, contend that well over 60,000 ballots shouldn't have counted, casting doubt on election results. Among their complaints: voter registration records of some voters casting ballots lack driver’s license or partial Social Security numbers, and overseas voters never living in North Carolina have run afoul of state residency requirements. The Democratic Party's lawsuit said that some of the protests represent “systematic challenges to voter eligibility” that counter a federal law's prohibition of what's essentially removing people from voter registration lists retroactively after an election. The lawsuit wants a judge to declare federal law and the Constitution prevents the votes from being discarded and to order the election board — a majority of its members Democrats — to comply. “No North Carolinian deserves to have their vote thrown out in a callous power grab,” state party Chair Anderson Clayton said in a written statement. According to state law, a board considering an election protest could correct a ballot tally, direct another recount or order a new election. Griffin's attorneys filed requests Friday for judges to demand that the board issue final rulings by late Tuesday afternoon. They were filed in Wake County Superior Court and at the Court of Appeals — the same court where Griffin serves. Usually three members on the 15-judge court — second only to the Supreme Court in state's jurisprudence — hear such motions. “Public trust in our electoral processes depends on both fair and efficient procedures to determine the outcome of our elections. By failing to give a timely decision, the State Board continues to undermine the public interest,” Griffin attorney Troy Shelton wrote. Attorneys for Riggs separately on Friday also responded to Griffin's actual protests before the board, saying they should all be denied. Griffin led Riggs — one of two Democrats on the seven-member court — by about 10,000 votes on election night, but that lead dwindled and flipped to Riggs as tens of thousands of qualifying provisional and absentee ballots were added to the totals through the canvass. Riggs has declared victory. The three Republican legislative candidates joining Griffin's protests all trailed Democratic rivals after the machine recounts. One is GOP Rep. Frank Sossamon, who trails Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn by about 230 votes. Should Cohn win, Republicans would fall one seat short of retaining its current veto-proof majority in both chambers. That would give more leverage to Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein in 2025. The Associated Press has not called the Supreme Court race and two of the three legislative races highlighted in the protests.Dublin, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Electric Tractor Market by Power Output, Battery Type, Application, End-user Type, Design Type, Charging Infrastructure, Technology, Component Type, Size and Weight, Attachment Compatibility, Pricing Model, Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Electric Tractor Market grew from USD 780.89 million in 2023 to USD 902.16 million in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 16.14%, reaching USD 2.22 billion by 2030. Key factors influencing market growth include advancements in battery technology, increasing government incentives, and the rising awareness of sustainable farming practices. The latest opportunities arise from the integration of smart farming technologies, such as IoT and AI, which enhance precision farming when coupled with electric tractors. Significant investment in R&D presents a clear path to optimize battery life and charging infrastructure, encouraging further industry adoption. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited range due to battery capacity, and a lack of established charging infrastructure create barriers for widespread adoption. Areas ripe for innovation include the development of swappable battery systems, enhancement of solar charging capabilities, and the incorporation of autonomous navigation technology. The market is inherently dynamic, influenced by technological innovations, legislative policies, and consumer preferences. It demands continuous adaptation and research to develop cost-effective solutions that meet the efficiency required by modern farming practices. Emphasis on developing reliable and extensive servicing networks can further bolster consumer confidence and facilitate smoother transitions from conventional to electric systems. Understanding Market Dynamics in the Electric Tractor Market The Electric Tractor Market is rapidly evolving, shaped by dynamic supply and demand trends. These insights provide companies with actionable intelligence to drive investments, develop strategies, and seize emerging opportunities. A comprehensive understanding of market dynamics also helps organizations mitigate political, geographical, technical, social, and economic risks while offering a clearer view of consumer behavior and its effects on manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions. Market Drivers Increased fuel prices driving the search for cost-effective alternatives like electric tractors Expansion of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure supporting broader electric tractor usage Escalating concerns surrounding emission reductions fostering electric vehicle adoption in agriculture Market Restraints Identifying potential setbacks that could affect the growth trajectory of electric tractor sales Market hurdles and perceptions impacting the commercial success of electric tractors among farmers Exploring obstacles that represent significant challenges for electric tractor manufacturers and vendors Market Opportunities Cost benefits over time appealing to small and medium-sized farmers transitioning to electric tractors Collaborations between agricultural businesses and technology firms fostering innovation in electric tractors Increasing consumer demand for sustainable farming practices boosting electric tractor adoption Market Challenges The fluctuating market demands and its implications on the supply chain for electric tractors Exploring the competitive pricing strategies of diesel tractors versus electric models Examining battery limitations and the impact on the range and efficiency of electric tractors Key Company Profiles The report delves into recent significant developments in the Electric Tractor Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include AGCO Corporation, Alke s.r.l., AutoNxt Automation Pvt. Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., Cellestial E-Mobility Private Limited, Changzhou Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery Group Co., Ltd., CLAAS KGaA mbH, CNH Industrial N.V, Cummins Inc., Deere and company, J.C.Bamford Excavators Limited, Kubota Corporation, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, Monarch Tractor, Motivo Engineering, MTZ Equipment Ltd., PROXECTO ENGINEERING SERVICES, Solectrac Inc., Sonalika Group, Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., and Ztractor Inc. The report provides a detailed overview of the market, exploring several key areas: Market Penetration: A thorough examination of the current market landscape, featuring comprehensive data from leading industry players and analyzing their reach and influence across the market. Market Development: The report identifies significant growth opportunities in emerging markets and assesses expansion potential within established segments, providing a roadmap for future development. Market Diversification: In-depth coverage of recent product launches, untapped geographic regions, significant industry developments, and strategic investments reshaping the market landscape. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: A detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, covering market share, business strategies, product portfolios, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent trends, technological advancements, and innovations in manufacturing by key market players. Product Development & Innovation: Insight into groundbreaking technologies, R&D efforts, and product innovations that will drive the market in future. Additionally, the report addresses key questions to assist stakeholders in making informed decisions: What is the current size of the market, and how is it expected to grow? Which products, segments, and regions present the most attractive investment opportunities? What are the prevailing technology trends and regulatory factors influencing the market? How do top vendors rank regarding market share and competitive positioning? What revenue sources and strategic opportunities guide vendors' market entry or exit decisions? Key Attributes: Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis 5.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.4. PESTLE Analysis 6. Electric Tractor Market, by Power Output 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Higher HP (Commercial Agriculture) 6.3. Lower HP (Nature of Farming) 6.4. Medium HP (Mixed Purpose) 7. Electric Tractor Market, by Battery Type 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Lead-Acid 7.3. Lithium-Ion 7.4. Nickel-Metal Hydride 8. Electric Tractor Market, by Application 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Hobby Farming 8.3. Horticulture 8.4. Ranch Management 8.5. Specialty Farming 9. Electric Tractor Market, by End-User Type 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Agricultural Cooperatives 9.3. Government Entities 9.4. Individual Farmers 9.5. Research Institutes 10. Electric Tractor Market, by Design Type 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Four-Wheel Drive 10.3. Track 10.4. Two-Wheel Drive 11. Electric Tractor Market, by Charging Infrastructure 11.1. Introduction 11.2. Home Charging Solutions 11.3. Public Charging Stations 12. Electric Tractor Market, by Technology 12.1. Introduction 12.2. Autonomous Operation 12.3. Smart Grid Compatibility 12.4. Telematics Integration 13. Electric Tractor Market, by Component Type 13.1. Introduction 13.2. Battery Packs 13.3. Controllers 13.4. Motors 13.5. Wheels & Tires 14. Electric Tractor Market, by Size and Weight 14.1. Introduction 14.2. Heavy Duty 14.3. Lightweight 14.4. Standard 15. Electric Tractor Market, by Attachment Compatibility 15.1. Introduction 15.2. Mowers 15.3. Seeders 15.4. Standard Plows 16. Electric Tractor Market, by Pricing Model 16.1. Introduction 16.2. Leasing 16.3. Purchase 17. Electric Tractor Market, by Distribution Channel 17.1. Introduction 17.2. Dealerships 17.3. Direct Sales 17.4. Online Platforms 18. Americas Electric Tractor Market 19. Asia-Pacific Electric Tractor Market 20. Europe, Middle East & Africa Electric Tractor Market 21. Competitive Landscape 21.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023 21.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023 21.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis 21.3.1. TAFE Launches Electric Tractor and Showcases Hydrogen Range 21.3.2. Murugappa Firm Buys Remaining 30% in Cellestial E-Mobility 21.3.3. Monarch Tractor and CNH Industrial Announce Next Phase of Technical Licensing Agreement 21.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/w4fczz About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Electric Tractor Market
The Sweden midfielder hailed Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of the champions as the best game of his career. Dejan Kulusevski cannot wait for the opportunity to play against Manchester City again after Tottenham ran riot at the Etihad Stadium. The Sweden midfielder hailed Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of the champions as the best game of his career. The 24-year-old delivered an outstanding performance as Spurs shattered the champions’ 52-game unbeaten home run, helping start the rout with a superb cross for James Maddison’s opening goal. Kulusevski said: “I believed (we would win) this because in the past years, we’ve come here and played really well. “So this is the game I look forward to most in the year and, once again, it happened – glory to God. “I’d say it’s the best result ever in my career. It’s a big night for the whole club, for the coach, for the players. “Because City have a lot of the ball sometimes, we can rest when we defend. There’s also so much space up there, we play one against one and then it’s always dangerous because we have a lot of quality. “It’s always great to play great teams because they always want to play football. When you play lower teams, sometimes it’s not. There’s not much football played because they are a lot of fouls, a lot of injuries and it’s slow going.” Maddison stole the show with two goals in quick succession in the first half while Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson later got on the scoresheet. Yet Kulusevski’s performance was also eye-catching and the player himself believes there is plenty more to come from him. Asked if his form made him feel “unstoppable”, Kulusevski said: “I feel like that. I feel very good and I’m trying to keep this way. I’m very happy, I’m trying to improve. “I started the season good but there is over half of the season left and I hope I can do much better. “I think I have something that no other player has. With my engine, with my heart – I don’t get tired – I feel like I can do a lot still in my career.” Tottenham’s scintillating performance marked a spectacular return to form after their dismal loss to Ipswich in their previous Premier League outing. Kulusevski said: “We have to be much more consistent. It’s not a turning point. We just have to be better in other games. “This game suited us perfectly but we have a lot of improvement to make in the other games.”
By HALELUYA HADERO The emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put merchants , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. Related Articles National News | Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion ahead of Christmas Eve drawing National News | The Container Store, buffeted by rough housing market and competition, seeks bankruptcy protection National News | An ex-police officer is convicted of lying about leaks to the Proud Boys leader National News | Suicide rate among veterans held steady in 2022 with guns accounting for most deaths, VA’s latest report concludes National News | 2 US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’ incident, US military says Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s ChatGPT , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is illegal in the U.S. , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, medical care and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the sale or purchase of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and Booking.com launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. The FTC’s rule banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to spot fake reviews by watching out for a few possible warning signs , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.”Colorado's Judge Tymkovich moderates panel on public nuisance lawsuits
Ubisoft's Xdefiant Will Shut Down in 2025, Along With 2 Entire Studios - IGN Daily Fix In today's Daily Fix:More bad news from Ubisoft to close out the year. The company has decided to shut down its free-to-play shooter XDefiant—despite positive impressions from the game's fans and the media, there just weren't enough people playing to justify the cost of keeping the game running. And with the game's shutdown comes the closure of two studios working on it. Ubisoft's San Francisco and Osaka studios have been closed, with nearly 300 people being laid off. Ubisoft is hoping to boune back from a disappointing year with Assassin's Creed Shadows in 2025. In other news, Walton Goggins is putting the Ghoul skin back on for season 2 of Fallout. The actor shared an image on Instagram with him and a make-up artist layering on his character's irradiated skin. No release date is set yet for Fallout Season 2. And finally, Reebok has revealed new shoes to coincide with the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie. There will be two child-sized shoes and three adult shoes in Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles colorways.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking heat this weekend for being seen partying at a Taylor Swift concert while pro-Palestinian protesters were coursing through downtown Montreal and burning and looting as they went. Trudeau, who, along with being Labor Party Leader and the nation’s PM, also represents Papineau, a portion of Montreal, in the nation’s Parliament, but critics are blasting him for being about 330 miles away in Toronto for the Swift concert as his hometown burned. A viral video shows a carefree Trudeau dancing to Swift’s song, “You Don’t Own Me,” as news was breaking about the riot in Montreal, Fox News reported. As Trudeau danced, a mob of people protesting against NATO and Israel paraded through the streets of Montreal setting off smoke bombs, burning effigies of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, causing property damage to buildings and cars, and holding pro-Palestinian flags and banners. Montreal Police spokesperson Véronique Dubuc said at least three people were arrested for interfering with the police. And one civilian and several police officers suffered minor injuries. But protesters said nearly half a dozen were injured by police and had to seek medical treatment. The riot was reportedly organized by Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles. Trudeau called the riot “appalling” and on X wrote, “Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them. There must be consequences, and rioters held accountable.” But several members of Parliament blasted Trudeau for dancing the night away while the crisis brewed. Don Stewart, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing part of Toronto, called for Canada to “bring back law and order.” “Lawless protesters run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest. The Prime Minister dances. This is the Canada built by the Liberal government,” he wrote on X. “Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also blasted Trudeau over the concert frivolity and said that Trudeau was “too busy to condemn a violent Hamas takeover of our streets.” He also accused Trudeau of making Canada into “a playground for foreign interference.” Quebec Premier François Legault also took aim at Trudeau, saying, “Burning cars and smashing windows is not about sending a message, it’s about causing chaos. Such acts have no place in a peaceful society like Quebec.” Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, reports its financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended October 31, 2024 and provides a corporate update. Recent Operational Highlights: Announced selection as the winner of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record. Announced a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: PLTR) to integrate Visual Navigation software (VNav) into Red Cat’s Black Widow drones. Announced several executive leadership team updates, including Geoffrey Hitchcock’s promotion from General Manager of Teal Drones to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for Red Cat and Chris Rill’s transition from Director of Partner Integration to President of Teal Drones. Secured a $1 million contract for its Edge 130 Blue drones from the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM). Introduced its ARACHNIDTM family of unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike systems at AUSA 2024. Closed on acquisition of Flight Wave giving us a completely new revenue stream. Secured a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract from the U.S. Air Force, validating FlightWave’s drone technology for mission-critical defense applications. Broke ground on a plan for new manufacturing facility, significantly enhancing production capacity to fulfill existing contracts and scale future operations. First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights: Year-to-date revenue of $4.3 million Ended the quarter with cash and accounts receivable of $5.7 million Closed an additional $6 million financing since quarter end Guidance of $80-$120 million for calendar year 2025 including SRR-related sales “In the second half of 2024, our company decided to focus on the Black Widow, anticipating its success in the SRR final production contract,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “We halted production of the Teal 2 to retool for the Black Widow, prioritizing long-term growth over short-term revenue. This strategy has proven successful, enabling us to meet the demands of the new Army contract and all other Black Widow sales and programs of record while managing critical technology integration through our Red Cat Futures Initiative partners. We are now well-positioned to fulfill these demands.” “We are also pleased to announce our partnership with Palantir,” added Thompson. “With Palantir’s Artificial Intelligence and visual navigation, we believe the Black Widow is one of the most capable drones ever fielded by the Department of Defense. This rucksack-portable drone, powered by Palantir’s software, will boost revenue per drone and increase gross margins.” “This quarter’s accomplishments highlight Red Cat's growing momentum and strong positioning in the drone technology sector,” said Leah Lunger, Red Cat CFO. “Having been selected as the winner of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Program of Record reflects the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives and we are now well-positioned to support our projected revenue guidance for calendar year 2025 while continuing to invest in scaling our operations and manufacturing capacity.” Conference Call Today CEO Jeff Thompson, CFO Leah Lunger, and CRO Geoffrey Hitchcock will host an earnings conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, December 16, 2024 to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. Interested parties can attend the conference call through a live webcast that can be accessed at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_t_SJfhxGSdyvpDz43XANqg About Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black WidowTM, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHONTM, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANGTM, the industry's first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Contact : INVESTORS: E-mail: Investors@redcat.red NEWS MEDIA: Phone: (347) 880-2895 Email: peter@indicatemedia.comJamichael Stillwell scores 22 to lead Milwaukee to 69-65 victory over St. Thomas-MinnesotaThe Real Alice Who Inspired Arlo Guthrie’s ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ Dead at 83None
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It’s the topic du jour. Have you seen a drone in your backyard? Some Marylanders have, with sightings over Bowie. But that’s nothing compared with what’s going on in New Jersey, where scores of drones have been spotted flying around in recent weeks — about in the last four weeks. With the mystery of the unidentified drones still unexplained, we are entering another week with drones very much on the minds of Americans. Why are the night skies filled with anonymous drones buzzing overhead, and why does the federal government have no answers on what their purpose is? The story has sparked debate over what to do about the drones, especially if they fly over sensitive national security sites such as naval research observatories. One U.S. senator even the drones should be “shot down, if necessary.” The truth is that drones have been buzzing around America and the world now for years, but there’s been a failure to comprehend and distinguish between the variety of types of drones, the dangers they pose and the demand for drones across a range of sectors. These flying objects can be messengers of peace or war. While they may seem like a very modern invention, drones were developed and used in World War I by both the Americans and the British. The early model was known as the “Kettering Bug,” a small radio-controlled aircraft. During the Vietnam War, reconnaissance UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, were deployed as decoys in combat. After the 9/11 attacks, drones joined the U.S. counterterrorism response, which used UAVs to strike non-state organizations such as ISIS. Today, drones are a reality of warfare. More than 100 militaries use some level or form of armed or unarmed drone capability, and a growing number have experience using these systems in combat. In the equivalent of an arms race, drones are being traded and sold to influence the outcomes of conflicts everywhere including the Middle East and . Although originally designed to be used as weapons, drone technology has found its way into civilian use for purposes such as product deliveries, and within the media and information space. Want your package delivered to your door? Just ask your drone operator. Conservationists have also used drones to keep an eye on . And drones are used to gather information that can save lives, delivering humanitarian aid and vaccines to rural areas. Law enforcement uses drones to track crime — a growing trend that may increase with an impending crackdown on illegal immigration. Border agents rely on drones to track the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people. And there’s no shortage of hobbyists in the United States who love drone technology. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were more than a registered in the country in 2019. Drones are multi-use vehicles for everything from recreational use to commercial applications with varying state and federal laws and rules of operation. Left unchecked, America could see a new form of traffic in the skies: drone swarms. This is the perfect moment for a . We need clarification on the rules of the road. The Biden administration has been too tepid in its communications response to the drone sightings — leaving open more room for wild theories such as the that an “Iranian drone mothership” in our waters is to blame — a claim not supported by any intelligence. Rather than minimize the impact of drones on citizens or laugh off authorities’ efforts to act in response to them, let’s get smart about drones and inform the public about the range of their use and how UAVs may impact their lives. The next sighting could be tonight.LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani." Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. 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EV investor Ideanomics files for bankruptcy to sell assets
Apple is closing in on a historic $4 trillion stock market valuation, powered by investors cheering progress in the company's long-awaited AI enhancements to rejuvenate sluggish iPhone sales, Reuters reported. ET Year-end Special Reads Gold outshines D-St with 20% returns, but 2025 may be different The year of the pause: How RBI maneuvered its policy in 2024 2024, the year India defeated China's salami-slicing strategy The company has pulled ahead of Nvidia and Microsoft in the race to the monumental milestone, thanks to an about 16 per cent jump in shares since early November that has added about $500 billion to its market capitalization, as per a Reuters report. The latest rally in Apple shares reflects "investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and an expectation that it will result in a supercycle of iPhone upgrades," said Tom Forte, an analyst at Maxim Group, who has a "hold" rating. Apple is Bigger than Germany, Switzerland's Main Stock Markets Valued at about $3.85 trillion as of the last close, Apple dwarfs the combined value of Germany and Switzerland's main stock markets. The Silicon Valley firm, driven by the so-called iPhone supercycles, was the first U.S. company to hit previous trillion-dollar milestones. Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program In recent years, the company has attracted criticism for being slow to map out its artificial intelligence strategy, while Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta Platforms have pulled ahead to dominate the emerging technology. Shares of Nvidia, the biggest AI beneficiary, have surged more than 800 per cent over the past two years, compared to the near doubling in shares of Apple during the same period. ChatGPT on Apple Apple earlier in December started integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into its devices after unveiling plans in June to integrate generative AI technology across its app suite. The company expects overall revenue to increase "low- to mid-single digits" during its fiscal first quarter - a modest growth forecast for the holiday shopping season - sparking questions about the momentum for the iPhone 16 series. However, LSEG data showed analysts expect revenue from iPhones to rebound in 2025. The recent surge in shares has pushed Apple's price-to-earnings ratio to a near three-year high of 33.5, compared to 31.3 for Microsoft and 31.7 for Nvidia, according to LSEG data. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has sold shares of Apple - its top holding - this year, as the conglomerate broadly retreated from equities on concerns over stretched valuations. FAQs Q1. What are other big two firms other than Apple? A1. The other big two firms other than Apple are Nvidia and Microsoft. Q2. Has Apple integrated OpenAI's ChatGPT? A2. Apple earlier in December started integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into its devices. ET Year-end Special Reads An Indian's guide to moving abroad as the world looks for 'better' immigrants The year of the HNIs: How India's rich splurged in 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando citizen’s advisory board is headed toward preserving a portion of the defunct Pulse nightclub — but not the whole structure — to memorialize the 2016 mass killing there. The future of the nightclub building, a safe space for Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community until the massacre, long has sparked disagreement among victims’ families and survivors of the mass shooting that killed 49 people and wounded 53 others. “A significant majority” of family members and survivors who joined the advisory board or shared their opinions want the building to be torn down, though a few want to preserve it, said Larry Schooler, who serves as a facilitator for the advisory group’s discussions. “To me, it’s a sacred place,” said committee member Mayra Alvear Benabel, whose daughter Amanda died at Pulse. Demolishing it would be akin to erasing her daughter, she said. But its presence on South Orange Avenue creates trauma for others. Both feelings are true, said Schooler, who urged the group to strive to understand rather than persuade. The discussion came as three memorial designs were unveiled this week for the Pulse Advisory Committee, which met Wednesday and Thursday to discuss ideas, their preferences and their concerns for a permanent tribute to those killed in the massacre, their lives and those who survived. The group has been taking input and shaping concepts since earlier this year. Schooler said memorial designers will likely return to the group in December with a refined concept that preserves parts of the former nightclub, “but does not assume the building will stay there fully intact as part of the memorial.” He said those in favor of demolition wanted the Pulse sign, a chandelier and other features saved — and they wanted a final walk-through the nightclub. Of the three designs, the first option shows a U-shaped covered walkway, held up by stone pillars with each victim’s name on them. The interior of the property has benches, shrubs, trees and a fountain dedicated to the 49 killed in the center. This option closely resembles a design originally produced for the now-defunct onePulse foundation, which led the memorial efforts before going belly up last year. The second concept is highlighted by a pavilion in the shape of the nightclub building, with a water wall feature dedicated to the victims and a tribute to survivors. It has lawn space and greenery, as well as seating for reflecting. The third is mostly open space with a reflecting pool and fountain, as well as a vertical beacon. Like the others, it has a lawn and trees. Members of the public can weigh in at engage.orlando.gov . Schooler, who worked on mass-shooting memorial efforts in Virginia Beach and San Leandro, Calif., plans to discuss the concepts with families and survivors for the next few weeks until the board meets again Dec. 12. At that meeting, the committee is expected to see refined drawings. It could choose a final design in January. The city took over the memorial effort last year when it purchased the nightclub property for $2 million from the Poma family, who owned the nightclub and founded onePulse. The cost of the memorial remains unclear, though Mayor Buddy Dyer has said he expects it will take a public contribution to construct it. Wayne Dunkelberger, chief creative officer of design for Baker Barrios, said the goal should be to create an homage to the community that made Pulse thrive. He suggested it would be difficult to save the aging nightclub building on South Orange Avenue as a whole, but would be more practical to retain pieces of the structure. The firm’s work includes the HostDime Data Center which is visible from I-4 north of the Lee Road exit; the Kia Center and the Electronic Arts Sports headquarters in Creative Village near the University of Central Florida’s downtown campus. ©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit at orlandosentinel.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.