Trump appoints Indian-American as key AI policy advisor
NoneSean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I'll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn , Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.”
Owen McCown completed 23 of 30 passes for 254 yards and UTSA rolled up 257 yards on the ground in a 44-15 demolition of Coastal Carolina to win the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Monday in Conway, S.C. Will Henderson III led the rushing attack with 81 yards and a touchdown on five carries. McCown added a 35-yard rushing touchdown while throwing one TD and one interception for the Roadrunners (7-6), who won a bowl game for the second straight year. Chris Carpenter ripped off a 93-yard kick return touchdown for UTSA to seal the deal. Tad Hudson went 17-for-26 passing for 173 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns for Coastal Carolina (6-7), which was playing in the bowl game hosted on its campus for the first time. Hudson made his first collegiate start after quarterbacks Ethan Vasko and Noah Kim entered the transfer portal. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Hudson sailed a pass to a wide-open Bryson Graves for a 50-yard score that finally put the Chanticleers on the board, cutting the margin to 27-7. But on the ensuing kickoff, Carpenter started to his left, veered right and had nothing but daylight for his third career kick return touchdown. With Coastal trailing 37-7, Hudson hit Senika McKie for a 9-yard TD and completed a two-point conversion pass to Brooks Johnson with 4:43 to go. UTSA responded again, as on the next play from scrimmage Henderson broke off a 51-yard sprint to the end zone. In the first minute of the second quarter, UTSA running back Brandon High got help from his linemen on a 9-yard touchdown push. On the Roadrunners' next drive, McCown kept the ball on an option and chugged down the right sideline, scoring just his third rushing touchdown of the season. UTSA ripped off runs of 19 and 16 yards on its following possession, which lasted just 1:04. Using play-action, McCown tossed a 6-yard touchdown to a wide-open Patrick Overmyer for a 21-0 lead. Before halftime, Coastal Carolina marched down to UTSA's 4-yard line, but on a would-be halfback pass on fourth-and-goal, the Roadrunners disrupted the play and kept Braydon Bennett out of the end zone. UTSA's Tate Sandell made field goals from 38 and 27 yards to account for the third-quarter scoring. He kicked a 29-yarder during the fourth. --Field Level Media
Elisabeth Borne, only the second woman to serve as French prime minister, is making a surprise return to frontline politics as education minister less than a year after losing a job that she never wished to relinquish. An experienced technocrat known for her resilience who pushed through a controversial pensions overhaul while in office, Borne served as premier from May 2022 to January 2024. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Geode Capital Management LLC Buys 1,511,455 Shares of Cipher Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:CIFR)
Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail a third time as he awaits sex trafficking trialDiplomatic Dialogue: Sheinbaum Engages Trump on Migration
Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold electionsNetflix getting set to air NFL on Christmas Day
WASHINGTON – A person accused of accosting U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in a Capitol Office building pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a misdemeanor assault charge. Witnesses told police that James McIntyre, 33, of Chicago, shook Mace's hand in an “exaggerated, aggressive” manner after approaching the South Carolina Republican in the Rayburn House Office Building on Tuesday evening, according to a police affidavit. Recommended Videos Mace, who is identified only by her initials in a court filing, posted a string of social media messages about the incident. She said she was “physically accosted” at the Capitol, and she thanked President-elect Donald Trump for calling her Wednesday morning to check on her condition. “I’m going to be fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside,” Mace wrote. Mace declined to be treated by a paramedic after her encounter with McIntyre, who was arrested Tuesday by the Capitol Police, the affidavit says. Mace told police that McIntyre said, “Trans youth serve advocacy,” while shaking her hand. Last month, Mace proposed a resolution that would prohibit any lawmakers and House employees from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.” Mace said the bill is aimed specifically at Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride — the first transgender person to be elected to Congress. A magistrate judge ordered McIntyre’s release after an arraignment in Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Efforts to reach an attorney for McIntyre weren't immediately successful.
Barnstable shot 6 for 12 (3 for 8 from 3-point range) and 8 of 9 from the free-throw line for the Tommies (10-4). Drake Dobbs scored 18 points while going 6 of 10 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and 5 for 6 from the line and added five assists. Kendall Blue shot 5 for 11 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. The Tommies picked up their sixth straight win. Javontae Campbell led the way for the Falcons (4-7) with 18 points, six rebounds and four steals. Marcus Johnson added 16 points for Bowling Green. Derrick Butler had 15 points. St. Thomas took the lead with 18:36 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. Carter Bjerke led their team in scoring with 12 points in the first half to help put them up 46-20 at the break. St. Thomas pulled away with a 10-0 run in the second half to extend a 20-point lead to 30 points. They were outscored by Bowling Green in the second half by a one-point margin, but still wound up on top, as Barnstable led the way with a team-high 14 second-half points. St. Thomas' next game is Sunday against UC Riverside on the road, and Bowling Green hosts Aquinas (MI) on Monday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Abortion care access disparity between regional and metro areas laid bareDartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.
Full House Resorts counsel Elaine Guidroz sells $41,606 in stockThe AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Dovydas Butka had 18 points in Pepperdine’s 85-46 win over UC Davis on Saturday. Butka had 10 rebounds for the Waves (6-7). Jaxon Olvera scored 15 points and added three steals. Stefan Todorovic went 4 of 10 from the field (1 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 11 points. Carl Daughtery Jr. led the way for the Aggies (7-5) with 11 points. Ty Johnson added nine points and two steals for UC Davis. Niko Rocak had seven points. Pepperdine took the lead with 18:20 remaining in the first half and did not give it up. Olvera led their team in scoring with 11 points in the first half to help put them up 43-19 at the break. Pepperdine pulled away with a 13-0 run in the second half to extend a 29-point lead to 42 points. They outscored UC Davis by 15 points in the final half, as Butka led the way with a team-high 10 second-half points. Both teams next play Saturday. Pepperdine visits Santa Clara and UC Davis squares off against Cal Maritime at home. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
The tech world is abuzz as Ayar Labs, a pioneering force in the field of silicon photonics, reaches a groundbreaking $1 billion valuation. Founded in 2015, this innovative company aims to redefine AI infrastructure by addressing the bottlenecks created by traditional copper interconnects, which no longer suffice for the demands of advanced AI models. Ayar Labs recently announced the successful completion of a significant $155 million Series D funding round. With financial backing from tech giants like AMD Ventures, Intel Capital, and Nvidia, the company has now raised a total of $370 million. This surge in investment is set to boost the mass production of Ayar Labs’ cutting-edge in-package optical interconnect technology, which promises to outperform copper by eliminating existing data transfer constraints. By enabling faster data movement with reduced latency and power usage, Ayar Labs offers a transformative solution for large-scale AI workloads. This optical I/O technology revolutionizes AI infrastructure, making it more efficient and economically viable. Major industry players, including leading GPU and semiconductor suppliers, see massive potential in this technology to shape the future of AI. With projections estimating over a trillion dollars in AI infrastructure investment in the coming decade, Ayar Labs stands ready for significant growth. Having already shipped approximately 15,000 units of its advanced TeraPHY optic transport and SuperNova laser source, the company plans to scale production to over 100 million units annually by 2028. As industry titans express keen interest in Ayar Labs’ innovations, the company aims to expand its manufacturing prowess and deepen customer engagements, cementing its role at the forefront of a new era in AI technology. Ayar Labs’ Silicon Photonics Revolution: Key Impacts and Future Prospects In an era of exponential AI growth, Ayar Labs has positioned itself as a transformative leader in silicon photonics, breaking new ground with its $1 billion valuation. This milestone reflects the immense promise and future potential of Ayar Labs’ optical interconnect technology in reshaping AI infrastructure. As the company accelerates its trajectory with a recent $155 million Series D funding round, backed by industry giants such as AMD, Intel, and Nvidia, several insights emerge about the implications and future of silicon photonics in AI. Why Silicon Photonics? Pros and Cons of Optical Interconnects The move from traditional copper interconnects to optical solutions presents several advantages: – Pros : – Higher Data Transfer Rates : Optical interconnects offer significantly faster data movement, essential for handling large-scale AI workloads efficiently. – Reduced Latency : By minimizing delays in data transfer, AI models can operate more efficiently, leading to faster computational outcomes. – Lower Power Consumption : Optical technology inherently consumes less power, contributing to sustainable and cost-effective AI infrastructure. – Cons : – Implementation Costs : The transition to optical components can initially incur higher costs due to the complexity of integration and production. – Technology Maturity : As with any emerging technology, wide-scale adoption may face hurdles related to standardization and compatibility. Innovations and Features Ayar Labs’ innovations are signified by their groundbreaking products like the TeraPHY optical transport and SuperNova laser source. These components enable seamless integration with existing semiconductor technology, providing a path forward for the next-gen AI infrastructure. Market Predictions and Trends With AI infrastructure investments projected to surpass a trillion dollars within the next decade, there is a growing demand for efficient data processing solutions. Ayar Labs’ optical interconnect technology could become a foundational element in data centers, research facilities, and enterprises prioritizing speed and efficiency. Roadmap to Mass Production Ayar Labs is strategically aiming to scale its production from the current 15,000 shipped units to over 100 million annually by 2028. This ambitious target mirrors the industry’s rapid embracing of silicon photonics as a future-proofed solution for burgeoning AI revelry. Comparative Advantage In comparison to its competitors, Ayar Labs is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of the AI infrastructure market. By aligning with major semiconductor and GPU suppliers, the company assures its technology is not only cutting edge but also relevant to the needs of high-performance computing environments. Conclusion As Ayar Labs expands its manufacturing capabilities and deepens its market engagements, the company stands at the vanguard of the silicon photonics revolution. Its efforts to harness the potential of optical interconnects could redefine AI infrastructure and propel the industry into a new era of efficiency and innovation. For more insights into the future of silicon photonics, explore AMD , Intel , and Nvidia .NO. 7 TENNESSEE 78, TENNESSEE-MARTIN 35
Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off Fairgrounds Festival of Lights | Watch live Friday at 6:15 p.m.Da Silva's late 3 preserves Magic's 108-104 comeback win over Tatum-less Celtics
Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold electionsUS and European stock markets wobbled Wednesday as key US inflation data showed an uptick, with traders also weighing US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats and a political standoff in France. Wall Street saw red with both the Dow and S&P 500 retreating from records on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Nasdaq also declined. European stock markets were also mindful of rising concerns Europe could be the next tariffs target for Trump. The Paris stock market ended off 0.7 percent as a French political standoff over a belt-tightening draft budget for 2025 threatens to topple the government. Frankfurt also dipped, while London just finished in the green. In the United States, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 2.3 percent in the 12 months to October, up from 2.1 percent in September, which was broadly in line with forecasts. The figure was also close to the US Federal Reserve's long-term target of two percent, keeping the central bank's inflation fight largely on track. Futures markets currently place the odds at about two-thirds that the Fed will cut interest rates again in December by a quarter of a percentage point. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said the figure "is a little hot" but "it is not outside the most recent range for monthly increases." "US traders can pack up for the Thanksgiving holiday with little to fear at this stage," she said in a research note. Trump, who has named a tough-negotiating hawk to be his trade envoy when he takes office in January, has announced plans to hit China, Canada and Mexico with hefty tariffs right away. "Investors are growing increasingly concerned that Donald Trump's next tariff target is continental Europe," said Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell. For Europe, this would create "another potential headwind on top of the existing one in the form of lackluster economic activity," he said. While Trump's victory has been broadly welcomed by the financial markets, there is concern that his widely pledged rise in tariffs could be inflationary. The Republican has announced Jamieson Greer as his trade envoy, saying that Greer -- who served as chief of staff to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during Trump's previous administration -- had played a "key role" in imposing tariffs on China at that time. Bitcoin moved back past $95,000, having hit a record Friday and come within a whisker of the $100,000 mark on hopes that Trump will move to ease restrictions on the crypto market. After another record-breaking lead from earlier, Chinese markets rallied as data showed that China's industrial sector narrowed losses in October. Meanwhile, the price of Arabica coffee hit the highest level since 1977 on concerns of limited supplies caused by drought in Brazil this year. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.3 percent at 44,722.06 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN 0.4 percent at 5,998.74 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 0.6 percent at 19,060.48 London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,274.75 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.7 percent at 7,143.03 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,261.70 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.8 percent at 38,134.97 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 2.3 percent at 19,603.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.5 percent at 3,309.78 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0565 from $1.0489 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2678 from $1.2569 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 151.17 yen from 153.08 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 83.33 pence from 83.44 pence Brent North Sea Crude: FLAT at $72.83 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.1 percent at $68.72 per barrel bur-jmb/stNoneHodge scores 21 as UNC Wilmington scores 85-74 win over UNC Asheville