Gamer Revolution: Arm Stock UnveiledCanada's top military commander calls out US senator for questioning a woman's role in combat
Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78
AP News Summary at 5:31 p.m. EST
WATFORD's late win over Portsmouth ended in farce after one Hornets star was red-carded - for taunting opposition fans with his dance moves. Kwadwo Baah was sent off after the final whistle following a feisty clash at Vicarage Road. Rocco Vata netted a stoppage-time penalty for the hosts to hand Watford a dramatic 2-1 win. Following wild celebrations, Tom Cleverley 's men saw out the game to head back into the Championship playoff places. Baah - who had been booked in the first half - headed towards the Portsmouth away support after the final whistle. He was filmed taunting the video fans, throwing out some moves from video game Fortnite in front of a packed contingent from the South Coast. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL After his teammates tried and failed to pull Baah away, Pompey's Terry Devlin charged over to confront the German. Referee Geoff Eltringham brandished the red card, halting the jiving Baah in his tracks. But plenty felt the punishment was overly harsh, with a host of supporters defending the striker on social media. One Watford fan wrote on X: "Was receiving stick from Pompey all of the first half, had every right to go and give some back." Most read in Football FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS Another said: "Why has he actually been sent off?? He did nothing wrong!!" While a third added: "Kwadwo Baah getting sent off after the FT whistle for taunting Portsmouth fans and doing the Fortnite dance in front of them. This boy is going straight to the top." And a fourth laughed: "To be fair he ran from the halfway line, he was hardly just walking past." While Watford's official X account tweeted: "Baah giving it back to the away end." Cleverley's Hornets are back in the top sixth thanks to the late Boxing Day victory. Watford have lost just two of their last ten games across all competitions. Their success has been built on making Vicarage Road a fortress - but the former Man Utd star wants his players to turn things around on the road. Cleverley said in the build-up to the clash: "At home we've suffered setbacks and responded to them, but away from home we just don't show the same character or mindset to come back from any deficits. "I would never criticise my players for a technical mistake but when I see players shying away from wanting to receive the ball, then we've got a real issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES "To get to the level we want to get to we can't just do it in the home games - we have to do it in the toughest environments. "At the minute we're playing like a team who want to flip a coin and finish between fifth and 10th rather than really grab our own destiny by the scruff of the neck."TikTok Gamers Anticipate Exciting $SONIC Token Airdrop in 2025
Canada's top military commander calls out US senator for questioning a woman's role in combatBiometric Payment Market Poised for Exponential Growth, Projected to Hit US$ 8.8 Billion by 2031 | TMR
No. 2 Georgia is resting its national championship hopes on backup quarterback Gunner Stockton following Carson Beck’s season-ending elbow surgery on Monday. Coach Kirby Smart said Monday that Georgia is preparing Stockton to start in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against No. 3 Notre Dame. Stockton took over when Beck suffered a right elbow injury in the the first half in the Bulldogs’ 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 7 in Atlanta. Georgia announced later Monday that Beck had season-ending surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament in the right elbow. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday. Beck is expected to begin throwing next spring. Georgia’s first-round bye in the playoffs has given Stockton, a sophomore, more time to prepare for his new starting role. Smart said the experience with the first-team is the primary benefit in “several practices” since the SEC championship game. “He got lots of reps prior to these practices, but he’s getting much more now,” Smart said. “I do think ... when you get ready for an opponent like Notre Dame, you need time and we have time.” The Fighting Irish advanced by beating Indiana 27-17 in the first round on Friday night. Smart said Stockton and Georgia can focus on Notre Dame. “But I think the biggest thing is just competition at practice,” Smart said. “You know, the situations we put him in. All those things allow him to get better as a quarterback.” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said Stockton will require adjustments by his defense. “You evaluate, obviously, what they’ve done all season and you have a separate tape of what Stockton has done,” Freeman said Monday. “I think we have 80-something plays of him. He can run their offense. He does things a little bit differently. He can extend plays with his legs, he’s a good athlete. The thing I probably noticed most about him, he’s an ultra-competitive individual.” Georgia announced on Dec. 9 that Beck and his family were considering treatment options for his elbow. Beck suffered the injury to his throwing arm in the first half of the SEC championship game and made a dramatic return to the field for the handoff on the game-winning play in overtime. Stockton had to leave the field for one play after having his helmet knocked off. Even though he was able to take the snap and hand off to Trevor Etienne for the running back’s decisive 4-yard touchdown run, Beck was unable to raise his right arm. Stockton’s job may get a little easier with Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills out. Freeman announced Monday that Mills will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury he suffered against Indiana. Mills had 37 tackles and 7 1/2 sacks this season and anchored the interior line while All-American Howard Cross II missed the final three regular season games with a high ankle sprain. Cross returned against Indiana. It’s yet another blow to a defense that had already lost preseason All-America cornerback Benjamin Morrison and its top two rush ends with season-ending injuries. “You can’t replace Rylie Mills,” Freeman said. “Yes, the production, but the leadership, a captain, very similar to the things I said about Benjamin when he was out. You feel awful for him as a person, a guy that came back to improve his draft stock. You’ve got to replace what he did for our defense in different ways.” Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception against Texas. Smart downplayed the suggestion Stockton could give the Bulldogs more options as a running quarterback. “I think we are who we are in regards to that,” Smart said. “I mean, we played an entire season, offensively. You know, Gunner’s a good athlete. I think Carson is a good athlete. So it’s one of those deals that I don’t know how much that changes things.” Beck, a fifth-year senior, is 24-3 as a starter. He started all 26 games for the Bulldogs in 2023 and 2024. He passed for 3,941 yards with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2023 but had more difficulties with turnovers this season. Beck passed for 28 touchdowns with 12 interceptions this season and completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards before his injury in the SEC championship game.
US President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.DAT: November truckload volumes lagged robust October
Data Integration Market Adoption Trends and Forecast 2024-2031 11-30-2024 06:08 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology The Data Integration Market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by advancements in hardware, software, and digital infrastructure. With services spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the market is at the forefront of digital transformation across industries. Emerging technologies such as 5G, blockchain, and IoT are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, driving innovation and expansion. Get a Free Sample Report With Table Of Contents: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/data-integration-market Market Size and Growth: Global Data Integration Market size was valued at USD 13.87 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 15.74 billion in 2023 to USD 38.20 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The most valuable investment indicators are insights into key market trends, making it easier for potential participants to make informed decisions. The research seeks to identify numerous growth opportunities that readers can consider and capitalize on by utilizing all the relevant information. By closely analyzing critical factors that influence growth, such as pricing, production, profit margins, and value chain dynamics, future market expansion can be predicted with greater precision. Key Market Players: IBM Corporation (United States) Oracle Corporation (United States) SAP SE (Germany) Microsoft Corporation (United States) Informatica (United States) Talend (United States) Cisco Systems, Inc. (United States) Dell Technologies Inc. (United States) Syncsort (United States) SAS Institute Inc. (United States) Actian Corporation (United States) Attunity Ltd. (Israel) Adeptia Inc. (United States) Denodo Technologies (United States) Liaison Technologies (United States) SnapLogic (United States) Region-wise Market Insights The regional analysis offers detailed breakdowns of revenue, sales, and market share for key geographies. This section includes future growth projections, pricing strategies, and other critical metrics. Regions covered in the report: North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa For Personalized Insights, Speak with Our Experts: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/data-integration-market Segments covered in the Data Integration Market include: Component Tools and Service Deployment Cloud and On Premises Data Integration Market Size and Scope The Data Integration market has shown significant growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for power electronics across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. This market is set to grow further as the global adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy increases. Data Integration are highly valued for their superior thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, making them essential components in power modules and electronic devices. With ongoing technological and manufacturing advancements, the applications of Data Integration are expected to expand, encompassing a broader range of uses in the near future. For a Comprehensive Report on the Data Integration Market 2024, Visit: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/data-integration-market Frequently Asked Questions What are the key global trends influencing the market? Who are the top manufacturers, and what are their strategies? How is the market evolving across regions? What are the major challenges and opportunities in the Data Integration Market? About Us: SkyQuest is an IP-focused Research and Investment Bank and Technology Accelerator. We offer access to technologies, markets, and financing across sectors like Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech, and Information & Communication Technology. We collaborate closely with innovators, entrepreneurs, companies, and investors to help them leverage external R&D sources and optimize the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our expertise in innovation management and commercialization spans North America, Europe, ASEAN, and Asia Pacific. Contact: Mr. Jagraj Singh Skyquest Technology 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886, USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Visit our website: Skyquest Technology This release was published on openPR.Cloud Analytics Market Economic Impact and Forecast 2024-2031 11-30-2024 06:14 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology The Cloud Analytics Market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by advancements in hardware, software, and digital infrastructure. With services spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the market is at the forefront of digital transformation across industries. Emerging technologies such as 5G, blockchain, and IoT are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, driving innovation and expansion. Get a Free Sample Report With Table Of Contents: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/cloud-analytics-market Market Size and Growth: Global Cloud Analytics Market size was valued at USD 484.23 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 565.58 Billion in 2023 to USD 1959.01 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.8% in the forecast period (2024-2031). The most valuable investment indicators are insights into key market trends, making it easier for potential participants to make informed decisions. The research seeks to identify numerous growth opportunities that readers can consider and capitalize on by utilizing all the relevant information. By closely analyzing critical factors that influence growth, such as pricing, production, profit margins, and value chain dynamics, future market expansion can be predicted with greater precision. Key Market Players: Oracle Corporation Microsoft Amazon Web Services (AWS) Google IBM SAP Salesforce Snowflake Domo Tableau Qlik SAS Institute Teradata Region-wise Market Insights The regional analysis offers detailed breakdowns of revenue, sales, and market share for key geographies. This section includes future growth projections, pricing strategies, and other critical metrics. Regions covered in the report: North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa For Personalized Insights, Speak with Our Experts: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/cloud-analytics-market Segments covered in the Cloud Analytics Market include: Service Model SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, Data Management, BPaaS Type Managed Services, Professional Services Deployment Model Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Public Cloud Cloud Analytics Market Size and Scope The Cloud Analytics market has shown significant growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for power electronics across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. This market is set to grow further as the global adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy increases. Cloud Analytics are highly valued for their superior thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, making them essential components in power modules and electronic devices. With ongoing technological and manufacturing advancements, the applications of Cloud Analytics are expected to expand, encompassing a broader range of uses in the near future. For a Comprehensive Report on the Cloud Analytics Market 2024, Visit: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/cloud-analytics-market Frequently Asked Questions What are the key global trends influencing the market? Who are the top manufacturers, and what are their strategies? How is the market evolving across regions? What are the major challenges and opportunities in the Cloud Analytics Market? About Us: SkyQuest is an IP-focused Research and Investment Bank and Technology Accelerator. We offer access to technologies, markets, and financing across sectors like Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech, and Information & Communication Technology. We collaborate closely with innovators, entrepreneurs, companies, and investors to help them leverage external R&D sources and optimize the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our expertise in innovation management and commercialization spans North America, Europe, ASEAN, and Asia Pacific. Contact: Mr. Jagraj Singh Skyquest Technology 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886, USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Visit our website: Skyquest Technology This release was published on openPR.
Mobile Device Management Market Technological Disruptions and Forecast 2024-2031 11-30-2024 06:16 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology The Mobile Device Management Market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by advancements in hardware, software, and digital infrastructure. With services spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the market is at the forefront of digital transformation across industries. Emerging technologies such as 5G, blockchain, and IoT are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, driving innovation and expansion. Get a Free Sample Report With Table Of Contents: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/mobile-device-management-market Market Size and Growth: Mobile Device Management Market size was valued at USD 4.8 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 5.94 Billion in 2023 to USD 32.79 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 23.80% over the forecast period (2024-2031). The most valuable investment indicators are insights into key market trends, making it easier for potential participants to make informed decisions. The research seeks to identify numerous growth opportunities that readers can consider and capitalize on by utilizing all the relevant information. By closely analyzing critical factors that influence growth, such as pricing, production, profit margins, and value chain dynamics, future market expansion can be predicted with greater precision. Key Market Players: Microsoft Corporation IBM Corporation VMware, Inc. Citrix Systems, Inc. BlackBerry Limited SAP SE MobileIron, Inc. Sophos Ltd. Cisco Systems, Inc. Ivanti, Inc. Jamf Region-wise Market Insights The regional analysis offers detailed breakdowns of revenue, sales, and market share for key geographies. This section includes future growth projections, pricing strategies, and other critical metrics. Regions covered in the report: North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa For Personalized Insights, Speak with Our Experts: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/mobile-device-management-market Segments covered in the Mobile Device Management Market include: Component Solution (Device Management, Application Management, Security Management, Others), Services (Professional Services {Consulting Services, Implementation Services, Support Services}, Managed Services) Operating System iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, Others Deployment Mode On-Premises, Cloud Organisation Size Small and Medium Enterprises, Large Enterprises Vertical Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Telecom, Retail, Healthcare, Education, Transport and Logistics, Government and Public Sector, Manufacturing and Automotive, Others Mobile Device Management Market Size and Scope The Mobile Device Management market has shown significant growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for power electronics across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. This market is set to grow further as the global adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy increases. Mobile Device Management are highly valued for their superior thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, making them essential components in power modules and electronic devices. With ongoing technological and manufacturing advancements, the applications of Mobile Device Management are expected to expand, encompassing a broader range of uses in the near future. For a Comprehensive Report on the Mobile Device Management Market 2024, Visit: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/mobile-device-management-market Frequently Asked Questions What are the key global trends influencing the market? Who are the top manufacturers, and what are their strategies? How is the market evolving across regions? What are the major challenges and opportunities in the Mobile Device Management Market? About Us: SkyQuest is an IP-focused Research and Investment Bank and Technology Accelerator. We offer access to technologies, markets, and financing across sectors like Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech, and Information & Communication Technology. We collaborate closely with innovators, entrepreneurs, companies, and investors to help them leverage external R&D sources and optimize the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our expertise in innovation management and commercialization spans North America, Europe, ASEAN, and Asia Pacific. Contact: Mr. Jagraj Singh Skyquest Technology 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886, USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Visit our website: Skyquest Technology This release was published on openPR.
Asma al-Assad, wife of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly battling leukaemia and has been given a 50 percent chance of survival. According to a report by the Britiah daily The Telegraph, Asma is said to be undergoing treatment and has been isolated to prevent infection and was prohibited from sharing a room with others. In May this year, Syrian presidency announced that the then-first lady has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, following her 2019 complete recovery from breast cancer. However, the report suggests that Asma’s leukaemia has resurfaced after a period of remission. She has been under the care of her father Fawaz Akhras, a London-based cardiologist, for six months, initially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and now in Moscow. Bashar al-Assad and his family fled Syria and sought refuge in Moscow on Sunday, December 8 , following an 11-day rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following years of civil war. Assad is facing severe Russian restrictions, including being barred from leaving or engaging in political activities, and his assets have been frozen, a claim denied by the Kremlin. Since the start of the Syrian uprising, she has been reportedly planning to exile herself and her children to London. According to the latest reports, she has also filed for divorce from Bashar al-Assad due to dissatisfaction with her life in Moscow and is seeking treatment in London. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denied the claims, saying that they do not align with reality. Asma, born in London in 1975 to Syrian parents, currently holds dual British and Syrian citizenship. Asma and Bashar al-Assad married in December 2000. The couple has three children—Hafez, Zein, and Karim.
Relative knowledgeTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will inaugurate the 92nd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at 10 am on December 30. Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust General Secretary Swami Subhangananda and Pilgrimage Committee Secretary Swami Rithambarananda announced in a press conference that the preparations for the pilgrimage to be held on January 30, 31 and January 1 have been completed. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the Pilgrimage Conference at 10 am on the 31st. Swami Sachidananda, President of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, will preside over the inauguration of the Pilgrimage Conference. Subhangananda will deliver the blessing address, and Minister MB Rajesh will deliver the keynote speech. At 11:30 a.m., the Education Conference will be inaugurated by Minister V Sivankutty, with Minister GR Anil presiding over the function. Narayana Gurukulam President Gurumuni Narayana Prasad will be honoured during the event. MLA Ramesh Chennithala will be a distinguished guest. Minister KN Balagopal will inaugurate the Science and Technology Conference at 2 pm. Dr. Anantharamakrishnan, Director of the National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, will preside over the session. At 5 pm, the Cleanliness, Health, and Higher Education Conference will be inaugurated by Minister Veena George, with MLA Kadakampally Surendran presiding. Speeches will be delivered by Dr Marthanda Pillai and Dr Ciza Thomas, Vice Chancellor of the Digital University. Veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran will inaugurate the cultural programs at 7 pm.
Comparative Analysis of Traditional Vision Inspection and Modern Industrial Machine Vision TechnologyHeat News: Pat Riley Releases Statement on Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors
How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Stocks drift higher as US markets reopen after a holiday pause Stocks are drifting higher on Wall Street in light trading as U.S. markets reopen following the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite were up by less than 0.1% in midday trading Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%. Gains in technology companies overall and retailers helped boost the market, despite a pullback by some heavyweight Big Tech stocks. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.
The military's tradition of tracking Santa Claus on his gravity-defying sweep across the globe will carry on this Christmas Eve, even if the U.S. government shuts down , officials said Friday. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online — in nine languages — as St. Nick swoops along the earth's meridians. “We fully expect for Santa to take flight on Dec. 24 and NORAD will track him," the U.S.-Canadian agency said in a statement. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year's Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” The endeavor is supported by local and corporate sponsors, who also help shield the tradition from Washington dysfunction. Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, told The Associated Press that there are "screams and giggles and laughter” when families call in, usually on speakerphone. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, "Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early." NORAD's annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . Here's how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child's accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy's mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80-foot (18-by-24-meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from "those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup's story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy's call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child's call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. "When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,'" Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. "People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD's tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa's story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada — known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That's when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.