BREAKING: ‘He is quitting’ - Swans bombshell as John Longmire to step down after 14 years
Amsterdam houses reflections at night on the water of the canal LeoPatrizi/E+ via Getty Images Please note that this is a trade idea solely for Canadian investors. Canadian REITs withhold taxes even inside US IRAs. This liquidation might create some turbulence on that front if taxes are withheld on entire liquidation proceeds. So we repeat, this is only suggested Are you looking for Real Yields which reduce portfolio volatility? Conservative Income Portfolio targets the best value stocks with the highest margins of safety. The volatility of these investments is further lowered using the best priced options . Our Enhanced Equity Income Solutions Portfolio is designed to reduce volatility while generating 7-9% yields. Take advantage of the currently offered discount on annual memberships and give CIP a try. The offer comes with a 11 month money guarantee , for first time members. Trapping Value is a team of analysts with over 40 years of combined experience generating options income while also focusing on capital preservation. They run the investing group Conservative Income Portfolio in partnership with Preferred Stock Trader. The investing group features two income-generating portfolios and a bond ladder. Trapping Value provides Covered Calls, and Preferred Stock Trader covers Fixed Income. The Covered Calls Portfolio is designed to provide lower volatility income investing with a focus on capital preservation. The fixed income portfolio focuses on buying securities with high income potential and heavy undervaluation relative to comparatives. Learn more . Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ERE.UN:CA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.BSF Foils drug smuggling attempt, recovers heroin in Fazilka borderThe Arizona Cardinals were rested, relatively healthy and had been playing some of their best football in years. That's why Sunday's sobering 16-6 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks was so surprising.30 Subic companies honored in Mabuhay Business Awards
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Top eight advance directly to Round of 16. Teams ranked 9-24 will compete in knockout round play-offs to determine the remaining spots in the last 16. Juventus 3, PSV Eindhoven 1 Aston Villa 3, Young Boys 0 Bayern Munich 9, Dinamo Zagreb 2 Liverpool 3, AC Milan 1 Real Madrid 3, Stuttgart 1 Sporting Lisbon 2, Lille 0 Bologna 0, Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Sparta Prague 3, Salzburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 3, Club Brugge 0 Celtic 5, Slovan Bratislava 1 Manchester City 0, Inter Milan 0 Paris Saint-Germain 1, Girona 0 Benfica 2, Crvena zvezda 1 Leverkusen 4, Feyenoord 0 Atalanta 0, Arsenal 0 Atlético Madrid 2, RB Leipzig 1 Monaco 2, Barcelona 1 Brest 2, Sturm Graz 1 Brest 4, Salzburg 0 Stuttgart 1, Sparta Prague 1 Inter Milan 4, Red Star Belgrade 0 Borussia Dortmund 7, Celtic 1 Barcelona 5, Young Boys 0 Leverkusen 1, AC Milan 0 Arsenal 2, Paris Saint-Germain 0 PSV Eindhoven 1, Sporting Lisbon 1 Manchester City 4, Slovan Bratislava 0 Atalanta 3, Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Feyenoord 3, Girona 2 Liverpool 2, Bologna 0 Juventus 3, RB Leipzig 2 Benfica 4, Atlético Madrid 0 Dinamo Zagreb 2, Monaco 2 Lille 1, Real Madrid 0 Aston Villa 1, Bayern Munich 0 Club Brugge 1, Sturm Graz 0 AC Milan 3, Club Brugge 1 Monaca 5, Crvena zvezda 1 Paris Saint-Germain 1, PSV Eindhoven 1 Stuttgart 1, Juventus 0 Arsenal 1, Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Aston Villa 2, Bologna 0 Girona 2, Slovan Bratislava 0 Sporting Lisbon 2, Strum Graz 0 Real Madrid 5, Borussia Dortmund 2 Atalanta 0, Celtic 0 Brest 1, Leverkusen 1 Manchester City 5, Sparta Prague 0 Liverpool 1, RB Leipzig 0 Barcelona 4, Bayern Munich 1 Lille 3, Atlético Madrid 1 Feyenoord 3, Benfica 1 Dinamo Zagreb 2, Salzburg 0 Inter Milan 1, Young Boys 0 PSV Eindhoven 4, Girona 0 Dinamo Grazeb 4, Slovan Bratislava 1 AC Milan 3, Real Madrid 1 Liverpool 4, Leverkusen 0 Borussia Dortmund 1, Sturm Graz 0 Sporting Lisbon 4, Manchester City 1 Lille 1, Juventus 1 Celtic 3, RB Leipzig 1 Monaco 1, Bologna 0 Club Brugge 1, Aston Villa 0 Shakhtar Donetsk 2, Young Boys 1 Bayern Munich 1, Benfica 0 Atlético Madrid 2, Paris Saint-Germain 1 Inter Milan 1, Arsenal 0 Salzburg 3, Feyenoord 1 Barcelona 5, Red Star Belgrade 2 Brest 2, Sparta Prague 1 Atalanta 2, Stuttgart 0 AC Milan 3, Slovan Bratislava 2 Atlético Madrid 6, Sparta Prague 0 Manchester City 3, Feyenoord 3 Bayern Munich 1, Paris Saint-Germain 0 Inter Milan 1, RB Leipzig 0 Barcelona 3, Brest 0 Leverkusen 5, Salzburg 0 Arsenal 5, Sporting Lisbon 1 Atalanta 6, Young Boys 1 Red Star Belgrade 5, Stuttgart 1 Strum Graz 1, Girona 0 Liverpool 2, Real Madrid 0 PSV Eindhoven 3, Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Borussia Dortmund 3, Dinamo Zagreb 0 Celtic 1, Club Brugge 1 Benfica 3, Monaco 2 Aston Villa 0, Juventus 0 Lille 2, Bologna 1 Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic, 12:45 p.m. Girona vs. Liverpool, 12:45 p.m. RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa, 3 p.m. Leverkusen vs. Inter Milan, 3 p.m. Atalanta vs. Real Madrid, 3 p.m. Club Brugge vs. Sporting Lisbon, 3 p.m. Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich, 3 p.m. Salzburg vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 3 p.m. Brest vs. PSV Eindhoven, 3 p.m. Atlético Madrid vs. Slovan Bratislava, 12:45 p.m. Lille Sturm Graz, 12:45 p.m. Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. Juventus vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. Benfica vs. Bologna, 3 p.m. Arsenal vs. Monaco, 3 p.m. Inter Milan vs. Red Star Belgrade, 3 p.m. Feyenoord vs. Sparta Prague, 3 p.m. Stuttgart vs. Young Boys, 3 p.m. Atalanta vs. Sturm Graz, 12:45 p.m. Monaco vs. Aston Villa, 12:45 p.m. Slovan Bratislava vs. Stuttgart, 3 p.m. Club Brugge vs. Juventus, 3 p.m. Atlético Madrid vs. Leverkusen, 3 p.m. Benfica vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. Liverpool vs. Lille, 3 p.m. Bologna vs. Borussia Dortmund, 3 p.m. Red Star Belgrade vs. PSV Eindhoven, 3 p.m. Leipzig vs. Sporting Lisbon, 12:45 p.m. Shakhtar vs. Brest, 12:45 p.m. Real Madrid vs. Salzburg, 3 p.m. Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. Sparta Prague vs. Inter Milan, 3 p.m. Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb, 3 p.m. Celtic vs. Young Boys, 3 p.m. Feyenoord vs. Bayern Munich, 3 p.m. Inter Milan vs. Girona, 3 p.m. Sporting Lisbon vs. Bologna, 3 p.m. PSV Eindhoven vs. Liverpool, 3 p.m. Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade, 3 p.m. Stuttgart vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 3 p.m. Sturm Graz vs. Leipzig, 3 p.m. Manchester City vs. Club Brugge, 3 p.m. Bayern Munich vs. Slovan Bratislava, 3 p.m. Inter Milan vs. Monaco, 3 p.m. Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar, 3 p.m. Barcelona vs. Atalanta, 3 p.m. Leverkusen vs. Sparta Prague, 3 p.m. Juventus vs. Benfica, 3 p.m. Dinamo Zagreb vs. Inter Milan, 3 p.m. Salzburg vs. Atlético Madrid, 3 p.m. Lille vs. Feyenoord, 3 p.m. Aston Villa vs. Celtic, 3 p.m. Girona vs. Arsenal, 3 p.m. Brest vs. Real Madrid, 3 p.m.
During her time as a high school teacher, Alison Pappavaselio says she saw firsthand the negative impacts of unfettered technology access. When the 35-year-old’s own children, now 4 and 6, showed an interest in music, she decided to do things differently. Instead of a tablet, smartphone or even a smart speaker, Pappavaselio handed her older child a used Walkman she purchased on eBay and a handful of cassette tapes. "I went a little bit more into the technology that I grew up with because it felt safe to me,” said Pappavaselio, who lives in Somerville, Massachusetts. "But you do have to teach them not to rip the tape out.” Some modern parents are trying to give their children access to music without the temptations of a screen and internet access. Facing a lack of stand-alone options, they’re digging into their pasts and dusting off Walkmen, portable CD players and record players, along with their own dated album collections. Some are experimenting with voice-activated speakers such as Amazon’s Echo and Google Home, while others are relearning how to rip MP3s. While some adults are just nostalgic for their own childhood experiences with music, others want to protect their children’s attention spans or minimize screen access before the teen years. According to Pew Research, the vast majority of teens are online every day, with 96 percent saying they check it daily. Almost half say they’re online constantly. Even the way children discover music has changed. They still hear hits on the radio during car rides and get recommendations from friends, but they’re also picking up artists and songs from video games such as "Fortnight” or the algorithms in their music apps. A broad affection for ’80s music, however, has made their parents old collections cool again. - - - The consolidation of technology into smartphones and tablets has made screens nearly impossible to avoid. They have become so powerful, they’ve made a number of stand-alone devices practically obsolete: home phones, alarm clocks, point-and-shoot cameras and voice recorders. And, of course, the dedicated portable music player. Apple discontinued traditional iPods in 2017, and most online music consumption has migrated from buying music files to streaming subscriptions - something Apple also sells. The old devices still have some loyal users, but they take a little work to get running. More recent iPods can usually be fired up to work with iTunes, assuming you have all the relevant cables and ports on your computer. Some might need battery replacements, which you can get from a third party like iFixIt. There are also third-party apps for giving them a second life like Rockbox. When Eileen Keribar İsvan’s 8-year-old daughter wanted a way to listen to music on the bus to school, she knew just where to look. İsvan’s mother had an old iRiver MP3 player that was up and running with a pair of fresh batteries. "Part of the charm for me was giving her something that takes a little bit more effort,” said İsvan, a Montessori preschool teacher who lives in Istanbul. "And it’s a very sensorial experience, music. It’s better when you can isolate it from any distractions.” Stores still sell some new digital music players, often for less than $50. Where do kids get MP3s in a post Napster world? You can still buy them, but at 50 cents to a dollar a piece, that can add up quickly. Multiple parents we spoke to use free tools that turn YouTube music videos into MP3s, or burn their own old CDs. Local libraries also have free options for downloading music files; all you need is your library card. Even the companies trying to fill the gap left by the iPod are embracing old ways. The Yoto ($100) and Yoto Mini ($70)are simple music devices aimed at younger listeners. The devices are designed to look like retro toy radios. Children pop in small cards for the music they want, which you purchase separately - just like the old days. It also has a tiny screen that shows different images as the music plays, for a splash of screentime. "My daughter, who’s 41⁄2, will just keep pressing the button so it stays illuminated,” says Pappavaselio. The company recently issued a recall for it smaller Yoto Mini players sold between November 2021 and April 2024 as the batteries could overheat and even catch fire. But the company says old players can get a replacement battery and new devices are not at risk. Another fresh option is the $115 Mighty, a digital music player that kids like because they load it up with a handpicked Spotify or Apple Music playlist instead of listening to their parents’ favorites from the 1900s. It can hold more than 1,000 songs and looks like an iPod Shuffle. "To give your kids access to find their own taste in music is so important and was such a rite of passage,” says Rachel Childers, a musician with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. "Learning about yourself and what you’re drawn to is one of the cool things about growing up.” - - - Screen time experts say that it’s not necessarily the amount of time a child spends on a screen that’s worrying, but the quality of that time. For example, a FaceTime chat is better than watching videos, and creating or reading are better than social media. Music falls on the positive end of the spectrum, but the experience is still different on tablet or phone. For some parents, it’s not the screens but tech companies’ opaque algorithms. Childers and her musician husband naturally expose their kids, 9 and 12, to music through their jobs and practicing at home. When it came to access, they tried to move away from apps feeding their kids artists. During the pandemic, their son started watching music videos on his school Chromebook and got into ’80s hair metal and Gene Simmons, but they wanted to expand his horizons. "For us that’s translated to taking YouTube off things,” said Childers. "It’s the opposite of deciding your own taste. It’s a computer’s idea of your own taste fed to you.” Now their kids have access to a record player, a CD player, an extensive library of classic rock CDs, and a transparent FM/AM radio from the MoMA Design Store. "I don’t think I am as opposed tostaring at the screen of Spotify as I am to staring at a screen of ‘Fortnight,’” says Chris Mayfield, a 51-year-old musician and UX designer. For his two children, Mayfield has been experimenting with the right balance of control and freedom when it comes to technology. The family tried a Bark Phone and Mighty player but eventually let the 12-year-old be more in control of his own digital life. He’s now obsessed with Peter Gabriel and The Police. Professor of music education Sarah Perry isn’t worried about her son, 11, looking at screens as he listens. Perry has cycled through all the classics, giving him a CD player and an old MP3 player. Now he’s on an old iPhone set up just for music where he likes to read lyrics, something not so different from how Perry used to listen. "I remember sitting on the bus and listening on my headphones, and we’d bring the album cover and look at the lyrics and sing,” says Perry. "He’s doing the same thing, he’s just looking at it and scrolling through it.”'LOL WUT': Joe Rogan and Elon Musk hit back after criticism from ABC Chair
The Akwa Ibom State government has launched an investigation into the boarding facilities in public schools after a viral video The principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which will also review other boarding secondary schools across the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, emphasized the state's commitment to the welfare and dignity of all students, urging parents to support their children’s educatio n PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! The Akwa Ibom State government has initiated an investigation into the state of boarding facilities in public schools across the state. This action follows the suspension of the principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, after a viral video showed students being served unpalatable meals. Prompting the Investigation The state Commissioner for Education , Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday. Read also Maurid Polytechnic offers clarifications on Public health programme PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! She explained that the investigation was triggered by the disturbing video depicting the substandard meals provided to students at the Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep. "Following the very disturbing video where students were fed unpalatable and non-nutritious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school," Etiebet stated. Comprehensive Review Mrs. Etiebet has directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities not only at the implicated school but also in the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state. The review will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities. This effort will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board. "Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation," the commissioner added. Read also FG sacks workers with Benin, Togo degrees? Authority opens up She emphasized that while the state's free education policy covers tuition fees but not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, particularly those in public schools, remain a priority for Governor Umo Eno’s administration. Parental Responsibilities and Government Commitment The commissioner appealed to parents to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools, especially given the relief from tuition fees provided by the state. "The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff," she asserted. Akwa Ibom Governor Postpones Payment of New Salary Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has postponed the implementation of 80,000 new minimum wage to workers in the state. Legit.ng recalls that Uno announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for state government workers. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ngMissouri treasurer asks pension systems to prohibit political givingPhilippine showdown: President says he'll fight vice president's plot to have him killed
After this election season, I’ve heard more than one person suggest that our country is nearly trashed. Well, I’m not usually one to talk trash, but I do have a trashy parable to tell. The trashy tale is told every holiday season when our Waste Disposal company changes our pickup day. Hysteria begins in our quiet lake neighborhood whenever we get the email informing us that our regular trash day will change to accommodate a holiday schedule. I call it The Holiday Garbage Debacle. It begins Black Friday weekend when folks are too busy buying junk on sale to think about disposing of their junk. But by New Year’s our cans will be filled with the carcasses of turkeys and old dollies. No one will remember exactly what that email said because we deleted the message. With so many forgetful people, we all follow that one cocky soul who is confident he remembers the temporary trash day. As he drags his cans curbside, doors creak for peeks, neighbors labor and phones buzz. More cans join the festive holiday parade. Joggers and mommies pushing strollers spread the fear via cell phones urging spouses to make the last-minute push. That’s when the dam breaks. Throngs of people dash outside in their robes praying it’s not too late. It’s that whole herd-to-the-curb mentality. I remember a few years ago, just after Thanksgiving Day, I woke up urging my wife to help me push the cans into the foggy dawn. “Our cans are stuffed! Hurry or we’ll miss the pickup,” I warned in my repent-or-burn voice. “I think we’re still on the regular schedule.” “Then why are so many people putting their trash out?” I asked. “One person did, so they all did,” she said, yelling her social commentary as I rattled the cans to the street. Determined to prove her wrong, I paused to listen for the monstrous garbage trucks. Other neighbors joined my acoustical surveillance team as they cocked their ears out second-story windows. People ran across the street consulting neighbors — pulling out more cans — doors were opening and slamming in search of that truck. Finally, when rumor found its saturation point, a hard-headed neighbor emerged brandishing the printed email she had dutifully posted on her refrigerator. As she circulated her epistle, converts found the truth and returned their cans to the hidden place where respectable neighborhood CC&R’s demand they be placed. Still some who were unwilling to demonstrate sinful shame kept their cans curbside all the while muttering, “They’ll be sorry when the truck comes!” I don’t mean to trivialize this political discord we find ourselves in, but lately I can’t help but wonder if the new cycle has erupted with stories that inspire new levels of hysteric hyperbole. These days, I’m trying to stick with facts as I know them because, just as in the case of the garbage can debacle, facts remain our best ally against fear. As a country, we are bigger than the fear-based concerns generated over which bathroom one uses, what library book is removed from a shelf and where one is allowed to pray. There are more solid things that need our focus, like immigration reform, a fair tax base, common-sense gun regulation, and issues too many to name here. These issues come with a slew of problems yet to be worked out. So, before we start acting on our fear, I have to remember the Biblical promise that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Trusting in this promise and keeping a sound mind gets my vote every time – no matter when the trash always gets picked up. — Reminder that my family and I will be matching all reader donations to Chispa Project up to $5,000 postmarked between now and GivingTuesday on December 3. You can donate online at www.chispaproject.org/chaplain or send a check made to “Chispa Project” to 10566 Combie Rd. Suite 6643 Auburn, CA 95602. For an autographed copy of “Tell It To The Chaplain,” or any of my books, order from my website www.thechaplain.net or send a check for $20 (per book) to the address above.Housebuilders should lower buyers' bills with solar panels on every roof, renewable energy charity and company chiefs have urged. The seven chief executives and directors have called on Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to back the Sunshine Bill when MPs debate it in the new year. If MPs back the draft legislation, which the Liberal Democrats' Max Wilkinson tabled for a debate on January 17, it would bake into law a standard for newbuilds to come with solar panels on their roofs. Mr Wilkinson said the proposal is "just really, really obvious" amid efforts to reduce carbon emissions and lower costs. "Taking this one simple step would pay back to new homeowners, via lower energy bills, in just a few short years, helping protect homeowners from high and fluctuating energy bills," according to the letter. It continued: "Pressure on the wider grid would be reduced and the likely outcome would be a reduction in the country's emissions too, in line with climate change targets." Its signatories, among them Ecotricity chief executive Asif Rehmanwala and E.On Next director of residential newbuild Matthew Hart, also wrote: "The twin crises of high energy bills and climate change present this country with many challenges, but there are also a number of solutions that could be relatively easily implemented." "One of those solutions is the inclusion of solar energy on newbuild residential accommodation." Mr Wilkinson said: "Following the shortest day of the year (Saturday), it's time the Government finally commits to a sunnier future." He told the PA news agency: "One of the things that I think is just really, really obvious is that when we're building new homes, they should be built to high standards of energy efficiency and that they should include renewable energy generation, because that's good for the planet, but also, it's really, really good for people's bills." "We all know that we've had the energy bills crisis over the last few years and fuel bills for households remain stubbornly high, so it seems obvious that we should put solar panels on the roofs of houses, so those bills are going to be lower." The MP for Cheltenham in Gloucestershire described adding solar panels to the tune of "a few thousand pounds" as "marginal" against the cost of building a property, which "pays back to the new homeowner within five or six years anyway, so it really is a win-win". Asked how far the Sunshine Bill formally known as the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill could go in tackling climate change, Mr Wilkinson replied: "There are the big international impacts that you're talking about on climate change, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't make those marginal gains locally where we can, particularly when they can have a really profound positive impact on people's day-to-day lives." He said: "All I want this Christmas is for the Government to support the Sunshine Bill. Lower energy bills would be the perfect gift not just for me, but for the nation." A Government spokesperson said in an October press release that they "want solar panels on as many new homes as possible, because they are a vital technology to help cut bills for families, boost our national energy security, and help deliver net zero". But the press release confirmed a final decision on the amount of solar panels that new homes will typically be expected to include is "yet to be made", and that it is "a fundamental principle of building regulations that we do not constrain innovation by prescribing any specific technology". Mr Miliband previously said he was "very sympathetic" to Mr Wilkinson's proposal. Asked about plans for "new homes to come with solar panels on the roof as standard", Mr Miliband told the Commons last Tuesday: "I am very, very sympathetic to this, and we are in discussions with our colleagues across Government and watch this space."New regulations and big regulatory changes take a long time to develop and roll out in the US government. They need to be super carefully developed and every single punctuation mark needs to be examined by the lawyers to make sure the regulations will hold up if challenged in the courts, all the way up to the Supreme Court. In the case we’re discussing today, self-driving vehicle rules have got to be an especially tricky bunch. Now, after years of development, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has announced big new rules on the topic. Overall, the new framework of rules should make businesses that don’t want strict autonomous vehicle regulations happy, as it is just a “voluntary program to improve transparency and insight into the safety and performance of ADS-equipped vehicles .” A key is that this provides two additional exemption options to get approved for more than the default 2,500 vehicles that automakers and autonomous driving companies can deploy without checking off a list of safety requirements that don’t fit autonomous vehicles (e.g., steering wheels, pedals, sideview mirrors, etc.). The pre-existing exemption option has been very difficult to get. Only Nuro, which has developed small autonomous delivery vehicles, has ever received an exemption, while GM’s Cruise tried to get one for a couple of years and then gave up (and now is giving up on a robotaxi business altogether ). Here’s more from the NHTSA: “The ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program, known as AV STEP, would establish a voluntary review and reporting framework for participating ADS-equipped vehicles. The program would be open to all companies that operate or plan to operate compliant ADS-equipped vehicles on public roads, as well as those requiring NHTSA exemptions to operate non-compliant vehicles. [...] “AV STEP would promote greater transparency into participating ADS operations and help the agency study and oversee ADS technology as it matures. Data are fundamental to NHTSA’s work, and the proposed program would provide NHTSA and the public with greater insight into ADS development and operational data. “Further, AV STEP aligns with the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which was launched in January 2022 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, outlines a comprehensive approach to significantly reducing injuries and deaths on our nation’s highways, roads, and streets, and implements a safe system approach .” The Verge notes there is one “twist” with the new rules. The NHTSA wants these companies to share more data. “By kick-starting the rulemaking process, the Biden administration is giving a pretty big end-of-the-year holiday gift to the companies that have been laboring for decades on autonomous vehicle technology without any national regulatory framework to guide them,” they add. However, I imagine everyone is thinking the same thing: is any of this going to survive in the new Trump–Musk administration? AV STEP provides a step forward, but it still wants to be involved and wants data. And it seems that the Trump–Musk administration is keen on killing government oversight and government involvement as much as possible. So, will they build on AV STEP or try to eliminate it? (Let’s not even get into the topic of the regulated controlling the regulator — we are well beyond normal democratic operations and deep into Banana Republic territory. “Whether AV STEP survives into the next Trump administration, though, is an open question,” The Verge adds. “For one, the incoming president is reportedly looking to quash a Biden-era transparency rule that requires companies operating vehicles with driver assist, as well as self-driving cars, to report crashes and injuries to the federal government. Scrapping the crash reporting rule would greatly benefit Tesla, which to date, has reported the highest number of crashes . And Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a close advisor and donor to Trump.” Indeed.... In short, it’s now become easier for autonomous vehicle companies to get their vehicles out on US roads, and one would think that would be enough, but Trump and Musk could trash AV STEP and go further by allowing a Wild Wild West free for all and no reporting on crash and injury data. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email Reddit
No matter where you look, there are stars on the field for the Lions offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams highlight the wide receiver room, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are the 1-2 punch in the backfield, Sam LaPorta is holding things down at tight end, and Jared Goff is responsible for distributing the ball to these stars. Simply looking at the names on this offensive roster, it shouldn't be shocking that the Lions have the league's No. 1 scoring offense, averaging 32.7 points per game. Combine that with No. 2 scoring defense, and you have a team that many consider the Super Bowl favorite. The Lions may have to overcome some adversity in order to find their 11th win of the season and end their Thanksgiving losing streak. Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery are dealing with injuries ahead of their early-Thursday matchup with the Bears. Let's check in on the latest updates regarding both players' statuses. WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers Will Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery play this week? Injury update on Lions' WR and RB Both St. Brown and Montgomery have followed the same trend with their practice participation this week. They both missed practice on Monday, participated in a limited fashion on Tuesday, and fully practiced on Wednesday. Both have since been listed as "questionable" for Thursday's game. #CHIvsDET injury report presented by Henry Ford Health. pic.twitter.com/1UdPbZz9hh Considering both participated in full on Wednesday, it seems likely that both will be able to take the field against the Bears, meaning their "questionable" designations are merely a formality. Specifically pertaining to Montgomery, head coach Dan Campbell has expressed optimism that Montgomery will take the field, so it would be a surprise to see him sidelined. St. Brown provided confirmation himself that he plans to play, so expect to see him on the field. Lions' WR Depth Chart: Who is Amon-Ra St. Brown's Backup? The Lions' WR1 has been the picture of health over the last two years, missing just one game since the start of the 2023 season. This has been great for Lions fans and fantasy managers, but it has prevented us from getting a glimpse at this WR room without St. Brown in the picture. If St. Brown is a surprise inactive, expect Jameson Williams to take on a large role in the passing game. Tim Patrick, who has flashed this season, would assume WR2. Allen Robinson would be third on the depth chart. Lions' RB Depth Chart: Who is David Montgomery's Backup? If Montgomery suffers a setback and doesn't play on Thursday, it's safe to say that the Lions will turn to Jahmyr Gibbs to fill his shoes. Gibbs has proven to have an every-down skill set and could reasonably play 90 percent of snaps without Montgomery by his side. If another back were to mix in alongside Gibbs, it would be Craig Reynolds. The six-year veteran has 12 carries this season, most of which have come in blowouts. He would likely play here and there to spell Gibbs, but he wouldn't be a significant factor in the offense. WEEK 13 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE Stock Watch | Start 'Em, Sit 'Em | Sleepers | Busts | Usage Report | Flex Finder | Weather David Montgomery fantasy outlook Week 13 Montgomery has been about as steady of a fantasy producer as they come. He's averaging 16.3 PPR points per game and comes in as the per-game RB13. The quality of the Lions' offensive line allows him to be highly efficient, and he has been provided with 12 goal-line carries this season thanks to the quality of the Detroit offense. He's a talented back in a perfect situation, and he's an every-week fantasy starter. The situation is no different in Week 13, as he comes in as the RB16 in the Sporting News' RB rankings . He can be started with confidence this week despite the knee injury. Amon-Ra St. Brown fantasy outlook Week 13 St. Brown has been very similar to Montgomery in the sense that he is among fantasy's most consistent producers. A year after finishing as the WR3, St. Brown has been the WR2 through 12 weeks. St. Brown is a weekly threat for a 30-percent target share, and he is a regular recipient of short-yardage touchdowns. There are few receivers you'd rather have on fantasy rosters this season. Much like Montgomery, St. Brown is a shoo-in starter every week, and he shouldn't be viewed any differently in this Thanksgiving matchup. He's the WR8 in our rankings and belongs in lineups everywhere against the Bears this week.