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When Susan Lee learned that some Central Washington child care providers worked almost round the clock just to make ends meet, she was astonished. As the longtime director of a collection of child care centers at Refugee Women’s Alliance in Seattle, Lee took her program’s school-hour schedule for granted. She was also preoccupied with the challenge of paying her staff of 70 enough to retain them. “We’re in a child care crisis,” she said, pointing to the dual struggle of Washington families to afford child care and of providers to earn a living wage. Child care is a fundamental resource for parents and the state — and Washington has long struggled to maintain its workforce. The state had the sixth-highest share of people living in “child care deserts,” areas with limited or no access to quality child care, in the U.S., the Center for American Progress reported in 2018. The following year, gaps in affordability and access were estimated to have cost the state economy $6.5 billion annually in direct losses and opportunities missed due to child care disruptions, according to state-commissioned research. Pressures amid the pandemic then led to widespread program closures, and those that remained open to care for the kids of parents who couldn’t stay home — like those in health care and agriculture — reported going into debt. Experts say the child care system has rebounded from pandemic-era closures but still needs to expand capacity. For that to happen, providers say they must be paid a living wage. So, Lee joined a group to plot a solution. A few years ago, she was recruited by the nonprofit Child Care Aware of Washington to join a team of 30 child care directors, owners, teachers and assistants to brainstorm solutions and advocate for them in Olympia. Participants were provided small monthly stipends and asked to do community outreach, then share insights with the group. Preschool teacher Kim Johnson, right, works with students in the Manatee preschool at the Refugee Women's Alliance Early Learning Center in Seattle, Nov. 26. Second from top left is Danielle Fannie, program specialist family support. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times) Soon, the state Department of Children, Youth and Families asked to join the group. Since lawmakers passed the sweeping Fair Start for Kids Act in 2021, families have seen improved access to affordable child care and early education through expansions to the state’s Working Connections Child Care program, which helps parents who are working or in school cover child care expenses. “We really had families who were making choices between, do I pay for my rent, do I pay for food or do I pay for child care,” said Nicole Rose, DCYF’s assistant secretary for early learning. “We’re seeing much less of that.” Still, only 8% of 3-year-olds and 16% of 4-year-olds were served by Washington’s state-funded preschool programs last year, according to an April report by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The state estimates that just 29% of Washington children under 5 who need care because their parents are working or in school are getting licensed care. As part of the same act, DCYF was tasked with providing recommendations to lawmakers on what it would take to adequately compensate child care providers for their work to better maintain the workforce, and how that could fit into the Working Connections program. The Child Care Aware group, DCYF staff thought, was the perfect team for the task. In May of last year, the Child Care Aware group began working with DCYF to create a compensation proposal. DCYF explained what lawmakers were seeking and provided data along the way, but they asked providers to lead the decision on what recommendations to include. Over several months, they penned the Cost of Quality Care Rate Model . The new proposal asks for salaries based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator , which estimates what a full-time worker must earn to cover basic family needs, depending on where they live in the U.S. As a result, the team requested that the lowest-paid Washington child care staff make roughly $45,000 a year. Minh-Hien Doan, right, site manager at the Refugee Women's Alliance, leads a train of children in a dance at the Refugee Women's Alliance Early Learning Center in Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood, Nov. 26. The center accepts children from birth to 5 years old. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times) The proposal also calls for 20 paid sick days and 20 leave days annually — a first for many providers who have had no choice but to lose pay when they are ill or take time off. It seeks benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans along with funding for training and professional development, lesson planning time and family conferences. “There’s going to be a huge difference if they approve this,” said Lorena Miranda, a Yakima County child care provider who helped design the model. “It’s the beginning of a future not only for us but for our kids.” The new income system would replace one in which the state pays workers 85% of the market rate for child care — or what parents who pay for private care can afford. It would also be a significant step in race and gender equity in the state since the industry is predominantly staffed by women of color, including many who only speak Spanish, said Matt Judge, a Federal Initiatives and Collaboration Administrator at DCYF who worked closely with the providers while they created the rate model. But there’s no guarantee the step will happen. The Fair Start for Kids Act requires the state to have a model for funding the full cost of quality care, but does not require the state to pass and fund that model. DCYF is now preparing estimates of how much state funding would be needed to support the new rate model, and plans to put forward a budget request ahead of next year’s legislative session. While numbers are still being ironed out, rough estimates indicate the subsidy reimbursement to providers would need to be 65% higher than the current rate. That’s a hard pitch with the current state budget. “This coming budget, without any changes in law, we’re going to have to add about a billion dollars to child care and early learning,” said Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, who chairs the Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee and sponsored the House version of the Fair Start bill. That’s because of a series of existing policies due to roll out, from federal child care requirements to the expansion of eligibility for the Working Connections subsidy. Still, Washington voters upheld the state’s capital gains tax in November, maintaining an additional $1 billion annually that partially supports Working Connections subsidies. Narwhal preschool teacher Rachel Banza, right, plays with students at the Refugee Women's Alliance Early Learning Center in Seattle, Nov. 26. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times) For now, proponents of the model plan to float it with lawmakers in Olympia this coming session to gauge their support for a bill. “We can’t get there all at once,” Senn said. Instead, the state would likely approve the new rate model but gradually phase in full funding. In the meantime, the federal Office of Child Care under the Administration for Children and Families has already given its stamp of approval, meaning the state wouldn’t forfeit federal grants for child care if it switched to this system. Advocates and state staff alike say this proposed shift in state funding is the latest step in a journey toward a “north star” — a publicly funded and resourced child care system mirroring the K-12 model. “The Cost of Quality Care Model is essentially flipping the script on that and doing something much more closely to how we fund public schools, which is, ‘What’s the best number we can get to for the cost per child for the building, to pay for staff, to pay for the food in the building, to pay for the books in the classroom?” said Maggie Humphreys, senior director of the Washington team for grassroots advocacy group MomsRising. At the same time, the Fair Start act has gradually made child care more affordable for more Washington families. Today, families of four with an annual household income of up to $85,176 qualify to pay up to $215 a month for child care for two children. Before the act, the cutoff was $65,392, and families were responsible for a copay of $1,565 each month. As of June, nearly 32,000 families participated in the subsidy program, up from roughly 19,000 before the bill’s implementation. According to DCYF, the subsidy has required a $740.4 million increase in state funding per biennium since the Fair Start act was passed. Today, over 80% of providers statewide participate in the Working Connections subsidy program. Rose, DCYF’s assistant secretary for early learning, said the best way to close financial gaps for parents and providers is to increase subsidy rates and access to them gradually. But experts say it won’t be a one-stop fix. Even the state’s K-12 system, which many hope child care will soon imitate, has regularly suffered from underfunding despite a dramatic injection of funds in the past decade. School district leaders have called for revisions to a 2018 funding fix , which many say has failed. That’s simply the nature of progress, said Senn: The Legislature does its best to fix a problem in a particular moment, with the understanding that new needs will arise and revisions will be necessary. Returning to an issue, she said, is not a sign of failure. “The true cost of quality — we’re not just going to be done,” she said. “To do this, we’re going to have to constantly come back and be like, ‘Hey, are we meeting the expectations, the true cost? Is this really what the current need is?” “If we’re essential, pay us essential wages,” Lee said. “It would just break my heart to see this not happen.” At the child care centers Lee oversees in Seattle, some staff take on other part-time work to supplement their income. She said it’s past time to pay providers properly.fortune gems png 。

Multi-year collaboration aims to expand artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, foster innovation, and enhance industry-specific solutions for diverse business leaders NEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services and solutions firm delivering outcomes that shape the future, today announced a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) with plans to accelerate the adoption of AI and empower business leaders across functions to harness its transformative potential. By simplifying access to cutting-edge data and AI technologies, Genpact and AWS are allowing a broad range of decision-makers—from CFOs and COOs to procurement and operations leaders—to drive innovation within their organizations. "Our collaboration with AWS is focused on bringing AI innovations directly to the forefront of decision-making across every line of business," said Murat Aksu , Global Leader for Partnerships, Genpact. "This Strategic Collaboration Agreement will break down traditional barriers to AI adoption, making it accessible to business leaders beyond the CIO's office, and help our clients accelerate value through AI-driven insights and solutions." While AI innovations were previously centralized within IT functions, this expanded collaboration ensures that advanced technologies can now be seamlessly integrated into all business lines. Genpact's collaboration with AWS democratizes AI capabilities, offering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of multiple business areas, empowering them to solve complex challenges with agility and efficiency. "Thanks to the Genpact and AWS collaboration, we've been able to become a fully cloud-native fixed-annuity provider," said Bob Guilmette , Chief Information Officer, Revol One Financial. "With AWS and Genpact's advanced technology expertise, we are streamlining operations, accelerating product launches, and enhancing digital customer experiences, positioning ourselves for sustainable growth and a competitive edge over legacy insurers." As an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, Genpact brings deep expertise in AI, data and analytics. With nearly 1,000 certified AWS professionals, Genpact helps clients unlock the full potential of AWS services, including Amazon Connect and Amazon OpenSearch, to modernize operations and scale AI solutions. Genpact's numerous offerings in AWS Marketplace include: "We are expanding our collaboration with Genpact to drive AI transformation across industries," said Rima Olinger , Managing Director, North America Partners, AWS. "Genpact's industry expertise and advanced technology capabilities make them a valuable partner in helping organizations harness AI effectively, empowering business leaders to leverage data-driven insights and achieve their strategic objectives." This collaboration underscores the value of Genpact and AWS to provide flexibility and unlock greater business value for customers across industries. To learn how Genpact and AWS help enterprises across every industry and function, click here . About Genpact Genpact (NYSE: G) is a global professional services and solutions firm delivering outcomes that shape the future. Our 125,000+ people across 30+ countries are driven by our innate curiosity, entrepreneurial agility, and desire to create lasting value for clients. Powered by our purpose – the relentless pursuit of a world that works better for people – we serve and transform leading enterprises, including the Fortune Global 500, with our deep business and industry knowledge, digital operations services, and expertise in data, technology, and AI. Get to know us at genpact.com and on LinkedIn , X , YouTube , and Facebook . MEDIA CONTACT: Sue Martenson Genpact Media Relations +1 978-905-9582 susan.martenson@genpact.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genpact-signs-strategic-collaboration-agreement-with-aws-to-accelerate-ai-adoption-302321582.html SOURCE Genpact Ltd.Walker Texas Ranger star Chuck Norris, 84, reveals his 'remarkable' mother Wilma has died at 103 By HEIDI PARKER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 19:19, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 19:51, 6 December 2024 e-mail 11 shares View comments Hollywood actor Chuck Norris shared some sad news on Friday. The 84-year-old Walker, Texas Ranger actor revealed that his mother Wilma died at the age of 103 on Wednesday. The former US Air Force soldier shared a sweet note to Instagram on Friday where he called her 'a woman of unwavering faith, a beacon of light in our lives' adding 'her love reflected God's grace.' There were several photos of Chuck with his mother who was from Oklahoma . 'Wednesday morning, my brother Aaron and I’s wonderful mother went home to be with Jesus,' his caption began. 'Our mom was a woman of unwavering faith, a beacon of light in our lives, and her love reflected God’s grace.' Hollywood actor Chuck Norris shared some sad news on Friday. The 84-year-old Walker, Texas Ranger actor revealed that his mother Wilma died at the age of 103 on Wednesday Chuck then said: 'Growing up, her laughter filled our home with joy, and her hugs provided a sense of safety that we will forever cherish. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel special, often putting the needs of others before her own. 'From my earliest memories, she taught me the importance of kindness and compassion. 'I am so thankful for the countless lessons she shared, the prayers she lifted for us, and the way she embodied the love of Christ every day.' He finished with: 'We love you, Mom. Until we meet again.' Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940 to his mom Wilma and dad Ray Dee Norris, who was a World War II Army soldier who became a mechanic. His mother was of Irish descent and while his father was of Cherokee descent. Chuck was the oldest of three brothers; his younger brothers are Wieland and Aaron. When Norris was 16 years old, his parents divorced, and he later relocated to Prairie Village, Kansas and then to Torrance, California with his mother and brothers. Chuck got his start as a martial artist. He trained celebrities in martial arts for movies which led to a small part in The Wrecking Crew (1968). 'Wednesday morning, my brother Aaron and I’s wonderful mother went home to be with Jesus,' his caption began 'Our mom was a woman of unwavering faith, a beacon of light in our lives, and her love reflected God’s grace,' he said Chuck then said: 'Growing up, her laughter filled our home with joy, and her hugs provided a sense of safety that we will forever cherish.' Seen with his brothers Bruce Lee got him a role in The Way of the Dragon (1972). Norris had the starring role in the action film Breaker! Breaker! (1977), then came Good Guys Wear Black (1978). Norris made A Force of One (1979), The Octagon (1980), and An Eye for an Eye (1981). His bigger films were Silent Rage (1982, Forced Vengeance (1982), and Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). He might be best known for his television series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 until 2001 He had more hits with Invasion U.S.A (1985), The Delta Force (1986), and Firewalker (1986), Code of Silence (1985). He might be best known for his television series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 until 2001. After the show he starred in Delta Force 2 (1990), The Hitman (1991), Sidekicks (1992), Forest Warrior (1996), and The President's Man (2000) and its sequel (2002). His last appearance in a major film release was in The Expendables 2 (2012). His interests are martial arts, exercise, philosophy, politics, Christianity, Western fiction, and biography. Chuck's book Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America (2008) was a best seller. Oklahoma Share or comment on this article: Walker Texas Ranger star Chuck Norris, 84, reveals his 'remarkable' mother Wilma has died at 103 e-mail 11 shares Add commentNEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Oklo Inc. ("Oklo" or the "Company") (NYSE: OKLO ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Oklo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On November 20, 2024 , Kerrisdale Capital ("Kerrisdale") published a short report on Oklo, which it described as "a $3B nuclear energy company that went public via SPAC six months ago — with no regulator-approved design, no revenue for years, and no proven commercial viability for its planned 15-50 MWe microreactors." "The Kerrisdale report asserted that Oklo faces massive technical and financial challenges" in its quest to become the owner-operator of hundreds of nuclear "powerhouses" and that "[i]n classic SPAC fashion, Oklo has sold the market on inflated unit economics while grossly underestimating the time and capital it will take to commercialize its product. . . . Virtually every aspect of Oklo's investment case warrants skepticism." Following publication of the Kerrisdale report, Oklo's stock price fell $0.85 per share, or 3.9%, to close at $20.95 per share on November 20, 2024 . The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York , Chicago , Los Angeles , London , and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz , known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud , breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

‘Not an asset’: Meghan blasted by neighbourNone

The beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.”

GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 6, 2024-- Golden Minerals Company (“Golden Minerals,” “Golden” or the “Company”) (NYSE-A: AUMN and TSX: AUMN) today announced that it has received notification from the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American” or the “Exchange”) that the Exchange determined to commence proceedings to suspend and delist the Company’s common stock as a result of its determination that the Company is no longer suitable for listing due to its non-compliance with Sections 1003(a)(i), 1003(a)(ii) and 1003(a)(iii) of the NYSE American Company Guide, which require the Company to report stockholders’ equity of $6.0 million or more if the Company has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years, as previously reported. The Company anticipates that the Common Stock will begin trading on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “AUMN” at the open of business on December 16, 2024. Shareholders do not need to take any action in connection with this transition. The Company’s stock will continue to be traded first on the NYSE American and immediately thereafter on the OTC Pink Market, and investors should be able to trade shares through their existing brokerage accounts. The Company is in the process of applying for quotation of its common stock on the OTCQB® Venture Market. The transition of the Company’s common stock to the OTC Markets will have no effect on the Company’s business or operations or its listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange, where it trades under ticker symbol “AUMN.” The Company expects to continue to maintain compliance with the reporting requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, as Amended, including the filing of periodic reports with the SEC under applicable federal securities laws that are available on the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable Canadian securities legislation, such as statements regarding (i) timing of the NYSE American’s delisting and appeal procedures; (ii) the timing of the Company’s transition to the OTC Pink Markets; (iii) results of the Company’s application for quotation on the OTCQB; and (iv) the Company’s continual compliance with applicable SEC reporting requirements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including whether the Company will meet the eligibility requirements for quotation on the OTCQB; the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient capital to meet its obligations; increases in costs and declines in general economic conditions; changes in political conditions, in tax, royalty, environmental and other laws in the United States, Mexico or Argentina and other market conditions; and fluctuations in silver and gold prices. Golden Minerals assumes no obligation to update this information. Additional risks relating to Golden Minerals may be found in the periodic and current reports filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission by Golden Minerals, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Follow us at www.linkedin.com/company/golden-minerals-company/ and https://twitter.com/Golden_Minerals . For additional information, please visit http://www.goldenminerals.com/ . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206166798/en/ CONTACT: Golden Minerals Company (303) 839-5060 KEYWORD: COLORADO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MINING/MINERALS NATURAL RESOURCES SOURCE: Golden Minerals Company Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/06/2024 05:45 PM/DISC: 12/06/2024 05:43 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206166798/enVeea files to sell 30.06M shares of common stock for holdersBy Stephanie Lai and Hadriana Lowenkron, Bloomberg News Donald Trump says he is selecting venture capitalist David Sacks of Craft Ventures LLC to serve as his artificial intelligence and crypto czar, a newly created position that underscores the president-elect’s intent to boost two rapidly developing industries. “David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness. David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas,” Trump said Thursday in a post on his Truth Social network. Trump said that Sacks would also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. Related Articles In Sacks, Trump is tapping one of his most prominent Silicon Valley supporters and fundraisers for a prime position in his administration. Sacks played a key role in bolstering Trump’s fundraising among technology industry donors, including co-hosting an event at his San Francisco home in June, with tickets at $300,000 a head. He is also closely associated with Vice President-elect JD Vance, the investor-turned-Ohio senator. Sacks is a venture capitalist and part of Silicon Valley’s “PayPal Mafia.” He first made his name in the technology industry during a stint as the chief operating officer of PayPal, the payments company whose founders in the late 1990s included billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and investor Peter Thiel. After it was sold to eBay, Sacks turned to Hollywood, where he produced the 2005 satire Thank You for Smoking. Back in Silicon Valley, he founded workplace communications company Yammer, which was bought by Microsoft Corp. in 2012 for $1.2 billion. He founded his own venture capital firm, Craft Ventures, in 2017 and has invested in Musk-owned businesses, including SpaceX. Sacks said on a recent episode of his All-In podcast that a “key man” clause in the agreements of his venture firm’s legal documents would likely prevent him from taking a full-time position, but he might consider an advisory role in the new administration. A Craft spokeswoman said Sacks would not be leaving Craft. In his post, Trump said Sacks “will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship.” Protecting free speech is a keen interest of Sacks. He regularly speaks about “woke” interests that try to muzzle unpopular opinions and positions. The new post is expected to help spearhead the crypto industry deregulation Trump promised on the campaign trail. The role is expected to provide cryptocurrency advocates a direct line to the White House and serve as a liaison between Trump, Congress and the federal agencies that interface with digital assets, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Trump heavily campaigned on supporting crypto, after previously disparaging digital assets during his first White House term, saying their “value is highly volatile and based on thin air.” The president-elect on Thursday said Sacks would “work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S.” During the campaign, Trump spoke at a Bitcoin conference, accepted crypto campaign donations and met with executives from Bitcoin mining companies and crypto exchanges multiple times. Trump’s desire to give priority to the digital asset industry is also reflected in his close allies and cabinet selections, including his Commerce secretary pick, Howard Lutnick, and Treasury secretary nominee Scott Bessent. On the AI front, Sacks would help Trump put his imprint on an emerging technology whose popular use has exploded in recent years. Sacks is poised to be at the front lines in determining how the federal government both adopts AI and regulates its use as advances in the technology and adoption by consumers pose a wide array of benefits as well as risks touching on national security, privacy, jobs and other areas. The president-elect has expressed both awe at the power of AI technology as well as concern over the potential harms from its use. During his first term, he signed executive orders that sought to maintain US leadership in the field and directed the federal government to prioritize AI in research and development spending. As AI has become more mainstream in recent years and with Congress slow to act, President Joe Biden has sought to fill that void. Biden signed an executive order in 2023 that establishes security and privacy protections and requires developers to safety-test new models, casting the sweeping regulatory order as necessary to safeguard consumers. A number of technology giants have also agreed to adopt a set of voluntary safeguards which call for them to test AI systems for discriminatory tendencies or security flaws and to share those results. Trump has vowed to repeal Biden’s order. The Republican Party’s 2024 platform dismissed Biden’s executive order as one that “hinders AI Innovation, and imposes Radical Leftwing ideas on the development of this technology.” Sacks can be expected to work closely with Musk, the world’s richest person and one of the president-elect’s most prominent supporters. Musk is also a player in the AI space with his company xAI and a chatbot named Grok — efforts which pit him against Silicon Valley’s giants — and he stands to wield significant influence within the incoming administration. The appointment won’t require Sacks to divest or publicly disclose his assets. Like Musk, Sacks will be a special government employee. He can serve a maximum of 130 days per year, with or without compensation. However, conflict of interest rules apply to special government employees, meaning Sacks will have to recuse himself from matters that could impact his holdings. Sacks’s Craft Ventures is known more for enterprise software investing than for crypto, but it has made a few crypto investments, including BitGo and Bitwise. Still, Sacks has firm opinions on the sector. Speaking last month on All-In, Sacks praised a bill on crypto regulation that had passed in the U.S. House but not the Senate earlier this year. The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act would regulate certain types of digital assets as a commodity, regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. “The crypto industry basically wants a really clear line for knowing when they’re a commodity and they want commodities to be governed, like all other commodities, by the CFTC,” he said on the November podcast. He also disparaged some of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s positions on crypto under its chair, Gary Gensler. “The days of Gensler terrifying crypto companies,” he said. “Those days are about to be over.” Earlier this week, Trump nominated crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. With assistance from Zoe Ma, Bill Allison, Sarah McBride, Anne VanderMey and stacy-marie ishmael. ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

TikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US banEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malik Nabers said calling the New York Giants “soft” after Sunday's embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a mistake, although the star rookie receiver still plans to speak out when he thinks it's necessary. After talking with coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen and watching video of the Giants' 30-7 defeat , Nabers said Tuesday that "soft” was a poor choice of words. “I don’t think it was really soft. I think it was just a lack of technique,” Nabers said. “We were playing our butts off, we just lacked technique.” The Giants (2-9) trailed 23-0 at halftime and had run only 19 plays on offense. Nabers was not targeted in first the half but still finished with a team-high six catches for 64 yards. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft, Nabers said his rant after the game — in which he said the Giants' quarterbacks weren't to blame for the team's poor performance — was just the competitor in him talking. “That’s just how I’m wired. That’s just who I am,” he said. “I just don’t like losing. If I feel like if I had an opportunity to help the team win, I’m going to express that.” Nabers said not being targeted in the opening half was tough because his body is prepared to play and not doing anything throws him off his game. “You’re not getting involved early, then you’re not getting the feel of the ball, you’re not getting hit,” Nabers said. “After football plays as an offense, after you get hit, you’re like, ‘All right, I’m ready to go.’” Nabers has a team-high 67 catches, the most by a player in his first nine NFL games. He said he sees himself as a resource, someone who can change the game for the Giants. “I’m not going to just sit back just because I’m a younger guy and not speak on how I feel,” Nabers said. “They want me to speak up. They feel like my energy helps the offense, in a way, to be explosive. So, of course, I’m going to speak up if something doesn’t go my way. That’s just how I am.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflNovember is Radon Action Month and reminds us radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for the deaths of over 3,300 people in Canada per year, Canadian Cancer Society. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control's radon map show’s 33% of homes in the Southern Interior are estimated to be above the recommended radon level (200 Bq/m3). While radon testing concentrates on the winter months when windows and doors are closed, there is also concern with summer months when, because of heat events, ventilation again becomes a concern because windows and doors are kept closed for air-conditioning to function. We should all be concerned with a risk that rock blasting can effect the radon levels in homes some distance away from the blast site. Radon gas (combined with air or ground water) travels though fissures (openings) in the bedrock. However, these pathways can change. Seismic events such as earthquakes, operating heavy equipment can change the path radon gas travels though the ground, potentially blocking or restricting paths while opening other pathways. Rock blasting (use of explosives), a man-made seismic event prevalent during construction for new housing, also has the same potential to fracture bedrock to open new fissures and/or to close/restrict existing fissures. These pathway changes though fractured bedrock has the potential to affect a building's air quality by increasing or decreasing the amount of radon levels within the building. At the moment, rock blasting is only considered by many as an annoyance because building owners focus on noise, vibration, cracks in concrete or drywall, etc. Municipal officials approve construction permits that involve rock blasting and hear these complaints but take little further action. The reality is, by approving these permits without due consideration to radon gas, peoples' health can be impacted and include additional radon mitigation costs. We should focus on having our homes and work places routinely tested for radon concentrations and resolve any issues. Provincial leaders are pushing for more housing development creating increased risks as rock blasting has the potential for an immediate impact should it create a new radon pathway underneath your building. Officials who approve blast permits need to be reminded at the present time developers are not being held accountable for radon health risks they cause by blasting nor the costs to install radon mitigation systems. Perhaps, in the future, technology or legal action will allow for accountability by developers. In the meantime, there is a need to have the risks of rock blasting more openly communicated to the public. Tom Kinsman, West Kelowna

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Google officials were in town Monday to celebrate what they said was a $930 million investment in the state this year through three data centers in Omaha, Papillon and the still-under-construction center in Lincoln. This year’s investment brings the total capital investment in the state to $4.4 billion, said Karen Dahut, CEO of Google Public Sector. “In addition to supporting our great government customers, in particular those in the national security area, these data centers are critical to making sure that Google’s investment in technologies can be leveragable by those missions,” she said. As part of the giant tech company’s effort to be a good neighbor, officials announced that its philanthropic arm donated $250,000 to the University of Nebraska and $100,000 to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. People are also reading... 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York has options if you don't want to cook University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold said the Google dollars will help the university expand its new bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, one of the first of its kind in Nebraska. “We will be investing these dollars in educational programming to understand as best we can how generative artificial intelligence and machine learning needs to touch every one of our educational programs, all of our research programs, and all of our outreach and clinical programs, our extension services,” he said. “These dollars ... will give us a very, very solid foundation to build upon that.” Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said the money donated to the LPS Foundation will support Spark Summer Learning, a summer camp for elementary students focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird speaks during a news conference on Monday at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. Google announced that it will invest an additional $930 million across its three data center campuses in Nebraska, including the one under construction in Lincoln. Google’s investment will allow LPS to invest in more state-of-the-art technology and offer scholarships to 40 students, said Gaylor Baird, one of a number of local and state leaders on hand for the event at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Gaylor Baird said the new $600 million data center in northeast Lincoln will support hundreds of construction jobs in the short term and dozens of full-time well-paid positions in the future. In August 2023, Google officials confirmed that the company would build a data center on about 600 acres of land northwest of the 56th Street exit on Interstate 80 that will employ at least 30 people. Plans it submitted to the city indicate it could eventually grow to 2 million square feet of space. Google, through a subsidiary, paid about $18.6 million for the land , and another subsidiary applied for $600 million in state tax incentives. The timeline for construction is not finalized, but a Google spokeswoman said the company hopes to have it operational within the next 12 months. NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, left, shakes hands with Congressman Don Bacon as Google Public Sector CEO Karen Dahut, center, and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, right, look on after a press conference Monday at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. In 2019, Google broke ground on a data center in Papillion and has since created 120 jobs that include full-time positions at the site and for external suppliers, according to Google officials. A data center in northwest Omaha is now operational, and the tech giant also has a data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The campuses are part of the company’s global network on 41 cloud regions that deliver services to large enterprises, startups and public sector organizations. Dahut said the company worked with local agencies to promote the health of the Platte River basin through collaborations with organizations to replenish 120% of the water it consumes. She said a collaboration with Omaha Public Power District enables Google to supply more than 1,000 megawatts of carbon pollution-free electricity to the state and execute “large-scale clean energy deals.” Sen. Pete Ricketts holds up his phone as he speaks during a news conference on Monday at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Google announced it will invest an additional $930 million across its three data center campuses in Nebraska, including the one under construction in Lincoln. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said the state appreciates Google’s investment, which is appropriate, given Nebraska’s location in the middle of the so-called “Silicon Prairie,” residents who believe in hard work, and its support of the U.S. military through Offutt Air Force Base. “I think this is a perfect synergy between what we do here in Nebraska, the people that we have here, and what Google wants to do for our economy and for our country,” he said. “This investment will just continue to build upon that great relationship.” Lincoln Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.NoneThe Congress on Saturday described the Maharashtra Assembly election results as "absolutely strange, inexplicable, and beyond comprehension," claiming that the level-playing field was disturbed in a "targeted manner" as part of a "conspiracy". The party, however, hailed the JMM-Congress alliance victory in Jharkhand, stating that the people here had rejected the "politics of polarisation" propagated by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The grand old party emphasised that it will continue to raise the issues of caste census, protection of the Constitution and Manipur, and economic disparities, along with pushing its agenda against the "Modani" scams. Jairam Ramesh Says Maharashtra Results 'Absolutely Strange': 'Will Definitely Analyse Them' Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters after the announcement f results, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh and chairman of the Media and Publicity Department Pawan Khera stated that the results were not only surprising for the party but for even those candidates who have won the polls. Asserting that the party will definitely analyse the Jharkhand results, Jairam Ramesh said: "We can say that even those who won did not anticipate that this result would come". "The Maharashtra assembly poll result is surprising, inexplicable for us," he said, adding that this win was not a victory of development, as the BJP is believing it to be. He noted that the farmers of Maharashtra were angry, and that the working class of the state was against the government. Ramesh added that the results in Maharashtra have turned out to be "completely opposite" despite BJP faring badly in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. "We will definitely analyse the result that has come. But today we can say that even those who won did not anticipate that this result would come. We were assuming that we will get the mandate. The farmers of Maharashtra are angry, the working class of Maharashtra is against the government. And the atmosphere that was there in Maharashtra 4-5 months ago, the same atmosphere is there today too, we were assuming this and everyone accepted this," the Congress leader said. Calling the results "absolutely strange" and alleging "conspiracy" behind the outcome, Ramesh added: "But the results that have come are completely opposite to this. But this does not mean that we will step back from our agenda... somewhere there is a conspiracy to defeat us... The result of Maharashtra is very strange, I cannot use any other word for it, it is absolutely strange". #WATCH | Delhi: On #MaharashtraElection2024 , Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, "We will definitely analyse the result that has come. But today we can say that even those who won did not anticipate that this result would come. We were assuming that we will get the mandate. The... pic.twitter.com/F7jMpnrYKU — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024 He claimed that while the non-entities from the BJP emerged winners, prominent MVA leaders were made to lose the polls. "What some people say as micro-management was the manipulation at the ground level," the Congress leader remarked. Jairam Ramesh further called on all Opposition parties to unite against the alleged manipulation in the electoral process, including the use of EVMs, which he said results in manipulated mandate. Meanwhile, Pawan Khera, while replying to a question said: "In Jharkhand where the INDIA bloc got a level playing field it won". He claimed that the Congress and INDIA bloc wins wherever they get the level playing field. Khera expressed surprise over the Maharashtra results, highlighting that the Lok Sabha election was also fought in the name of PM Modi and the BJP, but the NDA had lost in Maharashtra that time. Referring to the Dharavi Assembly segment, where the Congress candidate won by a margin of over 24,000 votes, Khera said: "They (the people of Dharavi) have given their verdict”, suggesting that the people had also rejected the tender given to Adani for the redevelopment of the place. The Congress leader stated that the party will follow the coalition dharma in Jharkhand.

Published 5:15 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Sabrina Simms Robertson NATCHEZ — Perhaps no one will ever know how Marylin, a pure-bred English bulldog who had been missed by her owner in Houston, Texas for more than a year, came to be in Natchez. Marylin was found a long way away from home. Her mom drove more than 5 hours from Houston, Texas to the Natchez Police Department Tuesday to bring Marylin home just in time for Thanksgiving. Natchez Animal Control Officer Ashley Sanders said the Natchez Adams County Humane Society called her on Nov. 12 for help with a dog they didn’t have a spot for, which is often the case as the shelter becomes overfull. Except this story had a happy ending, Sanders said. Marylin, a pure-bred English bulldog, disappeared from her yard in Houston, Texas in July 2023 only to be dropped off at Natchez Adams County Humane Society a year and one half later. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat) As it turns out, “It was a pure-bred English bulldog and she was microchipped,” Sanders said. However, the phone number on the chip was not correct. They began to search for Marylin’s owner by her owner’s name on social media. A week later, Mary Griffith was found. Mary Griffith is reunited with her lost English bulldog Marylin Tuesday at Natchez Police Department. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat) Marylin had vanished from her yard in Houston in July 2023, Griffith said. “She has gotten out before but our whole neighborhood knows she’s ours,” Griffith said. “We looked everywhere for her, posted everywhere for her and nobody knew where she was. I’d lost hope, thinking someone stole her and I’d never get her back.” When she got the message from Ashley with Natchez Animal Control asking if she bred English bulldogs, Griffith said she knew right away someone had found Marylin. Then she learned Marylin was in Mississippi and was shocked, she said. “I was like, ‘Where?’ Girl, you traveled out of Texas! I’ve never traveled out of Texas until now.” The pair were reunited Tuesday at Natchez Police Department, much to Marylin’s delight and to the joy of her owner, who at one point thought she’d never see her again. “She never got off our minds while she was gone,” Griffith said. “Every once in a while, a random Facebook memory of her would pop up and it was a sad feeling.” As Griffith hugged her “Mer-Mer,” Marylin’s short tail wagged happily. Watch a video of this happy reunion above. Mary Griffith is reunited with her lost English bulldog Marylin Tuesday at Natchez Police Department. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat) Marylin appeared to have had puppies and was missing patches of fur since she last saw her mom, but had since been fixed by Spay Neuter Natchez and is otherwise healthy. “I’m just hoping whoever had her all this time didn’t mistreat her. It looks like she had been used for puppies,” Griffith said. “Since I got her back, she hasn’t been able to stop staring at me, like she is afraid to fall asleep. Maybe she thinks I’ll disappear if she does.” Griffith said Marylin never had puppies while she was with her. “I can’t imagine what she’s been through but she’s finally going home,” Sanders said. Griffith said she looks forward to the reunion of Marylin and her six children, and husband, who all love her. Marylin was Griffith’s birthday present three years ago. “She will be four on July 14, which is my birthday, too,” she said. “I’d been looking for a while and found her and knew right away she was meant to be my dog. Now she has made her way back to me.”

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Nick Anderson's 14 points helped Furman defeat Charleston Southern 67-46 on Saturday. Anderson shot 6 for 9, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc for the Paladins (6-0). Pjay Smith Jr. scored 13 points while going 6 of 12 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and added five assists. Garrett Hien finished 5 of 9 from the field to finish with 10 points, while adding six rebounds. The Paladins picked up their sixth straight win. The Buccaneers (1-6) were led in scoring by Daylen Berry, who finished with 16 points. Charleston Southern also got nine points and four assists from RJ Johnson. Jaylon Gibson finished with eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .TikTok is inching closer to a potential ban in the US. So what's next?

BEIJING , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Baijiayun Group Ltd ("Baijiayun" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RTC), a one-stop AI video solution provider, today announced that it has entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (the "SEPA"), with YA II PN, Ltd. ("YA"), a fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the the SEPA, YA is committed to purchase up to $50 million (the "Commitment Amount") of the Company's Class A Ordinary Shares (the "Shares") at any time during the two-year period following the execution date of the SEPA, by delivering written notice to YA (an "Advance Notice"). Pursuant to the SEPA, YA will advance to the Company, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as set forth therein, the principal amount of up to $15 million (the "Pre-Paid Advance"), which will be evidenced by convertible promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes", together with the "SEPA", the "Offering") in four tranches. The first Pre-Advance, in the principal amount of $3,000,000 , was advanced December 6, 2024 in connection with the execution of the SEPA, and is subject to a 10% discount to the principal amount of such Promissory Note. If there is no balance outstanding under the Promissory Notes, the Company will have sole discretion to sell the Shares to YA from time to time by issuing Advance Notices to YA following the effectiveness of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registering the Shares issuable pursuant to the SEPA and the satisfaction of other customary conditions. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the offering of the Shares pursuant to the SEPA for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Company and the Investor have entered into a registration rights agreement on the date hereof (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company shall register the resale of the Shares issuable pursuant to the SEPA. The foregoing does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties to the SEPA, the Promissory Notes, the Registration Rights Agreement, or of the transactions contemplated thereby and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such documents, the copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K on December 6, 2024 . D. Boral Capital LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the Offering. About Baijiayun Group Ltd Baijiayun is a one-stop AI video solution provider with core expertise in SaaS/PaaS solutions. Baijiayun is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality video experiences across devices and localities and has grown rapidly since its inception in 2017. Premised on its industry-leading video-centric technologies, Baijiayun offers a wealth of video-centric technology solutions, including Video SaaS/PaaS, Video Cloud and Software, and Video AI and System Solutions. Baijiayun caters to the evolving communications and collaboration needs of enterprises of all sizes and industries. For more information, please visit ir.baijiayun.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements." These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the parties' perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The words "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend," and "plan" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and shareholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from the expectations as a result of a variety of factors. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are hard to predict or control, that may cause the actual results, performance, or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information provided herein represents the Company's estimates as of the date of this press release, and subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's estimates to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking information in the future. Therefore, this forward-looking information should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates of its future financial performance as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the documents the Company has filed or furnished or may file or furnish with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation. For investor and media enquiries, please contact: Company Contact: Ms. Fangfei Liu Chief Financial Officer, Baijiayun Group Ltd Phone: +86 25 8222 1596 Email: ir@baijiayun.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baijiayun-announces-up-to-15-million-convertible-promissory-notes-and-50-million-standby-equity-purchase-agreement-302325234.html SOURCE Baijiayun Group Ltd

Man City collapse ‘difficult to swallow’ – Pep GuardiolaSAN FRANCISCO -- Northern California was under a rare and brief tsunami warning alert Thursday that tested local emergency notification systems after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook part of the state. The National Weather Service canceled its alert after roughly an hour and before the tsunami was expected to arrive. In that hour, some cities and counties ordered evacuations while others relied on social media and text messages to inform people of the warning. Some people headed for higher ground, while others drove to the beach to get a better view. People took to social media to figure out why a warning was issued and then canceled so quickly, and how the NWS determines when to send alerts. Here are answers to more questions. The word for tsunami comes from the Japanese characters for harbor and wave. It's a series of extremely long waves set in motion when energy from an earthquake causes the ocean floor to suddenly rise or fall, according to the National Weather Service . Since 1800, California's shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis, most of them minor, according to the California Geological Survey. Phones buzzed Thursday when the National Weather Service issued its warning just minutes after the quake struck west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County. It read in part: “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now.” The National Weather Service Bay Area posted on the social platform X early Friday that the region doesn't get tsunami alerts often and “there are lot of questions, frustration, and even some anger” about Thursday's event. A warning alert is the most serious of four tsunami alerts, including a watch alert for a possible tsunami and an advisory alert telling people to stay out of the water and away from the shore. The last time California received a warning alert was 2011 when an earthquake in Japan caused about $100 million in damages along the California coast. Basically, a distant, offshore earthquake or other trigger event gives scientists more time to analyze data and confirm that a large tsunami was generated before sounding a warning. But Thursday’s earthquake was local and close to the coast, forcing a hasty high-level alert in order to give people the maximum time to prepare as tsunami waves can travel very fast, up to 500 mph (800 kph) in the deep ocean, the NWS wrote. “By the time we actually observe it, it may be too late, because it's right there in our back doors,” said Dalton Behringer, a meteorologist with NWS Bay Area, on Friday. Scientists used the time Thursday to monitor buoys and get more information on the earthquake itself, he said. They canceled the alert after seeing little sea-level change and determining the quake was a strike-slip type of temblor that shifts more horizontally and is less prone to cause tsunamis, he said. “These things happen so infrequently for us, I think it just caught a lot of people off-guard,” he said. Authorities in Eureka, the biggest city in Humboldt County, sent texts and went door-to-door to order businesses in high-risk areas to evacuate, said City Manager Miles Slattery. He said only a small portion of the city was at risk, and Thursday's test run showed evacuees need to work on leaving by foot, rather than by car. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the commuter light-rail system known as BART stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland, and the San Francisco Zoo’s visitors were evacuated. Responses varied as fire and police in Berkeley evacuated certain areas of the city while in San Francisco, officials sent alerts and messages on social media telling residents to stay away from water, beaches, harbors, marina docks, and piers. “Move at least one block inland,” said the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. Emergency personnel in vehicles with public address systems also went to make sure no one was on beaches and other low-lying areas. But some critics said San Francisco should have sounded its loud emergency sirens, which have been off-line since 2019 for repairs. In San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco, officials considered but decided against sounding its tsunami warning sirens after receiving more comprehensive information from the NWS that any tsunami would affect coastlines north of the Golden Gate Bridge, said Michelle Durand, a spokesperson for the county. Fire and police cleared the beaches while emergency personnel gathered to monitor the situation, she said, which “prioritized both public safety and the prevention of unnecessary panic.”

Is Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughingNew AI-powered search tool helps shoppers find the best prices on outdoor gearOn Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case involving Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender people under age 18. At least 26 states have adopted laws restricting or banning such care for minors, and most of those states face lawsuits. The nation's top court will be weighing whether Tennessee's law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, requiring that people in similar circumstances be treated the same under the law. Both sides in the case claim they are acting to protect minors from harm. Gender-affirming care is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups. Here's a look at what's typically involved: Young people who persistently identify as a gender that differs from their sex assigned at birth are often referred to clinics where teams from various medical specialties provide gender-affirming care. Such care begins with an evaluation, which can include a pediatrician and a mental health specialist who assess the degree of distress, if any, the young person is experiencing. Those who meet defined criteria may be diagnosed with what's called gender dysphoria if their distress is continuous and significant. Some young people and their families may decide to try a social transition involving a new hairstyle, clothing, name or pronouns. Experts agree that allowing children to express their gender in a way that matches their identity is beneficial. Chazzie Grosshandler, 18, of Chicago, said she was 9 years old when she told her parents she was a girl and "not just a boy who likes girly things." She started receiving care two years later. "The first-ever step of gender-affirming care for me was when I told my parents that I was a girl and that I had felt this way for a long time and that they accepted me," she said. "I think people get really confused when they hear the word 'care' that it has to be something medical. But the truth is that it's more than just medical. It's love and acceptance." A subset of young people may be offered additional interventions such as puberty blockers to ease distress and give them time to explore their gender identity. The drugs, known as GnRH agonists, block the release of key hormones involved in sexual maturation. They've been used for decades to treat precocious puberty, an uncommon medical condition that causes puberty to begin abnormally early. The medication starts after a young person show early signs of puberty - enlargement of breasts or testicles. This typically occurs around age 8 to 13 for those assigned female at birth and a year or two later for those assigned male at birth. The drugs can be given as injections every few months or as arm implants lasting up to a year or two. Many of the effects are reversible - puberty and sexual development resume as soon as the drugs are stopped. Researchers are exploring the effects of puberty blockers on bone development, but no research has shown an increased risk for bone fractures. Young people can stay on puberty blockers for several years. After puberty blockers, trans adolescents go through puberty either with or without hormone treatment. Some may choose to take hormones to make their bodies more closely match their gender identity. They take manufactured versions of either estrogen or testosterone - hormones that prompt sexual development in puberty. Estrogen comes in skin patches and pills. Testosterone is available in injections, implants or gels. Guidelines recommend starting these when teens are mature enough to make informed medical decisions. Many transgender people take the hormones for life. If the medication is stopped, some physical changes remain. Testosterone generally leads to permanent voice-lowering, facial hair and development of the Adam's apple. Estrogen can lead to permanent breast development. Research on long-term hormone use in transgender adults has found potential health risks including a modest risk for blood clots with estrogen and negative cholesterol changes with testosterone. Gender-affirming surgery in transgender teens is far less common than hormone treatment. When it is done among transgender youth, it's almost always breast reduction surgery in older transgender males. Even so, that type of surgery is extremely rare. Perhaps surprisingly, breast reduction among minors is most frequently performed in males who are not transgender. This is for a condition called gynecomastia, which means having more breast tissue than usual. A study looking at millions of 2019 insurance claims found 151 breast reductions performed for U.S. minors. Nearly all - 97% - were not transgender. Research suggests that transgender youth are prone to stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. Some studies suggest treatment for gender dysphoria can improve young people's well-being, but some nuances remain unclear. In one study, researchers spent two years testing and tracking 315 transgender youth who received hormone therapy. Depression and anxiety symptoms eased and life satisfaction increased among those designated female at birth, but not among those designated male at birth. The researchers speculated that the youth designated male at birth might be more affected by stress from being different from most of their peers. In the same study, published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine, two participants died by suicide - one after six months and the other after a year. Longer term studies on treatment outcomes are underway.

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