TEMPE, AZ — Artificial intelligence technology is spreading rapidly, and a new class at Arizona State University could set the standard for how AI literacy is taught across the U.S. The class is called "AI Literacy in Design and the Arts," and it covers the benefits, challenges, and ethics surrounding AI. The class was added to ASU's selection of classes this fall and students will be able again in the spring. The class is taught by Lance Gharavi, a professor in the School of Music, Dance, and Theatre. Graduate student Doster Chastain admits he was initially apprehensive about using AI. “I was scared of AI, and that had kept me from using it for a long time,” Chastain says. Chastain said his interactions with AI in class has mostly come in the form of a warning. “There's always a clause, an AI clause, in every class syllabus that says, you know, here's the AI rules. Basically, don't use it.” Do you have a concern in your community or a news tip? We want to hear from you! Connect with us: share@abc15.com Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Gharavi’s course takes a different approach, encouraging students to explore AI’s capabilities and limitations. “I finally had a course that said, ‘No, let’s use this stuff. Let’s play with it. Let’s see where it breaks, let’s see where it excels,’” Chastain explains. Gharavi’s hope is to empower students with knowledge about generative AI. “We need people to seize their agency around these technologies,” Gharavi emphasizes. “These technologies are too powerful and too important for us to cede our agency to others.” Generative AI operates by learning from vast datasets and creating content based on its training. While some students initially viewed it as a glorified search engine, many, like Chastain, now see it as a digital assistant with a caveat. “At this point in the game, it takes a little more direction, honestly, than working with an actual assistant,” he observes. Chastain designs projections for theater productions and says that since taking the course he has used AI as a part of his creative process. “It doesn’t just find something and regurgitate it to you,” Chastain says. “It learns from the things it trains on and uses that knowledge.” Gharavi’s course ultimately encourages students to experiment with AI, understanding its potential and pitfalls. For those hesitant about the technology, Gharavi says they should take time to play with, and to truly have fun and play while they do. Latest from ABC15: WATCH: Deaf robotics team wins highest teamwork award at recent competition abc15.com staff Arizona seniors worried about landline services not working Christel Bell Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has missed more than 60% of votes in D.C. since mid-November Ben Brown Maricopa County to pay $6M to protestors arrested and falsely charged in 2020 Dave Biscobing
Stuart Piltch Grant for Tech Innovators: Advancing Visionary Solutions in AI and National SecurityCity slumped to their seventh defeat in 10 games in all competitions as they were beaten 2-0 at Juventus in their latest European outing on Wednesday. Second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie at the Allianz Stadium left Guardiola’s side languishing in 22nd place in the standings. Juventus beat Man City 💪 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) With just two games of the league phase remaining, a place in the top eight and automatic last-16 qualification looks beyond them and they face a battle just to stay in the top 24 and claim a play-off spot. City manager Guardiola said: “Of course I question myself but I’m stable in good moments and bad moments. “I try to find a way to do it. I’m incredibly honest. If we play good (I say) we played good and today I thought we played good. “Our game will save us. We can do it. We conceded few chances compared to the Nottingham Forest game that we won. We’re making the right tempo. “We missed the last pass, did not arrive in the six-yard box (at the right time) or have the composure at the right moment. “But I love my team. This is life, it happens. Sometimes you have a bad period but I’m going to insist until we’re there.” City now face a crunch trip to Paris St Germain, who are also at risk of failing to qualify, next month. Guardiola accepts the top 24 is now the only aim. He said: “It’s the target. We need one point or three points. We go to Paris to try to do it and the last game at home.” Veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said after the game he felt City were suffering from a loss of confidence but Guardiola dismissed his player’s comments. “I am not agreeing with Ilkay,” he said. “Of course it is tough but, except one or two games in this period, we’ve played good.” City now face a further test of their resolve as they host rivals Manchester United in a derby on Sunday. "We played well" Pep Guardiola trusts in his squad despite 2-0 loss to Juventus... 📺 & — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) Gundogan told TNT Sports: “It (confidence) is a big part of it. That’s a mental issue as well. “You can see that sometimes we miss the ball or lose a duel and you see that we drop immediately and lose the rhythm. They (the opponents) don’t even need to do much but it has such a big effect on us right now. “Even more you have to do the simple things as good as possible and create and fluidity, then it’s work hard again. This is how you get confidence back – do the small and simple things, (but) in crucial moments at the moment we are always doing the wrong things.” Juventus coach Thiago Motta was pleased with the hosts’ performance, which boosted their hopes of making the top eight. “It was a deserved victory,” he said. “We had to defend as a team and be ready to attack with quality. “We have shown we can compete at this level and now we have to do it consistently.”
THE Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years risks leaving the UK hooked on high migration, experts have warned. Sir Keir Starmer last week vowed to go on an ambitious housebuilding frenzy — meaning the construction of around 900 a day for half a decade — to give families the “security” of their own home. But politicians and construction bosses warned the worthy aim risks turning into a humiliating flop because the UK has failed to train enough homegrown builders. The building industry says it is in “freefall” and needs another 300,000 workers over the next five years just to keep up with demand. And a woeful failure to train enough brickies, electricians and carpenters has left the UK reliant on foreign migrants at our building sites. Celebrity builder Ian Hodgkinson — who appears on hit TV show DIY SOS — said the target cannot be hit without bringing in more foreign workers. READ MORE ON HOME BUILDING He said the pledge is “teetering on the edge of disaster” and immediate action is needed to stop the housing crisis spiralling further out of control. Chris Philp , the shadow home secretary, warned that No 10 must “avoid reaching for high immigration to hit these construction targets”. Reform Party leader Nigel Farage said the housing crisis is caused by sky-high migration and demanded the “madness” of hiring brickies abroad to end. Currently, the UK is only on track to build around one million new homes over five years. Most read in The Sun Earlier this year, the Construction and Industry Training Board estimated that another 250,000 builders were needed in the next four years just to keep up with demand. The Home Builders Federation estimates that an extra 300,000 will be needed to hit the Government’s target. This would include 95,000 bricklayers, 37,000 carpenters and 15,000 plasterers. Yet they also warned Brits on vocational construction courses are not getting the skills they need and often not going into the building trade at all. Building firms are hiring foreign workers instead. This is fuelling sky-high net migration — which stood at 728,000 in the year ending in June. A long list of construction jobs are on the shortage occupation list, meaning bosses can hire from abroad. This includes bricklayers, welders, stonemasons, roofers, carpenters, joiners and other construction workers. Some 12,700 construction workers applied for visas to the UK between January 2021 and September 2024, according to the Home Office . There is no limit to how many “dependent” family members they can bring with them. But an estimated 120,000 foreign builders went home during the pandemic , leaving construction firms desperately short-staffed. The big building companies are only too happy to pay for foreign labour from abroad Mr Hodgkinson said there is no way the 1.5 million target would be hit without more foreign workers. He said: “Training new workers takes time — years, not months. “Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on housing targets, and construction companies are struggling to keep up with demand. The maths simply doesn’t add up: fewer workers, more houses, and no realistic solution to bridge the gap.” Britain is also facing a shortage of building supplies, he warned. Building 1.5 million homes will mean getting around six billion bricks, 20 million tons of concrete and five million tons of timber. Writing in The Sun on Sunday, Mr Farage says hiring foreign workers will backfire because it fuels migration and makes it harder for Brits to find a home. He says: “The big building companies are only too happy to pay for foreign labour from abroad. Not the answer “The reason is very simple indeed. They are just cheaper. But that means the immigration numbers go up, which means an even higher demand for housing. This takes us straight back to square one. This madness has got to end.” Tory frontbencher Mr Philp also warned immigration is not the answer. He said: “The British people overwhelmingly believe — and I agree — that immigration is far, far too high. “Importing workers to build new homes will actually make the housing crisis worse as they have to live somewhere themselves.” READ MORE SUN STORIES Housing minister Matthew Pennycook yesterday vowed that Britain would not rely on foreign workers to hit the building target. He said Britain must “do more to upskill our own workforce” and promised to ramp up apprenticeships. The Government has announced another 5,000 construction apprenticeships a year. By Nigel Farage , Leader of Reform THE Prime Minister has reiterated his determination to build 1,500,000 homes over the next five years — and to do so by whatever means necessary. If he has to rip up the planning rules he says that he will. The country desperately needs more houses as there is not only a shortage but the problem of affordability. More houses in theory should mean cheaper houses. But how on earth do you get to build them all? What he did not say — and what so few in our public life dare to mention — is the real reason behind this crisis. It is of course mass immigration — on a scale we have never seen before in this country. We are living through a population explosion which means we have to build one new home every two minutes just to keep up. It is a truly frightening statistic. To achieve these targets we are going to need tens of thousands more construction workers on site up and down the country. And this is where another problem begins. The big building companies are only too happy to pay for labour from abroad. The reason is very simple indeed. They are just cheaper. But that means immigration numbers go up. And that means an even higher demand for housing. This takes us straight back to square one. This madness has got to end. It is time our education system stopped pushing so many teenagers on to university to study social sciences. In most cases these students leave with large debts around their neck and with no advancement in the work marketplace. So I want to encourage our young people to become plumbers, carpenters and bricklayers. They will earn a far better living with a trade and a skill set for their future. There are also vast numbers of young people on disability benefits — in many cases, through conditions such as depression. To begin, we ought to try to inspire these young people so that they can do so much better for themselves and in their lives. Therefore they would be much happier and fulfilled. British workers need to fill this new huge demand placed on our construction industry. And if that means that the big building companies have to pay higher salaries and therefore make smaller profits then overall this has to be a good thing — not a bad thing. Equally there are those living on disability benefits that are using this support as a lifestyle choice. If necessary we will have to force these people back to work. And where better could they be used than on construction sites earning decent money? The population explosion can and must be stopped. We have to start saying British jobs for British workers — and actually mean it.A Sydney draftee from South Australia will wear the number 23 made famous by Lance Franklin
Live: Tech stocks drive Nasdaq to new record, ASX to riseImportance of PET Blister Tray in Electronics Packaging 12-19-2024 10:42 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire In the fast-paced world of electronics, protecting delicate components is critical. As technology continues to advance, the need for reliable, efficient packaging solutions has never been greater. One such solution that has gained a lot of attention in the industry is the PET blister tray. This innovative packaging option is designed to protect electronic components, ensuring they remain intact and functional throughout the entire shipping process from manufacturer to end user. What is PET blister tray? PET blister trays [ https://www.minxingchina.com/electronics-packaging/ ] are a transparent packaging solution made from a durable and recyclable plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These trays are molded to create a cavity that securely holds electronic components, preventing them from shifting during shipping. The transparency of the PET material allows the contents to be clearly visible, making it an ideal choice for manufacturers and retailers. Why choose PET blister tray for electronic product packaging? Prevent damage: One of the main functions of PET blister trays is to protect electronic components from physical damage. The design of the tray ensures that the components are firmly fixed, thereby reducing the risk of crushing or abrasion caused by shaking or collision during transportation. This is especially important for sensitive items such as circuit boards, connectors and microchips, which can be easily damaged if not properly fixed. Lightweight and cost-effective: PET blister trays are lightweight, which helps reduce shipping costs. Their efficient design allows manufacturers to save on packaging materials without compromising protection. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain and reduce administrative costs. Versatility: PET blister trays are suitable for a wide range of electronic components, making them a versatile choice for manufacturers. Whether you are packaging small components such as resistors and capacitors, or larger items such as power supplies and circuit boards, these trays can be customized to your specific needs. This adaptability makes them an essential tool in the electronics packaging industry. Eco-friendly choice: As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the manufacturing industry, PET blister trays offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials. PET is fully recyclable, allowing businesses to minimize their impact on the environment. By choosing PET blister trays, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while still providing effective protection for their products. Enhanced display: The transparency of PET blister trays not only has a practical function, but also enhances the display of packaging components. Customers can easily see what they are buying, which can increase sales and customer satisfaction. In a highly competitive market, beautifully displayed products can make all the difference. In summary In conclusion, PET blister trays [ https://www.minxingchina.com/electronics-packaging/ ] are an essential component of effective electronics packaging. Their ability to protect delicate components from damage, coupled with their lightweight, cost-effective nature, makes them a top choice for manufacturers in the electronics industry. Additionally, their versatility and environmentally friendly attributes further enhance their appeal. As the demand for reliable packaging solutions continues to grow, PET blister trays will undoubtedly play a key role in ensuring the safe delivery of electronic components to consumers around the world. Adopting this innovative packaging solution is not only a smart business decision; it is also a step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for electronics packaging. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/1038/image_other/2024-12/blister-tray-14.png [ https://www.minxingchina.com/sh-0259-blister-tray-for-electronic-components-product/]Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/1038/image_other/2024-12/plastic-tray-1-3.png [ https://www.minxingchina.com/sh-0195-blister-tray-for-control-boxes-product/ ] Media Contact Company Name: Zhejiang MinXing Packaging Material Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=importance-of-pet-blister-tray-in-electronics-packaging ] Phone: +86-572-3028168 Address:#777 ChuangYe Road, HeFu Town, NanXun District City: HuZhou State: ZheJiang Country: China Website: https://www.minxingchina.com/ This release was published on openPR.
AU Expresses Concern Over Post-Election Violence In MozambiqueNative American patients are sent to collections for debts the government owes
AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:05 p.m. ESTPresident Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday insisted at a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump that any settlement with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine had to be "just", as fears grow in Kyiv on the position of the incoming administration. President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Elysee Palace, discussing what the incoming American president had termed a world that was a "little crazy". Hours after their meeting, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Zelensky's meeting with Trump just before the three men headed to Notre Dame for the re-opening ceremony of the great Paris cathedral was his first face-to-face encounter with tycoon-turned-politician since his election victory. The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump, who once boasted he could end Russia's war on Ukraine in 24 hours, may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. It also offered a unique chance for Macron to gain insights into how a second Trump presidency will look when he takes office in January. The trip to Paris is Trump's first international visit since his November 5 election win. "We all want peace. But it is very important for us... that the peace is just for all of us and that Russia, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning," Zelensky said according to the presidential website. "And this is the most important thing -- a just peace and security guarantees, strong security guarantees for Ukraine," he added. Trump has scoffed at the billions of dollars in US military assistance to Ukraine and has spoken of forcing a quick settlement. But Zelensky also thanked Trump for his "unwavering resolve" describing the talks as "good and productive". Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace, with Trump given a full guard of honour despite not yet being in office. More from this section "It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for the talks with Macron. Despite tensions between the two men during his first term, Trump hailed his ties with the centrist French leader, saying: "We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot." Macron told Trump it was "a great honour for French people to welcome you" for the re-opening ceremony at Notre Dame, which was devastated by a blaze in 2019 during Trump's first term. "You were president at that time and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction," Macron added, speaking in English. When he first took office in 2017, Trump's ties with Macron -- then also a fresh face on the world stage -- began warmly despite their obvious political differences. Their long and muscular handshakes -- which saw each man seek to assert his superiority -- became a light-hearted focus of attention before ties cooled, then soured, following disputes about climate change, trade and defence. Trump earlier wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States should "not get involved" in the situation in Syria, where fast-moving rebel forces say they have begun to encircle the capital Damascus. The Republican's return to power has rung alarms in Paris and many European capitals after his promises on the campaign trail to force an end to fighting in Ukraine and levy tariffs on trading partners. In his own reaction to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: "Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security." European allies have largely enjoyed a close working relationship with Biden on the crisis in the Middle East, but Trump is likely to distance himself and ally the United States even more closely with Israel. In a sign of the importance of Trump's one-day trip to Paris, he was accompanied by his pick for White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, as well as his Near East and Middle East advisors, Steve Witkoff and Massad Boulos, according to a guest list issued by the Elysee Palace. Tesla tycoon and Trump advisor Elon Musk, who was also on the line during a phone call between the incoming president and Zelensky last month, also flew into the French capital was present at the Notre Dame ceremony. sjw/adp/jj
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated Press
CGI Inc. Cl A stock rises Tuesday, outperforms marketTURTLE CREEK, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) ("Eos" or the “Company”), America’s leading innovator in the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of zinc-based long duration energy storage (LDES) systems, manufactured in the United States, today announced that it has received the first loan advance from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office in the amount of $68.3 million. The loan advance, which covers 80% of eligible costs incurred to date on the Mon Valley Works expansion project, represents the maximum allowable amount under the program at this time. The loan advance covers both capital expenditures and project associated operating expenses incurred as part of the Company's production expansion plans related to Project AMAZE in the Mon Valley Works. These funds support Eos’ ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capacity and further its strategic growth objectives. “Our first state-of-the-art manufacturing line has been operational since June 2024, and this funding is a significant milestone towards expanding our manufacturing capacity and being able to procure line 2,” said Nathan Kroeker, Eos Chief Financial Officer. “The loan proceeds from the DOE, coupled with our strategic partnership and investment from Cerberus Capital Management, facilitates our growth plans to capitalize on the growing need for long duration energy storage solutions.” This announcement comes on the heels of 616 MWh in new customer orders and an announced partnership with FlexGen to address a preliminary 50 GWh market opportunity, highlighting the growing demand for American-made long duration energy storage. About Eos Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough ZnythTM aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. Safe, scalable, efficient, sustainable—and manufactured in the U.S—it's the core of our innovative systems that today provide utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 3- to 12-hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com . Forward Looking Statements Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expected revenue, contribution margins, orders backlog and opportunity pipeline for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, our path to profitability and strategic outlook, the tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the delayed draw term loan with Cerberus, milestones thereunder and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom, the DOE loan and statements regarding the receipt of funds under the DOE loan and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom, obtaining the requisite approvals from the DOE to receive guarantees under the loan guarantee agreement, our ability to meet the applicable conditions precedent under the loan guarantee agreement, statements that refer to outlook, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to forecast trends accurately; our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; our ability to achieve the operational milestones on the delayed draw term loan; our ability to raise financing in the future, including the discretionary revolving facility from Cerberus; risks associated with the credit agreement with Cerberus, including risks of default, dilution of outstanding Common Stock, consequences for failure to meet milestones and contractual lockup of shares; our customers’ ability to secure project financing; the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; uncertainties around our ability to meet the applicable conditions precedent to any funding under the DOE loan; our ability to continue to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; competition from existing or new competitors; our ability to convert firm order backlog and pipeline to revenue; risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; risks related to legal proceedings or claims; risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; risks associated with changes to the U.S. trade environment; risks resulting from the impact of global pandemics, including the novel coronavirus, Covid-19; our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ; our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; risks related to the adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; risk from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Eos may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; other factors beyond our control; risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks and uncertainties may emerge that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.Standard Motor Products Releases 2,367 New Numbers in 2024
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the suspect in in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. sparked widespread discussions about unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione's family and upbringing Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione's education and work history Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. Time in Hawaii and reports of back pain From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Police report a darker turn Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. ___ Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. Sean Murphy, The Associated PressDillon just can’t seem to help itself. At a time when many of us are thinking about the upcoming holidays and when more terrain will be open at our favorite hill, the town has another issue to slog through. As if three elections were not enough, the town is now facing another previously unscheduled election: a recall petition on three of its town council members. I am not a fan of the current Dillon Town Council. In fact, if a current election were held, I would vote for a change with respect to some of its members. However, a recall election is in no way justified in this case. In fact, a recall election in Dillon is a very bad idea. Article 21 of the Colorado Constitution specifically permits a recall election. However, it does not provide any guidance over “why” a recall election can be held. In other words, you don’t need a specific reason to force a recall. If you obtain the required number of valid signatures, all Colorado elected officials are fair game to be recalled. In Dillon, this amounted to obtaining at least 17 signatures. Yes, you read that right. Only 17 Dillon voters’ signatures were needed to bring about a recall election for current council members John Woods, Dana Christiansen, and Renee Imamura. The petitions gathered double this amount to be on the safe side. And what sort of malfeasance applies to these three board members? Presumably, some sort of criminal conduct or election fraud? No. They were caught embezzling funds from the town’s coffers? No. Paying off porn stars? No. Instead, they are facing a recall election because they did not vote on various projects the way some of the town’s citizens would have liked. According to one of the recall petitioners, the primary complaint is that these three council members aren’t listening to the community. She stated that “they’re failing to listen and respond to grave concerns of the community. Many members of the community feel this is the only way forward.” Fair enough, I suppose, if you believe that the council is failing to listen. In my opinion, they are listening just fine. They are certainly listening and hearing much better now that the branded residence project was voted down . I don’t believe this is the real issue. Instead, these recall petitioners simply don’t care for the way these three council members voted on several projects/issues that came before it. As far as I can tell, there are no allegations concerning fraud, dishonesty or other conduct that would make them unequivocally unqualified to sit on the town council. The simple point here is that we shouldn’t be using recall elections to remove elected officials without some “reason.” In Dillon’s case, there is no “reason” to remove these officials. I would urge the petitioners of these three recall petitions to consider withdrawing these petitions so that Dillon does not need to hold another special election so soon. It is simply not warranted for any of the three targets. These three recall petitions are the result of a group of Dillon citizens having a dislike for the branded residence project. But this issue has already been resolved, with the voters rejecting the project as it had been presented. I do note, however, that 37% of the voters (132 votes) thought the project should go forward. This is most certainly an issue upon which reasonable minds may disagree. But it is not an issue that should force Dillon to hold another election. If the developer of the branded residence project submits a revised planned unit development plan that included written proposals for workforce housing, removed the height variance for the observation tower and submitted an accurate traffic study, the Town Council would be remiss if it didn’t strongly consider approving the project. And why shouldn’t it approve the project if the primary reasons why the October recall was successful are addressed head on? This property should be developed, and the town and developer are close to an agreement that would likely survive scrutiny through what would be a seriously contentious hearing. If there is something negative to bring up concerning the developer, the time is now to bring it up. Until then, I will assume that the only issues concern what is developed at this property, to which we can agree to disagree no matter how the vote turns out. But there should be a vote, and the three council members targeted for a recall should be able to make their votes heard. After all, they were elected to office by voters who should have their voices heard. And if you don’t think the council members are hearing your voice, the remedy is to vote them out in the next scheduled election. Absent something more sinister than a disagreement over votes on one or more issues, a recall election is not the path forward. It is not the path forward for Dillon. Scott M. Estill’s column “Challenges, Choices, Changes” publishes biweekly on Thursdays in the Summit Daily News. Estill is an attorney, author, and public speaker who lives in Dillon when not traveling or attending to legal matters in Denver. Contact him at scott@scottestill.com.AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. 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First Solar's FSLR short percent of float has risen 27.67% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 8.10 million shares sold short , which is 9.92% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.81 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks First Solar Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for First Solar has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted. Comparing First Solar's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , First Solar's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.68%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Nate Santos had 24 points in Dayton's 86-62 victory against Lehigh on Saturday. Santos shot 8 for 11 (6 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Flyers (8-2). Malachi Smith added 17 points while shooting 5 for 8 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line while they also had nine assists. Enoch Cheeks shot 5 for 7, including 4 for 6 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points. Keith Higgins Jr. led the Mountain Hawks (3-6) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds. Joshua Ingram added nine points for Lehigh. Nasir Whitlock finished with nine points. Dayton took the lead with 18:32 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 41-25 at halftime, with Smith racking up 10 points. Santos scored 15 points in the second half to help lead the way as Dayton went on to secure a victory, outscoring Lehigh by eight points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
NEW YORK (AP) — He's making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders. Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve those priorities . Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY" if, before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza . He has threatened to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by a Japanese company, warning "Buyer Beware!!!” And this weekend, Trump was returning to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. On Saturday, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron — joined at the last minute by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and had plans to see Britain's Prince William also in Paris. Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden is attending in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes." Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said. Trump already has met with several foreign leaders, in addition to a long list of calls. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Last Sunday, Trump dined with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, “All transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for more a better deal. It also remains unclear how extensively the Biden administration has been kept apprised of Trump transition efforts. Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. Still, the Biden and Trump teams have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain in held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who, like others, was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. But when it comes to immigration, Biden administration officials haven’t been entirely in the loop on discussions around how to execute on Trump’s pledge to deport millions of migrants, according to four administration officials with knowledge of the transition who spoke on condition of anonymity. That’s not terribly surprising given how differently the teams view migration. Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Security analyst David Saucedo said that "under the pressure by Donald Trump, it appears President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is willing to increase the capture of drug traffickers and drug seizures that Washington is demanding.” Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
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