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The Kremlin fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday in response to Kyiv's use this week of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russia, President Vladimir Putin said. In a televised address to the country, the Russian president warned that U.S. air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile, which he said flies at ten times the speed of sound and which he called the Oreshnik — Russian for hazelnut tree. He also said it could be used to attack any Ukrainian ally whose missiles are used to attack Russia. “We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities,” Putin said in his first comments since President Joe Biden gave Ukraine the green light this month to use U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike at limited targets inside Russia. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia’s missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate range missile based on it’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. “This was new type of lethal capability that was deployed on the battlefield, so that was certainly of concern," Singh said, noting that the missile could carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. The U.S. was notified ahead of the launch through nuclear risk reduction channels, she said. The attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro came in response to Kyiv's use of longer-range U.S. and British missiles in strikes Tuesday and Wednesday on southern Russia, Putin said. Those strikes caused a fire at an ammunition depot in Russia's Bryansk region and killed and wounded some security services personnel in the Kursk region, he said. “In the event of an escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond decisively and in kind,” the Russian president said, adding that Western leaders who are hatching plans to use their forces against Moscow should “seriously think about this.” Putin said the Oreshnik fired Thursday struck a well-known missile factory in Dnipro. He also said Russia would issue advance warnings if it launches more strikes with the Oreshnik against Ukraine to allow civilians to evacuate to safety — something Moscow hasn’t done before previous aerial attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov initially said Russia hadn’t warned the U.S. about the coming launch of the new missile, noting that it wasn't obligated to do so. But he later changed tack and said Moscow did issue a warning 30 minutes before the launch. Putin's announcement came hours after Ukraine claimed that Russia had used an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Dnipro attack, which wounded two people and damaged an industrial facility and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, according to local officials. But American officials said an initial U.S. assessment indicated the strike was carried out with an intermediate-range ballistic missile. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that the use of the missile was an "obvious and serious escalation in the scale and brutality of this war, a cynical violation of the UN Charter.” He also said there had been “no strong global reaction” to the use of the missile, which he said could threaten other countries. “Putin is very sensitive to this. He is testing you, dear partners,” Zelenskyy wrote. “If there is no tough response to Russia’s actions, it means they see that such actions are possible.” The attack comes during a week of escalating tensions , as the U.S. eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-made longer-range missiles inside Russia and Putin lowered the threshold for launching nuclear weapons. The Ukrainian air force said in a statement that the Dnipro attack was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, on the Caspian Sea. “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is,” Zelenskyy said hours before Putin's address. “And how afraid he is.” Russia was sending a message by attacking Ukraine with an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of releasing multiple warheads at extremely high speeds, even if they are less accurate than cruise missiles or short-range ballistic missiles, said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. “Why might you use it therefore?” Savill said. "Signaling — signaling to the Ukrainians. We’ve got stuff that outrages you. But really signaling to the West ‘We’re happy to enter into a competition around intermediate range ballistic missiles. P.S.: These could be nuclear tipped. Do you really want to take that risk?’” Military experts say that modern ICBMs and IRBMs are extremely difficult to intercept, although Ukraine has previously claimed to have stopped some other weapons that Russia described as “unstoppable,” including the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missile. David Albright, of the Washington-based think tank the Institute for Science and International Security, said he was “skeptical” of Putin’s claim, adding that Russian technology sometimes “falls short.” He suggested Putin was “taunting the West to try to shoot it down ... like a braggart boasting, taunting his enemy.” Earlier this week, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use the U.S.-supplied, longer-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia — a move that drew an angry response from Moscow. Days later, Ukraine fired several of the missiles into Russia, according to the Kremlin. The same day, Putin signed a new doctrine that allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power. The doctrine is formulated broadly to avoid a firm commitment to use nuclear weapons. In response, Western countries, including the U.S., said Russia has used irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and behavior throughout the war to intimidate Ukraine and other nations. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that Russia’s formal lowering of the threshold for nuclear weapons use did not prompt any changes in U.S. doctrine. She pushed back on concerns that the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western missiles to strike deeper inside Russia might escalate the war. ′′They’re the ones who are escalating this,” she said of the Kremlin — in part because of a flood of North Korean troops sent to the region. More than 1,000 days into war , Russia has the upper hand, with its larger army advancing in Donetsk and Ukrainian civilians suffering from relentless drone and missile strikes. Analysts and observers say the loosening of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western missiles is unlikely to change the the course of the war, but it puts the Russian army in a more vulnerable position and could complicate the logistics that are crucial in warfare. Putin has also warned that the move would mean that Russia and NATO are at war. “It is an important move and it pulls against, undermines the narrative that Putin had been trying to establish that it was fine for Russia to rain down Iranian drones and North Korean missiles on Ukraine but a reckless escalation for Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons at legitimate targets in Russia,” said Peter Ricketts, a former U.K. national security adviser who now sits in the House of Lords. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Lawless and Emma Burrows in London, and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Hanna Arhirova, Illia Novikov, Aamer Madhani And Tara Copp, The Associated PressBattle Ground Public Schools’ board voted unanimously Monday to place an educational programs and operations replacement levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. The four-year levy would begin collections in 2026 and replace the existing operations levy, which ends in 2025, according to the district . The levy would fund programs that aren’t fully funded by the state, including security, extra staff to reduce class sizes, curriculum, nursing, mental health support, special education, busing, sports and arts. The levy would raise about $166.3 million over four years with an estimated tax rate of $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value each year. The levy would collect $38.3 million in 2026, $40.4 million in 2027, $42.6 million in 2028 and $44.975 million in 2029. Homeowners currently pay $1.65 per $1,000 of assessed property value for the existing operations levy, which voters approved in 2022. In 2025, they will pay $1.67 per $1,000 for that operations levy, as well as an additional 46 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for a three-year technology capital levy approved by voters in February. For the owner of a $500,000 house, that’s an estimated $1,065 in annual property taxes. The rates for the levies are dependent on the growth in property value within the district’s boundaries each year.
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(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com . Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.
Congratulations to everyone reading this. You survived spooky and for that, you deserve to enjoy Sagittarius Season 2024 in all its glory! As Scorpio Season comes to a close, in its place comes Sagittarius Season, bringing the archer’s adventurous energy into our lives, just in time for summer (yiewwww!). What is Sagittarius Season 2024? While was, , the dark mistress of the zodiac, Sagittarius is the energetic firecracker who cannot sit still, which is perfect considering the next few seasons are gonna be crazy busy. I’m assuming the last month or so was an emotional mess for you what with the sensitive water element vibe of Scorp Sun, so now you want nothing more than to shake that shit off and have fun, with no strings attached. Sagittarius energy is all about adventure, and that’s exactly what you need to embrace this season. Sagittarians love to explore new places, learn new things and break out of old routines. So brush off the dust that and get ready to shimmy into the new year with optimism and positivity. What does it mean for each star sign? As we know, each astrological season’s energy can impact the signs in different ways, and sadly it won’t be a total party for my earth signs. The main reason for this is because Sagittarius Season is a time to be adventurous and free — and grounded, goal-oriented earth signs usually have a harder time letting their hair down. Capricorn, and Virgo will likely cop the brunt of the silly season. They’ll be stressing over gift giving, the lack of funds and their general disdain for the bedlam and mayhem that ensues. You should be feeling happy and free but sadly, because of the heccas nature of the szn, you’ll be feeling anything but. I know you folks hate transformation and hate being told what to do even more, but try taking a leaf out of your fire sign pals’ book, throw back a tequila shot and just bloody enjoy yourself. Write those lists, buy those pressies, and sort your end-of-year work shit out so you can have a damn good time. The energy of Sagittarius Season will bring clarity to my Cancer sign pals and you’ll realise that someone in your inner circle has been taking your kindness and compassion for granted and using your friendship to benefit them. Channel the Sagittarian strength and revoke this person’s access to your life. As for Libra babes, this season is all about R&R (rest and recovery) for you. Cancel any and all plans to chill the fuck out and look after yourself. To avoid burning out by the end of the season, it’s definitely be wise for you to sit some events out and reserve your strength (and $$$) for a select few shindigs. Speaking of dollar, dollar bills, Scorpios will be wise to take stock of their finances and avoid overspending at this time. The last thing you wanna do is enter the new year eating nothing but 2-minute noodles and avoiding group hangs ‘cos you’ve blown your budget too soon. Create a to figure out what you want for yourself and try some . The season of the fire sign will light a fire under the relationships of bb . You’ll feel a shift in the waters, relationship wise, and the key message here is to make smart decisions. Feel with your heart, but 1000 per cent think with your head as well. Networking opportunities will be all around for and if you play your cards right, you might even find a professional break. And as for my , defs don’t drop the ball at work now that the year’s coming to a close because your hard work could lead to a well-deserved promotion. Summon that positive and enthusiastic Sagi energy to put in the hard yards. Your efforts will be rewarded. Now, where are my fire signs at? It’s your time to shine, bb. Intensity-filled Scorpio season was the harshest on your sign so you, of all people, will be embracing Sagittarius season with open arms. You’ve been in major need of an adventure and after months of dealing with everyone’s shit, now’s the time to let go and be free. Aries, if you’ve been pondering whether or not you should book a summer vacay, let this be your sign that the answer is Y-E-S. Now is not the time for restricting yourself and with celestial energy on your side, I’d recommend giving your travel agent a bell ASAP. This time is also about self-reflection and transformation for yu. , as with your fire sign pals, you’ll finally earn the recognition you’ve been craving all year. It’s also a time to get the hell out there and be your typical social butterfly self. Make up for all those months we were trapped indoors by having a raging good time night after night. And we’ve saved the best ’til last, our birthday babe Sagittarius. Expect good fortune, growth, and synchronicity. Take risks, make changes, have a fucken ball. Whatever plans you’ve been thinking of doing but were to afraid to put into action, now’s the time, bb. See y’all on the other side. Meanwhile, head to read your November horoscopes 2024 to see what you’re in for over the next few weeks.Stock for Sale by Cabinet Members
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Music Has Power® Symposium Showcases InnerWave Neurosciences: A Bold New Force in Neuroarts InnovationDr. Saloni Sharma’s career journey is a remarkable testament to the power of interdisciplinary expertise and visionary leadership. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and a successful track record as a business leader, she has seamlessly blended her scientific acumen with entrepreneurial prowess. As the Co-founder and CEO of Dental Billing Assist Inc, Dr. Sharma has led her company to significant growth and success while maintaining a strong foundation in microbiological research and education. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights, challenges, and the driving force behind her achievements. Q1: Dr. Sharma, your journey from microbiology to becoming a CEO is fascinating. Can you tell us what motivated you to pursue this path? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My passion for microbiology was ignited during my undergraduate studies, and it deepened as I pursued my M.S. and Ph.D. in the field. The intricate world of microorganisms and their immense potential to impact various industries, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, captivated me. However, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of applying scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems and create value was very appealing. Co-founding Dental Billing Assist Inc. allowed me to blend my scientific expertise with business acumen, driving innovation and strategic growth in the healthcare sector. Q2: What were some of the key challenges you faced while transitioning from academia to the business world, and how did you overcome them? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Transitioning from academia to the business world presented several challenges. One of the main hurdles was shifting my mindset from a purely scientific approach to a more holistic business perspective. Academia taught me rigorous research methods and attention to detail, but running a business required additional skills such as strategic planning, marketing, and financial management. To bridge this gap, I pursued a B.S. in Education and gained practical experience in business development. Surrounding myself with a strong team and mentors who had expertise in business also played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Q3: Dental Billing Assist Inc. has grown rapidly under your leadership. What strategies did you implement to achieve such growth? Dr. Saloni Sharma: The growth of Dental Billing Assist Inc. can be attributed to several key strategies. First and foremost, we focused on understanding the unique needs of dental practices and tailoring our services to meet those needs effectively. We implemented targeted marketing campaigns and business development initiatives to acquire clients, ensuring that our solutions were visible and accessible to our target audience. Building strong relationships with our clients was also crucial; we prioritized client satisfaction and retention through consistent communication and exceptional service. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within our team helped drive continuous improvement and growth. Q4: Your research background is impressive, particularly your Ph.D. work on medicinal plants. How has your scientific expertise influenced your approach to business? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My scientific background has significantly influenced my approach to business. Research requires a methodical and analytical mindset, which I have applied to business strategy and problem-solving. My Ph.D. research on increasing biomass production and nutrient uptake of medicinal plants taught me the importance of innovation and efficiency, principles that I carry into my business practices. Scientific training also instills resilience and persistence, qualities that are essential for overcoming business challenges. By leveraging my scientific expertise, I have been able to implement data-driven decision-making and develop innovative solutions that address the specific needs of our clients. Q5: How do you balance your dual roles as a business leader and a microbiologist? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Balancing my dual roles requires careful time management and prioritization. I dedicate specific times of the day to focus on business operations and strategic planning, while also setting aside time for scientific reading and staying updated with advancements in microbiology. Delegation is key; I rely on my capable team to manage day-to-day operations, allowing me to focus on high-level decision-making and strategic initiatives. This balance ensures that I can lead Dental Billing Assist Inc. effectively while staying true to my passion for microbiology. Q6: As a leader, how do you foster a culture of innovation and excellence within your team? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Fostering a culture of innovation and excellence starts with leading by example. I encourage open communication and create an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas. Providing opportunities for professional development and continuous learning is also essential; we regularly conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance our team's skills and knowledge. Recognizing and rewarding innovation and excellence further motivates the team to strive for their best. By promoting teamwork and collaboration, we create a supportive atmosphere where creativity and high performance thrive. Q7: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of? Dr. Saloni Sharma: One of the most memorable moments in my career was the successful rebranding of Eapogee Inc. to Dental Billing Assist Inc. This transition marked a significant milestone, aligning the company's identity with our core business focus and setting the stage for future growth. Another achievement I am proud of is our rapid client acquisition, growing to serve over 100 dental practices in a relatively short period. These milestones reflect the hard work and dedication of our team and validate the strategic decisions we have made. Q8: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with a scientific background? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those with a scientific background, is to embrace your unique perspective and skills. Your scientific training equips you with analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic, which are invaluable in business. However, it's also important to broaden your skill set by learning about business development, marketing, and financial management. Don't hesitate to seek mentors and build a network of supportive professionals. Most importantly, stay resilient and adaptable; the entrepreneurial journey is challenging, but your scientific mindset can help you navigate and thrive in the business world. Q9: How do you stay ahead of industry trends and ensure your company remains competitive? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Staying ahead of industry trends requires continuous learning and adaptability. I make it a point to stay updated with the latest developments in both the dental billing industry and the broader healthcare sector. This involves attending conferences, networking with industry experts, and subscribing to relevant publications. Within the company, we conduct regular market analysis to identify emerging trends and potential opportunities. Encouraging innovation and maintaining a flexible approach to business strategy allows us to adapt quickly and stay competitive. By being proactive and forward-thinking, we can anticipate changes and position our company for sustained success. Q10: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Dental Billing Assist Inc. and your career? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Looking ahead, my primary goal for Dental Billing Assist Inc. is to expand our services and client base further, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional value to dental practices. I aim to leverage emerging technologies to enhance our solutions and streamline our processes, staying at the forefront of the industry. On a personal level, I am committed to fostering the growth of my team and supporting their professional development. Additionally, I aspire to continue contributing to the field of microbiology through research and collaboration. Balancing these ambitions will help me drive both my company's success and my personal fulfillment as a scientist and entrepreneur. Dr. Saloni Sharma’s journey is a remarkable example of how interdisciplinary expertise can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her ability to blend scientific knowledge with business acumen has driven the growth of Dental Billing Assist Inc. and positioned her as a visionary leader. Dr. Sharma’s story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists alike, demonstrating the power of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As she continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of business and microbiology, her contributions promise to leave a lasting impact on both fields.Mumbai, Dec 28 (PTI) The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) should work as a guiding force for boosting priority sectors so that the state maintains its reputation of being the leader in the country, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday. During a meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House in south Mumbai, he listed mining, group farming, solar energy projects and bio-fuel as among the priority sectors, a government press release said. MITRA should work as a guiding force for giving a fillip to the priority sectors, it said, quoting Fadnavis. The state has set up MITRA along the lines of NITI Aayog. The CM talked about group farming and said there are presently 400 such groups in the state and most of them have performed well. The integrated benefits of the schemes under the agriculture, water resources, horticulture, marketing and other allied departments will be passed on to farmers to make them economically and socially capable, he said. Fadnavis called for efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit and pitched for consolidation of assets, convergence of various schemes, expediting water conservation projects, and state data and mining policies for Maharashtra’s overall development, the release said. The CM also took stock of the Jayakwadi solar project, the production of biogas from agricultural waste, and the international zoo at Gorewada in Nagpur district, it added. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Apple's journey toward replacing Qualcomm's modems in iPhones is a big leap in its quest for self-reliance. The company has been developing its own modems—codenamed Sinope, Ganymede, and Prometheus—for years. The first of these, Sinope, is expected to , though it won't match Qualcomm's high-end offerings in speed or performance. Specifically, it will use Sub-6 5G technology, which delivers good coverage but lacks the ultra-fast speeds of mmWave 5G, like the 10 Gbps downloads seen in Qualcomm's modems in devices like the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone SE itself is also shaping up to be an exciting entry point for this modem. While details about its other features remain under wraps, the SE line typically borrows designs and hardware from previous premium iPhones. If Apple follows its usual playbook, this , but now with Apple's own modem tech baked in. This isn’t Apple's first time dropping a longtime supplier to create its own solutions. Apple’s shift toward self-reliance is exemplified by the M1 chip, , which revolutionized Mac performance and efficiency while phasing out Intel processors. However, this transition began long before, with Apple acquiring ARM architecture expertise and building a foundation that eventually delivered a chip capable of transforming Mac performance and efficiency. Over the next few years, Apple updated every Mac model with its silicon, showcasing its commitment to controlling core technologies. By designing its own modems, Apple could unlock several benefits. It gains tighter integration between hardware and software, which is something the company excels at, and potentially reduces costs over time. Owning the modem technology also gives Apple the flexibility to innovate and tailor features without being reliant on Qualcomm's roadmap. Apple laid the groundwork for this effort by , gaining critical expertise and resources. However, it's not been an easy journey. Reports suggest that Apple's modem prototypes still trail Qualcomm's in performance, particularly in efficiency and global compatibility, which explains the cautious rollout starting with the SE. Apple's roadmap also reveals ambitions beyond Sinope. In 2026, the Ganymede modem is expected to expand the in-house solution to more models, followed by Prometheus in 2027. Meanwhile, Apple has extended its deal with Qualcomm to 2027, ensuring a fallback plan during this gradual transition. Source:Now that he’s stepped back into the role of being a starter, Dalton Risner is working tirelessly to make sure he’s at his best for the Vikings. ADVERTISEMENT That could be easier said than done in the short term. After starting exclusively at left guard since entering the NFL, Risner got the start at right guard for the first time last weekend with the Vikings playing the Tennessee Titans. Though he said he was extremely grateful for the opportunity, Risner also admitted there’s a learning curve now playing a new position. Not that he’s complaining about his place on the offensive line. “It was awesome,” Risner said. “I’m really happy with how I played. A few things to clean up. I think I’ll only continue to get better.” ADVERTISEMENT After rewatching the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Risner for the way he competed in the trenches. “He showed some of that veteran moxie to win some downs that were some hard downs,” O’Connell said. “There are some things he’ll continue to improve with the speed and physicality of it as he finds his groove.” The biggest hurdle for Risner is getting his mind to think in reverse. He has spent so much time at left guard throughout his career that switching over to right guard has forced him out of his comfort zone. “All of it is flip-flopped,” Risner said. “It’s not an easy process.” ADVERTISEMENT It was made even more difficult last weekend with Risner going up against the combination of star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. “That’s about as good of a pair as we’re going to find in the NFL,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “We knew it was going to be a challenge up front with those guys. There are some things we could’ve done better from a technique perspective. We expect these guys to respond.” That includes Risner as the Vikings prepare for the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. As he gains more experience at his new position, his hope is that it becomes second nature to him at some point soon. ADVERTISEMENT “I don’t know how many reps it’ll be or how many games it’ll be,” Risner said. I know I’ll consistently get more and more comfortable there.” The only player listed as a non-participant on the injury report was tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle). He hasn’t practiced at all this week, so his availability for this weekend is very much up in the air. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Altman said in a statement. Altman, who is in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO's influence in the incoming administration. Trump is putting Musk, the world’s richest man, and Vivek Ramaswamy , an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is an outside advisory committee that will work with people inside the government to reduce spending and regulations. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk recently escalated the lawsuit by asking a federal judge to stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. —— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.SLT-Mobitel showcases technological innovations at Techno 2024