Justin Baldoni publicly masqueraded as a champion for women’s rights but is now facing sexual harassment allegations. The fake face of Hollywood has been exposed yet again, according to a lawsuit. Baldoni is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and everything he once stood for is now in question. The actor and director preached feminist views in the public eye, only to be accused of sexually harassing his female colleague, Blake Lively, on the set of their movie “It Ends With us.” Even worse is the allegation that he went to great lengths to destroy Lively’s image by hiring a crisis management firm to spread false information about her in an attempt to tarnish her reputation . If this is all true, fake Hollywood has reared it’s ugly head yet again. EVERYONE owns an apology to Blake Lively for dragging her back during the it ends with us press tour and fuck Justin Baldoni, how do you make a movie about domestic violence while sexually harassing your co-star???? absolutely disgusting pic.twitter.com/V1aiaB6zI4 — ً (@oceansjonas) December 21, 2024 Baldoni was put under the spotlight by the launch of this very public lawsuit, and now he has nowhere to hide. The man who publicly proclaimed to be a feminist ally has had his alleged text messages exposed, showing a very different side of the dispute than what was previously put out to the public. Lively’s lawsuit included disturbing text messages it said were between Baldoni and his team in which they allegedly discussed “burying” Lively through a series of strategic social media moves designed to destroy her public image, according to The New York Times. Amber Heard supports Blake Lively amid Justin Baldoni smear campaign allegations: “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’ I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying... pic.twitter.com/9nWJo1FOOy — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 23, 2024 The texts presented as part of this lawsuit suggested that Baldoni explicitly referenced hate campaigns waged against other successful women to be used as examples to target Lively. Among the alleged messages he sent was a screenshot of an X post titled Bieber’s “history of bullying women,” according to the New York Post. Baldoni allegedly wanted that framing to be duplicated against Lively. “This is what we would need,” the actor commented in relation to the text, according to the lawsuit. JERSEY CITY, NJ – JANUARY 12: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are seen on the set of “It Ends with Us” on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) Getty Images These hardly seem to be the moves a feminist supporter would make. The smear campaign that the lawsuit claims was positioned to take Lively down has been made available for public scrutiny. Allegedly using social media forums and professional teams to take down his colleague hardly aligns with the caring male image Baldoni initially painted of himself. His public persona doesn’t seem to match his private messaging. A post shared by Amber Tamblyn (@amberrosetamblyn) Many members of the cast of “It Ends With Us” publicly supported Lively, further suggesting that Baldoni’s feminist views may have been nothing more than part of a facade. (RELATED: ‘No More Adding Of Sex Scenes’: Blake Lively Sues Movie Co-Star Justin Baldoni Over Sexual Harassment Claims: REPORT) While we wait for the lawsuit to unfold, this may be yet another example of the bullshit that seems to seep out of the mouths of celebrities, only to bite them back in the long run.A top US official sought to quell growing concern Sunday over reported drone sightings in the country's northeast, reiterating there was no known security threat as authorities monitor the situation. President Joe Biden's administration has faced mounting criticism for not clearly identifying origins of the objects seen hovering over parts of New York and New Jersey. The criticism has come even from Biden's own party, with top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer calling Sunday for action to make it easier for federal, state and local authorities to work together to detect and if need be "bring down" any drone seen to pose a threat. Video footage of mysterious airborne phenomena recently has clogged social media, with spottings also reported in Maryland and Virginia. "Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program. "But there's no question that drones are being sighted," he said, noting there are more than one million registered across the United States. "I want to assure the American public that we are on it," he said. "If we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly. Right now, we are not aware of any." Even as Mayorkas sought to reassure the public, Boston police announced Sunday that two Massachusetts men had been arrested the previous night for allegedly conducting a "hazardous drone operation" near the city's Logan International Airport. State police were conducting a search for a third suspect, who authorities said fled the scene. Schumer, in a letter to Mayorkas Sunday, urged the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special drone-detection technology across New York and New Jersey, since traditional radar struggles to detect such small objects. He also called for passage of legislation to explicitly authorize state and local law enforcement to work with federal agencies to detect and "bring down drones that threaten critical facilities or mass gatherings." Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, meanwhile expressed frustration at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its communications around the issue. "The answer 'we don't know' is not a good enough answer," he told "Fox News Sunday." "When people are anxious... people will fill a vacuum with, you know, their fears and anxieties and conspiracy theories," he said, calling for the FAA to hold public briefings. White House national security spokesman John Kirby had previously said the aircraft could be lawfully operated planes or helicopters mistaken for drones. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities," he said Thursday, calling for Congress to pass new legislation to "extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities." New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that authorities had agreed to send a drone detection system to her state. "I am grateful for the support, but we need more. Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones," she said on X. On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump urged federal authorities to clearly identify the drones' origins. "Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he posted on social media. As the price of drones has fallen -- small quadcopter models with Wi-Fi camera capability can be purchased for as little as $40 -- their numbers and popularity have soared, making their presence in American skies a greater concern. acb/des/bbk/mlmInside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use
Road Town, British Virgin Islands–(Newsfile Corp. – December 15, 2024) – In a significant move for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, LBank Exchange, a premier global digital asset trading platform, has announced the listing of UP (UP Networkcoin) on December 14, 2024. The UP/USDT trading pair ( https://www.lbank.com/trade/up_usdt ) is available to users of LBank Exchange. UP (UP Networkcoin) Listing Banner To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/233668_a3cd17e5b4491a88_001full.jpg The cryptocurrency market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by innovations in decentralized finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and blockchain-based gaming. As digital assets continue to gain traction across various sectors, the gaming industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic areas for growth, attracting both investors and enthusiasts. In this evolving landscape, UP Network (UP) stands out by merging meme culture, NFTs, and GameFi, offering a decentralized platform on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) that provides a fresh and exciting gaming experience while empowering players. UP Network: Revolutionizing Blockchain Gaming with NFTs, Meme Culture, and GameFi on BSC UP Network is a decentralized token that integrates elements of meme culture, NFTs, and GameFi into a unified ecosystem. Built on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), UP Network aims to provide an innovative and engaging experience for both gamers and collectors by merging classic animated characters with the latest in blockchain technology. UP Network offers players a decentralized platform where they can participate in a range of fun activities. At the heart of UP Network is its iconic IP, which is brought to life through the creation of NFT cards. These cards serve as blind box physical equity certificates, offering holders exclusive access to various in-game features. Developed by a global team of blockchain and NFT experts, the UP Network aims to provide a decentralized network that fosters a seamless ecosystem for trading and interacting with digital assets. Players can burn UP tokens to acquire blind boxes, which open up opportunities to mint new characters, like Sphinx pets, or stake their tokens within the ecosystem. This system of token burning and NFT minting plays a crucial role in enhancing the platform’s appeal, combining the best aspects of collectible art and blockchain gaming. The UP Network ecosystem is designed to be highly interactive, with a range of mini-games housed within the Sphinx playland. These games are lightweight, fast, and easy to access via a simple web interface, making them ideal for casual gamers and blockchain newcomers alike. Mini-games such as gem collecting, pet training, and power enhancement create an engaging environment where players can continuously explore new gameplay dynamics. Additionally, game developers are encouraged to contribute to the ecosystem by releasing innovative content, further enriching the experience and growing the overall gaming ecosystem within the UP Network. Furthermore, UP Network plans to make its platform as user-friendly as possible, lowering the barrier to entry by allowing players to start without the need for complex crypto processes, such as wallet creation or token transfers, thus making it an appealing option for mainstream gamers. UP Tokenomics The tokenomics of UP Network are strategically designed to ensure long-term sustainability and broad community involvement. With a total supply of 7,900,000,000,000,000,000 UP tokens, the project prioritizes accessibility and widespread distribution. The majority of tokens – 65% – are allocated to the community, empowering users to participate actively in the ecosystem. A further 25% is reserved for the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), ensuring governance and decision-making are in the hands of the community. The team and marketing efforts are each allocated 5%, supporting the project’s development and growth. This token distribution model fosters a healthy, decentralized ecosystem where most tokens remain in circulation, driving increased engagement, liquidity, and long-term value creation for all participants. Learn More about UP Network: Website: http://up-network.com/ X: https://x.com/UPNetworkcoin About LBank Founded in 2015, LBank is a top crypto exchange offering financial derivatives, asset management, and secure trading. With over 15 million users across 210+ regions, LBank ranks in the top 20 for spot trading and top 15 for derivatives trading globally, ensuring fund integrity and supporting global crypto adoption. Start Trading Now: lbank.com Community & Social Media: Telegram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/233668 #distro
Department of Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday continued to dismiss the flood of drones across New Jersey, this time saying it is likely just the result of relaxed rules on the devices. Mayorkas seemingly downplayed the mounting concerns of residents including former Gov. Chris Christie — who reported some recently flying over his house — and again claimed there is no evidence of foreign involvement in the aeronautical phenomenon. “There’s no question that people are seeing drones. And I want to assure the American public that we, in the federal government, have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology, to assist the New Jersey State Police in addressing the drone sightings,” Mayorkas told ABC News’ “This Week.” “Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones. And we do see duplicative reporting.” But Mayorkas explained that in September 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration tweaked its policy on drones to allow flights at night. “That may be one of the reasons why now people are seeing more drones than they did before, especially from dawn to dusk,” Mayorkas said. “I want to assure the American public that we are on it.” He has previously claimed the drones were likely just from “convenience stores.” Residents in New Jersey especially have been tormented by the sightings across Morris, Passaic, Bergen and Hunterdon counties which have been going on since at least Nov. 18. Some of the drones are reportedly as large as SUVs — and have been hovering over critical public infrastructure and flying in grid-like patterns as if mapping areas, according to local Jersey officials and residents. Some of the drones have now hit highly dense Essex County — home to Newark Liberty International Airport and the mega-busy Port of Newark. They also have made their way across areas of New York and the country. Some of the drones also supposedly fly at altitudes and speeds not previously commercially known. The lack of clarity from the feds has led to rampant speculation about what is behind the peculiar, lit-up objects buzzing around in the sky, with some positing that it’s a super-secret military project of sorts. New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew last week claimed “highly reliable sources” with “top security access” told him the drones “very possibly could be” sent by an Iranian “mothership” off the coast. “We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities,” Mayorkas said Sunday. “And it is critical, as we all have said for a number of years, that we need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation.” Mayorkas said he wants more power for state and local officials to “counter drone activity under federal supervision.” He estimated that as many as 8,000 drones are flown in the US every day and more than 1 million are registered. Do you have footage of drones over the skies of New Jersey or New York? Send it to The Post at drones@nypost.com . Late last week, President-elect Donald Trump cast doubt on the notion that the federal government isn’t aware of where these drones are coming from and dangled the possibility of just shooting them down. While the government’s authorities are limited to do that in most cases, the feds will act quickly when drones hoover near sensitive restricted airspace, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the northeast,” the homeland security secretary added. “And we are vigilant in investigating this matter. “It is our job to be vigilant in the federal government with our state and local partners on behalf of the American public.” The federal government has come under bipartisan fire for not being more upfront about the drone phenomenon and providing more answers about what’s happening. After the interview with Mayorkas, Christie ripped into the DHS secretary for downplaying the phenomenon. “I’ve lived in New Jersey my whole life. This is the first time that I’ve noticed drones over my house,” Christie said on the program. Late last week, Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) posted a thread detailing his own findings about the drone craze after consulting local authorities and civilian pilots. “I was with the help of civilian pilots and others able to do deeper analysis and concluded that most of the possible drone sightings that were pointed out to me were almost certainly planes,” Kim wrote on X . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has requested a drone detection system get sent to New York and New Jersey. Schumer has also teased plans to fight for legislation aimed at bolstering state and local authority on the matter.The alleged perpetrator of the deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Germany had been contacted by police just weeks before the incident. The attack in the central city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, which killed five people including a nine-year-old boy, is believed to have been carried out by a Saudi national identified only as Taleb A according to German privacy laws. The number of people injured in the rampage has climbed to 235. The suspect has been living in Germany since 2006 and was granted political refugee status in 2016. He was most recently working as a doctor in the town of Bernburg, south of Magdeburg. Taleb A was detained at the scene and is being held in police custody, with investigators searching for a motive amid suggestions that authorities failed to heed warnings about the man. Tamara Zieschang, the interior minister of the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, told MPs in Magdeburg on Monday that police met the man twice - in September 2023 and October 2024 - to warn him about his behaviour. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry of the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern said that Taleb A became known to authorities as a potential suspect in 2015. Regional authorities had informed the Federal Criminal Police Office at the Joint Counter-Terrorism Centre, which is supported by Germany's federal and regional government, about the man's possible intention to carry out an attack on February 6, 2015, it said. The report concerned threats to carry out actions that would attract international attention against a medical association in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in April 2013 and one year later against a local authority in the northern German city of Stralsund. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern interior minister, Christian Pegel, said the 50-year-old suspect had lived in the state from 2011-16 and had completed parts of his specialist medical training in Stralsund. He said the man had been involved in a dispute with the medical association about the recognition of examination results and had later threatened the social services in Stralsund in an attempt to obtain assistance with living costs. A district court fined Taleb A for threatening the medical association, Pegel said. However, he added, the previous investigations had not revealed any evidence of real preparations for an attack or Islamist connections. The man was warned by the police and told that he would be monitored more closely but was not classified as a threat, Pegel said.
Future of Software Asset Management Managed Service Market: Analysis and Leadership by B-lay, Bytes Technology Group, Business Continuity Services (BCS), Deloitte, Elee, Derive Logic, Aspera, Certero
AAP FACTCHECK – A former NSW upper house candidate has promoted a longstanding urban myth that microwave ovens are banned in Russia for safety reasons. This is false. The claim can be traced back to at least the 1990s but has no basis in fact. Microwave ovens are freely available to buy from Russian electronics retailers and Russian consumers bought more than two million of the devices in 2023. Russia’s microwave oven market is expected to reach almost three million units by 2029. The claim was made in a Facebook video by David Graham, an activist and social media content creator who goes by the nickname “Guru”. Mr Graham stood as an ungrouped candidate in NSW’s 2023 state election, picking up 31 first preference votes . AAP FactCheck has previously debunked other false claims made by Mr Graham, including baseless theories that Australia stopped printing bank notes in 2018 and that skin cancer didn’t exist before sunscreen. “Guys... you know it’s illegal to have microwaves in your house in Russia,” Mr Graham says in the video (11 minutes, 47 seconds). “Seriously, Putin’s a big nasty guy but ... you’re not allowed to have microwaves. They don’t care about microwaves over here, do they?” It is unclear from the video why Mr Graham believes microwaves are banned in Russia or what he meant by his comment that “they don’t care about microwaves over here”. However, previous discredited theories about Russia banning microwaves have cited health concerns linked to electromagnetic radiation. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency , the non-ionizing radiation used by a microwave does not make food radioactive. Mr Graham did not respond to an AAP FactCheck message asking for the basis of his claim. Similar claims about microwave ovens being banned in Russia date back at least 25 years. In 2017 Snopes traced the origins of the myth back to a 1998 article in the Journal Natural Science, which claimed “the use of any such microwave apparatus was forbidden in 1976 by Soviet state law” (page 43). The journal article does not provide any sources or references for the statement. The author of the article is William P. Kopp from Portland, Oregon, USA. An author biography at the end of the article says Mr Kopp worked at the “Atlantis Rising Educational Center in Portland, Oregon” from 1977 to 1979, where he “gathered all documents known so far concerning the scientific proofs about microwaves’ harmful effects on humans”. “By doing this he got in the way of a powerful lobby and was forced later on to even change his name and to disappear,” the biography says. Mr Kopp’s claim has since been repeated in other publications, including a May 2010 article by US osteopath Dr Joseph Mercola and a 2016 article on a website called Natural News – though both of those articles also claim the microwave ban was later lifted by Russian authorities. A 2023 TechInsider article by Russian-Belorussian journalist Tim Skorenko described the claimed Soviet-era microwave ban as a “legend”. Mr Skorenko wrote that the devices began production in the USSR in the late 1970s, albeit “in very small batches” and “for a lot of money.” The notion that microwave ovens are currently banned in Russia is easily disproved by looking at the websites of electronics retailers in the country. M.Video, a major electronics retailer with stores across Russia, lists hundreds of different types of microwaves for sale online. Rival Russian retailers Wildberries and DNS similarly list numerous microwave ovens for sale. According to a September 6 article in the Russian daily business newspaper Vedemosti, Russians bought more than two million microwaves in the first half of 2024. Russian consumers spent some $US315.4 million ($A504.5 million) on the devices in 2024, according to the German data-gathering platform Statista. It is also clear that many Russians have microwaves in their homes. A YouTube search for the Russian-language phrase which translates as “microwave at home” returns hundreds of videos of Russians reviewing domestic microwave ovens or cooking food in the devices. One of the videos shows food blogger Masha Fom – who has more than one million YouTube subscribers and list her l ocation as “Russia”- attempting to make pizza in a cup using a microwave oven. All information, text and images included on the AAP Websites is for personal use only and may not be re-written, copied, re-sold or re-distributed, framed, linked, shared onto social media or otherwise used whether for compensation of any kind or not, unless you have the prior written permission of AAP. For more information, please refer to our standard terms and conditions .Stocks shook off a choppy start to finish higher Monday, as Wall Street kicked off a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 ended 0.7% higher after having been down 0.5% in the early going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also recovered from an early slide to eke out a 0.2% gain. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. 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SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election , according to a Federal Police report unsealed Tuesday. Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-President Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organization aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country's electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation's electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Lula’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Bolsonaro told journalists in Brazil’s capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Ahead of the 2022 election, Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible for office until 2030 . Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal Police have accused him of smuggling diamond jewelry into Brazil without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses . Authorities are also investigating whether he incited the Jan. 8, 2022 riot in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Lula from power. Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Lula’s inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023 and stayed there three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later. Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. Releases Monthly Portfolio UpdateDeath and Taxes for North Carolina Business OwnersJohnson has 25, FGCU downs CSU Bakersfield 74-54
LG USA ANNOUNCES CREATION OF 2025 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS EXCLUSIVELY FOR RUTGERS STUDENT-ATHLETESFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Dallion Johnson scored 25 points and made seven 3-pointers to help FGCU defeat CSU Bakersfield 74-54 on Friday. Johnson went 9 of 14 from the field for the Eagles (1-4). Zavian McLean scored 12 points, going 4 of 9 from the floor, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and 3 for 4 from the line. Jevin Muniz went 3 of 10 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points, while adding eight rebounds. Marvin McGhee led the Roadrunners (3-2) in scoring, finishing with 15 points. Fidelis Okereke added 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .‘Nearly 40% of cricketers at U12 level in Australia are of South Asian heritage’ ABC writer on why Indian migrants might be answer to future of cricket in Australia MELBOURNE: Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s sports presenter Paul Kennedy, a former Footie player and current journalist, was asked on the Grade Cricketer vlog, if he worried about the “influence of India’s vision of cricket in Australia.” He instead suggested that “Indian or South Asian heritage cricketers might actually be the answer for future of cricket in Australia. Quoting some eye-popping figures, Kennedy explained that South Asian heritage cricketers were pivotal to increase participation figures in Australian cricket. “If you look at all sports, which I do, participation levels is a big thing. You need people playing a game if you want to keep operating as a sport, particularly big sport like cricket. If you look at migration to Australia, India is a huge part of Australia life now. And what do they do? They play cricket. The stats are that at the U12 level it’s up near 40% of the kids are from South Asian heritage. We went to Truganina which is west of Melbourne. In that area along eight years ago, they had 160 teams., now they have 420 teams. And some sports haven’t got the diversity to to have that future safeguard of just full participation in growing a game. So it’s like a gift for cricket,’ he told the Grade Cricketer. Earlier last month, writing on abc.net.au , Kennedy had stressed that the current participation boom was unlike any other trend in Australian sport: “Five years ago, 10 per cent of cricket players registered at all levels in Australia had South Asian heritage; Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket James Allsop says that figure is 20 per cent and rising.” The writeup noted other growing numbers. “Registrations for ‘Cricket Blast’, a backyard cricket-style introductory program for kids under 10, saw children of parents from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan go up by 26 per cent for boys and 29 per cent for girls over the past year. Representative programs run by local, state, and national organisations have noted 17 per cent of their players are now of South Asian heritage. In the Under 12 age group that number is an amazing 40 per cent in boys and 25 per cent in girls.” However a sobering stat presented itself in Kennedy’s findings, as he said the revolution is yet to reach the professional ranks, where contracted state players from South Asian families make up fewer than five per cent of 166 elite men and 122 women and at the highest level, only Usman Khawaja and Alana King had national contracts. A Cricket Australia multicultural plan aimed to double the number of South Asian players at state level by 2027. Alsopp was quoted as saying by ABC.net.au , “We’re making inroads. But we’ve still got a lot of work to do and we’re not shy about that. We want to make sure that all clubs are accommodating for people from all cultural backgrounds, which has been a big focus for the last five years.” Agencies
Aliens Among Us? What We Know About The Mysterious Drones Buzzing Over New JerseyPalantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) is taking the financial markets by storm with its impressive 340% surge in stock value this year. Known for pioneering applied artificial intelligence solutions, Palantir is making waves amongst governments, the military, and enterprises globally. Despite its incredible growth, Palantir remains a favorite for bold, long-term investors. With the potential to buy shares during market pullbacks, investors eyeing future growth opportunities can’t ignore this AI powerhouse. The company’s methods are a testament to how AI can be applied effectively in real-world scenarios, far beyond mere digital assistants. Palantir’s origins trace back to its spin-out from the CIA, with co-founder Peter Thiel, an influential figure in Silicon Valley known for his links with other tech giants. As AI continues to reshape industries, Palantir’s ability to demonstrate its capabilities in improving operations for various entities highlights its dominant position. With such powerful backing and AI solutions that directly enhance corporate, military, and intelligence strategies worldwide, Palantir has often been compared to other tech titans like Nvidia. Speculation is high on how Palantir might become the “next Nvidia” by 2025, offering rich rewards for those willing to embrace the risk. The tech world continues to evolve with Palantir at its forefront. For those investors with a keen eye and an appetite for potential high rewards, especially during any stock price dips, Palantir is a promising contender on the global stage. Get ready to witness AI as more than just a buzzword, with Palantir leading the charge. Why Palantir Could Be the Next Big Thing in AI: Insights and Predictions As Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) continues to captivate the financial markets with a staggering 340% increase in its stock value this year, analysts and investors are paying close attention to its trajectory. The company, celebrated for its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications, is consolidating a reputation that extends beyond mere digital assistance into critical operational enhancements for governments, military sectors, and enterprises worldwide. Pros and Cons of Investing in Palantir Pros: – Rapid Growth : Palantir’s stock surge signifies strong market performance and might attract growth-oriented investors. – Strategic Collaborations : Deep ties with governmental and military applications position Palantir as a strategic asset to major global operations. – Technological Advancement : Leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, Palantir stays at the forefront of innovation, promising new solutions that deliver tangible results. Cons: – Volatility Risk : A rapid rise in stock value may hint at potential volatility, posing a risk to more conservative investors. – Security and Ethical Concerns : Given its origins and the nature of its clientele, the ethical use of AI and data privacy remains crucial. Key Features Palantir stands out due to its robust AI-powered platforms that redefine data analysis and decision-making capabilities. Its products, like Palantir Gotham and Foundry, are utilized by governments, industries, and intelligence agencies to process large datasets and glean actionable insights. These tools are praised for enhancing efficiency, security, and strategic management. Use Cases – Military and Defense : Palantir’s AI solutions aid in threat detection, logistics optimization, and mission planning for defense agencies. – Government Services : Data integration and analysis help in policy development, public service improvement, and emergency response strategies. – Corporate Efficiency : Businesses leverage Palantir’s platforms for supply chain optimization, risk management, and market analytics. Market Comparisons and Trends In the tech industry, Palantir is frequently likened to Nvidia, acknowledging a parallel in potential market impact owing to both companies’ focus on AI. While Nvidia dominates in hardware, especially with AI-capable GPUs, Palantir’s strength lies in software solutions and analytics. As AI technology continues to evolve, Palantir is positioned to explore opportunities similar to Nvidia’s market influence, possibly becoming a key player by 2025. Sustainability and Ethics Palantir’s growth is fueled by its commitment to sustainable and ethical tech practices. As they expand their AI capabilities, Palantir emphasizes compliance and ethical guidelines, essential for maintaining trust with clients and industry partners. Innovations and Future Predictions With its ongoing innovation in AI applications, Palantir is expected to unveil more groundbreaking solutions in the upcoming years. Speculation suggests further penetrations into sectors like healthcare, finance, and smart city developments. Additionally, experts predict that collaborations with other tech innovators will accelerate Palantir’s influence. For additional information on Palantir and their groundbreaking AI solutions, explore their official website . Concluding, while Palantir’s stock value may dazzle investors looking for exponential growth, understanding the company’s long-term prospects, ethical considerations, and comparative market position will provide a more comprehensive evaluation for potential stakeholders.
AI Training Debate Raises Stakes for Digital EconomyUS-based nonprofit, Cures Within Reach (CWR), has extended its partnership with Open Philanthropy to fund 16 more clinical trials in low and lower-middle income countries (LMICs) over the next two years. The renewed partnership aims to explore affordable treatments using existing medicines, nutraceuticals, and indigenous remedies. President and CEO of CWR, Barbara Goodman, in a statement said, “Our partnership with Open Philanthropy furthers our commitment to investing in transformative research initiatives that benefit patients in LMICs and strengthen local healthcare infrastructure by empowering LMIC-based clinicians and researchers. READ ALSO: Inside Nigeria’s diabetes crisis: Lifestyle, genetics fuel epidemic “By funding critical clinical trials and fostering innovation where it’s needed most, we are accelerating the research of existing medicines for use in difficult-to-treat disease in underserved populations while building sustainable research capacity. This approach ensures that medical innovations are developed with and for the communities they aim to serve.” In 2023, CWR funded Phase 1 trial in Kenya that treated snakebites with unithiol, led by Professor Mangal Hamaluba at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme. The success of the trial helped secure a $5.4 million grant to launch a Phase 2B clinical trial in Brazil and Ghana. The trial will further test two inexpensive oral treatments—unithiol and marimastat—that could save lives in rural settings where snakebites are often fatal. Hamaluba praised CWR’s support, saying, “We are grateful for Cures Within Reach’s support for our Phase 1 trial that provided critical evidence to support further research in a Phase 2B trial. “This support has significantly accelerated the development of a promising repurposed therapy that could change how we treat snakebite in rural settings where most snakebites occur. The compound we’re studying, which has already proven safe in other clinical applications, is a perfect example of how repurposing can offer cost-effective solutions to address global health challenges.” With funding from Open Philanthropy, the next 16 clinical trials will also prioritise community engagement by partnering with trusted local organisations to deliver the research outcomes to patients. Programme Officer for Open Philanthropy, Ray Kennedy added, “The complex health challenges facing low- and middle-income countries demand sustained, coordinated investment from the global giving community. “By working with Cures Within Reach to fund locally led medical research and strengthen research capacity in these regions, we can create a more equitable global health ecosystem. Our experience shows that when we empower researchers and clinicians in their own communities, we not only accelerate medical breakthroughs but also build a research infrastructure to serve historically underserved populations and ensuring that medical innovation truly works for everyone.” In October, CWR announced six new clinical trials set for 2025, expanding its LMIC research portfolio to 19 studies. Among the new trials, two will be held in Nigeria. At the University of Lagos, a study will explore the potential of a skin cancer drug in treating high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, a condition that can progress to cervical cancer. Meanwhile, at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, researchers will investigate the effectiveness of Metformin, a diabetes medication, in promoting weight loss among non-diabetic obese Nigerians. Additional studies will br held in Malawi, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Mali. In Malawi, the focus will be on using Xylitol to prevent premature births. In Bangladesh, a combination therapy for helminthiasis in children will be tested at the International Center for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, while in Kenya, the aim is to repurpose Lactoferrin and Lysozyme to address environmental enteric dysfunction taking place at KEMRI – Kenya Medical Research Institute. Lastly, in Mali, a trial will compare two treatments for malaria at the University of Science, Technology, and Engineering of Bamako.
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team has gotten off to a fast start this season in more ways than one. The No. 16 Bearcats have raced to a 5-0 record while outscoring their opponents by more than 31 points per game, with just one team (Northern Kentucky) coming within 16 points. Cincinnati is averaging a robust 87 points per game with one of the more efficient offenses in college basketball. Cincinnati will look to continue that hot streak when it plays host to Alabama State in nonconference action Wednesday evening. Cincinnati has punished opposing defenses in a variety of ways this season. Despite being the No. 14 offense in the nation in Ken Pomeroy's efficiency ratings, the Bearcats aren't among the nation's leaders in pace. Still, they take advantage of those opportunities when they are there. "Us playing fast is something we want to do," Cincinnati forward Dillon Mitchell said. "When I was being recruited here, that was something Coach (Wes) Miller wanted to do. "There could be games where we're not making shots or something is off, but one thing is we're gonna push the ball, play hard and play fast. That's something he preaches. We'll be in shape and get rebounds." Mitchell is fresh off a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in Cincinnati's 81-58 road win at Georgia Tech Saturday. He is one of four Bearcats to average double figures in scoring this season. That balance was on display once again against the Yellow Jackets, with Connor Hickman and Jizzle James also scoring 14 points each and Simas Lukosius contributing 12 points. In that game, Cincinnati sank 51.6 percent of its shots while regularly getting out into transition with 16 fastbreak points, while winning the rebounding battle 36-29. "Any time you get a road win over a quality, Power 4 team, you're gonna feel good about it," Miller said. "I was pleased with our effort." Lukosius is scoring 16.6 points per game, while James is at 14.0 points, followed by Mitchell at 12.4, while he also grabs a team-best 8.6 rebounds. Alabama State (3-3) has a tough task ahead, especially when considering its 97-78 loss at Akron Sunday, which ended a three-game winning streak. The Hornets allowed the Zips to shoot 46.4 percent from the field and were 53-32 in the rebounding battle. Alabama State gave up a season high in points, after playing the likes of LSU and UNLV earlier this season. Akron standout Nate Johnson lit up Alabama State for 25 points, as the game got away from the Hornets in the second half to keep them winless in true road games. Alabama leading scorers CJ Hines and TJ Madlock still got theirs against Akron, scoring 19 and 17 points, respectively. They were joined in double figures by reserve Tyler Mack (18 points), but recent history says they'll need more help to keep up with the Bearcats. Hines leads the Hornets with 15.7 points per game, while Madlock contributes 14.5 points. In previous Akron Basketball Classic wins last week against Omaha and Lamar, Alabama State featured at least four double-digit scorers in each game. --Field Level Media
Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level Media
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‘One of greatest darts games ever’ Dave Chisnall CRASHES OUT after brilliant win by ‘weird Kettering lad’ Ricky EvansMILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks scored 23 points as Milwaukee beat Akron 100-81 on Sunday. Fulks had five rebounds and seven assists for the Panthers (8-4, 2-0 Horizon League). Kentrell Pullian added 19 points while shooting 7 for 13 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line while they also had six rebounds and five steals. Jamichael Stillwell had 17 points and shot 5 of 9 from the field and 5 for 7 from the line. The Zips (6-3) were led by Tavari Johnson, who posted 22 points and two steals. Nate Johnson added 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals for Akron. Sharron Young had 11 points and three steals. The loss ended a five-game winning streak for the Zips. Milwaukee took the lead with 16:39 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 58-45 at halftime, with Erik Pratt racking up 14 points. Fulks scored 16 points in the second half to help lead the way as Milwaukee went on to secure a victory, outscoring Akron by six points in the second half. Milwaukee's next game is Sunday against North Central (IL) at home, and Akron squares off against Yale on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .