
NoneDuring their first three-game winning streak of the campaign, the Kings have often had their “A” game, and if last season’s series with the Dallas Stars was any indicator, they’ll need it again when they welcome the green and white on Wednesday. After being outscored 13-3 in a clean sweep of the three-game set last season, the Kings will face the Stars for the first time in 2024-25. Described recently as being simultaneously prone to playing down to lesser opponents and incapable of rising to the occasion consistently against top teams, the Kings have quieted doubters. After a highly convincing win over the delight of the early season, the Winnipeg Jets, they tallied two victories in two days over the .500-ish Ducks and Ottawa Senators . Overall, they’ve outscored opponents 11-4 during their surge. “We’ve just got to keep rolling and keep building in the right direction. We’re getting better,” Kings forward Trevor Moore said. “We’re playing really good defensive hockey right now, goals are starting to come and we have some confident guys.” The Kings also quieted another narrative, one based largely on two poor third periods in San Jose, the last of which condemned them to a 7-2 loss to the Sharks on Nov. 25. Against both Ottawa and the Ducks, they entered the final frame tied, pulling away to reaffirm their status as one of the NHL’s most prolific teams in the closing stanza. “That third period in San Jose was obviously not up to our standard, and we’ve obviously done a good job rebounding from that,” Moore said. Among their six injured players, goalie Darcy Kuemper seemed closest to making his return. Drew Doughty continued to have a longer timeline. Another two-time Stanley Cup champ, Trevor Lewis, will be stuck on 999 games for another four to six weeks, Jim Hiller told reporters Tuesday. Lewis has 101 career goals and 232 career points as he sits on the precipice of what’s now a deferred milestone. Of the 267 forwards with 1,000 or more NHL games played, there are only 49 with fewer goals than Lewis has total points. There are but three forwards in league history with 1,000 games played who have actually recorded fewer points than Lewis. Two were outright enforcers with authoritative nicknames like “The Chief” (Craig Berube) and “The Don” (Donald Brashear). Another, Steve Staios, had over 1,000 career penalty minutes, too. Today, Staios is the general manager of the Senators, Berube coaches the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brashear is still playing at age 52 in a Quebecois minor league. Only the sandpaper-laden fourth-liner Cal Clutterbuck (293 points) and longtime Detroit penalty kill specialist Kirk Maltby (260 points) joined Lewis among other 1,000-game forwards who didn’t penetrate the 300-point barrier. In addition to being a mainstay on the PK, Lewis has proven a popular teammate that’s also a willing extension of the coaching staff, giving him value that overflows from the playing surface onto the bench, into the dressing room, during film sessions and even aboard the team plane, as Hiller explained. “(Lewis) just does so much for our team. He’s a really hard guy to replace,” Hiller concluded. Related Articles Heading into Dallas, 37-year-old Kings captain Anže Kopitar has eight points in his past five games. The Stars’ own ageless wonder, Joe Pavelski, retired this past offseason, but veterans Matt Duchene and currently injured Tyler Seguin ranked Nos. 1 and 3 in team scoring. Though he’s had a relatively slow start to the season, Arcadia native Jason Robertson has five goals and 12 points in his past seven games against the Kings, six of which were Dallas victories. When: 7 p.m. Where: Crypto.com Arena How to watch: TNT, Max, Victory+
In this digital Era, Pankaj Singhal, who specializes in compliance solutions at a major software company, a groundbreaking research explores how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming regulatory processes in the financial sector. The Digital Transformation of Compliance Financial institutions worldwide are witnessing a dramatic shift in how they handle regulatory compliance and customer verification. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and optical character recognition (OCR) are replacing traditional manual processes, offering unprecedented speed and accuracy in risk assessment and customer onboarding. These innovations have become essential tools in meeting increasingly complex regulatory requirements. Smart Systems, Smarter Decisions AI algorithms have become instrumental in detecting subtle patterns and anomalies that human analysts might miss. These systems process vast amounts of structured and unstructured data, enabling financial institutions to identify potential compliance risks and fraudulent activities with greater precision. Real-time monitoring capabilities allow for immediate alerts when suspicious patterns emerge, significantly reducing the risk of regulatory violations. Breaking the Paper Barrier OCR technology serves as a crucial bridge between physical documents and digital systems. Modern OCR systems can process diverse document types, from passports to utility bills, in multiple languages and various formats, including handwritten text. This capability has dramatically reduced the manual workload while improving data accuracy and processing speed. The integration with AI-powered verification systems enables rapid and accurate document authentication. The Human Touch in an Automated World While automation handles routine tasks, human expertise remains crucial for complex decision-making and oversight. This shift allows compliance professionals to focus on strategic risk management and intricate cases that require nuanced judgment. The integration of AI has optimized workforce distribution, enabling organizations to maintain high compliance standards while managing costs effectively. The collaboration between human expertise and AI capabilities creates a more robust compliance framework. Cost-Effectiveness Meets Efficiency The implementation of AI-driven compliance systems, though requiring initial investment, offers substantial long-term benefits. These systems can handle increased workloads without proportional cost increases, making them particularly valuable for institutions dealing with large transaction volumes. The reduction in manual processing and error rates has led to significant operational cost savings and improved scalability. Organizations can redirect resources to more strategic initiatives while maintaining compliance excellence. Customer Experience Reimagined The impact on customer experience has been transformative. Processes that once required multiple in-person visits and lengthy paperwork can now be completed quickly and remotely. Advanced security measures, including biometric verification and AI-powered document authenticity checks, have created a more secure and efficient onboarding experience, enhancing customer satisfaction while maintaining regulatory compliance. The streamlined processes have significantly reduced customer wait times and improved service delivery. Navigating the Challenges The implementation of these technologies comes with its own set of challenges. Organizations must address data privacy concerns, ensure regulatory acceptance, and maintain robust cybersecurity measures. The need for comprehensive staff training and system integration requires careful planning and execution, but the benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles. Continuous monitoring and updates ensure system effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Future-Ready Compliance As regulatory requirements become more complex, the role of AI and automation in compliance continues to evolve. These technologies are not just tools for efficiency; they represent a fundamental shift in how financial institutions approach regulatory compliance and customer verification. The ongoing development of these technologies promises even more sophisticated solutions for future compliance challenges. In conclusion, Drawing from extensive research by Pankaj Singhal , the integration of AI, OCR, and automation in compliance processes marks a significant advancement in the financial industry's ability to meet regulatory requirements while enhancing customer experience. This technological evolution promises to shape the future of financial compliance, making it more efficient, accurate, and accessible for all stakeholders involved.Taylor Swift thrills Toronto crowd, makes sly dig at Joe Jonas on night No. 4Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Warrants put Israeli PM and others in a small group of leaders accused of crimes against humanity Arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas leader put them in a small group of leaders to be accused of crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court in the Hague issued the warrants Thursday for Netanyahu, his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif, a Hamas leader Israel claims it killed. The court says Hamas committed murder, rape and torture in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the Israel-Hamas war. The court also says Israel used starvation as a method of warfare and committed murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Several of Trump's Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct WASHINGTON (AP) — Former congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general in the face of sexual misconduct allegations. He's not the only member of Trump’s chosen staff and Cabinet accused of some form of misconduct. Others include: Elon Musk, his choice to help lead a new outside panel seeking to boost government efficiency, Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s choice for defense secretary Pete Hegseth and Linda McMahon, his choice to lead the Department of Education. They all deny the claims. Elon Musk's budget crusade could cause a constitutional clash in Trump's second term WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has put Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in charge of finding ways to cut government spending and regulations. It's possible that their efforts will lead to a constitutional clash. This week, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would encourage the Republican president-elect to refuse to spend money allocated by Congress, which would conflict with a 1974 law that's intended to prevent presidents from blocking funds. If Trump takes such a step, it would quickly become one of the most closely watched legal battles of his second administration. Musk and Ramaswamy also aim to dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Death toll in Gaza from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Putin touts Russia's new missile and delivers a menacing warning to NATO The new ballistic missile fired by Russia struck a military-industrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, but its real mission was delivering a deadly new message to NATO. Hours after Thursday’s strike touched off a debate over whether the Ukrainian plant was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin cleared up the mystery in a rare and surprise appearance on Russian television. He described it as a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile that raced to its target at 10 times the speed of sound and couldn't be stopped by modern anti-missile systems. One Western expert said it was the first time that such a missile was used in the war — and perhaps in any conflict. What to know about a storm bringing high winds, heavy rain, snow to California and Pacific Northwest SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — One of the strongest storms on the West Coast in decades knocked out power for thousands of people and unleashed strong winds that toppled trees and left two dead in Washington before making its way through Oregon to Northern California. The storm was dumping heavy snow and record amounts of rain in the region on Thursday. The National Weather Service extended a flood watch into Saturday for areas north of San Francisco. The storm system roared ashore Tuesday and it’s expected to bring moderate to heavy rain through Saturday, increasing the risk of flash flooding and rockslides in some areas. Brazilian police indict former President Bolsonaro and aides over alleged 2022 coup attempt SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people on charges of attempting a coup to keep him in office after his electoral defeat in the 2022 elections. The findings are to be delivered Thursday to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put the former president on trial or toss the investigation. The former right-wing president has denied all claims he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to his rival, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has faced a series of legal threats since then. Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police. The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges. The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett's claims of innocence. The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck. Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago. Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack. US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water NEW YORK (AP) — Fights are cropping up nationwide over fluoride in drinking water. Communities in Florida, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and elsewhere have debated the idea in recent months. And several have decided to stop adding it to drinking water. In August, a federal agency for the first time reported that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. And in September, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate it in drinking water. The decision to add fluoride to drinking water rests with state and local officials, but advisers to Donald Trump have suggested he would push to remove it.
Michigan fires offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell 3 days after Ohio State triumphNone
Vancouver Canucks defenceman Hronek out eight weeks with lower-body injury VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Canadian Press Dec 3, 2024 2:41 PM Dec 3, 2024 2:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek skates with the puck against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Tempe, Ariz., Wednesday, April 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Ross D. Franklin VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. General manager Patrik Allvin issued a statement Tuesday saying Hronek underwent a successful procedure for the undisclosed ailment and is expected to miss about eight weeks. He says the 27-year-old Czech blueliner will not require surgery for an upper-body injury. Hronek hasn't played since going into the endboards hard late in Vancouver's 5-4 loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh last Wednesday. He's been paired with captain Quinn Hughes for much of the season and registered eight points (one goal, eight assists) in 21 games. The Canucks (13-7-3) have dealt with a litany of notable absences this season, including all-star goalie Thatcher Demko, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and star centre J.T. Miller, who's on an indefinite leave for personal reasons. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024. The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Hockey Jets place forward Ehlers on injured reserve, recall Lambert from AHL Dec 3, 2024 10:26 AM Patrik Laine to return from knee injury, make Canadiens debut against Islanders Dec 3, 2024 10:03 AM Talks on a new NHL CBA are set to start early next year. Here's why there is optimism Dec 3, 2024 9:01 AMGARRIOCH: The Ottawa Senators version of 'Twas the Night before Christmas
Enerpac Tool Group Schedules First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Release and Conference CallWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect pick for intelligence chief fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about amid the of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm . Related Articles But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser.