WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xcoub, a rising star in the decentralized finance (DeFi) staking space, has successfully closed a $7 million Series A funding round. Although the investors remain undisclosed, this significant investment highlights the growing confidence in Xcoub's ability to revolutionize the staking ecosystem. Renowned for its state-of-the-art technology, multi-chain compatibility, and user-centric design, Xcoub is quickly establishing itself as the go-to platform for secure and flexible staking solutions worldwide. Driving Innovation in DeFi Staking At the core of Xcoub’s success is its advanced multi-chain staking platform, supporting over 10 leading blockchain networks, including Ethereum (ETH), Aptos (APT), and Optimism (OP). Xcoub’s diverse staking options empower users to maximize returns while effectively managing risks, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced investors. The platform is constantly evolving, introducing intuitive features that streamline the staking process and cater to both retail and institutional users. With a robust roadmap centered on technological growth and user satisfaction, Xcoub is paving the way for the next era in DeFi staking. Security First: The Bug Bounty Program Xcoub has launched a comprehensive Bug Bounty Program, offering up to $100,000 in rewards for identifying potential platform vulnerabilities. This proactive initiative fosters collaboration with global developers and security experts, ensuring the platform maintains top-tier security and reliability. By prioritizing user asset safety, Xcoub builds trust and sets a high standard for security in the DeFi space. Scaling Globally and Setting New Standards Armed with $7 million in Series A funding, Xcoub plans to expand its global reach, strengthen its presence in key markets, and grow its community of users. The funds will fuel infrastructure upgrades, the introduction of new features, and scaling efforts to meet the demands of DeFi enthusiasts worldwide. By focusing on scalability, innovation, and user empowerment, Xcoub is poised to set new benchmarks for DeFi staking. Its commitment to delivering high-performance, secure, and user-friendly staking solutions makes it a key player in the evolving decentralized finance landscape. A Vision for the Future As a pioneer in decentralized finance, Xcoub envisions a future where staking is accessible, secure, and profitable for everyone. Through continuous innovation and a focus on simplifying complex processes, Xcoub is ready to lead the next wave of DeFi evolution. Its dedication to addressing user challenges positions the platform as a transformative force in the industry. About Xcoub Xcoub is a decentralized finance (DeFi) staking platform built to simplify and elevate the staking experience for users worldwide. Supporting over 10 major blockchain networks, Xcoub offers secure, flexible, and high-yield staking opportunities. With a focus on innovation, user experience, and security, Xcoub is redefining DeFi staking and setting new standards for the industry. Xcoub Dapp: Xcoub.com Media Contact: Name: Eric Smith, Xcoub Finance Website: https://xcoub.com/ Email: support@xcoub.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Xcoub Finance . The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b57ed6e-4d4f-4ec1-b668-af9b68d563fa https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8556f13d-4808-4be5-bea1-0643a9572c41 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24cc26e8-be06-4113-b2d6-cede8e5478ae https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28fc6951-66b1-469a-8f3b-410c2a8220beThe new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballDrake eases by Stetson 49-10 to secure a second straight outright Pioneer Football League title
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) recently concluded its participation in International Fraud Awareness Week, running a comprehensive anti-fraud awareness campaign on its social media platforms, in addition to launching numerous initiatives to raise banking awareness. This initiative comes as part of KIB’s continuous support of the “Let’s Be Aware” (Diraya) financial awareness campaign, which aims to promote financial literacy across diverse segments of the community to help protect them from falling victim to fraud. Commenting on the occasion, Basil Al-Suwaidan, General Manager of the Information Security, Privacy and Anti-Fraud Department, said: “We are delighted with the enthusiastic engagement and responses from our customers and the community throughout the week-long anti-fraud campaign. Our primary goal was to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to protect their financial assets, and we believe we've made a significant impact in achieving that goal.” Throughout the campaign, KIB focused on empowering its customers and the community with the tools needed to safeguard against deceitful tactics and various forms of fraud, including phishing attacks, identity theft, and online payment fraud. To this end, the Bank published a series of informative social media posts that shed light on prevalent fraudulent activities, both in the digital world and beyond. These posts also detailed the heightened security measures implemented by financial institutions to safeguard customers’ assets and data, ensuring the security of their online banking transactions. In addition, the Bank’s social media content featured modern strategies to counter cyberattacks, data breaches, phishing attempts, and network or app piracy. Reinforcing KIB’s dedication to its customers' financial well-being, Al-Suwaidan stated: “Our commitment to our customers extends beyond providing financial services; it encompasses ensuring their financial security as well. We understand the increasing threat of fraud in the digital world, and we are determined to continue being a part of the solution.” As KIB wrapped up its participation in the campaign, Al-Suwaidan called on the public to engage with KIB’s social media posts on information security and protection. He also called on the Bank’s customer to report any fraud or breach attempts instantly, as well as any unusual banking activity, by calling 1866866.
Basketball NBA Market Overview and Leading Players: Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Zion Williamson, Khris Middleton, Joel Embiid, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Jayson Tatum 12-08-2024 09:17 PM CET | Sports Press release from: STATS N DATA The Basketball NBA Market has emerged as a dynamic and influential sector within the global sports industry, capturing the attention of millions of fans, players, and stakeholders worldwide. This market encompasses a broad range of activities and products, including professional and amateur basketball engagements, merchandise sales, broadcast rights, and sponsorship deals. The relevance of this market extends beyond the basketball court, as it influences cultural trends, community engagement, and economic growth in various regions. Recent months have seen significant developments in the Basketball NBA Market, largely driven by technological advancements and strategic collaborations. The integration of digital platforms has transformed how fans engage with the sport, allowing for real-time interactions and enhanced viewing experiences. The rise of streaming services and social media platforms has created new revenue streams and marketing opportunities, enabling teams and players to connect with their audiences like never before. Additionally, partnerships between teams and technology companies are reshaping the landscape, providing innovative solutions that enhance player performance and fan engagement. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=376957 Key Growth Drivers and Trends Several critical factors are influencing the demand within the Basketball NBA Market. Sustainability has become a cornerstone of consumer expectations, prompting organizations to prioritize eco-friendly practices in their operations, from merchandise production to arena management. Digitization is another key driver, enhancing accessibility and engagement through mobile apps, virtual reality experiences, and social media interactions. Increased consumer awareness has led to a more informed fan base that demands transparency and corporate responsibility from teams and brands. Trends such as AI integration are revolutionizing the way players train and strategize. Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms are being utilized to assess player performance, optimize training regimens, and inform coaching decisions. Moreover, product customization is gaining traction, with fans increasingly seeking personalized merchandise that reflects their individual preferences. Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are also shaping the market's future, offering immersive experiences that deepen fan engagement and broaden the appeal of the sport. Market Segmentation The Basketball NBA Market can be segmented into several categories, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of its dynamics. - By Type: - Professional basketball players - Amateur basketball players - College basketball players - By Application: - NBA players - International basketball players - Street basketball players - Recreational basketball players - By Product Preferences: - Basketball apparel and footwear - Basketball equipment (balls, hoops, training aids) - Basketball accessories (bags, protective gear) - By Revenue Streams: - Ticket sales - Merchandise sales - Broadcast rights and advertising revenue This segmentation reveals the multifaceted nature of the Basketball NBA Market, highlighting diverse opportunities for growth and innovation across various audience segments. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=376957 Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the Basketball NBA Market is shaped by numerous influential players who are at the forefront of driving trends and innovation. Notable figures include: - Kevin Durant: Known for his exceptional scoring ability, Durant has also made significant contributions off the court, including philanthropic efforts and brand partnerships that resonate with fans. - Nikola Jokic: As a dominant force in the NBA, Jokic's playing style has garnered attention, while his unique personality and marketability have expanded his influence beyond basketball. - Zion Williamson: The young star has quickly become a household name, leveraging his social media presence to engage with fans and promote basketball culture. - Khris Middleton: Middleton's clutch performances have not only secured championships but also solidified his role as a leader in community initiatives. - Joel Embiid: Embiid's dynamic playing style and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite, while his advocacy for social issues has set a powerful example in the sport. - Russell Westbrook: Known for his relentless energy, Westbrook has made significant strides in fashion and lifestyle branding, connecting with a diverse audience. - Paul George: George's influence extends to community outreach and advocacy, demonstrating how athletes can leverage their platforms for social good. - Jayson Tatum: Tatum's rise in the league has been accompanied by a keen focus on personal branding and fan engagement, making him a prominent figure among younger audiences. - Stephen Curry: As one of the most recognizable athletes globally, Curry has transformed the way basketball is played and marketed, through both his on-court success and off-court ventures. - Bradley Beal: Beal's contributions to the game and community initiatives underscore the importance of player engagement in the NBA landscape. - Bam Adebayo: Adebayo has gained recognition for his defensive prowess and leadership, while also engaging fans through social media and community service. - Devin Booker: Booker's impact on the game is complemented by his efforts in promoting mental health awareness among athletes. - Giannis Antetokounmpo: The "Greek Freak" has not only dominated on the court but has also become a global ambassador for the sport. - Anthony Davis: Davis's stature in the league and his commitment to health and wellness initiatives position him as a key player in the market. - Damian Lillard: Lillard's dual career as a musician and athlete allows him to connect with fans on multiple levels. - Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell's dynamic playing style and community engagement efforts highlight the importance of athlete representation. - Luka Doncic: The young star's global appeal has drawn international attention to the NBA, emphasizing the league's growth beyond American borders. - LeBron James: A transformative figure in sports, LeBron has leveraged his platform for social justice, making him one of the most influential athletes in history. - Kyrie Irving: Irving's impact on the game is matched by his commitment to social causes and unique personal brand. - Jimmy Butler: Butler's journey in the league and his emphasis on mental health have resonated with fans, showcasing the human side of athletes. - Karl-Anthony Towns: Towns's advocacy for mental health awareness and community engagement demonstrates the potential for athletes to drive positive change. - James Harden: Harden's style of play and marketability have made him a central figure in basketball culture. - Trae Young: Young's rise in the league has been accompanied by his innovative style and fan engagement strategies. - Kawhi Leonard: Leonard's quiet demeanor and on-court excellence have made him a respected figure in the sport. - Chris Paul: A veteran leader, Paul's contributions extend beyond the court, advocating for players' rights and community initiatives. Each of these athletes plays a pivotal role in shaping the market, whether through product innovations, brand partnerships, or community engagement efforts. Opportunities and Challenges The Basketball NBA Market presents numerous opportunities for growth, particularly in untapped regions and emerging demographics. Expanding into international markets offers a significant avenue for revenue growth, as basketball continues to gain popularity worldwide. Additionally, evolving consumer preferences toward sustainable products and experiences create a favorable environment for brands to innovate and adapt. However, the market is not without challenges. Regulatory constraints can impact operational flexibility, complicating expansion efforts. Operational inefficiencies, particularly in supply chains and logistics, may hinder growth potential. Moreover, talent shortages in coaching and player development can impede the progress of emerging teams. Addressing these challenges requires strategic partnerships, investment in training programs, and a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Technological Advancements Technological advancements are reshaping the Basketball NBA Market in unprecedented ways. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing player analytics, providing coaches with deep insights into performance metrics and game strategies. AI-driven tools are enabling teams to optimize training regimens, enhance player health monitoring, and even personalize fan experiences. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also making waves in the market. These technologies offer immersive experiences for fans, allowing them to engage with the sport in new ways, whether through virtual arenas or interactive training sessions with their favorite players. Internet of Things (IoT) systems are enhancing arena experiences, providing real-time data and analytics that improve overall fan engagement and operational efficiency. Research Methodology and Insights The insights presented in this report are derived from a comprehensive research methodology employed by STATS N DATA. This approach combines top-down and bottom-up methodologies to ensure accurate market assessments. Primary research includes interviews with industry experts, stakeholders, and market participants, while secondary research leverages existing data and reports to validate findings. Triangulation techniques further enhance the reliability of the insights, providing a robust foundation for understanding the dynamics of the Basketball NBA Market. In conclusion, the Basketball NBA Market stands at a pivotal moment, characterized by growth opportunities, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. The interplay of these factors will shape the future of the sport, creating an exciting landscape for players, teams, and fans alike. As this market continues to evolve, STATS N DATA remains committed to delivering accurate, insightful analyses that empower stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the Basketball NBA Market effectively. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=376957 https://www.statsndata.org/report/basketball-nba-market-376957 Get more information about recently published reports by STATS N DATA below: You can then follow this with links or a list of the specific reports The Ultimate Guide to the Best Protein Water: Trends, Benefits, and Choosing the Right Option: https://www.statsndata.org/blog/172/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-protein-water-trends-benefits-and-choosing-the-right-option The Evolution of Protein Bar Manufacturing in the USA: Top Trends, Industry Insights, and Practical Tips: https://www.statsndata.org/blog/178/the-evolution-of-protein-bar-manufacturing-in-the-usa-top-trends-industry-insights-and-practical-tips Top 10 Trends Transforming the Swimwear Market: Key Insights and Strategic Tips: https://www.statsndata.org/blog/180/top-10-trends-transforming-the-swimwear-market-key-insights-and-strategic-tips John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.
None1 Stock to Buy, 1 Stock to Sell This Week: Oracle, AutoZoneNone
Star-studded performances to mark music fest finale
A political party in North Macedonia has called for a ban on social networks promoting dangerous content after at least 17 students were injured attempting the viral "Superman challenge" on TikTok. Health authorities reported that children aged 10 to 17 were hospitalized in Skopje and other towns with broken bones, contusions, and bruises over the past week. The injuries occurred as participants were thrown into the air by peers in a bid to mimic superheroes for online acclaim. The Liberal-Democratic Party, formerly part of the left-led ruling coalition, condemned the spread of harmful social media trends in a press release on Saturday. "The irresponsible spread of dangerous content on social media, such as the latest TikTok ‘challenge’ known as ‘Superman,’ has injured six children across the country in just the past 24 hours," the statement read. The party called for urgent action, demanding "immediate measures to ban content that incites violence and self-destructive behavior, increase surveillance, and sanction platforms that enable dangerous trends." Education Minister Vesna Janevska also weighed in, urging students to prioritize education over TikTok challenges. "The ban on mobile phones in schools will not have an effect. Phones will still be accessible at home, in neighborhoods, and other environments," Janevska noted. Psychologists have linked the rise in risky behaviors among children to a desire to follow social media trends and excessive smartphone use. They emphasized the importance of parents and educators engaging with students to raise awareness about the dangers of such challenges. The "Superman challenge" is the latest in a string of social media trends raising alarms globally, prompting debates over the regulation of digital platforms and the protection of vulnerable users.Watch the best shots from the final round of the Hero World Challenge on the PGA Tour from Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas. Hear from Scottie Scheffler after capping off his season in fitting fashion: with a win in the Hero World Challenge. Justin Thomas had a brutal day around the greens to end the Hero World Challenge, but Golf Central thinks he's trending in the right direction after a solid tournament as a whole. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee analyze Scottie Scheffler's game at the Hero World Challenge and how he flexed his incredible overall game to cap a successful 2024 with a win. Watch the best shots from the final round of the Hero World Challenge on the PGA Tour from Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas. Tiger Woods joins the NBC booth during the Hero World Challenge to talk about Scottie Scheffler's game, including his first reaction to seeing the world No. 1's new putting grip and more. Tom Kim took a big leap on moving day at the Hero World Challenge, knocking in a dozen birdies and putting himself in contention for a win in the Bahamas. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee look at the birdie-filled scorecard of Tom Kim's third round at the Hero World Challenge and how he was able to put himself in position to win on the final day. Watch the best shots and moments from the third round of the Hero World Challenge on the PGA Tour from Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas. Scottie Scheffler is firmly in the mix at the Hero World Challenge, just one shot off the lead, but Golf Central says he'll have to capitalize more on scoring opportunities in the final round. Golf Central breaks down what went right for Justin Thomas in Round 3 of the PGA Tour's Hero World Challenge, in which putting -- typically a weakness for him -- carried him atop the leaderboard. Brandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis discuss Scottie Scheffler's impressive showing during Round 2 of the Hero World Challenge, breaking down what has worked for the world No. 1 in The Bahamas. Watch the best shots and moments from the second round of the Hero World Challenge on the PGA Tour from Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas.
A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. 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Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and “The people without homes uphold their rights.” The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States . Organizers said that over 100,000 had turned out, while Barcelona’s police said they estimated some 22,000 marched. Either way, the throngs of people clogging the streets recalled the massive separatist rallies at the heigh of the previous decade’s Catalan independence movement. Now, social concerns led by housing have displaced political crusades. That is because the average rent for Spain has doubled in last 10 years. The price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros ($7.5) in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to the popular online real estate website Idealista. The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes meanwhile have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Protestor Samuel Saintot said he is “frustrated and scared” after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for the past 15 years in Barcelona’s city center that he must vacate the premises. He suspects that the owners want him out so they can renovate it and boost the price. “Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometer radius outside town, I can’t even find anything within the price range I can afford,” he told The Associated Press. “And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary. And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town.” A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so. “We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes,” said Ignasi Martí, professor for Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory. The rise in rents is causing significant pain in Spain, where traditionally people seek to own their homes. Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Many migrants to Spain are also disproportionately hit by the high rents because they often do not have enough savings. Spain is near the bottom end of OECD countries with under 2% of all housing available being public housing for rent. The OECD average is 7%. Spain is far behind France, with 14%, Britain with 16%, and the Netherlands with 34%. Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for Barcelona’s Tenants Union which helped organize the protest, said that renters should consider a “rent strike” and cease paying their monthly rents in a mass protest movement. “I think we the tenants have understood that this depends on us. That we can’t keep asking and making demands to the authorities and waiting for an answer. We must take the reins of the situation,” Arcarazo told the AP. “So, if they (the owners) won’t lower the rent, then we will force them to do it." The Barcelona protest came a month after tens of thousands rallied against high rents in Madrid. The rising discontent over housing is putting pressure on Spain’s governing Socialist party, which leads a coalition on the national level and is in charge of Catalonia’s regional government and Barcelona’s city hall. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presided over what the government termed a “housing summit” including government officials and real estate developers last month. But the Barcelona’s Tenants Union boycotted the event, saying it was like calling a summit for curing cancer and inviting tobacco companies to participate. The leading government measure has been a rent cap mechanism that the central government has offered to regional authorities based on a price index established by the housing ministry. Rent controls can be applied to areas deemed to be “highly stressed” by high rental prices. Catalonia was the first region to apply those caps, which are in place in downtown Barcelona. Many locals blame the million of tourists who visit Barcelona, and the rest of Spain, each year for the high prices. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate the city’s 10,000 so called “tourist apartments,” or dwellings with permits for short-term rents, by 2028.